A/N – Second part of the Denali trip in EPOV. Enjoy and review please.

Disclaimer – I don't own twilight, Stephanie Meyer does. I also don't make any money from this fanfic. xx

I was enjoying the solitude when I heard the inner voices of a couple approaching.

"Well look who it is." A tinkling voice rang out into the night.

I was engulfed in a sea of strawberry blonde curls as she threw her arms around my neck and pressed herself up against me. I tactfully stepped out of the embrace and turned my attention towards her companion, whose thoughts were sulphurous. I extended my hand to him in a display of pleasantry and to show I was in fact not a rival for Tanya's affections. He took my hand with a hint of distaste and shook it once sharply.

He was an unusual looking creature. With average build and non-descript features. He was quite unremarkable in appearance, yet arrogant in the extreme. His features had a hint of Romany or traveller influence about them. Although reasonably well presented, he had an appearance of seeming grubby and primal.

His mind disclosed that he was an accomplished nomadic tracker and as is the case with most nomads, his conduct was dictated by his baser instincts lending him to be unrefined and somewhat boorish.

His posture changed as he tried to make himself taller, no doubt to try and intimidate me. Staking claim as the Alpha male and all that shit. I was trying to make it clear I had no intentions of pursuing Tanya but she wasn't helping my case by attempting to drape herself over my arm. As I tried to untangle myself from her clutches, I noticed her companion tensing up. His thoughts were aggressive, and he was preparing for a confrontation. His thoughts showed that he wasn't particularly enamoured with Tanya but rather felt a sense of ownership over her. I was encroaching on his territory by so much as talking to her.

I wasn't in the mood for this. I had intentions towards Tanya, so why should I have to put up with the shit that comes with it? More to the point, where was Tanya's sense of decorum? She had brought a man back to the house and yet was draping herself all over me. Right in front of him no less and she thought nothing of it. Like I said earlier, she is not my idea of a lady.

The man took a step towards me in challenge and I stood up taller. I wasn't a threat but I wasn't about to show weakness either. That's a tip I had picked up from Jasper in his battle 101 lectures. The man before me cocked his head to the side and eyed me in appraisal. I was about to react when we were interrupted.

"Tanya, you look delightful as always." Garrett said with a raised brow in my direction.

Tanya's companion scoffed in my direction and turned his attention to Garrett.

"Who's your friend?" Garrett asked Tanya but directed his attention to her guest.

Tanya looked slightly startled for a minute and looked towards her friend almost surprised to see him. She had pretty much forgotten all about him. She quickly rectified this by moving closer to him and hooking her arm through his. He promptly wound his arm around her waist and swatted her on the backside. She didn't react: obviously use to such caddish treatment from him.

"Garrett this is James, a err... friend of mine." She giggled. James nodded towards Garrett, and then glared at me. Garret scoffed and did not extend his hand to him; he had noticed James' earlier display with me. He was nothing if not loyal.

"Well James, welcome. I see you are already acquainted with Edward so how about we go and meet the girls inside hey? No good skulking around at night. People will think you are up to no good." He said pointedly causing James to raise an eyebrow and laugh humourlessly.

They were clearly sizing each other up. Garrett didn't trust James any more than I did.

"Girls eh? Sounds good. Lead the way then" James said moving his arm to drape around Tanya's shoulders possessively.

I didn't like how he was behaving towards her, not exactly the way to treat a lady. However, I couldn't help but feel grateful that her attention was being diverted from myself and she certainly seemed to be agreeable to it so who was I to question anything?

Garrett nodded his head towards the house and motioned with his arm for James and Tanya to go ahead. He dropped back and fell into step with me. I smirked at him in response.

He waited until we had built up enough of a distance to be out of earshot and then turned to me with a mischievous grin.

"So Cullen, what do you make of our guest?" he asked although he was clearly already aware of the answer.

"I don't trust him. There's something out of place about him." I said earnestly.

"I think he's an arrogant little shit." He deadpanned.

"I can't be sure but I think Tanya told him about my gift. I can't put my finger on it but something tells me he is manipulating his thoughts around me. Only showing me what he wants me to see." I said with an exacerbated sigh, running a hand through my already wild hair.

Garrett just nodded. Clearly disappointed as he had hoped I could give him more insight into this new character.

"Kate is hesitant about him being here. Tanya acts brazen but she is still vulnerable when up against a male of our kind, especially an experienced nomad." He said and I nodded in understanding. I saw in his thoughts that Kate had filled him in with basic details about James.

"That's why they go for human men so often, if things take a turn for the worst, the girls always have the upper hand. The atmosphere at the house is tense. On edge." He warned.

We entered the house, joining the others in the main room. The girls were chatting amongst themselves and James appeared to simply be observing with a lecherous look on his face. He was definitely ruled by his baser instincts.

All eyes were on us as we entered and I smiled politely in acknowledgement. Tanya eyed me appreciatively; her thoughts vulgar. Kate and Irina looked at their sister and her companion with concern.

