another chapter. read and review! please. please. more reviews, faster updates.

--sorry for the grammatical and spelling errors.

disclaimer: i own nothing. just the plot of this one and of my other stories.


9. Secrets

"Bella? Are you okay?" Edward shook me as he held on my shoulders. No. It can't be? How come I didn't notice this? Tanya and Victoria are watching my every move. They want me dead, revenge for what happened to their mates.

"Victoria and Tanya." I whispered, staring in front of me. I can't process anything good in my mind. They really have been here.

"We've got to get you out of here." he quickly flipped his phone to call the others. During the phone call, he held me on his arms tightly. He's afraid I would just disappear in a flash. Soon enough, everyone's back with worry written all over their faces.

"Guys. Stop all the worrying. She didn't touch me. Just close." I explained to them. They all shook their head as Jasper grabbed the paper from the table and read it. Alice and Rose were red with fuming, and so is Jasper. Emmett's knuckles gave a cracking sound as he said strings of profanities. Edward is motionless. I looked at him and he's looking back at me, pain and worry in his eyes.

"Edward. It's fine. Don't worry." I assured him. I want him to stop being silly. I hate it when they worry about me. They have their lives; they have to take care of it. Suddenly, Edward's arms were wrapped around me. I didn't struggle to let go; I held him on me too.

"I have to protect you. I have to." He chanted as we went outside the restaurant.

"N-N-No. You've done a lot."I whispered. i want him to know that he's given his life for me that's why I'm still alive. I owe him a lot. He's done this before, and he sacrificed his old life for it.

"I didn't. All I did was just watch you. I didn't do any good." He was now shaking. I hugged him tight.

"No. Watching me is a big thing. If it weren't for you, I would be dead right now." I said. It's true; if they didn't watch over me all this time, I'm already six feet under.

"Don't say that you're going o die or you should've died." he's angry now. Typical Edward, he doesn't want people around him to die.

"But-"

"Bella, if you're blaming yourself for losing your best friend years back, stop it. You have to move on. I want you to stop it. Think about everyone, about us, about me. I need you here. I don't want you to leave." he pinched the bridge of his nose. I touched his arm.

"Edward. I won't. Okay?"

"Okay." He smiled a little. "We've got to report this to chief."

-----

The whole ride to the headquarters, Edward never let go of my hand. He just let it there intertwined with his. I didn't bother; this is one thing I've wished for the longest time. He's tensed and afraid of what may happen. When we exited the car, he's like a bodyguard who's ready to take a bullet for me. We arrived inside chief's office in a short while with the others.

"They've seen holes on our guard. They're so near." Edward explained as he rubbed his temple. I tried to calm him, and he did.

"I know. Now, we have to hide Bella until we caught them." Richie said as he pressed the controller. The lights dimmed and a screen appeared in front of us. The screen shows a small map of the city.

"Bella needs to stay away from home. We need to get her to the secret base right here." he pointed his laser beam to a small point about 5 miles from our house. The secret house.

"We'll drive her there tonight." Emmett said.

"Good. Everything is set up then. We hide her, and trap them. We need to keep her from the battle." Richie said.

"We'll all stay with her there until we found a lead. We have to keep them from our trail so I suggest we use the underground passage. That way, we'll be sure no one's following." Alice suggested. Everyone nodded.

"Yes. We'll use the underground road. Tell them to prepare." Jasper and Alice nodded as they set off to prepare for our departure.

"Emmett, Rosalie. Be in charge of the supplies. If something unexpected happens, we have to be prepared." Emmett and Rose followed the orders and proceeded as well. That leaves only the three of us at the room.

"Edward." Richie called. He looked at him.

"I trust you with Bella. She's always been a daughter for me and I want you to protect her at all costs." He told him.

"Yes sir." Edward answered.

"Edward, can I have a minute alone with Richie?" I requested. I want him to stop thinking that he has to protect me all the time, so I have to do this.

"Okay." He's hesitant, but still followed and went outside.

"Richie." I face him and walked closer to his table. "I have a request. Please don't react or anything. Let me get over this."

`"What is it?"

"If ever something wrong happens and surrendering to them is the only way, please do accept my decision. I don't want you to bother. If things get complicated, just let me handle it in with my own hands. I started this mess and I have to clean this up. Please?" I pleaded. I know I have to. He won't let me.

I know among all those people, Richie is the one who understands me. He's the one in the middle of everything, hearing my side and theirs when I left. He knows how I feel, and up to what extent I could do for the people I love. He has witnessed what happened before and saw the aftermath of the work when they interrupted. I need to set in his mind that when they repeated that again, the worst may come.

"Bella. I understand. You have my permission over that matter." he smiled sadly. I was too happy about it that I tackled him to a hug. He hugged me back.

"Thank you. You don't know how much it means to me." I cried a little in his chest. I was still too shocked that he accepted. I know that he's also protective, but he's that one who learns from the past.

"I do. Even though I may lose you, I can't blame you for this, right? You love him so much."

"Yes. I do." He pulled me back and smiled at me.

"Edward is lucky to have you. So lucky."