Chapter 10
Bella's POV
You ever get that feeling that something is about to going horribly wrong? That no matter how great everything seems to be going and how blessed you may be that there is going to be an event so catastrophic, so undeniably and horrifically life altering, that you may never recover from it completely? Yeah, I had that feeling. As soon as Edward hung up my phone and began calling everyone in his cell phonebook, speaking so rapidly that he knew I couldn't keep up, I began to feel this gnawing panic settle in my already cramping stomach. Something about this seemed so frighteningly familiar and that never proved to be a good sign. I'd had the same feeling when I was being stalked by an unknown vampire – who later turned out to be Riley, a friend of Victoria's. But no matter how I pleaded, begged, ranted, or raved, Edward wouldn't tell me what was going on. He just kept lifting up one finger and talking to whomever he had on the phone. It was beyond infuriating. I was being kept on the outside again and I would be damned if I stayed there this time.
"Edward, we are going to married in two weeks! I am tired of being treated like I don't have a say in anything and that my opinion doesn't matter. Now, damn it, you tell me –" I began to rise off the couch when he snapped his phone shut again and wheeled around on me, hands raised in surrender.
"I'm not keeping things from you, Bella. I swear to you. I just wanted all the available information before I told you what was happening so I could answer as many questions as possible. Honest." His eyes were remarkably sincere and I felt my anger diffusing rapidly. He walked over to the sofa and gently pulled me back down to sit next to him.
"That was Seth. He was calling for you but I thought you weren't feeling well enough to talk, so I spoke with him briefly. I didn't think it was important, just him calling to say hello. I hope you won't be angry with me," he said quietly. He looked worriedly at me for a moment until I nodded softly to show that I didn't hold it against him. He continued in the same gentle, careful voice.
"There was a murder down on the reservation. That's where Charlie has been all day. It happened sometime early this morning. The wolves caught the scent and thought they had chased it off the grounds, but whoever it was must have evaded them and come back. A young man was killed. He was a friend of Sam's since childhood. His name was Chris. Before you ask, he wasn't one of the wolves."
Edward stopped speaking so he could watch me carefully for a few seconds. I kept my composure and my cool, even though internally I was screaming my fool head off. I'd heard what Edward hadn't said. That it was a vampire who had killed the man, Chris. I silently prayed that it was just a nomad passing through and that this wasn't going to be a recurring incident. But then there was that feeling again, the one that said this wouldn't be an isolated case. There was an even smaller voice nagging me in the back of my hormonal brain that shrieked 'this all has something to do with you!' I did what I could to mentally gag that paranoid wench and pay full attention to Edward. I knew he wasn't done.
"Carlisle is down there now, speaking with Sam and Billy. They," he paused and took a deep breath. I could tell he was trying to keep control on that monumental temper of his. "They want you to come down and see them. I don't know what they think you know, but Billy is being quite insistent."
I felt it was my turn to say something now. The only problem I faced was what I could say without irritating Edward or making him even less inclined to take me down to the rez. The last thing I wanted to do was give him a reason to sweep me up and flee with me cross country. I chose my words very carefully.
"What does Charlie think has happened?"
"He thinks it was a bear attack. Several of the wolves have backed up that theory with false bear sightings." Ugh. My stomach rolled a bit. Animal attach was code for really gory and gruesome death.
"I take it you'll be my escort down to see the Quileutes?" I hedged cautiously. I tried to make it sound like I didn't care one way or another but had a feeling I failed miserably. Edward smirked.
"Yes. Is that a problem? This was your idea of a compromise, remember?"
"No, no problem. I just wanted to be sure."
He nodded and looked me over more meaningfully. "Are you in too much pain to go right now?"
I shook my head and he sighed in what seemed like acquiescence. He rose from the couch and offered me his hand to help me follow suit. His icy touch was soothing and very comforting. As long as he was within arms reach I felt the strength to face whatever horrors were once again stalking this sleepy little town on the coast of Washington. But even as I felt that strength course threw me as I settled into the passenger seat of the Volvo I couldn't ignore that niggling feeling that had set up camp in my nervous system.
We drove in relative, but tense, silence all the way to Billy's house. Something that resembled butterflies swarmed around inside me when I spied the little red house that I had taken refuge in for so many months. But there was an absence there as well, for I knew that no matter what I thought I had seen last weekend, Jacob wouldn't be waiting for me inside with a warm smile and a massive, bone crushing hug. It just wasn't that way any more. Not for us. And even though it had been my choice and I didn't regret it for one millisecond, that still hurt me deeply.
