Chapter 25—Alarms

BPOV

Edward, being the gentleman he was raised to be, opened the rear passenger side door for me. I smiled in appreciation as I slid into the back of the Ford Escape. He quickly walked around the front of the Escape and climbed in beside me.

"Commandant Swan, Mr. Cullen, I'm Lieutenant Commander Hayes, and this is Lieutenant Yoh," he said, pointing the young man next to him. "We, and others you won't be introduced to, have been assigned to protect you."

"How many were assigned?" I asked, leery of the pair. Plus, I wanted to keep Hayes talking. I didn't recognize him or Yoh, and I knew all the security guys here in Forks.

"Two details, both of which I'm overseeing."

That set alarm bells off in my mind. Security details usually had their own lead, and each reported to the commander of the closest base. While it wouldn't be the first time two details had the same agent, it wasn't normal, and I was fighting to get that changed.

"Each detail has twelve members."

Another bell went off. Each detail was typically made up of no more than six members, and the person being protected was always introduced to all members of the detail. Of course, orders could be given to the contrary.

"Anytime you want to go anywhere off the Cullen's grounds, me and Lieutenant Yoh will escort you. There will be one vehicle following us to the Black's residence in La Push."

That was the first statement he made that rang true, but when I turned to look, I saw no other vehicle ready to follow. Though, it could be waiting at the end of the drive.

"Have Billy and Jacob been notified of the protection detail?" I asked.

"They've been made aware. There are four already in the vicinity and two following us. The other six will remain at the Cullen's. Also, I've been informed that you don't like wearing a com-badge, but it is necessary in case you're taken." He opened his hand, and two badges greeted me. "Mr. Cullen, I hope you'll wear one, too."

"Of course," Edward said without any hesitation, taking one and putting it on. Taking the other one, he leaned toward me put it on my under the collar of my sweater, kissing my cheek when he had secured it.

"I really hate this," I complained as we drove down the long drive. "You do have the address, correct?"

"Yes," Hayes replied. "We've also mapped out an escape route if anything happens."

I groaned, knowing the procedure by heart—one plan with several alternative routes. I wrote the damn procedure that I was being forced to follow. It then dawned on me one important fact that they missed.

"If I am the next intended target and am taken, then where's my alternate tracking device? The suspect is well versed with Star Command equipment and devices, no thanks to me, he'll be sure to remove and destroy the com-badge."

I saw Edward look at me out of the corner of my eye. He looked horrified with this bit of information. I really couldn't be concerned; I needed an answer.

Hayes turned to look back at me and sighed. "I forgot you wrote the protocol we're following. There is a second tracker. I wasn't sure how you would receive it."

How in the hell did he know I wrote the protocol? Not one security team member could name who wrote a given procedure, let alone a rarely used protection one. He must be new or recently read it, taking note of the author. I thought a moment about what the secondary device could be. There was really nothing I would rule out as long as my safety was the primary purpose as long as it didn't involve implanting the device under my skin. "It's for my safety, right?"

"Yes. I need your arm," Hayes said.

"What?"

"Commandant, please understand I don't want to do this—"

I cut him off. "Then don't."

"Bella, please," Edward said. "I'll hold you down if it comes to it."

I turned and looked at him. I couldn't believe he would do that then I saw the look on his face. It wasn't pleading. There was fear in his eyes. He was scared something would happen to me, and he wouldn't be able to save me. "Fine," I said, thrusting my left arm between the seats before taking a deep breath, holding it.

"All done," Hayes said. "Very painless."

I released the breath, realizing at the same time I didn't feel a thing. I pulled it back and examining my arm, not finding a mark.

"Umm?" I was baffled.

"No needle required, just don't take off your bangle."

"What do you mean?"

"Mini tracking device—it's a sticker with a microchip imbedded. I placed it on the inside of you bangle. It's off right now and can be activated if you're taken."

I was amazed. "I've never heard of a mini tracker," I lied, warning bells were going wild in my mind. I most certainly had else I wouldn't be in possession of the earrings I was wearing, but a tracker embedded in a sticker? I wasn't sure if it was even possible, and surely I would feel the microchip. Mentally, I made a note to ask Emmett when I next saw him.

"I guess that's why I'm in security," Hayes said with a laugh.

Didn't he know I was security, too? I just had a different job description. I joined Hayes in his laughter and after a second so did Edward.

