A second chance

Chapter 12

They got back, still arguing over who won, only to find the Cullens in quiet, somber, discussion.

They all looked over when Bella and Edward walked in. Carlisle stood up."There were 3 dead humans. It was a vampire attack, you could see the bite marks."

"What?" Bella gasped.

Edward froze. "Are you sure?"

He nodded. "We've already called up anyone who would have visited."

"It wouldn't be our friends," Jasper frowned. "They know not to hunt here."

Everyone turned to Alice. Jasper put his arm on her shoulder. "I haven't seen anything," she said.

"That's really odd," Jasper commented.

"Uhm, guys," Bella began. "What the heck is that disgusting smell?"

Everyone spun round to the door.

"Oh no.." Alice squeaked. "The wolves!"

"Maybe they had something to do with it?" Emmett suggested. "That's why you can't see."

"I don't think that's the case," Carlisle said. "But, now they think that we've done it."

Everyone stood up, including Bella, but Edward shook his head. "Bella, it's probably best if you stay back. They might think we turned you, newly, if and when everything goes well, we'll explain about you."

She nodded.

They all walked out slowly. Bella could hear them perfectly, but she couldn't see them. She stayed out of sight, staying in the living room.

"Greetings, wolves," Carlisle smiled.

The black wolf snarled. There were 8 of them. 1 number up, or so they thought..

"We have seen what has happened in the forest, do not pretend," Edward translated.

"That was not us, we assure you," Carlisle said. "Some of us were out hunting and smelled the human blood. We went to investigate and found 3 dead humans. We do not deny it was a vampire attack, but we had nothing to do with it."

The wolves started to make noises and look at one another.

"How can you be sure it was not the other bloodsuckers that you know. We are aware that many visit you, every so often," Edward translated again.

"Our friends know never to hunt in the area. Even so, we have called any one who would have visited, but they are not even in the country."

A brown wolf growled as well.

"How can we trust you," Edward said.

The black wolf shot the brown one a warning glare.

("We know you have never violated the treaty, nor should you have reason to now," "We know you have never violated the treaty, and we see no reason you should have to do so now," Edward spoke. "However-"

One of the wolves began sniffing. So did the others. The brown wolf's eyes widened again.

"No, no, we promise!" Edward said immediately. "It's a rather long story, but we would be happy to explain it. She doesn't drink human blood, either."

The others seemed to cotton on.

"We would very much appreciate it If you could come in your human forms," Carlisle encouraged. "So that we can speak freely."

All of the wolves turned to look at Sam. He nodded and they all ran back into the woods briefly. They were all back very soon, wearing clothes they must have left in the clearing.