Edward pulled in behind Carlisle's Mercedes and shut off the engine. I saw the little lace curtain on one of the windows flutter and Billy's face appear behind the glass. He frowned for a second, but then when he saw me his face broke into a slow smile. Inside I felt a little relief. I was worried that after I had crushed his sons' dreams and shredded his heart that Billy would never want to see me again. Apparently I had been wrong, and for that I found myself unexplainably grateful.
I waited for Edward to walk at human speed and open the door for me. I knew it bothered him when I prevented him from being an absolute gentleman. He helped me from the car and held my hand while we walked to the front door. Before either of us could raise a hand to knock, Seth appeared in the doorway, a huge bright smile stretching across his sunny face.
"Hi Bella! Hey Edward!" Seth waved at Edward before sweeping me up in a huge Jacobesque hug. I found myself smiling back and returning the hug with my own level of bone crushing severity. It was nothing compared to what any of the men around me were capable of, but it was the best I could do. When he set me down I saw him shift uncomfortably for a second and then look at Edward nervously. Edward nodded once and gave Seth a small smile.
"It's alright, Seth. I had a feeling that was the case." He sounded a bit annoyed but was doing his utmost to show Seth that it had nothing to do with him.
"What is it?" I asked, my head snapping back and forth between the two of them. When neither of them answered I frowned. I suppressed the urge to stamp my foot like a small child.
"Would someone care to clue me in here?" I snapped, a little louder than I had intended.
I heard a deep chuckle from behind Seth and craned my neck to see who was finding my little tantrum so amusing. I felt disappointment initially wash through me when I saw that it wasn't who I had hoped, only Quil. He was standing next to Embry, and both of them wore thoroughly amused expressions. I couldn't help but smirk at them. Their humor was contagious, despite the reason for the impromptu visit. I released Edwards' hand and slid past Seth to hug the boys. They were massive and very warm, both characteristics that painfully reminded me of my missing best friend. I sighed and rolled my eyes when I saw Paul in the corner of the room glaring at Edward. Before I could come up with a witty remark to put him in his place Emily swept past him and crossed the room, giving me a warm, welcoming smile.
"Bella, it's so good to see you again." She reached out and embraced me. It was far gentler than any other hug I had received thus far, but touched me far more deeply. I was once again grateful for the lack of negative reaction I had been sure I would receive if and when I ever set foot on the reservation again. I had never been so glad to be wrong in my entire life. I couldn't even keep the ridiculous tears from welling up in my eyes.
Damn monthly hormones! Can't I even keep it together for one freaking day?
I stepped back and grinned at her in return. I was about to ask how Sam was doing when I heard talking in the little kitchen behind us. I squeezed her hands lightly and made my way towards the little powwow taking place a few feet away.
Ok, so I know that isn't the most politically correct thing to say, especially on a reservation. Sue me!
I stopped in the doorway and watched as Carlisle, Billy, and Sam all looked right at me, their faces a mix of emotion, but all were undeniably welcoming. I gave them all a tiny wave and a shy smile. I knew I had interrupted their conversation, but something told me that they had been waiting for me anyway. So there I stood, just waiting for one of them to tell me what I was doing there. Luckily I didn't have to wait very long.
"Did Edward tell you why your presence was requested, Bella?" Carlisle asked gently. I shook my head.
"No. He did tell me why everyone was down here, but neglected to mention how this has anything to do with me." I tried not to sound too irritated, but the idea that Edward was once again keeping things from me grated on my already raw nerves. Carlisle seemed to sense this and he smiled reassuringly at me.
"Because you two are getting married soon, and because you are joining our family, we all thought it best that you be kept in the loop when it regards the treaty and the goings on in our area. Is that alright?" The way Carlisle explained it to me made me feel a little better, but also a whole lot more anxious. Talking about changing me to one of them in front of the very wolves who would rip them to shreds for the violation of the treaty was enough to make my head spin and palms sweat.
"Okay," I managed to choke out. Billy smiled sadly at me, as if he knew where my sudden discomfort had come from.
"Since we don't know who the vampire was, but we are certain it wasn't one of your cov-, um, family," Sam corrected quickly, shifting his eyes to Carlisle. "We think it would be best if you went quite a distance away to do your…hunting. We aren't trying to inconvenience you –"
Carlisle raised his hand and smiled, interrupting him. "No inconvenience at all, Sam. It's no trouble to go a little farther from home. We will keep you informed of our movements at all times if that would make things any easier for you."
