WARNING: Adult/Graphic Content in this chapter. Rape references.

PS: I own nothing, including the direct dialogue from Twilight, characters etc…

Thanks again for the support! Happy Reading


The ride to Goat Rocks was long and silent.

We drove in Emmett's Jeep and from his thoughts I surmised he was still upset about the latest Bella incident and he figured he'd punish me by revoking my driving privileges.

When we arrived I realized how incredibly hungry I was. We separated and I ran into the trees, expertly draining two deer in five minutes. I felt somewhat satisfied and after an hour or so Emmett and I met back up; both of us more relaxed. He broke the silence.

"Listen bro, I'm sorry about before. I just don't get it. She's a human, it's so risky."

Why couldn't he just like Tanya? She's smokin' hot and a vampire. I mean, Bella is definitely a cute girl and all…she's definitely got a great a—

"Ok, that's enough!" I scowled at him, "I know you don't understand why, I barely do myself, but I know what I feel for Bella I've is something I've never experienced before. I don't think it will stop, if anything it's just getting stronger."

Emmett just stared, wide eyed and open mouthed as my words spilled out in a heated, rambling stream. I realized I'd never really spoke so candidly to anyone, except perhaps Alice, about Bella. The last time she came up was during our family "discussion", and at that point I didn't even know her half as well.

After the shock wore off, Emmett cleared his throat, his face hardened.

"Ok, listen, um…ok.. that's really sweet and all," his voice was sarcastic, but a warning tone crept into it, "but you cannot keep doing what you're doing. You are just tempting yourself and that could be bad for all of us."

"I know…you're right about the temptation. Her blood is like nothing I've ever come across—."

"Wait, what are saying? What is the difference with her blood?"

I realized too late I should've shut up. I wanted to keep him from being alarmed but it wasn't working at all; I tried to be careful with my next words.

"Well…," I paused, not sure how to explain, "…her blood is unlike anything I've ever smelled. Carlisle explained the reason to—wait, why do you ask? Have you ever come across such a thing?"

Emmett's disposition changed so suddenly it shocked me. He was so often the carefree, jovial one; that the haunted look he gave me almost disfigured him. He didn't speak immediately. Instead, he turned and focused on the woods in the distance.

Finally he spoke, his voice so low I almost missed it. "You can't hold out forever..."

Emmett's voice trailed off as his face suddenly looked shameful. I didn't need his thoughts to know the face of guilt.

"Em, tell me. What is it?

Twice, Edward… twice I've faced such a calling for blood. I wasn't the normal thirst we all endure, but two of the most intense, most compelling scents I'd ever come across. I knew right then I couldn't stop myself. The scent of them drove me insane, there was no stopping it. I killed each of them! They were innocent. They'd done nothing wrong and I murdered them both! I hate myself for losing control. I don't ever want you to feel that way too...

I sat in silence at his confession. Judging by his thoughts, he didn't want to hear me anyway. A moment later Emmett was up and running. I let him go.

His experience shocked and humbled me, but it didn't change my mind. I almost felt physically ill, knowing I could not stay away from her, even though I should. It would cause me too much pain to separate myself now. In the end, I was far too selfish to give her up.

I tried to salvage the rest of our trip by attempting to leave Bella out of the conversations and out of my mind.

By Saturday, despite my most ardent efforts, my thoughts were consumed with her. Was she doing well? I knew she was at the beach today. Was the revolting Mike Newton near her, speaking with her, looking at her, fantasizing? Just the idea of him being in her presence was sickening to me. My hands were clenched as I stood amidst the trees, still out in the wilderness, far from her. I looked around in vain for a distraction from my thoughts and spotted it: a mountain goat. My thoughts faded as my hunting instincts rose in their place.

I finished quickly and realized the kill was only a brief respite from my turmoil. My thoughts moved rapidly back to Bella. I was then thinking that she may get hurt or sick or some tragedy would befall her. A car accident, a fall, the ocean tides- my head was spinning with worry.

By late Saturday, Emmett was annoyed by my lack of good humor and my introspective silence; we usually always had a lot of fun on our trips. I hoped he didn't realize this was about her; I wouldn't hear the end of it.

We wound up leaving early Sunday morning. I was barely holding onto my sanity by that point. I felt an indescribable pull to just see Bella again. I had to make sure she was ok.

