Chapter 4

EPOV

I stood absolutely still and watched as Bella ran away, my heart sinking lower in my chest with every step she took. I called after her once, but she didn't turn, didn't even glance in my direction as she ran through the woods. I glanced down at the ground where she had stood moments before and frowned. She had left her keys.

Alice, of course, was waiting for me in the parking lot when I returned, a scowl playing across her thin face as she leaned against the hood of a sapphire blue Lexus.

That didn't go well, she noted sourly.

"Shut up, Alice," I grumbled under my breath. "That's not your car, by the way."

"I know, its Bella's," she said dismissively. "Why on earth didn't you go after her?"

I was asking myself the exact same thing.

"I don't know," I admitted. "It seemed like she… needed some time alone."

"Well, she's going to get some time alone," Alice muttered. "Her future just disappeared; I can't see a thing."

I felt my breath catch and felt Jasper give me a sharp look from his place by my Volvo. No, I couldn't lose Bella again. Not now, not after I had found her again.

"Is she alright?" I demanded, feeling frantic.

Alice glared at me.

"How am I supposed to tell if I can't see her future?" she demanded. "I'm sure she's fine, though," she added hastily when she saw my expression. "I didn't see anything attack her, I just saw her running through the woods and-." Alice broke off suddenly, going through the vision in her mind. She frowned.

Do you think she knows about the wolves? She asked.

I frowned.

"I don't know," I admitted. "Why?"

She was running towards the reservation before she disappeared, she said quietly.

Jasper flitted quickly to my side, his expression anxious.

"Edward?" he asked quietly. "Are you okay? You're emotions are going all over the place."

I shook my head, feeling the panic set in.

"Tell Emmett he can't drive," I said curtly, tossing the keys over my shoulder. Jasper caught them easily, still slightly concerned. Alice pushed away from Bella's car, her hand held out expectantly.

"I'll take Bella's keys," she said cheerfully. "I'll follow Jazz and leave it at our house."

"That's called grand theft auto, Alice," Rosalie sighed, looking only slightly annoyed by the prospect.

"It's not stealing if you're intending on returning it," Alice argued, her lower lip set out in a pout. "Besides, if her car is at our house then she has to come and visit."

I turned and ran away before I could hear more of my sister's slightly twisted logic. I paused for a moment when I reached the place where Bella and I had stood just minutes before, my nostrils flared as I tried to catch her scent. Just as Alice had predicted, it lead straight to La Push. I ran after her, feeling my unease grow with every second as I drew closer to the reservation. The wolves wouldn't hurt Bella unless she stepped over the boundary line… right? Surely she wouldn't get that close to the line without seeing the danger that La Push held; the wolves were usually on patrols around the border this time of day.

I was so distracted by my fears for Bella's safety that I almost ran into her as she was running away from the reservation. Almost.

"Edward?" she said with surprise, her gold eyes widening as I skidded to a halt in front of her. "What are you-?"

I didn't give her a chance to finish. I reached out and pulled her into my arms again, my muscles shaking with relief that she was safe.

"Bella," I sighed, pulling away briefly to look her over with sharp eyes. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, looking slightly confused. My eyes raked over her, making sure that there were no signs that she had been in a fight. I didn't see any teeth or claw marks…

"What were you thinking?" I demanded.

"Um, what do you mean?" she asked slowly, clearly wondering if I was insane- which I probably was, at the moment.

"You know what I mean," I said impatiently. "Alice saw your future disappear and we thought… Why on earth would you go to La Push?"

"I wanted to talk to some friends," she replied defensively.

I stared at her for a few moments, watching her brow furrow in a frown.

"You have friends in La Push?" I asked incredulously.

"Yes."

"You know- you know what they are, don't you?"

She nodded, seeming slightly annoyed.

"Yes," she said. "I know most of the wolf pack, although only Jake, Seth, Quill and Embry seem to really like me."

I stared at her for a moment in surprise before shrugging and hugging her once more.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled against my shoulder. "I didn't mean to worry you."

I chuckled quietly and pulled away from her. Even after 92 years, she was still the same old Bella.

"Come on," I said suddenly. "Alice wants you to meet the rest of our family."

Bella frowned, and even though I couldn't read her thoughts I could see that she was seriously considering running. The knowledge hurt me more than it should.

"I-I'm sorry, but I really need to go and get my car," she muttered shamefacedly.

I nodded and smiled, suddenly loving my sister even more than I already did.

"Alice thought that you would say that," I told her as seriously as I could. "Your car is at our house."

Bella stiffened and I saw another flash of fear in her eyes. The fear faded slightly and she sighed in defeat.

"Alright, then," she muttered. "Where is your house?"

I grinned and took her hand, feeling a small jolt go through me at the contact.

Thank you, Alice, I thought gratefully.

Somewhere far away, I heard her laughing.

You're welcome, Edward, she sang in her head.

My smile widened and I quickened my pace, making sure that Bella's hand was still firmly in mine.

We were going home.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight (oh, how I wish); all of the credit belongs to Stephanie Meyer! Thanks to all of the people who have read and/or reviewed! You guys rock!