Sam nodded gratefully, and I had to give it to both him and Carlisle. They were both being very considerate and diplomatic to each others groups, neither bothering with the whole 'eternal enemies' nonsense. It was impressive and encouraging. I hoped the others were watching and taking notes, you know, just to prove it could be done this way. No ripping, shredding, growling, and/or dismembering required. Imagine that?
Billy then turned to me in his chair. "We talked to the doc about the visions your little friend has been having. We want you to know that we are doing everything in our power to keep anything like that from happening. We have fought too long and too hard to keep you alive for something like that to take place on our watch." His eyes glittered with emotion as he reached out and grasped my hand firmly between his. I swallowed thickly and tried to hold back tears. I didn't trust my voice not to crack so I simply nodded my thanks and smiled at him.
"We know you will be moving in with the Cullen's in a few days. We will do what we can to keep you informed if anything else like this happens."
Sam glanced over at Carlisle after he finished speaking to me. I saw him nod once and then motion for us to leave the kitchen. I turned around after whispering my thanks and headed towards the front door. Before we reached the threshold I turned around and locked eyes with Sam again, who was now standing behind Emily, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
"Sam, I just wanted to say…that I'm sorry, about your friend." I explained quickly. Color flooded my cheeks when I realised that my little offering of sympathy had made me the center of attention. All eyes were on me and then on Sam as my words hung heavy in the air like a wet blanket. I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief when Sam nodded at me and Emily smiled.
"Thank you, Bella. That's very kind of you." His voice was gruff but I believed he saw my words for what they were, and that was really all I could ask for. I turned back to Edward, who had been waiting patiently by the door, and left without another word. Seth was standing outside and walked us to Edwards' car. Without thinking of the repercussions of my words I turned to him and blurted out the one question I had been holding back since I'd arrived here.
"Have you heard from Jacob recently?"
I wished I could take them back when I saw Edward flinch, almost imperceptibly, from the corner of my eye. I also wished that my voice hadn't come out so desperate. I felt my heart pound in my chest while I waited for him to respond. He shifted nervously from foot to foot and avoided looking directly at me or Edward while he spoke.
"Yeah. He was informed about Chris. I think Leah was the one that told him. Sam has…sort of ordered him to come home. Says we need the whole of the pack here to protect our people." I could tell he was uncomfortable but couldn't for the life of me figure out why. Wasn't this good new?
"So, he'll be home soon then? I'll bet that makes Billy happy," I offered carefully. I didn't want either of them to see how truly happy that little titbit of information had made ME just then.
"Yeah, Billy is stoked to be getting Jake back. He should be here tomorrow or Friday. Depends on how fast he runs, you know?" He grinned broadly at that last bit and I couldn't help but mirror his expression.
"Two days? Where is he coming from? The north pole?" I teased half heartedly. Seth chuckled and shook his head.
"Nah, just the Canadian Rockies. Sam can make him come home, but he can't really dictate how quickly he gets here. I think Jake would walk the whole way in human form if he thought a contingency wouldn't be sent to collect his naked butt."
I laughed out loud at that image, being very careful not to actually picture Jake naked. That would not serve me well with my very perceptive vampire fiancée standing not two feet away. I leaned forward and gave Seth another hug, making him promise to call me right away if there was something else that happened. Worst case scenario, he could always call Edwards' cell. Most likely I would be with him anyway. I really couldn't see him leaving me alone for any length of time now that he knew there was yet another vampire stalking the northwest coastline. Seth assured me he would do everything to track me down, even if that meant breaking the treaty and coming to see me at the Cullen house.
"I give you my word right now, Seth. You will not be in violation of anything by coming to see us at our home." Edward said firmly.
He smiled genuinely at Seth and I couldn't see any double meaning in his words. I knew he really liked Seth and that the invitation was real. But it didn't escape my attention that he used words like 'us' and 'our home' when extending the invitation. I was sure that was for Jacob's benefit when this little message was relayed to him through werewolf telepathy. I chose to let that slide and plopped down in the passenger seat, waving to Seth as we pulled away and followed Carlisle back to my house.
I wasn't too surprised to see Alice waiting for us on the front porch. Luckily the sun was setting behind the clouds, so she wouldn't be sparkling. I had a feeling she would have just broken into my bedroom and waited there if that would have entered into her premonitions. I smiled at her wryly and did my best to glare accusingly when we all sat down in the living room.
