Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Story Notes: Edward continues his point of view...and discovers a secret that could shatter Bella's world!

The man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he is not half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep.

~Edgar Watson Howe~


Chapter 10 'Viewpoint'

Edward's POV

Part 2

Bella had left for her date and I was busy trying to occupy my time until she arrived back home. I was not happy with the fact that she was out with Jacob again. I felt helpless that I was unable to be near her and keep her protected. But this was my fault. If I had stayed with Bella and not have left her over my own selfish reasons, we would still be together. I wouldn't be fretting over her safety, nor would she be out with Jacob, open to the situation that he could possibly take advantage of her. I had to have some faith in Jacob though, that he wouldn't really do something to cause her harm. I knew that he was only trying to anger me, and it was working. Still, I wasn't going to let Jacob or his thoughts bring me to the verge of breaking my word to Carlisle. But I would kill him if he hurt Bella. That is a promise I would keep.

So far, I was successful in suppressing my feelings of anguish and heartache since I had arrived in Forks. I would deal with them later. My main objective was to make sure Bella was protected, and that Victoria would meet the end of her existence. I would torment myself later, if I let myself fall now, I wouldn't even be able to function. Bella was my top priority.

I had been running through the wooded area surrounding Bella's house, searching for Victoria's scent. I thought it would give me something to do, make me feel useful for Bella's sake if anything. I knew that Bella didn't know I was out here doing this for her, but it's not that I was looking for any praise or reward for my gesture. I was doing this because I loved her and I wanted her safe, regardless of the outcome that was in store for us.

I made a thorough pass through the woods and found nothing. Just some road kill that someone had so thoughtfully disposed of. Nice. This was one of the times that I was glad to be a Vampire, I would have certainly lost my stomach had I been human. This day was off to a lovely start. I was thinking of just how uneventful the day was continuing to be when I heard a sharp howl ring out from the distance.

I knew right away it was Paul, and he was chasing something.

I set off in a flash, quickly picking up Paul's scent. As I moved closer, the scent of freesia and fire flared through my nostrils, it was definitely Victoria. I picked up my speed, worried that Paul might loose her, I hoped that he could stay on her long enough for me to get to the treaty line.

As soon as I reached the treaty line, A hissing Victoria came flying right over me, landing in a crouch behind me. Without hesitation, I spun around and flew straight into Victoria. The air cracked, reverberating off the trees as I slammed my body into hers, slinging her through the air into a boulder. Victoria peeled herself off in a blur from the jagged surface, and landed on her feet crouched and ready. I coiled my body defensively and pulled back my lips in a teeth-baring snarl. I quickly scanned her thoughts to stay ahead of her movements, and saw that she had no intentions to fight me.

Victoria slowly began to back away when she noticed Paul was behind me, waiting for his chance. Her crimson eyes flickered to him for only a second before she turned her furious gaze back to me. Her scarlet hair, tangled into matted curls, hung over a fresh crack on her stone cheek, reminding me of a busted windshield. I grinned internally at the damage I'd caused, longing to inflict more.

"What are you waiting for Victoria?...let's dance!" I said, waiting impatiently.

Victoria scoffed. "The dance you will receive won't be the dance of death my dear, but one of eternal suffering for the loss of your mate!"

"That will be hard to accomplish if you're dead Victoria!" I snarled viciously, slowly moving towards her.

Victoria began to retreat, slowly backing up as Paul's growl steadily grew in pitch as he moved beside me. She threw him a wary glance before she spun around and flew into the forest in a blur. Paul and I took off after her. A mile into our chase, Victoria's scent began to fade so I suggested we split up and run the edge of the perimeter.

A few miles before we entered Forks, Paul's thoughts broke my stride in an instant.

He's dead! Ew! Ew!This is Sick! I think I'm gonna barf!

I quickly found Paul and noticed just exactly what he was talking about. It was a younger man, He looked to be at least in his late twenties. He had been hiking and obviously bled dry. I leaned over and took a whiff of the air surrounding the body.

A loud snort came from Paul as he hid his muzzle under his paws.

