Chapter Twelve
Bella's POV
The plan was being set in motion as I sit here, chewing nervously on my thumbnail. It had started off as one of Emmett's idiotic plans that no one usually listens to. Except for the fact that Edward is desperate to keep me and Jason safe from Jacob. So, unfortunately Edward listened. He liked the plan, we all groaned and disagreed. That was of course until Edward kept pointing out the good points. Of course that's besides the fact that they hardly ever, don't listen to Edward anyway. So I'm stuck sitting on my new family's couch, my son's head lay in my lap. I brush his hair out of his face to keep myself busy. Rosalie and Alice watch me from a distance. I feel bad about my tantrum I threw, but I'm scared for Edward's life—for my new family's life.
No one seems to understand just how dangerous Jacob Black really is. Of course they're plan is to capture, and place him back in prison. As if that will stop him. The only way to stop Jacob Black is to kill him. I shake my head, I've never been a violent person. Not even when Jacob would beat the shit out of me. Now though, I just want that bastard gone. I can't live constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for Jacob to come get me. I'm done with him, I'm over it.
"Bella—is it uh--"
"I'm fine now. Please come keep me company."
I heard a low giggle, and I instantly knew it was Alice. She was the only Cullen that was so hyper that she'd giggle in a time like this. She sat down on my right side, since Jason took up the whole left side of the couch. It was amazing how much he has grown in the time that we've been living with the Cullens. Luckily the only things he got from his father is his height and the constant tan of his skin. Everything else about Jason is me. Straight down to my klutziness.
"They will be fine Bella. I promise you."
"Please Alice. Just—don't promise me something that you cannot keep. If something happens to any of them--" I dropped my head as a tear slipped down my cheek. I was terrified to think of what Rose, Alice, or Esme would think of me if one of them came back hurt—or worse.
"But I can. Edward, Emmett, and Jasper are all highly trained, and very careful."
"That doesn't make me feel any better Alice."
I felt her arm snake around my thin frame. I hadn't realized that my body was shaking, or that Rosalie had picked up a nearly completely awake Jason from my lap. Without my acknowledgment Alice had her arms around me, and I was sobbing into her chest.
Edward's POV
There was only one part of Emmett's brilliant plan that upset me. The part where we have to use Bella to get that bastard to come out of his damned hiding place. I don't want my wife anywhere near that psychopath.
"Edward, he won't be able to touch her. If he does, I'll blow his head off."
"If he touches her, I'm blowing his head off. I don't even want that sick bastard to look at her. I don't want him anywhere near her! He's already caused her enough damage, enough hurt."
I felt Jasper's calming hand on my shoulder and I instantly felt better. We have yet to figure out how, but Jasper just has this calming ability to him. It's kind of like Alice's ability to sort of—feel things coming.
"Thanks Jasper—that really helped---" cutting my sentence off as I hear footsteps in the distance.
"Guns down boys, don't shoot."
I had to laugh, even just lightly. Chief Swan is always making us laugh. Being on the job with him is so easy. Even though on most days the job is easy enough. There really isn't a whole lot of crime in tiny Forks. Of course that was before Jacob Black came into the picture. Once he's gone Forks will go back to being just a tiny little boring town. My favorite town. I've lived in a few different places, all of them were a lot bigger than Forks. I like the quaintness of Forks. It's a wonderful place to raise a family. Which is exactly what I plan to do with Bella, just as soon as I make sure her psychopath of an ex-husband is out of the picture—permanently.
"It's almost time Edward--"
"I don't like this Charlie."
"Me either Edward. She's my baby girl. Just promise me that if he hurts her anymore, that you'll make him suffer."
"You've got it Chief."
"Thanks son."
With that I was off to get my wife—and put her in harms way. I'm already a horrible husband.
Bella's POV
"He's on his way. He's not happy."
"Well me either, but I'll do just about anything to make sure that bastard disappears. You and Rose will look after Jason—right?"
I felt awful always asking Alice and Rosalie to babysit. They've already done some much for me and Jason. I just feel like I'm taking so much—and giving nothing in return.
