Chapter 17

A/N: Hello everyone... Because of the way the last chapter was written there was a lot of questions about the why's and how's of the scene with Bella and Laurent... While I had intended to leave it a mystery a while longer, I have decided to answer some pressing questions sooner than I had anticipated.

This particular scene was written in tribute to the car scene from the movie Twilight when Edward rushes in to save Bella from the group of teens accosting her in the parking lot... I really hope I have done it justice.

As usual... Thanks so much for reading, commmenting, following and favoriting this story... You all have inspired my best work to date. Thanks so much for being a part of this story.

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Bella had never run so fast in her entire life. Unable to hold the phone to her ear, and maintain her pace, her knuckles turned white as she held the cell in an iron grip at her side. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed Victoria was right on her heels, and Laurent's swift gait carried him several feet beside her.

"Run, little mouse," Laurent called after her, a certain thrill coating his words as he gave chase. "Makes the game so much more fun."

Game? This certainly was no fucking game. She felt as though she were running for her life, and to her credit, she wasn't far from the mark. If this were a game, what would they do to her once they caught her? Why had they chosen her? With all these questions jumbling her thoughts, her steps nearly faltered as she sought escape. If she survived this there would be plenty of time to contemplate everything else later. If there was a later…

If she didn't act fast there would be no hope in escaping. The van had left the parking lot and was tracking their progress down the street. She could hear the tires splashing through puddles and crunching over pebbles as it crept down the street.

Considering the size of the vehicle, changing directions would be the hardest for the van, and with that in mind, she made a dash toward the buildings lining the opposite side of the street. Ignoring the blinding brightness of its headlights as the van passed her, she stole through the shadows, keeping close to the towering buildings.

Luckily, her agility propelled her several feet ahead of the redhead in pursuit. Pushing herself faster, she darted into an opening between two building coming out into an alleyway, she barely had time to contemplate her next move before shooting to the left. Her thighs screamed with the effort she exuded, her lungs burning as they fought for oxygen, her feet soaked as she stomped through puddle after puddle.

Thankfully, the cover of night was on her side. Normally, while a big bright moon may have given away her location, the cover of clouds lined the alley with dark outlines of the surrounding buildings. She was just about to exit the alley when the van screeched to a halt in front of the opening, effectively cutting off her escape.

A quick survey only left one option. Laurent was somewhere to her left, and Victoria was several feet behind her, and the god damn van was blocking her front. Seeing a sidewalk between two houses, she jetted in that direction at the last minute, her feet sliding over the wet pavement, nearly causing her to fall.

Belatedly, she regained her footing, feeling something tangle in her hair, several strands yanked by the root. A cry left her lips as she forced her limbs to keep moving, Victoria's presence looming only a few feet behind her, the woman's fingers ripped from her hair as she pushed faster and faster. Turning to the left all of a sudden in attempt to throw Victoria off, she had a brief rush of adrenaline, the extra energy gaining her some distance. Chancing a look behind her, the redhead slipped further and further away, appearing to have slowed considerably.

Taking advantage of her position, she dashed across the adjacent street, and turned toward the car dealership on the corner. Spotting rows upon rows of cars and trucks twenty feet away, she darted toward the trucks at the back of the lot in hopes of using their bulk to conceal her. Bella didn't even hesitate as she spied a tire iron in one of the beds of a Dodge Ram. Quickly, she scrambled up into the bed, and grabbed the tool into tight fingers.

Staying low in the bed she crept to the back, keeping the cab at her back, she chanced a glance around, her chest heaving for breath, her throat burning. Remembering the phone at her side, she lifted it to her ear, whispering frantically, "Edward?"

To her complete dismay she found the line dead. Quick thinking, she typed her location as she spied the name of the dealership in the messenger bubble and hit send. Tucking the phone back in her pocket, she slowly made her way toward the tailgate she'd moments ago climbed, seeing no sign of her pursuers, she hesitantly climbed from the bed.

Gulping down a quick breath, she turned, heading further into the dealership. Cursing the bright overhead lights, she stayed close to the truck as she contemplated where to go. At least with the thick lines of vehicles the van's pursuit was nonexistent, she determined as she snuck around the lot.

When several minutes passed and she saw no sign of Victoria or Laurent, she edged closer to the road in front of the dealership, ducking along an Avalanche. Coming to the perimeter, she peeked around the wall, her heart freezing in her chest when she spotted Laurent ten, maybe fifteen feet away. He was clucking to himself, yet his back was to her. With a hard swallow, Bella looked toward her right just in time to see Victoria come from an adjacent street, once again flanking her from both sides.

"Ah… there you are, mouse," she fairly cackled when her head whipped around and spotted Bella. "Laurent, she's twenty feet behind you."

Spurred into action, Bella had to determine which person she'd be more likely to conquer, the woman that was fairly closer in size, or the monster of man behind her. Deciding to take her chances with the busty redhead, Bella ran in her direction, her hold on the tire iron tightening as she prepared herself for using the weapon.

