Chapter 21 – Trouble
At school, Dr. Perry was acting even more suspicious. He went as far as avoiding Carlisle. He didn't attend this year's charity event at the Clinton House. Rosalie was mysteriously transferred out of his class for her next year. Rosalie agreed with me, something was going on. It was time to find out. Leaving EJ at home, Edward and I followed Dr. Perry to his home. At his home, Dr. Perry was very much at ease. He read, graded papers and watched television. It was getting boring watching him, but soon, things got interesting. A visitor stopped by the house. "Michael," the man spoke with a heavy European accent, "it's great to see you again." Dr. Perry smiled, "Viktor, it's been too long." Edward and I looked at each other, You don't think...? He shrugged. We continued to listen. "You're sure? You think more survived?" "Yes, in fact, I believe there's a whole clan of them nearby." There was a deep throaty growl coming from the house, "I thought I wiped them out long ago. Maybe its time I awaken my sons." "I don't think that's necessary. There haven't been any disappearances or mysterious deaths." There was a scoff, "Remember what I told you. They can control the humans' minds. Humans could be bitten and survived. I told you of the Daywalkers' mind tricks. They made humans their slaves." "Hmmm, well there was a young lady a few months ago asking about the old legends."
"Yes, and? What of her?" Edward held my hand. His body tensed, almost ready to spring to protect me. "I showed her the legends in the archives. Very smart girl and I was very impressed by her, but suspicious. She asked about the gala event and I don't even remember the rest of that conversation. I knew she wasn't on the list, but for some reason, I recommended her. Also, when I saw her in the archives again, she was with the vampires I told you about." There was a snarl, "The Cullens. This clan is legendary among us. Avoiding the humans for decades, living among them." "If you knew about them, why not hunt them?" "Because they are different. They hunt animals, but I have always kept close ears on them, in case they slipped up. This girl, was she from Washington?" "Yes. Why?" "So, Ms. Swan has found them again. Foolish child. But it would seem there is more to Ms. Swan than meets the eye. Michael, bring her to me." Edward almost hissed, I could feel it. My hand quickly covered his mouth. "Viktor, she is innocent." "You said the clan you know of, it was the Cullens, was it not?" There was silence. "And this girl came for the legends and she was alone. She's a Daywalker and she changed the vampires, so that they could blend in with the humans even better. Bring her! And soon. I must see what she is before I inform my children. A child of Darius may be alive." Edward took me up into his arms and ran to the house. "Carlisle!" Edward was tensed for an attack, not putting me down, "Carlisle!" He practically roared. EJ came into the room. Without blinking, Edward scooped up our son and placed him in my arms. "Edward, put us down. We're safe." It was clear in his eyes that he didn't believe that. Right now, he wasn't my husband, he was my protector again. But this time, he... we also had to protect the small boy in my arms.
Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper found us. Jasper must have felt Edward's tension, because a calm came over me. "Jasper, I don't need it." "Edward, was is it?" Carlisle asked Edward what happened and he explained. "Edward, please, put me down." He looked at me frantically. "Son, she's safe. She is with us again." Edward finally sat me on the couch, keeping me locked in his arms. EJ sat in my lap, clutching at my shoulder, hiding his face in my neck, one of his fingers playing with the curls in my hair. He was anxious from what he just heard. "But why Bella?" Rosalie asked. "Speculation. He knew what you were, but they are unsure about me." I could see the muscles tightening in Emmett's arms, "Well, he's not getting her." Edward's fingers pressed harder into my side, "Ouch!" "Sorry," he mumbled as he loosened his grip, but only slightly. Esme held Nina and Madison, "So, what are we going to do?" "Leave?" Alice suggested. Edward opened his mouth to respond, but I cut him off, "No." He looked at me, in disbelief. I had to explain myself, "If we leave, it will only confirm their theories. Now, he doesn't know that we know what's going on, so we have to take the upper hand. When Dr. Perry talks to me, I'll invite him and Victor to my house for dinner. The house is still furnished and we could do it there." Edward snarled and EJ hugged me tighter around the neck. Carlisle looked at me, "I think that's a good idea. And have Edward there to see their minds on what they want." Edward stared at me and I looked at him, "Of course, I wouldn't let her do this by herself."