I greeted my family briskly, hugged Esme and took off into the woods for a run. Most likely Alice already knew my destination but she remained silent on the matter.

I tore through the thick forest, my feet skimming lightly across the mossy rocks and pine needles as I expertly avoided the immense trees. I had come within a half-mile of Bella's home when my body stopped short as her scent hit me.

I stood silently as my mind whirled.

Why was her scent so strong here in the middle of the forest? A nervous energy engulfed me as I pondered why that would be; images of her lying alone and hurt somewhere flashed across my mind. Slowly I traced to where her scent was strongest until I saw her; sitting silently against a fallen tree. I was still many yards away and she did not sense my company with her in the woods.

I watched as she sat unmoving, her face set in a mask of deep thought. How I wanted to know what she was thinking! It seemed almost as if she were debating some issue in her mind.

It was twilight when she finally moved to get up. She paused for a moment before walking towards home along the trail. I stayed with her through the entire process, making sure she didn't get hurt. I decided I would speak to her about going into the forest alone; it wasn't safe. Bella did not seem to have a good sense of self-preservation.

I returned home, playing the piano for the rest of evening. Besides seeing Bella, it was the only other thing that soothed me.

Monday morning I cursed the intensely lucent sun; it kept me from being with Bella. We all stayed home "sick". I tried to distract myself through the day. I even hunted again shortly, until school was out and I could go to Bella's. She was becoming quite the addiction.

Once again I stood in the outlying forest as she started preparing dinner. I listened as Jessica called and canceled plans with her and as she went upstairs and typed on her computer.

Much to my delight, after an hour or so, Bella emerged from the house and into the bright sun. She was carrying a blanket and a shabby book.

I gazed unrelentingly as she laid the blanket down, followed by her body. Her soft, feminine form was belly down as she opened the book to read it. After about ten minutes she huffed, seemingly annoyed. She shuffled through more pages, finally slamming the book shut. What made her so frustrated? I would sell my car just to know what she was thinking. Damn that mind of hers!

My brain ceased functioning momentarily when Bella rolled onto her back. All my senses were acutely aware of her fingers as they slid her sleeves up her arms. Next were her pant legs; rolled up to reveal the smooth, fair skin hidden underneath. She laid back, fanned her hair around her head, and closed her eyes.

The sight of her lying in the midday sun enraptured me. I did not move once, more than satisfied to enjoy her ethereal beauty from afar. I listened to her breathing slowly even out, her body became peaceful in a way only sleep could bring. I knew it was probably inappropriate to stand in woods and watch her sleep, but the fact was I just didn't care. The only thing that mattered was that I was able to see her again.

She laid in a tranquil slumber for hours until Charlie's truck turned into the driveway. I backed into the woods silently as Bella stirred and then rose quickly, looking around suddenly to spot where I'd been standing. Did she sense me there? I both hoped for and dreaded it. She surely would not appreciate me stalking her like I was.

Even so, I did not stray far. I waited for her to go inside and listened as she spoke with Charlie about plans she made for Tuesday night, something about going to Port Angeles with Jessica and Angela. A shopping trip was in order apparently. I sighed as I finally decided to leave; I'd been out too long. At least I would see her in school the next day, or so I thought; I came home to hear the weather report on T.V. predicting "another lovely sunny day in Forks!"

"Lovely my ass," I growled lowly as I went upstairs. This just meant another day I couldn't speak to Bella. I comforted myself knowing I already decided to "accompany" her to Port Angeles. It was too stressful not knowing if she was ok or not, so I would watch her from a distance just to be safe.


"I wouldn't even know what dress would constitute semi-formal."

I saw Bella's confused face in Jessica Stanley's mind as she entered the dress store as I sat in my car a few blocks down.

"What are you talking about Bella? You've gone to dances." Jessica's voice tone was factual, not questioning.

"No."

"Didn't you ever go with a boyfriend or something?" Jessica's voice was incredulous.

"Really, I've never had a boyfriend or anything close. I didn't go out much."

I don't freaking believe it. "Why not?" Jessica's thoughts and words sounded harsh, even from blocks away.

"No one asked me."

Liar! Why won't she just be honest; it's so annoying.

