Eclipse EPOV
Based on Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Chapter 9: Target
It was hard to let her go in the morning. She reached up for one last kiss before Alice pushed her into the Volvo and drove away.
If it wasn't for the need to keep up appearances, I'd run to beat them there, and wait for her in her bedroom. However, I was required to wait for Alice to return with my car before I could drive back "returning from my hiking trip".
I sighed as I watched the car disappear into the trees. The ache around my heart already felt raw again – though better than before. Perhaps it was from our new found understanding or maybe it was having her with me in our bed, but I felt more at ease. Still, it pained me to be apart.
Not soon enough, Alice was back with the Volvo. I was supposed to wait to allow more time to pass before arriving, but I couldn't help myself. I jumped in before Alice could even close the door and accelerated out of the yard. Only when I got to the highway did it occur to me that Alice had left it running. She must have seen my hurry.
I hummed her lullaby to myself on the way to town, thinking of being by her side again. What could we do today? I wanted to do something that would make her happy. I thought of the decrepit bike still in our garage. She seemed to have developed a taste for exhilarating activities. Maybe we could do something that was both thrilling and yet with an appropriate measure of safety…
When I hit the edge of town, I automatically began seeking her out. At first there was nothing. She must be busy with some activity. Then, still a few blocks away I heard her heart beat, like a magnet drawing me closer.
I parked the car and made my way up the walk. That's when the smell hit me. I fought my body's desire to curve into a protective stance while venom flowed to my mouth and my hands balled into tightly clamped fists. Someone had been here. I took another breath through my mouth tasting the air. It had been very recently.
I jumped to the door, shredding any pretense of human speed and rang the door bell. Come on, Bella, open the door… For a tenth of a second I wondered if I was too late as I heard her heart beat erratically.
"Door." Charlie called out.
"Don't strain yourself, Dad."
I heard her take a few hurried steps, though not hurried enough for me, to the front door.
"Edward?" her eyes widened as she took me in, my body on full alert for the slightest movement. "What."
I directed her to remain silent, "Give me two seconds." I whispered, though I intended to be back in less, "Don't move."
In a flash, I searched the house, spending the most time in her room where the scent was concentrated. Whoever it was seemed to be no longer in the house, but they'd definitely been drawn to Bella. There was no trace of him in Charlie's room.
I suddenly recalled leaving Bella standing at the open door and quickly darted back to her side and pulled her from the doorway into the kitchen. It was the most defensive position available as I glanced over the main floor – constantly tasting the air, listening for any movement, keeping my eyes pealed for any sign of the strange vampire who'd been so close – too close, to Bella. The blasted washing machine thumped away in the background, possibly covering any sound…
"Someone's been here." I murmured quietly.
"I swear that no werewolves-" she began to say.
If only that was it. I shook my head, "No one of them." I clarified, "One of us."
I took in her face as, for once, she reacted appropriately to the information. She blanched, color draining from her face. "Victoria?" she choked.
"It's not a scent I recognize." My mind had already drawn a list of possible suspects crossing off anyone I'd already come in contact with.
"One of the Volturi?" she guessed next, going right to the top of my list.
"Probably."
"When?"
I tasted the air again to confirm… Still no sign of anything in the last few hours… "That's why I think it must have been them – it wasn't long ago, early this morning while Charlie was sleeping. And whoever it was didn't touch him so there must have been another purpose."
"Looking for me." She replied. It wasn't a question. She knew.
I didn't want to confirm, but she need to be aware, "Why else would they be here?"
It's too quiet in there…if I catch him touching her…Charlie quickly and quietly came around the corner "What are you two hissing about in there."
He quickly surveyed the scene. Hmmm, she looks upset… so does he… maybe she's finally tired of him leaving all the time…His outlook shifted from suspicion to optimism. "If you two are having a fight… well, don't let me interrupt." If only it was that simple. He put his bowl in the sink and left.
"Let's go." I told her. I needed to get her out of this house. What if whoever it was came back with reinforcements?
