Once Edward drove me home, I had to deal with an uncomfortable conversation with Billy Black. He and Jacob had come over to see Charlie and deliver some fish fry from Harry Clearwater. However, Billy's true intentions were to warn Charlie about the Cullens. Fortunately, my uncle was not home, preoccupied fishing by his usual spot. After distracting Jacob, Billy had given me a lecture in which neither of us were too revealing but just enough to hint that we both knew about the Cullens and that neither of us were willing to change our minds. However, I finally managed to convince him that it was my business if Charlie was informed.

I was getting ready for the game with the Cullens, a bit excited and curious as to what will happen. I had never seen vampires play sports with their supernatural speed and strength. It would be quite an experience, I thought as I considered what could happen. I brushed my hair thoroughly and pulled it up into a ponytail before heading downstairs as Charlie walked through the front door.

"Hey, Uncle Charlie" I greeted, looking at him.

"Hey, Bells." Charlie greeted and eyed me a bit. "What has you in such a cheerful mood?"

"I've got a date with Edward Cullen. Sort of, at least. I'm watching his family play baseball"

"Baseball? You're watching him play baseball? You must really like this kid"

I blushed a bit at his words. "Yes, I do" I confirmed, smiling sheepishly. "Actually, he was wanting to officially meet you before we leave"

"Which one is Edward?"

"The youngest one. He's in the same grade as I am"

Charlie nodded and frowned slightly in thought, though he couldn't do anything besides kick me out of the house, which he wouldn't do for going on a date. "So he's like officially your boyfriend?"

"Yes, he is"

"Does this mean you will stick around longer?"

"Maybe. Probably" I said with a light shrug.

He tried to keep a smile from his face but was unsuccessful. Finally, the Chief of Police nodded as he looked at her. "Alright" He agreed. "I caught some fish. I don't know if you've got time to cook it before he picks you up."

"I do. Especially since Billy brought over some of Harry's fish fry. I know how much you love it" I chuckled. Throughout my time here, he has commented several times about that fish fry whenever Billy or Harry brings it over.

Charlie's mood suddenly increased further at my words. "Excellent" he said, pleased

I went over to the kitchen and began preparing our dinner. Eventually, after eating the fish, a knock was heard on the door. Charlie stood up and went over to the door as I quickly cleaned the dishes. Then I headed into the dining room as Charlie took Edward's drenched jacket.

"So you're taking Bella to watch baseball?" Charlie questioned once Edward was seated.

"Yes, sir, that's the plan" confirmed my boyfriend as he looked back at him calmly.

"Well more power to you, I guess" laughed Charlie, and Edward soon joined him.

I made a face at their laughter. "Alright, we should get going"

"Not too late, Bella" Charlie said, not wanting to risk anything happening to me after losing his sisters.

Edward spoke up before I could. "Don't worry, Charlie. I'll have her home early"

"You take care of her, alright?"

"She'll be safe with me, I promise, sir"

I headed outside and stopped as I saw Emmett's large red jeep parked behind my truck. I frowned just slightly, wondering why the jeep was needed instead of his car. I didn't even realize Emmett would let him drive the jeep. I went over to the jeep and struggled to climb inside without falling. Edward sighed and helped me before buckling me up as I looked down at the off-road harness warily. Edward then went over to the driver's seat and got inside before starting to drive.

"I didn't realize Emmett would let you borrow his jeep" I commented, watching him drive.

"I explained to him that you wouldn't want to run the whole way"

"Wait- run the whole way? We are still going to run part of the way?" I looked over at Edward curiously, a bit nervous because it was different from the vampire speeds I was used to.

"Just keep your eyes closed, and you will be fine" Edward said, catching the nervousness of my expression. He leaned over and kissed the top of my head before groaning a bit. "You smell very good in the rain"

I fell silent at that, unsure of how to reply as he drove us down the mountain path. As we continued going down the very bumpy tracks, Edward was smiling brightly, my scent in the rain seemingly forgotten. Finally, he parked at the end of the road, the rain finally turning into a mere drizzle.

