3. Race

Edward's POV

Alice's words echoed in my ears and made my body move faster in hopes of catching Victoria in Texas.

She is looking for backup Edward. She wants to do away with you first, and then return for Bella. She doesn't think it's possible to get around you.

Why? Why does she want Bella so much that she would put herself in danger to get her? From our past encounter, Victoria did nothing but flee.

"Why can't my death be enough for her?" I realized instantly that I asked this question out loud. Luckily for me, even if anyone were around, no one would have heard me.

I had to get Victoria. I couldn't let her get my Bella.

Ah Bella. How I wish I didn't have to leave your side. How I wish I could see your smiling face again hinted with a blush on your soft cheeks. Your warm body pulled close to mine.

Thoughts of Bella made my chest ache. It felt empty as if my frozen heart had been snatched out as I departed. It has been less than two weeks since I told her that absurd lie to protect her. Each moment I was out of her arms felt like years. How I managed before Bella came into my life, I can't even begin to fathom. I waited my entire existence to be with Bella. Now that she's not with me, what is there to hope for?

Once Bella lives a full human's life and leaves this world, I'll be sure to follow. What a masochistic thought Edward.

Somehow, the thought of eternal nothingness was calming. Though I knew nothing of the after life, I could only hope that it would be peaceful. Anything is better than the agony I feel without Bella. As sick as it may seem, I secretly hoped the time would pass quickly to relieve the ache I felt. I could only hope that Bella wasn't suffering as bad as me.

A sudden buzzing in my pocket broke my train of thought and brought me back to my current position. Thinking of Bella, I must have slowed to a stop because I realized I hadn't moved far. I pulled the phone out of my pocket and answered the phone without looking. I knew a second phone call so soon would mean trouble.

"Edward?" I could hear Alice on the other end of the line, her voice sounded frantic. "Edward, you have to get back to Forks NOW. Victoria changed her mind. She's already on the way back to Bella. I can't see where you are. Tell me where you are!"

My breath caught in my throat after her words spilled. I knew the news wouldn't be good, but I had no idea they would be THIS bad.

"Alice? As of now, I'm in Texas. I thought that's where she was headed. It looks like she led me in yet another circle. How could I have been so foolish? Please tell me you're on the way to Forks." I heard a pause on the end of the line. It sounded like Alice was shuffling the phone around in her hands and I could hear her yelling at someone in the background.

"I'm not in Alaska Edward. I'm in South America with Jasper on a hunting expedition. We jumped on a plane as soon as I had the vision but there is still no way we can make it on time. I've seen the outcome Edward, it's not good. She realized that we were no longer with Bella. I don't know how but she knows Bella is alone. I keep getting visions of a male vampire but not sure of who it could be." It didn't take me but a second to realize that the male Vampire working with Victoria was Laurant. Upon realizing this, I heard Alice gasp into the phone. She must have seen the vision where I decided to kill both Victoria and Laurant. I pushed myself to the limit towards Forks. I had to have time; there is not other way.

"Have you called Carlisle? Or Esme? Anyone?" I realized my voice was yelling yet strained. I must have sounded like a frightened child.

"Yes. I called everyone" Alice answered quickly, "No one is around to help Edward. Everyone is on the way though as quickly as they can get there. I'm trying to keep an eye out on the future but I still see the same thing."

"What do you see Alice?" I asked her but then I realized that I didn't want to know. Sensing my hesitation upon asking, Alice kept talking without answering as if the words never left my lips.

"I even tried to get Tanya to run down to protect Bella. She made all kinds of excuses until I hung up on her. There may be a chance though Edward. I see a few breaks in time as Victoria smells the humans she is running by at a distance. She's thirsty. She is trying to hold herself together until she reaches Bella. She doesn't want to be filled before she gets there. If a human can accidentally stumble into her path, she may change her mind and hunt. I see it happening then the vision changes. It keeps happening over and over."

"Okay Alice, thank you for the call. I'm pushing as hard as possible." I closed the phone as I continued to speed towards Forks in hopes that Victoria's thirst would become too much to handle and she would hunt.

"How can you say that Edward Cullen? Just because she is coming for me, you can't wish death on an innocent person!" Bella's voice was loud and clear in my head as if she were standing right next to me. It startled me momentarily but after a few brief seconds I was running at top speed again. I knew Bella wouldn't want me to think that way but I would know first hand that the thoughts of the mind tend to work on their own. One can't help his thoughts.

Bella, if you die, I swear to follow quickly behind you, right after I take Victoria and Laurant.

Okay, here is where a little excitement comes in. I will most likely be updating everything later on but this works for now.