"Of course! We love that little guy. He's like a mini Emmett—which is highly entertaining!"
"As Alice is trying to say. We'd love to watch Jason for you. Just go get him—and make sure he's gone this time."
They both gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"And for the love of god, please be careful!"
"I second that—if anything happens to you—well lets leave it at we'd lose two family members."
With that they were gone, leaving me alone to think about what they had just said. Would Edward really stoop to something so awful---no I couldn't' think that he would. Not when someone would have to look after Jason.
"Bella—sweetheart"
My heart melted instantly, as I watched the man of my dreams saunter into the living room. Even angry he looked so very angelic. His sharp jawline that curved slightly at his chin, the thin angry set of his mouth. His blazing emerald eyes. He is beautiful, and amazing—and completely mine. Without a second thought, I jumped up from the couch and ran into his arms. My lips captured his in a passionate game of give and take. His arms slipped around my waist as he pulled me closer. With a bit of trouble, I finally pulled away and gazed into his beautiful green eyes.
"I love you."
"As I love you."
He smiled my favorite crooked smile, it was almost as if it wasn't real though, because the smile did not reach his eyes.
"Please don't be upset."
"I'm not upset with you. I could never be upset with you. I'm upset with myself Bella. It is very stupid of me to put you in harms way like this. To use you like this. It makes for a horrible husband."
"Stop" I said softly, placing a finger on his lips. "You are a wonderful husband, and a great man. You'll be a terrific father for Jason. You are not doing anything, I am. I agreed to this. This was my decision. Please do not blame yourself."
"It is so very hard though Bella. If I was a good husband, I would not allow you to do this."
"You wouldn't allow it!?"
"Damn, I worded that wrong--"
"Yeah you did—lets just go."
With that we walked out the door.
Edward's POV
Sitting in my hiding place, watching Bella walk aimlessly through the woods made my blood boil. It made me hold my rifle tighter in my hand, ready to fire off a shot whenever I get a clear shot. In the distance I hear a ruffling of feet. At first I think it's one of the others, then I realize we don't' have any guys out in that direction.
"Bella," I whisper into her ear piece. "He's coming from the north-east."
I watch in almost horror movie style as she slowly turns in the direction that I've told her. At almost the same time Jacob Black, shirtless and bloody, comes strolling out of the woods.
"Oh—did them cops drop you already. I told you, that you're no good. No one wants you. Your useless—like a piece of trash."
"shut up Jacob!"
"Your a feisty little bitch, aren't ya?"
"I hate you."
"It's going to be so much fun killing you. So easy—except that your good for nothing husband is around here somewhere. I know that he is. Come out Edward—come get me."
In the same slow motion I watch as he pulls a dirty, blood crusted knife from his jean pocket and hold it to Bella's throat. Without a second thought I jump down from my tree hiding spot and drop my gun.
"Don't do it Jacob. She doesn't deserve to die, please."
'Real smart Edward you dumb-ass. You know better, don't let him see just how much she means to you.'
"Oh—I might spare her. It's just—one of you has to die. Either you—or her. Decisions."
"Kill me—please."
"Damn Bells, this dumb-ass is really willing to die for you. He's a keeper."
I saw the sadness on her face, through the look of utter desperation and determination. She was going to do something stupid. Almost immediately she stomped on his foot. I watched in horror as the knife cut into her throat, and she fell away from his arms. I dove to the ground and grabbed my rifle, and fired a shot. I watched as Jacob wobbled only slightly before righting himself. He winged his arm backward, before flinging it in my direction. Before I knew what he was doing I felt a horrible pain in my chest, as sticky wet blood slide from the knife wound. I instantly felt weak and wanted to close my eyes. Instead I thought about Bella, injured on the ground, and aimed my rifle right for his chest.
"Goodbye Jacob." The words were slightly garbled as I pulled the trigger.
Almost immediately after I pulled the trigger my world went black, but before it did, I hear numerous guns firing.
