Chapter Text
Lost and Found
Tanya Denali was running through the forests of Washington State having just crossed the border from British Columbia into the United States. She was surrounded by her coven mates in the formation Garrett and Eleazar had suggested. Although she was without a doubt the Coven leader Tanya did not mind receiving tactical input from other members of her coven.
For so long it had just been she and her sisters Katrina and Irina after their Dam Sasha had been executed by the Volturi for her crimes. There had been centuries of bloodshed after that day when Tanya and her sisters had virtually bathed in the blood of humans.
Then eventually the day came when the bloodstains would not be washed away and the Denali sisters had found another way. Now they lived off the blood of animals and their bonds as a coven were stronger than ever.
A few centuries prior Carmen and Eleazar had stumbled upon them and it had been a natural fit for the pair of ex-Volturi to join the Denali coven. The next member to join had been Kate’s mate Garrett about ten years prior. Garrett, Carmen, and Eleazar had all been looking for a better way to spend eternity. A life of peace not ruled by lust for human blood. A life where they could have a real family.
It was family which led them on their current errand. Their “cousins” the Cullens had called asking for their help defending Edward and his mate from a vengeful vampire and her army of newborns. Tanya had originally denied Carlisle’s for Irina’s sake. Poor Irina who had been so happy for Kate when her sister had found her mate at long last, but Irina had also been a bit devastated as well that after one thousand years she still had no mate herself.
Tanya knew that feeling of loneliness as well. It was why she had attempted to form a bond with the Cullen boy some time back. Just to have someone to be there with her. Irina had formed an attachment with the nomad Laurent who had formerly been a part of Victoria’s coven. Irina had recognized Laurent was not her mate but believed they could have had a connection. Irina had believed herself to be falling in love. She had been inconsolable upon learning of his death at the hands of the shifters.
Tanya turned to look over towards Irina’s direction and her long dead heart went out to her sister. Tanya truly felt for her, but alliances were important. Especially, considering just how few “vegetarian” vampires there were. So, Tanya had made the decision the Denali coven would come to the Cullens aid.
Now here they were nearing the Cullens home in Forks with Garrett traveling in front as a point man. Tanya, Irina, and Kate spread out behind him, and Carmen and Eleazar following as the rear guard. Garrett had been turned at the time of the American Revolutionary War then had gone on to fight in every major war in American history. The War of 1812, The Mexican American War, The Civil War, The Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and even the first Gulf War. Garrett had wished to fight in Afghanistan after September 11th, but Kate had talked him out of it. They had been newly mated at the time and the Denali’s followed vampire law to the letter. If the Volturi learned about Garrett’s involvement and the potential of exposure to the humans then Garrett may have lost his life to Volturi justice.
Still, Garrett and Eleazar had military minds thus their current tactical formation. Tanya enjoyed allowing her mind to drift like this from one thing to another while she ran, but now as they closed in upon the Cullen’s home Tanya brought her thoughts back into focus.
It did not take the Denali’s long to discover the Cullen’s were not at home. They had decided not to call before they left their home in Alaska for three reasons. First, if they did not make it in time for the battle then there was no reason to call. Second, Tanya was not sure if Irina might try to back out and then she would have to decide whether to send her sister home and continue or turn the entire coven around. Tanya could enforce her will as the coven leader but she would not do that to her sister in this situation. Lastly, Alice would see them coming anyway so there was really no reason to call.
Tanya took out her phone to call Carlisle, but before she could select his name in her contacts her phone began to ring, and it was Alice Cullen’s name who appeared on the screen. Well, here we go I guess...
Bella POV
Isabella Swan had a problem. Well, several problems but she could only deal with one at a time. As she watched the vampire coven who insisted she was now a part of their family train the Quileute shifters who many had been her best friends all of her life Bella’s mind was not on the looming battle. Bella’s mind was consumed with how to escape from the clutches of her ex-boyfriend slash vampire Edward Cullen. At the same time, she had to figure out a way to make Jacob accept that she loved him as a friend not a potential lover. Even now Jacob was staring at her as he sat on his haunches in his wolf form watching the training.
Then Bella heard a wolf growl just behind her to the side and when she looked Bella saw it was Leah stepping up next to her and staring towards Jacob’s direction. Bella smiled and reached down to run her hand through Leah’s fur then give her a scratch behind her ears.
