The Twilight Saga belongs to Stephenie Meyer, Summit Entertainment and anyone else who may legally claim ownership. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 10: Misunderstanding

A breeze blew Bella's hair. Despite it being mid-June, it sent a slight chill down her neck. She sighed. She shook her head and laughed at herself. She would choose the one bench on the path Emmett built for her recovery that did not have protection from the wind. She had come out here just as the late afternoon began to elongate the shadows of the forest. For a while, she cleared her mind by concentrating on the changing light around her. That couldn't last. Her fears and insecurities were too insistent.

Her thoughts focused inevitably on Carlisle. He was at the hospital, treating the ill and injured with skill and compassion. She could close her eyes and clearly, see him working with confidence. His skilled hands healing while his gentle nature and caring smile soothed.

She smiled as she thought of the contrast between his professional persona and his downtime persona. Both were equally honest to his true nature, even though they seemed so different. She remembered his teasing grin as they ice skated. His almost boyish sense of fun was as wicked as his doctor mode was serious.

Her brow furrowed as her mind's eye brought up image after image of Carlisle. Yes, she thought, he was heart-stoppingly gorgeous. She internally cringed at her brain's unintentional pun. His lithe body and his every movement were imbued with a refined sensuality. His slim hips and waist begged to be touched, his square shoulders seemed made for leaning upon and the crook of his neck was utterly enticing. How could any woman not want to nestle there? She suppressed a sigh as she thought of his large elegant hands, so graceful and sure. Her eyes squeezed tightly shut as she pictured his handsome face, his high cheekbones, his strong brow and silken blond hair. His physical appearance certainly had no equal. She knew without a doubt that it wasn't all due to vampiric changes. Becoming a vampire only polished what a human already looked like. Carlisle had to have been born with all of his alluring attributes. Attractive qualities that had nothing to do with vampiric charisma. It was hard not to want to touch him, wrap yourself around him and pray for a response in kind. His appearance made him almost irresistible, edible. She laughed aloud at the ridiculous idea of a vampire seeming edible to a human.

She knew that he was painfully beautiful, but regardless of all of that, his incomparable, incomprehensible beauty lay not in the physical. His eyes revealed his true self. His eyes revealed his honesty, his respect, understanding, and acceptance, of and for, everyone. His beautiful love, deep compassion, and fierce loyalty shone in the multifaceted golden depths of his eyes. Intellectually, she knew he was, his opinion on the matter notwithstanding, only human. He had human failings, flaws, but to her, these only enhanced his perfection.

She slouched down on the bench and leant her head on the back, closing her eyes as she did. This time, she did allow a small sigh to escape as she thought of this absurdly perfect being wanting her. It defied understanding. Carlisle Cullen wanted to spend time with her. He wanted to share thoughts and ideas with her, both his and her's. He wanted to go places and do things with her. Every time he touched her it is with both affection and ardor. He desires her. She marveled at this.

She was roused from her reverie when she felt cool lips brushing her throat. Then the caress of breath on her suprasternal notch as the owner of those lips pulled back. She opened her eyes and there he was, as if her musings of her love for him had somehow magically brought him to her. He bent over her with his hands on the back of the bench, one on each side of her. With anyone else this position would have made her feel trapped and nervous. With Carlisle, it was just the opposite. She longed to wrap her hand around his tie and pull him closer. There was no need. She looked up and saw her reflection in his eyes. Eyes that shone with pleasure. Pleasure at being in her company again. This was an expression he had always worn upon seeing her. However, this time, the greeting included a kiss. A brush of his lips on hers, a passing caress that held a promise of more to come. In the blink of an eye, he was beside her on the bench, their sides touching, his pose mimicking hers.

Bella felt a chill wind. She glanced over and Jasper was there. A few inches separated them as he settled in a similar position but with his hands linked behind his head.

She felt Carlisle take her hand and intertwine their fingers. She turned her head and gazed at their hands, resting on their joined thighs. Before she could worry that Jasper would soon know about the change in their relationship, Carlisle spoke.

"What can I do for you, Jasper?" His tone was patient and kind, as always.

"Nothin', Carlisle. I'm just basking before I go find Alice."

Carlisle chuckled.

Bella was confused. "Basking?" She asked the vampire on her left.

