As always, I own nothing. No copyright infringement is intended.
(B POV)
Bella had every intention of telling Alex that she only wanted to be friends, but the opportunity never arrived.
The stress-filled evening began as Jacob came home from work complaining about her date with Alex. Rather than justifying her intentions or explaining what she hoped was a newfound friendship, Bella ignored his snarky attitude and continued with her plans. He barged in on her later, finding her standing in her underwear and putting pins in her hair.
"I gotta put a lock on that fucking door," she grumbled around the pins between her teeth as she struggled to keep a random curl in place.
Jacob chuckled as he leaned against the frame and folded his arms across his chest. Tentatively, he asked, "Are you ever going to talk to me about Riley?"
Bella shot him a glare, silently letting him know he was lucky she was speaking to him. Jacob said, "Sorry for acting like a dick earlier. We haven't seen much of each other lately, and that makes Wolf pissy. Plus, you still fucking reek of Paul - which is fine," he added, holding his hands up in peace. "But the wolf already doesn't trust Alex. To be honest, he's jealous as fuck. I am okay with you and Paul. Wolf? A little less so. Especially when I have started learning everything that happens to you second-hand, and we don't like you being alone right now.."
Bella scowled and continued with her hair as she mumbled, "We who? You and Wolf?"
Jacob sighed and said, "All of us. The pack. Our wolves. You're our friend, or sister, or cousin, or whatever. Even if most of them don't know, you're the Alpha wolf's imprint, Bells. You have to understand. Your well-being is important to all of us."
"I'm pretty sure it will be fine, Jake," Bella insisted. "I drove across the country alone. I lived alone through college. I've traveled the nation by myself all of my life. I think a short trip to Port Angeles and back will be okay."
Jacob was instantly pissed as he realized the extent of her plans for the evening. He yelled, "You know I haven't looked over that truck yet, Bells. We have no idea if it's safe for you to drive it over an hour away."
Bella said, "Jake, that truck has run like a dream since the first time we got in it, and you know it."
He argued, "That's just luck. It sat still most of the time for years. There could be dry rot and rust we don't know is there. I haven't even checked the oil in the goddamn thing!"
Bella threw her hands up and growled. She said, "Then I'll call a fucking tow truck, Jake. That is why I have insurance. By the way, I added the truck to my insurance this morning and put you on it. I could have gotten antique plates and got a discount since I don't fucking go anywhere anyway, but what the hell. I kind of figured since I'm going to tell Alex I just want to be friends, the least I could do is drive to him this time."
Jacob instantly began to calm as he leaned back in surprise. "Friends, huh?"
"Yes," Bella said as she began applying more mascara to her already lush lashes. "Don't worry. I have no intention of leading anyone on."
His tone softened as he said, "I never said that, honey."
"Yeah, but don't think I do not see you pushing me towards Paul, even if Wolf doesn't like it." Bella pumped her wand back into her mascara tube.
"If they get any longer, a stiff wind will blow you away, Bells," Jacob teased, watching her.
"That's the look I'm going for, buddy," Bella said. "You should probably get out of here before Reagan arrives and gets the wrong idea."
Jacob sighed. "She knows now, Bells."
Bella dropped her mascara wand in surprise and huffed as it bounced off her dresser, leaving black streaks in its wake. She bent down to retrieve it and asked, "What exactly does she know, Jake?"
He admitted, "I told her that we were inexperienced best friends who had a secret friends-with-benefits type of situation for a while. I told her we don't have a romantic connection, were never a couple, didn't want to be a couple, and both wanted to find someone to be with, so we stopped messing around."
Bella began getting dressed as she asked, "So, how much does she hate me now?"
"She doesn't," Jacob said. "She knows that you and Paul care about each other and that you stay over at his place sometimes. She already knew that we are weirdly comfortable with each other, but now she knows why that is."
In disbelief, Bella asked, "And she's okay with it?"
Jacob nodded and said, "Yeah. It was a little bit of a battle for a hot second, but now she says it makes more sense, and our too-comfortable situation is actually less weird."
"She was testing me, huh? Yelling half the morning?" Bella walked over to Jacob and turned her back for him to zip her dress. He did so without a word and waited for her to turn back.
"I wondered about that, too," he admitted. "Like, no way your fiery temper would keep silent that night if you and I were more than friends."
"No doubt about that," Bella said and sat to slip on her shoes. She stood and turned around in the mirror to check herself over. "This is as good as it gets," she sighed.
"It gets pretty damn good," Jacob said and winked at her. Bella stuffed her wallet into her purse, slid her bracelets around her wrist, and snagged her truck keys off the nightstand. He pulled her to him for a hug, and they remained there for a few minutes. Jacob sighed and pressed his nose to her shoulder, chuckling.
Bella asked, "What?"
Through his laughter, Jacob said, "God, you smell like Paul. It's so fucking weird."