"But Charlie!" I didn't think he was at any risk. He had been here last night and they hadn't touched him. But, what if they did come back and were thirsty. If it was a member of the Volturi, they wouldn't think twice, or they might take him as a hostage. As frustrating as his attitude toward me had been, there was no part of my mind that wanted to see him hurt. Plus this would go much faster with Bella if I just gave in and ensured he was protected. Perhaps I could accomplish two tasks at once – we needed someone to search out where the vampire went. I flipped open my phone and hit the speed dial. He picked up on the first ring.
"Emmett."
"Ya bro."
I quickly eyed Bella. She wasn't doing well. The color hadn't returned to her cheeks and her heart was beating erratically. She was in shock. I lowered and sped up my voice so she couldn't hear. All the while, part of my mind continued to assess her physical condition.
"Someone's been here." I started, "A vampire – no one I know."
"Who sent them?"
"That's what I need to find out. I'm bringing Bella home. I need you and Jasper to come over, check out the perimeter. See if you can pick up a trail and follow it – see where they went."
"How many?"
"Just one in the house."
"They were there in the house?" he sounded alarmed.
"Yes – they were in Bella's room – but didn't leave by the street. I'm guessing you'll pick up the trail behind her house."
"Man, she has got to have the worst luck."
I growled my response.
"Jasper," I heard him say, then "Alright, we're on our way."
"Thanks. Meet us back at the house when you find something."
I flipped the phone shut. "Emmett and Jasper are on their way." I whispered to her, "They'll survey the woods. Charlie is fine."
She was still in shock. I took her firmly by the waist and led her to the front door. What?... I thought?... Charlie watched us leave, but said nothing. I led her to the car, settling her in the passenger seat and fastening her seat belt for her. She stared blankly out the front window. I briefly wondered if Carlisle was going to need to give her a sedative. But then, as I got into the car, she spoke.
"Where are we going?" she whispered.
"We're going to talk to Alice." I replied. I wondered: had she seen something but didn't mentioned it? That didn't seem likely… She wouldn't keep something this important from me, would she? But if she hadn't seen anything, why? I had her watching Victoria, the Volturi, Bella… this was no random vampire… she should have seen… If she foresaw that there would be no problem, would she have kept it from me? With Bella out of the way, would she not have cared? No, she loved Charlie almost as much as Bella… it made no sense. The only conclusion was she didn't see this coming.
Worry started to settle in. If she hadn't seen this, what else might she have missed, and why? How could she possibly miss this – unless she hadn't been paying attention… That wasn't like her. My anxiety started turning to anger. How could she not see unless she was being careless, unless she wasn't watching one of the key players, or Bella… what if she wasn't watching Bella? I could feel the anger growing as I drove. The entire situation made no sense. What if Bella had been there? What if they came back?
"What happened?" I demanded, glowering at Alice as we walked into the living room. All the stress and anxiety and anger that had boiled up over the trip home burst out, turning my question into an accusation.
You don't have to yell at me, Edward. "I have no idea. I didn't see anything." She took a deep breath, crossed her arms over her chest and met my glare, already prepared for my outburst.
"How is that possible?" I hissed back, incredulous. She must have slipped up somehow. She must have missed something.
"Edward." Bella's warning tone sounded beside me, but I ignored it.
Cool down, Edward. This isn't Alice's fault. "It's not an exact science, Edward." Carlisle said calmly.
It was exact enough. "He was in her room, Alice." My voice rose, "He could have still been there – waiting for her."
"I would have seen that." She replied confidently. I'm just as worried about Bella as you. I watch her all the time.
But he was in her room… how could she know, how could she even pretend to be sure? I threw up my hands in exasperation, "Really? Are you sure?"
What do you want from me? Alice glared. "You've already got me watching the Volturi's decisions, watching for Victoria's return, watching Bella's every step. You want me to add another? Do I just have to watch Charlie, or Bella's room, or the house, or the whole street too? Edward if I try to do too much, things are going to start slipping through the cracks."
