Eclipse EPOV
Based on Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Chapter 10: Scent
"Where do you think you're going?" Bella asked as I kissed her forehead and headed for the door.
"I'll be back right after he leaves."
"That's ridiculous, Edward. You can stay here." She frowned.
I sighed. Of course, if it were prudent, I'd choose to be here every minute of her life, especially those minutes when he was present, "It's not that I feel any personal antagonism toward him, Bella, it's just easier for both of us." I tried to explain, "I won't be far away. You'll be safe."
"I'm not worried about that." She scowled.
I smiled back at her angry scowl – my angry kitten. She really was too adorable when she was mad. She was just so vulnerable. Of course, I wouldn't be far away. I didn't trust him that much. I had to tear myself away as it was – but the two of us in a confined space… it could end up in disaster – for her. Then a thought occurred to me. So many times she'd come back to me reeking of him. Perhaps a little payback was in order – and maybe it would keep him at a safer distance. I pulled her to me, reveling in her warmth and the electricity that shot through my body at her touch, at the same time leaving my scent on her… I could take this one step further. I buried my head in her glorious hair and exhaled. Now, she'd be drenched in my smell… I rather liked that – it was most enjoyable. I'd have to do that again…
"I'll be right back," I said… probably sooner then she thought. With any luck he'd take one whiff of her and take off…If I was lucky.
Why don't you just pee on her, Alice thought with distain from her place in the forest.
I'm not the dog… I noticed Bella's dazed expression… the way she way she wasn't quite steady and chuckled in pleasure to notice she was just as intoxicated with my presence as I was with hers. Yes, I'd definitely have to do that again.
"What's so funny?" Bella called after me.
I ignored her question and headed off toward the trees. Alice was waiting for me, stress stretched across her face. She didn't like it when Bella was with the wolves any more then I did, especially as her future disappeared. It made both of us uneasy even now when we understood what was going on.
"Do you really think that was necessary?" Alice glared at me.
Remembering her body held close to mine, I replied, "definitely." In fact, I think I'll make a regular practice of it.
"What if he reacts badly to the scent? What if he phases?"
"I'm hoping the affect will be to keep him away," I countered, though she raised a good point. Hopefully the mutt could keep control of himself long enough to get in and out quickly – and stay away from Bella. Still, neither of us were going anywhere. Without Alice's foresight, we were blind if we stayed out of ear shot.
"Oh, Edward… Your motorcycle arrived." Alice smiled.
"Excellent!" I exclaimed as I saw it in our combined memories, mine from the on-line brochure I'd drooled over last night, hers from watching it being delivered: the Ducati Superbike 848 – perfect size for a street bike in my opinion – anything bigger I'd prefer for a strictly highway bike. I anticipated the feel of its lightweight agile body over its 849 cc 134 horsepower engine. Both graceful and powerful with 70.8 pounds per foot of torque.
"You're welcome," Alice grinned as I watched the rest of the memory unfold.
The bike had just been delivered. Emmett and Jasper were standing back admiring it. Then Alice raced out, forseeing Emmett's plan to try it out. She and Jasper pulled him away.
"Come on," Emmett said in Alice's memory, "Edward won't mind if I take it for one quick spin."
"You and I both know that's not true," Alice said sternly.
"What's he gonna do?"
"You don't want to find out." She said, taping her head as if she'd seen some horrific future should he follow through with his plan.
"He's won't do it." Alice assured me, "He's too afraid of you. But Jasper's keeping an eye on it for you anyway."
"Thanks Alice, you're the best."
I'd ordered it last night. Born from my desire to find a way to share in Bella's new thrill seeking activity list, I'd decided to shop for a bike. I sort of liked the idea of the two of us riding down the back lanes and streets together. It was a way to share with her desire and keep her safe. I'd also purchased her a riding jacket and a helmet.
She smiled devilishly… Just wait until you see Bella, she thought wickedly, refusing to give an inch on the mental picture.
"Are you okay keeping watch? I wanted to follow the trail for myself – see if I can find anything."
"Sure," she started to say, but we were interrupted by the dog's arrival.
"Come in, Jake." Bella responded to the ringing doorbell.
"She really should learn to go check first," Alice mumbled.
We could see Bella through the window in the kitchen. She was dutifully working her way through a pile of dishes while he quietly crept into the room.
"Should you really leave you door unlocked like that? Oh, sorry," He apologized as his silent entrance startled her into slopping water down her front. He should know better by now. Long ago I'd learned to make the necessary human noises to avoid startling someone unnecessarily - though I wasn't opposed to being silent when the situation called for.