Jasper hummed an affirmation. He looked like he was sunbathing. His expression was one of pure satisfaction, not unlike a well-fed house cat napping in a favorite afternoon sun spot. His eyes remained closed as he spoke. "Bella, go back to thinkin' on Carlisle like you were. I'm absorbing the thrill of new love here and you focusing on me is killing the buzz."

That surprised her and she couldn't contain her exclamation. "What?"

"Never mind, Bella." Jasper amended. "Carlisle here is putting out enough for the both of you."

She looked at Carlisle and found him gazing at her with devotion shining in his eyes. "He knows that we-" She asked, her voice breaking as her brain refused to find the words to complete her question.

"I can only assume." Carlisle's empty hand came up and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "That both he and Alice know."

As the puzzle pieces managed to click into place, she choked out, "Of course they would. There's not much need to tell either of them anything."

Carlisle brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed her fingertips. She blushed.

She felt the air change as Jasper stood. His voice was an annoying sound in the periphery of her attention. "Don't worry. Me and Alice, we won't mention it to anyone until you're ready." With that pronouncement he disappeared into the trees almost faster than her human eyes could perceive.

Silence fell between them; she could tell Carlisle was thinking. After a few minutes, she couldn't resist the temptation to reach across with her free hand and smooth the worry line that had appeared on his forehead. At her touch, he turned and gave her a small smile. "Bad day?"

He responded with a wry chuckle. "You could say that."

"Tell me."

This time, his smile reached his eyes. He released her hand and drew her to him. She leant on his chest as he encircled her with both of his arms.

He came to a stop and stood, unmoving and silent as he watched the pair on the bench. He smirked. He was born for this. He was hidden within sight and hearing distance of a bloodsucker, who had no idea he was there. He could swoop in and take him out in an instant. He'd never know what hit him. He resisted the urge to howl in triumph.

If only it was a different bloodsucker, Edward for instance, he wouldn't hold back. Sure, sure, he wouldn't kill him, Bella wouldn't like that. But, he'd give it to him good. He smirked again and felt some drool hit his paw. He glanced down, in a puddle he happened to see his reflection. His smirk looked more like a vicious baring of his teeth. Cool.

He heard a rustle of movement and Bella's contented sigh. He looked back at her and saw that Dr. Fang had his arms around her. He suppressed the vicious growl that was bubbling up in his chest at the sight. He watched and listened. The leech was going on about some surgery he'd done that day. He snarled at the sight of his dead arms around Bella. He didn't want a vampire touching her. Sure, he often held her. God knows she kept that innocent, he'd realized a long time ago not to be jealous of Bella's openness. Bella was just a tactile girl. Hmm, that sounded like a song,Tactile Girl, yeah, screw mechanic, he thought, Jacob Black and His Pack, the newest boy band sensation. Now the howl he held back was one of amusement. He was as funny as he was fierce.

He focused his wandering mind back on Bella. She and Dr. Fang were still talking about his work. Blah, blah, blah. How could she stand the boredom of it? Didn't she long to pull away from him and run freely through the forest instead of listening to his dull stories? He did. He looked around. The light had changed as the leech droned on about his day. Of course, it was partly Bella's fault. She kept contributing to their conversation, asking questions, encouraging him to go on. If he wanted to be fair, which he definitely did not, the leech was asking her about her day too and pulling all the details from her. Their movement caught his eye, and he began paying closer attention to their conversation again.

"What would you like?" He stood before Bella, holding out his hand to help her up.

She took his hand. He couldn't believe she would do that without protesting. She hated being treated like she was all girly.

He saw her blush. "Anything you cook will be wonderful, Carlisle."

The dead thing put his hand on the small of her back to guide her along the path. He watched in horror as she allowed that chivalrous touch too. Behind her back the leech turned. He looked straight at him. Jacob knew Carlisle couldn't see him. He had no idea he was there. He was silent and downwind. Carlisle nodded to him in polite recognition before turning his attention back to Bella.

Damn.

A shrill beeping sound interrupted Jacob's self-recriminations.

"The hospital?" Bella asked.

The leech's brow crinkled in worry as he looked at the small device now in his hand. "Yes. I have to go back in now." He spoke hurriedly. "Why don't you spend some time with your friend, Jacob. I'm sure he'd like to see you."

"I'll ask him, but he won't come in the house."

"He might, to spend time with you. If he hesitates, please remind him that he is always welcome." He smiled at her. Jacob couldn't tell what that smile meant.

"I'll remind him."