And just like that, all of the aggravation she felt earlier disappeared. She grinned and slapped Jacob with her purse. "God, you suck," she grumbled.
"Please tell me you wrapped it," Jacob said and cackled as she blushed.
"Ugh!"
He dutifully played along and stumbled backward as she shoved him out of her way. Following behind her, Jacob asked, "That's a yes, right? Because if you pop out a kid before I do, I will be very bummed."
Bella cackled, shaking her head. "Yes, nosy-ass. We wrapped it. Every time, okay?"
Jacob gaped at her for a moment before roaring with laughter. He teased, "Honey, I'm so proud of you!"
"Oh, fuck off," she returned and opened the front door to leave.
Jacob asked, "How was it?"
Incredulously she asked, "Did you seriously just ask me that question?"
"Yes, I fucking did." His grin was wide, infectious as he waited for her answer.
Bella thought over her answer, searching for the right words. Paul had done what he had promised to do. Paul had given her all of himself, putting his whole heart into every kiss and caress. Her cheeks grew hotter thinking about how he had loved her.
Sex with Jacob was intense and satisfying, but the imprint affected them like a drug. It was a miracle they had stayed apart this long while living in the same house, despite arguing almost constantly these days. While affection was certainly there between them, loving, praising words whispered between kisses were not Jacob Black's forte - at least not with Bella.
Sex with Paul had been raw and emotional once he had taken the reigns. He had overstimulated her body and mind, leaving her floating, scattered, and feeling as if she had been walking around on autoplay ever since. Walking away from Paul now would irreparably shatter her delicate heart. She already missed him. "It was kind of beautiful," she admitted. Jacob chuckled as he yanked her toward him to kiss her forehead.
"I'm happy for you, Bells," he said sincerely. "No matter what happens with you and Paul. That was a big step for you. I love you."
"Love you too," Bella said and stood on tip-toe to kiss his cheek before she shut the door behind her.
Luckily for Bella, the drive to Port Angeles had not been a problem. Alex seemed impressed with her new ride as he looked over the truck. Bella admitted it would only be temporary; she had bigger plans for it. Bella wanted something more open, such as a Jeep or Avalanche.
As they approached the restaurant, Bella looked up and froze. She swallowed nervously and smiled at Alex as he stared at her quizzically. She said, "I haven't been here in years. I didn't even realize it was the same place."
"Ah," Alex said. "Would you like to go somewhere else?"
"No," she said, composing herself quickly. "This is fine. Let's go." She anxiously stepped inside and wondered if the Mushroom Ravioli was any good. The last time she had been here, she had been too far in shock to taste it.
(Paul POV)
He couldn't take it. Paul had voluntarily patrolled throughout the day, eager to keep his mind off Bella and her plans. Still, even his wolf remained distracted, worrying about her safety. Jacob had soaked up Paul's worry like a sponge, agitating his wolf. He only worked four hours that day and was surprised to find Paul still at it when he ran home. Paul watched Jacob return home intently, hoping for a glance he did not get from his girl.
Paul padded along a well-known trail, hoping for a Leech to tear into as Jacob phased in to get his attention.
Bella is driving to Port Angeles and back alone, Jacob grumbled.
Why the Hell would she do that?
Something is off, Jacob said. I don't like her going alone. I don't trust it.
So, what do we do? It's a half-hour run at least, Paul said.
One of us has to follow her, and I can't. Rae will be here any time now.
Paul asked You haven't told her about the wolves yet?
I can't yet, Jacob said. You know that. I have to seek out the council's approval first.
Paul said, well, I think you should if you think she's the one, Jake.
Easy for you to say, Jacob said, chuckling. You don't have to ask for approval to tell Bells.
No, Paul said, but I will if she ever wants me to claim her.
Jacob seemed taken aback by the thought. He said I'm not sure how that would work when she's already an imprint and claiming is forever, Paul. You know that.
Do you hope to claim Reagan eventually?
I'm not sure, Jacob said. It would super strain the imprint, and I'm not sure how Wolf would react. After a moment of silent consideration, Jacob said, I can't believe you, of all people, are considering the long haul.
Paul said I love her. I've never loved anyone, but I've never been more sure.
I'm happy for you two, Jacob said sincerely. But, that doesn't solve our current situation.
Paul sighed and said, I'll follow her.
You can't let her see you, Jacob warned. If she thinks you're watching her, she'll freak.
Roger that, Paul said. Hack her computer and give me whatever address she's meeting this Alex douche.
Within minutes, Jacob had phased back in with Bella's intended location, and Paul was only twenty minutes behind her. If he left now, he might get there before she did. Paul saved the address on his phone, retied it to his leg before phasing back, and ran full speed to Port Angeles.
The restaurant was a quiet fancy Italian bistro, ironically named Bella something or other. Paul snickered at the sign as he crept toward the back of the restaurant, attempting to formulate a plan. He slowed his pace at the sound of someone frantically yelling into their phone about needing to leave for a family emergency. Paul smiled at the tall, slim blonde and the young male stumbled over his words.
