Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Sins Of The Past

By BetterInTexas

“When I was a little girl, my understanding of revenge was as simple as the Sunday school proverbs it hid behind. Neat little morality slogans like “do unto other,” and “two wrongs don’t make a right.” But two wrongs can never make a right… because two wrongs can never equal each other. For the truly wronged, real satisfaction can only be found in one of two places… absolute forgiveness or mortal vindication. This is not a story about forgiveness.”

Emily Thorne, ABC’s Revenge.

Chapter 22:

Bella POV

I walked into the Cullen mansion flanked by Jane and Alec, Demetri and Felix behind us. The Kings and Queens would be arriving soon, with the entire guard. The mansion needed to be prepared. By prepared that meant the current occupants needed to be evicted.

The current occupants who were foolishly forming a line in front of the staircase. Peter was apparently the one elected to speak. I found this strange. It was obvious Jasper was the alpha of this rag tag group. I purposely avoided looking at Garrett, feeling no need to take chances just yet.

“Now you wouldn’t let us stay in your castle. Any reason why we should let you in ours?” Peter asked.

“I guess that would depend on how attached you are to that pathetic thing dangling between your legs, now wouldn’t it?”

That seemed to bring silence to the room. I suppose they weren’t expecting me to speak. I’ve never been one for subtlety.

“This residence has been lent to the Volturi by its rightful owner Carlisle Cullen. You need to leave.” Demetri added.

“Where would you have us go?” Jasper asked.

“I hear Antarctica is quite lovely this time of year.” Jane suggested. “Garrett, how is your recruitment efforts fairing? I expected to see numerous vampires present to hold the evil Volturi accountable for our actions. Where are your friends?”

“How the hell did you know about that?” he asked.

“We are the Volturi.” I explained, “We have to have a high level of covert intelligence to help us police the vampire world and protect idiots like you from yourself. Your welcome.”

“I see.” He met my eyes. I looked into his. I would kill him if I felt the slightest…

I felt nothing. Nothing at all. Emboldened I truly looked at him. Tall, dark and handsome. An aura of adventure. A gleam in his eye for mischief.

Yes.

Bella Swan would have been swept off her feet by this one.

Isabella Volturi could care less. I heard a low growl and realized it was coming from Jane. She was glaring at Garrett who was still staring at me.

“It is time for you to leave.” Felix said quietly and nodded at Alec. Alec stepped forward. Peter growled.

“That won’t be necessary. We will leave peacefully. We will stay at the motel in Forks.” Jasper said, stepping forward. He reached out with his gift. I slapped it back and saw him flinch. Weak fool.

“No I believe it would be best for you to leave this State. There is nothing for you here.” I told him.

“I disagree Bella.”

“Then perhaps we should speak outside? Bring your lovely little mate. I promise not to hurt her.”

I walked out, motioning to Jane with a finger to stay. I knew she wouldn’t like it but there was no reason for her to be here. I could handle these two.

I ran into the trees and found Jasper and Alice right behind me when I turned.

“So I had a conversation with Master Aro before I came here. Want to know what I found out?” I began.

“I would imagine he told you about our actions when we left you here.”

I nodded.

“What do you think happened after you left Bella?” I asked Jasper. Alice continued to stare at the ground.

“Your were… you were raped by a wolf. You had a child. I would guess your child is being held in La Push right now.”

“Yes she was raped. But you knew that would happen, didn’t you Jasper?”

“No! It wasn’t supposed…”

“Yes it was. Yes it was! Don’t you fucking lie to me! I know. Master Aro told me everything he saw in your thoughts. You watched your brother leave her. You watched that fucking wolf save her. You knew. You didn’t have the balls to turn her or kill her so you let them take her. You knew Victoria was coming and they would protect her. You knew what that protection meant. Didn’t you? Admit it motherfucker!”

“Yes okay? I fucked up. I fucked up big time. I figured that you would either die by Victoria or become the mate of one of those things. We weren’t supposed to leave you human. It was a violation of the law. That is how I chose to handle it because nobody could bring themselves to kill you.”