Apparently, Victoria was unaware of the weapon in her hand. Long fingers tangled in her hair, jerky Bella's head back, causing her to wipe around to face her assailant. On high alert, Bella lashed out with the solid weapon, her hand vibrating as she made contact. The sheer surprise on Victoria's face was enough to send pleasure through Bella. Victoria's eyes went wide, a cry leaving her lips as she faltered, her hands going to her ribs.

As the girl's grip went lax on her hair, Bella took the opportunity to dash out of reach, heading directly toward the street. She'd just landed on the sidewalk when the van turned the corner down the street and upon instinct, Bella shot in the opposite direction. She could hear the vehicle gaining on her, it's engine roaring as the threat grew closer, and Bella knew she was done for.

She was about to give up entirely when a Kawasaki flew out from the street in front of her. The motorcycle sliding on the wet pavement as it skidded to a stop in front of her. The black helmet concealing the rider, yet instinct told her, Edward had once again come to her rescue. The dark figure on the ninja bike, urging her onto the back, a hand shooting out to lock on her bicep. Holding her tightly, he waited until she had a firm seat behind him, and her arms wound tight around his waist before he turned and sped off in high gear, seconds before the van would have crushed them both.

They'd no sooner shot forward when two other motorcycles appeared from the same direction Edward had appeared. Bella had a brief epiphany, as she clutched Edward's waist, knowing the other riders were in fact Rosalie and Emmett.

She turned to watch over her shoulder as the riders bypassed them heading directly into the fight. The broad rider was most definitely Emmett, and he was now chasing Laurent. The man she'd found most lethal was cowering down the street, yet Emmett showed no mercy as he bore down. Bella grimaced when Emmett made a quick swing with the tail end of his bike through a thick puddle, and Laurent went over backwards, landing flat on his back, coated with rainwater.

Bella noticed Victoria clutching her side as Rosalie drove directly toward the woman. Sliding to a stop a few feet from the woman, Rosalie's foot shot out hooking the woman behind her knee, and with a quick pull, knocked Victoria from her feet. The van had long since given up pursuit as his companions were defeated.

Shuddering as the magnitude of the situation claimed her, Bella buried her face against Edward's shoulder, only faintly aware when Emmett and Rosalie flanked them. Unstoppable tears dripped from her eyes into Edward's leather jacket, her fingers clawing at his midsection, all of her muscles screaming from overuse.

She was briefly surprised when they didn't turn to home directly. Instead they rode along the deserted street at a breakneck speed. That's when it dawned on Bella, they were apparently worried about being followed as they turned several times. The last thing they wanted to do was lead someone dangerous to their home, she realized.

Exhilaration filled her, taking some of the shock she was currently experiencing, and her death grip on Edward's waist gradually loosened. Even while some of the tension left her sore muscles, the waterworks fell unheeded down her cheeks.

What the hell was that? They'd been waiting for her. God, what would have happened if they'd caught her? Another shudder shook her form at the thought. Who were they? What did they want? Would this be the end of it, or would she forever have to look over her shoulder?

Pillowing her cheek against Edward's back, she turned her gaze to the line of trees, their shadows currently blacker than the sky above. If she hadn't just run for her life, she would have taken comfort in the night air wiping through her hair, and the humming vibrations from the bike beneath her.

Noticing the bike to her left veer off and change directions, she watched over her shoulder as Emmett turned the royal blue bike and sped off down the street. Bella assumed he was making sure they weren't being followed, gratitude filling her as she glanced to Rosalie who still rode at their side. The silver helmet Rose wore turned in her direction, and with a stiff nod, she too shot away, yet she drove ahead of them.

Knowing she had such a loyal following, emotion choked her once again, and more tears tracked down her cheeks. Sniffling, Bella unwound one arm, swiping at the cascade of tears. She was safe now. There was nothing left to fear. Shivering at the thought, she burrowed closer to Edward's warmth, taking comfort in his sturdy form.

After what seemed like an eternity Rosalie and Emmett returned to Edward's side and together, they headed for home. Bella's sense of security rocketed by staggering degrees when they turned off the main road onto the gravel driveway of Edward's home. Coming to the garage Edward slowed up, his foot dragging through rocks as his balance shifted on the bike, Bella taking a cue as she followed suit. Hitting the kickstand, Edward turned the bike off, leaving it parked before the garage door.

Instantly, he turned to Bella once he was firmly on his feet, his long fingers wrapping around the nape of her neck and pulling her into his arms. Willingly, she went burying her face into the warm leather covering his chest as he slid the helmet from his head and placed it on the back of the bike. Firmly in his embrace, Bella trembled, collapsing against him.

Edward didn't wait for her to stop shaking, dipping, he lifted her weight against his chest. Emmett led the way up the walk, throwing the door wide as they entered the house and headed to the living space. Rosalie already had her phone in her hand as she strode behind them. "I'm calling the desk sergeant. I'll have them send a squad car to take a statement. Hopefully, they will find these creeps before they hurt someone."

