Chapter Eight (by kejce)

Torn between the delectable scent drifting from the window and the immediate danger to his person, James paused long enough for the russet wolf to get a good look at him. He growled at the beast, pissed at being interrupted. Cursing beneath his breath, James turned and sped off the property, the wolf close on his heels.

I can't let anything happen to Bella, Jacob thought as he chased after the bloodsucker.

Focus, Jacob. We're not just here to protect Bella, but the others as well, Sam interrupted his thoughts and sent an image of his location.

The four of them were attempting to corner the vamp they were chasing and tear him to shreds tonight. They wanted to be sure everyone on the property was safe. All of them, with the exception of Jacob, were becoming anxious about being gone from La Push for so long.

Flashes from Seth and Embry drifted through Sam and Jacob's heads and they each adjusted their positions accordingly.

This bloodsucker is going down!
Seth's happy-go-lucky mental voice cheered them on.

Jacob was close enough that he could hear the expletives uttered as the vamp sped up, trying to escape them. James faked left and ran right, trying to get the wolf off his heels. He wanted to find a way to double back to the farm and feed from that human. Just thinking about the scent had his mouth pooling with venom again.

With sudden inspiration, James veered slightly left, turned about, and flew past the wolf trailing him. He would lead this wolf into the perfect trap. Alec was still waiting for him at the tree they had been in earlier; what better way to end the evening than tearing apart this wolf and then having some dinner?

Jacob cursed as the vamp veered left and then unexpectedly turned around completely and ran by him. He tried to lunge for the creature, but was slightly distracted with thoughts of protecting Bella. He needed to ensure her safety.

Focus, Jake
, Sam gently chided.

They all adjusted their courses and tore after the bloodsucker once more. It was becoming tiresome how he continued to elude their capture. At least the people on the ranch were safe. They may not have caught the vamp yet, but they were able to keep all the humans safe. It was only a matter of time before they caught the vampire.

James reached Alec and in a few seconds relayed what was happening. Sighing, Alec leapt from the tree and shook his head. James truly was incompetent. When he sensed the wolf, Alec let his power out. The mongrel didn't notice the unnatural fog rolling toward him, but the moment the wolf ran into it, Alec heard his distressed whimper.

What Alec and James had not expected were the other three wolves who appeared moments later. They remained apart from Alec's power and lent their sight to Jacob. Grinning a wolfy grin and realizing he had the upper hand as he could now see, even if it was through others' eyes, Jacob leapt at Alec. The vamp leapt out of the way just in time and the chase was on once more.

Alec and James took off running, realizing that they needed to get out of there and regroup. They needed reinforcements or at least another plan. The two vamps took to the trees and began leaping from tree to tree. The wolves tried to follow, but the scents and sounds grew fainter. Not wanting to leave the ranch unprotected when they realized they would be unable to catch the vamp tonight, they returned.

James fumed as he and Alec ran from the scene. They were making their way back to the abandoned cabin they were using as a headquarters of sorts.

"I told you -" Alec started.

James cut him off with a growl. "I don't want to hear it."

When they reached the cabin, James was still in a foul mood. Not only had they run from the mongrels, but he had not had a chance to taste that delicious scent. He would need to go hunting soon to at least improve his temper some.

"I'm heading into town. I need to feed," James grumbled at Alec.

Alec nodded, deciding to put his time to good use and develop a plan to get the wolves off the property and them onto it.


That morning at the ranch, everyone was sluggish in rising. Breakfast was a noisier affair than usual.

"Did you hear the noises last night?" Marie asked as she sat in her usually seat.

"Kathie, there aren't any bears around are there?" Kris inquired as she finished a bite of egg.

"There was a lot of growling outside my window," Tony grumbled. "It sounded like wild animals fighting."

Bella sat by Edward, the circles under her eyes darker than usual. It was obvious she had not had much sleep. Edward leaned over and gently kissed her forehead and whispered soothing words in her ear.

Deciding that everyone needed to be reassured, Kathie stood and smiled at them.

"I'm sure what you heard were just some raccoons fighting. It happens all the time here," she said soothingly.