"I really thought I was going to have to hold you down," Edward said, taking my hand in his, he brought it up to his lips and pressed a kiss to my knuckles.

"You knew? What am I saying? Of course you did."

"While I was waiting for you, Yoh approached me to put one on the watch I'm wearing." He showed me the smiley face. After he put his watch back on, he drew me to lean against him.

I didn't trust the two in the front seat. Glancing over Edward's shoulder, I saw there was still no sign of any vehicle following. I sighed and settled further into Edward. I started thinking of plans to get both Edward and me out alive just in case they weren't who they said they were.

Ten minutes later, we came to a stop in front of Billy's little house. It looked so much better than it had in high school. Once Jacob's first book hit the top of the best seller's list, Billy finally caved and let his son hire roofers and painters to clean up the house a little.

"Isabella, when Jacob told me you were coming tonight, I didn't believe him. Now that you're here, I can't believe my eyes," Billy said in greeting after Edward had helped me out. He shook his head before giving me a hug.

"It has been way too long," I commented, hugging him back.

I smiled at Jacob as he struck a match and threw it into the grill; he was holding his cell between his shoulder and ear. Hadn't he heard of bluetooth?

When Billy pulled back, he offered Edward his hand. "Good to see you too, Edward."

"You know me. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to come to La Push. I just wish I could've made it down to see you the last time I was in Forks," Edward said, communicating something to Billy besides what he said.

"Right," Billy laughed, motioning us inside. "You've been missing in action just as long as Isabella."

"Not so and you know it," Edward replied. "I just haven't been here since we graduated high school."

Okay, now I knew there was a hidden meaning behind that comment.

"Dad, will you and Edward stop talking in code," Jacob said, coming into the house and slipping his cell into his pocket. "Sarah's on her way. She got called back to the hospital for an emergency, or she would've been here."

"Is everything all right?" Edward asked.

"Not exactly, she was covering for your dad since he had to leave for an emergency at home."

"Now, who's talking in code," I yelled, turning and facing Jacob. "The emergency was me, and you know it. You were at the station when I lost it."

Jacob just stared at me, saying nothing. I turned to Edward, and he wouldn't meet my eye.

"What are you two hiding?" I asked.

"Nothing you need to worry about," Jacob answered.

Nothing to worry about, I wanted to yell. I balled my fist.

"Seriously, love. Don't worry about it," Edward said, wrapping an arm around me.

I pushed him away. Balling my fists, I ran out of the house feeling like I was losing control again and just needed to get away for a few minutes. The screen door slammed shut behind me.

I heard the screen door slam again as both Edward and Jacob hollered for me to stop. I kept on running, knowing either one of them would be able to catch me, but I wasn't sure which one would chase after me. Too soon for my liking, the crunch of gravel reached my ears, alerting me that they'd made a decision. I was winded by that point and knew I would need to stop soon, or I would pass out.

"Bella!" Jacob shouted as his arms came around my waist, turning quickly as we fell. He took the full force of the fall. He hit the ground before I landed on him.

Struggling, I tried to break free of his hold.

"Bella, stop this before you hurt yourself."

I hated that he wasn't a bit winded.

"Let me go, Jacob," I cried, trying to catch my breath.

"No. I won't let you run. Talk to me."

"Fine. Let me go first."

"No go," he said. He sat up before helping me up, a hand on my wrist the whole time. "Why did you take off?"

"Do you want the truth or a lie?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"I hate everything that's happening. I get here in hopes of forgetting what is going on for a few hours, and then the code talking begins like I'm not even in the room." I was enraged. "I'm fucking scared, Jacob. When I learned he was sentenced to life, I thought I was free of the bastard. I wasn't happy, though. Then, Carlie arrived, and I was happy, truly happy again. Then, without any warning, I lose her and a good friend in the same damn week. So, I thrust myself into my work, barely sleeping, and the next thing I know, I'm being sent back here. The one place I don't think I would've come to under normal circumstances. I came because I couldn't leave Charlie with some sub-par rookie." I was rambling, but I didn't give a damn. "Confrontation with anyone from my past was the last thing on my mind. I'd thought it would be a few days before I ran into anyone. That didn't happen, by the way. Now, today, I find out the suspect we are hunting is my worst nightmare." I pause, taking a shuddering breath. "I want to be out there helping to find the bastard, Jacob, not sitting around reminiscing or waiting for something to happen to someone I love." I was in tears by the time I finished, and he drew me to his chest.