"I'm not worried about anyone who would be deterred by a locked door," she said, wiping her shirt with a dish towel. If anything it made it worse as the liquid spread turning her top slightly opaque. The affect wasn't lost on Jacob.
"Good point," He agreed as he admired the now partially see through shirt, allowing his eyes to linger where I would have quickly looked away. Couldn't Bella see the lust in his eyes?...His ungentlemanly intentions? I growled at his indiscretion.
She pulled up to look at him sharply. For a moment I hoped she'd noticed, but he recovered quickly, looking her in the eyes. "Is it really so impossible to wear clothes, Jacob," she eyed his bare chest. I wondered; did she like how he looked? Was she comparing his physique to mine? I'd hardly been around her with my shirt off. Though it wasn't profane in this day and age, I still felt it was somewhat private. "I mean I know you don't get cold anymore, but still."
Hmm, she noticed? He purposefully pushed his hair out of his face flexing slightly as he moved. I rolled my eyes. Surely she could see through his pretense.
"It's just easier," he said casually.
"What's easier?" she asked.
Oh Bella… do I have to explain? "It's enough of a pain to carry the shorts around with me, let alone a complete outfit. What do I look like, a pack mule?" Again he stiffened slightly, hoping her eyes would trail down his body again.
Her eyes flickered but held steady at his face. She looked confused, "What are you talking about Jacob?"
He was enjoying the line of conversation, and prolonged it, keeping her focus on him. Again, I cringed as he continued to pursue her gaze. "My clothes don't just pop in and out of existence when I change – I have to carry them with me while I run. Pardon me for keeping my burden light."
She glanced at him again and then the color flushed to her cheeks in a way that bothered me much more then it should. "I guess I didn't think about that."
So what was she thinking about?
He nonchalantly pointed to the cord around his ankle, again drawing her attention to his half naked body.
"Oh really, please," I exclaimed.
"Weren't you going to follow the trail?" Alice reminded. Don't worry about Bella. I'll keep an eye on her…
I sighed. I was torn. I wanted to see for myself if the trail really ended. It wasn't that I didn't trust Emmett, but he was an even worse tracker then I. But leaving her here, with the mutt… even with Alice's careful eye. It made me nervous.
Go Edward, the faster you leave, the sooner you'll return.
I took one look back at the house and then took off toward the trail. If I didn't leave now, I was sure I wouldn't. The trail was fading, but still easy to pick up, especially with Emmett's scent and his memory following it. Within minutes I'd made it through the miles of bush to the dirt side road where the trail ended. This was where Emmett's scent abruptly shifted back home. Just as I thought; he didn't look around much.
The scent ended on the side of the road, as if the stranger had gotten into a vehicle. I closed my eyes and concentrated, trying to pick up any other scent – the car, another vampire or driver anything… There was the faint smell of a car – non-descript though, fairly new, probably a rental or stolen. There was nothing familiar about it. I could see the faint impression where the vehicle had stopped briefly. It clearly hadn't been waiting here long. I followed the direction it drove off, but there was nothing.
I returned to the end of the trail and ran up the other direction. Maybe the driver had stopped further up, gotten out and walked around. I followed up the road for 5 miles before I returned. There was no sign of another stop. In a vane hope, I ran into the forest on the other side of the road from the trail. Still nothing… It was a dead end. I groaned and headed back to the brush outside Bella's house where Alice was keeping watch.
"What did I miss?" I asked as Alice recited the American constitution in Russian, a clear sign she was hiding something from me.
"Nothing," she said.
"What are you hiding, Alice," I said in a low warning growl.
"It's nothing… It's just that he asked about your relationship… seems he was curious about the nature of it." she said casually.
"Show me," I hissed.
She sighed, and showed me the memory.
"Can I ask you something?" He asked.
"That depends on what you want to know."
"I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything – I'm honestly curious."
"Fine. Go ahead." She said tonelessly.
"What's it like – having a vampire for a boyfriend?"
"It's the best."
Warmth spread through me at her admission.
"I'm serious. The idea doesn't bother you – it never creeps you out?"
I felt myself lean forward, torn between a desire to rip his throat out and to hear what she had to say.
"Never," she said emphatically.
"Well" he pressed, "I was wondering… do you… y'know, kiss him?"
She laughed, "yes"
"Ugh."
I growled. That was private. What business was it of his?
To his credit, he was up in her room with the vampire smell and he kept it under control. Alice directed her thoughts at me. I was watching through the window for any sign he might lose it, but he didn't…not even when she talked about being with you.
