AN: SORRY that this took so long to post. School has been killing me and I've been sick with a cold then the stomach flu and now Laryngitis for a week. I'm a wreck! I wanted this chapter to be longer, but I split it so that I could post this part quickly then write some more this weekend. So enjoy!!!!

Oh I don't own anything except for Emma and Ian.


Chapter 20: Fight and Flight

"No flights in or out," the airline ticket agent said in a monotone voice. She flashed a fake smile at Edward. "Perhaps we could set you up at a local hotel until the storm has passed? Flights should resume tomorrow afternoon."

Edward was about to growl at her, but Emma placed a hand on his shoulder. "No that will be quiet all right," Emma gently said turning brother away from the ticket counter and leading him back towards where Jasper stood, waiting for them.

"Any luck?" he asked.

Emma shook her head no. "Humans," she quickly said in vampire speed. "Scared of a little snow, ice and wind."

"I guess we're driving then?" he asked looking at his wife then at his brother.

"It's going to be faster then flying." Edward said. "But can your car make it through this weather?"

"Rosalie made some adjustments," Emma said with a smile. "It will do just fine."

During the 17-hour drive from New York back to Forks, Jasper and Edward had managed to form some sort of plan on how to go about all of this. To prevent Bella from noticing Emma's mustang back in Forks, the trio left her car in Port Angeles.

First stop once they were back in Forks would be their house to see who, if anyone, had been there looking for the Cullens. Then they would split up. Edward and Jasper would watch over Bella's house while Edward went on a scouting mission to find either Laurent or Victoria – either one would do.

'Don't worry Edward…it hasn't even been a day since Kate told us about what Laurent was doing.'

Edward glanced over at his sister as she kept in stride with him through the woods towards their house in Forks. He only hoped that Emma was right. What if they were too late? What if Kate and Tanya had been lying all along?

'Seriously bro, stop the worrying. With you worrying it makes Emma worry, thus making me worry. Between your and Emma's emotions, I'm a wreck.' Jasper thought towards Edward.

Edward sighed as he slowed his run down after the jump across the river. They were almost home. But a scent in the wind caught his attention.

Victoria.

She was nearby.

Jasper caught the scent as well.

They both quickly changed direction and headed up the mountainside. Emma followed their lead since they obviously knew what they were after. After a few miles, they were dangerously close to the treaty line with the Quileutes. And that was when they met their foe face to face.

Edward growled deeply as the trio entered a meadow – much like his and Bella's meadow. Standing in the shadows of the trees was Victoria. Edward wanted to pounce quickly and be done with it, but Jasper stopped him.

"We don't know what she is capable of," he mumbled.

Next to him, Emma nodded. "All I get from her is rage and hated of you. Her deepest desire to kill Bella as revenge. Perhaps that was why she sent Laurent to check on Bella. To see if you were around."

Edward let a snarl rip from his chest. "You two go back and take care of Bella. Make sure she stays safe. I will take care of Victoria."

Emma and Jasper exchanged glances.

"Are you sure?" Jasper asked. "Three is better then one."

"Yes. I'll contact you later. Just keep Bella safe for me."

"We will," Emma said turning with Jasper on her heels and running back towards Forks. Emma knew that this was what Edward wanted. He wanted to be the one who made sure that Victoria left Bella alone. He NEEDED to do this on his own.

But she'll be damned if Victoria hurt Edward in any way, then the bitch was going down. Because hell hath no fury like that of a pissed off twin sister.

"She's sleeping," Emma mumbled as she and Jasper watched over Bella's house that night from the safety of the surrounding woods. They didn't dare get too close in case she was to see them, which was unlikely. But it was better safe then sorry.

"But she's an emotional wreck," Jasper added. "I don't know how much longer I can stay this close to her."

"We'll go hunting tomorrow," she said kissing his lips softly. "That should help."

He nodded as his cell phone began to vibrate. He glanced at the caller id.

"It's Edward," he said holding the phone out to Emma.

"Where are you?" she asked answering it.

"Canada. I can't talk for long, but we're playing cat and mouse for the most part. Just please stay with Bella for the next few days and make sure that Laurent doesn't come back for her or anything."

"We will."

"I promise to keep you posted on how I'm doing."

"Good. Be careful Edward."

"I will. Love you sis."

"You too."

Emma smiled at Jasper as she handed him back his cell phone.

"What?" he asked.

"I think that this was exactly what Edward needed to see just how much Bella needs him in her life."

"I hope you're right."