Irina was considering ways that she could garner more information form James without arousing suspicion of her motives.

"So James, where is it that you reside?" she asked with a charming smile, her eyes quickly flashed to myself the Garrett searching for reassurance.

"Everywhere and nowhere sweet woman." He said in a cool cryptic tone. Irina and Kate exchanged glances and then nodded in James direction.

"How did you two meet if it is not too bold for me to ask?" enquired Garrett, everybody but James and Tanya looked relieved. Everyone clearly wanted to ask the same question. James chuckled humourlessly.

"I was out in Seattle with my sisters; we were looking for … company." Tanya said with a sly smile.

I tried to block out the thoughts of all three of the Denali sisters. I saw the detailed explanation in their thoughts. The sisters had spent years perfected the ability to sleep with human men without hurting them. For years they would have sex with the men and feed from them afterwards. Gradually they tired of the guilt that came with taking life. Now that they lived by the vegetarian diet, they only had picked up men for one night stands.

"Anyway I was about to leave with one of the hot local students when I ran in to James. Safe to say I left with him that night. That was 3 months ago. We just got back from a trip to Lake Erie; James wanted me to meet some friends of his." She giggled, clutching more tightly onto James' side.

Kate and Irina were becoming uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation. It appeared they were hoping the relationship would have fizzled out by now.

"So Edward, I'm sorry that Carmen and Eleazer weren't here to greet you. They will be sorry to miss you…" Kate said in a friendly tone.

"They are taking a trip in London right now. Romantic getaway and all that. You know?" Irina completed her sentence for her.

It was getting easier to be around them and I couldn't help but notice the bond they seemed to have. It was apparent they were on the same wavelength. It put me in mind of my relationship with Alice. I found myself wondering how she was doing. I had switched my cell off when I left the house. No doubt I had countless messages from everybody at the house. I promised myself that I would check it later on.

"It's no trouble honestly." I placated her. She smiled in thanks.

The whole conversation got me thinking if the real reason I was here. I genuinely missed home even though it had only been just over 24 hours since I left the house. Things had been so strained when I left and I didn't know when I would see the family again. I felt welcome here in Denali but it wasn't the same. It wasn't where I belonged and I wasn't sure how long I would be able to tolerate it for. I missed my silent conversations with Alice and Emmett mocking me and generally pissing me off. I missed the late night talks with Carlisle and debating with Jasper. I wouldn't get any of that here. I was starting to see Carlisle's reasoning though. Although my feelings and frustrations hadn't changed, I felt like I could think more clearly out here. Maybe this could help after all, if only to make me see how fortunate I am with my life back home.

Glancing out of the window towards the woods I could see that it was becoming light now, we had been talking for longer than I had realised. I decided I would probably benefit form a break from everyone so I went to excuse myself.

"I'm just going to go freshen up if that's ok?" I directed my question to Kate.

"Yeah course, sorry. I'll show you your room." She offered.

I followed her up the stairs and couldn't help but notice the worry in her thoughts. Once upstairs she turned to me looking anxious.

"This is your room Edward. Let me know if you need anything" she said before turning to walk away.

As she got to the top of the stairs she looked at me with a determined look on her face.

Be careful around James Edward. I don't trust him. You are not yourself at the moment; you don't need to be influenced by someone like James. He will take advantage of any weakness he can find. I have noticed how he looks at you and I don't like it. Please be careful, you are family to us.

I could honestly say that I shared her opinion of James so I was grateful that I wasn't alone in my evaluation of him. I smiled and nodded in acknowledgement and thanked her politely.

The room she had shown me to was simple yet elegant. I was further reminded of home because I knew that Esme had given the sisters advice on how to decorate the house. It was her forte after all. The room was decorated demurely in gold's, white and browns. A neutral environment I noted. I felt like I would be able to relax here. I looked at my face in the mirror on the wall and winced. I looked haggard and tired but I knew I could never actually become fatigued. I decided a shower and change would do me good.

I stripped off and jumped into the shower, unable to switch my mind off from the voices and minds in the house with me. I was still eager to hear all that I could, especially with my circumstances for being here. Having someone like James in the house only increased my anxiety. I made a conscious effort to relax as I stepped under the hot spray of the shower, willing it to sooth my tense muscles. It was impossible though. A man made of stone will forever be tense. I quickly showered and wrapped myself in a towel. I spent longer than necessary looking at my reflection and trying to tame the unavoidable mess that was my hair. It was a fruitless exercise.

I went to the bed where Garrett had laid my case earlier in the day. I smiled when I saw what was inside. Alice had left me my journal and a bunch of favourite books. I remembered that my iPod was still in the car, I made a mental to go out for it when I went downstairs. She had also laid a note in the collar of my favourite shirt:

E,

We'll miss you. Hurry back. I know you can do this. The future is still not certain.

Nothing looks clear so it can still change. Do what you have to do then come

home to us. I hate it when your future looks all fuzzy.