It was a small consolation, but I did appreciate knowing that. I despised the idea of her going to La Push, but I knew I was going to have to give on that if I was going to appear "reasonable." I sighed and began to ask, "Alice…"
"You know I can't see her when she's with him."
"Can you try… just a bit?"
She frowned as she tried now to see into Bella's future as she stood in the kitchen that the mutt.
"It's only glimpses," she moaned, "And only a few seconds ahead when she steps away from him."
I wracked my brain trying to think of another solution. The answer was one I hated to seek, but it seemed the only way. "Alice, what if I decided to let her go to La Push. Can you still see her like us?"
She went into her trance briefly but the vision of Bella, cold, pale and immortal was as strong as ever.
"Are you sure you've decided to let her go?" She asked.
"Yes," I replied definitively. "She can make her own decisions about going to La Push." I said regretfully.
"And she'll definitely decide to go," Alice murmured as she watched Bella drive toward the board and then disappear. The next image was of her like us, still strong… It was little comfort.
"Thanks Alice," I said, as I headed toward the house, picking up their conversation as I approached.
"Can I ask you something, Bella?" Jacob said. I heard her sigh, but he continued, "What's it like, having a werewolf for a best friend?"
She laughed nervously and I was even more anxious to hear the answer to this. It caused me to pause, ducking under the eaves to keep my clothes reasonably dry.
"Does it creep you out?" he pressed.
"No, when the werewolf is being nice," she began hesitantly, "It's the best."
My heart sank.
"Thanks, Bella." And then I saw his intention moments before he acted, pulling her to his body. Growls escaped my throat one after the other.
"Stop, Edward… You don't want to provoke him – not in the house." Alice called out seeing my action before I took my first step.
I held myself back. She was right. It wasn't safe. Fortunately, after only a fraction of a second he pushed her away.
"Ugh," he said, "Your hair stinks worse than your room."
I smiled despite myself.
"Sorry," she muttered.
"One of the many hazards of socializing with vampires," he said, noting my arrival…like being crushed…having her blood drained from her body…being bitten…He hurled his thoughts like arrows. Come on Edward, you know it's just as dangerous at your house as La Push. "It makes you smell bad. A minor hazard comparatively."
I couldn't deny it, recalling last September, but just then an approaching grumble caught my attention. The mail man was coming up the walk, complaining of the rain. I froze for a moment behind a bush, but one of the packages caught my attention.
"That's enough, mutt," I muttered low enough only he and Alice could hear. I walked around to the mail box to pick up the package. "You've had your fun. I've been more then reasonable."
"See you around, Bella."
"Are you leaving?" The longing in her voice hurt.
"He's waiting for me to go. I can hear him outside."
"Oh"
"I'm coming in the front door," I warned, "Now!"
"I'll go out the back," he replied.
I began to turn the knob.
"Hold up a sec."
I paused.
"Hey, do you think you can come to La Push tonight? We're having a bonfire party. Emily will be there, and you could meet Kim… And I know Quil wants to see you, too. He's pretty peeved that you found out before he did."
"Yeah, Jake. I don't know about that. See, it's a little tense right now…"
I growled lowly, "I don't think so…"
"C'mon," he cut me off, "You think somebody's going to get past all-" a few numbers flashed through his head, "-all six of us?"
I was surprised – he'd been able to keep the actual number from me, but I was certain there were more then six.
Come on, Edward… She'll be more then safe. I'll keep her close the entire time.
That was what I was worried about.
We'll just be sitting around. The others miss her too…
"I'll ask," she said.
"Is he your warden, now, too? You know, I saw this story on the news last week about control, abusive, teenaged relationships and-"
"Okay" Bella said and I growled at the same time.
"Time for the werewolf to get out!" Bella continued.
"I couldn't agree more." I said with a low threat.
"Bye Bells," He said, elated, "Be sure you ask permission.
That was it. I opened the door just in time to see him duck out. Immediately the scent hit me… blood… but the scent held no attraction for me – it must be his. It drew me to the knife on the table. What had I missed? I imagined a million possibilities. Had he attempted to do more then hug her? Had she defended herself? I rather liked that picture, but somehow I doubted it.
"Did the two of you get into a fight?"
"Edward!" She sang and enthusiastically drove all my doubts and anxieties away momentarily as she flew into my arms.
"Hi there." I laughed at the relief, the joy of her so close. His scent on her wasn't so bad as the desire to hold her even closer took over. Her lips, now drawn into a wide smile tempted me. Then I caught another waft of the scent of his blood and remembered my question, "Are you trying to distract me? It's working."
"No, I didn't fight with Jacob. Much." My smiled widened. "Why?"