"I'm going to run through the woods to the hospital; it will be faster."

"Call me when you're ready, and I'll pick you up."

"Isabella-"

Bella cut him off. "I'll stay in the car. I can't catch anything in the car." Carlisle hesitated, he was obviously considering it. "Never mind, go. We'll talk when you get back."

The leech ducked his head and gave Bella the cheesiest smile Jacob had ever seen, before speeding off into the trees.

"Put some pants on and come out, Jake."

Damn.

The kitchen, the most rarely used room in the Cullen house, was a bustle of activity. Esme was flitting between the stove, fridge, and cupboards. An obviously uncomfortable Jacob sat at the kitchen island, wearing a shirt Emmett loaned him. Bella sat next to him, listening impatiently to Alice's pleas.

"Please, Bella. You need some decent dresses. What if you were invited to a social evening, in say, Seattle. You wouldn't want to have to shop for a dress at the last minute and take whatever they have in stock."

"I'm not going to be invited to any social activities, Alice. I don't need-"

At Alice's pointed look Bella's words trailed off. Her eyes widened and she silently mouthed, "Oh. Oh!"

Alice looked smug. "So we'll go tomorrow?"

"Yes, Alice, we'll go tomorrow."

Esme set a platter in front of Jacob. She smiled. "Bella tells us that you need a lot of nourishment to maintain your health."

"Actually, Esme, I think I said the wolves eat enough for an army. Each." Bella laughed.

Jasper's drawl was pronounced belying his calm exterior. The wolves still made him nervous, even Jacob. "Which is why she called on my expert guidance. I can't cook, but I know how an army travels."

Esme beamed at Jasper. "Yes, he told me where to find this steak. It's a Texas cut."

Jacob looked at the plate before him that held a seventy-two ounce top sirloin. As he admired it Rosalie plopped a dog bowl full of the split peas by the side of his plate.

Bella laughed at the look on Jacob's face. "Don't worry about it, Jake. She doesn't like to feed humans."

Rosalie scoffed. "I wouldn't call him human."

Emmett placed Bella's food in front of her and leaned against the island. He regarded Jacob with serious, intense eyes.

Around a mouthful of steak, Jacob managed to utter a simple word. "What?"

"You play Biohazard Four?"

Jacob's eyes wavered between defensive and cocky. "I play."

Emmett's eyes glinted. "Excellent!" He grabbed Jacob's plate and bowl. "Bring your drink, let's play!"

Jacob looked at Bella who shrugged and laughed. Alice spoke as she rose to follow Emmett. "Place your bets, ladies!" Money exchanged hands as Esme and Rosalie followed Jacob out of the room.

Jasper sat with Bella. When she finished eating he whisked her dishes to the sink and took care of them. By the time she processed his movements, he was holding her coat for her. "Come with me?"

Bella slid her arms into the sleeves of her coat. "Where?"

"Just out of hearing range."

"Okay."

Jasper shook his head. "You really need to develop your self-preservation instincts. You just agreed to go to a secluded place with a killer who wants your blood, very badly."

"You won't hurt me, Jasper."

"I don't want to hurt you, Bella. That's very different from won't hurt you. What if you injure yourself? What if you bleed? No one will hear your screams, and no one will be able to save you."

"You've already told me you could handle something like that now. You wouldn't have said that if it weren't true. Besides, I'm more concerned about Rosalie hurting Jacob." She laughed.

"Jacob's safe with Esme there, and they are all engrossed in the game."

Jasper and Bella sat in the gazebo Emmett built at the end of Bella's path to recovery, as Emmett called it. They were out of supernatural hearing range of the house. The fire was blazing before them, illuminating the night. Bella laughed as Jasper reached into a canvas bag beside him and pulled out a barbecue fork and a bag of marshmallows.

As Bella watched the marshmallow begin to crisp, Jasper spoke. "So, Carlisle huh? Who'd've thought that?"

She nudged him with her shoulder and laughed. "Only you." Jasper joined in her laughter. "And probably Alice."

"Well now, I can say it was all me. At least until you made the decision to break it off with Edward."

"I thought as much." They were silent for a while just listening to the crackle of the fire. And whatever else Jasper heard that Bella couldn't.

"I know you could have made a life with Edward. But from what I felt coming off both of you, that was classic co-dependence. You would have been miserable."

"I didn't want to see it at the time, but I think I knew."

"You knew. You just had to admit it to yourself."