"It looks like they already are." I snapped back.
"She was never in any danger. There was nothing to see." She said firmly. You know as well as I do, Edward – I don't see everything!
"If you're watching Italy, why didn't you see them send-" I could hear the cold anger in my voice as it rose in volume.
"I don't think it's them." Alice insisted, "I would have seen that."
"Who else would leave Charlie alive?"
Bella shuddered beside me.
Edward – stop this now! Carlisle warned, but I ignored him.
"I don't know."
"Helpful." My voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Stop it, Edward." Bella whispered. I looked her over – her wide eyes, her pale face – she was scared. In an instant I realized she was scared of me. I saw myself mirrored in her horror filled eyes. What must I look like? A monster.
I quickly rearranged my features and took a deep breath. I needed to be calm for her. I needed to repair the damage I had done.
"You're right, Bella. I'm sorry." I uttered, when I was sure my voice would come out calmly, "Forgive me, Alice. I shouldn't be taking this out on you. That was inexcusable." I took another few cleansing breaths.
"I understand." Alice replied, but next time you don't need to yell! "I'm not happy about it either." And I could see she truly wasn't. For all her confident assurances during the fight, the fact that someone was in Bella's room scared her too. I had been unfair.
I took one more deep breath and let the rest of my tension and anxiety go. "Okay, let's look at this logically. What are the possibilities?" I'd already catalogued them, but maybe just maybe I'd missed something.
Instantly the rest of the family relaxed and began searching through the long list of possible vampires, striking each away as they considered them. All except Rosalie.
It was harder on Rosalie then Alice. Alice knew, unequivocally, she'd be forewarned if any danger were to come to Jasper. She could see his every step more clearly then any of us. They were so intuned with each other… It was like when I spent enough time in someone's mind it became much easier to pick them out from a distance or in a crowd. Rosalie had no such assurance – and she needed Emmett, needed him like I needed Bella.
"Victoria?" Carlisle threw out. She's been in the area… has more then enough reason…
I shook my head. I'd already gone down that road, "No, I didn't know the scent. He might have been from the Volturi, someone I never met…"
Alice was already shaking her head before I even spoke, "Aro hasn't asked anyone to look for her yet. I will see that. I'm waiting for it."
Aro… she's waiting for Aro… Understanding suddenly dawned on me – how she might have missed it. "You're watching for an official command." I meant to clarify, but I could hear the accusation in my tone.
She ignored it, "You think someone's acting on their own? Why?"
"Caius's idea." I replied. He didn't like the idea of letting us go.
"Or Jane's…" Alice suggested, brightening to the possible explanation of how she might have missed it, "They both have the resources to send an unfamiliar face…" It makes perfect sense, Edward.
"And the motivation." I added darkly.
"It doesn't make sense, though," Esme spoke up, "If whoever it was meant to wait for Bella, Alice would have seen that. He – or she – had no intension of hurting Bella. Or Charlie for that matter."
I saw Bella cringe as she was reminded how close her father had been to the intruder. Esme reached over to comfort her, "It's going to be fine, Bella." she said, as she smoothed her hair.
"But what was the point then?" Carlisle mused, they wouldn't send someone all the way here for nothing.
"Checking to see if I'm still human." Bella said glumly.
"Possible." Carlisle considered…it's as good a reason as any we've come up with… but then in a matter of days they'll know.
"Man, what a waste," Emmett guffawed as they entered the yard.
"At least they're gone." Jasper said back.
Rosalie released the air she'd been holding. Oh thank God! She looked toward the kitchen just as Emmett burst through, Jasper right behind him.
"Long gone, hours ago." Emmett announced, disappointed, "The trail went east, then south and disappeared on a side road. Had a car waiting." And we totally would have taken him too, just the one guy all alone…
"That's bad luck." I muttered, "If he'd gone west… well, it would be nice for those dogs to make themselves useful."
