"How was the game, Bells?" Charlie asked from his chair as I rushed into the house. I tried chalking my heavy breathing and shivering to the cold rain so Charlie wouldn't suspect anything.
"It was fine. I actually got to first base! The Cullens are really good players," I said. He grinned a little as I paced through the living room to the stairs.
"You're soaked! The storm outside sounds pretty bad," he yawned.
"Yeah…that's why we had to call it off early. Anyway, I'm going to go dry off and do some work," I mumbled. Charlie leaned back in his chair to watch television and I ran up the stairs to my room. Edward was sitting on my bed; his eyes full of worry. "Edward, is there something you're not telling me?" I asked. He held his hands together in his lap and blankly stared at them. After I took off my jacket, I realized my clothes were clinging to my body. "Edward?" I softly called his name again. His silence was unnerving. He was hiding something from me, and I didn't like it. With a shrug, I walked over to my closet and pulled out some dry sweats. I wondered if he would react if I stood in the bedroom and removed my clothing. He looked like a statue you'd see in New York City or in a museum. I rejected my idea and went into my bathroom. My blood was still boiling from the adrenaline, and I knew that it wouldn't go away anytime soon. Would the Cullens be able to keep Laurent away? Would he evade them and find me? What about Charlie? While I peeled off my dripping-wet t-shirt, I fell to my knees. Tears started pouring out of me from nowhere. Did my fears finally break me?
Cold arms wrapped around my already freezing waist from behind and I gasped from the sudden contact.
"No matter what, Bella, I will always protect you." Edward's soothing voice flew through my ears. My hands clung to his as he held me there for a while, listening to my hastened breathing until it calmed down. When my body finally stabilized, he helped me up and pulled me back into my bedroom. I suddenly felt very self-conscious. Edward had not seen me even remotely unclothed before. I started to blush when I realized that my black bra was as soaked as the rest of me, and well…it was obvious that I was freezing. He took me into a hug, holding me tightly, and I could feel his fingers at my back, unhooking my bra. The clinging material slid down my shoulders, and one of his hands pulled it away from me. I bit my lip as I buried my face in his chest in embarrassment. "You're beautiful, Bella. Please don't hide from me," he whispered, and I found myself looking into his golden eyes. His hands rested at my shoulder and I slowly took a step back, revealing my nude upper body.
I'm not sure what I was expecting at that moment, but it didn't match what actually happened. I felt the dry cotton of a baggy shirt run up my side and I noticed Edward had grabbed my clean clothing. "Lift your arms, Bella," he instructed. I did as he said, and he helped me into the shirt. A deep part of me grew disappointed. What did I want to happen? Maybe he read my mind and decided against it. "I'll let you do the rest," he cooed and handed me my sweatpants before sitting back on the bed, watching me with loving eyes. Knowing he was watching me made me nervous. I walked over to the side of the bed and coughed awkwardly, hunching over to peel away my soaked jeans and underwear. The dry sweatpants felt soft and warm, and I tossed the wet clothing into my closet.
Joining Edward on my bed, I saw the rain searing downwards outside my window. For the first time in a long while, I didn't know what to say. I thought about how innocent Charlie was as he sat downstairs watching his game. How ignorant he was of the real danger that wasn't too far from home. How fragile he and I were to this potential threat. And how fragile Edward seemed as he sat next to me. I leaned my wet head along his shoulder, sighing slowly. All we could do was wait. And hope.
"Edward?" I murmured after a long period of silence.
"Hmm?"He sounded lost in his own thoughts. My eyes were focused on his folded hands.
"How do you kill a vampire?" I asked.
"Dismemberment and fire," he said quickly. "You have to remove all body pieces and burn them to ash, so the vampire does not regenerate."
"Sounds painful…" I whispered, imagining it in my head: a large bonfire, with a swarm of furious vampires waging war against each other. Snapping sounds of bones being ripped apart and tossed into the flames. The hissing and screaming sounds from the victims. Watching as the red eyes of the killer melted away into the oranges and yellows of the fire. What it could smell like. Would it be like the scent of burning skin? Or like the sweet smells of vanilla that reminded me of Esme? I cringed as the victims' faces turned into the faces of the Cullens. I shook my head to get rid of the sight.
"You shouldn't think about that. It'll never happen," Edward said, and I figured he saw a glimpse of my inner storytelling.
"Sorry. I couldn't help it," I replied. He turned and faced me, weaving my hands into his.
