A/N: Yikes, this one was tough. Thanks for being patient while I changed my mind about a dozen times how I wanted to approach it. Turns out pissed off, overprotective Edward isn't nearly as easy to write as sappy, gushing, grinning like an idiot Edward. I appreciate your all your reviews so much, please keep them coming! Our Edward needs some love after this chapter... :)
"The Hunt – EPOV"
My jaw was clenched tightly and it was a struggle to keep from reaching out to hold onto Bella. Everything in me wanted to wrap my arms around her, protect her, shelter her from whatever was coming. But I knew better. And even if I didn't, Carlisle's racing thoughts reminded me of the necessity of acting normal as he silently repeated one thing and one thing only.
She needs to blend in...we can't draw attention to her.
As the three nomads stepped out of the forest and into the clearing, my family and I instinctively huddled closer together. We formed a sort of arrowhead in the grass with Carlisle at the point, our leader as always, and Emmett and Jasper who were all too ready to attack on either side of him. Rosalie and Esme were behind Emmett, Alice and I behind Jasper, both carefully trying to block Bella's scent from the approaching predators.
Mirroring our shape, one of the males walked out in front, the woman and other male on either side of him a few steps back. I listened carefully, trying to pick out any shift in their thoughts, anything that would indicate they knew they were in the presence of a human. Knowing that Emmett and Jasper were ready to fight, and that the others would join in to protect us, I planned my escape should it be necessary. As difficult as it would be to flee knowing my family was fighting for us, I wouldn't hesitate for one second to run Bella to safety if any of the nomads thought of harming her.
There certainly are a lot of them, the male in front thought.
What odd creatures, standing around playing games like a happy little family, the woman mused, obviously irritated.
So many perfectly delicious dining options wandering around this ridiculous town and they're feeding on what...squirrels? The second of the males was eying us sarcastically, and I fought back the growl that was building in my throat. I thought of how hard Carlisle worked to preserve human life, and it enraged me to hear it disregarded so callously. I was grateful it was only I who had to endure it. I hoped that our brief encounter would satisfy their curiosity and when it was over they would leave immediately. It made me cringe to think of them feeding in our home territory.
Carlisle took a few tentative steps toward the group, Emmett and Jasper right at his heels. I could see the effort it was taking them to keep their posture calm and relaxed. As they moved, the wind blew gently and I felt my hands ball into fists as I waited for the nomads to react. Thankfully, Bella's scent was blown in the opposite direction, and I relaxed as the first male moved toward Carlisle, no indication he sensed anything was wrong.
"We thought we heard a game," he said casually, smiling. "I'm Laurent, these are Victoria and James," he added, motioning to his companions.
"I'm Carlisle. This is my family, Emmett and Jasper, Rosalie, Esme and Alice, Edward and Bella." Everything is fine, Edward, he added, as if sensing the panic that shot through me when he said her name. Blending in, I reminded myself. Just part of the family.
I watched as Victoria and James glanced at each of us cautiously, though their thoughts assured me they were merely confused by what they were seeing. They couldn't understand the choices we made, not only in our feeding habits but also by how many were in our family.
How does such a large group remain unnoticed? Victoria thought as her eyes continued to take us in. James cocked his head toward me and I again struggled to keep my frame relaxed. Had he picked up on the intensity of my stare? Jasper glanced toward us, feeling how difficult it was becoming for me to keep my composure. I felt a gentle wave of serenity flow around us, though it did little to calm me.
Keep it together, Edward. I can only do so much.
"Do you have room for a few more players?" Laurent asked.
"Actually, we were just finishing up. But we'd certainly be interested another time. Are you planning to stay in the area for long?" Carlisle asked and I felt my breath catch.
"We're headed north, in fact, but we were curious to see who was in the neighborhood. We haven't run into any company in a long time."
I could feel the rest of my family exhale in relief and Carlisle continued in his friendly tone.
"No, this region is usually empty except for us and the occasional visitor, like yourselves."
"What's your hunting range?"
If you can even call it that... James and Victoria thought sarcastically in unison.
"The Olympic Range here, up and down the Coast Ranges on occasion. We keep a permanent residence nearby. There's another permanent settlement like ours up near Denali."
We all saw Laurent take a small step back as if he were in shock, but only I heard the rush of nearly incoherent thoughts that played through his mind. Carlisle was trying to make sense of his reaction.