“Why didn’t you fucking turn her?”

“Carlisle wouldn’t allow it!”

“Fuck Carlisle!” I screamed. I needed to calm down. I didn’t bring him out here to tear him to pieces. Of course if it happened, oh well.

“I’m sorry Bella!” Alice spoke at last.

“Do you have any idea what you did to that poor girl Alice? You?”

“What girl?” Alice whispered.

“Bella Swan bitch! Pay attention!”

“I… I’m sorry. I know. I left you behind and…”

“I expected that out of your coward husband who couldn’t bring himself to kill her and put her out of her misery. You were her friend. She was your toy. Your dress up doll and you abandoned her to Victoria and a pack of fucking dogs!”

“I’m sorry. If I knew…”

“Knew what? Your husband told you that the dogs would take care of her right? She would become a part of their pack right? She was white! She couldn’t turn into a dog! How do you think she would become a part of the pack you stupid bitch!?”

She said nothing. I suppose nothing needed to be said.

“Jasper you are going to leave this place. Blood needs to be spilled and it is mine to spill. You will not return here.”

“I want to help you Bella. I want to…”

“No.”

That simple word caused him pause.

“Master Aro told me your punishments for leaving Bella Swan human with this knowledge would be my decision. I have made my decision. You don’t get to help me. You don’t get that.”

“Why?”

“Because in your mind that will give you some sort of vindication. You will feel better about putting that girl through hell instead of giving her the mercy of a quick death. You think you can kill those who harmed her and it will be alright? No. You will not get that.

You will leave. Take your friends and leave. Never let me see you again. Never assume you are a leader of a coven. Know that you are a coward. No matter how many animals you feed from to save humans you destroyed one by your cowardice. That is your punishment. There is no vindication for you. You will not witness my revenge. Should I ever see you again I will kill Alice in front of you. If I ever find out that you left a human with knowledge of our kind without killing her or turning her I will burn your mate before your eyes. Do you understand me you fucking coward?”

“Yes. Yes Bella. We will… we will leave.” He whispered.

I ran back to the house. Peter, Garrett and Charlotte were standing outside.

“Where is he? What did you do?” Peter asked. I swear you would think those two were fucking. I wonder if Alice and Charlotte get to watch.

“He will be back shortly. He has agreed that you will all be leaving the area immediately.”

“I’m not going anywhere. Not until I talk to your puppet master.” Garrett told me.

“I assure you man, I am no puppet. What would you like to talk about with my Father?” I asked, curious. Jasper and Alice returned to the yard as I waited for his answer.

“I want to know what was done to me. When I came to the Castle, I know something was done to me. I want to know what. Was it you? Do you have some additional gift?”

“Tell me why you felt something was done to you Garrett.”

“I have felt… empty since I left.”

“Empty?”

“Yes empty.” I saw Jane walk outside. She nodded to me. Alec stepped out beside her. Fuck it. May as well ruin another relationship for Mr. Whitlock.

“Garrett that emptiness is the feeling you get when you have a mating bond that is not returned, taken away from you.”

“Mating? What are you talking about? I have no…”

“Garrett you once had a mate. She died because your close friend, the man you were willing to die for in battle with my coven, was too much of a coward to change her. Ask Jasper. Her name was Bella Swan. She lived in this area. She had knowledge of vampires. But Edward Cullen wanted to leave her human and Jasper was too much of a fucking coward to go against him. You are going to leave here. Go with Jasper. Ask him about his cowardice. Ask him how he allowed your mate to be raped and destroyed by our mortal enemies. All so he wouldn’t have to upset his veggie daddy and brother.

Your mate was destroyed by shape shifters. She died in a forest not far from here. I am what came of her and you should know I do not touch men. Outside of my family I hate men. I fucking hate them. I would kill you on the spot if you bumped into me in the slightest. You know Jane correct?”

Garrett nodded, dazed.

