(Thomas POV)
We walked into the house and stood in the front room, which would be the dance floor for the night. All the furniture had been moved to another room, making it appear larger than it was. When we walked in, Jasper and Alice were discussing music choices, while Esme was putting out food in a buffet style on tables that ran along the wall.
Edward called out for everyone in the house, and in moments Carlisle, Rosalie, and Emmett joined us.
"Bella came up with a theory that makes too much sense not to discuss." He took a deep breath, "She believes that this newborn army has been raised to attack us, or more specifically, her. That is why the strange vampire was in her room, collecting a scent sample to give them."
Rosalie rolled her eyes, "Naturally, everything is about her." She said sarcastically.
Edward pushed on, "Think about it, I tracked Victoria to Texas, where the idea for newborn armies was first thought of." He glanced at Jasper here, who was nodding his head.
Rosalie countered, "But you also thought she was in Denver at the same time."
Irritation rising in his voice, "If not to battle us, why make a newborn army so close, Rose?"
She smirked, "I didn't say they weren't coming for us, just that… She wasn't the center of it."
Alice spoke up, "It would explain some things. I keep getting quick flashes, and then nothing, like someone hasn't made up their mind yet. And if it's someone I don't know to watch, then until they decide to come for us, I won't know anything. I am watching specifically for Victoria, and she isn't making any decisions since her failed attempt last time."
Leah was standing very close to me, her posture was fidgety and unsure. Being around this many vampires must have her on edge. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her in closer to my side.
The conversation was interrupted by the sound of a car arriving, the excited teen voices announced that it was the first of the expected party invitees.
Carlisle spoke quickly, "We can discuss this more later. Plan accordingly. Nothing is happening tonight, so let's enjoy this party."
He then took Esme's hand, and they went to open the door for the graduates and show themselves to the parents. Ready to assure them that everything will stay under control, so they won't worry about their kids tonight.
Edythe turned to Leah and me, "Let's go up to my old room. Alice has some party clothes set out for us to change into."
Leah glanced at herself, "What's wrong with what I have on?"
Edythe took her hand, and we all started up the stairs. "Nothing, Alice just has rules about friends being seen in the same clothes multiple times by people."
I shook my head, "It's something I am just getting used to, Leah. By starting a relationship with Edythe, Alice decided I was her new dress-up doll, and now it appears you have joined me. I can't even tell you to run for it, by now Alice has at least one closet full of clothes here for you."
Edythe laughed, "Not just here, I put money on a whole new wardrobe at our house too, love."
Leah just looked stunned, her mouth opening and closing with no sound coming out.
Hours later and more than a few drinks to get Leah to relax, Edythe and I were on the dance floor when I noticed Alice and Bella coming downstairs, only for Alice to pause. Her eyes lost focus, and her smile disappeared mid-conversation.
Then she shook herself and looked around before Bella started talking to her. Alice said something to Bella that made her walk to the door and open it, only to reveal Jacob, along with Embry and Quil Jr.
Seeing where I was looking, Edythe looked over and tensed. Immediately, we made our way to the entry, joined by Leah, who looked dangerously good in her yellow sundress.
By the time we got there, Jacob was wrapping a bracelet around Bella's wrist. It had what looked like a wooden wolf carving attached to it. It pulled at a memory, but I didn't focus on it right then.
When Bella noticed us, she spoke in a low tone, "Alice had a vision, we were talking about the newborns. She went looking for Carlisle."
I looked around the house and saw Carlisle and Alice talking, but before I could head that way, Edythe spoke.
"Carlisle says not to alarm anyone; it's nothing immediate. We can talk about it in a group after the party."
Embry looked shocked, "You can hear him from all the way over there?"
Edythe smiled, "No, I am reading his mind." She kept her voice low, so only the group could hear her
Embry's mouth fell open.
"Wow, Leah. You look really good." Quil interrupted after realizing who was standing with us.
"Don't make me kill you, Quil. Your grandpa would hound me for days." Leah shot back.