From that night, Edward was on constant alert. He rarely let me out of his sight. I knew he was watching me through the minds of people I was near. Alice concentrated on Dr. Perry to see when he would ask. I would see him. I would never look at him straight on, always in the periphery. I ignored him almost as he completely ignored me. Edward kept his mind open to the minds of others in case there were more people watching me. There was no one and nothing for a few days. When we hunted, we left the state, heading north to Canada. The whole family was on alert. Edward was getting anxious and thought about confronting Dr. Perry. Carlisle, Esme and I talked him out of it. "Edward, that would do more harm them good. Things will happen in its own time." In our room, Edward paced back and forth, almost wearing out the carpet, "When will he ask?" My eyes watched, scrutinizing him, hoping he would not lash out. Soon, I got frustrated. I pulled him on the bed, "Edward, stop." I rested his head in my lap, "You're driving me insane." I knew he was going to apologize, but I cut his words off with a kiss. His fingers tangled in my hair, holding me to him. He sat up and pulled my body into his. Edward needed this distraction. We were at my house, keeping up appearances in case I was being watched. EJ had to stay with the family. We didn't want the knowledge of our son to be known to Viktor. Also, Edward and I needed this time alone. I wanted to get his mind off this. He hated having me in danger. He wanted to be proactive about it, but Carlisle was right. That would do more harm than good.
On a rainy day, I was hurrying home from my late class. I knew Edward was going insane having me away from him. "Ms. Swan?" I turned to my caller and smiled, "Dr. Perry?" He smiled in response, "I mean Mrs. Cullen, I was wondering if you were interested in learning more about the legends you read about?" This was it, "I would love to. The internet wasn't much help." Sweat was beginning to dew on his brow, "Excellent. I have a colleague who would love to speak to you about it. He's from Europe and he knows everything. He's studied those legends extensively." I beamed, showing real interest, "That's great." "Wonderful, how about this Saturday?" A plan came to me, a plan Edward would hate, but Carlisle would go for. "I have an idea. Why don't you and your friend join me and my husband for dinner Saturday night? Edward and I would love to have you." His heart skipped a beat, "Well, that is very kind of you." I could hear it in his voice, he was going to refuse me. That won't do. I held his eyes, "I insist. Please?" His eyes grew heavy, "Of course."
At home, Edward wasn't happy. "YOU DID WHAT?" I flinched as he yelled. Esme held my shoulders, "Edward, it is a good idea. To have him on our grounds, in a calm setting. It's a good plan. Don't be mad at her." Nina crawled into my lap and patted my cheek. My new sister tried to comfort me, "Edward," she sang in her small voice, "please don't yell at Bella. She doesn't like it." I patted her hair, "It's alright. He's just upset." Edward paced the room, with his arms folded tightly over his chest, "Could everyone please excuse us?" EJ stayed clung around my neck. His palm was pressed to my neck, I'm not going.
Everyone left, leaving EJ and I to face Edward. He walked silently back and forth until he finally faced us. He stared at me, "Why did you do that? Why would you invite them here?" I blinked slowly, "Because, in our home, he would have to control himself." He walked towards me, wrapping his arms around my body. EJ was pressed against both of our chests, "Bella, this is dangerous." I looked up at him, "I know. But if things go wrong, everyone will be there. Instead of letting me go to someplace unknown, we'll know where I am and we can be in control of the situation." He lend his forehead to mine, "I don't like it." I clasped my hand on the back of his neck, "We have to know what they know." Edward, we have to do this. I don't want Viktor to hurt EJ. He opened his eyes and the both of us looked down at our son.