"We've got to go on foot from here" Edward said.

I inhaled sharply at the thought of his type of vampire speed. He vamp sped to the side of me and began unbuckling the many buckles of the harness. He pulled me from the jeep and set my feet down on the ground.

"You don't need to panic" Edward said smoothly, in a voice that made me nearly believe him. "what is there to be worried about?"

"Nausea?" I suggested, looking up at him.

Edward let out a soft, melodic laugh, causing me to grumble in annoyance. "Perhaps you just need a distraction." He said and pressed his lips on my cheek, right next to my lips. He pulled away just slightly, "How about now?"

I inhaled sharply. "Getting sick"

Edward kissed me, a hand on my cheek. Subconsciously, I reached up, wrapping my arms around his neck. His entire body stiffened as though he was a statue. He then pulled away finally. "Bella, you'll be the death of me."

I took a deep breath, slowly stepping away from him. "Sorry. I wasn't thinking"

Edward sighed softly. "It's not your fault. You're reacting to your human instincts. That's normal. I, on the other hand, am a creature of the night that happens to both be in love with you and having the urge to drink your blood"

My eyes widened slightly, hearing the part about love. I wasn't even sure he knew he had said it. I nodded just slightly. "I think I am ready"

He nodded and got me prepared on his back before running to the playing field. Once it was over, I slowly climbed off, not wanting to be too sudden for him. Finally, he gently took my hand in his, and we began walking towards the others. Finally, he led me over to Esme, who was on the side before going over to join his team.

"You're not playing?" I questioned Esme.

"No, I prefer to referee and keep them honest."

"Do they like to cheat then?"

"Oh yes" confirmed Esme as she looked over at me. "You should hear the arguments they get into"

We spoke foor a little as we watched the vampires play, something that for some reason startled me. Perhaps because of the speed or because there was no way to tell if they would be called out or not until later. It turned out Edward was the fastest of the family while Emmett was the strongest. I continued watching, answering a few of Esme's questions about my past. Though she did not bring up questions often, perhaps because she did not wish to be rude. Emmett's team was up by one at this point as Edward strolled over asking what I thought.

"It's quite interesting, that's for sure" I replied with a grin as I looked at him.

"Well. you're about to see me up as batter, which will likely impress you further" He flashed his crooked smile.

"Egotistical much" I teased.

"You're the one that says that I am perfect at everything" Edward pointed out, amused. "I've got to go play. I'll be back in a minute" He headed towards the plate.

I shook my head with a fond smile as I watched him play intelligently, keeping the ball low and away from Rosalie. He made it to two bases before the ball was back in play. Carlisle knocked it far out that both he and Edward made it to home base. The game continued as thunder rumbled. Soon, Carlisle was up to bat again while Edward was catching. However, before the ball could even be thrown, Alice let out a gasp. All heads turned towards Alice, Edward's more intently than anyone elses.

"Alice?" questioned Esme in a tense voice.

"I didn't see. I couldn't tell" she said as they all came around Esme and me to discuss. "They were traveling much quicker than I had anticipated. I had the perspective wrong before."

I frowned, thinking of the previous 'animal attacks' in the area.

"What changed?" Jasper asked from beside her, his posture proterctive

"They heard us playing, and they changed their path."

Everyone's eyes flashed to me before looking away. I sighed softly, not wanting them all to risk their lives for me but also not wanting to die because of a baseball game.

"How soon?" Carlisle turned to Edward

"Less than five minutes. They are running. They want to play" He scowled.

"Can you make it?"

"No. Not carrying-" He stopped. "The last thing we need is for them to catch her scent and start hunting"

I lost focus for a moment, starting to think. I wish I knew more about the Cold Ones. Then, perhaps, I could come up with a plan. After all, this is not the first time my life was in danger. And it certainly won't be the last.

'Lets continue the game. Alice said they were curious" Carlisle said, looking at everyone.

