Family of Secrets | Emmett Cullen

Chapter 35

The next morning Jackie and Emmett stood by watching Esme and Carlisle pack one car, while Edward, Bella, and Renesmee prepared for a road trip in another. No one had seen or heard from Alice or Jasper all morning.

"At least we get to go to London again," Esme said to Carlisle. "We haven't been there in a long time."

Carlisle nodded his head but didn't say anything back.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road," Jacob said tossing some things into the back of the car where him and Ness would be sitting.

Suddenly everyone turned as they saw Sam walking up the drive to the Cullen's house.

"Alice asked me to give you that," Sam said as he handed Carlisle a piece of folded paper. "She and Jasper crossed our lands to the ocean last night."

As Carlisle read the note, it was evident by his demeanor, that whatever she had to say was not good. Looking up at everyone, his face was unreadable but there was a definite sadness in his eyes.

"Carlisle?" Esme questioned with a hushed tone.

"They've left us."

"What? Why?" Jackie asked as everyone gasped in shock.

"She didn't say," Carlisle frowned.

"Can I see that?" Bella asked to which Carlisle promptly handed it over. Looking up from the note, Bella and Jackie shared a look before Bella handed it over to Jackie.

One side was just the title page to William Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. On the other side, Alice's instructions were clear-
Gather as many witnesses as you can before the snow sticks to the ground. That's when they'll come.

But the question remained, why would she and Jasper leave at the moment they were needed the most? What did they know?

As everyone headed out, Jackie and Emmett's first official stop would be in Atlanta, while Carlisle and Esme headed to the Egyptian coven. Bella had texted later that day to inform everyone that they had successfully persuaded the Denali's to testify on Renesmee's behalf. However as the days went by, Jackie was quickly becoming disheartened.

Before heading straight to Atlanta, Jackie and Emmett tracked down a few rogues around the area, but everyone they asked refused to help. It seemed no one was willing to go against the Volturi. As another vampire declined to help them, Emmett suggested they stop and rest for the night. Dejected and dissapointed, Jackie reluctantly agreed. She hoped they would have better luck once they reached the city.

Back in Forks, the Egyptian coven whom Carlisle had won over, was just arriving. Listening in on their thoughts, it became increasingly clear that it was actually Benjamin who had agreed to help while Amun was rather reluctant. Edward quickly led Benjamin out towards Renesmee so she could show them how she was born, not bitten.

Renesmee, Sofia and Maddie were all playing on the area that Emmett had created for them. When Benjamin saw the girls he immediately smiled, but the small, dark and curly headed girl caught his eye. A strange sensation washed over him, but he quickly tried to shake it off.

Edward mused as he secretly glanced at Benjamin, but he kept his thoughts to himself not wanting Benjamin to know he had heard the man's private thoughts.

"Girls," Edward called, "I want you to come here for a moment," he said. "I have someone here who wants to meet you."

The girls walked over to the two men and Benjamin immediately crouched down to their height. Renesmee reached her hand out and gently touched Benjamin's cheek. A smile grew across his face as he received the girl's visions.