Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Quick recap: last chapter, Bella wanted to see the Cullen house but changed her mind at the last minute because she didn't want to see it looking abandoned and neglected. Charlie and Edward have bonded over sport. And now after a night out in Port Angeles, Bella has run into her ex-boyfriend, Alexander, while Edward went to get the car.

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Alexander hadn't changed much. A bit broader in the shoulders maybe, and his hair was shorter, little more than a buzz cut. The scar was new, though. It ran down his left cheek towards the corner of his mouth – a white line that stood out from the dark stubble.

"Wow…" His gaze roamed over me. "You look great."

"Thanks. Um, you too."

He did look good. Happy. A stark contrast to the last time I saw him when, red-faced with shock and anger, he'd told me I'd fall apart without him and grabbed my wrist to stop me walking away.

He started to come closer, arms open, ready to hug me, but then quickly stepped back again when I folded my own arms across my chest. He shoved his hands in his pockets. I looked away down the street, wondering what to do next.

There was a time when I would have been fine about running into him like this. There was a time when I would have focused on the happy memories. But recently I'd begun to view our relationship in a different light, and those happy memories had become shadowed, and now I wasn't so comfortable.

Keep it polite. Keep it brief. Then walk away.

"So, this is a surprise, huh?" he said.

"Yeah." I managed a smile while my brain now tried to fathom a reason for him being here. He'd always planned to work in finance. Wall Street was his goal when I knew him, and home had been Florida. "Definitely didn't expect to see you here. Are you visiting your grandparents?" But I thought they'd moved.

"Nah, I live here now. Took over the guest house from Nan and Pops when they retired and turned it into an eco lodge."

"Oh…okay…great." My heart sank a little at the possibility of running into him whenever I came home to see Charlie.

"Yeah, it is pretty great." He grinned. "Really great, actually. I operate a tourist business as well. Guided hikes. Abseiling. Stuff like that." He nodded toward the building that formed the opposite wall of the alley. "That's mine," he said proudly. "Who Dares, Hikes. Guided Adventures. I was just locking up for the night."

The large logo on the glass shop-front showed a hiker climbing a mountain, flag in hand. In the window, subtle overhead lighting showcased an elaborate, almost artistic, display of abseiling ropes and hiking boots. It was a professional looking set-up. He was obviously here for the long-haul.

"Wow." My heart sank further. "Congratulations."

"Thanks." He puffed out his chest. "And how good is that name, right? Came up with it myself. It's my version of the SAS motto. You know the one? Who Dares, Wins. Gives a real feel of being on the edge. Going to the extreme. That's what we do, extreme hiking. Off-grid, rugged terrain. Night hikes. That sort of thing."

He spoke with passion and enthusiasm and I wondered how the special forces unit of the British army would feel about his bastardisation of their motto. I also wondered just how qualified Alexander was to lead these extreme adventures. Did he still think a whistle and a bell was all he needed to stay safe in the woods?

"You're probably wondering why I didn't go into the stock market like I'd planned…"

"Um…"

"Too risky these days," he continued before I could even voice an answer. "Eco tourism is where the real money is right now so business is booming for me. Can hardly keep up with the bookings and I have plans to expand. I've been sending up drones to look for locations…"

He went on with the one-sided conversation but that wasn't surprising – Alexander had always liked to talk about himself. He'd always liked to build himself up, take the lead, be in charge and in control. When we were first dating, I'd thought he was funny, outgoing, confident. And I'd had so little to say for myself back then, it had been good to be with someone who talked enough for both of us. Someone who planned for both of us. The problems had started when I found my voice.

"Things are only going to get bigger for me," he continued. He never asked about me or what I was doing. Not that I cared. I didn't feel the need to share any details of my life with him. "I'm going to open a chain of adventure lodges. Go national. Even international. Here…" He took a business card from his pocket and held it out. "Take it," he said when I hesitated. "It won't bite."

I slipped it into my bag to be polite. "Sounds like exciting times for you," I said, then gestured towards the street. "Well, I should probably be…"

"Exciting is an understatement." He interrupted me. "I think I'm going to take out the Washington Entrepreneur Award next year and that comes with a hundred grand prize. You probably regret leaving me now, huh?" He laughed and rocked back on his heels. I tugged my coat tighter around me and took a couple of steps towards the street.

"Nah, I'm just kidding," he said. "But it wouldn't have worked much longer between us, anyway. I mean, you told me not to go walking in the woods, remember?"

"I remember saying it wasn't safe to go off the trails."

He laughed again. "Whatever. Anyway, I guess it's a good thing I didn't listen to you."

I gave him a thin smile. "I guess so."

"You would've just held me back. Hey…kidding, again." He sighed when I didn't respond. "Still can't take a joke, I see."

Why was he like this? We could have had a quick hello, how have you been? conversation and then gone our separate ways but no, he had to be a dick.

It was definitely time to wrap this up. He was only trying to provoke some sort of reaction from me, and I wasn't going to let him.