Dude! What are you doing??

"I'm checking the scent, to make sure it was Victoria."

I could have told you that! No offense, but you vamps stink ferociously!

I let out a quick chuckle and regained my composure. "I need to call this in."

Paul paced back and forth as I made an anonymous call to report the hiker. It was definitely Victoria and I couldn't stand around all day. I had to get back to Bella's house and do it quickly.

It was in the early morning hours when I saw Charlie's cruiser finally pull into the driveway. I sense of relief came over me as I watched him help Bella out of the car and inside. I could smell Jacob's scent rolling off of her and I winced in disgust.

After I heard Charlie snoring soundly and Bella's breathing slow to a relaxed pace, I made my way in through her window. This was becoming a bad habit. I knew that I didn't have the right to be in here watching her sleep. I'd given that up when I had walked away from her.

This was the only time I had, to be with Bella. Since Jacob knew that I was back, he would definitely be trying to push harder to sway her to be with him. I thought about it some more and decided that it was time I put him in a compromising position. I was sick of Jacob playing games with me, knowing that I wouldn't fight back to keep from exposing myself to Bella. I would find a way to force Jacob to stop this endless battle. This was going to end.

Hours later, I watched as Charlie pulled out of the driveway and I sunk back into my bed of leaves. I had heard his and Bella's conversation earlier that she was expecting Jacob over later. Maybe I would get my chance to have a few words with him. A few minutes later I heard Bella on the house phone telling Jacob that she was going to get some sleep. I paused for a moment debating whether or not I should go in and decided against it. I knew she wouldn't be sleeping deeply this time of day. I didn't want to chance it.

Suddenly, a gust of wind brought a scent of freesia and fire to me. I sat up and turned towards the direction of the wind. And that's when I saw Victoria. She was behind the house in the wood line, leering at it with intensity. She was trying to determine if Bella was alone or not, so I kept myself a step ahead. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Bella's house phone. I had no option but to tell her to get out of the house. Either that or I would have to go in. Regardless, I wasn't going to let Victoria have her way. It rang, and I listened as she picked up the phone only to slam it back down.

I shook my head in frustration but kept a silent watch on Victoria, waiting to hear her next move. She was determining which way to enter the house, and as the thought crossed Victoria's mind to enter Bella's bedroom, she was already blurring in through the window. I was a step ahead, waiting.

Victoria slumped into a crouch glaring her teeth at me. I mirrored her, but with more intensity, anger and desperation fueling my rage. Her thoughts were fleeting and unrestrained, and I saw in her mind, how she longed to have her revenge. Suddenly, Jacob's face flashed through her mind and I paused for one shocking moment. Hmm, Isn't this interesting! I thought to myself, before Victoria's hiss broke the silence.

"Oh how noble of you to try and delay Bella's death!" she snapped, her words fluttering so fast no human could hear.

"You are only delaying yours!" I said fiercely, as I coiled and lunged towards Victoria.

Victoria dropped and slid underneath me as a baseball player would slide into home plate, and flitted out the window behind me.

I turned around to chase her, but stopped myself in my tracks. I had to keep Bella safe. Victoria was only trying to pull me away from the house so she could get Bella alone. I wasn't going to fall for it. I would have to deal with her later.

I moved towards the window to get a view of the wood line. Just as I stepped forward to move, a loud squeak bellowed up from the floor. I cringed, knowing Bella had heard it. I listened for confirmation. I could hear her unsteady breathing and her heart was beating rapidly. I knew she would be coming up to check and that I couldn't stay here. Once again, I had to think fast.

I hurriedly made my way out of the window and back into the wood line. I ran a quick course of the area surrounding the house to check for Victoria. I didn't pick up her scent so I turned back, settling in my usual spot.

I knew that without a doubt, I had to let Bella know that Victoria had been in her house, not to mention her bedroom. I needed to let her know that I was back, she had a right to know. I knew Jacob would be coming over soon so I had to do something fast.