Leah had been Bella’s best friend all her life. Every summer when she had come to Forks to stay with Charlie he would bring Bella to the Reservation with him to visit his friends. Bella, Leah, Seth, Jacob, Sam, Quil, Paul, and Embry had run wild all over the Res and the surrounding beaches and woods. However, it had been Bella and Leah that had been virtually joined at the hip even though Leah was a few years older. Then when Bella had reached her teenage years, her grandmother had passed away, and the summer visits to Forks had stopped. She had been forced to take care of all the household things her mother Renee just did not have it in her to handle. Bella had taken her grandmother’s place in the household and for all intents and purposes she was the mother and Renee the teenager.
When Bella moved to Forks to live with Charlie Leah, Jacob, and the rest tried to warn her about the Cullens but she did not listen. When Edward had left her alone lost in the woods it had been Sam who found her, and Leah who had helped her pick up the pieces of her life.
Those first few months without Edward and his family had been brutal. Bella could still not understand the hallucinations and hopelessness that had led her to so much reckless behavior. When she and Leah had went cliff diving that day though, it had seemed like the water had washed away the last vestiges of whatever hold the Cullens had upon her. Then Alice had shown up spouting apologies and talking about how much they all had loved her, and how hard it had been to leave her behind. Alice had begged Bella to come with her to Italy to save Edward.
Bella had no longer felt anything for Edward but she had not wanted him to die. She also had not wanted Alice and Esme to lose their brother and son. So, she had gone to Italy, saved Edward’s life, and been exposed to the Volturi. The Volturi had passed their judgement that Bella would have to become a vampire. Bella did not resent said judgement. Something deep inside of her seemed to acknowledge the fact that perhaps she had been born to be a vampire. However, Bella had no intentions of spending eternity with Edward Cullen.
When they had got back to Forks Edward had assumed everything between them would go back to how it was, but Bella had no intention of being his doormat human pet once again. Every time she was alone with him attempting to tell him she no longer wanted to be with him things tended to go all fuzzy. She always woke up with him there in her bed, or suddenly find herself at his house, or somewhere in the forests alone together. Bella could not understand exactly what was happening. She remembered once that Edward told her he was the perfect predator and everything about him was designed to draw her in. This made Bella wonder if Edward was using something about his vampire nature to draw her in.
The last straw had been the last few mornings when she had awoken to find herself covered in bruises. Her wrists, arms, torso, ribs, hips, thighs, and even her inner thighs all covered in bruises. Bella could also feel a soreness between her thighs and she had known Edward had raped her. When she confronted him, he had brushed her accusations aside and said they had “made love” just as she had always wanted them to. The problem was as she had flashes of memories from those encounters, she could not ever remember saying no to him. Again, it was like he had stolen her free will somehow.
Bella couldn’t go to Charlie or the police. What could they do against a coven of vampires? She was unsure about talking to anyone in Edward’s family because whose side would they be on. She had wanted to tell her friends on the Reservation, but when she had gone to Jacob before she had been able to tell her supposed best friend Jacob had attempted to force a kiss upon her. If Billy had not been home and heard her shouts, she shuddered to think what might happen. The whole situation was complicated by Victoria and her newborn army currently headed their way.
Bella saw a hope of escape tonight though. All she had to do was ask Leah to spend the night with her on the Res just like old times. If everyone there heard her then Edward couldn’t make her come with him. Once at Leah’s house she could tell her friend everything. Bella was sure the Quileute’s would protect her and Charlie.
As she sat down beside Leah and continued to run her hands through her friends’ fur Bella saw Alice stop in the middle of talking to Esme and then she pulled her phone out to call someone. Bella could not here what her supposed “sister” was saying but she seemed out of sorts and she kept throwing looks at Bella and then Edward was growling as he watched Alice. Eventually Carlisle took the phone spoke for a few moments before hanging up.
Alice appeared extremely upset and Bella wanted to know what was happening so she stood and approached where everyone was standing. Leah disappeared for a moment then as Bella closed in on the circle of vampires and shifters Leah appeared back at her side phased back into her human form wearing baggy shorts and a tank top. Bella looped her arm through her friends as they stepped up to where Alice, Carlisle, and Edward were arguing.
“I’ve told you Carlisle we do not need the succubi to win this fight.” Edward growled.
“Yeah Carlisle, the Denali’s will just complicate things. I’ve seen it.”
“I do not understand. They’re our cousins and adding six more vampires especially vampires of their age will give us a far better chance of winning.”
Sam had phased back at this point and asked, “If they are animal drinkers like your coven then we are willing to extend our treaty terms to them.”