"I was just wondering why you stabbed him. Not that I object." I nodded toward the knife on the counter, awaiting the story. I'd learned long ago I'd get more out of her by stating my assertions rather than asking her questions.
"Dang! I thought I got everything." She pulled away and ran to clean up the knife, dousing it with bleach. I frowned as I recognized the other scent, sensing its recent use. She'd clearly made an effort to clean up the mess – for me… She shouldn't have to be so paranoid… His blood didn't tempt me in the least.
"I didn't stab him," she explained, "He forgot he had a knife in his hand."
I chuckled to cover my nervousness as the ever present doubts resurfaced. "That's not nearly as fun as the way I imagined it."
"Be nice."
I pulled out the large envelope – along with my hopes that she might change her mind, and tossed them both on the counter, "I got your mail."
"Anything good?" she asked glancing curiously at the package.
"I think so," I replied and watched her warily… hopefully. Suspicion immediately flooded to her eyes as she went to the envelope.
She picked it up and unfolded it so that the return address I'd purposely set face down was now visible. "Dartmouth? Is this a joke?"
"I'm sure it's an acceptance," I ignored her question, "It looks exactly like mine."
"Good grief, Edward – what did you do?"
"I sent in your application, that's all," I smiled innocently… And they also received a letter from your physician noting a recent medical condition that hampered your ability to apply on time… along with an inquiry into establishing the Cullen doctoral scholarship…
"I may not be Dartmouth material, but I'm not stupid enough to believe that."
I frowned. She never did see herself clearly. "Dartmouth seems to think you're Dartmouth material." Even without the encouragement, it wasn't like she was entirely out of line applying. She was a good student.
Anger flashed to her eyes. She took in a deep breath and glared back at me for a moment before answering. "That's very generous of them." She said steadily, "However, accepted or not, there is still the minor matter of tuition. I can't afford it, and I'm not letting you throw away enough money to buy yourself another sports car just so that I can pretend to go to Dartmouth next year."
"I don't need another sports car," I countered, "And you don't have to pretend anything. One year of college wouldn't kill you. Maybe you'd even like it." Maybe you'll decide to stay human. "Just think about it, Bella. Imagine how excited Charlie and Renee would be…"
It was a cheap shot, I knew, but I had to take it… I had to do everything I could to help her see that she had a choice. She didn't have to change…
"Edward, I'm worried about living through graduation, let alone this summer or next fall."
She looked so vulnerable, so fragile. I found my arms winder their way around her in comfort with out really thinking about it. "No one is going to hurt you," I assured her, "You have all the time in the world."
I felt her sigh against me, "I'm mailing the contents of my bank account to Alaska tomorrow. It's all the alibi I need. It's far enough away that Charlie won't expect a visit until Christmas at the earliest, and I'm sure I'll think of some excuse by then. You know," she continued with slight humor, "this whole secrecy and deception thing is kind of a pain."
You have no idea, Bella. "It gets easier. After a few decades, everyone you know is dead. Problem solved."
She flinched at my cruelty and I immediately regretted my words. "Sorry, that was harsh."
She stared down at the white envelope that was my hope for her salvation as she muttered, "But still true."
Hope fluttered that she might actually be considering, "If I get this resolved, whatever it is we're dealing with, will you please consider waiting?"
"Nope," She said firmly. My hope vanished.
"Always so stubborn."
"Yep."
The washing machine interrupted us as it hung up off balance.
"Stupid piece of junk," Bella muttered as she disappeared. I shook my head searching for some way to convince her to stay. I'd never before encountered such an obstacle that I couldn't move…
"That reminds me." She drew me from her musings, "Could you ask Alice what she did with my stuff when she cleaned my room? I can't find it anywhere."
What? I never cleaned her room... Okay, I might have straightened out her closet… and those nasty sweat pants needed to go... but that was all.
It didn't add up. "Alice cleaned your room?" I stated leading for more information.
"Yeah, I guess that's what she was doing when she came to get my pajamas and stuff to hold me hostage." Only part of my mind noted her glower. I was too focused on Alice's denial of any of this while at the same time searching for an explanation. "She picked up everything that was lying around, my shirts, my socks, and I don't know where she put them."
Alice leapt up into her bedroom. Everything was out when I picked up her stuff, Edward. She's right… If she didn't clean up when she got home, there's a lot of stuff missing.
"When did you notice your things missing?"
"When I got back from the fake slumber party. Why?"
Dread sunk to the pit of my empty stomach. "I don't think Alice took anything. Not your clothes, or your pillow. The things that were taken, these were things you'd worn… and touched… and slept in."