Without really thinking it through, I went back in through Bella's window. I took her cell phone off of her nightstand, setting it in the window sill and left, leaving the window open behind me. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. I swore to myself that this would be the last time I would call her. Well, call her with my number blocked that is. Hopefully, she would come to the window to retrieve her phone and I would walk out of the woods and reveal my presence. It was the only way I knew how.

I watched as Bella ran up to the window. She looked at her phone and shook her head, mumbling incoherently. She leaned out of the window and began looking around confused. This was it, time for me to show myself. I stood up and began walking out of the wood line when I heard Jacob's bike coming around the corner. I stopped and turned around, Jacob managing once again, to keep me out of the picture. But not for long.

I dropped into the grass and listened. It was all I could do. That and wait to see if Victoria would come back again. I listened to Bella and Jacob's conversation, word for word. I laughed to myself as Jacob's heartbeat began to pick up speed when Bella asked him if he smelled vampire in the room. I knew from his thoughts that he picked up mine and Victoria's scent.

Jacobs thoughts were scattering frantically. He was afraid of loosing Bella to me. He was very worried about the fact that I had been in her room. He debated several times whether or not to tell her but kept convincing himself not to. He thought that if he told her I had been there or that I was back that she would leave him and come running back to me.

I heard Bella whisper "Jake, I need you to stay with me, please don't go running off just because you think something bad could happen to me"

I cringed, wishing I had tears. I knew the implication of her words. I had left her, left her to keep her from harm. Instead of trusting in her, trusting in us, I walked away so she wouldn't have to be placed in another harmful situation. This was my fault. My actions had caused her to react this way.

Bella's house phone rang out and broke into my thoughts. I leaned my head back towards the house to pick up the conversation, but it was Jacob on the phone. I could hear in his thoughts that it was Sam, and he was telling Jacob about the confrontation Paul and I had with Victoria.

Jacob was now explaining to Bella that I was a complication, if she only knew that's what he really meant. I was actually surprised at how far he was going to lie to her. He had passed up several opportunities to tell her about me. But he was steadily refusing. He could have at least been man enough to tell her that Victoria was in her room, but I guess that information wasn't important either.

Just then Jacob came bolting into the woods.

"Edward!...I know your here!" he called out, his eyes searching.

I emerged from my hiding spot revealing myself to Jacob.

"What do you want Jacob?" I immediately began blocking his thoughts from my head, I didn't particularly care what he was here for.

Jacob crossed his arms across his chest and and took a deep breath in, releasing it quickly. He seemed arrogant still but with a slight touch of distress. He hesitated as if the words he was about to speak would kill him.

"Edward, I need you to watch out for Bella for me. Sam called the pack to a meeting and I have to go. I promised her that I'd have someone out here watching her."

"So I heard." I shook my head in disbelief. "I've been out here the whole time trying to keep her safe Jacob, it's fatuous that you would even ask this of me."

"Well, it's not like she needs constant protection. I think you're overdoing it."

"Oh really Jacob? Is that a fact? If I'm overdoing it, then where were you today while Victoria was in Bella's room? I honestly didn't think that you were as stupid as you looked."

Jacob let out a low throaty growl. "You led Victoria there Edward, you wanted Bella to find you in her room protecting her, you're the one trying to be a hero here, not me." An arrogant smirk played across his face, causing my fists to clench at my sides.

"Jacob, you are a truly deluded. Go to your meeting and get away from me, before you cause me to do something that I'll regret. Your endeavor has been futile." I flashed Jacob a warning glance and turned to walk away, thwarting any attempt to set me off any further. I refused to let him continue this idiotic charade. I made my way back to my original spot, listening as Jacob took off into the woods.

I settled into a comfortable position, as comfortable as any vampire could possibly be. I had no problem staying in the same position for hours on end. Though sometimes, it became monotonous and I would move around just to humor my own self. I had become quite the expert in entertaining myself, all these endless hours of sitting out here keeping a safe watch on Bella.

Hour upon hour I sat thinking of a proper way to reveal myself to Bella, to let her know that I was back. I wanted so badly for her to know. I wanted the ability to wrap her into my arms and hold her tightly. I needed what we once had, to live as if the world had no meaning unless we were together. I wanted her forgiveness for my selfishness, but didn't think I deserved it.

