Chapter 26 Bad Tempered

Edward

I clutched the ledge by the kitchen window and watched Bella closely as the words Charlie uttered sunk in.

The radiance that was hard not to notice this morning had vanished, the look of horror and panic now overtook her face. The never ending guilt again flooded me. Perhaps it was a bad idea to return. My presence meant death, destruction, and pain to the only person I ever truly loved.

Though I wasn't entirely sure it was my kind that had Forks on alert, Charlie's thoughts remained selective and the parts involving the murder were muddled as if he didn't want to dwell on the thoughts, I was sure the sadness that filled Bella's eyes was because of me.

When I would stop hurting her, I asked myself. Even when I'm trying to protect her, I end up inflicting pain. For the briefest second I considered leaving Bella once again, but I knew I didn't have the physical nor emotional strength to part from her ever.

Charlie was headed out to his cruiser, more investigating was required which would lead to more questions and answers he would never understand, and squeezed Bella's shoulder on his way out.

"I'm sorry Isabella. It's always a tragic thing when young ones die but I promise we'll find the animal that did this and make sure everyone in Forks is safe". Charlie's thoughts screamed of sympathy and worry for his daughter, it pained him to even think of losing her forever yet like so many times before, his words didn't correspond with his emotions.

Before walking out the door Charlie cleared his throat and spoke now with authority, the voice he reserved when donning his Chief of Police title. "Bella, I don't want you venturing too far today…for the next couple of days, until we deal with this. I mean it, no woods and no going outside of town alone. I will be checking in on you, so answer your phone".

No real answer escaped Bella's lips, as she continued to stare off into space, the painful expression still on her face.

"BELLA, YOU GOT IT", Charlie yelled into the kitchen.

"Got it", she muttered, which was then followed by the closing of the door and Charlie's footsteps to his vehicle.

I was in the kitchen by Bella's knees before the door clicked close. It was times like these when I wished the invisible wall that enclosed her mind and thoughts would crumble and I could finally see what she was thinking. I had her tiny hands grasped within my hands, I knew they would provide no warmth but hoped their hold would be more like reassurance. Assurance that she would never be alone and I would be there, always.

She didn't move for what seemed like an eternity and then finally, she looked into my eyes, her own on the verge of spilling tears. "Is it Victoria? Someone like her…a vampire did this, didn't they,"?

"I'm not sure love. I don't know for certain WHAT did this but they won't hurt you. I won't let anything or anyone TOUCH YOU", I responded through clenched teeth. Even hearing Victoria's name brought back the rage that lingered after James horrendous attack. I never got the opportunity to personally avenge Bella but I looked forward to the moment I could rip James' mate limb from limb and set her ablaze.

"ME" she spit out. "You're worried about me. Two people are dead, or dying, or being tortured or worse because of ME. Victoria wants ME. All this is just a game for her. Killing those around me is just another one of her moves. I'm the reason for this…ME", Bella shouted in tears.

Not fully understanding her sudden hysteria, I squeezed her close and tried to disprove her logic. "Oh my Bella…always the selfless martyr. We don't know if this is Victoria or if it's one of my kind. Even so, you are NOT why this is happening but you are the reason why I'm going to STOP it".

I hoped she believed my words as she remained silent, shaking her head from side to side, considering who knows what. "Too many people are hurting and the least I can do is help those who are. I need to see Mike, he just lost his best friend and he must in so much pain right now", she said, lightly removing my hands from her shoulders and headed upstairs.

I was instantly inflamed with jealousy. MIKE…she wants to see him?, I thought bitterly, remembering his vile thoughts so many nights before. I said nothing though, following Bella upstairs.

Rummaging through her closet for clean clothes, I quickly assembled her bed and sat stone-like on the outside corner. She seemed heavily focused at the task at hand but I couldn't resist finding out more about how she felt about the stupid boy.

"Have you and Mike become close friends? He's always enjoyed being in your company, since the first day you arrived at Forks High. He should consider himself a lucky man, to have you care for him so", I sighed, now playing with the loose strands of fabric attached to Bella's quilt.

The noises from the closet ceased and Bella's annoyance with my question was tangible. "Are you serious", she asked, now fully dressed but having only one sneaker on. "After all our time together. After this morning….after LAST NIGHT. How could you ever doubt my love for you"? She hobbled over to me, her remaining shoe swinging from her hand, I couldn't help but smile at this image.