"I am so sorry that this is happening, Bella. Even the threat of harm makes me want to isolate you from the world, and I know that I cannot do that," he said with sad-filled eyes.
"As long as you're with me, I know I'll always be safe," I said gently. I flashed him a warm smile, squeezing his fingers with my own. His head lowered and we shared a slow, but passionate kiss. I wanted this to last forever. Just he and I alone, in our own little bubble. But I knew that it wouldn't work that way. I was still human, and had a life to live.
Edward suddenly broke the kiss and pulled out his cell phone from his pants pocket. I didn't even hear it vibrate or ring, but he flipped it open anyway.
"Alice? What's going on?" He sounded urgent, making me nervous. I held onto his arm as he spoke. "He's going to visit Denali? It was that easy? Could you see anything after that? Ah…alright. But I really think I should stay…okay. Okay. I'll be there soon. Thank you," he said and tucked away his phone. His face became smooth as he kissed me on my cheek. "I have to go," he said sadly.
"Wait, what happened?"
"Carlisle's charm worked on Laurent. He was persuaded to visit Denali, which is where some friends of ours live. They live a similar lifestyle there, and Carlisle suggested he learn from them our ways. Alice saw him leaving Forks by morning, and Carlisle wants me to return home to speak with him."
"No, don't leave…" I didn't feel safe at all, even knowing Alice's vision would be true. And I knew my begging was only making Edward feel worse. But I couldn't help it if I was terrified of being left alone to be potentially stalked and eaten by a blood-thirsty vampire!
"I promise to be back as soon as possible, Bella," Edward said as he stood. "Just stay here and try to get some rest. Okay?" I stood up and followed him to my window. A sharp pain sliced through my heart. It was stronger than anything I had felt before. As if his leaving meant half of me was going with him. What was happening to me? He pressed his lips against mine for a brief kiss. He then took my hands and placed them on his chest. His head lowered, and his lips grazed my earlobe and some of my damp hair. "Take care of my heart, because I am leaving it with you," he whispered. I was left speechless as he disappeared into the wet night.
My body fought against the human burden of sleep for what had to be hours. I watched as the rain started to dissipate, and the thunderous sounds of the storm became memories. At some point, darkness surrounded me and I fell asleep. Dreams danced around my unconsciousness, but when I awoke the next morning, I couldn't remember any of them.
"Hey, Bells! Edward's here!" I heard Charlie grumble from downstairs. I gazed at my clock, rubbing my eyes to wake up more. It was past noon! I leapt out of bed and ran downstairs, cursing myself for sleeping in so late. Edward was standing in the living room, talking to Charlie about his autumn concert. I had completely forgotten about it!
"It will be Thursday evening, if you could make it. I'm sure Carlisle wouldn't mind chatting with you in a more casual setting," Edward said politely. Charlie slumped in his chair, scratching his mustache.
"If I can get out of work on time, then sure. I wouldn't mind meeting the rest of your family." My mouth fell open as I walked in on them. Charlie…was open…to meeting the Cullens? Just like that? At a concert? Maybe I was still dreaming…
"Good afternoon, Bella," Edward said as he turned to me. Charlie raised an eyebrow at my frazzled appearance.
"Were you still asleep?" he asked. I blushed.
"Yeah…just a heavy sleeper I guess," I uttered. Edward smiled warmly.
"I guess that baseball game took more out of you than we thought?" He hinted. I nodded, catching the drift.
"Oh, yeah! I'm not athletic, let alone have the stamina to keep up with you guys. Too intense for me," I yawned. Charlie chuckled.
"I'll have to train you for our next game, won't I?" Edward cocked an eyebrow and smirked.
"Next game?" I frowned.
"You should get cleaned up if you're going to make dinner with Esme tonight," Edward said. I looked confused. Since when was this happening?
"Hmm?" Charlie sounded equally as confused.
"Bella, did you forget to tell Chief Swan about dinner tonight?" Edward pouted. His face was exquisite, making me want to kiss away that look.
"I, uh…"
"It's my parents' anniversary tonight. Esme wanted Bella to help her cook a meal for the family to celebrate. It was going to be a surprise for Carlisle when he came home from work," Edward explained. I knew it was a lie. Something must've happened the night before, that I needed to go to the Cullen home. I took the bait and nodded, looking apologetic.
"Oh, right! I totally forgot! I'm sorry, Dad!"
Charlie shrugged.
"No problem. I can just see if Billy will have me over for dinner. It's been a while anyway," he said, grabbing the phone on the table.
