Alice hissed as she, walked into the parking lot.

"Darn it rose, I can't see jasper or Emmett. There futures just disappeared right before lunch started. Did you sign us out Edward? I can't bear to sit through sixth period especially without jasper."

Edward didn't answer. He was walking with them, but he seemed to be lost.

"Edward?'" Alice called.

After a few more moments, Edward turned to Alice and said "Bella signed herself out today. That's why she wasn't at lunch. The excuse was a doctor's appointment. Tell me Alice have you seen anything? is she ok?"

"oh my gosh Edward don't start this. Bella is human. Humans go to the hospital. Humans get sick. Just chill out! Damn it where is Emmett!?" Rosalie snarled.

Alice went to reply but her voice caught in her throat when a vison began. Of course, Edward seeing it himself shot off towards the woods like a rocket.

"Rose! Call Carlisle! Tell him Victoria's been spotted!"

….

Emmett had found Carlisle and Esme just as Carlisle got the phone call.

"Victoria's been spotted. Rose, Alice and Edward will meet us halfway."

As the trio ran Emmett called jasper.

"Jas! Lockdown the house! I repeat lockdown the house! We have a code red!"

As soon as jasper hung up, he went into the kitchen where Bella was.

"Bella." he called with a serious voice.

Bella stopped what she was doing and looked up.

"listen. I am going to put the house on lockdown. Metal shutters are going down every window and door of the house. No one will be able to get in or out. Now, I don't want you to panic. I know you have work but your going to need to call off. The family will be back soon."

Bella didn't get to ask any questions because jasper ran to the front door, pressed a button and ran out before the metal shutters could close on him. Bella was alone.

And of course, panic set through her. The only reason the house would be on lockdown would be because of Victoria. She had to be out there.

However, Bella couldn't no, she wouldn't allow herself to panic. It would be bad for her health. It was already bad enough she had a few health problems. Her doctor had revealed to her today.

Flashback:

"Well Ms. Swan, we have much to discuss. Your underweight, lethargic and from our test it seems you have Iron deficiency anemia, which is obviously causing you to be lethargic. And from what you've told me before you have been vomiting more then normal. Bouts of dizziness, have any headaches recently?"

Bella's face was read with shame. She knew she hadn't taken care of herself but she had no clue it was to this magnitude.

"um no. no headaches."

"ok, I see well, I will tell you the good news Ms. Swan, with you only being two weeks pregnant, we stop this early. So I'm prescribing you special iron pills plus the normal pre-natal vitamins. Plus, I want you to find a pregnancy base stress free activity. Something that will help you relax. We want this baby and you to be as healthy as possible."

End flashback

Bella sighed as she chopped the apples Esme had in the fridge. Well, Victoria chasing after her was definitely not stress free.

"Darn it! I hate standing by helpless! There has to be something I can do! I men am I just supposed to stand to the side while everyone fights?" she questioned no one. "and I know while I'm the main target, its not just me there fighting for. Everyone wants there lives to go back to some kind of normalcy. Everyone's lives are at stake. So, how can I make this easier on them? well staying safe and not doing anything stupid for one. Maybe…maybe I could leave town or something…give everyone a break from stressing out over who's going to watch the human."

Her thoughts were soon interrupted when she felt the nausea roll in. good thing, she made it to the sink in time.

…..

Edward Cullen roared as he almost had Victoria's ankle in his grasp, however, she was fast and dived down just in time.

Her thoughts were sporadic, and he couldn't decipher her next move.

"she's going to get away!" Esme shouted once Victoria slipped from Edwards grasp.

"No, she's not!" jasper shouted as the wolves joined them in the chase. With the treated uplifted, it was now easier for both parties to cross over the border.

The chase had been on for a full two hours and they still had no luck. Victoria was heading for the Canadian border now.

This was when things turned for the good. At least partially.

"Paul!" Emmett shouted "Go with maneuver four! Break the bitch's arms!"

It was then Emmett sped up and tried to get in front of Victoria cutting her off. Victoria let out a cat like smile.

"trying for a trap! Well your too slow!"

