Chapter Thirty Five
Bella
I asked Sue to check that Becca was OK later. I felt guilty that she was in so much pain although I hadn't done anything myself to encourage Jake. Billy told her that Becca was sleeping and Jake was with her and that made me feel a little better. Being on the reservation was hard for me too. It brought back memories of Charlie, and Edward, and the past. I just wanted to get in Harry's truck and drive, and keep driving until I reached Jasper and Peter. This had been a really bad idea but it was the only option. I just hoped they wouldn't be away too long or I thought there might be more trouble with Jake and Becca.
When the phone went in the middle of the night it scared me although I had no idea why. I heard Harry's voice as he answered then called for Sue, so opening my door I asked what was wrong.
"Becca's gone into labour and she wants Sue to go to the hospital with her"
"Where's Jake?"
"On patrol"
I groaned, this would be yet another wedge between Becca and I, she would blame me if Jake didn't make it in time for the birth of their baby. I couldn't get back to sleep so I made coffee and took a mug out onto the porch surprised to see Leah there.
"Oh sorry, I didn't know anyone was out here"
She looked at me with her usual sneer,
"How convenient, Jake being on patrol when Becca needs him, looking after you instead."
"Look I didn't arrange this. I don't want Jake and he knows it"
"No he doesn't. He follows you round like a puppy dog. Even this baby won't keep him away from you Bella. You're bad news for him. Why did you come here? We don't need trouble with vampires, hiding you here"
"I'm sorry you feel like that Leah. I never meant to hurt anyone."
She snorted and walked off into the woods without a backwards glance. She was right in a way. As long as I was here Becca and Jake didn't stand a chance although it wasn't my doing. I tried desperately to think of somewhere else I could go but there was nowhere else.
Jake
I'd been on patrol for about four hours when I got the message that Becca was at the hospital and Embry came to take my place so I could go to her. I went home first to change and get the truck but Billy wasn't there. I guessed he'd gone with her to the hospital with Sue and I was grateful for that. I wondered if Bella knew, she had to if Sue was with Becca and it crossed my mind to use the opportunity to talk to her again but I knew it was useless. I needed should be with my wife and I turned my motorbike round and headed to the hospital.
Bella
I sat at breakfast with Harry, still waiting to hear news of Becca but so far it had been quiet. He looked at me a couple of times as if about to speak so in the end I started,
"You have something on your mind Harry?"
"Yes. I'm worried about Becca and Jake. We offered you sanctuary and that stands but I worry that you will be a distraction for Jake at a time he doesn't need it."
"What can I do Harry?"
"Would you mind if I tried to find you somewhere else Bella? Only I don't like the atmosphere here"
"Where?"
"Another Reservation where they have guardians to keep you safe"
"Yes that would be a good idea but what about Jasper?"
"I'll call you as soon as he gets back."
I nodded my agreement and he went through to make some phone calls. I wondered how he would explain wanting to foist vampire bait on another tribe. It would be an interesting conversation but I stayed to finish my breakfast.
Harry
I rang around and a friend on the Crow Reservation in Montana offered Bella sanctuary until her man returned for her, although they wouldn't allow him on their land so I arranged that when he arrived I would come to collect her. I knew she wasn't expecting to be so far away but it was the best I could do for her. It was just too dangerous for her to stay here, I wouldn't put any of our people at risk in the way Jake and Becca were while she remained. I went back to explain the situation to her while waiting for Sam to arrive. He and three of the pack would transport Bella safely to The Crow Reservation and we planned on her going straight away, before Jake got back with Becca and the baby.
Bella
I was sad to be leaving people I knew but happy to be getting away from Jake and Becca. It was further from Jasper and Peter but I would still be safe and that's all they would be interested in. Sam arrived with Paul, Leah and Jared, a real friendly bunch to travel with but they would keep me safe so I couldn't really complain. We had Billy's truck again and were gone by early afternoon, Sam drove while Leah sat beside me tight-lipped and silent. The others rode in the flat-bed which was a relief, I didn't have Paul glaring at me too. We stopped when it started to get dark, eating at a small roadside Diner before driving on.
"We're not stopping again Bella. I don't want you off safe ground for any longer than we have to. Can you sleep as we drive?"
I nodded, my eyes were already closing on their own and I'd slumped into Leah who tensed up but kept quiet and I think I must have fallen asleep.
Sam
Leah was really unhappy at this trip but I didn't want too many of the boys off the Res with Jake at the hospital and Seth still healing. Bella had fallen asleep, her head on Leah s shoulder and my ex girlfriend was uncomfortable,
"You want to swap with one of the boys in the back?"
"I'm fine. Lets just get shot of her and get back where we belong, on the Res looking after our own."
"Leah, it's not Bella's fault and I'd have done it for Charlie anyway"
"Well Charlie's dead and she's just trouble Sam. Trouble we don't need."
I gave up trying to talk to her and concentrated on the road which was just as well because I had to hit the brakes hard when I saw a dead deer carcass stretched across the road. Must have been hit by a semi or something.
The boys jumped out to move it before I could stop them. I'd seen a flash of white in the trees and opening the window shouted them back. I was too late as Victoria launched her attack. Before Jared could phase she'd caught him by the neck and twisted. I heard the sound as his neck broke and she dropped his limp body to the road smiling at me. Then she ran for it and the others, phasing on the run, chased after her.
"Leah stay here with Bella in case she doubles back."
She didn't like it but it was a command so she would obey. I threw a glance at Bella,
"Stay in the truck"
before following the others into the woods.
Leah
Great, all I needed, playing nurse maid to Jake's cast off while the guys had all the fun. I looked at Bella cowering in the corner of the cab before getting out and phasing so I'd be ready if that red-haired bitch came back. I could smell her scent burning my nostrils but there was another and it was getting closer. Just as caustic but not her. I peered into the darkness seeing a shadow moving in the tree tops. I stood by Bella's door growling loudly. She looked out and I saw her eyes widen before I heard the scream. Then I heard no more.