Edward, be mindful of Bella's feelings, Esme chastised as she rubbed her shoulder.
Bad luck, or did they know too much about us and our gifts Jasper wondered as he looked at Carlisle, "Neither of us recognized him. But here" he held out a fern leaf he carried in his pocket. Carlisle took it, inhaling the scent, "Maybe you know the scent." I waited hopefully.
"No." Carlisle replied, "Not familiar. No one I've ever met." And I met everyone who was there… Maybe someone new?...
"Perhaps we're looking at this the wrong way. Maybe it's a coincidence…" Esme began.
Not likely…I don't think so… Fat chance…my family looked doubtfully back at her.
"I don't mean a coincidence that a stranger happened to pick Bella's house to visit at random." Esme explained, "I meant that maybe someone was just curious. Our scent is all around her. Was he wondering what draws us there?"
Possibly, Jasper though, skeptically.
"Why wouldn't he just come here then? If he was curious?" Emmett demanded.
"You would." Esme said, recalling the time we met the Denali clan. Emmett had walked right in, sad down and put his feet up on the coffee table. "The rest of us aren't always so direct. Our family is very large – he or she might be frightened. But Charlie wasn't harmed. This doesn't have to be an enemy."
James, Victoria and Laurent had been curious… that didn't turnout so good for Bella… even if they were just curious, it was still a danger – and if so, why didn't they feed. Charlie had been an easy target. They didn't even go into his room.
A curious stranger… he'd just leave… but… Carlisle considered the hypothesis. He wanted to support Esme's theory – and it would be the easiest to live with – but even he was having a difficult time buying into her idea.
No, it was too pre-planned Jasper's military mind was in full action…there was purpose to this, design…this wasn't random.
It would explain why I didn't see, but… Alice pursed her lips, "I don't think so. The timing of it was too perfect… The visitor was so careful to make no contact. Almost like he or she knew that I would see…" Would he or she know that – know that I would see them if they made contact, but wouldn't if they didn't? How else could this have escaped me?
"He could have other reasons for not making contact," Esme countered, but now, no one really though that was the case. It was too well timed, like Alice said. This was someone who knew what they were doing – like the Voluri.
"Does it really matter who it was?" Bella asked suddenly, "Just the chance that someone was looking for me… isn't' that reason enough? We shouldn't wait for graduation."
I panicked that the rest would agree. I could see Jasper had already considered the idea and Alice wasn't far behind. "No, Bella." I jumped in, flashing a quick, pleading look at Carlisle, "It's not that bad. If you're really in danger we'll know."
"Think of Charlie," Carlisle added, much to my relief, "Thank of how it would hurt him if you disappeared."
"I am thinking of Charlie! He's the one I'm worried about. What if my little guest had happened to be thirsty last night? As long as I'm around Charlie, he's a target, too. If anything happened to him, it would be my fault."
Edward, allow me, Esme's thoughts stopped my objection before it was voiced, "Hardly Bella," she said, stroking her hair, "And nothing will happen to Charlie. We're just going to have to be more careful."
"More careful." She snapped, her voice raising a few notes. I supposed the past few weeks of surveillance and kidnapping weren't endearing her to the idea of heightened security.
"It's all going to be fine, Bella." Alice promised. I'll add Charlie to my watch and Bella's room. At least that I can do…
I squeezed her hand, adding my assurance to theirs. She was my life now and Charlie was part of our family. This was not something she would be allowed to face on her own.
Bella was quiet for the remainder of the discussion and the entire way home. Though I tried to be patient and give her time to process all that had happened, her silence now not only drove me nuts, it worried me. She was thinking and that more often then not resulted in her doing something dangerous.
"You won't be alone for a second." My tone was reassuring, but my intent was to warn, "Someone will always be there, Emmett, Alice, Jasper…"
She sighed, "This is ridiculous. They'll get so bored, they'll have to kill me themselves just for something to do." Exasperation tainted her every word.