"I meant what I said. You have ruined me for all others…no person, place or thing will EVER mean as much to me as you do. You're my forever", she whispered kissing lightly on my forehead.

I wanted to yell to her that it wasn't her I doubted. It was the fact that she loved me at all, despite all my flaws and imperfections, that had me fearing the human teenage boy. He could provide a life for her that I could never offer.

Instead, I sighed heavily, taking in her sweet scent that caused the heat to return to not only the back of my throat but entire body. I feared how much my body yearned for her in both hunger and desire, the intensity was not safe at any rate.

"Mike is my friend, a good friend. He was extremely supportive and kind to me when I wasn't really worth speaking to…and now I have to let him know, I will be there for him. Please don't be upset, it's the only way I think I can help".

How was it possible for her to be so caring and sympathetic after all she had gone through, I thought. All she wanted to offer to Mike was sympathy, friendship and support and yet all I could think of was Mike's infatuation with her. I couldn't blame him for his wanting her BUT I didn't have to enjoy it either.

"You are an amazing person Isabella Swan and I'm the luckiest man on Earth if you only love me a quarter as much as I adore you", I declared, grabbing her shoe and quickly flipping her onto the bed. I was tempted to perform an encore of last night but instead focused on her foot.

Before she had a chance to reply, I had laced up her shoe and was bringing her downstairs, she was gently hanging over one of my shoulders.

"You might not think that after I suggest something", she said, still disoriented from my quick movements.

"Why do you say that", I asked, grabbing her jacket and placing it around her arms, when we reached the door.

"Because I'm driving and I fully intend on obeying all traffic laws", she smiled, dangling the keys before my eyes.

The drive the Newton residence was long and somewhat uncomfortably quiet. It wasn't the fact that Bella drove at a snails pace or that we didn't say any words, I honestly enjoyed hearing her breathing and heartbeat uninterrupted, but that I could feel the dramatic change in everyone's thoughts.

We drove through town and the fear was palpable. Everyone's thoughts revolved around the murders and panic was beginning to seep into their minds, fear settling in their bones. It wasn't those that feared for their own safety that made me cringe but those who ached to think that their loved ones; daughters, sons, husbands, wives…lovers, could be lost and gone forever. It was these thoughts that had me wanting to zoom past Forks, it scared me to think how much their emotions mirrored my own.

Bella pulled up to the curb and shifted the car into park after what seemed like a endless drive. The loud engine soon cut-off after but we both remained silent, each anticipating what the other would say. Always being the braver of the both of us, she spoke first.

"I think you should stay here", she said to the steering wheel.

I, already on to her thinking, said nothing.

Sighing and looking towards me she went on. "Its better if you do. Mike is probably pretty emotional and stressed right now and I'm not sure how he would react to you being here. In Forks. In HIS house."

Still I said nothing, fully knowing that she was right but hating the fact she would be alone with him.

"Its like you said, why cause more chaos to an already crazy situation…or something like that", she smiled. Taking my hand into her hand, she squeezed it lightly, forcing me to come out of my pity party.

"I don't know what I'm going to say or do, or if it will even matter but I have to TRY. He must feel so alone right now and that's one of the worst feelings in the world, " she whispered out, her voice almost breaking at the end.

My non-beating heart wanted to break yet again, watching her face fall into the all too familiar frown.

"Mike Newton is truly a lucky man to be able to call someone so wonderful his friend. Never worry about me Bella, I'm not worth the stress it causes you. Go on, I'll wait here. Protect the truck, in case any hooligans get any ideas" I smirked, kissing her hand and quickly opening her door before she heard the passenger door close.

Watching her walk the steps up to Mike's doorway, I had to continuously tell myself that she would be returning shortly and that she only cared for him, in the way a friend cares for another. Simply friends, I thought as I gripped the leather seats. I could already hear Mike's heartbeat that lurked somewhere in the home.

Mike's mother greeted Bella at the door, her face telling of the sleepless night that had just passed and sadly that more would follow. Her voice also showcased her frailty and state of mind.

"Oh..hello Bella. I'm assuming you heard the news along with everyone else", her voice close to tears. "I…don't understand why this is happening or even how to…how to help him. I'm glad you came, he hasn't said anything really since we got the news", she said breathlessly.