“She is mine. We are mates by choice. Choices are very important to the both of us. Your mate died. What little bond was left was severed forever by Chelsea. You should be happy. That empty space you feel? It was a cancer that would have destroyed you. She removed it for you. She did you a favor. Go now. Take a long drive with the Major and ask the famous warlord you are all so in awe of how he let your mate died. In case you were wondering, she was a lovely girl. Sweet and fun and caring. She had the most beautiful unscarred back. The two of you could have been truly happy. Unfortunately Jasper gave her to a pack of dogs. Now be on your way. If I ever see you again I will kill you.”

I walked into the house, Jane at my side. I had a few things to unpack and then it was dinner time.

Ten minutes later Jasper and Peter walked inside and grabbed their belongings I suppose. Fifteen minutes they were gone. All of them. I instantly felt better.

Darkness fell. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. I thought of my past Christmas Eve’s. Holidays were never celebrated with much gusto in my home. I suppose nothing was. We exchanged a few gifts. One year I seem to remember Renee placing garland around the house. I believe we usually had a plastic tree. The first Christmas’s with Dani were… I think I tried to get into the spirit. To give her a good Christmas. Eventually I gave up and just asked her to let me know what she wanted. Master Aro usually had whatever secretary was working at the Volturi acquire the items and ship them to my place. I think the early Christmas’s were better for Dani because Phil tried to make them special.

Phil.

I remembered him. He was a nice guy.

I couldn’t be around him though. I just couldn’t. I told Renee to stay with him. She refused and came with me. Of course by that time Renee figured out that I had an unknown seemingly endless source of cash and it was becoming very obvious that Phil’s dreams of the Major leagues were not going to happen. I wondered… it didn’t matter. A small part of me wondered what he was doing now. The bigger part didn’t give a shit.

“Time to feed the newborn.” Jane whispered in my ear.

“Where shall we dine tonight my love?”

“I have just the place. We will unfortunately have to start a tragic house fire afterward, but such is life. Are you ready?”

Jane drove us into Forks. Felix sat in the back. Not to feed mind you, but to escort us. Apparently Master Aro has instituted a rule that close to battle sites the Volturi must travel in threes. I felt it was overkill but he knew best. He was not overprotective of us. He knew we were warriors. But he also did not like to take unnecessary chances.

We kicked in the back door and entered the kitchen. Nobody came to greet us so we continued to the living room. I knew she was divorced. Should be just the two of them.

Oh yes. I do remember her from my past life. Her daughter was the spitting image of her.

“What the… Bella? Bella Swan? What happened to you? You… everybody is looking for you.”

“Hello Jessica. I thought we would catch up. My Jane met your daughter in school. This would be your Lola correct?”

“Ye… yes.”

“I understood you believed me to be a stuck up… what was it Jane?”

“Stuck up bitch Bella.” Jane clarified.

“Yes, and I wanted to rectify that. You were absolutely right. I was a horrible person for not paying enough attention to you. Now I wish to rectify the situation. I want to give you my full attention.”

Jane attacked Lola on the couch before she could scream. Jessica had nothing to say. She really had let herself go. I looked better as a human and I was…

I bit her neck before she could scream. I took my time. Despite not taking care of herself she did taste delicious. I dropped her body on the ground and walked out the back, Jane by my side. Felix stayed behind and started a fire. He was gifted at making fires appear to be electrical in nature. I believe he was playing with a fuse box in the hallway closet.

As we waited in the car, Jane’s phone buzzed. She shook her head and smiled.

“He spoils you.”

“You are one to talk. He gave the okay?”

“Do as you please. He has arrived and will meet us there.” She told me.

“Time for desert.”

Jared POV

My legs had finally healed. My heart was dead though. I had years of freedom that meant nothing when Kim and I divorced. When I phased the pull of the imprint returned in force. I had lost my mind. I had begged her to return. She told me no.

She reminded me of the affairs I had.

She reminded me of the times I hit her.

She reminded me of every single thing I had done to hurt her over the years.

Last week I woke up to her entering my bedroom. She had not stepped foot in La Push since I left her.

She was beautiful. Still so young. She was young when I imprinted on her and despite our two children she had taken care of herself. I wondered why the hell I ever felt the need to find comfort in other women.