My mind flashed back to Jasper launching himself at her during her birthday party ten months earlier. "Hilarious, Bella." I said sarcastically, hiding the worry that memory bore.
Hmmm, they're back…Charlie had been waiting, keeping an eye and ear out for our return. His careful investigative eye assessed our every move, the tone of our conversation, how Bella left far too much distance for my liking between us. Looks like there's still trouble in paradise. A smirk crossed his face. It's about time Bella told him to leave her alone. Maybe he'll take the hint permanently this time. Now maybe she'll make up with Jacob. His mind wandered off to the phone message he'd left and how he was best going to convince her to call back. He settled on emotional blackmail.
We've done a survey of the perimeter, Emmett's thoughts penetrated my glower. It was a good thing. I didn't need to do something to further put me in his bad graces. I excused myself and ran out back to meet with them.
There were five of them: Emmett, Jasper, Alice, Carlisle and Esme… no Rosalie – no surprise there.
"We're going to take shifts for tonight." Carlisle instructed, "I don't want any of us to lose focus."
"Won't happen" Emmett butted in.
"I'm sure it won't, but let's be safe. I also want each of us to be especially vigilant at feeding over the next few days. If something happens – and I hope it doesn't – but if it does there is a chance for blood to be spilt and we need to be as strong as we can."
He was thinking of Jasper, but he addressed the entire group, not leaving any of us out of his gaze.
"We'll do two hours each." He continued, "In pairs. I want your phones on and fully charged. Esme and I will take the first shift."
"Thank you, Carlisle… Everyone." I said looking to each of them individually, "You don't have to do this."
"Of course we do." Alice chimed in, "She's our family too – they both are."
I smiled at her and headed back in for a few hours before my appointed time to "leave for the night" at least as far as Charlie was concerned.
Two hours later, when Jasper and Alice spelled off Carlisle and Esme, they thought out a greeting letting me know – and again later when Carlisle returned with Emmett. Despite the situation, the danger of the unknown visitor, I felt more comfortable in Bella's safety then I had for awhile. Especially when I had her in my arms as I sang her to sleep.
It was just after midnight when I heard a noise along the side of the house. As fast as possible, without waking Bella, I disentangled myself form her sleeping form and jumped into a crouch, all senses on high alert.
"It's just me, Edward." Emmett's voice called out quietly and, in the next moment, he was scrambling through the window.
"Hey Emmett. What's up?" I said as I straightened up.
Carlisle's headed back. Jasper and Alice are on duty again. I just came to see how you're doing." He grinned.
"Good" I replied, "Better… It's easier, knowing you guys are out there."
"We've got your back, bro." he paused for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. I let him, without interruption. "Listen, I was thinking. Charlie is going to be away from the house during the day and you'll be with Bella. We can't double team both of them all day." He looked up at me apologetically, "And since Bella's the likely target, what if we split up – one of us shadows Charlie while one shadows you and Bella. You'll still have two people on her at all times."
"It's not a bad idea." I said, "You're right. Double teaming both of them is over kill. Not to mention it would mean no body would get a break."
He brightened, "Really? You agree?" he grinned, then glanced over at Bella who'd started tossing a little on the bed. My favorite part of the night was coming. I didn't want to miss it. "So what do you do up here all night?" he asked, looking around the room.
I frowned. I didn't really want to have a brotherly chat right now, but he was giving up his time with Rosalie. I could at least be hospitable.
"Mostly read." I replied shortly.
He chuckled, "So nothing's really changed for you then."
"I wouldn't say that… so… isn't Rosalie waiting for you?"
"Nah." He said, picking up the case of CDs and glancing through it. Not even anything decent he thought as he set it down. "She's pissed."
"Hmm," I replied.
He walked over to her computer and gave it a passing disdainful glance. What a piece of crap. "You need to get her a new computer."
"I know." I rolled my eyes. "She doesn't like gifts."
"Ya, I remember." He walked over to her closet and started rifling through her clothes.