Only nodding, Bella stepped into the open doorway and removed her coat. That was all I saw before the door shut tightly behind her.

Though I could make out what was being said in the home, it wasn't enough. I needed to be closer. I NEEDED to see what was going on and keep an eye on Mike. The guilt I felt for not listening to Bella's demands were overshadowed by my selfish desire to see what was occurring.

I made my way around the front of the home, back to the far east corner of the house. I could hear footsteps walking down a wood hallway and the gentle knocking of a door. Looking into the small window I was able to see into a small den covered with sports memorabilia and a huge T.V. set to mute. There was an exit door directly across from the door Bella now sought entrance into.

Mike was getting up from his current position on the small couch and was opening the door. As his mother described, he seemed as if he was sleepwalking, awake but not really. A blank expression across his face as his thoughts were filled with frustration for this unexpected visitor.

"Hey Mike", she said when he opened the door. He stared at her, a look of surprise, excitement and sadness in his expression.

"Bella…hey". Bella, I was just thinking about you…how much I wanted to call you and make sure you were ok. Tell you how glad I was it wasn't you…

I realized then that I was going to have to keep my anger in check if I continued to listen in on the conversation and his private thoughts.

"Can I come in. To talk. To…" she said, not really finishing before Mike had her in a tight hug.

"I'm so glad you're here. This just doesn't seem real", he gushed, holding her close. You feel so good, so warm. You always had that affect on me…you make the world fade away

I had to suddenly breath through my mouth as I shut my eyes and tightly squeezed my nose with the tips of my fingers. His thoughts were suddenly become too much too bare.

"Of course I'm here. We're friends aren't we. I thought you might need someone to talk to or someone to listen", she whispered hugging him back but clearly looking for a way to end the embrace.

Helping me keep my sanity, Bella gently pushed Mike's arms away and instead led him back to the couch, where she sat herself down next to him.

"I can't believe he's gone. I was just talking to him YESTERDAY! He was so excited about the game. He's…he WAS my friend", Mike's voice on the verge of shattering. Bella, I feel so lost, I feel empty. Useless and confused. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING…

"I'm so sorry Mike. I wish there was something I could say or do that could ease your pain. I know how much you cared for Lee…how close you were to him. I cant imagine how hard this is for you", she said, compassion dripping in each word.

"His mom called mine this morning. She was hysteric and yelling so hard I could hear her clearly". His voice was close to sobs. "She was screaming at my mom. Telling her that they were all wrong, that it couldn't be Lee. She demanded that my mom tell her, Lee was here. She kept saying "He's with Mike isn't he. He's with Mike. He's safe and ALIVE.", he said, tears now in his eyes. God, how could you let something like this happen!!

I thought the same thing myself, feeling sympathy for the poor boy.

"I can't get her voice out of my head. I can't get myself to think of him as gone". "I just don't want to think about it any more. I just don't want to think at all", he muttered, clutching his head in his heads.

"Oh Mike. I'm so sorry", Bella repeated, grabbing Mike's hand and rubbing his back gently. Seeing this, I had to restrain myself, knowing she was only trying to comfort him.

"Bella…" Mike whispered. Bella, you feel so good, and smell amazing. With you, I can forget…help me forget

Faster than I could have thought, Mike looked up into Bella's eyes and quickly grabbed her face. Before she had a chance to respond or act, Mike's lips were over hers, forcing them open with his mouth. The weight of his body soon had Bella slightly pinned against the cushions.

I didn't remember much after watching him kiss her. I heard the splintering of the door and its hinges fall apart as I flew into the room.

Before I had a chance to think or even consider what I was doing, I had Mike plastered against the wall, my steel hands around his neck as his feet dangled below him. My teeth gleamed in the semi-lit room with the uncontrollable thirst rising in my throat.

I wasn't sure if it was the beast within me that craved his blood or the rage of a jealous man that fueled me but all I knew for certain was that both man and animal wanted to destroy the human being named Mike Newton.

Uh Oh!! I secretly always had a special place for Mike, hence his presence in the story but I hope you like how he is getting so caught up in it.

Will he survive the next chapter…who KNOWS! Just hoped you like this somewhat long chapter.

Comment if you can, as I have some more thoughts I gotta work out.