He doesn't believe the stories, does he? He wonders if maybe we're really just like the rest of them, and just claiming this territory for ourselves? he asked me silently. Having heard traces of disbelief in Laurent's mind amidst his genuine curiosity, I nodded almost invisibly to Carlisle.
"Permanent?" Laurent finally asked. "How do you manage that?"
"Why don't you come back to our home with us and we can talk comfortably? It's a rather long story."
Carlisle's intention was twofold. First and most importantly, he was providing Bella and I the escape we needed. Second, he truly wanted these vampires who were everything he wasn't to understand that there was another way to live. He needed them to see that human bloodshed was not the only option, even if he had almost no hope of changing their ways.
James and Victoria looked at each other as they each contemplated whether they actually wanted to venture into our large family's home. It all seemed so foreign to them. Laurent was clearly pleased by the invitation and smiled warmly at us.
"That sounds very interesting, and welcome. We've been on the hunt all the way down from Ontario, and we haven't had the chance to clean up in a while." Their lifestyle does appear considerably more hygienic, he thought, taking in our cleanliness. Even after an afternoon playing baseball, we were nothing compared to the filthy, disheveled creatures who stood before us, remnants of traveling and feeding apparent on every soiled inch of them.
"Please don't take offense, but we'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from hunting in this immediate area. We have to stay inconspicuous, you understand," Carlisle added gently.
"Of course. We certainly won't encroach on your territory. We just ate outside of Seattle, anyway," he laughed, nonchalant as the rest of us fought the wave of disgust running through us.
I could hear Bella's heart speed up and I wished with everything in me she'd never had to hear about the atrocities that were all too common among the worst of our kind. The only satisfaction I could gain from this meeting was my own knowledge that standing between the nomads and Bella, I felt more human than vampire.
"We'll show you the way if you'd like to run with us – Emmett and Alice, you can go with Edward and Bella to get the Jeep," he said casually. I felt Bella's breathing steady as she realized the encounter was coming to a close. Soon I would have her safely in her bed, my arms around her, singing her to sleep. I might never stop singing for fear that this nightmare would take hold of her and cause her more pain.
As the group started to disperse and my fears slowly dissipated, I began to loath myself for having allowed Bella to be exposed to such danger. It was almost as painful as when I'd been afraid I was capable of hurting her, though this time I felt at least somewhat absolved. I'd been allowed to be her protector, as I'd sworn to be for the rest of time, and I felt some relief at having been able to uphold my promise.
Just as Carlisle's final words before our departure rang through the air, the breeze picked up again. I barely had time to notice that the winds had changed and they were now blowing Bella's scent right towards the nomads, when Jame's head snapped toward us. My body tensed, ready to leap on him if he took just one step toward her.
Human! His every thought was consumed with her as he crouched and readied himself to attack. Warm, blood pulsing, so frail...
I lowered myself to meet his stance, lips curled back over my teeth, growling ferociously in an attempt to make him back down. He was not only outnumbered but outmatched. I felt stronger and more powerful than I thought possible, driven by the most intense desire I'd ever felt. It raged through me, fierce and all consuming. Protect Bella. She's all that matters, today and forever. No harm will ever come to her.
"What's this?" I faintly heard Laurent ask, though I diverted none of my attention to him. I was busy carefully matching Jame's every movement as he tried to shift to one side. I didn't even want that savage looking at my Bella.
"She's with us," Carlisle said sternly. Edward, don't move unless he attacks.
"You brought a snack?" Laurent asked, suddenly catching Bella's scent and moving unthinkingly toward us. I let another deafening snarl escape and Laurent staggered backward.
Jame's thoughts, which had been focused solely on the kill, finally settled into something that sounded almost like amusement.
A little protective of our food, are we?
I fought the urge to respond, telling myself that the last thing we needed was for Jame to inadvertently learn of my ability to read his mind.
"I said she's with us," Carlisle repeated firmly.
"But she's human," Laurent said, utterly stunned. Amazing. They really are what they say they are.
"Yes," he said simply as Emmett moved into place beside him, cautioning James with his eyes. James stood back up, but I stayed crouched and ready to lunge. Bella's ragged breathing was agonizing and I tried to block out the frantic panic of her heart. I had to stay focused. Everything in me wanted to grab her and run, but I had no way of knowing how fast or strong James was. All I could feel was his determination, and that was enough to keep me frozen in place. His eyes were locked on Bella, nostrils flared and a sadistic smiled was tugging at his mouth.