"actually, I think you're the one that's too slow!"

It was then Victoria realized her mistake. She then found herself surrounded on both sides. And just as she jumped up to try and escape. Something chopped down on her leg.

Victoria hissed. She would not be taken down like this.

With a strong arm, she managed to flip the wolf and slam him hard on the ground. She heard a satisfying yelp.

And just as the blonde vampire tried to grab her, she jumped for the trees and dashed away. but not without damage. Half her foot was gone. Just great.

"Paul!" Emmett shouted as the chase ended. By now, the wolf pack had stopped and surrounded the injured wolf. Within seconds variety colors of fur had turned in copper skin.

Carlisle stepped forward and assessed the situation.

"his arm is broken, and it looks like the bone has shattered. His thigh bone seems to be fractured as well. I'll need to take a closer look. '"

Sam growled and barking orders for a few to continue a tight patrol and the rest to help carry Paul.

"Sam, If I may, it would be easier if he were brought to my home. Its closer and ill have all the supplies."

Sam looked uncomfortable. It was one thing to work togather on the battlefield but to enter a cold one's home, however a pain filled groan from Paul made his decision.

"That's fine."

The group made it to the Cullen's in record time.

"yo, what's up with the metal all over the house?" Jared asked

"I'm intrigued as well. Carlisle why is the armor over the house? "Rosalie as she began to pick pine needles from her hair.

"its for protection." Carlisle muttered as he put the code in.

Jacob began to ask as question as to why vampires would need armor on there house but stopped once Edward lunged for Jasper.

"YOU BASTARD! YOU LEFT BELLA ALONE!"

Emmett immediately got between his fighting brothers.

"Dammit Edward stop it! we needed all hands-on deck! Ok! She was safe here! we took all the precautions! Now, Carlisle needs to focus, and Bella needs to remain calm! We can't have her stressed out!"

Edward pushed from his brothers grasp.

"why are you so concerned about her all of sudden? What are you hiding? matter of fact what are you and jasper hiding. You guys have been keeping secrets ever since you came back from visting her. w-"

Edwards angry tangent stopped when he heard a gasp from inside. It sounded like Bella.

Edward went to run inside but was pulled back both Emmett and jasper.

"now listen here Edward. When we go in there, you are not going to question Bella. just let her be. All of this has been stressful for all of us."

Edward was going to say something, but Esme called for the three of them.

…

Bella had cooked up a storm and puked up her lunch when the metal armor on the house lifted.

"Bella?" three voices called at once.

And at the same time, she heard the low voices of others. What was going on?

Still wearing Esme's apron, hair in a messy bun Bella walked to the living room doorway to see what the fuss was and what she saw had her freeze.

The living room had been set up like a makeshift hospital room and on the bed …was her Paul.

No thinking and not caring, Bella ran past those around her and straight to him.

"Paul! What happened?"

She was going to touch him but felt hot hands hold her back

"Bells. Don't touch him. The doc has to finish checking him out. and don't worry, the doc has him handled. Are you ok? Are you hurt?" Jacob asked

Bella however couldn't find the words. Paul's eyes held hers. Those magnetic electrifying eyes looking at her soul.

"Bella?" a deep voice called. She recognized it as Sam's.

Still not looking away from Paul, Bella answered.

"yes Sam?"

"are you hurt? "

"no Sam…but …but…Paul is."

Bella tore her eyes from her mate and stormed into the kitchen, but she never made it there because cold strong arms Embraced her.

"baby bell…it's gonna be ok."

"no, it's not Emmett…I can't...I can't do it anymore. I won't do it anymore…. Screw what people think."

It was then Bella tried to pry herself from her big brothers' arms, but he wouldn't let her go.

"Darn it Bella. Think about this. Do you want to do this now? Think about everything you would be risking, and do you really think he would want you to do this…especially like this. After we just got done trying to fight our enemy. Now why don't you take some nice calming breaths. Go back into the kitchen and make everyone some of those...brown square things. I think the wolves would really like it. and as soon as Carlisle done, we will all sit down and figure out our next move. "

"There called brownies Emmett…" not caring whether he knew what she was talking about, but she did heed his advice and walked back into the Cullen's kitchen.