He smiled, "What… I was paying you a compliment. I don't think I have ever seen you in a dress besides ceremonial ones."
Jacob caught my eye and then turned to Bella, "What's going on, Bella?"
She looked panicked, trying not to look Jacob in the eye.
I sighed, "Bella. Tell him, he deserves to know."
Bella took a deep breath. "Fine, come with me, Jake." Before leading him off to a quieter room. I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and smiled, wondering if Bella knew she had just picked up a vampiric tail.
"What about us? Do we just stand here like statues until they are done talking?" Quil asked.
I smiled, "Well, there are some pretty desperate girls here celebrating their graduation. If you need me to explain more, you have issues. Just be respectful to everyone in this house and watch what you say. Remember, you are representing more than just yourselves here."
Both boys smiled, but Embry was the first to speak. "Sure thing, but first, there is some amazing-smelling grub coming from somewhere."
I laughed and watched the two wolves disappear into the crowd.
"Let's go talk to Carlisle," I said before moving his way.
Leah stayed to my right, while Edythe moved to my other side. I didn't realize I was moving too fast until I saw Carlisle hold his hand up. He didn't gesture for me to stop, just to calm down.
When we joined Alice and Carlisle, Alice had her face scrunched up like she was searching for something in her memory. But for her, I guess it was the look she had while searching future paths.
She blinked and then focused on us after a moment, "The decision has been made, they are coming. Two days, maybe three. I saw them passing Bella's shirt around."
I was quick to ask, "Was it Victoria?"
She shook her head, "I don't see her. Just a group of between twenty and thirty newborns. The leader is someone I have never seen before. Somehow, he is keeping them together, but it's slow going to get them to move together; they are quick to fight each other."
She paused, "There is something more, though… I don't get it. I see another group… smaller but still newborn. They are with the other group, but not." She had a very frustrated look on her face.
"Carlisle spoke, his voice calming Alice down. "We have time still, don't push yourself."
Knowing that she wouldn't relax with me hovering over her, I turned to Leah and Edythe. "Ideas?"
Leah spoke first, "Sam and the pack. With thirty vampires coming to town looking for a fight, he has to know about it."
Edythe nodded, "Yeah, he should make sure the borders are watched. But with that number… I don't think the pack can hold them back on their own."
Leah frowned, "He will not let them come onto our land, even if it means dying to stop them."
"Let's not go there yet. We don't know for sure they will come close to Quileute land." I offered.
At that point, Jacob found us with a frightened-looking Bella in tow. "I want in. They are coming for Bella, then I fight."
Edward appeared by Bella's side just as she cut Jacob off, "Jake…No. This isn't your fight."
Jacob looked back at her, first her eyes and then her wrist where he had tied the bracelet he had given her. "Yes…It is."
That's when my memory kicked in, the bracelet was a present the Quileute boys gave a girl they were interested in. Something like a pre-engagement gift. Yet another thing Jacob isn't telling Bella, I'm going to have to let her know. Or stay out of it and let Edward handle it. Yeah, that's a better option.
Leah focused on Jacob, "You know that's a decision for Sam to make. We stay and hear everything, and then we take the information to him. He is the Alpha, unless you are finally going to accept that role."
Jacob looked like Leah had just smacked him, "What? No… I am no leader. Sam was first to change."
Bella looked at us, nearly in tears, "No, the pack can't be in danger because of me. I won't put more people between Victoria and me just for her to kill them to get to me."
I snorted, "Rosalie may just be right this time. Not everything is about you, Bella. You may be the center of Edward's world, but the rest of us have a stake in this as well. I killed Jessie, so Victoria is coming for me just as much as you. To the Cullens, you are family, and they will protect their own with their lives, no matter who it is. You would do the same. The pack are hunters by nature; they would be offended if we didn't invite them."
"Besides," I gestured around us, "We have a collection of the strongest vampires alive here. Just being forewarned is a huge advantage. Now, let's finish this party so we can plan for the fight to come."