Well this should be interesting. A whole family of vampires protecting one pathetic little human. One of whom seems rather attached to her.
I was faintly aware of the fact that Laurent and Carlisle were still speaking. Their voices still sounded unusually calm considering what was taking place around them.
"It appears we have a lot to learn about each other," Laurent said smoothly.
"Indeed."
"But we'd like to accept your invitation."
For one second, his words broke both Jame's and my focus. I saw Laurent glance toward Bella out of the corner of his eye before adding, "And, of course, we will not harm the human girl. We won't hunt in your range, as I said."
Sorry. All bets off, James thought as he turned to glare at Laurent. His eyes flickered next to Victoria as he thought, Just you and me, babe, in what was a strangely melancholy tone. She seemed to understand what his gaze was telling her and I had no doubt she would comply. Interesting how one difference of opinion was all it took to disband their small group.
"We'll show you the way," Carlisle said, still addressing Laurent, though I was beginning to understand that the power of the trio lied with James. "Jasper, Rosalie, Esme?"
My family quickly formed a tight circle, protecting Bella from view. Alice was beside her, watching her lovingly as she tried to comfort me. Everything's going to be fine, Edward. They know they can't fight off all of us. The worst is over. Bella is perfectly safe.
"Let's go, Bella," I said softly. I expected her to move, to collapse into my arms from the stress of it all, but she was frozen. I reached out to grip her elbow, tugging gently until her muscles finally relaxed. I pulled her along beside me, wishing I could run but trying to appear composed in case James was still watching. Obviously he had already figured out how protective I was of Bella, but something told me it was still best to act calm, not antagonize him any more.
As soon as we were out of view from the others, I pulled Bella up and her arms latched around my shoulders. Somehow she felt even more fragile than she had mere hours ago. I whispered a silent apology as I took off at blinding speed. I knew Alice and Emmett were falling farther behind with each passing second, but I couldn't will myself to slow down. I wanted Bella as far from that place, from those monsters, as possible.
I tried to be gentle as I put Bella inside the Jeep, but fury was coursing through my veins. Whether it was fury at James for his desire to destroy everything I loved, or fury at myself for allowing him the opportunity, I wasn't sure. Emmett and Alice caught up to us, and dove into the Jeep.
"Strap her in," I told Emmett as I revved the engine. The moment I heard the click of her harness my foot pressed firmly on the gas. I cursed myself quietly, letting the anger flow through me rather than fighting it off like I should have. It was cowardly and it wasn't fair to Bella, but anger was easier than the other emotions. If I didn't allow my fury to consume me, I would be left with guilt, frustration, despair.
Bella was not going to be happy with what was coming next. She wouldn't understand, and unfortunately I couldn't let that matter. I allowed the anger fill me again, silencing the agony of knowing how much what we were going to do would upset her. I had hoped her fear would keep the question I knew was coming away for a few more minutes. Just let me have the anger a little longer. Of course Bella was quicker than than.
"Where are we going?" she asked, not even a minute after turning onto the main highway.
I didn't answer. I didn't move.
Edward, you have to talk to her.
Fess up man, we all know what you're doing.
"Dammit, Edward! Where are you taking me?" she screamed, breaking my already dead heart.
If you don't say it, I will, Alice threatened.
"We have to get you away from here – far away – now." I braced myself for her reaction, tightening my grip on the steering wheel until my hand was molded around it.
"Turn around! You have to take me home!" she yelled, and I heard her start fumbling with her harness.
"Emmett," I said, though it was nearly a whisper. I was doing what I'd sworn never to do. I was hurting Bella. I was causing her misery. Although I knew it was the only way to keep her safe, it tore me apart, one agonizing plea at a time.
"No!" Rip... "Edward!" Tear... "No, you can't do this." The last ounce of strength in me seemed to dissolving into nothing. I knew I wouldn't be able to take it for very long and I feared I would give in, give her what she was crying for. Yet this was the only way to keep her safe...
"I have to Bella," I said firmly, wishing she could understand the pain I was feeling. "Now please be quiet," I softly begged, unable to bear one more anguished outcry.
"I won't!" she yelled, again nearly breaking the last of my will. "You have to take me back – Charlie will call the FBI! They'll be all over your family – Carlisle and Esme! They'll have to leave, to hide forever!"