I nodded slightly, though everyone else spoke very quietly, too quiet for human ears, but the slight movement of their mouth was visible. I inhaled sharply as everyone talked. Edward moved even closer to my side than before.

"You catch, Esme" he said. "I'll call it now" Edward sounded calm, though I knew he was worried and wanted to be by my side just in case anything happened that would put my safety in further jeopardy. Everyone nodded just slightly in understanding, though Rosalie scowled a little, still not fond of me. I leaned on Edward slowly and slightly. He wrapped his arm around me protectively, ready to attack or flee at a moment's notice. "Take your hair down" he muttered softly to me in a low, even voice. "Stay still. Very still. And keep quite. Stay beside me please"

I nodded and pulled my hair out of my ponytail. He moved it around my face.

"That won't help. I could smell her across the field" Alice told him.

"I know" A hint of frustration was in his voice as he stood by my side protectively.

"What did Esme ask you?" I asked softly, looking over at him.

He paused in hesitation, clearly not wanting to worry me. "If they were thirsty"

Everyone continued to play though did not hit very hard, not like they had before. They were all waiting for the arrival of the mysterious vampires. I watched everyone, focusing on their faces. Rosalie's eyes were on me as she stood in the infield. Her expression was mostly vacant, though the way she held her mouth gave the impression that she was angry, probably at me for putting their family at risk.

"I'm sorry, Bella. It was irresponsible to expose you like this" Edward said quietly.

"It's okay" I replied, watching the trees beyond, hoping this would end well but not expecting it to.

"No, it's not" He said before his breathing stopped. I looked up at him and saw his eyes focused on the right field. He stepped slightly in front of me though kept his angle somewhat towards me, ready to protect me from whatever dangers were to come.

They emerged one by one from the forest edge, ranging a dozen meters apart. I kept my focus on them, taking in as much as I could. The first male fell back allowing the other male to take front, orienting himself around the tall, dark haired man that expressed who the leader was. The third was a woman with a vibrant firey red hair that stood out against the very pale features of a cold one. They went closer together, walking catlike. Their feet were bare and their eyes a startling blood red color that sent a shiver down my spine. It was sinister rather than the warm butterscotch colors of the Cullens.

The woman was wilder, her eyes shifting restlessly between the men facing her, and the loose grouping around me, her chaotic hair quivering in the slight breeze. Her posture was distinctly feline. The second male hovered unobtrusively behind them.

The dark haired one stepped forward. "We thought we heard a game" he said in a relaxed voice, his focus on Carlisle. "I'm Laurent. These are Victoria and James"

"I'm Carlisle. This is my family, Emmett and Jasper, Rosalie, Esme, and Alice. Edward and Bella" He pointed us out in groups.

"Do you have room for more players?" Laurent asked as I watched him curiously.

"Actually, we were just leaving. But we would certainly be interested another time. Are you planning on staying in the area long?"

"We're headed north, in fact, but we were curious to see who was in the neighborhood. We haven't run into any company in a long time."

"No, this region is usually empty except for us and the occasional visitor, like yourselves."

The tense atmosphere had slowly subsided into a casual conversation; I guessed that Jasper was using his peculiar gift to control the situation.

"What's your hunting range?" Laurent casually inquired.

I watched him, holding back a scowl at the suggestion. The Cold Ones weren't like the type of vampires I knew. Their bites were venomous, which means they turn or kill. There was no such thing as snatch eat erase. Even if there had been, I doubted the three would follow that method.

Carlisle ignored the assumption behind the inquiry. "The Olympic Range here, up and down the Coast Ranges on occasion. We keep a permanent residence nearby. There's another permanent settlement like ours up near Denali."

"Permanent? How do you manage that?" There was honest curiosity in his voice.

"Why don't you come back to our home with us and we can talk comfortably?" Carlisle invited.

"It's a rather long story."

James and Victoria exchanged a surprised look at the mention of the word home, but Laurent controlled his expression better. "That sounds very interesting, and welcome." His smile was genial. "We've been on the hunt all the way down from Ontario, and we haven't had the chance to clean up in a while."

