KARA'S POV

After two weeks of working with Xavier, I have realized Jacob was right. And yes, my pride is shattered by it and yes he has every right to say "I told you so" but I am in so far over my head I can't see light let alone a way out.

Xavier says it will be okay. That the numbers are on our side, and we're not planning to fight them. We just have to find enough gifted vampires to infiltrate their ranks with Xavier's shielding gift. If they can fool Aro's mind reading, then they can play the long game and take them down from the inside out.

If they can't, we're all going to die. Or worse.

"Three days?" Jacob repeats. The shock of the moment has not worn off and I nod. "I don't understand. Why now? What do they even want?"

"I don't know." I admit. My premonitions have faded since Dean's venom has flown through my system. It's like he said all along: I wouldn't be so strong forever. All I know is that they're coming.

"Wait. Something else doesn't make sense." he rubs his temples.

"Say it slower and see if he gets it." Xavier says. Jacob doesn't hesitate. The animosity between them has been building longer than just tonight and it's no surprise Jacob strikes him hard enough that his nose breaks with a deafening crack. Xavier stumbles back, and has murder in his eyes as he forces it back into place.

"Feel better?" He spits.

"Much." Jacob replies in a way that suggests this isn't over. But he merely glares and says, "the Volturi know things they shouldn't. If you're alive, and they didn't actually capture you like we thought, how did they know about Kara and I?"

"You think someone is leaking information to them?" Xavier asks.

"Want me to say it slower?"

"Who?" I interrupt before they can actually tear each other apart. I feel uneasy even at the thought of a traitor but it makes too much sense.

We assumed the Volturi knew about our relationship because Xavier failed. I hadn't thought about his return like that, but if the Volturi ever had him, he would be dead. In the portrait they sent, they knew us with such detail. And now, they're coming here without any prompting...like someone called them.

"It could be a spy. Someone watching from a distance without us knowing." Xavier suggests after a long moment.

"We would have caught them on our patrols." Jacob dismisses him. Then, seeing his gaze he adds, "And it can't be anyone in the pack, they wouldn't be able to hide that from the rest of us."

"And they have all phased recently? No one has left your ranks?" Xavier asks.

"No."

"Are we sure there's a...a traitor?" I ask.

"How else would the Volturi know and why would they be coming here?" Jacob asks.

"He's right." Xavier admits begrudgingly.

"It has to be one of them." Jacob adds, jerking his chin at him without even trying to hide his contempt.

"Or a human hiding in plain sight. Or the Cullens."

"It's not the Cullens. They would never work with the Volturi to betray us." I say immediately. But then, an idea sparks. "Edward could find out who has been working against us. It would be easy."

"You're sure we can trust him?" Xavier asks as if he would rather do anything else.

"I'm sure."

"The more people we bring into this plan, the more vulnerable we are." he says.

"Well, it looks like you're vulnerable enough. That's the best plan we have." Jacob says. Xavier let's out a long breath, but nods.

"Why don't you run back to your little coven and make sure no one leaves? If the spy thinks we're looking, they'll try to escape." Jacob says.

"I would advise you to make sure you are absolutely certain about your...pack." Xavier replies, curling his lip in disgust.

"I will. As soon as I pay the Cullens a visit. Unaccompanied, in my car. Alone." I reply. Xavier sizes him up and there's so much hate between them, it hurts me to watch. Finally, he turns back to me and his gaze softens. He's quiet for a long moment, but then he nods to himself.

"Stay safe, Kara."

"I will." I reply. But really, if I could take it all back, I wouldn't have gotten involved in this at all. Jacob owes me the biggest I told you so of my life, which is saying a lot. Because I know exactly what we have to do.

Xavier leaves, and I get ready for what I have to tell Jacob and for the fight that's going to ensue as soon as I say it.

"We don't have much time. We should get Edward's help, and I'll alert the pack." he says as soon as the door closes behind Xavier.

"We have to be careful about this. It's going to take tough decisions." I begin. He takes my hand before I can continue.

"From here on out, we can only trust each other. If someone is working with the Volturi, this is the most danger we've ever been in. This is all we can count on." He says, looking me directly in the eye.

"Jacob,"

"You can trust me. Maybe not to never let you down, maybe not to stay, but you know that everything I do is to protect you. That's why we have the problems we do. Because I betrayed you to keep you safe. You can always trust me for that." he says.

"I know." I whisper, and I mean it. "And you can trust me to keep you safe too."

"That isn't your job." he replies. I decide to lay all my cards on the table, right then and there.

"You have to scatter the pack."

"What are you talking about?"

"Run far and fast and don't tell me where you're going before they get here. That's how we solve this." I say.

"Absolutely not."

"If they stay here, they're all in danger. We shouldn't go to Edward, he'll know where you would plan to run off to. We shouldn't tell anyone. Just get the hell out without warning. Tonight." I say.

"Kara,"

"No. If this is all we can trust," I gesture between us. "Then this is how it has to be. In the moment, with no warning or time for a traitor to warn the Volturi."

"If we go, then you're coming with us." he says. And this is the part he's really not going to like.

"I can't. If I leave, Xavier's coven will know something is up immediately. If that's where the spy is, the Volturi will be here tomorrow. I have to be your cover."

"Then we're not going. You think I would leave you here for whatever they're planning?" he shakes his head.

"Take the girls and go. I will be fine."

"I'll stay with you. The pack will scatter and we'll stay here. Together."

"And what happens when they provoke you to phase? They'd find the entire pack." I say.

"Bella will shield me."

"Jacob, that's war. We can't involve the Cullens. And I could go back and forth with you, but this is what has to happen. It's our best chance for both of us to survive this. This is keeping me safe." I say.

"No." he shakes his head, but I can see the tears pricking in his eyes knowing I'm right. "There has to be another way. This is crazy."

"It's not forever. This will resolve in days. They can't stay here for long." I say, trying to hide my nerves at how exactly it will resolve. I look up at him, not hiding a single emotion.

"Jacob, you left to keep me safe. Let me stay here for you."

He stares at me, and a wordless understanding passes between us. The best of a bad situation. He must see the fear in my eyes because his face is in anguish.

"Close your eyes." he whispers. I do, and I can feel him step towards me. His fingertips trace down my forearm until he covers my hand with his. Guides it to his face.

Blindly, I wipe away a hot tear on his cheek and lean my face closer. He kisses me with the most meaning we've had since he's come back. I never stopped loving him, which is where half the pain came from. But now, I want him like I used to have him. Right when I can't have him. When he breaks the kiss, he presses his forehead against mine.

"Don't do anything stupid. Do whatever you have to do, but you have to hold on for me. No self-sacrifice, no heroics. Please." he says.

"I promise." I say, and mean it.

"Okay."

He kisses me again, but we don't have time for anything more. Instead, I pull him into my arms and hold him tight. He hugs me back and it's like we're going out as what we've always been first: best friends.

"I'll see you soon." he says. And it's my turn to say,

"Okay."

And then, in one of the most abrupt heartbreaks of my life, he's gone. Let the dangerous games begin.