Edward looked over at her and said, “I’m going to take Bella on home. She does not need to be a part of this discussion.”
Bella felt Leah stiffen beside of her at hearing Edward speak about her that way.
Bella knew this was her chance and so spoke up quickly. “Actually, I planned on staying with Leah tonight on the Reservation and maybe stay the whole weekend. It's been a while since we’ve been able to spend time together.”
Edward stepped over to her to look down at her and say, “Bella I do not think this is a wise idea. Just in case Victoria is awaiting an opportunity like this.”
“The pack can protect me just as well as you can. I’ve told you Edward I’m not your responsibility anymore.”
Edward reached out a hand to take her arm and just happened to grab one of her many bruises. Bella cried out and tried to pull her arm away and several of the wolves who were still phased began to growl including Jacob.
Edward seemed to realize his danger and stepped away while saying, “you must understand you are my mate Bella and I must ensure your safety.”
“I’ll be safe with Leah. Don’t worry.” Bella’s heart was pounding inside her chest and she was sure all the vampires and shifters were bound to be able to hear it.
In only moments Esme and Alice were there beside me running their hands up my arms in what they must thought were soothing motions but they were hitting all my bruises even through my coat and hoody. Esme was cooing softly, “Bella wouldn’t you like to come with us. You, Alice, Rosalie, and I can have a girl's night and forget all about this upcoming battle.”
Alice added in, “Yeah Bells, come back home with us and let’s forget about everything for a while.”
I searched my brain for an excuse any excuse and I felt Leah step forward to say something when suddenly a vampire I had never met before burst into the clearing at top speed. He stopped looked at our circle, waved at Carlisle who acknowledged him, and then he turned back to the forest and signaled. Then three more vampires joined him followed by two more just after that. Finally, all six sprinted up to join us at the same time Edward and Alice stepped in front of me.
I heard Carlisle welcome the newcomers. Tanya, Katrina, Irina, Carmen, Eleazar, and Garrett you are more than welcome. Thank you for changing your minds and joining us.”
Then we heard the voice of a woman who was obviously used to command. “Thank you for the welcome old friend. It is our honor to fight beside of you.” Bella heard Leah whimper beside of her and pull her to step around Edward and Alice to get a look at the speaker.
No sooner had we stepped into the circle I saw a woman with strawberry blond hair lock eyes with Leah at the same time Leah froze next to me. I looked around at the other two blondes and my eyes locked with a woman who had corn flower blond hair and the pale perfect skin of a vampire. As soon as Bella met the woman’s eyes, she felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her entire body, and then a tether tying her to the woman.
Several things happened at once. Edward grabbed Bella’s arm and started to run with her, Jacob launched himself at Edward and caught him in the torso to stop him at the same time Seth launched into Edward’s legs and he dropped her which sent her flying, and then the blonde-haired beauty she had locked eyes with shot forward caught Bella and returned to her sisters’ side with Bella in her arms.
As Bella tried to get her bearings, she found herself pressed against the blonde who had her arms wrapped tightly around Bella and the blonde’s face was pressed to the crook of her throat and inhaling deeply. Bella knew she should be afraid to have a vampire holding her like this with her mouth so close to her throat, but she was not afraid. Rather Bella felt completely safe and at ease and as she began to relax in the blonde vampire’s arms, she began to hear the blonde begin to purr.
Before long Bella came back to her senses and began to hear all of the chaos around her.
She heard several vampires and wolves growling. She heard Carlisle speaking, “Irina please calm down and release Bella. She is Edward’s mate.”
Then she heard the vampire, whose name was apparently Irina, begin to growl along with several other growls and hisses very close to her. Bella did not feel scared by these sounds though. She somehow knew they were not directed at her but rather towards Carlisle.
Finally, she heard Irina ground out the words, “she is not his! She’s MINE! MY MATE! MINE!”
Again, although Bella reasonably understands these words should cause fear inside of her but instead, she shivered and felt arousal begin to pool low in her belly.
Then she heard Rosalie speak up and ask, “What is going on here? Why is Irena claiming Bella, and why is Tanya holding hands with one of the dogs?”
Bella could hear Tanya speaking, “It’s simple Rosalie, I have found my mate, and Irena has found her mate. It’s remarkable that they should be so close but then Irena and I have been sisters for a thousand years so perhaps it makes sense our mates should be so close together.”
The Esme spoke up, “Bella can’t be Irena’s mate. She’s Edward’s mate. We all know that.”
Alice chipped in her own two cents, “Yeah, I saw them together on their wedding day.”