She was dressed in a small green lacy nightgown.

I lay still, not wanting to wake if this was a dream.

When she touched me I knew though. It was my Kim. The pull must have gotten to her. I knew it would.

I did everything she told me. I lay on my back and waited.

The feeling was so unexpected I never screamed. I looked to see what the matter was. Despite being on my back my feet were pointing at odd directions.

Then the pain hit. A vampire stood at the edge of my bed laughing. She had twisted both my legs, popping them out of my hips. Then she pressed down on my femurs snapping them both and causing them to break the skin.

I nearly died. Jake and Seth had to hold me down while Quil popped my legs back into place.

Only today was I able to walk without pain.

My phone rang. Caller ID showed it to be Kim. It was the house number. She was calling from her home. Maybe…

“Hello?”

“Hello Jared.”

Oh God no. Even as a leech I would never forget that voice.

“Bella?”

“Yep.”

“Why are you calling from Kim’s house?”

“Thought I would stop by for dinner. She was very friendly. Offered me a drink and everything. You have the cutest children. Why did you feel the need to fuck around on her Jared? She didn’t ask to be your soul mate. She truly loved you though. You destroyed her when you left. Every time you cheated on her. You didn’t even bother to wipe the lipstick off your neck.”

“How? How did you know that? Did she tell you?”

“Let’s just say I have a friend who has a way of knowing what was in her head. You hit her? What did this poor little thing ever do to you? How much taller are you than she is Jared? A foot? Foot and a half? Why? Is it a wolf thing? No you weren’t shifting. You wouldn’t have been able to hurt an imprint. So why Jared? Tell me and your children may live.”

“I’ll kill you…”

“No you won’t. Stop lying to yourself. You know you can’t hurt me. Not anymore. None of you can. You know this right?”

I did.

Damn it. My kids. That fucking leech had my kids.

“Please don’t Bella.”

“Tell me why you hurt her Jared. Tell me the truth and I will let your children live. Why did you hurt her? You broke her fucking jaw Jared. Do you not realize how small she was?”

“I… I didn’t want her. I never wanted her. This wolf thing made me… She got what she wanted. I never did. So when it was over and I was free of her she tried to hold on. I didn’t want… I wanted my own life. I wanted to be free. My choices were taken away.”

“What about hers?”

“What?”

“What about her choice? She was stuck with you.”

No. Kim always loved me.

“You don’t understand. She got what she wanted. I never wanted this.”

“So you hit her? Cheated on her? Made her feel like dirt? Ignored your children? I am going to enjoy killing you Jared. Would you like a chance to say goodbye to your children?”

“No! I… I will kill your daughter!”

“We both know you can’t Jared. She would already be dead or worse. You fuckers have tried, haven’t you? That is your answer to everything. Death is my answer to everything as well. I understand one of my family already broke your legs. You are lucky she didn’t pop your balls like she popped Billy’s. Now yes or no? Would you like to say goodbye to your children?”

God no. Please…

“I am begging…”

“Times up Jared. I will lie and tell them Daddy loves them.”

The call ended.

I needed to get to Forks. No. I would never make it in time. I could kill Dani… No. If I try Bella will bring them all on us. That fucking Bella Swan. Damn Jake! Damn Billy damn Sam for bringing that curse on us. I didn’t even rape her! It wasn’t my fault.

I fell to my knees. I had nothing left. My kids. That undead bitch had her hands on my kids. My Kim.

Oh God Kim. Why wasn’t I dead? I was supposed to die if my imprint died. Why wasn’t I dying?

My chest began to hurt. Was this it? I doubled over and cried. How was I supposed to move on? I would lay here. I would lay here and wait for the leeches to kill me. I didn’t care anymore. I deserved death.

Bella POV

I hung up the phone and looked at Kim who was sitting wide eyed and trembling on the couch listening to Master Aro rave about her Christmas decorations.

Jane was speaking to her children, two little boys who were showing her pictures they colored that had been on the refrigerator. She was actually smiling at them.