"Yes. What is it, Edward?"
"Things with your scent," Alice and I uttered at the same time.
"Oh!"
I'm calling Jasper right now. Alice clamored back out the window and headed for the cover of the forest, pulling out her silver phone and hitting the speed dial.
"My visitor," Bella muttered, stress lines creasing her forehead.
"What was he doing?" Alice repeated Jasper's question to her over the phone.
"He was gathering trances… evidence to prove that he'd found you?" I guessed, but why then not just take her? I shuddered at the thought.
"Why?" Bella voiced the question on all our minds.
"I don't know, but Bella, I swear I will find out. I will."
"I know you will," she whispered, laying her head on my chest, though her assurance was little comfort.
The phone vibrated against my chest. I pulled it out, checking the id. Carlisle… "Just the person I need to talk to."
"Carlisle, I-" I began, but he cut me off.
"Have you seen the news today? The situation in Seattle is escalating – at an even faster rate. Whoever the newborn is, they must be very young and crazed, or now I'm beginning to wonder if there is more then one. You need to get home… we have to talk about what we're going to do."
"I'll check it out. Listen…" I started carefully outlying the story, explaining my theory. "Whoever he was he took things with her scent."
"But why would he do that?"
"Your guess is as good as mine." I replied.
"I think you might be right… It could be Volturi checking on Bella - though why they wouldn't just take her or kill her on the spot, I have no idea. They clearly made an effort to avoid detection, which leads me to think that if this is Volturi, it's not Aro. Someone's acting behind his back… We need to find out…"
"Maybe I'll go…" I started as Carlisle jumped in. I had thought maybe I could go to Voltare, check it out… see if I caught the intruder's scent. But if I ran into Aro, he'd know about Bella in a single touch. I reflexively looked over at her remembering the last time she ran to Italy to my rescue. "Maybe not."
At the same time Carlisle threw out his ideas. "Emmett could run over to Seattle, see what he can find out. Maybe we can settle this peacefully."
"Don't let Emmett go alone. You know how he gets. At least ask Alice to keep an eye on things. We'll figure this out later."
I snapped the phone shut, "Where's the paper?" I glanced around.
"Um, I'm not sure. Why?"
"I need to see something." There was clearly no sign of it - not even the scent of the newsprint. "Did Charlie already throw it out?"
"Maybe…"
I dashed out the front door toward the garbage cans. Luckily it wasn't garbage day. Unfortunately, Bella hadn't successfully got her dad into recycling… I lifted the lid. It was right on top. I grabbed it and ran back in.
The article was right on the front page, 'Murder Epidemic Continues – Police Have No New Leads.' I read on carefully drawing in each word… 'five more bodies this weekend, all discovered within hours of their deaths'… "Carlisle's right" there must be more then one… 'one victim, as of yet unnamed was found laying in a few feet of water…' "yes"…'Bill Grunton, 35, was found lying under a tree in the city park…' "very sloppy… young and crazed? Or a death wish?" I wondered remembering my plan to go on a rampage when I though Bella was dead.
"It's getting worse." Bella murmured.
And much too close, I frowned, "Altogether out of control. This can't be the work of just one newborn vampire. What's going on? It's as if they've never heard o the Volturi, which is possible, I guess. No one has explained the rules to them… so who is creating them, then?"
"The Volturi?" Bella asked.
"This is exactly the kind of thing they routinely wipe out – immortals who threaten to expose us. They just cleaned up a mess like this a few years ago in Atlanta, and It hadn't gotten nearly this bad. They will intervene soon, very soon, unless we can find some way to calm the situation. I'd really rather they didn't come to Seattle just now. As long as they're this close." I paused, cringing at the thought, "they might decide to check on you."
She shuddered, "What can we do?"
"We need to know more before we can decide that. Perhaps if we can talk to these young ones, explain the rules, it can be resolved peacefully," It was a pipe dream of Carlisle's, but newborns – they aren't exactly rationale. He knew that… "We'll wait until Alice has an idea of what's going on… We don't want to step in until it's absolutely necessary. After all, it's not our responsibility. But it's good we have Jasper," He knew exactly how to combat their additional strength if it came to a fight, "If we are dealing with newborns, he'll be helpful."
"Jasper? Why?"
Of course, she had no idea – she couldn't really see Jasper, "Jasper is sort of an expert on young vampires."
"What do you mean an expert?"
"You'll have to ask him – the story is involved."
"What a mess."