"Why don't you get cleaned up?" Edward suggested, and I grumbled. I didn't look that bad, did I?
"Right, right," I said and walked back upstairs with Edward following. When we got into my bedroom, Edward's face hardened. "What was that all about?" I asked, referring to the giant lie.
"Carlisle wants you to come over and discuss some things. Though, I wasn't lying about the anniversary. I was going to tell you about that yesterday but…"
"Alright, I get it. What happened? Why didn't you come back to me earlier?" I inquired as I grabbed some pants and a dressier shirt, changing my clothes.
"We had a lot to discuss. Carlisle can go over it when we get there," he said behind me. After rushing through changing, I tackled my messy hair in the mirror. "You know Bella, your natural awake look is pretty attractive," Edward's voice complimented in a much softer tone than just before. I glared at him in the mirror as I brushed out the tangles. Ironically enough, my hair was still just a tad damp.
"Don't tease me when I'm barely awake, Edward," I snapped, pulling my hair into a ponytail out of frustration. I turned and stuck out my tongue at him before grabbing my things. "Let's go," I said. He grinned at me slightly and took my hand. We walked back downstairs and I noticed Charlie wasn't in the living room or kitchen as we left. I heard voices outside and noticed a rusty blue car in the driveway. When I opened the door, I saw Charlie talking to Billy at the side of the car. Billy looked the same as usual as he sat comfortably in his wheel chair; his black hair sprouting from a worn cap and sitting along his shoulders.
"Bella!" Jacob's cheerful voice cried out, and I felt him pull me into a bear hug. Billy and Charlie turned to us and I saw Edward's eyes darken.
"Jake…I need to breathe…" I growled under his strength. He let me go then and laughed. But that laughter froze when he noticed that Edward was beside me, glaring at him. A strange tension surrounded us, and I suddenly could tell that having Charlie around was keeping anything from starting. To change the subject quickly, I turned to Billy with a smile. "What brings you here so fast?" I noticed his eyes were boring into Edward's before he responded.
"Ah, Charlie here told me he needed a place to go for food. So I thought we could come pick him up," Billy said. There was a strange tone in his voice. Irritation? I couldn't tell. Jacob stood sternly at my other side, and the vibes I got from him were worse than when he was around me and my ex. "Who's this you got with you, Bella?" Billy asked.
"Edward Cullen. It's a pleasure, Mr. Black. Bella has told me a lot about you and your reservation," Edward interjected, still sounding polite. Billy was quiet for a moment. Charlie seemed perplexed, scratching his head.
"Yeah, he's Bella's boyfriend," Charlie choked out.
"Boyfriend?" Jacob repeated, sounding a little upset. I had a bad feeling that this situation could go wrong in so many ways.
"That's…nice…" Billy said.
"Bella, we're going to be late," Edward said.
"Right," I replied, hoping to get out of there as soon as possible. The tension was strangling me.
"You're not coming with us?" Jacob pouted fiercely.
"Ah, no, Jake. Sorry. I'm going to Edward's to celebrate his parents' anniversary," I said sadly, feeling bad that I had to leave him like this. I wanted to explain. Edward took my hand and pulled me with him towards his Volvo across the road.
"Be careful, Bella," Charlie called out. I winced. "Have fun!"
"Yeah, you, too! Feed him well, Billy. I worry about his eating habits while he works!" I said as I approached the passenger side of the car. I could tell Billy was scowling at me, but Charlie didn't see it. He then smiled.
"Of course, Bella. You know I take good care of your father!" I saw Jacob's hurt face as he stood in front of my porch; his hands in fists at his sides. I felt guilt running through my veins. I didn't want him finding out like this. Not after how he reacted when he just thought Edward and I were friends. The broken look in his eyes burned into my memory.
"I can't believe it…" Edward snarled as he turned the car on. He seemed infuriated. Why?
"What?" I asked, confused.
"I can't believe you're close to…to them."
"Them who?" I asked, getting angry at his cryptic speaking. "It's just the Blacks. From La Push, like I've told you before." Then I thought about Jacob's reaction. "Are you jealous? Jacob's like a brother to me, don't worry about—"
"No. It's not that. It's something else. Something else entirely. We need to talk to Carlisle. Now," he said through clenched teeth. He respectfully drove at normal speed away from my house, but once we hit the main road, we were flying. I wanted to ask Edward what was going on. Demand answers. But his angered body language implied I shouldn't. I would wait until we got to his house. Maybe Carlisle would explain.