"bells?"

"yeah jake? I'm sorry, I didn't get to ask. Is everyone else ok? Are you ok? No one else is hurt right?'"

"oh honey, were all stronger than we look and don't worry about Paul. He's always been a brick; hell be back up and be the jerk we all hate. Are you ok? I've never seen you so worked before. Especially about Paul. He doesn't like you very much, and yet you always treat him so nice."

"Pauls a good person jake. He just likes to hide it. and I guess I just don't want anyone else to get hurt. I hate being so useless…"

"Bella. your human, no one is expecting you to grow wings...besides. you're at your best when you're not getting in trouble. And knowing your safe sets all of us at ease. Now…are you making brownies?" he asked as he reached for one.

"hey, don't touch those. We are still having dinner with our fathers tonight. But you can have a one cookie however before you do that, go give some to your brothers, please."

"yeah…ok mom" he joked as he took the tray of cookies she had made and headed off to the living room but as soon as Jacob left, Bella puked.

...

"oh Bella! are you ok dear?" Esme asked as she held the poor girl's hair. She hadn't seen the girl who was practically like a daughter in a whole week. She missed her dearly and while she had been hurt that Bella had rejected their family, she loved the girl. Truthfully, she felt the most connected to Bella out of all of her children. When they had problems or situations, her children tended to run to Carlisle for help. it was understandable, he was there sire well, except for Alice and jasper, but even then, they ran to Carlisle.

So, what Bella asked her next was forever shocking.

"um, Esme… can I talk to you…privately…please. If there's anywhere to go. I ...I kind of need some motherly advice."

If Esme's undead heart could beat, it surely would. Her son's hopefully soon to get back togather girlfriend wanted advice. Motherly advice.

"oh! Of course, Bella! let's go to Carlisle's office. it's the only soundproof room in the house."

As the duo began to head upstairs, Esme noticed Bella stop and stare at the young man who was being tended to by Carlisle. Her living room was filled with vampires and werewolves alike. Cookies had been sat on the table; barley eaten. She didn't blame them, who could eat at a time like this. And leaning against the wall, arms crossed and looking beyond frustrated was her youngest son. Esme had warned him, not to talk to Bella until the correct time. Which obviously was not now.

Esme shook her head and led Bella to Carlisle study.

….

Sam sighed as Carlisle reset the bones in pauls arm and checked out the fracture in his thigh.

After a few moments Carlisle turned to him.

"Well, I had to rebreak his bones, in order to set them right. And with his healing abilities, he should be healed by Friday. However, I am asking that he at least stay here for tonight and tomorrow and then he can go home. I gave him some morphine for the pain but he's burning it off pretty surprised he fell asleep."

"yeah, that's a little concerning but then again, I'm sure he's exhausted. Thank you for helping him." Sam replied honestly.

"its no problem sam. It's the least I can do, and in truth we should be thanking you…with everything has taken place… um, do you think now is the time to discuss our plan for how we want to stop Victoria."

"Carlisle Alice has had a vision." Edward spoke.

All eyes turned to Alice who was sitting next to jasper with her eyes closed.

"Edward shut up while I try to figure this out…quick! Carlisle turn on the tv! Put it on CNN."

He did as asked and all eyes were glued to the tv.

"this is Catherine Karnes coming to you live, where the Seattle police have found five more bodies. All of them the bodies of people that have gone missing. The state of Washington is in a state of terror. The police have no leads on the unexplained deaths nor the unexplained disappearances. -"

Carlisle turned the tv off and Alice spoke.

"She's killing them… and then…then dammit I can't see! There's something else she's doing but I don't know what…"

"I think I know." Jasper spoke. "She's... creating a newborn army."

"wait! Hold up what damn army? And what the hell are newborns?" Jacob asked

"Newborns are vampires that have been changed for a year or less. That's the time, they are at their strongest and yet the most violent. They have no self-control but jasper here, is the most experienced out of all of us."