"Calm down, Bella. We've been there before," I said solemnly. I could understand Bella not wanting to be taken from her home. I knew she would be worried about Charlie's safety and what her sudden disappearance would do to him. But I refused to let her be this upset over what it would put my family through.
"Not over me, you don't! You're not ruining everything over me!" She thrashed around in her seat violently and I felt a new wave of guilt wash over me. In the midst of everything, she had managed to find a way of making everything her fault again.
Wow, Emmett thought, in yet another one of his completely inappropriate moments. I'm starting to see what you see in this girl. Feisty, isn't she? I would have sneered at him but Alice interrupted.
Don't you see what this is doing to her, Edward? I know you're scared, but you can't make her decisions for her. Maybe there's another way, one that doesn't involved kidnapping Bella and holding her against her will. I want her safe too, but I will not let her hate us forever for it.
I didn't look at her and I didn't slow down.
"Edward, pull over," Alice said aloud, fire in her eyes. I glared at her and ground my foot against the peddle, pushing it nearer and nearer its maximum speed.
"Edward, let's just talk this through," she pleaded.
"You don't understand," I screamed, trying to ignore the way my voice made Bella flinch. "He's a tracker, Alice, did you see that? He's a tracker."
Whoa, new rules apply, Emmett added, only just beginning to see the gravity of the situation.
Alice's mind quickly filled with rage. I never wanted to use my visions against you, but so help me I will tell her everything.
"Pull over, Edward," she said too calmly, considering the threat she'd just made to me. I continued to increase our speed.
What do you think Bella would do then? If she knew this would end in either her dying, or her being changed? Do you think she would run? Or do you think she'd be all too eager to get on with it? She knows as well as we all do that you won't let her die.
"Do it, Edward," she repeated.
"Listen to me, Alice. I saw his mind. Tracking is his passion, his obsession – and he wants her, Alice – her, specifically," I roared, willing her to understand that one of her visions was not necessarily more certain than the other. If he somehow got to her and did more damage than even vampire venom could mend...
"He begins the hunt tonight," I said, not letting myself finish the thought and not taking my foot off the gas.
"He doesn't know where – "
"How long do you think it will take him to cross her
scent in town? His plan was already set before the words were out of
Laurent's mouth."
I heard Bella's sharp intake of breath and
instantly regretting having said the words aloud. She'd been so
focused on what her disappearance would mean for my family she must
not have had time to think about her father's own safety.
"Charlie! You can't leave him there! You can't leave him!" she screamed, finally realizing what I'd known from the moment we left the field. The tracker would go to her house. He'd find it quickly, it was possible he already had. Laurent had promised not to hunt on our land, but James clearly felt no loyalty to him anymore.
Hearing her anguish and thinking through what Alice had said, my foot backed off the gas though I kept driving, still staring straight ahead.
If we can find a way to keep Charlie safe, she'll be much more willing to cooperate, Alice thought calmly, then added aloud, "Let's just look at our options for a minute."
I released my foot from the gas, listened for a moment while Emmett thought of every possible way to "take the weak, ridiculous excuse for a vampire down," then slammed on the brakes.
"There are no other options," I said through clenched teeth.
"I'm not leaving Charlie!" Bella screamed. I fought the urge to turn around and try to comfort her, though I knew there was only one thing she wanted, and I couldn't give that to her.
"We have to take her back," Emmett said. Whatever Alice is thinking, you know she's right. She does have a bit of insight into the situation.
"No."
"He's no match for us, Edward. He won't be able to touch her."
"He'll wait."
"I can wait too," he smiled. It'll be fun. Like a vampire stakeout. I mean, why does Bella have to be the one to leave? Me and Jazz can drag James out of the country. We were just talking about how long it's been since we took a nice, long run together...
"You didn't see – you don't understand," I groaned, hating his nonchalance. "Once he commits to a hunt, he's unshakable. We'd have to kill him."
"That's an option," he smiled. Just say the word and it's done. You won't even have to get your hands dirty.
"And the female. She's with him. If it turns into a fight, the leader will go with them, too."
"There are enough of us," he said, though his voice was now bordering on sarcastic. I was trying too hard. Emmett knew as well as I did that this wasn't about my family's safety. Of course the nomads were outnumbered and if it came down to a fight I was sure we would win. Still, the endless streams of what ifs kept playing out in my mind. One wrong move on our part, one moment of being too distracted by the fight, and he could get to her. I knew as well as any that one second is all it would take to change everything.