The Cullens were all in the living room when we arrived. Everyone looked very serious, even Rosalie.
"Glad you could join us, Bella," Carlisle said as I took a seat on the couch with Edward. "What is the matter, Edward?"
"We have an important matter to discuss, but it can wait. Any updates?" Edward asked. Carlisle's eyes lingered on him for a moment before shrugging.
"He left before dawn, like he said," Alice said. "I can see him heading far away from here with no intention of coming back as of now." I breathed a sigh of relief.
"We're not out of the blue yet," Rosalie snapped, glaring at me. "I'll eat you myself if they find out."
"They?" I asked.
"The Volturi," Edward sighed. I felt everyone flinch at the mention.
"They are a very old, very powerful race of vampires. A sort of royalty, if you will," Carlisle explained. "They have been around for at least a millennia, silently ruling over us from their coven in Volterra, Italy."
"Carlisle stayed with them for a time, long ago," Edward said. I turned back to Carlisle as he leaned forward in the couch.
"Yes. When I first was turned, I did a lot of travelling. I was found by Aro, the leader of the Volturi, one day, and was invited to join his coven. I was naïve back then, so I didn't hesitate on his offer. They are very strict in their values of the vampyric lifestyle. I decided after not very long that it wasn't the life for me, so I excused myself. Aro knows of how we live, and has not chosen to interfere out of respect for his and my brother-like relationship. But it goes against their beliefs. They see humans purely as a food source, created for their pleasure and nutrition. Together they rule Volterra, and if they get word of any kind of foul play, they 'take care of it'."
"Take care of it? Do I even want to know how?" I asked.
"Let's just say that they are swift and can be…theatrical."
"Jane, especially," Edward interjected, and I saw his face twist into that of disgust.
"Ah, yes, Jane. She has a very powerful ability, as do many others of the coven. That is why Aro recruits them. They are his bodyguards." I started imagining ancient vampires, full of knowledge and experience…and thirsty for my blood.
"What exactly did you mean when you said foul play? What does that have to do with us?" I asked. Rosalie hissed under her breath, and I felt Edward tense beside me. Clearly, I was missing something obvious.
"As I said before, the Volturi see humans as food. Nothing else." Carlisle was trying to put it nicely for me. I frowned, feeling my hart shrink inside my chest like a raisin.
Edward and I, I thought. We aren't meant to be a couple in their eyes. "Edward and I are crossing a line, aren't we?" I asked. I saw all their golden eyes fall, and seeing Esme's worried face hurt me.
"Yes. In their view, what Edward is doing with you can be seen as blasphemy; to be involved with your food is considered disgusting, almost like a crime. They think very highly of themselves, as well as the vampire race." My stomach flipped. But it still didn't make much sense. If this coven of vampires were in Italy, how would they find out about Edward and me?
"You think he would run to them?" Edward asked in a serious tone.
"I'm not sure. Alice hasn't seen it, but that doesn't mean anything. He could do so to try and get in with the coven."
"He? He who? Laurent?" I asked. Edward took one of my hands into his lap and squeezed it. "Didn't you persuade him to leave, to learn your way of life?" My voice cracked slightly. Carlisle's eyes met mine and I could see the doubt in them.
"I did explain, and he did seem genuinely interested. But you must understand, Bella, that this is a lifestyle choice. It would be like if I told you that whatever you eat now is wrong, and that you need to completely change your diet. It is hard to change, especially if you have fed off human blood for decades, or centuries."
"Jasper still has trouble with it sometimes," Alice said. I looked over at her and Jasper.
"Jasper? Really?"
"I am the youngest member of the group, you could say," he said. His southern drawl never ceased to amaze me. He really sounded like he belonged to a different era. "It becomes difficult for me to be around humans when the thirst gets too strong. I've become better over the years, though," he smiled as Alice ran her slender fingers through his wavy hair. I never realized that it could be so difficult.
"I don't see him changing his mind, but when he gets far away enough, it'll become harder for me to see clearly," Alice said. Edward squeezed my hand again. It was like he was gesturing to me that he was still there. That I was still protected.
"So all we can do is sit and pray? I say we chase after him and rip him apart. Why take the risk?" Emmett roared.
"Because we don't kill innocent people. Vampire, or otherwise. He may have killed here, but he hasn't done anything directly harmful to this family. And until he does so, if he does so, we will stay calm and resume our normal lives," Carlisle said sternly. Emmett grumbled.
