Prelude

We followed Alice's directions and ran off into the Olympic range. We'd have no \rproblem finding food on our own, but with limited time her map was helpful. I kept \rsneaking glances at Edward as we ran, and I noticed Jasper doing the same. Alice \rwas right; Edward had changed. He was quick to smile, his eyes were brighter \rsomehow, he seemed lighter, and I think he was faster too. Jasper and I had to race \rto keep up. \r\rEdward's mood was infectious. Of course, Jasper picked up on it easily and was \rgiddier than I'd seen him in a month. I was just so excited to be out with my \rbrothers on my own turf again; their happiness was an unexpected bonus. \r\rWith the first whiff of mountain lion, Edward was off. It wasn't a contest, and Jasper \rand I sat back to wait it out. For me it was a relief to let my mind wander \runguarded. As soon as Edward's scent was out of range, Jasper turned to grin in my \rdirection.\r\r"Dude, Alice was right. Bella is a godsend. I haven't ever had this much fun hanging \rout with Edward."\r\r"I know, man. He's totally different," I agreed.\r\r"Yeah, he doesn't have the weight of the world on his shoulders."\r\r"No guilt."\r\r"No stick up his-"\r\r"Hey, Jazz. Give him a break. He was a virgin for crying out loud. For a century."\r\r"Was a virgin? What did you see up there?"\r\r"You can ask Edward yourself. But, let me put it this way, they seemed to know \rwhat they were doing. What I saw was no trial run. Anyway, how else would you \rexplain the change?"\r\r"I don't know. I just can't imagine Edward would take that chance with Bella, \respecially before the wedding. How could any vampire, without completely \rdestroying the human? Or without turning them?"\r\r"I don't know Jazz. How were you able to keep from drinking that human's blood? \rAnd how did you avoid Sakhmet?"\r\r"I don't know."\r\rA breeze blew in from the west and Jasper and I raised our faces to catch the scent of \rthe wind. Edward was on his way back.\r\r"I can't keep Edward out of my thoughts much longer, Jazz. We have to tell him."\r\r"Whenever, man. It's been so easy to be around him, I'm ready to go, no problem. \rJust give me a signal and I'll do my thing."\r\rEdward was definitely faster than when we'd left four weeks ago. He was back in \rless than a minute from the time we picked up his smell. I'd never seen anything \rlike it. He playfully threw himself into the tree standing between Jasper and I. Its \rtrunk broke with a crisp snap, and Jasper had to jump so that it wouldn't fall onto \rhim.\r\r"Easy there, big guy," I laughed as Edward settled between us. \r\rEdward was beaming. "I know I didn't really need that, but it was amazing. I've \rbeen staying so close to Forks, all I've had has been deer for the past two weeks \rstraight. Daily. Just to keep my hunger in check." Edward looked back and forth \rbetween Jasper and I. "Can you imagine? It was awful, not since the winter of '27 \rhave I-"\r\r"Dude, don't even start. You have no idea-"\r\rJasper cut me off with a withering look. Damn! I almost slipped.\r\r"Please, don't even go there." Edward laughed. "There's nothing bad to eat in The \rYukon. You must have been up to your eyeballs in moose." Edward stopped \rsuddenly and looked between the two of us. \r\r"Peter and Charlotte? Peter and Charlotte?... Maria?" I thought. Now was the time to \rtalk, but I had a serious case of cold feet. Jasper raised his eyebrows in my direction, \rand I tried to inconspicuously shake my head. Jasper narrowed his eyes and gritted \rhis teeth, but I wasn't going there. Not yet. \r\r"Alright you two. Tell me. Tell me now," Edward demanded, growing more \rsuspicious by the second.\r\r"So what's up with you and Bella?" I asked, choosing the other topic I'd been trying \rto keep myself from thinking about in Edward's presence. I let my mind go on that \rsubject and braced for a punch or a tackle. Instead, a broad smile took over \rEdward's face and his eyes sparkled. "And what's with your eyes?" I added.\r\r"You did it, didn't you? It's the only explanation." Jasper was obviously relieved that \rI came up with something. \r\rEdward smirked. "I don't know what you mean."\r\r"Come on Edward, spill."