Irena tightened her grip on Bella and growled deep in her throat. Bella ran her hands up and down Irena’s back in what she hoped was a soothing manner. She was not sure why but it just felt like the right thing to do. Then she said, “Irena can you let me turn around I need to say something.” When Irena did not move Bella added, “It’s ok, everything will be ok.”
Irena loosened her hold and Bella turned in her arms till she faced the crowd of vampires and shifters again. Then she leaned back into Irena reaching down to take Irena’s hands and wrap them around her from behind and she heard Irena purr again. Once again Bella could not have said why she did this but it just felt right. Then she began to speak...
Irena POV
Irena had not wanted to turn loose of her mate even for a moment because she still felt danger all around her from the Cullens and the shifters. The shifters had taken Laurent from her but he was just a lover. To lose Bella now that she had finally found her mate would destroy Irena.
Bella’s soothing words and the feel of her hands stroking her back calmed her enough to loosen her hold and allow her mate to turn towards the crowd around them. When Bella immediately leaned back into Irena taking her hands and wrapping them around the brunette. Then Bella began to speak.
“Edward is not my mate.” A growl came from the Cullen boy currently being held down by two wolves. Alice also tried to interrupt, “But Bella...”
“No Alice. I repeat Edward is not my mate. Perhaps before you all left me, I was dazzled by him and infatuated. I also believed I had finally found a family. Alice, you said you were my sister. Emmett, you treated me like you were my big brother. Esme, you were always there for me like the mother I had always wanted. Then you all left me because a spoiled little boy told you to.”
I tightened my hold around Bella and she leaned further back into me as she continued.
“I’m not sure what happened to me after you left but I went to a very dark place. Then my real family rallied around me.” Bella looked over at Leah and smiled. “They helped me recover and I realized Edward had been poison for me, and there was nothing healthy about his and my relationship.”
Alice interrupted again and Irena just wanted to tear the pixie like girl to pieces.
“But Bella you went to Italy with me and saved Edward. You know the two of you are meant to be.”
“I went to Italy for you Alice, and for Esme. I knew how much it would hurt you both if you lost Edward. Plus, I kinda owed him one after James.”
Alice interrupted again this time stomping her foot in frustration. “But Bella what about all of the time you’ve spent together since you’ve been back.”
Irena could feel her mate tense in her arms and now Bella seemed to be truly losing her temper. “You wanna talk about the time I’ve spent with Edward since I’ve been back? Really? Really?”
“FINE! Let’s talk about that. Every time he and I have been alone together I’ve tried to tell him that we cannot be together anymore, but then the next thing I know I wake up and we’re in my bedroom alone. Or at your house. Or out in a field somewhere. NOW YOU TELL ME JUST WHAT HAS YOUR BROTHER BEEN DOING TO ME?”
Irena froze. She wanted so badly to rip Edward’s head from his body, but she could not leave her mate while there was danger so nearby. In that split second, she heard Rosalie shout, “OH YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!!”
Then Rosalie dove upon Edward knocking the wolves from atop him and began raining blows upon his head. She managed to latch onto one of his arms and rip it from his body before Emmett and Jasper restrained her. Emmet growled at jasper, “Step off Jazz I’ve got her.”
Rosalie continued to kick and shout curses at her brother. Then Bella turned slightly in her grasp to ask, “What is it? What has he been doing to me?”
All Irena could do was growl, “I want so badly to end his life but I cannot let you go my mate.”
It was Tanya who finally began to explain once order had been restored. Irena noticed Alice handing Edward his arm while Garrett and Eleazar took up positions on either side of the Cullen prick.
“Isabella, you must know that we are predators and humans our first choice of prey.” Bella nodded and Tanya continued. “Not only is our beauty designed to draw you to us but we also are able to release pheromones that each serve a specific purpose in affecting the human brain and nervous system. We have pheromones to calm you, draw you to us, and arouse you.”
Tanya turned to Carlisle, “What do you have to say for yourself and your son? It’s obvious he has been using his pheromones to control Irena’s mate.”
Carlisle was looking at Edward and Edward was looking into Carlisle’s eyes putting on his most innocent and tortured looking face. Irena could see right through him. Carlisle turned to Tanya.
“First, I am not convinced Isabella is Irena’s mate. I and my entire coven witnessed the interactions between Bella and Edward before we left after her birthday party. Second, I do not believe my son would ever do that to a human. If he, did it would only be for Bella’s benefit as his mate. Last, If Edward did do something like that to a human who was not his mate it is as you say. We are predators and there are no laws f=against using our pheromones to attract our prey. I say again Edward would never harm his mate.”
