Dialogue in italics are direct quotes from Chapter 12-Eclipse

This is not E/B fiction. Characters are slightly OOC

*Twilight is the sole property of SM.*

Chapter One

The Newborns are Coming! The Newborns are Coming!

Garrett

Mount Rushmore National Park

After my long trek and earlier consent to accept my friend's request, I stood at the foot of the giant monument, gazing up at the exquisite piece of history. It was a rather fortuitous stop, an agreeable distraction. Eighty years had passed since my last visit to South Dakota. Yet, I still wouldn't have graced her presence had Peter Whitlock not insisted that I make my yearly pilgrimage to Carlisle's, sooner rather than later. Being in New York at the time, it took me a fair amount of time to make the journey, due to the extraordinarily decent weather and my need to remain inconspicuous. But, he had insisted that I was close enough to make the trip to Washington in less then a day, although, he hadn't informed me of the significance of the time restriction. It wasn't as though I had been burdened by anything in particular, so I had done as I was asked.

According to the young soldier, not only would I find my mate, but I would also be a party to a supernatural war that loomed on the horizon, and he and Char would accompany me at a later. time. It had sounded intriguing. To me, the promise of war had always been acceptable entertainment. Newborns, my favorite opponents, had been threatening the towns of the Northwest, taunting the vampire police to intervene. While I had accepted their importance to our kind, I disliked the slimy bastards with all of my being, especially the creepy raven-haired leader with the unnerving laugh and deceptively cunning gift. Or the evil leprechaun bitch who could drop a man with one glance. I shuddered at the thought of meeting either of them again. So, out of sheer boredom, I had decided that I would stand with Carlisle against these unknown foes.

I shook my head. In my opinion, Peter's non-gift had always been an interesting endowment. On occasion I had appreciated the novelty of a friendly 'magic eight ball', though it was hardly as reliable as Carlisle's coven mate, Alice, and I had told him as much when he had called. To say Peter was angered by the comparison had been the understatement of the millennium. Apparently, his brother, or rather sire's, new lifestyle had put the blond soldier on edge. I had to agree, to a small degree. One's choice of diet definitely had the propensity to be a hot topic, but it was a preference, above all else. A decision such as that was almost as sacred as religion or gender of mate. Far be it for me to cause dissension in the ranks, just because I had chosen to dine on a natural diet.

I fully understood the pros and cons to each dietary decision. Carlisle's penchant for human life was commendable. To a morally irreprehensible vampire such as my blond comrade, human life had always been sacred. It was hard to dispute his infallible logic, seeing as though I had once been a fragile human myself. Yet, I still challenged him mercilessly. Rocking his boat had become an enjoyable pastime for me. Carlisle was nothing if not steadfast in his beliefs. So, ultimately, the consumption of furry mammals took precedence over the finer, more palatable blood that graced my lips, and to my oldest friend, an appropriate substitution for the necessary nature of our being. I was of the opinion that the young patriarch would revel in secret victory should he, one day, convert me to his way of life. Quite frankly, unless hell froze over, it wouldn't happen. I was fairly content being who and what I was. For the time being, I had no reason to change.

As I gazed upon the brilliantly carved monument, I was delighted to glimpse the immortalized faces of friends past. The foursome looked just as they had so many years ago—forever commemorated in stone. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt were four of the most important men of their time. They had each changed young America in their own ways, some for better, and others for worse. However, men were men, in any case. All of us harbored evil and goodness in our hearts, but none of use could feign perfection, nor should we have been idolized as gods.

While, Gutzon Borglum had done a magnificent job with the project, I only wished that I would've taken a bite out of him before the project had begun. Not that it would've stopped the commission, per say, but perhaps had the sculptor been murdered on the eve of construction, I might've inadvertently halted the progression. What a tale that would've been!

The day was overcast, cloudy, and threatening rain, so it afforded me the luxury of my own freedom of sorts. I enjoyed being untethered from the shadows, unencumbered by my necessary confinement. It had reminded me of my human days. While I was nomadic by choice, I regularly enjoyed the company of intriguing people, even if they had, more often than not, become my meal. It was the nature of the beast. Loneliness often won over my more rational mind.