God, I'm so fucking tired of crying.

"Bella, do you hear yourself?"

I drew away and glared at him.

"I get that you're afraid, and that's understandable, but you're trained to handle these types of situations."

"I know, but it's different when I'm in the nightmare," I said, wiping at my eyes. "I don't know how to cope." I sighed and looked over my shoulder. Edward and Billy were standing on the porch, waiting for me and Jacob. "It's hard knowing that I'm the one he's really after."

He looked at me, confused. "Jasper didn't say anything about you being targeted."

"Does he really have to come out and say it, Jacob? My team knows I'm the target."

"I still don't see how you can come to that conclusion."

"There's the fact that he tried to kill me when we were dating. Next, he escaped prison to probably finish the job, but couldn't get close to me. So, it's no wonder he found girls that look like me—there surrogates. I don't know why he's finding guys that look like Edward, or even how he found out about Edward, yet."

"Now, there's the investigator that I know." He wrapped his arm around me. "You've got to trust that your team is going to find him and that Edward and I will protect you. If you want, I'll talk to Sarah. I know she'll understand if I ask her if we could postpone our honeymoon until he's behind bars again."

"I can't ask you do that. It wouldn't be fair to Sarah or you."

"You don't have to ask. I would do it because you're not only a good friend—you're family."

"I don't want you postponing your honeymoon," I stated firmly, pulling away from him again.

"Okay, I won't, but if I receive a call that you're hurt or anything, I'm coming home."

"Fine." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Now, I think I had better get you back to the house."

"Give me a moment," I said, wishing I had something to wipe my nose with.

"Here," he said, holding out a handkerchief. "I've gotten used to having one with me."

"Thanks," I muttered, taking it and wiping my nose. "Why do I have to ruin everything?"

"You're not to blame. Dad, Edward, and I are complete idiots. We didn't stop to think how you would interpret what we were saying. I'm sorry."

Jacob helped me up, and we started to head back. I was surprised to find that I hadn't run as far as I thought.

"You can't help yourself. You called them out and then proceeded to speak in code yourself."

"Like I said, I'm an idiot. I'm sorry. And, honestly, it's nothing to worry about. I should just come straight out and said that Carlisle needed help and called Sarah back in."

"Okay, that would have been better. I'll have to think about whether I can forgive you or not," I said jokingly, walking inside the house before adding for the benefit of Edward and Billy, who both had their backs to us. "But I don't know if I can ever forgive these two."

Edward turned with a disheartened look, his chin lowered. He looked up at me like a dog who just got scolded. But there was something more to it than him being remorseful. He looked disappointed.

What could he possibly be disappointed about?

Oh. No.

It was my running away from him again. No. That's not the cause.

He is disappointed with his behavior. For being the reason I ran. How can I not forgive him, especially when he looks so repentant?

I gave him a smile. "You do know I'm kidding."

"Yes." Edward chuckled, coming over and wrapping his arms around me. "I'm so sorry," he whispered against my ear. "I don't know what I was thinking."

"That's just it, you weren't thinking," I whispered back. "But … I forgive you."

"Now, that's a sight I thought I would never see again," Billy said, interrupting our tender moment like he always had in high school.

Edward reluctantly released me. Jacob, at some point, had gone back outside and was reentering the kitchen followed by a beautiful brunette. She was dressed in scrubs and carrying a gym bag.

"Bella, this is Sarah."

Sarah smiled. "It's good to finally meet you," she said, giving me a hug. "Jacob has told me so much about you."

"All good, I hope."

I glared at Jacob. He'd told me that he spoke of me with Sarah, I wondered about what exactly. There were some antics from our childhood better left untold.

"Of course, it was," he said, not meeting my eye.

"I need to change. Why don't you come into Jacob's room with me, and we can talk while the guys get to grilling." Turning, she wagged a finger in Jacob's face. "And as for you, it seems you might have told me something you shouldn't have."

Oh, I liked her. She was good for Jacob and wouldn't put up with his shit. I followed. "So, what exactly did he tell you?"

EPOV

I watched in astonishment as Bella followed Sarah out of the room. "So, you're marrying Sarah? Have you thanked Carlisle for introducing you?"

"Yes," Jacob said. "I had best get the steaks on the grill."

"Why did Bella run?" I asked, heading out behind him.

As we walked out of the house, I heard laughter coming from the room I knew to be Jacob's.