"Before you say anything, Bella, let me just say that I had no idea this was going to happen. You know I can't see the wolves at all, so that means I can't see their decisions. And since I didn't know who it was that attacked Sam's friend I couldn't see that happening either." Alice held her hands up in front of her as if to shield herself from the daggers being flung from my eyes. I sighed heavily while the truth of her words sunk in. My face slipped into a less antagonistic look.
"Ok, well, is there anything you see now? Does it have anything to do with your other visions?" I knew I was grasping at straws and saw as much on Alice's lovely face when she looked at me knowingly.
"I know you want a definite answer, but you know my visions don't work like that. The outcome changed when you promised to take someone with you. I don't see you disappearing now…or worse." She gulped and shook her head, her large doe eyes wide with horror. Then she looked puzzled.
"It's strange. It's like whatever was going to lure you down there isn't going to take place anymore. Either that or whoever will be on Bella babysitting duty that day will go with you, or keep you from going altogether." She and I frowned together, but I knew it was for very different reasons. I didn't want to be prevented from going anywhere or doing something I felt I needed to do, and Alice hated having blind spots in her visions. It was almost like…
I froze and felt the color drain from my face when the realization hit me hard. Why this all seemed so starkly familiar. Why Alice was having trouble seeing another vampire in the area, even though we all knew that was usually something she could predict. The only thing I couldn't understand was HOW. I felt Edward's cool finger under my chin as he lifted my eyes to meet his. I saw varying levels of concern, worry, and flat out panic in them. I knew I would have to speak quickly and tell him everything I was thinking if I had a prayer of making calm down.
"Doesn't this seem a little, well, like deja vous? It's like when Victoria was planning her revenge. She played with the flaws in Alice's visions. The only difference now is that the wolves are somehow linked to us."
I pointed out what had just become glaringly obvious to me. Edward looked worried, as did Carlisle, but Alice looked flat out pissed. It was almost funny, if the mere sight of her delicate face morphing into a mask of fury and her tiny frame trembling slightly didn't make me want to hide under the nearest sturdy piece of furniture.
"Why does it always have to be MY abilities that get screwed with? Why can't someone block out your mind reading or Jaspers' warm fuzzies? Why do I always have be the one who goes in blind?" She threw her arms up in the air in exasperation and growled so ferociously that I shivered and felt my body move slightly closer to Edward. When I heard him chuckle lowly I looked up at him in shock.
What the hell could he possibly find so amusing right now?
"Ah, so there it is. I've been looking for that since I met you." He looked at me with a smug sort of hilarity in his shining topaz eyes.
"What?" I asked, completely lost now.
"Your self preservation. I knew there had to be some in there somewhere. Who knew that Alice would be the one to trigger it out of its relatively dormant state," he teased, touching me lightly on the tip of my nose. I glowered at him and crossed my arms tightly over my chest.
"Just because YOU don't scare me doesn't mean I have no sense of self protection."
"Oh, but I do?" Alice shrieked from my father's chair. I gave her a sheepish grin and shrugged.
"Not really, but of all the vampires I know, you are definitely the one I would hate to come up against." Alice thought about that for a second and then beamed such a high watt smile that she could have lit up all of Seattle. I giggled when Edward scoffed next to me.
"That's ridiculous! How could Alice be the only one you find intimidating!" I could tell I had just wounded his pride and tried to keep from laughing at the absurdity of it all. Carlisle looked like he was about to lose that very same fight, which only served to irritate Edward more. I shook my head and stifled a giggle.
"I didn't say she intimidated me, I said I wouldn't ever want to fight her. There's a difference."
"Why would she be the one you wouldn't fight?" Carlisle asked, clearly enjoying this little exchange. I smiled knowingly at him.
"I was paying attention when Jasper was doing his tutorial for the battle with the newborns. Alice is the only one he never had a prayer against. No one does," I explained with a casual shrug.
Carlisle and Alice laughed together, Soprano and Tenor perfectly harmonizing. Edward just stared at me incredulously for a moment before nodding in reluctant agreement. Even he hadn't beaten Jasper, much to his chagrin. They had tied. And then he asked the one question I knew he would. I could always count on his competitive side.
"So, who is the most intimidating vampire you know?"
I smiled sweetly at him and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Oh, that's easy." I paused for dramatic effect, watching his face stretch into a proud smirk before I couldn't contain myself any longer. "Rosalie."
His face fall and I couldn't contain my own howling laughter at his obviously disgruntled feelings at my revelation. Carlisle and Alice laughed with me, each casting him slightly pitying glances, but I could tell they really didn't feel sorry for him. He harrumphed next to me but wrapped his arms around me when I had to lean against him to keep myself from falling on the floor with laughter. Once I had gotten myself under control and wiped the tears off my cheeks I remembered something else that had troubled me at the Black house.
