Disclaimer: Everything is owned by Stephanie Meyer, except for this particular plot.

A/N- I hope ya'll enjoy this. I am sorry it has taken so long. I know I previously stated that I was not going to have any more huge gaps in between writing but I hit a wall so to speak and was consumed by real life. This time I promise I will continue posting, I already have the next chapter written. I do not plan on updating a chapter until I have the next one written, to ensure that no more huge gaps between updates occur. Once again sorry for the wait, hope its worth it.

Previously:Even with the comfort of Jake I still felt the fear clawing at my chest. Was this a vampire coming to end my life? And then there was also a bubble of hope. "Edward." I softly whispered. I couldn't be positive with all of the wind blowing in my face but it had sounded as if Jake had growled when I spoke his name.

I sighed and wondered how I got myself in to these situations. I turned my head slightly and tried to stare behind Jake. I could not make much out and was beginning to get dizzy watching all the trees pass by me. Nevertheless I continued to stare longingly, hoping to catch a glimpse of that wild bronze hair. I've officially gone mad.

Chapter Seven

BPOV

I never prided myself on having stamina. I was horrible when it came to most physical activities, which would help to explain why Gym was always my worst grade in High school (something Charlie could never understand.) On top of that, I never considered myself to be a lucky person but considering my athletically challenged self was currently being saved for the third time that day by someone who was able to run at breakneck speeds for large distances, I was contemplating asking Jacob to stop somewhere to purchase a lottery ticket. Then again, we aren't in the United States… I wasn't even sure if they had lotteries in other countries.

Jacob's growl broke me out of my tirade and I opened my eyes briefly only to squeeze them shut tightly a second later. If I was able to look around me I could figure out why Jacob was growling in a menacing way. Once more I found another fault within myself. Motion sickness.

Suddenly I heard a bang up ahead and Jake quickly froze. Unfortunately for me, from the shock of the noise my grip loosened from his fur which made me unprepared for the sudden cease of movement, flinging me from his back and landing hard on the ground.

"Ugh." I moaned slightly, the pain in my backside increasing with each second. Jacob growled at me and when I looked in to the wolf's brown eyes I was caught with a look of warning. He jerked his head motioning for me to get behind him. I was unaware of the reason for this, momentarily forgetting about the bang which caused Jake to stop in the first place.

"You couldn't have given me even a little bit of warning before sending me off on my merry way?" I seethed sarcastically. Jacob growled at me louder and I shook my head in annoyance. "Fuck you Jake! Just because you are angry that I found a vampire attractive does not give you any reason to treat me like shit. As much as I absolutely love being catapulted from your back, my ass disagrees and asks that you grow the fuck up and get over it!" I breathed heavily and glared at Jacob.

I was expecting him to have morphed back by now. If there was one thing that Jacob never missed out on it was arguing with me, especially when I was being as whiny as I was. I was shocked to see that he was entirely on edge, all of his muscles were tensed and he didn't even appear to have been listening to what I said.

It was then, wondering why he was acting the way he was, that I remembered the bang that caused him to stop. As I looked ahead of us I noticed a rather large tree was blocking our path, and it looked as though someone had forcefully put it there. I quickly scrambled to get up and move behind my scary, overprotective friend.

I stood up and noticed that Jake was rather far from me. Not too far that he wouldn't be able to protect me, but far enough that I was still frightened. I turned to run over to him when I stepped on my shoelace and went flying face first towards the ground. I grimaced and went to move my hands out in front of me to at least somewhat protect myself. Although I knew that the pain and a broken nose would be inevitable.

Imagine my surprise when I never touched the ground.

EPOV

"Oh Edward! It is so lovely to hear from you! You don't call enough honey, your father and I miss you so much!" I sighed as Esme gushed to me on the phone. I hated to have to ruin her mood and inform her this wasn't just a random phone call to check in.

"Esme, is Carlisle home? It's urgent." I could hear Esme gasp, an all human habit she picked up after all these years. I could hear her softly call out to Carlisle. I could hear him speak to her but they were talking too softly for me to make out their words through the phone.

"He's right here Edward, be careful okay? I love you." I heard her start to pass the phone and I quickly called out to her.

"Esme?"

I heard her hold her breath for a moment before replying. "Yes Edward?"

"I miss you too. And I love you, I promise I will get us out of here soon." I imagined the look on my surrogate mother's face and wished in that moment I was there to give her a hug. It was not often that I reached out and gave affection to others, but I will always have a soft spot for the woman who did everything she could to try and keep our pseudo family together.