"It does feel that way, doesn't it? Like it's coming at us from all sides these days." As if they universe was telling us just how wrong I was for taking her. I sighed, "Do you ever think that your life might be easier if you weren't in love with me?" I wondered if she'd ever come to that conclusion…
"Maybe. It wouldn't be much of a life, though." If it were possible, my dead heart would have started beating… though I felt shame. I didn't deserve her.
"For me," I clarified… recalling Jacob's point of all the many ways I was dangerous to her. "And now, I suppose…" I drew up my resolve from earlier today, "You have something you want to ask me?"
She stared back blankly, "I do?"
"Or maybe not," I grinned. I could only hope, "I was rather under the impression that you'd promised to ask my permission to go to some kind of werewolf soirée tonight."
"Eavesdropping again?"
"Just a bit at the very end," And some at the beginning… and a bit from the middle Alice shared. I plastered an innocent smile to my face.
"Well, I wasn't going to ask you anyway. I figured you had enough to stress about." She looked down. Though it warmed my cold, dead heart, I knew she wanted to go, and she should go… experience all the things she'd be missing when she changed. She shouldn't have to worry what I would say or do, how I would react... I wasn't her warden, or her father. I was her boyfriend. I cringed, remembering Jacob's mention of controlling teenaged relationships. Was I like that?
I reached out and turned her face so I could gaze into her eyes – to read the answer in them, bracing myself for the answer I knew would come. "Would you like to go?"
"It's not a big thing." She deferred, "Don't worry about it." But I could see it in the bottomless brown eyes. She wanted to go… and she feared my reaction.
I carefully gauged my expression to hide my chagrin. "You don't have to ask my permission, Bella. I'm not your father – thank heaven for that. Perhaps you should ask Charlie though."
"But you know Charlie will say yes."
And deliver you there himself likely… "I do have a bit more insight into his probably answer than most people would, it's true."
She stared back at me, her eyes wide in shock, her mouth slightly agape. Had I been such a tyrant? Yes – the answer resounded in my head. But not completely without reason…
I resolved to sell her on the one thing I didn't want her to do – to go to him – yet I knew I had to so she'd be fee to choose me… "Bella, I told you that I was going to be reasonable and trust your judgment. I meant that. If you trust the werewolves, then I'm not going to worry about them." At least not out loud, though I dreaded the endless hours that I knew she' be away from me tonight.
"Wow" she said.
I couldn't help feeling a hint of pleasure at her reaction, even if it did mean she'd go to La Push, "And Jacob's right," I added, "about one thing anyway, - a pack of werewolves ought to be enough to protect even you for one evening." I teased a little.
"Are you sure?" she asked, uncertain.
No. "Of course, only…" I added, noticing her stiffen. It was a small thing, really. I hoped she wouldn't baulk, "I hope you won't mind taking a few precautions? Allowing me to drive you to the boundary line, for one. And then taking a cell phone, so that I'll know when to pick you up?"
"That sounds… very reasonable."
Relief flooded through me, "Excellent."
It took all my strength to give her my most honest smile, free of the regret and pain of her desire to go to him.
I wasn't surprised by Charlie's answer when Bella called him next about going to LaPush.
"Tonight?" he asked.
"Yes, if that's okay." She eyed me for a reaction. I carefully kept my face placid.
"Of course." I could hear the smug smile in his voice.
"I won't be too late."
"That's okay – it's a bonfire – have a good time." He finished and bid her good-bye.
She immediately dialed another number and called Jacob to confirm the arrangements. Again, it stung as I hear the excitement in her voice as she planned to leave me for the evening.
"Edward?" Bella started, "Can we stop by your house before we go out?"
"Sure." I replied, shrugging.
"I'll take my truck, so you don't have to drop me off, and come back here before meeting me in my room." She smiled warmly.
It was a long drive, having to keep the Volvo down to a crawl so she could keep up in her truck.
I'm so sorry, I heard Alice as we drove up. Her thoughts made no sense.
Dude – sweet ride! Emmett called.
"Edward, would you load up the bike into my truck?" she asked, as I opened her door.
What? Why? I looked at her momentarily unable to mask my consternation.
"I was thinking, it's not like I can ride it round my dad…" she went on, "And, well, Jake built it from nothing… Maybe he can use it, or sell it when I can't use it anymore."
I simply nodded my agreement, fighting back the surge of anger and disappointment. The picture in my mind of both of us riding down the highway and through the back roads, hearing her laughter in the breeze, was suddenly replaced with a different, much more disturbing picture of her riding with that mutt. Alice's apology suddenly made sense. What would she think when she saw my bike by hers?
"What is that?" she exclaimed… not good.