"She ran because of how we were talking, my dad included."

"Why is it that when it comes to Bella, we both do idiotic things?"

"Because we both care for her, and we just can't help ourselves," he replied, throwing five steaks on the grill. He looked toward the house a moment. "She told me she's scared."

"Hell, Jacob, it's more than that—she's terrified. I found her sitting in my parents' shower in tears. I didn't have the heart to ask her why." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Did she say anything to you?"

Billy had joined us by then and offered us both a beer. "Let's hear it," he said, sitting in a lawn chair. "I know from Charlie something's going on with her. He won't tell me what and I'd like to know."

Jacob accepted a beer and took a swig before looking over at me. "You're right, Dad. She is terrified, though she won't admit it. She said a lot, but it's what she didn't say—she doesn't want to go through what she did when Carlie died again. She doesn't want to lose anyone else."

"What was she like then?" Billy asked what I was thinking.

"A complete wreck. Take how she's acting now multiple by a thousand. She refused to eat, and when she did eat, it was only a bite or two. She hardly slept. When she did, it wasn't long or was plagued with nightmares. And that was only during the time Carlie was in the hospital. It only got worse in the days after Carlie died. Then I walked out of the hospital. Until today, I haven't seen or talked to her."

I contemplated what Jacob told us. I looked toward the house before asking my next question. "I don't know how to ask this, but I have to know. After what Raoul did to her …"

He stopped me from going on with a quick head motion toward the house.

Bella and Sarah had appeared in the doorway. Jacob got up and flipped the steaks as they made their way over to where we were sitting. I pulled Bella into my lap wanting her close. I ran my fingertips up and down her right arm, causing her to shiver. I smiled to myself, loving how she reacted to my touch.

Before Dad had rushed off to the crime scene, he had pulled me aside to tell me that he was taking Mom out of town—it was their thirty-seventh wedding anniversary. He expected me to protect Bella for the next three nights, like I could do anything else.

I watched as Jacob pulled Sarah aside and had a brief whispered conversation with her.

"Bella, would you help me in the kitchen? It seems Jacob can't multitask."

Bella let out a laugh. "He's never been able to," she said, freeing herself from my hold.

I missed having her close. Without a backwards glance, she followed Sarah back into the house.

Jacob was watching the girls, like a hawk, as they headed back inside. "Dad, you have your gun on you, right?"

"Always, never know who you might happen upon who would do you harm."

"What's going on?" I asked.

"After Charlie called to tell us about the detail assigned to Bella, I called Sarah to let her know."

He followed my gazed back to the house.

"The officers are out there, Edward, trust me. One came to let us know they'd arrived. And that Lieutenants Harper and Long went to pick the two of you up. Anyway, on the way here, Sarah felt like she was being followed. She called to let me know. She also made a few stops. I just asked her about it, and she thinks she lost whoever was following."

"I have already called Charlie. That's who I was on the phone with when you walked back in after Bella ran."

I replayed what was said before Bella darted out the door earlier. "What you said, Jacob, wasn't about her, was it?"

"In a way, it was. You know Sarah doesn't work in the ER, nor does your dad nowadays," Jacob answered.

"I know, but I don't follow."

"It backfired, but my meaning was clear," Jacob said. "I wasn't talking about Carlisle but Charlie. An emergency meaning something was wrong, and we needed Charlie's help. I couldn't come out and say that Sarah was being followed or that a cat was stuck in a tree with Bella right there."

Wait a minute! my brain screamed at me. "When you asked Bella to come to dinner tonight, was there anyone else around?"

"No, we were alone."

I fell silent, thinking.

"Hold on! Are you trying to say that someone might be working with Raoul?" Jacob asked, taking the steaks off and putting them on a different platter than what he took them off of.

"I think that is exactly what I am saying." My gaze drifted back to the house.

Harper and Long. I knew those guys. Knew they were in security.

My eyes went wide.

Bella's questioning of the two who picked us up. If she knew the officers, she wouldn't have questioned them on their plan to keep her safe.

Crap! I thought as alarm bells went off in my head. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "The officers that picked us up were Yoh and Hayes."

"Shit!" Billy said echoed by Jacob.

Billy jumped up, rushing toward the house. I was on his heels with Jacob right behind me.

We all had come to the same conclusion. The girls were in danger.

Billy was the first in the kitchen to find Sarah unconscious on the floor. Bella wasn't there.