The kids settled after her explanation and seemed much more like their usual selves. She hated lying to them like she was, but the last thing she wanted was for the kids to find out that vampires and werewolves were stalking her. She would need to talk with Embry on her own later. As much as she hated to do it, she believed she might have to send the kids home early to keep them safe. She couldn't bear it if any of them were hurt because of her.

If only she hadn't decided to write that story. She had no idea when she was writing it that it would lead to such trouble. What had prompted her to write it in the first place? A strange dream she had once about a man sparkling. It was something she would think about later, right now she needed to focus on keeping everyone safe.

As she returned to her seat, her eyes lingered on Bella and Edward. They were rarely apart these days and she was glad to see the young woman she considered a niece so happy. She knew the problems Edward had and seeing him so open and loving with Bella warmed her heart. When she had seen the two of them when they arrived, she had a good feeling about them both and paired them together whenever she had a chance. She was quite pleased to see things working out.

When breakfast finished, everyone headed to the barn to muck out the stalls. By this time everyone was used to the routine and rarely grumbled about their chores. Most of them noticed a positive change to their physique and enjoyed the fresh air.

Edward held Bella's hand as they walked and they paired together to clean out one of the stalls. Edward was the only one who dared get near Bella with a shovel. She could be a little lethal with it and more than once he'd had to change his clothes after Bella accidentally dumped some on him. He didn't mind her clumsy ways though, especially when they landed her in his arms.

He worried about what would happen when they had to leave. He couldn't help but hope she would want to continue their relationship once they left. Bella didn't know they would both be attending Dartmouth in the fall. He wasn't ready to tell her yet. If she didn't want to be with him when they left, he figured there were enough people who attended Dartmouth that they could avoid one another. He worried over his heartbreak should Bella not want him.

After they had finished their morning chores and he came away unscathed, he kissed her and told her he would see her at lunch. Leaving her at the door to her dorm, he wandered up to the house to talk to Kathie.

As he brought his hand up to the door to knock, he noticed it was shaking. Joe answered the door, the smile the man was wearing was infectious and Edward felt his own lips tug upward in response.

"Something I can help you with, Edward?"

"I was hoping I could have a word with Ms. Kathie?" He was trying to be on his best behavior and use the manners his mother had instilled in him. Bella was well worth it. He couldn't speak to her father about things, but he knew Kathie was considered family.

"Come on in," Joe said, clapping him on the back.

Edward breathed a sigh of relief, the gesture putting him at ease and making him feel better about what he was about to do. Joe led him into the house.

"Kathie, darling, there's someone here to see you," he called as he went.

Kathie appeared from the kitchen and smiled at them both. She hugged Joe and he kissed her upon the lips in greeting.

"Edward, it's so nice to see you. What is it that I can do for you?"

Her genuine manner and the happiness she exuded put Edward at ease though he blushed slightly because of the topic he was bringing up.

"I'd like to do something nice for Bella. Maybe a picnic or a nice dinner? She's really special to me."

Kathie held back the panic she felt as he mentioned doing something sweet for Bella. He probably meant alone and she couldn't risk the two of them going off by themselves with everything that was going on.

"Edward, that's a wonderful idea. I think everyone deserves a nice picnic. We can ride the horses as a group and picnic not far from here."

Edward flushed further. "I meant just the two of us, Ms. Kathie," he clarified and she mentally cursed at his words. She wasn't usually one for using profanity, but she was really stressed out.

Edward's face fell as Kathie remained silent for a few minutes, thinking maybe he didn't approve of him and Bella after all. Noticing his sadness, Kathie perked up and quickly thought of a compromise that would hopefully keep them safe.

"What if my family and I set up a nice dinner for the two of you here in the house while everyone else eats outside one evening?" It was the best thing she could come up with on such short notice.

"That would be great. I just have some things I'd like to tell her over a nice dinner and I really appreciate the offer," Edward said, his face lighting up once more.

"How does tomorrow night sound to you, Edward?" Joe said, grinning at him.

"It sounds great. Thank you both," Edward exclaimed and raced out the door to tell Bella about the evening he had planned.