After climbing over the rock face early this morning, I had spent the rest of the day being led around by a rather beguiling young woman with fiery red locks and a charming Irish accent. The young woman agreeably passed the time until my scheduled phone call and rendezvous with the Cullens. I knew she found me agreeable. I could smell what my presence had done to her, and had I more time, I could've easily persuaded her into my bed. I was a man, in any case. I had desires—quite, voracious desires—but desires, nonetheless.

She thoroughly regaled me with the history of the area, as well as the monument. What she hadn't realized was that I had lived through America's brightest and darkest moments and hadn't needed a refresher course, but that was neither here nor there.

The American Dream was everything to me. I had been a patriot for justice, a freedom fighter, during the Revolutionary War, and even now, hundreds of years and dozens of battles later, I had still held true to my original mission, snapping a British neck or two for sheer joy of the kill. Old habits die hard, I suppose. In this day and age, freedom was a luxury that many took for granted, having never lived in a time were they weren't under the thumb of an oppressive monarchy. With that in mind, the citizens from that country weren't exactly on my active friends list, Carlisle being the only exception to that rule.

Mid afternoon, my phone finally rang. Peter, the magic eight ball that he was, had assumed correctly. I quickly opened the device and greeted the caller, not at all surprised by his identity. After the two of us exchanged pleasantries, Carlisle delved into the situation that had sprouted in Seattle, revealing the true reason behind his call. My oldest and dearest friend required my help in the matter. His request wasn't a bombshell, by any means. Peter had informed me of the details nearly a week ago. When the words left my lips, the little, clairvoyant pixie squealed in the background, screaming several 'thank yous' in the background. Alice had obviously had a vision regarding my arrival in Washington State, and gleaned my acceptance through said power. Whereas Peter's sporadic visions were certain; Alice's gift hinged on certain and changeable variables. It was quite an annoying but cute reaction. Some people were easily amused.

Before we bid each other farewell, Carlisle quickly informed me of Edward's human pet, who he believed to have been his mate. According to Peter, she was his singer. That fact alone had debunked his claim. It was physically impossible to mate with the object of one's bloodlust. But it was possible that he was merely infatuated with the crimson liquid that whisked through her veins, mistaking his obsession for love. The boy had hardly experienced enough life experiences to determine such a matter. I couldn't fault Carlisle's protegee, as he was quite likely misinformed. Even though he was a scientist and a doctor, my old friend obviously wasn't versed in all aspects of the vampire world, especially in the area of human blood.

It was an arduous task to rein in one's inner demon in the presence of such an alluring scent, even at my age. How he had accomplished such a feat was a mystery to me. My own singer had met an untimely death. Before she had even batted an eyelash, I had drained the beautiful creature, which in turn forced me to kill her friend, who had inadvertently witnessed the attack. The entire situation was quite unfortunate, really, as I despised killing women.

In closing, Carlisle, once again, cautioned me to prepare for this child's alluring scent. Apparently, many of the members of the family had difficulty resisting the siren call of her blood. I assured my comrade that my presence wouldn't endanger the girl, as I had full control of my inner demon. and she would be quite safe in my company.

After exchanging closing sentiments, I swiftly tucked the annoying piece of technology back in my vest pocket and sprinted off into the twilight, eagerly anticipating the second half of Peter's vision. I shook my head at his uncanny ability to predict crucial events. Now, if only his damned knower worked on command, then I might know who the the lucky woman was!

Bella

Forks, Washington

As we pulled up to the large two-story, white house, with its six other occupants, who I had considered my extended family, I felt as though I was unable to breathe. Apprehension crept up and down my spine as though it had eight legs, creepy and crawly. I scrunched my eyes closed and took fast, shallow breaths, attempting to calm my irrational thoughts. For some unknown reason, I had the sense that my life was on the verge of a major upheaval. That worried me greatly. After rescuing Edward in Volterra, change was inevitable. But, that knowledge had only served to make me apprehensive.