"Son, you needed me?" There were times when Carlisle enjoyed slowly discussing matters and debating them, and then there were times like this when he just knew when I needed to get straight to the point.

"I have a problem," I proceeded to explain to him my day so far and provide him with all the information he would need to help me in this situation.

After a moment of silence Carlisle sighed. "You know I have never agreed with changing others unless it was absolutely necessary Edward."

"I share those beliefs with you as well, which is why I am lost."

"Son, there are never easy decisions. And sometimes the advice you may have been looking for is not the advice that you will receive. There is a moral battle at stake, I know you Edward. I know you think that changing the girl would be cursing her. You must look at the other outcome though, if you chose to not change her the Volturi are powerful Edward, they get what they desire. It is not common for a member of the Volturi to quit and back down from a challenge no matter how small. By letting this girl go it would be as if they were showing other vampires that it is okay to break the rules, to them it would be showing weakness. The Volturi will stop at nothing to kill her Edward. Consider that you have an opportunity to save her."

"You consider condemning her to the life of a soulless monster to be saving her?" To say I was incredulous would be an understatement. Here my own father figure was advising me that changing this innocent women from a human to a vampire is her best option.

"Don't sound so shocked Edward. I have always looked at my life as something of a blessing as well as a curse. I get to live every day of my existence with my mate, the woman I will always love. I have a wonderful loving family that I would do anything for. And I get to live my dream of helping others by practicing medicine. As much as the desire to grow old is there, I am beyond grateful of the life I live now and do not regret what I am."

I sighed. "Yes that may be true. What is also true is that half of your family has been split from you due to "talents and skills" caused by this curse. Not everyone is as lucky as you and Esme and Alice and jasper and of course Rose and Emmett. Let's face it, its not always easy to find your mate and what if she doesn't find her mate? I am forcing her to live a cold life, everyday and every night the same. No one to be there with you, no friends outside vampires, a lonely existence constantly shadowed by self loathing and misery. I wouldn't wish that upon anyone, and I certainly will not be the one to inflict that on to an innocent!"

Out of habit I noticed that I was breathing faster. I looked around my room for the first time and noticed how delectable it smelled. Her strong, mouth watering scent was still in the air, taunting the monster in me, and tugging slightly on my heart…if I had one.

"Edward. We all love you, you are never alone you know that. If you changed her we would all be there for her. We would all help. Maybe the Volturi will even grant all of you to leave Volterra. They have strict policies on Newborns and due to security reasons strictly prohibit them from being in the city. Think about it, not only would you be reuniting the family, you'd be saving the girl from a horrid death and maybe even finding love along the way."

I thought about what he was saying. Carlisle was one of the smartest people I had ever encountered. He was also incredibly wise and I trusted his opinion and his advice more than anyone else. He had helped me through many dilemmas throughout my vampire life, although none of them had ever been as severe as this one. Maybe if the Volturi did capture the girl and the only option to prevent them from killing her would be to change her I would consider it. Nothing would make Esme more happy than having her family together. And I could always use a mate. Wait.

"Love? Who said anything about feelings "

Carlisle chuckled on the other line and it did nothing but agitate me. " Oh Edward, I have known you for over a century, I have never heard you this frazzled before. The way you speak about her and when you voice her name, you are absolutely transparent. It's about time."

I rolled my eyes. I did not have feelings for the human. The idea was ludicrous it would never work out and I was too dangerous for her. Besides who knows if she would even ever consider me as her lover…wait, where did that come from?

"I am not doing this for selfish reasons. There is still hope that she will get away safely without the Volturi catching them. Then there will be no need to change her or ruin her life, things will go back to the way they were." I spoke with conviction but inside I was cringing. It was sick of me but a small part of myself wanted her to be caught, so I could see her again.

"Edward, it would be a miracle if a human could get away from the Volturi unscathed, you know that. I hate to be negative but the chances are you will face this problem head on."

I could tell by the tone of Carlisle's voice that he was surprised in my outlook. Normally I was the pessimistic one in my family. Even Rose yelled at me from time to time for being negative and she was the biggest ice queen I had ever encountered. It was not like me to have hope and be optimistic, but Isabella had one powerful ally on her side and I believed that with his help they might just be safe.

"Oh, how could I have forgot, she has a werewolf as a companion. That is who I handed her to as she escaped." The line was silent for a moment and I was unsurprised. Carlisle was the type of man who contemplated everything before he spoke, one of the reasons why talking to him was always helpful.