"And what do you get coming off me and Carlisle?"

Jasper chuckled. "I don't have to tell you. You know. You were thinking on it earlier."

"And I believe you were basking in it."

"Love has many stages, Bella. I expect you'll go through all of them with Carlisle. You'll see that with real love each stage is just as intense as this first stage, even if you've been together for centuries. But, with a newly realized love, there's an awe, a wonder, an elation that is unique to that phase. I've experienced it with my Alice. Experiencing it second hand, though, this is a first for me. Let's just say after I bask in what you and Carlisle are putting out for a bit, it brings out the romance in me and makes Alice one happy lady."

"Thanks, Jasper."

"I didn't do anything, Bella. Where you are today is all your doin'."

"You showed me the way."

"No, I didn't. I may have helped set you to thinking, but you found your own way."

Bella sighed and leant her head on his hard shoulder. She felt him stop breathing and made to move. He put his brotherly arm around her shoulders and stopped her.

"No, it's good." He smiled and took the long fork from her fingers. "But let's not tempt fate with sharp objects."

Bella laughed quietly as Jasper set the fork far away from her.

They lapsed into a companionable silence.

After a time Bella spoke quietly. "I have to talk to Carlisle about Edward."

"Sure enough. Have you made a decision there?"

"I can't come between them. I have to fix this. How do you think it will go?"

"Normally, I'd say you only have to worry about Edward's reactions. Carlisle, he's always the quiet voice of reason. But, he doesn't seem too fond of anyone endangering you, even unintentionally. It brings out something almost primal in him. All his calm, compassionate, thoughtful ways seemed to vanish when Edward hurt you. I've never seen him like that. That day at the skating rink, he'd've had John Bell Hood shakin' in his boots." At Bella's perplexed look he added, "He was a Confederate General whose bravery bordered on insanity."

"Hmm, I don't remember reading about him."

Jacob's voice rang from a short distance down the boardwalk. "Dr. Fang was impressive when you were in the hospital too. I guess he couldn't sit by and let Edward hurt you. It made him go crazy. I was kind of impressed. From what I've seen of him, and from what Old Quill says, he's always cool and collected in any situation. Not that time, though."

"Jacob Black, were you eavesdropping?"

"Nope, I only heard you talking about Dr. Fang losing his shit."

Jasper ignored Jacob and spoke to Bella. "Let's hope you're never again in a situation that brings that out of Carlisle."

"She's a danger magnet. She will be."

Bella frowned. "I thought you were playing with Emmett."

Jacob glared at the arm Jasper had around Bella's shoulder. "Aren't you married?"

"Happily, thank you."

"Why don't I tell your wife that you're all over Bella."

"No need." Alice skipped up and kissed Jasper's smirking lips. She turned to Jacob. "I thought puppies were affectionate, shouldn't you recognize affection when you see it?" Her next words were spoken as if she were explaining complex adult topics to a toddler. "It's like Jazz and Bella are litter mates."

Jacob rolled his eyes. "Of for Fuc-"

Bella cut across him sharply. "Language, Jacob!"

Alice's laugh was like wind chimes, and it blended beautifully with Jasper's throaty chuckle. "See you later, Bella." Alice pulled Jasper to his feet and they disappeared into the night."

"So what are you doing out here, Jake?"

"I'm headed home."

"Oh, okay. Drive safely."

"I ran here, Bella."

"Oh, yeah. Stalk safely, then." She giggled.

Jacob's tone was somber. "What happened here tonight?"

"Well, you showed up snooping around. Then we hung out. Esme made a spectacular meal for you. You and Emmett played video games-"

"Yeah, Bella. I was here. I'm asking why they were, well all but Blondie, were so nice."

"Because they are nice, Jacob."

"But they're-"

"Jacob!" Bella's tone was a warning.

Jacob turned and spoke into the dark. "You, why are you a doctor of all things? Did you go to medical school for easy access to blood, so you wouldn't have to dirty your hands killing any more innocent people?"

Bella's face was livid.

Jacob's face relaxed in response to Carlisle's laugh. "No, Jacob. I have never once fed off human blood."

"You must have when you first became a leec-" he glanced nervously at Bella, "vampire."

"No, never. My reaction to this life was to try and end it. I would never intentionally harm a human. I thought taking my own life would be the only way I could be sure that I would never hurt anyone. However, it's not that easy for one of our kind to commit suicide. I tried many ways. I was literally starving, but that wouldn't kill me either. Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself drinking animal blood. It sustained me. It was then that I knew I could live and do no harm, even as the damned monster I am."