"There's another option," Alice whispered, stubborn as always. James won't touch her if she's already been bitten. It would take all the fun right out of his game...
"There – is – no – other – option!" I screamed, her expression unchanging. She knew that was not a choice I would make willingly. Even if Bella were dying I didn't know how I could bring myself to damn her to this miserable existence, even if one wretched part of me wanted it more than anything.
Bella. Forever...
"Does anyone want to hear my plan?" Bella said, interrupting the most peaceful thought I'd had since the whole ordeal had begun.
"No," I snapped, though the anger was only toward myself.
Don't yell at her just because you don't like what her future looks like. Or because you do like it but can't admit it to yourself.
Okay, maybe the anger was a little bit toward Alice too.
"Listen," Bella said, trying her best to sound relaxed. "You take me back..."
"No," I mumbled reflexively, though I knew she wasn't finished.
"You take me back," she repeated, anger and frustration returning to her tone. "I tell my dad I want to go home to Phoenix. I pack my bags. We wait till this tracker is watching, and then we run. He'll follow us and leave Charlie alone. Charlie won't call the FBI on your family. Then you can take me any damned place you want."
All three of us watched her, speechless at how rationally she was thinking given the circumstances. For a moment, even Alice and Emmett's minds were silent. It was the quietest moment I'd had in decades.
"It's not a bad idea, really," Emmett finally said.
"It might work," Alice added. And I'll be keeping a very close watch on Bella's future, so I'll know if there's cause for concern. "And we simply can't leave her father unprotected. You know that."
All of them stared at me, Alice and Emmett pleading silently to pull myself together and think of the bigger picture. Bella's thoughts were as painfully silent as ever but her eyes begged me to comply.
"It's too dangerous – I don't want him within a hundred miles of her," I said, though I could feel my resolve crumbling with every passing second of Bella's stare.
"Edward, he's not getting through us," Emmett assured me. He punctuated the sentiment by letting me see a dozen or so different images of he and Jasper tearing James into pieces.
Alice quickly let the scenario play out through her mind, then very confidently told me, "I don't see him attacking. He'll try to wait for us to leave her alone."
"It won't take long for him to realize that's not going to happen," I growled, abhorring the thought of leaving Bella's side for one second with a monster like James after her.
"I demand that you take me home," Bella said in her most confident voice. It might have worked had I not been so in tune with the changed rhythm of her breathing, so aware of the way her heart was racing. Bella was scared and she was trying to be brave. For me. For Charlie. For all of us. I shut my eyes tightly and tried to silence the voice in my head reminding me it was all my fault.
"Please," she added quietly. And somehow that final plea, the one that might have been her final attempt before giving in and letting me take her far away, was the one that broke my resolve.
"You're leaving tonight, whether the tracker sees or not," I whispered, utterly defeated. "You tell Charlie that you can't stand another minute in Forks. Tell him whatever story works. Pack the first things your hands touch, and then get in your truck. I don't care what he says to you. You have fifteen minutes. Do you hear me? Fifteen minutes from the time you cross the doorstep."
I didn't pause to wait for her response. I knew it was what she wanted, what she needed, and I knew I had to give it to her. Alice would watch her future, I would listen to the tracker's every thought, and Emmett would plan various ways to rip the creature to shreds if he took one step toward the house. He was right. There was no getting through us, and Bella could have the peace of mind knowing her father was safe.
"Emmett?" I heard her mutter from the back. I looked in the mirror to see him releasing her from his iron hold, and allowed myself a brief smile as she settled comfortably back into her seat.
"Oh, sorry," he said, grinning infinitesimally at me. You're right, man. The warm is totally nice.
Okay, smile gone. If I weren't so relieved by how quickly Bella had calmed down, I might have snapped at him.
I listened carefully as Alice's mind continued playing out possible outcomes for the night. She saw nothing to indicate that there would be any problems getting Bella safely in and out of Charlie's, and back to our house. From there she thought of everything from running Bella on foot out of the country, to booking multiple flights then walking her around every gate in the airport to confuse the scent. Though she couldn't see specifically how James would react to any tricks we might try to play, there was one thing that was certain. James was relentless. He would not give up no matter where we ran. Never happy to resort to violence, I tried not to dwell too long on what that meant.