"What does this mean Carsile?" Sam asked

"I have no idea yet, but…"

"Wait, Emmett don't you remember that unknown scent we found in Bella's room. It didn't match Victoria's did it?"

"no. it didn't…crap...than that means it belong to another vampire…"

"Carsile I think Emmett and I should investigate in Seattle." Jasper suggested.

Emmett's eyes went wide.

"no, you and Edward should go. He'd be better at getting information."

"Emmett? You're the muscle of this family. Why are you hesitating like this… you never…this about Bella isn't it?" Edward hissed "you're not the only who can protect her Emmett! She is my priority!"

"See that's were your wrong Edward. She was never your priority to begin with." Emmett hissed

"Alright that's enough. We need to focus. Sam, would be willing to put your pack at risk like this? Because we could have a war on our hands."

"We will protect our tribe and the people of forks any way possible. Bella and her father are included. We do what is necessary."

Carlisle nodded and was going to speak but then Bella came running down the stairs.

"Bella wait!" Esme called

"just forget about its Esme! Forget I said anything! I…I have to talk to my father… He needs to know before anybody..."

"But Bella! -" Esme called

"No! Dammit Esme! I came to you for advice and all you could focus on was whether I was getting back with Edward! I mean is that all you can ever think about! Is that all anyone in this family can think about! And you know what really hurts is that other then Emmet and Jasper none of you apologized!"

She had come down to the bottom step by now.

"you all left me without a word! No goodbye! No email! No phone calls! And then you all expected us to go back to normal! Things will never be normal! And just so you all can know I AM NOT GETTING BACK WITH EDWARD! So let's set that straight."

Bella then turned to Sam and Carlisle.

"I've been thinking. You all need to focus and ...I know it takes a lot of Energy out of all you to have to rotate on guarding me. and let's be honest, I'm not stupid, I know there's more to just Victoria hunting me. I know there's more to it. So with that said, I'm suggesting that i…that I leave town for a little while…I haven't seen my mom in a while and I still have those tickets... so- "

"no!"

All eyes turned to see Paul sitting up and looking angry as hell. He had been asleep for some time.

"Paul-"

"No! you promised. We swore! No more. No more Bella...I. Cant….we cant. Dammit, no more running away."

Bella had come closer to Paul now. her hand resting on his shoulder.

"Paul." She said softly "I am not running away. and I am not breaking our promise. Friends for life remember? Besides, I am just going to visit my mom. I just think everyone would be able to focus and put in there 100% if I was somewhere safe for a while. Just for two weeks you know. "

"You and I will talk about this in private. Don't you have work?" Paul asked

"oh! Yeah…I do…I. will-"

"yeah, I'll be fine. Be safe...jaspers, going to ride with you."

"Now hold just one minute. Why are you so concerned whether she stays or goes? And why does jasper have to ride with her. anyone in this room is more than capable of guarding her? What is it that you, jasper and Emmett are hiding!?" Edward accused.

"Edward." Bella called "why don't you ride with me. I'm sure we have a lot to talk about. Jake, I meet you at your dad's when I get off work."

Jacob gave Edward a dirty look but nodded at Bella in conformation.

…..

"She's right you know. None of you called to check on her…or even said goodbye. Why not?" Jacob asked as he stood next to sam. They had been discussing strategies for a few hours. Trying to figure out, the best solution.

Carlisle was the one to answer.

"We thought we were doing what was best for her at the time. obviously, that was a mistake. We do regret leaving her. unfortunately, we didn't know what our leaving would do. We didn't know it would cost us losing her."

"your damn right it didn't." Paul muttered "she was practically suicidal, ready to jump off the damn cliffs. Had to stop her myself."

"wait what?" Jacob asked, "I was the one who pulled her out the water."

"yeah, black during that time, she really was trying to cliff dive. I'm talking about all the other times before…but that does t matter. All I'm saying is that you all really screwed her up, so you better do a lot of sucking up. So far Emmett and jasper are the only ones. Now, can we please talk about this plan so I can go home."