I felt disbelief her words too. How could someone like Bella have never had a boyfriend? It was inconceivable to me.

"People ask you out here and you tell them no." Jessica retorted.

"Well, except for Tyler." Angela's low voice finally made an appearance.

What! When did Crowley ask Bella out? I felt the scowl on my face form at the mere idea of it.

"Excuse me? What did you say?"

"Tyler told everyone he's taking you to prom." Jessica clarified. Like she doesn't know.

"He said what?" I saw shock on Bella's face and immediately relaxed.

"I told you it wasn't true," Angela's soft voice sounded satisfied as Jessica huffed in response.

Jessica's thoughts quickly converted to retail as I saw dozens of dresses in her head. I decided to get out of there. I would let them have their time shopping; it would take hours anyway. I put music on, loud, and leaned back. Soon enough an hour had passed and I listened again for Bella only to be met with silence.

I listened for Jessica or Angela, again nothing. That was strange, there was no way three teenage girls were completely silent. I drove my car past the store, finally hearing a glimpse of Angela.

"…oh definitely, that necklace is perfect for the dress. The whole outfit is beautiful."

"Oh man, Mike is gonna die when he picks me up!" Jessica's voice was ecstatic. "I mean, you have to admit, the neckline is way sexy."

"Yeah, I'm sure he'll love it." Angela laughed.

Suddenly, in the middle of their mind-numbing conversation, I came to the realization that Bella was not with them. How could I have missed that for so long?

I wonder if Bella is done at the bookstore by now. I'm starving.

Jessica's thoughts, and the image of the bookstore now in her head, pointed me in the right direction. Why did she go off alone?

I turned my car around swiftly and sped off towards the store. The anxious feeling I tried so hard to avoid was slowly creeping into my stomach again. I just had to see her, that's all. Within minutes I came upon the small bookstore. Rolling down my windows, I got a hint of her scent heading south. I reasoned with myself.

Just get a glimpse of her and you'll be fine. No need to worry so much…what could possibly happen?

But a small discomfort was forming in my gut as I concentrated on the thoughts of everyone around me. There was moment of intense buzzing until I began to pinpoint what I wanted: flashes of Bella's brown hair, or her eyes, or her profile as she walked. I tried to gauge where she was located. I wanted so desperately to jump from my car and just follow her on foot but the sun was still low in the sky, it wasn't quite dark enough for me to get around unnoticed.

After a few minutes, when I still didn't find her; the discomfort became pain, my thoughts more frenzied. My driving had no purpose as I circled aimlessly. I had closed my eyes momentarily, trying to focus again, when a gruff male voice resounded in my head.

"Hey there!"

Immediately, the image of Bella's beautiful face came into my mind through his. She had just walked by him. I let out a loud, relieved breath.

And then I heard his thoughts.

Damn, she's a looker. Definitely jail bait, what I wouldn't give to—

"Hello." Bella's timid response as soon walked away stalled his thoughts for a second. But the reprieve was short lived.

Ooh baby, got us a shy one, huh?

My hands tightened around the steering wheel at his last he say us? My fears were realized as loud laughter bellowed after her. I unwillingly looked again, so I could somehow see were they were located. The pain exploded into full blown agony as I saw it was not just one, but four, men. Bella walked swiftly away from them. I watched, horrified, when they started slowly following her. All four of them had the same debased, evil thoughts about her.

Come on honey, don't run away; we'll have some fun.

Playing hard to get? Just wait baby…you'll be begging for more when I'm done with you.

Like a tidal wave in my mid, their thoughts became plans, violent and profane: Bella against the brick wall of an alley, her mouth covered, tears staining her cheeks, as one kissed her neck and another grabbed a fistful of her hair. Bella crying as they tore her clothes, laughing as she struggled and screamed while they took turns violating her innocent body without remorse.

A enraged growl ripped through me, shaking me from head to toe. The metal of the steering wheel bent beneath my fierce grip. Frantic, I sped through the streets, weaving through traffic, blowing through lights and stop signs. I was on the verge of a complete breakdown when I then heard that monster's voice again, taunting and cold.

"Yeah, we just took a little detour."

I saw the deserted street in his head, he and another at one end and two more in the distance, with Bella in the middle.

"Stay away from me." My heart ached at the fear in her small voice.