\r\r"You won't get a word out of me."\r\r"Dude, I'm not looking for a word, I'm looking for details. Like you haven't been in \rall of our heads a million times. You owe us." Sure, Rose and I weren't subtle, but \rthere was definitely a growing imbalance here.\r\rJasper jumped in. "Edward, if you guys did it, that's awesome and everything. But I'd \rreally like to know how you managed. The first time is so much more intense than \rany other."\r\rEdward raised his eyebrows. "It is?"\r\r"So, is that a no?" I asked.\r\r"No, not completely," Edward admitted with a hint of self-consciousness.\r\r"Not completely? What's that supposed to mean, bro?" \r\r"It means that the bet's still on," Jasper said, "and that we should definitely talk." \rJasper turned to me. "Emmett, do you remember your first time with Rose?"\r\r"Of course."\r\r"You weren't here then Jasper. I think we all remember it," Edward joked. \r\r"Ha, ha, like I haven't heard that before," I thought sarcastically in Edward's \rdirection.\r\rJasper continued, "And Emmett, it was..."\r\r"Intense beyond words."\r\r"Exactly." Jasper looked pleased with himself, like he'd proven a point or something.\r\r"But dude, that's just us. I mean Edward and Bella? No offense Edward, but you just \rdon't seem-"\r\r"Emmett, it was not just you and Rose. I guess you don't know, because you've only \rbeen with Rose since changing. The first time you have sex is always significant, for \rvampires and humans. But it's much more intense for a vampire. And when you've \rfound your mate, there's nothing else like it. There's a force, like an energy that's \rgenerated. It just blows you away. Then afterwards you're changed. That's why I \rassumed you and Bella already did. You're just so different, Edward."\r\rEdward nodded his head. "I know what you mean about a force. Have you two been \rback in the house yet?"\r\rEmmett and I shook our heads.\r\r"Then you haven't seen my bed. I demolished the bed."\r\r"Ha!" I doubled over laughing. Jasper was shocked. But I noticed that Edward \rlooked shaken up. \r\r"It will be more intense than that?"\r\rI growled at Jasper. "You're just trying to win the bet here Jasper. Cut it out. Stop \rtrying to scare him."\r\rJasper only shook his head at me before turning back to Edward. "If I understand \ryou correctly, you tore an iron bed to pieces, but Bella walked away completely \runharmed, and still human?"\r\rEdward smiled his crooked smile and shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah."\r\r"Dude, that's kind of amazing."\r\rI could see the wheels turning in Edward's head. "So, is it specifically intercourse \rthat you're talking about Jasper? Will it get more intense than it's already been? I \rmean, what exactly is sex?"\r\r"OK, the bet's definitely on if Edward has to ask that," I teased.\r\r"No Emmett, it's a good question. Sex isn't the same for us, since it's not about \rprocreation. Maybe it is just physical intimacy." \r\r"No Jasper, you and I know it's all about one thing. I mean the other stuff is fun and \rall, but sex is sex."\r \r"I assume you spoke to Carlisle about this, Edward. What did he say?" \r\r"It was more philosophical, nothing technical. He told me to ask Tanya about the \rdetails."\r\rJasper rolled his eyes. "Like you'd actually ask Tanya about sex with Bella."\r\r"Why wouldn't you ask Tanya, Edward? You guys both have an interest in humans."\r\rJasper gave Edward a knowing glance, but Edward only shook his head and looked \raway. "It's nothing," he half mumbled.\r\r"What? Tanya and Edward? I didn't know. When? How did I miss that?"\r\r"It was nothing like that, Emmett," Edward said as he stared down Jasper with \rmenacing eyes.\r\r"Tanya's just in love with him, that's all," Jasper said, ignoring Edward's look.\r\r"Jasper, you know that's not entirely true."\r\r"You're telling me I'm wrong about emotions. Please, I'm not."\r\r"She was with Harlan for twenty years. She came to me on a rebound."\r\r"Try she was trying to make you jealous for twenty years. Why do you think they \rdidn't show up to help with the newborns?"\r\r"It wasn't because of Irina?" I asked.\r\r"Tanya is the head of that family. If the problem were Irena's, they would have \rsimply left her at home."