"Bella," I shouted, checking each room slowly. I'd drawn the gun I thought I'd never have to use. She wasn't in any room. I pulled out my phone and immediately called Emmett.

"Edward, what's up?" he answered.

"Emmett, Bella's gone." I walked back toward the kitchen, examining the floor. I found the com-badge I put on her. "Shit! The com-badge she was wearing is with me."

"Were you introduced to the team?" He was calm, an eerie type of calm. It was as if he was the eye of a storm, liable to blow at any minute.

"Just to a Lieutenant Commander Hayes and a Lieutenant Yoh," I responded, my panic more evident.

"They're not on the list we were given." He cursed. "What was she wearing? And I don't meaning clothing wise. Think jewelry."

"Gold bangle, they put a tracking sticker on it."

"I can't track that without the coding and frequency," he said. "Think harder."

I closed my eyes, picturing Bella. "The necklace I gave her yesterday morning. The ring I gave her back last night."

"Think, Edward, I need to know. Was she wearing diamond earrings?"

Diamond earrings? "I don't know," I shouted. "Her hair was down and covering her ears. My mom would probably know. She was in the room when Bella got ready."

"What's her number? I'll conference her in."

I gave him the number.

After three rings, Mom answered.

"Mrs. Cullen, I'm sorry to call. I know you and Doctor C have special plans tonight," Emmett said, all apologetic and polite.

"No bother at all. We've just left," Mom said calmly.

I sighed, glancing over at Billy.

"I have Edward on the line, too."

"Mom," I said a little panicky. "Did Bella put on any earrings?"

"Edward, what's wrong? Was Bella … Oh God, Carlisle, turn around Bella's been taken."

"Mom!" I yelled. "Was she wearing earrings?"

"Yes. A lovely diamond pair. I asked where she had gotten them, and she told me Emmett McCarty had given them to her."

"Thanks, Mrs. Cullen," Emmett said.

I heard typing.

"That's exactly what I needed to know. Don't worry, I'll find her. The earrings have microchips in them, and I've activated them. Edward, you did the right thing by calling me." He hung up soon after.

Mom had also hung up.

I went back into the kitchen to find Sarah sitting up and leaning against Jacob.

"Jacob, I tried to stop the two guys. I wasn't quick enough. Bella did put up a fight. She smashed one in the nose before they managed to subdue her completely."

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes. Just a small knock on the head, nothing ice and aspirin won't cure," she said.

"Charlie's on his way and so are the La Push PD," Billy said, hanging up the phone.

I heard sirens and walked outside as Charlie pulled up to the house. He looked pissed.

"It wasn't my fault," I said.

"No it wasn't. I should have spoken with the team before rushing off. Emmett radioed and told me you called him directly, good move. I need to speak to Sarah," Charlie said as the LPPD and emergency responders pulled up.

I followed Charlie inside and was surprised when Sarah gave a detailed description of the two guys.

"Hayes and Yoh, but I doubt that is their real surnames," I said.

Charlie turned to me. His eyes were hard. "Where were you?" he demanded, rubbing the back of his neck.

There's goes not blaming me out the window. "I was outside talking with Billy and Jacob. I thought it was safe here, and I was within hearing distance if she or Sarah had screamed."

"Can I know what you were discussing?"

"At the time …" I paused, more to really think about it before answering. "Jacob was telling us that Sarah thought she was being followed. It crossed my mind then that something was not right. A minute or so passed after I asked Jacob if there was anyone around when he invited Bella and me over this evening."

Charlie pulled out his cell and made a call. "Vance, the station has been bugged … You heard me. Has Emmett checked in? … I realize it's your case now, but she is my daughter … Fine, let me know." When he hung up and looked back at me, it seemed he had aged years after speaking with Vance.

"I take it he told you to stay out of it."

"Precisely, but I just can't sit here and do nothing. I should be out looking for her."

"But Sarah said the last thing she saw was the two guys dragging Bella to a SUV. They could be anywhere by now," Billy pointed out.

"You know," Jacob said. "There's only one way to get off the property without being seen. They would've had to have head toward the old sawmill. There's a lot of undergrowth blocking the path. They have to go slow or risk breaking an axel."

"So, let's start looking," I said.

"Not a wise move," Billy exclaimed, putting a restraining hand on my shoulder. "The men know you by sight, and Bella could come to greater harm. I've called Sam. He and the boys will be out there soon to start searching."