I walked near Kim and Master Aro stopped speaking of the lovely angel on top of her tree and smiled at me.

“I will give you two a moment alone. I am sure you would like to catch up with Kim, Isabella. It was a pleasure knowing you for this brief time Kim. Have a merry Christmas. I believe I will enjoy your children’s art work with Jane for a bit. Take as long as you need Isabella.” I sat down next to Kim who was staring at me in complete terror. Poor thing was nearly as pale as I was.

“I am sorry you have had to go through the life you have. But there is no mercy in life, is there Kim? It is not a fairy tale. You know this as well as I do.”

“Are… are you going to kill my children?”

I took a breath. She did smell delicious. So did her children. Both little boys, ages 4 and 6.

“Kim you know what Billy Black did right?”

“Yes. Jared told me. He asked me back and he told me.”

“Why didn’t you go back to Jared?” I asked her.

“He hurt me. He cheated on me. He abandoned me. Fuck him.”

I smiled. It was the answer I wanted to hear. I reached inside my coat pocket and she jumped, causing me to giggle.

I handed her a thick envelope.

“What… what is this?”

“It is $20000 Kim. You should be happy. Rachel only got ten. Of course that is all Master Aro had on him at the time. Listen to me and listen well. At dawn on Christmas morning we are going to annihilate the wolf pack. You do not want to be here any longer. Take your children quickly, pack light and drive to the Seattle Airport. Go to the United Airlines ticket counter and give your name. They will arrange tickets for you to go wherever you want to go, one way, free of charge. I would suggest you join Rachel and Rebecca in Hawaii. Because any Quileute on or near La Push on Christmas morning is fair game. I would suggest you at least go someplace sunny and start over. Someplace you are not likely to ever see a vampire. Call Emily Uley and invite her to come along. I am sure you know where she is. I could find her but I have other things to do.”

“Why? Why are you doing this?”

“I’m not sure. I honestly think I should slaughter you all. I suppose the ghost of Bella Swan refuses to go away at times. Know this however. Your boys, and Rachel’s boys and Emily’s remaining son carry the gene. It is very important that they never come in contact with vampires. It is also very important that they are taught to respect women. Because if I ever see an iota of evidence that they could turn out like their fathers I will slaughter them. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“I will know Kim. No matter where they are I will know. Do you believe me?”

“Yes.” She said quickly, nodding her head furiously.

“Okay. That will be all. Leave now. Pack what you need and run. Good luck to you Kim. I hope you find happiness if any is to be found in this world. I found happiness. I suppose if I can, anyone can.”

As I reached the door, she called to me once more.

“Bella?”

I turned around.

“Thank you.”

“Bella Swan is dead. But if she were here she would say you are welcome Kim.”

I reached the car and slid in next to Master Aro. Jane must have left with Felix.

“Ready to plan the invasion of La Push my dear?”

“Yes Master. I have waited for 16 years for this. I have a feeling this will be the best Christmas ever.”

Garrett POV

We were four hours away from Forks before my thoughts consumed me and I could wait no longer. I had planned to confront him when we reached our destination. Those plans would change quickly.

“Jasper why did she keep referring to herself as another person?” The tiny bitch asked.

“Because if she had to see herself as the girl in the woods who was raped she would lose her mind. It is a defense mechanism to help her keep her sanity. She sees herself as an avenger of Bella Swan, the hunter, not the victim.” Jasper explained calmly.

“Pull over.” I ordered.

“Not the place Gar…” Jasper began.

“Pull the fuck over now Jasper.”

The car pulled to the shoulder of the road.

“Follow me.”

“Gar that bitch wasn’t tellin the whole story…”

“Stay out of this Peter. This is between Garrett and I. The rest of you stay in the car.” Jasper told him with no room for question.

We ran approximately five hundred yards into the forest. I stopped first. This would be far enough away.

“You fucking let my Mate get taken by shifters.” I yelled.

“I didn’t know she was your mate. Had I known of course I would have changed her, Carlisle and Edward be damned.”