"Oh burn!" Emmett laughed.
"Nothing," I murmured, trying hard to keep the disappointment from my face and the irritation at Emmett's laughter.
"It doesn't look like nothing."
"Well," I started – searching for an explanation that would be easy on both of us, "I didn't know if you were going to forgive your friend, or he you, and I wondered if you would still want to ride your bike anyway. It sounded like it was something that you enjoyed. I thought I could go with you, if you wished." I shrugged to mask the pain.
She was quiet for a moment, staring at the bike, driving me crazy, "I wouldn't be able to keep up with you." She whispered. With alarm I heard sadness… a longing in her voice.
"Edward, she's got a point," Emmett jumped in, "You could easily walk along side hers, so you might as well just let me ride the Ducati."
I reached to turn her face back toward mine, so I could read her eyes again. Yes, somehow I'd made her sad… how baffled me. I tried to push her mouth into a smile with my thumbs, to brighten her spirits as I reassured her, "I'd keep pace with you, Bella."
"That wouldn't be much fun for you."
How little did she know me? "Of course it would, if we were together."
She gazed up at me while she bit her bottom lip, "Edward, if you thought I was going too fast or losing control of the bike or something, what would you do?"
I could see it – I'd already imagined and prepared for the danger one thousand, four hundred and thirty-seven different ways. Bella driving down a dirt road, the bike swerving uncontrollably as she turns a corner and hits a patch of loose gravel… I dump the Ducati, fly through the air, snatching her off her bike and twist as I fell to protect her body…. Bella driving down the highway, some motorist doesn't see her and begins to turn toward the bike. I'd accelerate quickly (I'd already asked Rosalie to make some alterations to increase the torque), race by and grab her off her bike and be away from the danger before it happened…. Or Bella hitting a patch of water on the road… The look in her eye caught me. This wasn't what she wanted to hear. She didn't want me to leap out to cradle her body from harm. And yet there was no way I could not do that – to allow harm to come to her when I could prevent it. Clearly the dog had no such qualms.
"This is something you do with Jacob. I see that now." It hurt more then I cared to admit to say the words and yet I forced the effortless, carefree smile to my face.
"So, if she doesn't want it… Can I have the bike?" Emmett added, seriously getting on my nerves.
"It's just that, well, I don't slow him down so much, you know. I could try I guess…" She looked doubtful.
And in that was the perfect analogy why I didn't want her with him… Because sooner or later, she'd come to the conclusion that he fit better into her life. Being with him was easier, effortless, she didn't have to change for him – and she realized that, she'd leave me forever. I swallowed back the pain, "Don't worry about it."
"Yes – score – bike!"
I laughed, realizing a way to at least get back at Emmett for his rude intrusion on our conversation. "I saw Jasper admiring it. Perhaps it's time he discovered a new way to travel. After all, Alice has her Porsche now."
"Jasper – NO!" Emmett groaned. Jasper sent an appreciative thought.
"Edward, I-" Bella started, but I didn't want to hear anymore. It only made me feel worse – the sting of the rejection I was sure would eventually come. I kissed her lips to silence her objections. Besides, I now had another task – to convince her to, at least, be safe.
"I said not to worry, but would you do something for me?" I asked.
"Whatever you need." She promised rashly. I released her face as I leaned over the bike to pick up the gear Alice had left there. The opposition immediately flooded to her eyes as she took in the helmet.
"Please" I asked, trying my best effort at being dazzling.
With trepidation, she took the red helmet from my hands, eyeing it speculatively, "I'll look stupid," she protested.
"No, you'll look smart. Smart enough not to get yourself hurt." I folded the jacket over my arm as I took her face in both my hands, "there are things between my hands right now that I can't live without. You take care of them."
"Okay, fine," she grumbled, much to my relief, "What that other thing?"
I laughed at her suspicious expression. "It's a riding jacket. I hear road rash is quite uncomfortable, not that I would know myself."
I held it out for her and stifled a chuckle as she reluctantly shoved the helmet on her head and slide on the jacket with exasperation. I zipped her up, noting how the leather now hugged her body. In that moment, she suddenly took on an entirely new air. Alice was right. I liked it – I liked it a lot.
She looked back at me with a scowl on her lips. I fought back my desire to smile at her objection. "Be honest, how hideous do I look?"
I couldn't respond. There were several things I wanted to do right now and none of them included talking. I stepped back, both to give us space, and to admire the look. I tightened, pursing my lips to hold in the growl of appreciation, along with the wave of desire that threatened to erupt.
"That bad, huh?" she muttered.