I looked at my watch; fifteen minutes had past. Bella had been in their clutches for quarter of an hour. I heard a car and turned to see Mom jumping out, running toward us.

"Why aren't you out searching?" she yelled, tears coursing down her face. Dad was on her heels a moment later wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her to his chest.

"Mrs. Cullen," Jacob said. "We've been told to stand down and let Star Command handle things."

"What! That's ridiculous!" Dad roared.

"Sam and the boys are searching. They'll find her." I said, running a hand through my hair. I was trying hard not to breakdown, but letting others search while I sat back and did nothing was killing me.

"Charlie, are you just going to do nothing?" Mom asked.

"My hands are tied, Esme. Vance was already on his way here when I called to tell him. He'll be here in about," he looked at his watch as Sarah joined us, and went on, "five minutes or so. He wants to set up here."

"Fine by me. I've also called a few friends. If we need more hands, they're ready," Billy said.

"It'll be Vance's call."

I just stood there not really know what to do. I wanted to be out there searching. Peering over at Dad, I knew he wanted to be out there searching, too. But we stood rooted to the spot, much like Charlie.

"There's the shuttle," Jacob shouted, pointing it out as it descended. It hovered above us a moment before a shimmer appeared a few yards away. It took off only to land in the open area behind the house.

"Charlie," I heard an unfamiliar voice called out.

An officer was approaching at a run. He had a phone plastered to his ear.

"Thanks, Emmett," he said, hanging up as he joined us.

"Vance?" Charlie questioned.

We all turned our attention to the newcomer. "Emmett's having trouble maintaining the GPS signal."

"But the guys took off the com-badge," Sarah commented.

"Bella's very smart. She's always one step ahead of the game. The diamond earrings she put on are actual cleverly crafted microchips that send out a GPS signal."

"What were her last coordinates?" Jacob asked.

"You know I can't give you that information," Vance replied.

"Sam's out there searching," Jacob yelled, getting in his face. "Give me the damn coordinates."

"Uley's out there?" Vance was surprised. Taking a step back, his gaze went to the woods. "I thought he resigned."

"He didn't. He asked to be transferred after his mom died," Charlie informed him.

"I'll be right back." Vance walked, shaking his head and pulling out his phone.

"Sam was in Star Command?" Dad asked in mild surprise.

"Yes," Charlie replied. "He was part of Bella's team. After his mom died, he decided life was too short and decided to focus on his family. Bella didn't try to talk him out of it."

"If he's out there searching, then Bella will be found," Dad said, turning to Mom and me.

"I should've been in the house," I said frustrated. "I failed in protecting her again."

"Then you would be the one with the knot on the head," Sarah said. She put a hand on my arm, trying to calm me. "Bella put up quite a fight before they were able to completely subdue her."

"Why didn't she scream?" I asked.

Sarah shook her head, wincing. Dad motioned for her to sit in one of the lawn chair and examined her as she explained. "She didn't have the chance. They were waiting for us in the kitchen. One grabbed her roughly, covering her mouth with his hand while the other knocked me over the head. It happened so fast. Though, she did smash in one's nose. I think she broke it."

If what Sarah was saying was true and Bella had broken one of the attacker's noses, it had to be one hell of a hit. Was she capable of it, though?

"Charlie, could Bella hit someone that hard?" Mom asked.

"Yes," Charlie answered flatly, not offering more.

"Sam's in the correct area," Vance said, rejoining us. "Emmett and the others are in a shuttle, heading to where Sam believes the kidnappers can be stopped. It should be flying over in the next two minutes."

"I think I should make some introduction. Of course you know Billy, Jacob, and Sarah," Charlie said. His voice was still flat, void of emotion. "Let me introduce you to Carlisle, Esme, and Edward Cullen. Carlisle and Esme, as you know, are considered surrogate parents to Bella. Edward is a good friend."

"I'm more than a good friend. I'm her boyfriend."

Charlie and Vance shared a look before turning to me. "That's news to me," Vance said.

"Vance is Bella's boss," Charlie went on saying.

I tuned him out as I pulled my ringing cell out of my pocket, moving away.

My finger was hovering over the 'ignore' prompt, when I noticed the display. Bella. "It's Bella," I wept.

A/N: Dun, dun, dun … thought a cliffhanger was called for here. Thanks to Twilightmom505 and torisurfergirl for editing this chapter.