"Please don't take offense, but we'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from hunting in this immediate area. We have to stay inconspicuous, you understand," Carlisle explained.

"Of course." Laurent nodded. "We certainly won't encroach on your territory. We just ate outside of Seattle, anyway," he laughed.

I kept my face neutral, though I hated the thought of the body count they may have left behind. As much as I would prefer not to, I can tolerate a person getting killed here or there. Especially after growing up in Mystic Falls. However, there were three of them. And they held no value towards human life by the looks of it. Or at least not strong ones.

"We'll show you the way if you'd like to run with us — Emmett and Alice, you can go with Edward and Bella to get the Jeep," he casually added.

Three things seemed to happen simultaneously while Carlisle was speaking. My hair ruffled with the light breeze, Edward stiffened, and the second male, James, suddenly whipped his head around, scrutinizing me, his nostrils flaring. His posture became even more animal like as though a lion was catching his prey. I swallowed a little at the sight and watched him cautiously. And here things go wrong. As they always seemed to.

Edward bared his teeth, crouching in defense, a feral snarl ripping from his throat. It was nothing like the playful sounds I'd heard from him this morning.

"What's this?" Laurent exclaimed in open surprise. Neither James nor Edward relaxed their aggressive poses. James feinted slightly to the side, and Edward shifted in response.

"She's with us." Carlisle's firm rebuff was directed toward James. Laurent seemed to catch my scent less powerfully than James, but awareness now dawned on his face.

"You brought a snack?" he asked, his expression incredulous as he took an involuntary step forward.

I bit back a retort, knowing it would not help this situation. I was more than a snack. I wasn't some vampire's chew toy. No, instead I was a human being that happened to have feelings for a vampire. I eyed Laurent, my bravery returning once I got used to James's pose.

Edward snarled even more ferociously, harshly, his lip curling high above his glistening, bared teeth. Laurent stepped back again.

"I said she's with us," Carlisle corrected in a hard voice.

"But she's human," Laurent protested. The words were not at all aggressive, merely astounded.

"Yes, I am" I replied, speaking up as I looked at him.

Jasper shot me a brief warning glance to remain quiet and let everything play out. The three red eyed vampires looked over at me, startled, though James did not look any less like a predator stalking its pray. They had never expected me to speak in their presence, especially with James in such a ferocious state. Emmett was very much in evidence at Carlisle's side, his eyes on James. James slowly straightened out of his crouch, but his eyes never left me, his nostrils still wide. Edward stayed tensed like a lion in front of me.

When Laurent spoke, his tone was soothing and trying to defuse the sudden hostility. "It appears we have a lot to learn about each other."

"Indeed." Carlisle's voice was still cool.

"But we'd like to accept your invitation." His eyes flicked toward me and back to Carlisle.

"And, of course, we will not harm the human girl. We won't hunt in your range, as I said."

James glanced in disbelief and aggravation at Laurent and exchanged another brief look with Victoria, whose eyes still flickered edgily from face to face. I watched the two cautiously, knowing they were much more of a threat than Laurent was currently. Not that Laurent wasn't still dangerous. But he seemed to want to be maintaining peace. It appeared as though James and perhaps even Victoria would not so easily side with Laurent with a human in their presence, especially since my scent is somehow so appealing.

Carlisle measured Laurent's open expression for a moment before he spoke. "We'll show you the way. Jasper, Rosalie, Esme?" he called.

They gathered together, blocking me from view as they converged. Alice was instantly at my side, and Emmett fell back slowly, his eyes locked on James as he backed toward us.

"Let's go, Bella." Edward's voice was low and bleak.

Edward had to grip my elbow and pull sharply to break my focus. Alice and Emmett were close behind us, hiding me. I stumbled alongside Edward, my lack of coordination obvious as I finally moved away from my position. I couldn't hear if the main group had left yet. Edward's impatience was almost tangible as we moved at human speed to the forest edge.