After Edward had helped me out of the truck, which I had insisted we bring, we made our way almost silently up the front stairs. I slipped my jacket off of my shoulders and hung it on the golden hall-tree by the door. I took each step with care as Edward and I trudged—well, I trudged and Edward glided—up to the second story landing. Once we entered the large space, we found the Cullens perched on various pieces of furniture, watching the news with rapt attention. Their intense focus on the newscast made me terribly curious, if not slightly apprehensive. I couldn't quell the feeling that Edward was hiding something from me.

Emmett exuberantly bound over to me and swept me into a bone crushing hug, playfully berating me for ditching school. I rolled my eyes, slightly exasperated at the man-child before me. As if I was a perfect girl. It wasn't as though it was my first offense. I had skipped school on a variety of occasions. Mind you they were during my broody and depressed phase, but I had still played hookey, nevertheless. Besides, I wasn't all that concerned about my absence. I only had days left before I was free to do as I pleased. I figured it was typical teenaged behavior, even though I had never truly been a child. Living with my mother had made any such luxuries null and void. Renée was a bigger child than I was, requiring constant attention and guidance. Honestly, I was quite happy that I was now living with an adult who wasn't careless and mentally unencumbered by life as she had been.

I gazed across the room and shuddered at the date on the calendar. Having been caught up in all things Edward, I had allowed today's date to creep up on me. It wasn't that I was scared of becoming a vampire, per say, but I was terrified of the ramifications of my decision, Jacob specifically. He had become an integral part of my life, at the lowest point of my existence, and I had carelessly tossed him and his feelings aside to save Edward's life. Sadly, I would've broken his heart again and again, if only to save my beloved from his imminent demise. Yet, with that said, I couldn't help the overwhelming grief that accompanied the loss of my best friend–the tall, handsome Quileute that loved me unconditionally. That realization made me almost miserable again.

Edward was truly worried about my trepidation, taking my uncomfortable silence as a change of heart. It hadn't changed my mind at all, but the loss of the Quileute wolves wasn't something to have been taken lightly, especially after they had so bravely defended me in the Cullens' absence. Once I was one of the clinically undead, my werewolf brothers wouldn't exactly want to hang out with their natural enemy. I felt as though I were betraying their trust, like Judas.

He stepped forward and wrapped his arms securely around my waist, gazing down at me with his liquid topaz eyes, eying me warily. "Are you still bothered about earlier? You know that graduation isn't a death sentence. This subject and your decision are not exactly my preference. I don't wish you to lose your humanity or your friends and love one's. I would be perfectly at ease with you taking the time to thoroughly consider your options. After all, it's a permanent decision, and I don't want you to regret anything."

Rosalie, perched on the second set of stairs, scoffed at our conversation, rolling her eyes. I knew that the blonde beauty had disapproved of my decision…and my presence, as well. Although, I hadn't understand why. I hadn't done anything to anger the ethereal woman with such fervor, well consciously, at least. I shook my head and returned my gaze to the family, who were still engrossed with the news coverage on CNN and sighed.

I pulled away from my vampire boyfriend and stomped off towards the couch, plopping unladylike on the cream couch beside Alice. "Edward, why do you always assume that everything is about you? My thoughts are not even remotely related to you or the current situation."

The look in Edward's eyes spoke volumes about his feelings. He was more of an open book that I was. He quickly wiped his face clean of emotion and tossed the latest paper to his father who ineptly snatched it gracefully out of the air.

I blanched at the movement, envisioning that same newspaper as I clutched it in my clammy hands. The victims of the horrible crime wave were fully etched into my mind, their names like neon signs, reminding me that my tame and safe town was just as vulnerable.

"Did you see that they're considering a serial killer now?" he asked.

Carlisle sighed. "They've had two specialists debating that possibility on CNN all morning."

Edward shifted his stance and grimaced. "We can't let this go on."

"Let's go now," Emmett said, bouncing around and boxing the air. "I'm dead bored."

A hiss echoed down the stairway.

Emmett rolled his eyes and scoffed at his wife's displeasure. "She's such a pessimist."

The family continued speculating about the information contained in the news article, completely confusing me with the speed and path of the conversation. Finally I broke, furious that I wasn't being included in the discussion. I opened my mouth just in time for Edward to interrupt my rant with an errant thought that he had plucked out of Jasper's mind. Rude!