James would not be allowed to walk away from this fight.
A few more silent minutes passed and I calmed myself by counting Bella's breaths and heartbeats. I'll never let anything or anyone take those sounds away from me.
"This is how it's going to happen," I finally said, knowing we were only minutes from her house. "When we get to the house, if the tracker is not there, I will walk her to the door. Then she has fifteen minutes." I quickly glanced back at Bella to make sure she understood what I was saying. She'd have to be fast and creative in her story. We both knew Charlie wasn't going to let her go easily.
"Emmett," I continued, grateful for his strength and determination, "you take the outside of the house. Alice, you get the truck. I'll be inside as long as she is. After she's out, you two can take the Jeep home and tell Carlisle."
"No way," Emmett said firmly. "I'm with you." If he attacks, I'm not letting you fight him alone.
"Think it through, Emmett. I don't know how long I'll be gone."
"Until we know how far this is going to go, I'm with you." You can be a real idiot sometimes, but you're my brother and I will fight beside you until this is over.
I let out a long sigh, knowing there was no point in arguing with him. It wasn't exactly like I could force him to let us go alone, and truthfully I knew I'd feel better having him with us. He'd never let anyone touch Bella.
"If the tracker is there, we keep driving," I added, trying to cover my bases.
"We're going to make it there before him," Alice said, showing me the image in her mind for confirmation. "What are we going to do with the Jeep?"
Great. She wanted to go with us too. Did she and Emmett really think I was that incapable of defending myself? I'd barely talked myself into letting Emmett come along, I certainly wasn't dragging Alice into this. As much as I knew she could take care of herself, Jasper would never forgive me for allowing her into a fight while he stayed in Forks playing watch-vampire for Charlie. Even though she's virtually indestructible, he worried about Alice's safety as much as I worried about Bella's.
"You're driving it home," I answered, hoping she could hear the finality in my voice.
"No, I'm not," she said sweetly, again flooding me with images of her hovering protectively around Bella. I love you both, and I'm not going anywhere.
I muttered things that were definitely not appropriate for Bella to hear as Alice kept smiling her innocent and unyielding smile.
"We can't all fit in my truck," Bella said quietly. I could tell there was more to the sentence, though I wasn't sure I wanted to hear the rest. She was looking at her feet when she spoke again. "I think you should let me go alone."
My eyes shot up to the rear view mirror and her gaze timidly met mine.
"Bella, please just do this my way, just this once," I begged. I knew she was worried about me and trying to be brave, but now simply wasn't the time.
"Listen," she said, confidence slowly creeping back into her voice. "Charlie's not an imbecile. If you're not in town tomorrow, he's going to get suspicious."
"That's irrelevant. We'll make sure he's safe, and that's all that matters."
"Then what about this tracker? He saw the way you acted tonight. He's going to think you're with me, wherever you are."
I watched as Emmett glanced at Bella with the strangest look of pride. Being chased by an obsessed vampire killer, and all she can think about is keeping you and Charlie safe, and not messing things up for our family...amazing.
"Edward, listen to her," he addedaloud, still looking at Bella like he was in awe. "I think she's right."
"Yes, she is," Alice said, this time thankfully not backing her words up with another rush of visions. They were starting to feel like a constant exclamation point to every word she spoke.
"I can't do that," I said bleakly, not able to bear the thought of leaving her side when I knew what was pursuing her. I couldn't fathom the torture of not knowing where she was, not ever being certain of her safety. She was always so afraid of my leaving her, but I was every bit as afraid of us being separated as she was.
"Emmett should stay, too. He definitely got an eyeful of Emmett," she said, ignoring my words and my expression.
"What?" Emmett asked, as shocked as I was that she would send her strongest protector with me instead of keeping him with her.
"You'll get a better crack at him if you stay," Alice reminded me. Of course he'll assume you two are together. She could be halfway across the country by the time he realizes you stayed in Forks by yourself.
"You think I should let her go alone?" I snapped, glaring at Alice in frustration and anger, though something in me knew I'd already lost the battle. It was three against one.
"Of course not," Alice said softly, trying to calm me down as my breathing sped up and my hands clenched into fists around the steering wheel. "Jasper and I will take her."