“You left a girl to shifters. You knew if they found her in the woods… what if they hadn’t Jasper? You were watching right? What if they hadn’t found her?”

“She would have died from exposure in a few days.” He admitted, looking at the ground.

“You would have let her? You wouldn’t kill her but you would have let her die an agonizingly slow death?”

“Yes.”

“Why? I need to know why. Why… I never would have dreamed the vampire… the man I know would have done something like this.”

He paused before speaking.

“The truth Jasper.”

“Edward and Carlisle thought we could just leave her and we would be fine. I knew we would run into the Volturi one day. It was inevitable. Should Aro learn of this we all would have been held in violation of the law. Rose, Emmett and Alice knew this as well. None of us wanted to go against Carlisle’s wishes. He told us it was Edward’s decision and if any of us acted against his wishes we would not be allowed to remain in the family. So I watched Edward take her to the woods. When I saw him leave and saw her go after him, I realized she had gotten so lost it would be unlikely anyone would find her in time. The rain and cold, she had twisted her ankle. A mountain lion or wolf would have found her. I thought if I witnessed this Edward would see what he had done. Rose, Emmett and Alice joined me. Rose insisted we kill her to put her out of her misery. Emmett wanted to leave the family, break off on our own. Alice wanted to take her and run. I… I wanted to stay with Carlisle. I manipulated the others to my way of thinking. It was easy. None of them really wanted to leave the family. I just pushed them slightly. Our problem was solved when we smelt him. We were high in the trees so he couldn’t smell us. We could smell him though.”

“A shifter.” I said, not asking.

“Yep. He saved her. I knew of shifters from a pack of coyote shifters we found in Mexico during the Southern Wars. I explained to the others that once he had saved her she would belong to them. I suspected Victoria may come back but where there is one shifter there is always more, the same as werewolves. I convinced the others to let them have her. She would be fine. Rosalie was the most resistant. She insisted we kill or her turn her. Once again…”

“You used your fucking gift to get what you wanted.”

“Yes.”

“Did you know they would rape her?”

“No!”

“You never thought of the possibility?”

He hesitated. It was all the answer I needed.

“I knew it was possible. Shifters are animals. One could claim her or…”

“All?”

“Yes.” He admitted.

We stood in silence, rain drops falling on the leaves above us, the only sound.

“Do you wish to kill me?”

Did I?

Yes I did.

But I wouldn’t.

“Yes. I very much wish to kill you. You are a coward. But I will not. I will tell every vampire I see of your cowardice. I will let as many vampires in the world know what kind of man Jasper Whitlock is. The man who wanted vindication for his past sins so badly he let a human be taken in by a pack of monsters. Everyone I know, will know of this. I am leaving. If I ever see you again, I will kill you. If I lack the skill, I will bring an army against you, the likes of which you have never seen. You have killed many of our kind. You know we are not immortal. One day you will likely be killed, perhaps by someone with an old grudge. You have many enemies. No matter how many animals you slaughter to vindicate yourself it will never be enough. You will burn in the fires of Hell one day Jasper. It with be worth my own torture to watch you suffer. I truly hope a demon rapes you for eternity.”

I hit him in his jaw. He never tried to dodge. I thought of striking him more but the look on his face told me it was pointless. He knew the kind of man he was. My Mate was right. That in itself would be the worst punishment he could be given.

It was time for me to leave.

I had word to spread of the type of man Jasper Whitlock was.

Jake POV

I didn’t bother with breakfast. For once the wolf appetite was not present. I felt sick to my stomach. It was Christmas Eve.

I was beginning to suspect that Angela did not leave me. It really didn’t matter anymore. Nothing mattered. We had given up on patrols. The young ones were the only ones who would patrol. For the past three days every time a patrol left, we found them in the woods with broken bones. There was no point. The young were frightened. Dad refused to come out of his house. Paul was still healing. Quil stayed drunk. Luke Clearwater died last night finally. The venom ate away at his flesh until his organs were visible. He died shortly after his stomach… The young saw him and were terrified.

Bella.

Spirits how I had loved her. Why could she never love me? Why did it all have to come down to this?