The rain had stopped. My goodbye was forming on my lips and I was already turning away, ready to walk in the direction of Edward and the car because it was probably better if the two of them didn't meet anyway, when Alexander took out his keys.

"Come in for a drink. I've got a bar fridge in the back office." He extended his hand as he came closer. "C'mon…for old times' sake."

My refusal was cut off by the roar of an engine. Our rental car was performing a sweeping turn across the road before pulling up sharply at the kerb in the No Standing zone. The driver's door swung open and Edward stepped out. He came straight for me, striding across the sidewalk, and in the silver glow of the streetlights, wearing his long dark coat, he seemed bigger than his six feet, four. And more than a little menacing.

"Whoa, geez…you know him?" Alexander took a quick step back, away from me.

"Yeah," I said smugly. "That's Edward. My fiancé."

The shock on Alexander's face was worth his earlier barbed comments, but my smugness was quickly extinguished as I wondered now how Edward was going to react.

His dark emerald gaze was focused on Alexander as he came to a stop beside me, casually draped his arm over my shoulder and kissed the top of my head.

"Sorry I took so long, love. Someone parked me in and I had to do a 23 point turn to get out. Everything okay here?"

"Everything's fine." Except for the fact that it looked like I'd now have to introduce my fiancé to my ex.

I motioned at Alexander. "I just ran into…"

"Alexander, isn't it?" Edward finished my introduction with a coolly polite smile, completely surprising me. "Bella's mentioned you."

How did he know? Had Alice seen something and called him?

"I…yeah…I…." Alexander stuttered a vague sort of response. "Um…"

"He's set up business here," I filled him in, pointing to the shop. "He was just locking up while I was waiting for you."

Meanwhile, Alexander was trying to recover himself. He wouldn't like being caught on the back foot like this, and I could see him trying to gather himself. Trying to take charge again. Wondering how much I'd told Edward about him. So I wasn't surprised when he suddenly puffed out his chest and squared his shoulders, pulling himself up to his full height, which still didn't match Edward's.

"Yeah," he said, and his easy smile made me wary. "I came out of the store and there she was. Stalking me." He chuckled. "Nah, not really. Just one of those crazy coincidences and we've been catching up. Bella was interested in my business. Extreme hiking." He gestured towards the shop as he gave Edward an appraising look. "You spend much time in the woods?"

"Some. Not as much as I used to," Edward answered dryly.

"Really? Where?" The challenge was clear in Alexander's voice.

"Fairbanks. Yellow Knife. Here in the Olympic…"

"Yeah, they've all got some decent tourist treks." Alexander cut him off with a nod and a smirk. "Standard stuff. Pretty tame if you're staying on the trails. Which most city-types do." His eyes went over Edward again, obviously sizing him up.

"Actually, Edward's climbed Everest," I chimed in and watched Alexander deflate.

Edward shrugged, like it was no big deal. "It was a couple of years ago, now."

"That'd be from the south side, yeah? From Nepal?" Alexander was quickly all puffed up again, desperately trying to recover. Desperately trying to put himself back on top. "That's become pretty much a tourist trek these days, overcrowded with …"

"Northeast ridge via the Kangshung Face," Edward interrupted smoothly. "From Tibet."
Alexander blinked rapidly, his mouth a thin, tight line as he stared at Edward. There was no topping this. The Northeast ridge was the most difficult and dangerous path up the mountain. Edward had won. So now would be a good time to say goodbye.

I tugged on Edward's arm, letting him know I wanted to go.

"So, Bella's mentioned me, huh?" Alexander said suddenly. "Unfortunately, she didn't mention you." He shot me a confused smile. "Why didn't you tell me you were with someone, Bella?"

Seriously? He couldn't top Everest so he was going to play this game? Edward didn't react, except to slide his arm down to curl round my waist and pull me closer, deeper, into his side. His hand splayed possessively over my hip as I nestled comfortably against him.

"I would have told you," I said icily. "If you'd let me get a word in."

Alexander laughed. "Yeah, okay, fair point. But hey, you had a chance to say something when you took my phone number, or when I asked you in for a drink." Then he gave Edward an apologetic smile. "Sorry man, if she'd only said something…"

Asshole! I was ready to rip into him, call him out for his twisted words, until I felt Edward's reassuring squeeze of my hip. That coolly polite smile was still on his lips, and he still didn't rise to the bait, despite Alexander's efforts to provoke.

"No problem," Edward said. "I understand. Perfectly." His face was smooth, his voice calm, almost detached. But around my waist, his arm was like a steel cable. His jaw was hard. I wished I could see his eyes properly, but it was difficult from where I was, tucked so close against him. But Alexander sure looked uncomfortable all of a sudden.

Good.

And now I'd really had enough. A sudden wave of exhaustion hit me and I just wanted to go home. No more words, no more point-scoring. No goodbyes. Just get in the car and go. I didn't owe Alexander any more of my time, or energy, and Edward seemed to read my mind.