"Hmm that is interesting and that most certainly increases her chances of escape. How absolutely curious. Well Edward, I hope for your sake that she gets enough distance between herself and that retched city. Be careful son, let me know what happens."

I nodded my head even though he couldn't see and went to hang up the phone. I wasn't one to linger after a conversation. I asked what I needed to ask, got my answer and then ended the call. Cellphones were not a leisurely activity for me, they were meant for business. Alice was the one who led the weekly phone calls to Carlisle and Esme, not me.

Before I hit the end button I thought of one more thing. "Wait. Carlisle!"

"Yes Edward?"

I contemplated my question for a moment, wondering if I was over thinking things. I decided that if anyone could give me an answer, even if it wasn't right away it would be Carlisle. "As Isabella was leaving with her…friend … she mentioned that she knew of 'newlyweds' and that they also shared the same feeding lifestyle as us. This might be crazy, but the coincidence seems too likely. Aren't Rosalie and Emmett staying up in Forks, right by the reservation? And didn't they mention a while back running in to a werewolf? Do you think it could be one in the same?"

I waited once again for Carlisle's response. "I will look in to it Edward, if that is what you want. But I think it might be best to let this theory go. If the girl gets away you wouldn't want Aro to see it from you, it would lead him straight to where she lives after all…if you are correct in your assumption."

Once again Carlisle was correct and I quickly thanked him and bid him farewell. I laid back on my couch and inhaled her sweet scent. I imagined what it would be like if we had met in a world where I was human and there was nothing holding us apart. For a moment I let myself dream…and then I quickly realized what I was doing.

I was wrong for her. I couldn't desire her in a romantic way. Hell I couldn't even stand in the same room as her without having the urge to suck her dry. How would that relationship work? It wouldn't Edward. I reminded myself. It wouldn't work.

From now on I promised myself that I would stop thinking of what could be and ensure that I saved the girl from an otherwise treacherous fate.

As I sat there staring at the ceiling thinking of ways to help and breathing in her scent, the answer came to me like a tidal wave. A werewolf was strong yes, and was faster than the average human, but a werewolf wasn't as fast as a vampire, and it was most certainly not as fast as me. Add that to the fact that werewolves need to rest and I realized that sitting around my room and moping would not save this girls life. I needed to go find them and carry her to safety, literally.

With that thought I bolted from the castle as fast as possible. Once safely outside I hopped in my Volvo and drove as fast as I could to the city limits. I parked my baby on the side of the road and took off running. I could faintly smell her delicious scent, even if it was coated with a horrible aroma of dog and I followed it.

A minute in to my journey I received a text message from Alice.

Don't worry about the car, Jasper and I are on our way to get it now. Be careful and try not to sneak up on the mutt. 3

I snapped my phone shut and quickly took off. Following her scent was easy and I ran through the trees and up and down the hills of Italy. I knew from my hunting habits that I was being led deep within Abruzzo National Park, one of the few forests in Italy. Deer and boar were common in the park and although I would love to wrestle down one of the bears, they were an endangered species and therefore off limits.

I must have been running for an hour or so when I heard the distinct sound of arguing, I slowed down to a walk and was able to detect that the two of them were up ahead about a half a mile away. As I slowly got closer, adhering to Alice's warning to not sneak up on the wolf, I stepped on a twig. Unfortunately for me my plan backfired and he grabbed Isabella and threw her on his back, starting to run before I even had a chance to blink.

I would have started running right away but I was painfully aware of her beautiful brown eyes searching through the woods with an almost longing look. I knew that I couldn't run right behind them so instead I took off, running perpendicular to them. Rapidly I curved my course and started running at an angle to cut them off and if my trajectory was correct, stop in front of them.

It was very distracting though, trying to focus on running when the fast pace of the wolf's running caused her hair to blow and her scent to surround me. The venom pooled in my mouth as I dreamed of sinking my teeth in to her flesh and tasting her divine flavor.

His growl broke me out of my fantasy and I realized that he could probably smell me and knew I was close by. I turned once more and stopped about three hundred yards ahead of them. The tree next to me was big enough to block the only 'path' big enough that a werewolf could fit through. I quickly grabbed it and through it down to the ground and noticed that the wolf stopped running the second the loud bang shook the forest.

I winced as I watched her get thrown across the ground and land with a thump. Darting to the side of a nearby tree I listened to her tirade with a smirk on my face. That girl was sure a firecracker, even in moments of extreme danger she kept her independence. My ears perked when I heard her mention how she found a vampire attractive. I admit from then on I stopped listening as I allowed myself the moment to dream that it was me she found attractive.