I continued to battle with my emotions. I didn't need to make any assumptions of the outcome, of me revealing to Bella that I had returned to Forks. I would deal with it properly when it did happen. And I would permit myself to only do as she asked. I would force myself out of her life if that is what she requested of me. Though, I wouldn't go away quietly, not before confessing my love for her. As it stood, she still thought that I was gone and didn't love her. That I had given up on us. I had left her to feel as if I didn't trust her enough to endure whatever came our way. This was pointless, I was pouring over my miseries again, and causing my own anguish to rise up. I deftly put it aside.

I heard leaves crunching beneath hardened - well paced footsteps in the distance. I jumped up to my feet as I caught the scent. It was Jacob again, he was back from his meeting. I waited in silence to see if he would ignore my presence when I quickly remembered my plan of confronting him, my plan to put his games to rest.

I turned and flitted to Jacob, startling him. His body began trembling for a short moment until he realized it was me. After quickly composing himself, Jacob's face contorted into it's usual arrogant and egotistical fix. I studied his expression for a moment before choosing my words carefully. I wanted Jacob to fully comprehend what I was about to say.

"Jacob, I'm going to ask you to do something for me." I said, conscious of my demeanor.

Jacob arched a brow in curiosity. "That depends on what it is."

"Well...I'm quite sure you'll be interested in this."

Jacob laughed. "I could use some entertainment leech, let's hear it!" he spat, his attitude cavalier.

"I want you to tell Bella...that I'm back in Forks." I ordered.

Jacob shifted his weight, one foot to the other, obviously confused "And why would I do something like that? Are you too scared to do it yourself?" Jacob asked, taunting me.

I folded my arms across my chest, disregarding his attempt at sarcasm. "No Jacob, that isn't the case at all, it has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with you."

Jacob shook his head. "What does this have to do with me?" he asked, baffled.

"Well, it's something that I believe would be in your best interest."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, It would."

"And how would this be in my best interest?"

"Because if you don't tell Bella...well, let me put it to you like this mongrel." I paused, speaking my words slow and precise. "I will tell Bella about your deal with Victoria."

"What deal?" Jacob asked, feigning confusion.

I took a step towards Jacob and dropped my fists to my sides, clenching them. "Don't play stupid with me dog! I saw the deal you made with Victoria in her thoughts today, when we were in Bella's bedroom!"

Jacob froze, he knew I had him. He started to speak and quickly stopped himself. He looked around aimlessly, trying to think of a way to explain his way out of this. He stood staring at me for a moment, eventually remembering that I could read his mind and immediately gave in to the facade.

"It's not like I had a freaking choice bloodsucker!" Jacob yelled furiously, a look of panic crossing his face.

"Yes you did have a choice, and you made the wrong one!" I said, pointing out the fact. "Now either you go in there and tell Bella the whole truth, or I will." I demanded.

Jacob's expression fell from his face into desperation as he scrambled for a solution. "Well, I have a better deal for you."

"And what would that be?" I asked, already knowing his answer.

Jacob paused in thought for a moment thinking his idea might work if he played it to my advantage. "What if...I don't tell Bella that your back and, what if I don't tell her about my deal with Victoria and I just walked away? I wouldn't even fight you for Bella, I'd just disappear!"

"No." I said, shaking my head. "That's not going to work. You're not going to walk away from what you've done. Bella deserves the truth, and that's exactly what she's going to get, whether it comes from you...or from me."

Jacob stood shaking his head at me in disbelief. His thoughts revealing that he was anxious to escape my accusing glare, to escape dealing with the truth, then quickly turning to his need for Bella. Without hesitation, he turned and started walking towards Bella's house. Suddenly, he stopped and glared back at me.

Payback is going to be hell for you Edward!

I nodded. "Game on."

Jacob turned and faced the house, stalling. He sighed heavily in apprehension, and took off in a sprint.