Miss you brother.

A X

p.s I have folded your clothes into separate outfits. Don't mix them up. You have no style.

I chuckled to myself as I took out some low slung jeans and a black t shirt; I put a grey button down over the top and rolled up my sleeves. I gave myself the once over to make sure Alice would approve.

Satisfied, I headed downstairs.

"I'm just heading to the car for something girls" I shouted into the main room as I passed on the hallway.

I saw Garrett stood in the foyer of the house talking with James; they both looked up as I approached. The conversation was not a happy one but at least it was cordial: Small talk mostly. I nodded in greeting as I made to go out to the car. As I expected James defiantly refused to step aside to allow me to pass; another show of arrogance. However, I had just enough space to pass him but it meant I had to brush a little closer to him than I would have liked. He smirked at me petulantly.

I chuckled dryly to myself as I passed. Suddenly he inhaled long and hard through his nose, almost as if he was smelling me. Garrett picked up on it and looked as confused as I felt. I cocked my head to the side in question. Recognition flashed through his mind and across his features. He growled at me.

A memory flashed through his mind. It was an image from many years ago, a scent so strong in his memory, the scent of a human. So intense that it overruled all reason, invaded all of his senses. He would kill any and all that stood in between him and the source of such a scent. He had found his singer.

In his mind's eye I could see the vision of a human, huddled over in the corner of a white room. It was either a tiny woman or a teenage boy. The figure appeared androgynous in the nondescript clothing. The figure was curled in on themselves, unmoving. They appeared too still to be healthy, but they were definitely alive, the tension visible in their back muscles showed that, but they were completely still, almost catatonic, apart from the occasional involuntary twitch. A man stood over the timid figure, another vampire. He was not here to hunt though; his stance was friendly. His face showed compassion. James saw this as a weakness. James was determined to have his prey.

As quickly as it had arrived the memory ended. Pure rage filled James mind. Then it became clear, James never got to feed from his singer. They were transformed into a vampire before he got the chance. For some reason he had picked up the scent in me when I passed him. He looked at me abruptly. His face was feral. The tracker was out in him in full force. I just couldn't work out where I came into it and neither could he.

"Where the fuck have you just been? You didn't smell like that before!" he raged.

I considered him carefully before answering.

"I just got changed, I've not been anywhere." I answered stoically, before exchanging a bewildered look with Garrett.

Garrett's stare advised caution. I intended to heed that warning. Garrett stood up visibly taller and slowly came to stand by my side in a show of allegiance. James spotted the move and backed down slightly. He inhaled through his nose again and ran up the stairs towards my room. Garrett and I followed, the girls trailing behind us.

"Dear god Tanya, he's gone mad!" I heard Irina mumble.

James charged into my room and looked triumphant. Tracking was his passion and I had inadvertently lit a fire of determination in him. He had gone straight to my case and was now inhaling my clothes like a rabid animal. He had a sadistic grin on his face and his eyes were wild.

"It's faint but it's there. I've tracked well on less. Finally! Finally!" he shouted manically.

"Finally I can get her. I didn't get to feed but if as long as I get a kill one way or another. It will be a success." He was rambling to himself, he looked completely crazed. He was well past reason.

Edward! Come! Quietly, don't attract attention!

Garrett shouted to me in his thoughts. I followed. He sped out towards the woods with me in tow.

"Have you any idea what he is talking about" he asked me seriously when we were out of earshot.

"Not a clue Garrett. He is completely out of it. Even his thoughts don't make sense." I said.

"I honestly don-"I continued but cut off when realisation hit me.

"What!" Garrett said urgently, grabbing me by my collar to get my attention.

"I changed my clothes." I said with a blank expression. Garrett glared at me impatiently, urging me to continue.

"Then he went to my case, sniffing around like a damn dog!" I was getting angry, losing my control. I just prayed that I was wrong. Then I remembered that this whole thing made even less sense to Garrett than it did to me. I had access to James' mind after all.

"I saw a scene play out in James' mind. He found his singer years ago, in the early 1920's. He never got to feed from her though. She was bitten and changed before he had the chance. He's been looking for her ever since." I looked up to Garrett and he nodded for me to continue.

"He picked up her scent on me faintly, but it was enough. He picked it up on my clothes upstairs too." Garrett looked confused.

"I don't understand Edward. Who is it? Whose scent would be on your clothes upstairs?" he asked, looking terrified.

"Alice packed my case before I left. She was transformed in 1920. Alice is James' singer. Now the chase is on for him." I replied, all the while formulating a planning my head to get to Alice before he did. Tricking him if need be. Garrett started shaking his head in disbelief.

"What use would she be to him now –"he stopped abruptly as realisation hit.

"As long as I get a kill one way or another, it will be a success. That's what he said in the house." He said, with a look of terror on his face. I nodded in response.

"Come on! We have to get you out of here. Now!" he demanded.

I followed immediately; determined to save my sister.