Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephanie Meyer. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Previously:

I shake my head and focus my attention on the road. Tanya's thoughts circle around what lingerie she should wear to what colour scheme she should use and finally she thinks about Irina and Kate and if she will ever see them again. I see now why Tanya's thoughts seemed forced a few moments ago – she misses her sisters – that's understandable I suppose. Another half an hour and we'll be at our destination. Once preparations have been completed and our forces are ready, she can call her sisters and invite them here. The more the merrier!

Chapter 36

Bella's POV

I have been watching the scenery blur pass as Edward sped through the empty back roads to God only knows where. I want so badly to just break down and cry, throw a major tantrum – and I would do it if I thought it would make even an ounce of difference. Instead, all I can do is think. I change my focus to watching the white lines blur past, my thoughts center on what's waiting at our destination, my mum, Jake and the pack and finally Jasper.

I take a deep shuddering breath as I feel tears pricking at my eyes. I will not let them see me cry! That's my mantra, on repeat. I decide that thinking of all my loved ones will only succeed in making me want to ball my eyes out; instead, I'll try and figure out Tanya's sudden change in attitude towards me.

I swear that chick is bipolar. Our first encounter she tried to kill my ass and now she tries to comfort me? It must be a trick or maybe I'm over-thinking things again. Although, she did seem quiet sincere, but then again their kind does have the ability to lure us into a false sense of security to get what they are after. My mind replays the events from earlier…

I just made it into the toilet and the relief is almost instantaneous, suddenly the door is slammed open and low and behold there stands little miss perfect with one hand on her hip glaring at me.

"Do you mind, or do you prefer to watch while the human uses the toilet?"

"Urg! Disgusting creatures. Hurry up!"

She turns and faces the mirror smiling to at her reflection while she turns from side to side admiring her silhouette. Conceited much?! I finish my business and flush and make my way to the sink, after washing my hands I turn to leave when I feel her hand on my shoulder

"Wait a moment" she pleads

I raise my eyebrow and tilt my head flicking my eyes from her face to where her hand is still holding onto my shoulder and back at her face. She quickly removes her appendage, and whispers an almost inaudible apology. I glance back at Tanya curiously, waiting for her to speak – or snap my neck. You never know what this tart is capable of.

"I'm sorry for what Edwards doing to you. I tried to get him to let you go but he refuses and now I'm afraid we are both in danger if we don't co-operate and do as he says until we're rescued or killed" Tanya looks into my eyes and I can see the venom gathering in her own. It's as if she's crying or rather trying to. "I'll do what I can to protect you from Edward, but you have to stop provoking him" she glares at me at the end of her speech.

It takes me a few minutes to understand what Tanya was trying to convey and when the pieces finally clicked a gasp of surprise slipped from my lips and I narrowed my eyes at her and take tentative steps backwards until I feel the wall against my back. This had to be a hoax.

"Why do you want to help me?" I hiss at her "you hate me, and given half the chance you would probably kill me yourself"

Tanya looks surprised for a split second before her eyes hardened as well, she stalked towards me, stopping inches from my face, our noses almost touching, before a smirk worked its way onto her face.

"If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead a long time ago human. I am trying to help, but if you think you can go at it alone, be my guest. We'll see how long you last" she turns towards the door shaking her head muttering "ungrateful" her hand on the door handle, she looks over her shoulder at me "let's go" she barks and pulls the door open and walks out.

Before my brain can catch up with my body, I am already chasing after her.

"Wait, please" she eventually stops "I accept your help" she gives me a stiff nod and continues walking "oh, and if you screw me over, I'll find a way to torch your fucking ass" I hiss lowly at her.

She flips a lock of hair over her shoulder and peers at me, with a wink and a smirk she mutters "game on" as she strolls towards where Edward is waiting not-so-patiently for us to return.

As my mind returns to the present, the questions that's been eating at my brain this entire time is, why in the hell does she want to help me? What's in it for her? Is this a trap? Did Edward put her up to this?

How do I find the positive amidst all this drama unfolding and where the fuck is Jasper and his band of merry men when a girl needs them? Am I supposed to do this shit alone? Well, not completely alone I guess, there is always Tanya…

Lord help us all!