Darkness Begets Dusk

My...Dad. He sent me this missive straight from Italy. I was trembling as I read it.

               To my son, Maxwell.

               Forgive me for my indifference.

               The taste of blood has filled my soul.

               The world we live in has changed me.

               Has changed you, my child.

               I loved your mother, despite her lies.

               I'm sorry about Janey. She loved you when I wasn't there emotionally.

               I failed you long ago. That's something I won't forgive myself for.

               I miss you. But I can't fit into the old life anymore.

               Before this life, you were my world, and you still are.

               Aro has allowed me to message you as a welcome.

               He swore to me that he wouldn't hurt you.

               But he didn't say the same about Jacob and the Wolves.

               I wish to see you again.

               Be well my child if we never see each other again.

               Love, your Father

I...I cannot believe this at all. "He wants to see me again", I said in a whisper. Jacob read it alongside me. Jared said, "You had a right to see this letter. Sam wouldn't have let us give it to you". Jake hadn't said anything yet. I think he was processing everything. Embry replied, "We still love you Maxwell...and you too Jacob. It's just....", his voice got smaller and smaller. I said, "He's your Alpha. I...understand". Jared said, "We won't trouble you further. Stay safe Max. You too Jacob".

Jake said before they left, "Thank you both" in a sad tone. The two nodded and walked away. It broke my heart seeing them get on their motorcycles and ride off. I began to cry, and Jacob pulled me into his arms. "I'm so sorry M". I just cried and cried, until I calmed down. I said, "I...I want to see him". Jacob was shocked, "No! No Max, it's not safe!". I said, "We're never safe Jake".

Jacob looked at me and said, "When you were taken, It...tore me apart. Not knowing if you were even alive. I hoped, I prayed that your heart was still beating". His eyes welled with tears. "I'll protect you until the day I die. I know you love your father, but I need you to look at this logically rather than emotionally. If I lost you to the Volturi...I...c-can't".

Seeing Jacob so vulnerable with his feelings is so poignant and yes, I feared death. I feared his death as well. Despite my father being a Volturi now, I know deep down he's still my dad. I understand Jacob's fears and I have my own fears as well. Did he even write the letter? Is Aro using my father as leverage to do his bidding? Do they want me to be another blood mage for their arsenal? So many questions rushing through my mind, I was starting to get a headache.

I touched the side of Jacob's face, he melted into my hand. "I love you Jacob". He said breathlessly, "I love you too Maxwell". We kissed and I felt his breath slow down to a calmer pace. He said, "Let's head back. I'll drop you off at Bella's".

I nodded and we both headed back to her house. Bella got the door, and I turned back to Jacob. "Don't worry Jacob. I'm...I'm okay". He looked at me with a sad smile. I gave him a soft kiss. I said, "Goodnight Jacob". Jake replied, "Goodnight, M. Bella make sure he sleeps, please?". She nodded with concern, as she looked to me and then to Jacob. Then he headed off on his motorcycle and went home. Charlie was knocked out on the couch. Me and Bella softly tip-toed up the stairs and headed to her room.