"We won't keep you from the rest of your evening," he said, dismissing Alexander with little more than a glance as he turned away.

"Come on," Edward said softly, his hand gentle on the small of my back as he guided me. "Let's go."

We were at the car when Alexander's voice followed us.

"Hey, Bella, no goodbye? He says it's time to go and you just go? I thought you didn't like other people making decisions for you? That's what you used to tell me."

Edward hesitated, stopping mid-motion as he reached for the door handle.

"Just ignore him," I whispered quickly. "Please."

Edward remained frozen for just a moment, then gave a sharp nod of his head. He opened the door and held it for me. But Alexander still hadn't got the reaction he was looking for.

"Hey, it was nice to meet you, Eddie," he called as I settled myself in the seat. "And it was great to see you again Bella, baby. You're looking mighty fine."

Still Edward didn't react. He came round to the driver's side and opened the door.

"Congratulations on the engagement!" Alexander called out. "And don't worry about those photos, Bella." He took out his phone, waving it in the air. "You remember those special ones? I'll keep 'em safe. For my eyes only…oh fuck! Oh fuck! Shit…no…"

He didn't stand a chance. Edward had moved so fast he was almost a blur as he flew across the footpath, grabbed Alexander, swung him round, and slammed him hard into the alley wall. His head bounced like a ball against the bricks.

I felt sick. Alexander's lie was a gut punch. I could hardly breathe and my denials choked and died in my throat as I clambered out of the car, tripped over my feet and almost fell onto the pavement.

In the alley, Alexander was snivelling, whimpering, confessing all while Edward held him in place. "Th…there are no…no photos. There never were…"

Edward towered over him, unnaturally still, chillingly silent, more vampire than human, it seemed. I stopped in my tracks with the smell of Alexander's fear in my nostrils, and panic hammering in my chest.

Was this what Edward had looked like all those years ago? Bringing the world to rights in dark alleys as he snared his prey in the shadows - an avenging angel, as beautiful as he was terrifying?

"I swear it was a lie. I swear." Alexander whispered hoarsely, his words tumbling from his mouth. "I promise I never…I didn't…she wouldn't…" He stopped sharply when Edward snarled, lip curling back over his teeth. A guttural, savage sound that ricocheted off the alley walls, and shocked me.

The phone dropped from Alexander's hand, clattering onto the alley floor where Edward smoothly ground it to pieces beneath the heel of his boot. He did it without even looking.

The crack of plastic and glass echoed in the dark silence of the alley. I shifted from foot to foot, shiver after shiver rolling like waves over my skin, wishing this would stop. Right now.

"Edward…" I whispered. "Edward please, he's not worth it. I mean, he's a total dick, but he's not worth it."

Alexander whimpered again. "She's right, I'm not. I'm really not." If he was expecting Edward to soften with that admission, he was mistaken. "What…what are you g…gonna do? To me?"

Edward cocked his head to his shoulder – one of those slow, supernaturally smooth movements - like he was considering his options. But his death-stare stayed in place. His past was all there in his eyes. I could see it even from where I stood.

Alexander swallowed hard. "You…you look like you're gonna r..r..rip my throat out."

The darkest of smiles graced Edward's lips. "Not tonight," he said.

He stepped back then, letting go of Alexander as he did so. Alexander sagged against the alley wall but kept his terrified gaze on Edward. His breath shuddered in his chest.

"I'm…I'm sorry," he stammered. Edward gestured towards me and Alexander immediately turned his apologies in my direction. "I'm so sorry, Bella. Really. It was a shit thing to do and you didn't deserve that."

I gave a faint nod of my head. Hesitantly, he turned back to Edward who continued to glare as he spoke one word…

"Run."

Alexander took off like a bullet, almost falling over his own feet as he ran down the road and out of sight round the corner. Edward quickly pulled me into his arms, holding me hard against him. Holding me like he'd never let me go.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured. "So, so sorry."

I pulled back to stare at him, confused. His eyes were soft, gentle now. Almost contrite.

"What d'you mean?"

He shook his head, took a deep breath. "I guess I went vamp, as you call it."

Is that what he was sorry about?

"Yeah. You did." I cracked a smile. "Like that night back in Sydney, outside the restaurant, but more so. Like, the full vamp." But then my smile wavered. "There were no photos. You do believe that, don't you?"

"I knew it was a lie as soon as he said it."

There was certainty in his eyes. And love. I reached up to touch his face.

"Then why the big reaction? And how did you recognise him? Did Alice…"

A loud clap of thunder sounded from above and I flinched. Edward tightened his hold on me as he looked skyward. "Alice didn't call," he murmured. "It's about to rain again." He turned his gaze back to me. "Lets talk in the car."

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A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Again.

I won't bore you with the details of what's going on here, but I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can.

Thank you all for your patience, and the amazing reviews you continue to write. They are appreciated so very much xx