"Well, just to clarify, so we can all rest for the night, Emmett and jasper will go to Seattle to confirm what we think is going on. The rest of us will stay behind and rotate our patrol schedules. Sam will talk to his pack and his tribal council about what else can be done."

"Alright then. Now that that's over with I can get the heck out of here." Paul snickered as he tried to stand up.

"hold up there Paul. Where do you think you're going?" Sam asked

"I'm going home. Why?"

"Paul I would like for you to at least stay here for tonight." Carlisle began.

"Hell. No. Hell no...Hell no Hell no. I am going home! I am going to l get in MY bed and fall asleep the scent OF my girlfriend. Not the smell of leeches! I mean come on I know I don't smell like roses to you guys. And I'm feeling much better."

"Paul, you're our best fighter and I need you to be healed enough to help us. I understand that your uncomfortable and if need be one of us can stay here. Don't make me alpha order you, because I really don't want to."

Paul began to tremble and was about ready to explode when Emmett stepped forward.

"Hey Paul, I got some things for you to read."

He handed Paul a manilla envelope with the words confidential.

"now, you sit down and read that. It help you focus for the night. matter of fact take it in the kitchen and eat the rest of the food that's in there."

Paul snatched it from him and was going to say something when his words caught in his throat.

"is…is this..."

"it sure is man. Now go eat the rest of the food. It smells worse than you."

Paul didn't even look up because whatever he was reading was too important.

"What was that?" Jacob asked

"just something to keep him occupied."

"Did Paul say he had a girlfriend?" Jared asked

"Alright guys. Let's go. Well come back for Paul in the morning. Paul ill send Seth by. He'll stay with you."

Of course, Paul didn't respond, he was too distracted.

…..

Edward tapped the steering wheel of Bella's truck in impatience. He couldn't figure it out. Something was different about her, but he just didn't know what. He also wanted to why, she broke up with him? And why she changed her mind on joining the family. They were already halfway to newtons outfitters and they still had no spoken. He needed to start the conversation light.

"So, love you normally start work at 4:00, but its already 5:30. You're an hour and a half late."

"I called Mrs. newton ahead of time and switched my shift with someone else. It worked out, they get to get off early and I get to come in a little later." She said quietly

"I see. So…how have you been…I really miss you. The family misses you too."

"...well, I won't say I don't miss you guys. Look, Edward, I'm going to cut to the chase. I love your family and I love you…but…when you all left you broke me. you all broke me and …someone else stepped into my life to pick up the pieces. I'm in love with someone else and…and I'm building a life with them. I mean...isn't that what you wanted for me? to have a normal life and to be happy? Why can't I have that now?"

"But Bella…"

"no Edward. No. For once...I'm going to choose myself. I'm choosing to live a human life and settle down with a great guy. I... I managed to put in a couple of college applications and I actually got accepted. Look, I'm happy now and I want you to be happy…but...before that...I need you to smell me."

Edward put the truck into park as they pulled into newtons.

"what did you just say?"

"you heard me… Smell me. like seriously, really smell me and see if my scent is as attractive to you as it used to be…because…I can assure you it won't be the same."

"Bella you're not thinking straight…"

"Do it Edward."

Edward didn't want to, but he complied. He needed to show her that he was serious. That he would do almost anything for her.

However, instead of the beautiful smell of lavender and cinnamon he would normally smell. Her scent had changed.

It was now the smell of pine? With just a hint of her old scent nevertheless it was mouthwatering, and it had been so long…

"Edward…move back." Bella voice full of worry said, pulling him back to reality.

"I'm sorry my love. It has been awhile…but I will say your scent has changed…and it's still mouthwatering."

Bella sighed. "Damn. I was hopping it would have changed. I thought it would make this easier. Look Edward…you want me to be happy and I want you to be happy. Just let me go."

"I wont Bella. Ill always be around. I will keep fighting for." He said as he helped her out the truck.

"Well, Edward, you're just going to have to give up...because...I'm pregnant. And my fiancée is a good man. He won't appreciate you hanging around. Thanks for the Escort."