Always and Forever

Betrayal:

~Carlisle's Point of view~

Esme and I wake before dawn as I have a meeting with the Quileutes tribe before I head into work today. I hope I can try and reconcile the tragedy that occurred yesterday. It was incredibly reckless of us not to inform the newcomers of the treaty. Perhaps that can be our failsafe. The wolves were hard to reason with yesterday as the scar was fresh. It was an honest mistake between newcomers. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Esme places her hand gently on my cheek as she gives me a worried look. "It's best if I go alone I think." I couldn't imagine putting Esme in any kind of harm. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to bring Jasper along just in case. I ponder over my options once more before deciding to go alone. Any kind of manipulation or interpretation of a threat or a coming fight will turn things sour before I even get the chance. Jasper being able to control emotions will subside the tension but will pose problems for later I assume.

"Well, maybe take one of the boys with you?" She suggests in a worried questioning tone. I know bringing one of the boys will give her peace of mind. "Edward is finally enjoying his time after Bella, let's not intrude on it too much, and if I bring Emmett it would look like I'm ready for a fight. We should settle this without one. Where everyone can keep their families. "And Jas?" She asks, prepared for an excuse for that as well. Of course I can't bring Jasper, they'd feel the mood control a mile away. I can't risk one of their own being killed, me defending that person, and then persuading their answer unfairly. Integrity is the only thing a man has. I will forever hold onto that."I'll call you from work." I kiss her farewell on the top of her head before leaving.

"How are we supposed to forgive him after he killed one of our own? A child, what if we killed one of your sons?" Sam speaks for the whole pack as they all surround behind him. "You see Laylani over there? That was her son, and he took being a mother away from her." I nod understandingly, trying to keep things neutral. A mother losing a child is the greatest burden a human can encounter."I understand your pain, but they're visitors they didn't know about the treaty." What I want to mention is how the wolves attacked first, but it would be insensitive considering one of theirs died. "They're your guests, it was your responsibility to inform them of the rules. We have been very lenient with your family since last year. Considering we turned the other cheek with things like Bella, James, Victoria..must I go on?" It's clear there's no way to fix things. "Just give us the boy." He shrugs nonchalantly. "It was his mistake, and an eye for an eye will go a long way with us." I laugh, but soon stop as he seems to be serious. "I'm not going to okay you on killing someone who had no idea what he was doing." This time Sam laughs. "He ripped his spine out with his cold hands like he was nothing! If you can't give us what we want then we'll figure it out ourselves. Get off our property." He's not negotiating anymore. I sigh and take my leave before things get worse. I call Esme as promised and fill her in on virtually nothing.

~Elijah's Point of View~

I wake up Cassandra still in my arms, and thoughts of last night spring back up. If I had known he was only a kid, I wouldn't have done it. I slide from underneath her and make my way downstairs. This is exactly why I try not to let myself be consumed with empathy and the backstory of those lives I have taken. I should let it be as simple as protecting my family. The truth always leaks out though. I'm no Niklaus, and I have a heart despite my stoic demeanor. There has to be a way to make up with them, if they're civil enough to have a treaty. The Cullens shouldn't have to pay for my mistake simply because of something I did, and they had no involvement in. "So, nothing worked?" I stop at the edge of the stairs as I listen to Esme speak on the phone with Carlisle. I listen intensively as Esme begins to worry over the incident. I have to mend things. We come to an agreement or it has to be my way. I hate my brother for many things, but he is right on occasion on getting people to submit and let you rule them. It should be a last resort however.