"Bella, everything's going to be okay. I got you now, and no one is going to hurt you. I swear it, Bella." Edward brushed the hair from Bella's face, his lips twisting as the thought of her being hurt played through his mind. Tears still trickled down her cheeks, and he used the pad of his finger to smear the wetness from the corner of her eyes. He would have never forgiven himself if something had happened to her. He should have left the house the second she expressed a concern about the customer. When her flooded brown eyes met his, he whispered, "I swear as long as there is breath in my body… nothing… nothing will ever come close to you again."

"I don't… I don't understand," she started breaking off as she wiped at the wetness on her cheeks. "I've never… nothing like has ever happened… why?"

"I can't answer that," he started his voice breaking on emotion. The truth is he had no clue what their intent had been. There were numerous possibilities and none of them were any good. Yet this new current event, caused his past to flash before his eyes, leaving the blood in his veins running cold. His thumb brushed over the smooth surface of her lips. While he was attempting to sooth this woman's troubles, he was also seeking comfort from his own thoughts. "They won't touch you… ever. I swear it."

Before he could speak another word, Rosalie stepped in front of the couch, running a tender touch over Bella's hair. "Edward, the desk sergeant is sending a car. They'll be here any minute."

Edward's nostrils flared on a wave of emotion. He hated relinquishing his hold on this incredible woman yet answering questions from the police wasn't at the top of his priorities at the moment. The cops needed to focus on finding this threat Bella was facing. With reluctance Edward's hold on Bella went lax, and he eased her off his lap. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he pushed himself free of the couch, passing his siblings an intense stare. "Take care of her… Don't leave her."

"Edward, no one… and I mean no one… will get close to Bella," Emmett stated adamantly. "Go on upstairs… I will call you the second they leave."

Edward absolutely hated leaving Bella in her hour of greatest need. Forcibly, he left the living room, and leapt up the staircase, his frame landing against the wall as he awaited the police. From this vantage point he should be able to hear every word spoken between them. His stomach churned, his nerves on edge as he replayed the scene in town. The stricken look on Bella's face when he'd arrived just in time to keep the van from plowing into her delicate frame.

That wild, panicky light in her gaze brought to life memories he'd long since buried. Jasper's pale face taking the place of Bella's as Edward slid down the wall, his head falling into his hands as he crouched there, remembering another time and another place. Before his mind could wander too far, the beam of headlights coming through the windows alerted him to the cop's arrival. Bracing his feet, he lifted himself, his head hanging on his shoulders when the light grew brighter the closer it came.

The hard rap of a fist hitting the door caused Edward's head to jerk in response. His lip curling on a snarl, cursing himself for not being there next to Bella. The door was immediately pulled open and he heard the heavy tread of footfalls as the cop stepped inside on the tile. Rosalie's voice carrying as she said, "She's in here."

He heard them pass into the living room, his head tilting to hear them as they begun to speak. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"I was leaving the diner after locking up. I was about twenty feet from my car when a customer that's been coming in stepped out from behind the dumpster. I noticed a van coming up the road, getting ready to turn into the parking lot." Bella related the events slowly as if she too were trying to make since of what happened. "I looked behind me, and this woman was right behind me. Of course, I freaked out and started running."

"They were right on my heels the entire way. I ran between some houses, and down an alley. I ran into this parking lot and got into a bed of a truck where I found a tire iron. At first, I thought I'd lost them, but when I crept to the edge of the lot there they were."

"Can you give me a description of the assailants?"

"The man was a well-built black man. He has dreads down his back almost to his butt, and some sort of accent. Maybe English or Australian. The woman is around my age with long spiral curly red hair. Kind of pink lips, and pale skin. He said her name is Victoria and he said, his is Laurent."

"Did they say anything to you while there were chasing you?"

"He said run little mouse… It makes the game so much more fun… It was really weird like they honestly believe this was some sort of game."

Edward nearly fainted on the spot as her words reached him. A game? The game… holy fuck… Long red hair… Dreads… It simply wasn't possible. How in the fuck had they found him? Did they know he was here? If they did why were they targeting Bella? Did they know of the connection between them? How would that even be possible? Or were they simply looking for new prey? The latter seemed to be the most relevant.

Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew the waded picture and unfolded the polaroid. That devilish smile and wicked blue eyes. His hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. Yet, Bella hadn't mentioned him. Had he been the one in the van?

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind when he heard the cop ask. "Did you get a look of the driver in the van?"

"No… no… things happened so fast. I couldn't see inside. The windows were tinted, and I couldn't stop running long enough to look."

"I'll put their description into the database when I get back to the station and see what I can find. I'll also issue an APB for a five-hundred-mile radius. If there is anyone matching their description, we will know about it within hours."

Edward barely heard the cop cross the floor and leave the house. Blindly, he stared at the photo in his hand. James… fucking James… he should have killed the bastard five years ago.

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