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Carlisle closed his phone and stared out the window, then allowed a small sigh to fall from his lips.
That wasn’t good. If they were to truly defeat the army of newborns, they needed all the help they could get and the Denali Coven was certainly their best choice for allies they could trust.
If only Laurent had been able to move past his attachment to Victoria. If only he’d been able to leave Bella alone. If only Laurent had loved Irina enough to stay solely with the Denali Coven.
Carlisle’s mind began to race. He had to think of something else, of someone else, anyone who would be willing to help them. Even one or two allies would be a huge help in evening out the numbers.
He paused as one particular name came to his mind, accompanied by the familiar face that he’d been so very fond of for centuries. Someone with ties to the Denali Coven, who had spent time as a member of Tanya’s group before.
Beatrice.
Would it really be fair to call upon her now, when they’d spoken so little over the years? When their last proper conversation had taken place before he came to America, and they’d only seen one another in passing since then?
“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to try,” Edward spoke calmly from his position on the couch, though Carlisle didn’t turn to see him.
“Try what?” Even without seeing her, Carlisle could imagine the look of confusion on Bella’s face.
“Since Tanya and her family aren’t willing to help us, Carlisle is considering calling up someone else. An… old friend of his, you could say.”
That was certainly one way to put it. Carlisle appreciated the way that Edward spoke of their histories to Bella, always telling her enough to give her context but never saying anything that would feel as though he was overstepping.
“Carlisle, we could use all the help we can get. Bella’s safety is the top priority,” Edward continued. “There’s no harm in simply calling her, is there?”
After another moment, Carlisle shook his head and finally turned around, offering both Edward and Bella a smile, though his gaze lingered on his son longer. “No, I suppose there’s not.”
Edward was right, Carlisle knew that. There were many things at the moment that were much more important than any awkwardness that could possibly linger between him and Beatrice.
Opening his phone once more, Carlisle punched the numbers into the keypad. He’d typed them before, a few times, but he’d never gone through with the call.
The line rang three times and then she answered.
“Hello?”
Beatrice’s voice was as pleasant as ever, light and charming, if not a bit confused.
“Beatrice, it’s—“
“Carlisle?” Though his name had come from her as a question, it wasn’t filled with doubt as to who he was. It seemed as though she was merely surprised that he had reached out. At least, that was how he interpreted it.
Still, the way she had recognized him so quickly made Carlisle smile a bit. Of course she had. Their memory never allowed them to forget anything, for better or for worse…
It was so much easier for Carlisle to pretend he didn’t miss Beatrice terribly whenever he didn’t have to speak to her or see her.
“I apologize for calling so suddenly. Tanya gave me your number,” The fact that it had been quite a while since she’d shared that information with him was irrelevant. “I hope that you’ll forgive me for getting straight to the point, as much as I would enjoy catching up with you.”
The other line remained quiet, though Carlisle could still hear the faint sound of Beatrice’s breathing that proved she was still there.
“My family and I, we’re in need of a bit of help. Someone has been creating an army of newborns in Seattle, which as I’m sure you know, is quite close to our home in Forks. If that was not enough of an issue, there is also a woman, one of our kind, by the name of Victoria. She is… rather devoted to killing my son Edward’s mate, Bella.”
Carlisle could hear Edward shift from the couch, no doubt pulling Bella just a bit closer.
Beatrice was quiet for another moment.
“How many newborns?”
“Currently, there are 23, but their numbers have been ever changing. By the time we face them, we expect there will be less than 20.”
“I’d heard about Seattle, but I never… Why have the Volturi not stepped in?”
“Truthfully, that’s another reason we would like to handle this on our own. Recently, we’ve had… a bit of trouble with the Volturi, you could say. A misunderstanding that led to a promise that Bella would become one of us sooner rather than later. A promise that has not yet been fulfilled.”
Another moment passed and then a soft laugh came from the other line.
“Leave it to one of your sons to fall in love with a human. I’m surprised that I’m surprised at all.”
Carlisle’s smile widened.
“Can we count on your assistance, Beatrice?”
“Forks, Washington?”
“That’s correct,” Carlisle nodded, though she couldn’t see him.
“I will be there in two days.”
Without another word, Beatrice ended the call. Carlisle kept the phone pressed to his ear for a few seconds longer before closing it and holding it at his side.
“Thank you, Carlisle,” Edward spoke, his voice full of gratitude. “I know that wasn’t easy for you.”
Carlisle turned to once again smile at both Edward and Bella, a much more genuine expression than before despite the many thoughts racing through his mind at the moment. His feet began leading him upstairs, to where he knew Esme had gone. Their upcoming conversation was a necessary one, though not one Carlisle looked forward to.
Although he could still easily hear his thoughts, Edward did not comment on Carlisle’s next objective, though Carlisle knew Edward likely found it foolish. Which, honestly, was probably the proper assessment.
After all, his Esme was much too sweet for her own good.