Irena nearly lost her mind at that last she tensed herself to spring, but Bella took both her hands in her own and began rubbing her thumbs along Irena’s hands.
Then Bella stepped forward from Irena’s embrace, took her jacket off, rolled her sleeves up and exposed bruises all up and down her forearms. “These go all the way up to my shoulders.” Then Bella raised her shirt enough to show bruises all over her torso and said, “These go all the way up my chest. If I were to drop my jeans, you’d see bruises all over my thighs and hips.”
Irena could feel her mouth fill with venom as she prepared to spring at Edward Cullen. In her periphery she could see Tanya, Kate, Carmen, and Rosalie Hale take similar stances.
“You want to know why I was going to stay at the Reservation with Leah tonight? It was so I could get away from him. So, I could show someone what he’s done to me the last three nights. So, I could tell someone that Edward had RAPED ME!!”
Carlisle flinched as if he’d been struck. Leah began to phase ripping out of her clothes. Irena, her sisters, Rosalie, and Carmen all sprung towards Edward. Unfortunately, Garrett and Eleazar had let go of their grip on Edward at some point and the Cullen boy was able to spring away just as the five women collided right where he had just been. Edward took off running in a blur of motion with all of the women of the Denali coven along with Rosalie Hale, and Jacob, Seth, and Leah in hot pursuit. Garrett and Eleazar sprang to Bella’s side standing between her and the remaining Cullens.
Alice POV
Alice was incredibly frustrated. She could not understand why Bella was acting this way. They were supposed to be a family. Bella was supposed to be Edward’s mate and Alice’s little sister. Alice had seen it. She had seen Edward and Bella’s wedding before the disastrous birthday party and afterwards when they had to leave.
Those eight months without Bella had taken such an emotional toll on her family. Edward was inconsolable over having to leave his mate. Esme had been lost without the girl she thought of as her newest daughter. Emmett had stopped laughing as much and playing pranks. Jasper was so depressed that he had caused his family such pain. Alice missed having Bella to take shopping and dress up just like her little sister ought to be dressed. She missed not having Bella to plan parties for. Most of all she had just wanted her perfect family back and Bella was a part of that.
When she had found Bella still alive after her vision of the girl jumping from the cliff it was one of the best moments of her undead life. Then when she and Bella had gone to Italy to save Edward Alice’s long dead heart had felt so wondrous at the romance of it all.
However, things had been different on the plane ride back. Nothing had been the same when they got back to Forks. Bella was not acting the way she was supposed to. The brunette had refused to spend time with any of them. She had tried to say she did not love Edward anymore. Bella had refused to hang out with Alice or come over to play games with Emmett or let Esme mother her.
Edward had to use his pheromones for Bella’s own good. They were mates. Why couldn’t Bella see that. Alice blamed the dogs. They must have done something during the time the Cullens were gone from Forks. Somehow the dogs must have found a way to break Edward and Bella’s mate bond along with Bella’s family bond with the Cullens.
Then tonight had happened and the Denali’s had shown up. They should have stayed in Alaska and kept their noses out of the Cullen’s business. Then with the mate bond broken Irena was able to fool Bella into thinking they were mates. They were succubi after all. That’s what a succubus does. Bella didn’t know how much danger she was in with the Denali’s but Alice and Edward did. All the proof Alice needed was the fact that Alice couldn’t see Bella’s future at all anymore. There was something blocking her. It had to be something the succubi had done.
Even Rosalie and Emmett were acting different. Then there was this accusation of rape. As if Edward would ever do something like that. Alice had seen it all before it happened. Yes, Edward had to use his pheromones but Bella was his mate and she had never said no. Alice could see Bella now standing between Garrett and Eleazar. If they could get Bella away from them before the Denali’s got back then maybe they get the girl to see reason.
“Bella, will you talk with Esme and I? I hate the way everything has happened. I hate all that has happened to you.” Alice did hate that Bella’s heart and mind had been twisted somehow.
Alice was thrilled when she saw the girl nod her head. Bella stepped forward a few steps and when her Denali bodyguards stepped forward with her Bella had turned to them and said it would be ok.
Esme reached down and took Alice’s hand and squeezed for a moment. Then Esme said, “Perhaps we could step over to the edge of the woods and speak in private?”