I'd had enough. She was going to start talking any minute now. I could tell by the change in her breathing… her restlessness… "Emmett, what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to cover my annoyance with a casual tone.
He grinned, "Just curious." He pulled out one outfit that was clearly an Alice addition, one she hadn't worn yet. Man, she'd look pretty hot in that – no Rosalie, but still. He put it back. I stifled a growl. Bella out shone Rosalie in every way.
"I don't think she'd be too happy if she woke up and found you here riffling through her clothes." I cautioned.
"Chill… She's about to become my little sister… I need to do a thorough background check."
I sighed and sat on the rocking chair. Clearly I wasn't going to get him out without using physical force. I could only hope he'd get bored quickly and leave. I wasn't so lucky.
"Mmmm" Emmett and I both froze – me in panic, Emmett in curiosity. He glanced at me once and back at Bella, a mischievous smile on his face.
"Mmm, Edward…"
Emmett choked back a chuckle. He clearly wasn't leaving now.
"Change your mind?" I recognized the phrase from last night. My heart sank in worry at what else might come next.
"I like the bed."
I snort blasted through Emmett's nose. Nice.
"mmmm…. Get carried away."
Emmett was now leaning against the dresser. The entire unit was shaking violently from his suppressed laughter.
She sighed, "it was very, very nice…" her voice was low and sensual.
"BANG", one of her books fell off the dresser, hitting the floor before either of us noticed the danger.
"Emmett, you're going to wake her up." I hissed.
"Okay, okay." He said, picking himself off the floor, "I'll leave you to your little show."
"Emmett," I said in a low warning growl. "You will not tease her about this."
"Don't worry, Edward… I get it… I see why you spend so much time over here now." He waved a suggestive eyebrow before disappearing down the side of the house. I didn't need Alice's ability to foresee that while he might leave Bella alone, I was never going to live this down.
"You know, if you just change her, you don't have to live vicariously through her dreams." Emmett's head popped back up into the window.
"Emmett" I growled a little more forcefully.
I heard his chuckle as he ran off into the forest.
"Edward?" Bella called out, not quite awake.
"Right here, love." I assured her as I settled in beside her and she drifted back off to sleep as if she had never really woken up. I cradled her in my arms, replaying in my mind her earlier mumblings, without Emmett's interruption. The conflicting emotions confounded me. The warmth over the knowledge that she dreamed of me, and in that way – that she wanted me like I wanted her… my desire for her that welled up, followed by the shame. I was far too selfish. Who was I, a monster, to want such a beautiful thing… And to take her would be disastrous. Still, I knew I wanted her. Above anything else – I had wanted her from the first day and that want only increased and took on new dimensions. At first it was only her blood, and then her mind and now her body as well. I feared I would eventually consume her entirely… It was wrong of me, but I now knew I had no other choice but to be with her… If I had a soul I would certainly burn in hell for eternity but perhaps it would be worth it for the short time I would have with her.
"I'm off fishing." I heard Jasper early the next morning as he headed out into the trees to shadow Charlie's car. It would be a long day for him… but with Charlie out on the water, he could let his guard down for a bit…
A few hours later I heard, I'm with you, Alice's musical thoughts laughed in my mind, but can't we do some big time surveillance at the mall? Please, please, please.
I shook my head at her out in the forest from the kitchen as Bella finished some milky covered goop that was her breakfast.
"I'm going to let Jacob off the hook," she said suddenly, as she washed up her bowl in the sink.
I knew I needed to play my part, shoving the anger and tension his name invoked deep down, arranging my features to be light and carefree, as if I care not that she had decided to throw herself at the dog – into his willing arms.
"I knew you'd forgive him." I said plastering an easy smile on my face. "Holding grudges is not one of your many talents." Indeed it was one of the things I loved most about her. I only wished she could do so more discriminately.
She rolled her eyes and smiled. It killed me to do so, to allow them to be together, but at least I made her smile.