"Hey, what was Seth apologizing for when we got to Billy's?" I was worried when I looked up at Edward, but to my relief he smirked and shook his head.
"Some of the other wolves weren't too happy at my presence there." He seemed somewhat cheered by the idea, which made me frown deeply. It was so juvenile.
"Why not? You have been there before without dragging off one of the many residents and draining them in the surrounding woods." As soon as the words left my mouth I felt my entire face flush with an intense heat.
Oh My GOD! I cannot believe you just said that Bella Swan! :sigh: You have been hanging around the wolves – and Emmett – waaaaay too long!
I swallowed thickly before looking up at the shocked faces of both Edward and Carlisle. Alice, on the other hand, looked extremely amused. She covered her mouth but I could still hear her bell-like giggle float through the air. I shrugged and began winding my hair around finger nervously. I tried to think of a good segway between my foot-in-mouth moment and getting more information. I decided there wasn't one and just ploughed ahead.
"So, why didn't they want you there?" Edward smirked again.
"Because of MY other abilities. They don't like having to censor their thoughts when they are human, especially since they have no privacy as wolves. And they really don't like that I become privy to pack secrets if one of them happens to be thinking something along those lines when I am in the immediate vicinity."
"Ah, I see. Well, I can understand that. I often wonder if I would like spending so much time around you if you could hear my every thought." Once again, I felt like smacking myself in the head.
What is with all the verbal diarrhoea? SHUT UP, SWAN!
This time Edward seemed to find my lack of a mental filter amusing. He chuckled and kissed my forehead. When I looked into his eyes they were bright with humor.
"I think everyone has wondered that at one time or another," Alice joked. Then she looked pensive. "I wonder if that will change when you become a vampire?"
This time I kept my jaw clenched tightly shut so that my thought wouldn't manage to slip out unbidden again. I didn't want to hurt Edward's feelings, but I really and truly hoped that wouldn't be the case. I was eternally grateful for whatever glitch in my brain kept my thoughts private. While I joked that I wouldn't want to be around someone who could read my mind, the truth was that I was really afraid he wouldn't want to be around ME if he could hear what I was really thinking from time to time.
Jacob's POV
Stupid Sam. Stupid alpha edict. Stupid, reeking, bloodsucking vampires.
My claws bit into the earth, propelling me ahead at breakneck speeds. I silently grumbled to myself while I tore through the forests and mountains, heading back to the one place I swore I would avoid until the last possible moment. I didn't want to be there when she married him. I didn't want to be there when she got back from wherever he was taking her on their sham of a honeymoon. I didn't want to see her cold, hard, altered into something that I would have to rip apart and burn.
A familiar ache settled into my heart and I pushed myself harder, trying to channel it into something useful. I had been literally dragging my furry heels back to the rez when Sam had broken into my subconscious this morning and told me that I was to get back home "as fast as my legs could carry me". I had been running back at full speed since dawn. If I kept up this pace I would be back home by nightfall. All the space, all the distance I had so carefully put between me and what I was trying to avoid was quickly evaporating into thin air, leaving waves of agony in their wake.
The news about Chris had surprised me, although I couldn't for the life of me understand why. That is what leeches DO. It was in their nature to hunt and stalk and kill innocent people. To rip them away from their loved ones and families, to smear them all over the ground to be discovered by others who would be forever scarred by the experience.
I growled deeply and tried not to let the anger in me die down when I pictured Bella – my beautiful, funny, awkwardly sweet, human Bella – become something that I hated so much. Anger was easier than pain. It's what drove me all these weeks. It's what kept me out here in the wilderness, staying in wolf form the entire time. I knew that once I got home I would have to be human again, and that I wouldn't be able to escape all the torment I had so aptly avoided since the night she left me in my room, broken and crying.
Oh, for God's sake! Get the hell over it already! She's going to become one of those freaks in a matter of weeks. It's time to let go you whimpering, whining little man.
Leah's disgusted and condescending thoughts broke into my own, and they were beyond unwelcome. After all, I'd been ordered to return home, against my will, and had been privy to all the information that Sam had for the last week. I knew about the little psychic vamps visions of Bella. I knew that Dr. Fang had met with Sam and my dad in hopes to avoid having Bella fly down there and possibly fling herself into the arms of danger…again. I knew all this and yet I still couldn't bring myself to want to return. It wasn't my job to save her. She had her vampire, let him watch out for her. I had done all I could, TWICE, and look where it had gotten me. Couldn't a guy have a little time to wallow without being told to suck it up? I truly believed I earned it.