\r\rEdward shook his head slowly, then let his head fall into his hands. "She's going to \rbe there tomorrow."\r\r"That's some funny stuff, man," I chuckled.\r\r"Emmett, it's not funny, it's my wedding."\r\r"All you need is to get Jacob there, and it will be perfect. Maybe you and Bella could \rfix the two of them up." Suddenly I was pinned against a boulder with hands around \rmy throat. But almost as quickly, it was over. Edward let me up. Jasper's hand was \ron Edward's shoulder and I could see the anger rolling off of him in waves.\r\r"Dude, what was that?"\r\r"This is my wedding Emmett, it's not a joke," Edward growled. He flared his nostrils \rand shook his head at me, but then he slowly turned away and looked at the ground. \r"And, well, I invited the dog."\r\r"What?" Jasper and I both asked in disbelief.\r\rEdward cursed under his breath. "It was a stupid idea of mine back when Alice was \rsending out invitations."\r\r"And is he actually coming?" Sometimes I just didn't get Edward.\r\r"He's been gone for a month. No one's seen him. The tribe assumes he's phased for \rgood."\r\r"No reply then?"\r\rEdward glared at me. "No."\r\rJasper cast a menacing look in my direction and I suddenly had no desire to speak at \rall. Then he turned to our brother and I saw the anger that had flared again die \rdown.\r\r"Edward, Alice has had nothing to do for four weeks except to worry about your \rwedding. You know Alice. If Tanya were going to be a problem, she would never \rhave been invited. About the wolf, just leave that up to Emmett and I. If he gets \rwithin a mile of the house, he'll wish he never came back to Forks."\r\r"Thanks, but no thanks, Jasper." There was resignation in Edward's voice.\r\r"Edward, what are you talking about?"\r\r"If he's man enough to show up, Bella will want to see him."\r\rI shook my head, but words wouldn't come. Jasper filled the silence. "You're either \ra saint or a little crazy. But whatever you want, Edward. We can just make sure that \rhe doesn't get out of line, make him disappear quickly and quietly if he does."\r\r"Thanks, Jasper. I'd appreciate it." Edward smiled a weak smile. "I imagine you two \rwould like to hunt as well. Perhaps we should get going; there's not much time. I \rshould get back soon. There are a few things I-"\r\rJasper's cell phone rang at that moment, and Jasper had it to his ear.\r\r"Alice."\r\r"You guys can't come back. Tell Edward no."\r\rOf course Jasper didn't have to tell Edward anything, we could both easily hear the \rconversation.\r\r"Why?"\r\r"He wants to see Bella. No way. She needs sleep, and there's no way he's seeing her \rtomorrow before the wedding. Everything you guys need is at the bed and breakfast \roff one oh one. I told them you would be getting there at dawn."\r\rI couldn't tell what Edward was thinking, but I moved in a little closer in case he \rtried to bolt.\r\r"Right, Alice. I know the place. I'll see you tomorrow then. You don't have any \rassignments for me tomorrow night, do you?"\r\r"Only a few dozen," Alice giggled, "in the bedroom."\r\rJasper smiled. "Good. I'll uh, see you later then."\r\r"Oh, and Jasper," Alice added in a louder voice than she had been using before.\r\r"Yes, Alice?"\r\r"It's time to tell him." There was an audible click as Alice hung up. Jasper shut the \rcell phone and spun to face us. I was taken completely off guard and froze. \r\r"But I'm not ready yet. What do we say? Damn Alice! I mean Peter and..."\r\r"Emmett, for god's sake, what are you keeping from me?" Edward growled.\r\r"I was thinking about Bella's..."\r\r"That's not it and you know it. And while you're at it I'd like to know what happened \rto you three while you were away. Why were you gone for close to a month? Why \rwould you leave Alice like that, Jasper? She's been a mess." \r\rJasper looked like he'd been punched in the gut. Edward noticed immediately and \rbacked down.\r\r"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you Jasper. But this whole family has been keeping \rsomething from me."