Being considered attractive by someone was never a surprise for me. When one is able to read minds unbeknownst to everyone else, people's opinions of him/her are not kept secret. It was no secret that I was attractive and that many women and some men found me frighteningly handsome. If it wasn't for the natural unease people felt around me I would be accosted and molested many times on the street by horny women.

But all of that didn't matter. Because the one girl whose mind I could not read and could not figure out her opinion of me, may find me attractive. I was not ashamed, although I should have been, of the images running through my mind based on this fact. Thoughts of her running up to me and throwing her arms around my neck while I wrapped my arms tightly around her waist, enveloping myself in her desirable scent, ran through my mind. Images of her looking up to eyes and me slowly leaning down to cover her plump lips with my mouth.

What is the bloodsucker doing? How am I going to get Bella out of this with that tree in the way. Maybe I can go backwards, although if this creature caught up with me already they may be able to outrun me…

I was pulled from the delicious image of kissing her by the frantic thoughts coming from the werewolf. I looked over and noticed Isabella scrambling to get up off the ground. She must have finally noticed the fact that she may be in danger, even if I did not pose a threat to her and her friend they were unaware of this fact as I was still hidden in the shadows.

In slow motion I watched her stand and look around, as she turned I saw her foot get tangled with her other foot and saw her slowly start to fall. I did not think, instinctively I ran and caught her before she could hit the ground and possibly hurt herself, which is the last thing I wanted.

Time moved at an unknown pace as I held her in my arms and stared at her face. Her eyes were wide with shock and she was holding her breath. Her scent swam around me almost suffocating me and I forced the venom pooling at my mouth to go down.

"Breathe Isabella." I whispered to her. She shuddered in my arms and closed her eyes as she let out a deep breath. Her heart was beating rapidly as she opened her eyes and locked them with my own.

"Edward…" she whispered and it was as if I could leave this Earth today and be the happiest person. Hearing my name fall from her lips was by far the greatest thing I have ever heard someone say. I lifted a corner of my mouth and gave her a small crooked smile.

"Yes?" I asked slowly, looking at her intensely, wishing I could read her mind.

She bit her lip and I had to force myself not to moan and lose control while she was in my arms. It would be so easy to crush her in this position. "You should probably put me down before Jacob rips your head off."

It was then that I remembered where I was and who I was with. Being so close to her was intoxicating and it clouded my mind to the point where I had been able to block the thoughts of Jacob from my mind.

Why is she speaking to him and allowing him to touch her? It's as if she likes it. Gross. If he doesn't let her go in ten seconds I am biting his head off, I don't care if I scar Bella for life.

I sighed and with one more glance in to Isabella's deep brown eyes I gently helped her to her feet and backed up a few steps with my hands up, showing Jacob that I was not a threat.

Isabella looked between Jacob and I with her brows furrowed seemingly trying to figure out if we were going to kill each other.

I am going to kill him.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

Look at him trying to look all smug, I wish I could ram my fist through his skull.

"I'd like to see you try." I smirked as the wolf's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

What? Is this creep challenging me?

"I don't start fights with those who are not on my level." I chuckled at his growl and noticed that Isabella was watching the scene with a confused look on her face. I heard her gasp and the look of understanding cross her face before she spoke.

"Jacob, Edward can read minds."

What? As if this fucking leech wasn't gross enough to begin with, he has to be able to read minds. Which means he can hear me say this right now?

I nodded my head, smirk still in place.

Well then, fuck you douchebag.

I rolled my eyes once again, normally something I would not do but Jacob seemed to be bringing out the best in me. "I do not have time to bicker with someone as immature as you." I turned towards Isabella. "I am here to help you, I can get you out of Italy and to an airport faster than anyone. I do not know where your home is, I do not want to know, just be aware that I am here to help and I recommend going right away."

BPOV

I know I should defend Jacob, he has been my friend for so many years and has helped me out so many times. But I could not help what he thought, and I had a sexy as sin vampire speaking to me, to say I was distracted was an understatement.

I wasn't distracted enough to miss the fact that he was speaking in an urgent tone and that he really believed we needed to leave right away. I turned towards Jacob and noticed that he was still tense and glaring at Edward. I knew that the two of them probably would never get along, it was their nature to be enemies, but this was ridiculous. I couldn't communicate with Jacob while he was in wolf form and I needed to be able to.

"Jake, go phase back please." I went in to my backpack and grabbed a pair of shorts for Jake throwing them over to him. He didn't make a move to catch them and just stared at me and shook his head.