I walked through the streets of La Push on last time. I wanted to remember it the way it was. My home.

I reached Jared’s residence when I heard him sobbing inside. There was really nothing I could do for him but I suppose I should try.

Walking in I saw his house had been destroyed inside. He was lying on the ground. Thinking he was injured again I rushed to him.

“Jared? Are you hurt? What did the leech do?”

“Bella.” He gasped out.

“What about Bella? Was she here?”

“Kim. My children. She… she…”

Oh fuck. No.

“What did she do?”

“She fucking ate them!”

I stumbled back in shock. No… she wouldn’t… Kim was so sweet. Her children… not she wouldn’t.

I remembered her face when she placed the gun in my mouth.

Yes she would.

“That’s it.”

I ran to Jared’s backyard and phased, howling as loudly as I could.” Five minutes later no wolf phased.

I howled again. Finally Quil phased. A few minutes later the others phased except Paul and Jared. We had ten young left.

“When I give an order you are all to phase at once!” I said through the pack mind.

“You aren’t Alpha, Jake.” Quil said dully.

I ignored his comment and let my thoughts show the rest what Jared had just told me.

I expected to feel outrage from the others. Instead I felt nothing.

“We may die tomorrow. It is probable. But today… today we are killing Bella Swan’s daughter. When the invisible leech attacks one of us the others attack him. We all attack. Understand? No holding back. We may be dead in 24 hours but enough is enough. It is time we took our own measure of revenge. If the leech who can cause shockwaves hits us we get up and continue to attack. No matter what, Dani dies today. Understand?”

I let visions of Luke Clearwater dying fill my head. Visions of Jay Uley with his head torn off. Finally I felt anger from the young.

“Okay. Let’s go die.” Quil quipped.

I led the charge through the woods to the back of Leah’s house. She would stand aside or die with Dani. I had enough of her bullshit as well.

A fog bank blocked our view of her house but perhaps it would work in our favor. The leech would have as hard a time seeing us as we would him.

Two steps into the fog bank we all lost our sight. Not just our sight. I couldn’t smell anything. I couldn’t feel the ground beneath me. I couldn’t hear anything. I was in limbo.

“Anybody have any idea if we are dead?” A young one named Tim asked. “Because that wasn’t so bad but the Spirit World sucks.”

I had no idea where we were. What had happened? Was there a trap? Did they kill us so quickly we didn’t know what happened?

My senses rushed back to me as I was flying through the air. I hit the ground hard, my fellow pack members landing beside me. We jumped to our feet to see the fog had cleared.

There were at least thirty vampires in Leah’s back yard. Dani was looking out her kitchen window. The bitch was smiling.

“This may be a good time for a retreat.” Seth mentioned.

A blonde leech stepped to the front. I would never forget that face. The one who broke my nose in the Pack meeting. Caius.

“Welcome. Nice of you all to join us at one spot. I was afraid I would have to send out written invitations. Tomorrow morning. Dawn. There is a clearing near here. I believe you killed a vampire there once named Victoria and defeated her army. I expect your Pack to be there. My Coven will be present. It will be the only chance you have to stop us from invading and killing every single member of your tribe. If your entire pack including your brave Alpha does not appear, we will simply march into La Push and begin spreading Christmas joy. If you are wondering these are not the only vampires I have with me. If possible you may want to consider trying to breed more little wolves today. You have not given up your Alpha. You have left us with no choice. You may leave here and enjoy the last day of your life.

I am assuming you all came to kill the young lady looking out the window at us. These vampires will remain here today. If any of you make a move towards this residence you will once again lose your senses and regain them once either an eye or a testicle have been removed. I won’t tell you which. It would ruin the surprise. Now leave.”

The Pack didn’t look to me. They ran. Only Quil and Seth remained behind. Feeling very alone I backed up.

“So what do you want to do Jake?” Seth asked.

“I suppose I am going to my place.”

“And do what?”

“Get ready to die, Seth.” Quil answered for me.

I suppose at this point there was nothing else to do.