\r\rI took a deep breath. Thanks to Alice, I knew exactly when I had to do this. I had to \rdo it now. \r\r"Edward." My voice was quiet as I nodded to Jasper. "Jasper and I thought it might \rbe easier if you just listened to my thoughts." Edward's face turned remarkably \rcalm as he looked between the two of us. Thank god for Jasper.\r\r"Alright then. Let's hear it."\r\rI took a deep breath and thought back to the beginning, when Jasper got a call from \rAlice on our hunting trip. I tried to remember every detail of Alice's vision and her \rplan."\r\r"Oh my god." I heard Edward whisper.\r\rI didn't stop thinking, though. I recalled all the details of our trip to Italy, meeting \rthe guards in Volterra, our interview with Aro.\r\r"He believed you?"\r\rI took another deep breath and clenched my fists. Before continuing I thought, \r"Please forgive me, Edward."\r\r"There's more?" Edward's eyes were wide with disbelief. \r\rI couldn't look at him as I replayed the next part of the story. I ran through my \rattack on Valentino, the new bargain, and our decision to work for the Volturi in \rexchange for Bella's life.\r\r"What have you done?" Edward looked horrified. "What are you saying? What in \rgod's name happened to my family? To play with Bella's life this way..." Edward \rturned around and walked a couple of steps in the other direction.\r\r"Jasper!" I hissed.\r\rHe looked at me and shook his head. "I'm doing all I can, Emmett. Get on with it. \rQuick."\r\r"That's not the end of it Edward. Please, listen." He was turned away from us, but I \rpicked up where I left off. In my mind I recounted the trip to Riyadh, meeting \rSakhmet and her fighters, her feelings for Jasper, our trips into the desert to hunt \rand to learn to fight. I may have put a little more detail into the disgust that was \ribex, and the knowledge that some female vampires preferred the company of \rwomen. I threw in the fact that dragons were real just for the fun of it."\r\rEdward's breathing became audible and the air around him seemed to shake, so I \rknew I had to hurry up. Quickly, I thought through Jane's anger, our isolation, and \rthen the fight. There were too many vampires, they ganged up on Jasper, Valentino \rtried to kill me, and I killed him instead. I got a little confused and started from the \rbeginning of the fight again. Edward was shaking and clenching his fists. "Jasper, \rhelp me. The fight, I'm stuck on the fight."\r\rJasper's voice was calm. "Emmett was like a machine, and Rose was amazing. But \rthe newborns all came at me in the end. Emmett was going to help me, but then \rValentino attacked him from out of nowhere. Rose tried to help me, but there were \rtoo many and they were too strong. I wasn't going to make it, but then Sakhmet let \rher fighters come and help. Dragon fighters are no joke. With their help we killed \rthem all. We did the job we were sent to do."\r\r"Thanks, Jasper," I sighed. I continued out loud. "The council was there. They saw \reverything. Bella has-"\r\r"Until the end of the year?" Edward finished for me. My thoughts must have been \rracing ahead of my mouth. "Bella has until the end of the year?"\r\r"No, Edward. You two have as long as you want." I said, stepping in his direction.\r\r"What?"\r\r"Edward, I may have really screwed up in the beginning of all of this, but I fixed it. I \rmean, Rose and I both did. You and Bella have forever."\r\rI tried to recall every detail of the scene with the council in the desert. I wanted to \rmake sure that Edward was clear on that.\r\rI continued walking towards Edward and he turned to face me. Edward's eyes were \rblazing; his whole body was tense and the air around him buzzed. His hands were \rclenched in fists. With only two feet between us, he could have easily killed me with \ra good hit. I fought the urge to retreat. And then, without warning the tension \rbroke, like sun breaking over the horizon, and Edward threw himself at me. I \rstepped back, still frightened, but he was too fast. As his body collided with mine, he \rthrew his arms around me. I was knocked backward, and my body tensed, ready to \rfight him off. Where was Jasper?\r\rEdward let go of me and stepped back. His face was glowing; he was shaking his \rhead and blinking his eyes. "Thank you." That was all he could say.