Bella's anger dissipated. Carlisle was close enough for her to hear the last of his words even though she was still unable to see him. Her voice was a thick as she spoke. "Carlisle, please, don't talk about yourself like that. Don't even think of yourself like that!"

"I apologize, Isabella. I was just telling Jacob how I felt at the time. You know that I no longer believe that."

She rounded on Jacob, her anger back in full force. "Do you have any idea how many 'innocent people' would have died before their time if weren't for Carlisle? He saves lives, not only because he has dedicated his life to the practice of medicine, but because he is a vampire. His senses help him diagnose and treat faster and better. Even when he's not in the hospital he's always helping, always healing. Say what you will about vampires in general." Her voice took on a deadly edge. "But never, ever, speak of Carlisle Cullen in that manner again."

Carlisle came into view. A smile on his lips as he made eye contact with Bella. "It's all right." He laughed. "Jacob should challenge all that he sees, all that he knows. How else will he be able to be a true and fair man?" He turned to Jacob. "Did you enjoy your visit with Bella?"

Jacob huffed. "Yeah. Yeah, I did."

Carlisle's genuine smile confused Jacob. "You are always welcome in our home, Jacob."

"Yeah. Great. Thanks." He shrugged out of Emmett's shirt and dropped it on the seat near Bella. "I gotta go." He abruptly dashed into the forest.

Carlisle sat beside Bella. "Did you enjoy your visit with Jacob?"

"It was very nice, but I think Emmett may have enjoyed it more."

"Emmett?"

"He got Jacob to play video games with him for almost the entire time." Bella bit her lip.

Carlisle looked deeply into her eyes, his thumb moving to gently pull her lip from between her teeth. The pad of this thumb began softly caressing, soothing the tender injured flesh. "What is it?"

"Jake had fun. I know he loved the food Esme made for him. He really loved playing the video game too, but-"

Carlisle's hand comfortingly cupped her cheek. "But?"

"But he's still clinging to his father's prejudices. Not entirely, I mean he's trying to make up his own mind. I think. He likes Emmett and Esme, but he holds back."

"He has been taught since his birth that we are evil monsters. We are to be feared, reviled. We are to be killed to save good decent people. He may be seeing that this family doesn't hurt people, but it's difficult to completely change such a deeply held belief too quickly. He is an intelligent person, give him some more time; he'll judge for himself. He has already begun to do so."

"It is not his place to judge you!"

Carlisle smiled at her passion and drew her to him. His voice was a sensual whisper. His breath caressed the shell of her ear as he spoke. "Isabella." He gently pressed his lips to her cheek. He placed unhurried kisses along her jaw, down her neck and back to her lips.

Their kiss was languid, full of exploration and appreciation. They took their time experiencing the texture, the feel of each other's lips. Soft molded to firm, heat mingled with cold, it all blended to create perfection.

When Carlisle felt Bella's tongue dart out to taste his lips, they parted willingly. Their kiss deepened and Carlisle was filled with a rush like none he'd felt in his long existence. He moaned into Bella's mouth. The sound set her aflame.

Carlisle's deft hand made sensual patterns on Bella's neck and down to her shoulders. Her hands came up to lazily caress his firm chest. Carlisle drew his lips around her face, feathering tiny kisses along the way to the delicate skin behind her ear. She shivered at the feel of Carlisle Cullen's lips ghosting over her sensitive skin. She trembled at the sound of his desire roughened voice vibrating through her as he spoke her name reverently.

He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and settled his face in the juncture of her neck and shoulder. He inhaled her scent. She brought her hand up and stroked his silken blond hair.

She loved this man, this vampire, this beautiful soul. Of that, she had no doubt. It was this love that drove her to break the moment. "Carlisle."

"Mmm?" His breath on her neck almost made her change her mind about speaking.

"We need to talk about Edward." Carlisle moved out of her embrace, making her regret her decision to speak almost immediately.

He held her gaze as he responded. "Of course, what is it that you wish to discuss?"

"Will you bring Edward back?"

"Is that what you want?" His voice was quiet and compassionate. She couldn't begin to guess that he'd been dreading this conversation for a long time. She didn't know that he had deeply hidden insecurities.