"Don't be like that, sugar." He yelled to her again as they began cornering her, like animals.

I bet she's so tight…I'll have her first, maybe second too, for good measure…

"God damn it!" I screamed, rigid with fury. I would tear them all limb from limb, rip out their throats, break every finger they wanted to touch her with. I would make them suffer for this. My breathing became erratic as I sensed they were close, my foot was practically through the floor of my car as the engine roared. I could smell the rubber peeling off the tires as I rounded the corner into the alley.

In my headlights I saw Bella frozen on the sidewalk, her arms out in front of her as they gathered around her. I drove straight for one of them, my sole intent being to smash his worthless body into the pavement. His head spun to look at me.

What the fu—

I didn't hear the rest as he jumped back onto the sidewalk as the rest of them scattered. Bella instantly jumped forward into the street.

I knew in that second I had to decide if I would destroy the detestable creatures that I so eagerly wanted to, or take Bella from here. It wasn't easy but I made my choice; I spun my car around next to Bella and opened the door.

"Get in," my voice was hard with rage.

As soon as her body made contact with the seat I was off, speeding toward the bastards in the alley. I wished so badly that they wouldn't move and I could have the pleasure of separating their legs from their bodies, but they all scattered like the cockroaches they were.

I kept driving out of the alley and down towards the harbor.

"Put on your seat belt." I ordered. I was driving incredibly fast. I heard the click and pushed the gas harder.

"Are you ok?" her voice was ragged.

"No."

I couldn't look at her, knowing my expression would terrify her. I just stared straight ahead as I sped down the highway. Even knowing she was safely in my car, I wanted nothing more than to turn around and savagely murder those men. I began to doubt if I made the right choice. It seemed a small price to pay, having Bella know my secret, if I could've stopped their lungs from wasting precious oxygen.

It wasn't until we were out of town that I finally stopped the car on the dark road. I spoke, carefully controlling my anger.

"Bella?"

"Yes?" her voice still hoarse.

"Are you alright?" Please tell me they didn't hurt you.

"Yes."

"Distract me, please." Or I will turn this car around and you will witness something that will give you nightmares for eternity. Annihilate doesn't even begin to cover what I will do to those men.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Just prattle about something unimportant until I calm down." I pinched the bridge of nose in desperation.

"Um," she paused awkwardly, "I'm going to run over Tyler Crowley tomorrow before school?"

I felt a very slight movement on my lips, "Why?"

"He's telling everyone that he's taking me to prom—either he's insane or he's still trying to make up for almost killing me last…well, you remember it, and he thinks prom is somehow the correct way to do this. So I figure if I endanger his life, then we're even, and he can't keep trying to make amends. I don't need enemies and maybe Lauren would back off if he left me alone. I might have to total his Sentra. If he doesn't have a ride he can't take anyone to prom…" she trailed off as I opened my mouth to respond.

"I heard about that." I just couldn't say how I heard it.

"You did?" she sounded mad now. "If he's paralyzed from the neck down, he can't go to prom, either."

I breathed out heavily and opened my eyes again.

"Better?"

"Not really." I was still seething as I leaned back on the headrest and looked at the ceiling.

"What's wrong?" her voice was small again.

What's wrong? My thoughts flared. What's wrong? What's wrong is that you were almost raped! I instantly envisioned Rose the night Carlisle came home with her. The bruises, the blood; all pain she had endured. They had broken her. What's wrong is that those men almost destroyed you. What's wrong is that I want to go back, make them beg for death, smash their skulls in- obliterate them completely, but I can't! I cannot let you see me do such a dreadful thing. Damn it, Bella!

But I couldn't say that. I didn't want to scare the hell out of her.

"Sometimes I have a problem with my temper, Bella." I explained. "But it wouldn't be helpful for me to turn around and hunt down those—." I stopped short, trying to reign in my fury, "At least that's what I'm trying to convince myself."

"Oh." It was silent for a while before she spoke again. "Jessica and Angela will be worried. I was supposed to meet them."

In the melee I'd forgotten her friends. I didn't want to part from her right now. If she left me, I would without a doubt go back and commit four murders. I quickly devised a plan to keep her with me for the rest of evening.

Without another word, I turned around I headed back to Port Angeles.