(A/N) Thank you for all of the encouragement you guys gave me. It means a lot. And Whoop!! Spring break's in just a week! I can't wait! I'm not going anywhere, but I would love to sleep some more...that's sleepybug me talking...lol

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or New Moon

Chapter 10

This morning I woke up bright and early. The weather was a little chilly for a late-September day, but that could be explained by the high altitude and the nearby majestic snow-capped mountains. Sophie helped me into one of the warmer dresses that I had, draping a thin cloak about me to keep me from the chill.

The trip started a little after breakfast, although I found it odd that all of the Cullens disappeared for a few minutes after they ate. They had looked like they swallowed a slime ball, but came back looking much better and…relieved? I only had an inkling of what was going on…maybe the book was true, but it still didn't matter, although part of me knew that I should be running away, screaming.

The sun was shining brightly that day, but only behind thin clouds. It could be seen as only a haze in the sky – an overly bright spot in the heavens veiled by the light clouds. I did not care that its rays did not cast any warmth. It warmed me on the inside with its glow, and that was all that mattered.

The line of coaches pulled on through the winding road, heading ever towards the looming mountains. Apparently, we were going to pass through the Northern Pass into Austria. (A/N: I don't know if there is a northern pass, but just pretend there is one, okiedokie? Lol)

When noon rolled around, we were already along the slippery path that was known as the Northern Pass. I watched as the cliffs around rose to immeasurable heights, snow and icicles dangling precariously on its edges. The Pass was mostly dark; the cliffs hid shed dark shadows and ominous side-paths that made me suddenly cold. I saw Sophie huddled in her heavy cloak on her horse, and I almost pitied her, though I knew she would never accept any pity.

Inside my carriage, I felt Edward shift as he draped me in another warm cloak. I smiled in thanks.

We were unusually quiet around each other today, as if we were both entangled in some deep thoughts. I know I was always thinking about how to breach my suspicion that they were not human, yet I had a faint feeling that he was thinking about asking me for my secret – my curse. I believe that he knows something was wrong, but I am not sure whether he really knew what it was or not. The silence gradually became tension again. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

By the afternoon, Carlisle suggested a quick break. I nibbled on the traveler's bread and cheese as Edward sat beside me, always quiet and brooding. There were several times when I was caught staring at him. I only blushed and turned away. The trouble was, I could always feel his eyes on me, but I was never quick enough to catch him doing so, as if he could anticipate my every move.

Deciding the silence was too much for me, I walked away, telling the others that I wanted to stretch my legs.

I wandered down the different canyons that the Pass had, always diligently remembering my turns. I had no idea how long had passed, nor how long I was inside the side-routes of the Pass. When the skies turned a shade darker, I knew I should return.

When I turned to go back, however, I saw three bloodhounds snarling at me. Behind them stood four men with evil smirks on their faces. I had not even heard the hounds who were now growling, never realized that I was being followed. I backed into another path, only to find a dead end. The hounds followed me, cornered me, the grins on the faces of the men were wider. They knew I had nowhere to go. I was most likely too far away from the Cullens for any screaming to reach them. My throat was dry and raspy. I could not scream even if I had wanted to.

"Sweet honey, girl, don't be scared," one of them cooed before breaking into a menacing laughter. "We won't hurt cha, would we, boys?" The others laughed harder.

"Of course we won't, dear. We're just gonna teach ya how to have fun," another sneered. "Mmmmyessss…fun…"

I backed against the walls of the cliffs. I felt a branch enter my grasp, although I was sure there wasn't one there before. I was not going to give in without a fight. Adrenaline pulsing through my body, I tore the branch away, holding it before me like a weapon. Maybe I could bat some of the hounds into the cliff or at least blind them somehow…

Panic, sheer panic, was somehow kept just at the edge of my consciousness. I always knew that my curse for being clumsy did not only stop physically. I always knew that the end would come, leaving me battered and beyond hope. Yet, I had always expected panic, but there was none invading my thoughts at the moment.

Far away, I heard the faint neighing of two horses. The clopping of their hooves signified how near and how fast they were going. Then, I saw a sleek black stallion charging through the line of men and dogs, followed by another grey one. I saw a pale hand briefly enter my vision before I was pulled behind the rider. I clung to his waist as if my life depended on it, immediately feeling the panic pulling at the edge of my conscious immediately fade away. As we left, I heard growls and moans, although I dared not to look back.

Edward was riding the horse hard, although he never kicked the poor creature. Soon, however, he slowed to a stop. I realized that we were at the edge of the camp. The ride both amazed and scared me. He was stiff and quiet the entire way back. When I jumped off the horse, I saw that his eyes were pure black, not the golden color that always made my heart melt.

"Are you okay?" I asked quietly.

He grunted a soft reply that I did not hear. Alice had bounded up next to me. "Bella!" she screamed, making my ears ring. "We were all so worried about you! Don't ever do that again, do you hear me? Edward was worried out of his mind."

I looked at Edward, who was staring at me. He smiled his breathtaking crooked smile in embarrassment, his eyes already lightening into a glorious gold. Alice then left us alone, making preparations to leave. I stood there, the chill of the upcoming night settling on my shoulders. I knew I was waiting for something to happen. It was as if the world was waiting for something to happen. From the books I had read, I knew I should go into shock, but I didn't. I felt perfectly safe and comforted for some odd reason.

I felt a cold arm snake around my waist, drawing me roughly to a hard chest. "I thought I had lost you," Edward whispered. "I almost lost all control. Forgive me for not coming sooner."

I turned in his embrace, returning it. "There is nothing to be sorry for. I wandered off alone, and I can only be thankful that you were there to save me. What can I say? I was made a danger magnet?"

"But –" I placed a finger on his lips, stopping the flow of words. Our eyes locked. The air frizzled with intensity. We heard a cough nearby. Startled, we looked guiltily into the eyes of King Carlisle, who informed us that we will need to get going if we want our beds for tonight. He also said that Emmett was back after successfully tying the wild beasts and men to rock in a well-hidden ravine. Edward and I both thanked Emmett for his help. Rosalie glared swords at me, but I was too thankful to care.

I am proud to announce that I made the rest of the way into Vienna safely and slept soundly (without a scratch or bump or cut) on my new bed that night.

Review Review Review!!! I didn't exactly want some things to be out of order, but they kinda did. But hey, it's my fanfic...I'm allowed to do some manipulation...don't I? Okay, that's my excuse for everything, I know...but tell me what you think. Hmm...let's see...5 reviews and I just might post the next chapter up on or before Sunday?