“I think not.” Bella motioned to the edge of the circle of wolves. “We can sit there. That should be private enough.” Alice was careful not to huff out a breath in frustration.
The three women stepped just outside the ring of wolves. Alice could tell the big one Sam was keeping a close eye on them just like Emmett, Garrett, and Eleazar.
Bella spoke first, “So, what is it you want to talk about?”
Alice decided to let Esme take the lead. Bella had always been so attached to the gentle woman and they had seemed to have a mother and daughter like bond.
“How are you feeling sweetheart? Are you hurting? Because Carlisle can look you over if you like.”
“No thank you. Nothing is broken just a lot of bruises. Whenever I heal a little more, I’ll go to my gynecologist to make sure Edward didn’t damage anything inside.” Alice noticed Bella rubbing her belly.
“I don’t understand. You want to heal some before you go to the Dr.?”
“It’s not like I can tell my Dr. I was raped by a vampire now can I.?” Bella sneered at them and Alice couldn’t help but flinch.
“Bella honey, please stop saying that. You must know Edward would never do that to you or to any woman. It’s hurtful for you to make accusations like that just because you’re angry with him.”
Alice was glad she was letting Esme do the talking because she could not have said it any better.
“You’ve got to be joking. After everything you just heard and saw you still think he’s some perfect little angel?”
Esme looked over at Alice then back to Bella. “You’ve got to understand sweetie. You’re his mate. He was only trying to take care of you for your own good.”
Bella sprang up from where she sat. “MY OWN GOOD! MY OWN GOOD! Are you insane? Are you just as nuts as he is?”
Garrett and Eleazar were immediately by Bella’s side. “I knew this was a bad idea but I thought you might actually want to apologize or explain. I know you must have seen something Alice so I thought you might fill in the blank spots for me, but you two are just as vile as him.”
Alice could not hold it in anymore she was just so frustrated. “Bella, what is wrong with you? You’re not acting right. Of course, Edward had to use his pheromones but you’re his mate. You allowed him certain liberties so of course he took you up on the promises you had made.”
“Liberties? What the hell does that mean?”
Esme jumped in again to answer. “Bella, you must know at the time Edward was born and lived if a young lady allowed a man certain liberty with her body, then certain things were expected of her. I know the two of you slept in the same bed quite often and you allowed him to touch you in certain ways. Edward would have expected you to follow through on those promises. Especially since you are his mate. If he had to use the pheromones to ease your anxieties and help you become aroused.... well, like I said it was for your own good. So, you would not be confused anymore and would not try to resist any longer.”
Alice nodded her head as Esme was talking. Surely this would finally get through to Bella. When she turned to look at the girl who was soon to be her sister again, she saw tears streaming down Bella’s face. Alice cocked her head to the side in confusion. What was this about?
Bella spoke so low almost in a whisper, “I can’t believe I ever trusted any of you. I can’t believe I ever cared about you. I thought you loved me. You love Edward. His happiness is all you care about. He’s a spoiled, entitled, obsessive little boy, and all of you are his enablers. I hate you. I hate all of you.”
Alice was dumbstruck. What was wrong with this girl? Why wouldn’t she see reason?
Bella turned her back on them and walked back to a point where the remaining wolves were able to screen her from the Cullens. Eleazar and Garrett once again took up positions on her flanks as she turned her head into Emmett’s shoulders and cried the large vampire wrapped his arms around her and held her. Alice could hear Bella’s sobs.
Why was she still friends with Emmett? What was so special about him?
Before too long the Denali’s, Rosalie, Jacob Leah, and Seth returned looking dejected and defeated. Alice saw Irena walk over and take Bella in her arms as Emmett turned to Rosalie, she heard her sister say, “Edward was always the fastest of us. Along with his ability to hear our thoughts he stayed one step ahead of us and we eventually lost him when he jumped from the cliffs. We could not tell if he entered the water or stayed upon the beach.”
She saw two of the wolves' brush against Bella and the girl took a moment to scratch behind their ears. Then Tanya turned to four remaining Cullens. “We appreciate your desire to protect Bella from this threat, but your services are no longer needed. We will see to her protection from now on.”
Carlisle stepped forward, “She is my son’s mate and we will fight to protect her. I don’t care what you believe and we will take this matter to the Volturi if need be.”
Bella spoke up then, “If they want to fight then let them fight. Just keep them all the hell away from me.”
Alice heard Irena say, “come my darling let me take you somewhere to rest.”
Before they all left Alice shouted to the retreating forms, “Victoria and her newborns will be here in two days.”