"Carlisle, I don't want you to be without him. You were so close. I don't want to be the ruin of that. I don't want you to lose your son."

Carlisle smiled gently. His voice was quiet and measured. It held no resentment, only a gentle caring tinged with resignation. "You don't want me to lose him, or you don't want to lose him?"

Bella could have sworn her heart stopped beating. She wondered if Carlisle was jealous? No, he couldn't be. That wasn't in his nature. Besides, how could he ever think he would compare to Edward and come out lacking? It had to be something else.

She peered at Carlisle from beneath her lashes. She could almost see him building walls between them. She couldn't understand why he would be doing that? As she watched him he seemed to withdraw more with each passing second. This felt wrong. She hadn't expected this reaction from Carlisle. She fervently wished she could know what he was thinking. He should talk to her. He always talked to her. Why wasn't he talking to her? She wanted to rue the day she ever met Edward, but she couldn't. It was Edward who had brought Carlisle into her life. Belatedly, she realized that her thought process had rendered her mute for too long. Carlisle was taking her silence as an affirmation. She tried to speak, but he spoke first.

"If it is Edward that you want, I shall bring him to you." Underneath his gentle demeanor, he was experiencing an unaccustomed turmoil. She had asked him to leave her. To leave her and bring Edward to her. He had told her he would never leave her unless she asked him to, that time had come.

He had to go before he tried to change her mind. He had seen what Edward had done to her. Edward had forced his will on her, and if she didn't comply, Edward used supernatural influence on her to get what he wanted. He was not that kind of man. He would respect her wishes. He would not try to talk her out it, no matter how much it hurt him. He wanted to talk to her, ask her if she was sure this was what she wanted. He didn't. He couldn't trust himself not to unwittingly influence her. He would do nothing to compromise her freedom of choice.

Against his better judgment, he tore himself away. His smile was gentle and filled with his love for her, but his eyes were the epitome of sad. "I don't have a lot of time, I need to go now." He reached out. He caressed her cheek tenderly. His voice was filled with longing as he whispered her name. "Isabella."

She closed her eyes and began to lean into his touch only to find it missing. There was a rush of icy air and Carlisle was gone. He had left before she could make sure that he understood. She frantically fumbled for her phone. She dropped it in her haste. Once she regained it, she pushed speed dial. Voicemail answered before the first ring. She tried again and again with the same result. She felt an unnatural wind at her back. She whipped around hope building in her chest. Her face fell when she saw that it was Alice and Jasper.

"Bella, where's Carlisle? His phone is turned off." Alice's voice held no fairy chimes. She sounded desperate. She didn't wait for Bella's answer. "Carlisle's future, it's gone! I see him going to the house in Rochester, but he doesn't come back. Edward is there. I think there's someone else there too. I can't tell. I think someone followed him to Edward. Carlisle is attacked. He's burned. Carlisle is torn to pieces and someone burns him. Carlisle is strong, fast and experienced. He can easily defend himself. But for some reason, he doesn't. Why? Why doesn't he defend himself? What prevents him? It's not clear. It keeps changing. I think Carlisle keeps changing something about his course of action. But every time I look, it ends up with Carlisle dead. Gone."

"He just left!" Bella's voice and expression were wild in her fear for Carlisle. "Can we catch him? We have to get to New York before he does! We have to stop this!"

Before Bella finished speaking Jasper was on the phone chartering a jet. Alice wrapped her arms around Bella and picked her up, they practically flew to the garage.

The three sped on a souped up Ducati going faster than the one-hundred-seventy miles per hour the bike was built to handle. Jasper drove almost recklessly in his fear for his coven leader, his brother, his friend. Luckily, The Washington State Patrol's finest were no match for Jasper. He lost them easily.

Alice maneuvered Bella into a ball and wrapped her body around Bella's as they careened into the private airfield and jumped off the bike at top speed, wasting no time braking. The bike skidded away from them; they were moving too fast to notice where it ended up.

Their pilot was paid well and he never noticed anything unusual about his passengers. Jasper was on the phone again as they ran up the steps. When Jasper ended his call, he looked at Alice and Bella with determination. Bella had never heard his drawl so thick. "Carlisle's already on a chartered plane. It took off ten minutes ago. I'm going to go talk speed with the pilot."

Bella and Alice held hands, silent in their fear. Bella was as pale as the white jacket she wore. She took no notice of the pain Alice's grip was causing her.

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