"Really? Are you going to prove Edward correct and show us all how immature you are? Newsflash, if Edward was going to attack me he had plenty of chances to, I doubt he would do it with you two feet away. If he wanted to kill me he had the perfect opportunity when I was alone with him in his bedroom. Go phase." I watched as Jake's head snapped towards Edward and watched Edward smirk and lick his lips. I held in a groan at the sight. What I wouldn't do for those lips to be on me…and don't even get me started on that tongue.

"She is correct Jacob, I do not wish to harm her." It did not pass my attention that Edward practically spit Jake's name out. I watched as Jake phased right in front of us. I was surprised because normally Jake did not phase in front of me or other people because he was naked. Once he was in human form he stood for a moment…in the nude…and then bent down and threw on his shorts. Of course, not before he winked at me.

I heard Edward growl lowly and my heart skipped a beat and I could feel myself getting hot. If that was not one of the most animalistic and sexy noises I have ever heard…

"Don't you have any shame? You should show the lady some respect." Edward growled out and my head snapped to his. What was he talking about again?

"It's not like she hasn't seen it before." I gaped at Jake's suggestive comment. Of course I had seen him naked before, when he was getting the hang of phasing and sometimes didn't bring an extra pair of shorts with him. But the way in which he said it suggested that I had seen it in a sexual way. For some reason, looking at Edward's clenched jaw and balled up fists, I had the urge to explain his comment.

"As if you give me a choice, trust me I have no desire to see you naked." Jake glared at me and from the corner of my eye I saw Edward relax slightly. I wouldn't mind seeing someone here naked…

"That's not what you were saying the other night"

I gasped and looked at Jacob incredulously. What was he doing? "What is your problem Jake? I do not wish to see you naked, I have never ASKED to see you naked. I do not think of you in a sexual way and you know it! What has gotten in to you?"

"What has gotten in to me? What has gotten in to you Bella?"

"And what is that supposed to mean? I am not the one who is acting rude!"

"No Bella, not at all. You are just the crazy bitch who thinks that we should follow around a bloodsucking leech around and let him ' help us to safety'!"

I opened my mouth to yell at him, no one calls me a bitch and gets away with it. I couldn't believe he was acting like this. It was beyond embarrassing that Edward of all people had to witness this while he was only here to try and help me. I wouldn't be surpised if he turned around and went back, deciding to give up on me after this display of ridiculousness.

"I think you should apologize Jacob. One should never speak to a lady in such a tone or manner." Edward spoke in a menacing tone that had me fighting to stay upright. I wanted nothing more than to get down on my knees in front of him and do whatever he wanted. And maybe I would call him master as well.

I shivered from the thought of calling him master and having him control me. He must have noticed because he turned to me and with a small smile he asked me if I was cold. "N-no. I am not cold just…um…Weren't you saying we needed to make a move on it?" I nervously tried to change the subject. Edward looked at me a moment longer before focusing his attention on Jacob. I let out a small sigh of relief.

"Are you ready to grow up and stop being disrespectful to Isabella?" Jacob scoffed and walked over to me. He grabbed the backpack from my hand and threw it on his shoulders.

"I wasn't being disrespectful to her, it was aimed towards you leech. And I don't need to grow up, trust me, I am all man." He smirked and looked at me. "Just ask Bella." He winked and I shook my head.

"If you weren't so thick headed I would punch you in the face." I turned toward Edward and noticed he was watching us with a raised eyebrow. "So Edward…I thought we already escaped…why do we need to keep running?"

Edward sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. I couldn't help but think he looked damn sexy, even if he seemed agitated. "Unfortunately, the Volturi do not take kindly to failure and appearing weak. By letting you escape it has made them look somewhat fragile. News of your escape will travel and people may consider the Volturi to be losing their touch and others may take that as a sign to lash out and break the rules. The fact that they let a human escape will be a huge embarrassment, one that the Volturi will stop at nothing to prevent from happening. Which is why I need to get you out of this country and to an airport to get you home."

I was in shock. I couldn't believe that this was turning in to such a catastrophe. All of this happened because I couldn't just wait a little bit to go sightseeing.

"How do you know this?" I cringed as my voice came out small and pathetic.

He took a deep breath and looked at me. Our eyes locked and I was stunned once again by the intensity of his eyes. "Because I am the one whose supposed to kill you."

Well shit just got serious.

A/n Well whaddya think? Lemme know what you liked, didn't like and overall opinions.

Special thanks to: HeavenlyAngel34, starpilot, november21 and to all those who put me on alert!