She reached for the phone. A small part of me was pleased to note the call would likely wake him from his slumber.
"Hello." His voice, thick with sleep answered.
"Jacob"
"Bella! Oh Bella, I'm so sorry!" he was tripping over his words as he rushed to get them out. "I swear I didn't mean it. I was just being stupid. I was angry-" my fist tightened thinking of what else the stupid mutt could do in his anger. "But that's no excuse. It was the stupidest thing I've ever said in my life and I'm sorry. Don't be made at me, please." If only she could, I wished. "Please. Lifetime of servitude up for grabs – all you have to do is forgive me." He knew how to manipulate her. I'd give him that.
"I'm not mad. You're forgiven." She threw him the life raft he must have known he'd get when he heard her voice on the line. At least he should have if he knew her at all.
"Thank you," he breathed, as if his life depended on it, "I can't believe I was such a jerk." I can… I only hope Bella would some day see it too.
"Don't worry about it. I'm used to it." I stifled a cringe.
He forced a laugh, "Come down to see me." He begged, playing on her sympathies, "I want to make it up to you."
I faced away from her to hide the expression I couldn't help… Edward, breathe Alice reminded me. I took a deep breath and braced myself for what was about to come.
"How?" she asked.
"Anything you want. Cliff diving." He suggested, laughing again.
I heard the table groan under the pressure of my clenched fist. Venom pooled to my mouth. I was seething – I very much wanted to kill him.
Edward! Alice drew my attention away. Edward, you can't! I saw myself in her vision: taking the phone from Bella and telling Jacob in so uncertain terms that Bella would not be going to La Push ever… dashing out the door, running through forest toward La Push, then disappearing from Alice's vision. There my mind picked up. I would forbid her from seeing the dog every again… each possibility flashed through my mind - my varied angry responses to his ludicrous suggestion. Of course, I wouldn't do any of these. I'd given her my word. I would trust her judgment.
"Oh, there's a brilliant idea." She replied sarcastically. At least we are on the same page there.
"I'll keep you safe." He promised, "No matter what you want to do."
It took every ounce of control I possessed to maintain my calm façade against the furry within me. I focused on keeping my breathing even – in and out, in and out… My promise to be "reasonable" was proving much more difficult then I'd imagined, particularly when he was being so unreasonable.
"Not right now." I caught her glancing at me and I pasted the easy smile on my face. It pleased me that at least she'd said it for my benefit. If only she'd come to refuse him for herself, for her own safety.
"He's not thrilled with me, is he?" He said with mock shame in his voice.
No, and you're not exactly endearing yourself to me either, mutt.
"That's not the problem. There's… well, there's this other problem that's slightly more worrisome than a bratty teenaged werewolf…" She tried to make light of it, but then a thought occurred to me. Maybe these bratty teenaged werewolves could make themselves useful – they just might come across the scent on their land too… and I would appear very "reasonable" to ask for their help.
"What's wrong?" he demanded.
I debated for a moment… Could I trust him?
"Um" she paused…
I took a deep breath and held out my hand. She explored my face, trying to figure out what I was going to say.
"Bella?" Jacob pushed.
I sighed, impatient with her hesitancy and reached closer.
"Do you mind speaking with Edward?" she asked apprehensively, "He wants to talk to you."
There was a long silence… He was as reluctant as I.
"Okay," Jacob finally agreed, "This should be interesting."
You're telling me… "Hello, Jacob." I said with perfect civility.
"Ya, hi… What did you want to talk about? What's going on?" he replied rudely.
"Someone was here – not a scent I know." I explained, "Has your pack come across anything new?"
"What! There was a leech in her house? What are you guys doing – how could someone get that close…" I let him rant for a moment and then waited until he calmed down. "No. We've run patrol every night – There's been no sign of anyone else since three weeks ago with Victoria."