\r\rAfter a full minute he continued. "But, then it's you, and Rose? How could you \rpromise that?"\r\r"If you could have half the happiness I've had with Rose, how could I not? Anyway, \rAlice says we won't need that long. But if it's what you and Bella want, then you \rhave all the time you need."\r\r"No. We need to talk to the family. I need to talk to Bella. That's not good enough. I \rcan't let you two do that. The future can change, Alice's visions change all the time. \rWe need a plan." \r\r"No!" I grabbed Edward by the shoulders.\r\r"Edward, we were sworn to secrecy. Aro knows we can't keep this from you, in fact \rI think he likes that you'll know. He's aware that Alice must know what happened. \rBut all bets are off if we talk about this with Carlisle, Esme and Bella."\r\r"But Bella? Emmett how can I keep this from her?"\r\r"Telling her will only put her life in jeopardy again."\r\r"So we just wait and see what happens?"\r\r"We made this right Edward. You're getting married tomorrow and Bella is safe, no \rmatter what."\r\rI looked over to Jasper for support, but he wasn't standing where I'd seen him last. I \rcaught sight of him on a small rise about twenty yards off, staring at the morning \rsky, as it grew red with dawn. Edward looked at me for an explanation and I shook \rmy head. But then we both seemed to figure it out at the same time and ran over to \rhim. Jasper turned and looked hard at Edward. I was about to say something, when \rI realized that Jasper already was.\r\r"Jasper, you have nothing to apologize for. I would never ask that of anyone," \rEdward replied to Jasper's silent words.\r\r"I couldn't do it, Edward. I had to come back to Alice." Jasper's eyes were pleading \rfor forgiveness. The wind picked up, bringing with it the scent of cedar, Sitka spruce \rand grizzly. Reflexively, each of our heads turned into the wind. But then Jasper \rturned away, as if he were considering running off in another direction. Again, I \rwatched Edward listen to Jasper's silent words.\r\r"Jasper, I have nothing to forgive you for. What you have done for Bella and I goes \rbeyond anything I could ever expect from another member of my family. I never \rimagined a wedding gift like this one. To fight for Bella and I like you did is \rsomething I could never repay. And beyond that, to know that you all were \rinstrumental in giving us this time together. This month has healed me, it's made \rme think better of myself, and it brought Bella and I closer than I thought we could \rbe while she's still human." And with this the look on Edward's face grew into an \runabashed smile.\r\r"Edward, I know you want to extend Bella's human life. Don't let this get in the way. \rIt's not a gift if you don't use it. Please know that you have all the time you want."\r\r"Alice might be right, Emmett. I don't know if we'll need the time."\r\r"Really? What about Northwestern?"\r\r"Something happened a few nights ago that I don't know if I can completely explain. \rI realized how fleeting this moment in time was for Bella and I. What we have is \rbeautiful, but it's too precarious. We can't last forever as two separate creatures. \rAnd the longer we draw this out, the more unlikely it becomes. But it doesn't mean I \rdon't cherish this time. It's even sweeter because of it."\r\r"So when do you think?"\r\r"Whenever she wants. As it stands, sometime before her birthday."\r\r"And you're ok with that?"\r\r"I've come to terms with it. I can't live without her."\r\rThere was no need to say anything in response. Everything was as it should be. The \rthree of us watched the red dawn bleed into a pale shade of gray as the sun rose \rbehind a thick veil of clouds. It was going to be the perfect day for a wedding.\r\rEdward smiled in my direction. "So what are three vampires supposed to do all day \rat a bed and breakfast, anyway?"\r\r"Two of those vampires still have to find something to eat," I reminded him.\r\r"Well, then we can't go back yet. We can't have you two eating the guests. Except \rMike Newton. He's fare game as far as I'm concerned."\r\rAnd with a laugh, we ran off in the direction Alice told us to. We weren't going to \rbet against Alice this late in the game.