"Oh," Edward said sharply, turning his head slightly to look at Jasper. "I didn't think of that. I see. You're right, that has to be it. Well, that changes everything."

Everyone looked around, confused by the nearly silent exchange between the blond vampire and my exasperating boyfriend, adding to the cacophony in the room. I wanted to scream.

I swiftly stood, nearly toppling over due to vertigo, and crossed my arms over my chest, fuming. "Well is anyone going to fill me in? This is really fucking pissing me off. I have a feeling that this has something to do with me, and I think I'm old enough and strong enough to handle just about anything."

Esme cringed slightly at my foul language but ignored my crassness, thankfully. She was a very sweet and compassionate person. It would've been a shame to hurt her feelings by angrily lashing out at her.

"Maybe you should sit down, love. Take a deep breath." Edward turned to Jasper and he nodded. Jasper didn't look happy by the pointed look but seemed to resign himself to whatever he was pressured into revealing.

I resumed my seat on the couch and was quickly joined by Emmett, who wrapped his huge and menacing arms around my waist and pulled me into his lap, holding me tightly to his chest. I had to admit that I felt safe here in my brother's arms, relieved that Edward was unable to silently quell my reservations with those lovely topaz eyes.

Jasper cleared his throat, gazed at Edward, who growled slightly, and spoke, "Bella should understand this, too. She's one of us now. How much do you know about me?"

I looked at him with a blank expression plastered across my face. I had never had a real conversation with Jasper, outside of the Phoenix fiasco. Edward had purposely kept us apart, afraid of Jasper's inability, as he put it, to fully acclimate himself to animal blood. His reasoning was an utter load of bullshit. If he wanted to drain me, he would've done so at my party. He had allowed his siblings to drag him away, even though it wasn't entirely his fault. Yet, here he was sticking up for me and pulling me into the conversation like I had asked. Suddenly, I really liked my best friend's husband…a lot.

"Not much," I admitted.

Jasper stared at Edward, who looked up to meet his gaze.

"No," Edward answered his thought. "I'm sure you can understand why I haven't told her that story. But I supposed she needs to hear it now."

Thank, God! Finally some answers! I was glad someone in this house was man enough to disregard Edward's rules. I truly loved the bronze-haired oaf, but at times, his overbearing nature made me wish I had left him in Volterra.

Jasper practically toted me over to one of the lamps, where he then showed me the abundance of crescent-shaped scars. I stuck my wrist under the light and compared the marks, shocked by the extraordinarily large number of wounds that cross-crossed his body in a lattice formation.

"Jasper, what happened to you?"

"Same thing that happened to your hand. Repeated a thousand times."

"Why?" It was a stupid question, but I was curious. I sucked in a nervous breath and anxiously waited for the tale to begin.

Jasper recited his rather somber, yet heartbreaking story of his journey from human to vampire, horrified by the evil that the Texan had both witnessed and participated in while under the control of his bitch sire, Maria. I was glued to his every word, filled with trepidation as he thoroughly schooled me in vampire 101. It annoyed me that Edward had kept us apart. Perhaps, had Jasper become acclimated to my blood, he would've been better prepared to field the overwhelming bloodlust of the six others who inhabited the room. It would've been nice to have had a relationship with him prior to today. Perhaps, I would've heard this tale sooner, cluing me in on the events transpiring around me. Regardless of the timing, I was happy to learn of it now.

When the tall Texan completed his rather somber tale, ending with a happy note, I found myself truly proud of his accomplishments on his long road to redemption. He winked at me when he caught the tenor of my emotions and sent a wave of love and trust back to me in response. At that moment, I knew that I had gained a new ally and brother, to Edward's chagrin.

~~RB~~

"An army," Alice whispered. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Jasper told his wife that he had been uncertain that the threat in Seattle had been the byproduct of a newborn army, and so, he had brushed his concerns aside. But, as time passed, he couldn't shake the feelings that his instincts were indeed correct, when no other theory seemed to match up. And now, he was certain that the threat was real and needed quick thinking on their parts.

"What can we do?" Carlisle asked.