Ah, that didn't surprise me. We would have sensed her if she'd returned. "Here's the crux, Jacob. I won't be letting Bella out of my sight till I get this taken care of. It's nothing personal-"
"She'd be safer down here at La Push then with you! We have an entire pack of wolves to protect her, here." I cringed internally but it would do no good to fight him on this. I just continued to listen politely, "When you guys deserted her, we kept her and Charlie safe."
"You might be right-" I interjected, preparing to unleash my "but" However, he went on.
"We expanded our boundaries to include a patrol of the town. We always had someone at her house… Victoria never got near her, not to mention inside."
"That's an interesting suggestion. We're quite willing to renegotiate. If Sam is amenable."
I'd caught him. I smiled slightly as he back peddled, "Oh, ya." He took a breath, "Ya, I'll talk to Sam, see if we can expand the patrol, have someone stationed outside Bella's house… Keep her safe."
"Thank you," I said respectfully.
"We should follow the visitor's trail. I could accompany you if it crosses our land… see where it goes." I was surprised by his sudden willingness. It seemed genuine.
"I'd planned to go alone, actually. And leave her with the others." I added firmly before he suggested otherwise.
"I think you should consider the protection we can offer. Like I said, we kept Victoria away from her for months." His voice was softer now, more pleading.
"I'll try to consider it objectively." I promised, and then hedged, "As objectively as I'm capable of."
"Maybe I should come get the scent, in case whoever it was comes back into our territory. I can pass it along to the others."
"That's not a half-bad idea. When?"
"How soon do you want me? I can come right now if it's not too inconvenient." He said with a slight edge in his tone. "Or maybe it would be better if I came back after you were gone."
"No, that's fine. I'd like a chance to follow the trail personally, anyway. Ten minutes."
"Can I talk to Bella?" he asked again with civility as forced as my own.
"Certainly," I held out the phone, "Bella?"
She looked at me in confusion as she took the phone, "What was that all about?" She sounded annoyed, seemingly irritated over something from my conversation with her dog. I ran back over it in my head. I thought I'd been rather polite. The conversation actually went much better then I'd planned.
"A truce, I think." I heard him over the phone. "Hey do me a favor. Try to convince your bloodsucker that the safest place for you to be – especially when he leaves – is on the reservation. We're well able to handle anything."
I knew this wasn't going to go away. Whether now or after we caught whoever Bella's visitor was, I was going to have to face her going to La Push. I'd told her I was going to let her go – to trust her judgment.
"Is that what you were trying to sell him?" she asked.
"Yes. It makes sense. Charlie's probably better off here, too. As much as possible."
"Get Billy on it." she said. I felt a rush of relief knowing Charlie would be out of dangers way and then wondered why… Did I actually think it was safe with the wolves? Or was it just that he would be away from where the visitor was most likely to return to.
"What else?" She asked.
"Just rearranging some boundaries, so we can catch anyone who gets too near Forks. I'm not sure if Sam will go for it, but until he comes around, I'll keep an eye on things."
I was touched by his gesture. I knew he'd only said it off the cuff to convince me to let her go, but to put his own neck on the line… grudgingly, my respect for him rose an inch, despite my best efforts to resent him.
"What do you mean by 'keep an eye on things?'" she asked suspiciously.
"I mean that if you see a wolf running around your house, don't shoot at it."
"Of course not. You really shouldn't do anything… risky, though." I tried not to react to the concern in her voice.
He snorted. "Don't be stupid. I can take care of myself."
She sighed.
"I also tried to convince him to let you visit. He's prejudiced, so don't let him give you any crap about safety. He knows as well as I do that you'd be safe here."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"See you in a few." Jacob said.
"You're coming up?" she brightened.
"Yeah. I'm going to get the scent of your visitor so we can track him if he comes back."
"Jake, I really don't like the idea of you tracking."
I rolled my eyes.
"Oh please, Bella." he interrupted, laughing as he hung up the phone.
"Er" she growled as she hung the phone forcibly back onto the receiver.
18
Story Adaptation by Erica Bailey