"I can't do that," I muttered. Then Alice filled my mind with pictures of Bella safe and perfect, hundreds of miles away from any danger. I felt a crushing pain at the thought of being so far away from her, but we all knew that when it came down to it, my feelings of loneliness weren't really important at all. If Bella was safe, I could get through anything.
"Hang out here for a week – " Bella said calmly.
Too long... My mind instantly fought against the idea of not being beside her.
" – a few days," she said, taking in my expression. "Let Charlie see you haven't kidnapped me, and lead this James on a wild-goose chase. Make sure he's completely off my trail. Then come and meet me. Take a roundabout route, of course, and then Jasper and Alice can go home."
Against my will, a vision of my own flashed through my mind. I could see it all too clearly. Bella and I alone, together, traveling the world. We'd lead James far away from her scent, but we could never go back to Forks. Assuming we didn't kill him, we'd always worry that he would be there waiting for our return. I wanted so much for Bella to have a normal life, to make sure that her being with me did not make her give up anything. Still, the thought of having her all to myself, being able to show her the world and forever bask in her presence...
"Meet you where?" I found myself asking, far too attached to the future that was racing through my thoughts.
"Phoenix. Of course."
"No. He'll hear that's where you're going," I said, quickly snapping myself back into the present. There was no time for idle fantasies about a life that probably wasn't possible for us anyway. She'd never be willing to leave everything behind for me, and it would be selfish of me to ask that she do such a thing. Bella was going to live her life, her human life like the rest of her friends and family. I would not take that away from her.
"And you'll make it look like that's a ruse, obviously. He'll know that we'll know that he's listening. He'll never believe I'm actually going where I say I am going." She said it with such confidence, I actually felt a little silly for not thinking of it myself.
"She's diabolical," Emmett laughed, still quite proud of her for thinking so clearly in the midst of everything.
"And if that doesn't work?"
"There are several million people in Phoenix," she told me, still calmer than I thought she should be. Her heart wasn't even racing. Apparently the idea of fleeing across multiple states to evade a sadistic vampire tracker wasn't particularly upsetting to her. Not like, oh...running with me or meeting my family.
"It's not that hard to find a phone book," I added, though I was figuring out that she had an answer for everything.
"I won't go home."
"Oh?" Why go back to Phoenix if not to be with her mother?
"I'm quite old enough to get my own place."
"Edward, we'll be with her," Alice added, hearing the low growl that was building in my chest at the idea of Bella off on her own.
"What are you going to do in Phoenix?" I spat at her.
"Stay indoors," she smiled.
"I kind of like it," Emmett added with a grin. Send the girls on a nice little vacation while you and I take care of James. He won't know what hit him...
"Shut up, Emmett."
"Look, if we try to take him down while she's still around, there's a much better chance that someone will get hurt – she'll get hurt, or you will, trying to protect her. Now, if we get him alone..." He was smiling again as he painted the rest of the picture for me, far too graphic for Bella to hear. The specifics of killing a vampire were not something any of us wanted her to think about in any amount of detail.
As we approached the house, I heard Bella's heart finally start to speed up. She was forcing herself to take slow, calming breaths, but I knew she was afraid.
"Bella," I said gently, suddenly realizing my voice had probably been offering her little comfort during our drive. I hated knowing how harsh I'd sounded. I was just so terrified of losing her.
"If you let anything happen to yourself – anything at all – I'm holding you personally responsible. Do you understand that?"
"Yes," she said, her voice strained. Of course it was unfair to use her her guilt tendencies against her, but I couldn't help feeling that she would be more careful if she believed she was doing it for my sake. She had to know by now, I just wouldn't survive if I lost her.
"Can Jasper handle this?" I asked Alice. She growled, too low for Bella to hear. I'd started to feel more comfortable with his being around her, seeing as most of his energy was being spent making fun of me, but I still had to be sure.
"Give him some credit, Edward. He's been doing very, very well, all things considered." Relax. I'll keep an eye on the situation and make sure he hunts if there's even a chance his control is wavering.
"Can you handle this?" I asked, bracing myself for her reaction. This time she didn't hold back, and I could hear Bella's breath catch, her heart pounding in her chest.
How dare you insinuate... she began, but I cut her off with a quick smile.
"But keep your opinions to yourself," I reminded her, then watched as her expression shifted back to a demure smile.
Oh, don't worry. She'll figure all of that out on her own, when the time is right.