"I'm so sorry…" I whimpered involuntarily. "I'm sorry I am putting your family through all of this." I felt terrible. It was one thing hurting Jacob like I did earlier, but now seeing the hurting faces of all the Cullens made me feel like the lowest organism. I really felt like shit.
"Don't be sorry, Bella. You're a part of this family now. We will all protect you if something happens," Carlisle reassured me. I heard Rosalie scoff. "Edward, what was it that you wanted us to talk about?" Carlisle turned to Edward, who frowned.
"We have another adversary to worry about," he said, letting my hand go and standing up. He walked over to one of the large windows and stared outside. "Werewolves."
A collective gasp filled the room. My eyes widened.
"Where? In Forks?" Carlisle sounded shocked.
"Not technically. In La Push."
My face fell. What was he talking about?
"The reservation? I thought I felt something strange from there…" Carlisle rubbed his chin with his fingers in thought.
"Whoa, wait a minute. What are you saying?" I asked. "There are no werewolves there! Just my friend Jacob and his friends and family…" Edward turned and gave me a cold stare with his penetrating eyes. Then it hit me. That was why he reacted the way he did at my house. That was why Jacob had acted so strange weeks before. Why he held those stories of his ancestors in such high regard. "No. No way! I won't believe it!" I jumped from my seat, shaking my head in disbelief. There was no way my best friend was a werewolf! Those were just stories! Legends! They weren't real!
Then again, I was in a house full of real life vampires.
"Bella, calm down," Esme said. I thought back to the story Jacob told me. About the war between vampires and the shape shifters. I felt all my blood flow away from my head as years of subtle but strange occurrences began to make sense. Jacob aging so much, his friends' bonds, his intense anger…why didn't he tell me? Couldn't he trust me enough? But I didn't trust him enough to tell him about Edward…
Oh.
Everything began to spin. I started seeing images of myself as the native princess like in my nightmare. Seeing Edward try and attack me. Seeing Jacob morph into a wolf and rip at him. It was so overwhelming, I thought I would faint.
"Bella!" Edward exclaimed, rushing to my side and grabbing hold of me. "Bella, get a hold of yourself." His voice was stern but gentle. I took a few deep breaths as his hand wiped away the sweat glistening along my forehead.
"Just great. We get to deal with dogs too?" Rosalie snorted. Carlisle came over to my side.
"She's just lightheaded. She'll be fine. I think the past 48 hours have been too much on her," he said in his doctor voice.
"I'm fine, promise. Just…just give me a minute…" I gasped, trying to make the room stop from spinning. Edward held onto my in a firm grip, and I proceeded to take a few deep breaths. The sweet scent of cinnamon from Edward calmed my down. "This is all just…a lot of information."
"I'm sorry you had to find out like this, Bella," Edward whispered. "I didn't realize you were so close to them."
"They may become a problem in the future. Do you think they know about us, Bella?" Carlisle asked.
"They definitely know. I heard Jacob's thoughts loud and clear. And let's just say he wasn't very human-sounding."
"What do you mean?" I asked, feeling my head come back down to earth.
"There was an excessive use of profanity, as well as a few offensive remarks about us 'cold ones'," Edward said. "Are you alright now?" I nodded for him to let me go. He pulled away as Carlisle glanced over at me.
"Now that's a term I haven't heard in a long time," he said. "We may have to speak with them. Let them know what is happening."
"And let them have first lick at us with their grubby paws?" Rosalie said.
"It's important that we establish a treaty now, before any other nomads appear in the area. No doubt those with the ability to change have felt it since we've come here," Carlisle insisted. "Bella. If you could, can I ask you to arrange a meeting between the leader of the tribe on that reservation and me?"
"I…I can try…?" I murmured; still feeling a bit lost. I wondered if Billy could change shape. The thought made me shudder. "Um…when?"
"Whenever you can do it, that's fine with me. I really appreciate it."
"Sure…" I said. Looks like Jake and I will have a long talk this week…I thought begrudgingly.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but could we please return to the real matter at hand?" Alice interrupted our conversation.
"And what is that?" Carlisle asked, sounding as if worried that he forgot something. Alice bounced from the couch over to us and smiled.
"Your anniversary, of course!" She took Carlisle's hand and glanced over at Edward and me. "Enough of this chaotic talking. It's time to celebrate!"
Carlisle was silent for a moment, before bursting into laughter.