I stood and watched Jacob until he vanished. I was waiting to see if he would tell Bella the truth. I was right though, she did have a right to know. Even though I had threatened him, that I would tell her if he didn't, I would give him the benefit of the doubt. He owed this to her, she was involved after all. This just wasn't about putting Jacob in a compromising position, or winning the fight for Bella. It was about making things right. Even though I had my own issues to correct with her, this deal with Victoria that Jacob had made was beyond anything else.

I listened as Jacob and Bella fought. I should have known that Jacob couldn't tell her. Instead of being honest with her and letting her decide for herself who she wanted, and revealing his deal, he was just trying to push her into a relationship with him. What was he thinking? I knew exactly what he was thinking, but that was besides the point. Bella didn't, and Jacob knew that his secret could damage their friendship forever. He was thinking that if he could convince Bella to have a permanent relationship with him, that it would be easier for her to forgive him when she found out.

The more I listened to Bella suffer at Jacob's words, the more I wanted to go in there and take her into my arms to comfort her. I was furious at Jacob for doing this to her. I grabbed at the trees next to me and wrapped my hands around their trunks. I was focusing on keeping my calm, while the whole time the image of ripping my claws into Jacob flashed through my mind. I took a deep breath though it wasn't needed and steadied myself. Killing Jacob at this moment would not help my case, nor Bella's for that fact. Focus Edward Focus, I told myself. I let my anger vent itself into the wood, causing it to disintegrate under my steel grasp.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps caught my attention. I had been focusing so hard that I hadn't noticed Jacob leaving Bella's room. He was moving fast, phasing before he even reached the wood line, and ran right past me without even a glance back.

I quickly made my way to the edge of the woods and looked up at Bella's window. I froze, realizing that she was looking straight at me. I stood as still as my stone body would allow, it's not usually something hard to do, but considering the situation at hand, it was extremely difficult. I knew that I could always run, knowing she wouldn't see me, but I didn't want to move.

Bella continued to gaze out at me, though her eyes were unseeing. It seemed as if she was having an internal battle, the hurt and anguish written all over her face. She finally closed the window and walked away, and I let out a sigh of relief in response.

I turned and started to make my way back into the woods, when Bella's crying brought me to a standstill. I couldn't take this anymore, I had to do something. I couldn't let her suffer like this, I knew she needed me and I needed her.

I didn't even debate what I was about to do. I just went through with it, knowing that soon, Bella would know that I was back. Without hesitation, I began tossing gravel at Bella's window. I heard Bella moving towards the window and I quickly hid. I watched as she raised the window, whispering out Jacob's name. It was an obvious fact that she would assume it was Jacob, because I of course was copying his earlier behavior to get her attention. I knew this would work.

I repeated the same at Bella's other window before moving back to the first one and made my way in, standing quietly in front of the window watching her. She turned to pull the curtain closed and saw me out of the corner of her eye, her heart quickening in response. I steadied myself as she turned around and looked up at me. I stepped forward slowly out of the shadows and revealed myself to her, her eyes widened in shock, as she began to gasp for air. She reached up to claw at her chest as her eyes rolled into the back of her eyelids and eventually passing out. I rushed to her side in time to catch her before she could hit the floor, and so I stood there holding her in my arms, not knowing what to do.

I picked up her up into my arms and carried her to the bed. I sat down with her and made a few attempts to wake her up, but with no results. I could tell that her body was exhausted and needed it's rest. Her mind and her heart were weary, depleted of any energy, but just enough to keep them going.

I curled my arms around Bella and brought her to my chest. I kissed her forehead and noticed that her breathing had steadied. I closed my eyes and leaned in, resting my lips on her cheek - breathing her in. Bella was finally in my arms and I could hold her like this forever.

Chapter End Notes: As always, thank you for reading! Please leave a review and let me know your opinion! What the readers have to say matters greatly to me! Thanks in advance! :)

Influence for this Chapter: Song 'Deliver Me' by Sara Brightman

Coming Up... Chapter 11 'Decision' What will Bella decide to do now that Edward is back? How will she deal with Jacob?