Leah snorted and I growled louder.
Mind your own damn business, Leah!
Believe me, I would love to, Jake. But you know how it goes. And since I am on patrol right now, it's my mind that you get to share your thoughts with. So do me a favor and think of something decidedly less nauseating and suicide inducing than your undying affection for the leech lover.
I tried to do exactly that, if for no other reason that to give myself some privacy and a reprieve from Leah's constant quipping. I enjoyed her mental silence for a few minutes until she picked up a trail. And not just any old trail, this one was very new and fresh. My ears perked up and I continued to run on autopilot while I tuned into her mind completely. She tracked the unknown bloodsucker around the hiking trails and up near the hot springs.
Leah picked up the pace when she heard laughter and talking in the distance, not even half a mile from where she was. It was late afternoon and with the cloud cover people could expect a certain amount of darkness to provide them some privacy while up at the springs. The darkness helped Leah blend in with the surrounding woods, so hopefully she wouldn't terrify whatever humans she was rushing to save from an untimely and grisly death. When she rounded a corner a piercing scream rang through the air and both of our ears. I panicked right along with her, the only difference was that I was too far away to be of any use and she was heading into this alone.
Isn't anyone else doing the rounds with you? Why would Sam send you out alone?
Leah bristled at my thoughts.
Bite my ass, Jake! I can handle a single vampire on my own!
As if to prove my point she sped up and kept following the scent and the screams. When pleas for help and mercy rang through the air I felt my heart leap up into my throat and my stomach clench painfully. Leah's reaction was right along the same lines as mine. This couldn't be happening. There was just no way. I tried not to shout at her, but my panic may have marred my attempts at a calm voice.
Leah, get your ass over there NOW!
Jake, shut the hell up! I'm moving as fast as I can! Why isn't Jared with her? Every time we want to have a meeting he needs to be practically dragged away, usually in various states of nakedness! Why the hell isn't he around for this?
Leah's questions were answered when she came up to the top of the hill and everything came into view. My already trembling stomach threatened to overflow when the sight from her eyes slammed into my brain.
Jared was there with Kim. He lay unconscious and bleeding on the ground while Kim hugged his battered, furry body. He had obviously just phased, otherwise we would have heard him before and he would have heard us. Why he hadn't smelled it coming a mile away, I had no idea. I hoped I'd get a chance to ream him out later. I pushed myself to move faster when I saw what had downed my pack brother. It had its back to us and was covered from head to tow in black, a hood placed strategically over its head to hide the face. It was tall and thin, moving lithely and purposefully towards the quaking girl, who clung to her downed mate.
"Please, please don't hurt him anymore. I know some of you don't kill people. He's everything to me. Please," Kim begged, forcing her trembling body between the leech and Jared.
Leah and I growled simultaneously when the bloodsucker sank into a crouch, preparing to attack Kim. Leah closed the final gap between them, throwing herself at its back, jaws wide open, teeth dripping in anticipation. She snapped down onto vacant air and her paws skidded against the dirt when she spun around, placing herself between the vampire and our kin. She growled threateningly as it slipped easily away to the tree line. The leech whirled around, long black trench coat flaring out at the shins, red eyes glowing like fiery embers from beneath the shadows of the conciliatory hood.
"You will never escape me. I'll end you all, one by one," it hissed lowly.
The voice was so harsh, but quiet. I felt goose bumps break out all over my hairy body when it once again spun around and raced through the woods, away from the nearly rabid Leah, who was snapping and frothing at the mouth. Just as she reared up to give chase I hollered at her.
LEAH, NO! Stay where you are! Protect Kim and Jared. Make sure it doesn't double back to finish the job.
Leah growled and snapped at me but stayed where she was. Even through her fury she could see the sense in my words. She paced wildly in front of Jared, whining in high pitched worry when he didn't respond to being nudged or nipped at.
I sped through the coming dusk, pushing myself harder than I ever had, harder than I ever thought I could. I needed to get home. I needed to get back. Fear rippled through me when I realized that this vampire wasn't like the others we had encountered. It wasn't after whatever human it happened upon for its noon feeding or midnight snack. It wasn't passing through. It was there, in my home town, stalking my friends, stalking my pack. And if I could count on what little intuition I had inherited from my father, I knew it was stalking Bella, too.
I flew through the ever darkening twilight, praying to whatever God would listen that I would get there in time.