Ch. 2

"Bella," he said softly turning to face me. It almost look as though tears were rolling down his perfect cheeks. If he could cry he would be right now. And that fact alone made my heart lurch.

"Bella," he said again, his eyes full of anguish.

"What Edward? What?," I asked, worried. I could hear my accelerated heartbeat…it scared me.

"Its Alice, Oh Bella she…" he cut off there.

"She what, Edward? Please…just tell me," I stepped toward him.

"She has a vision. Its-Its Victoria she's…back," he said, hissing as he got to her name. I had never seen him so lost for words.

The next thing I remember hearing was Edward's loud growl once again. Then he swept me up and ran. He ran faster than he ever had before, dodging in and out of the dark forest, avoiding every tree that came in our way.

I realized how hard I had been gripping his shoulders once he put me down. It hurt to bend my fingers. Looking around, I realized we were in the Cullen's house. My heart began to settle, this was what I identified as safe.

"Alice?" I said quietly trying not to let anyone else hear me. Of course they all heard. They have amazing hearing. Although they acted like they didn't.

"Yes Bella?" she said now facing me, a worried look on her face.

"What exactly did you see. Please tell me everything. I can tell when you dont, so please, please tell me everything."

"Well," she said looking down at her tangled fingers. "Victoria, she was…uh…in the woods by your house and she seemed to be chanting your name. I got worried and told Edward…"

I shuddered at the mental image of that. I tried hiding it from Edward so that I didn't alarm him. It didn't work. He seen me and pulled me close to him putting his arm around me. I gladly leaned in, resting my head on his chest.

"I won't let her take you, Bella…I wont lose you again, I promise…" His lips met my hair softly, and my heart lurched again at his touch.

Suddenly Alice froze up, right where she was.

"What is it, Alice?" Esme asked, placing her hand on Alice's shoulder.

"Victoria…is on her way over here. She found out that Bella isn't at her house. She is coming here to get her. But there is something different about her. I don't quite know what yet. Its hard to tell," she said letting her head fall into her hands.

"Then we will stop her." Emmett said, standing to come to my side. He touched my shoulder carefully, and I forced a smile. It didn't really fool anyone.

"Don't be so sure of yourselves," Carlisle said, "She is stronger than you think. Than any of us think, remember, she surprised us last time. Let's not make the same mistake twice."

"Its seven against one. I think we can handle her." Jasper said also coming to my side. He, like Emmett, touched my shoulder. Difference being, Emmett always was near me, Jasper wasn't. That fact touched me, and I smiled at him.

With that, an air like presence came upon the Cullen house. All seven of they rose at once, taking fierce positions around me. I was trapped within a circle of vampires, yet I fear one in particular, one who would hopefully not get close to me. Hysterical with nerves, I fought the urge to laugh.

"Are you ready for this?" Carlisle asked looking mainly toward Edward. Edward nodded, straightening up a little. The door burst open with great force.

"Just don't get yourself killed for me." I received no reply.

I gasped. This wasn't what I was expecting. I don't think any of us were.