"No, no Bella," I jumped in, "Actually…" what do I tell her, that I want to tear the jacket off her and do incredibly inappropriate and unsafe things with her here in the garage? I felt shame. I was no better then the mutt. "You look…" beautiful, amazing, er should I say it? Will she be offended? "sexy." I finally spit out, awaiting her reaction.
Laughter burst from her lips, "Right."
"Very sexy, really." I confirmed.
"You are just saying that so that I'll wear it." she argued, "But that's okay. You're right, it's smarter."
She was really ridiculous. I pulled her to me, feeling the stiff leather of the jacket and the warmth of her body. "You're silly. I suppose that's part of your charm." I found the helmet blocking my desired path, "Though, I'll admit it, this helmet does have it draw backs." I said as my fingers found the clasp to release her head and my lips pressed to hers with enough passion to make up for all the other things I wished I could do with her…
I battled myself the entire drive to the boundary. I had a million excellent arguments for why I should turn back right now and take her back to my house – not the least of which was how good she looked in her gear…
"You know what this reminds me of?" she asked, "It's just like when I was a kid and Renee would pass me off to Charlie for the summer. I feel like a seven – year – old.
I laughed. She didn't look like a seven – year – old… I pushed down the desire as another more disturbing thought surfaced. In this scenario was I Renee or Charlie? Which one of us would retain sole custody?
I heard him before we turned the bend in the road to see him waiting by his decrepit car. It was worse then Bella's truck. Okay leech, I'm here, what's taking you so long… His annoyance turned to surprise as he saw our approach. Surprised you showed up… you know she's going to have a great time tonight…
I ignored his barbs as I parked the car in the same spot where I'd waited only a few weeks ago. The memory brought another wave of desire to turn the car around and leave Jacob in a cloud of dust. Even worse was Bella's excited wave when she saw him and he broke into a grin. At least one of us can put a smile on her face, Jake pointed out as we approached.
"Call me whenever you're ready to come home and I'll be here." I reminded her, hoping that wouldn't be long.
"I won't be out late." She promised.
I pulled the bike and gear out of the back of the car and brought it around to her, setting down the kickstand and handing her the gear. I eyed it speculatively. Could she handle taking it all to over to his car? It was seventeen yards to the border and thirty two yards to car. "Do you have it all?" I asked her.
"No problem." She said confidently. I still wasn't so sure.
Even then I debated. I could still throw her back in the car and drive away. Sure, she'd be angry, but I could be persuasive too… I might like trying to be persuasive…
You gonna back out now? Jacob taunted, noting my hesitancy.
I sighed. No, I gave my word and I was going to be reasonable. I recalled his question this afternoon and decided it would be very reasonable of me to demonstrate just how intimate we were. I leaned in, wrapping my arms around her and pulled her as tightly toward me as I dared, feeling her body, now free of the thick leather tight against mine. I basked in her warmth as I pressed my lips to hers. I must have caught her by surprise for it was a fraction of a second before she reacted to the movement of my lips against hers. Then they parted slightly and I could taste her breath on my tongue. I fought back the desire to explore further, swallowing back the venom that was an ever present reaction. My hand pressed against the small of her back and I could feel her body even more firmly against mine and yet again, I considered a retreat back to Forks. I could hear her blood quicken in reaction to her lack of air and I released her lips, allowing her to breathe. Her clavicle tempted me as I pulled away.
Ugh, Jake mentally cringed. I chuckled… Well that would give him something to remember.
"Good bye," I said to her, "I really do like the jacket."
A surge of panic hit as I realized he'd now spend the evening with her, as tempting as she was. The sense of loss was overwhelming when the cool breeze wash her heat from my body as I let her go, fearing I'd never see her again. I was an idiot, insisting on the jacket and helmet – dressing her up for him…
I quickly got into the car, fighting every natural urge in my body, gripping the steering wheel to keep me in the car.
So, you really gonna let her go?
I glared at him in return.
"What's that?" he asked her, eyeing the bike. Why would he send her with the bike? So she can get away? Or to return it because this is her last visit?
"I thought I should put it back where it belongs." She said.
Back where it belongs… where she belongs. So she'll come back, then. A smile broke out across his face. I cringed.
The minute she crossed the line, he rushed to her side in three quick strides. I saw his plan once she was across the line, out of reach. I seethed. Curse the blasted boundary. I should run across it and rip the head from his shoulders.
He grabbed her up into a huge hug, glaring back at me in triumph.
I growled along with the rev of my engine, as I quickly pulled away. Any longer, and I'd prove just how unreasonable I could be…
20
Story Adaptation by Erica Bailey