Edward scoffed at first, arguing everyone's theories, but eventually he was forced to agree with Jasper's assessment. Obviously, there was no alternative than to eradicate the threat, post-haste, before the Volturi crossed the ocean to do the same–thus, prompting a visit to the Cullens' doorstep to check on Edward promise. Not exactly my idea of a good time.

Esme and Rosalie spoke briefly about the Denali clan and wondered if the danger involved them, as well, or if it were just them that were effected. Carlisle picked up his phone and called the Alaskan Patriarch but was quite disappointed by the family's dismissal. Laurent's death was directly correlated to me—via the wolves—and thus, the coven were adamantly opposed to assisting the Cullens in their endeavor, as he was one of the Denali sister's mate.

Aww! Laurent's death hadn't garnered an ounce of remorse from me. He was a royal dick and got what he deserved. Siding with Victoria—especially when he was chummy-chummy with Irina— wasn't the finest moment in his very long existence. The first moment I saw him, I knew he was untrustworthy. Yet, even then, I hadn't heeded my gut feeling, fully trusting in the Cullens to protect me. His eyes, not the color, had told of his malevolence and true allegiance. There was something deeply rooted in his psyche that had made my skin crawl. How naive I had been.

Jasper offered to call his former coven mates, Peter and Charlotte, but Carlisle politely declined his offer. I thought the Edward's father, for all intents and purposes, was bat-shit crazy to ignore any help, especially from those who had experience in such matters. But, like the dutiful girlfriend Edward wanted, I kept my mouth shut.

Carlisle called around to more of his acquaintances but had received the same disappointing rejections. He had almost given up hope when he dialed the last number. The man's name was Garrett, and he sounded pleasant enough. His rich baritone voice echoed through the house, causing the little hairs on my arms to stand on end. It was a pleasant but strange sensation.

"Ah, Carlisle. For what do I owe the honor of this call?"

Carlisle fidgeted slightly (fidgeted? A vampire?) and replied with a pleasant tone, "Well, Garrett, my old friend, I've called to plead for your assistance in a personal matter."

"Sounds intriguing, Carlisle."

"Have you kept abreast of the news recently?"

"No, the nomad life is relatively carefree, as you well know. I generally don't burden myself with the particulars, for the most part, unless there are whispers of war. Should I assume war is on the horizon?"

"Unfortunately, that is the case. An unknown enemy is amassing a newborn army in Seattle. By the huge body count, they are obviously both untrained and utterly uncontrollable. My family and I fear the Volturi's involvement. We don't wish to have a visit from Italy. You know the manner in which they operate. It seems prudent to deal with the issue ourselves, rather then risk their wrath. I'm wondering if you would help us in this endeavor?"

"Well, it's not as though I have any other things on my plate, at the moment, Carlisle. Life has been tedious, as of late, and I'm itching for a good fight. Newborns are the most fun to battle. Fast, angry, uncontrollable…and dumber than cat shit…"

Jasper snorted and nodded his head. Alice's eyes glazed over and then she squealed, shouting that Garrett would definitely be coming.

Damn little, clairvoyant pixie!

"I'd be happy to help you in any capacity. You know me and a good fight...can't turn it down. I'm in the Dakota Territory and should be there by twilight."

"Garrett?"

"Yes, Carlisle?"

"I want you to be aware that Edward has a mate…she's still human, thus why we're frightened of angering the Volturi. He's worried about you not sharing our diet and fears for her safety. For some reason, she smells more—well, for a lack of a better word—delectable to our kind. I just wanted you to be aware." Carlisle sighed and closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose. "And friend?" Garrett murmured in response. "Please, for the sake of the treaty with the Quileutes, don't hunt anywhere near Washington—especially Forks."

"Carlisle, of course I'll heed your wishes and consider Edward's concerns very carefully. As you well know, I have had control of my bloodlust for some time. I'm hardly a newborn, my friend. Edward's mate will be in no danger, I assure you."

"Just the same, I need you to be careful."

After the two men said goodbye and the receiver disconnected, everyone sighed in relief, looking rather pleased to have gained another member in the fight. Well, everyone except Edward, who looked rather pained. That made me curious.

What are you hiding, Edward?

Thank you for reading!

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