"I-I'll do what I can. I just started here tonight, and I'm in training. I think they'll fire me if I leave."
Paul frowned sympathetically and asked, "What is the emergency?"
He scoffed, pulling his phone away from his mouth. "My son is sick," he grumbled.
Paul said, "You should go home, then. There are other jobs, but he's your son forever."
He gaped at Paul in surprised silence for a moment before smiling. "Thank you," He said. "You're right." Into the phone, he said, "Tell him I'll be right there. I'm leaving now."
He hung up his phone and untied his apron before removing his crisp, long-sleeved white button-up shirt. He hesitated as he turned toward the building.
Paul said, "I'll turn those in for you if you'd like. I'm about to go inside anyway."
"You're a life-savor," he muttered and handed the items to Paul before running down the alley and around the corner.
Paul chuckled as he looked around for people or security cameras nearby. Finding none, Paul quickly ducked behind a dumpster and thanked his lucky stars that he had worn plain black pants that day. He hoped they weren't too wrinkled from being bundled around his leg all day. Paul stripped quickly and held his breath while concentrating on his shifting form. It took a moment for him to move as he waited for the ache to fade. Paul redressed quickly, sliding into the white shirt. He was grateful for the apron, tying it tightly around his waist to keep his pants up.
"Here fucking goes nothing," Paul mumbled as he walked inside.
Immediately, he heard, "Where the hell have you been?" He turned toward a short, angry man shaking a giant spoon in his direction.
Paul tried to soften his voice somewhat as he said, "Phone call. Family emergency."
"Get your ass out there. Tables are waiting," the man snapped at him. Paul walked in the direction he pointed and stepped into the large, dim dining room. He froze as he spotted Bella and Alex getting seated at a secluded corner table. A tap on his shoulder had him turning in surprise to find a waitress next to him, holding out menus.
She said, "You take that table, and we'll see how it goes."
Paul took the menus from her and released a deep breath before walking toward Bella's table. She looked up at him and smiled as he approached. For a moment, he nearly forgot he was supposed to be a stranger. The urge to lean down and kiss her in front of her date had him biting back a chuckle. He caught a whiff of his scent blended with hers, and his wolf perked up proudly. Paul grinned as he handed them their menus and was happy to find a ticket pad and ink pen in the apron pocket. It seemed luck was on his side tonight.
He asked, "What can I get you to drink tonight?"
Bella grinned at the wine selection and pointed them out to Alex. Paul could barely keep his eyes off of her. They ordered a bottle of red wine, and Paul left them to decide on their entrees. It didn't take him long to locate a chilled bottle of their choice, shove it into a bucket of ice and carry their glasses to the table.
As he opened the bottle for them, Paul asked, "So, how are you both this evening?"
Bella narrowed her eyes at him and asked, "Have we met? You seem so familiar?"
"No, I don't think so," Paul said and winked at her. "I'm not from around here." He leaned in as he set down her glass of wine and whispered, "This would be better with a toke, but that's just me."
Bella cackled as Paul stood up straight and poured Alex's drink. He handed it to him directly, wearing the friendliest smile he could muster. Alex smiled back though it was far from genuine, and muttered his thanks. The awkward tension between the men was thick as Bella coughed, pulling their attention. She raised one eyebrow at them mischievously and teased, "Do you two need a room?"
Paul laughed and shook his head at her sass. God, he loved her.
He pulled their ticket back out of his pocket and asked, "So what the hell can I get ya tonight? There has to be something good on there."
Bella snorted, and Alex let out a genuine laugh. He asked, "Don't you know? Have you never tried anything here before?"
"Nah," Paul said. "It's my first day. I don't think the owner likes me much, so I will just load you guys up. How does that sound?"
Bella giggled, shaking her head. Paul looked down wide-eyed at her nearly empty wine glass. He asked, "Would you like a refill?"
Bella said, "Uh, I should probably wait for my food."
"Good stuff, though, huh?"
Low and sultry, she said, "Very good." Paul cursed internally as his dick throbbed. He glanced down at her short, sleek dress, knowing damn well what she looked like underneath it. Paul chuckled as Alex adjusted his position, guessing her tone had affected him, too. She has no fucking idea how sexy she is.
Bella bit her bottom lip as she looked back down at her menu, and Paul cleared his throat. Turning his attention to Alex so he could stop thinking about falling asleep with his face on Bella's bare tits the night before, Paul asked, "So what can I get you?"
"Hmmm, ladies first," Alex said and chuckled. "I'm sort of undecided."
"Easily distracted, eh? Me too," Paul joked as he turned back to Bella.
She said, "I am undecided as well. I keep bouncing between the Mushroom Ravioli and the Smoked Salmon Fettuccine."
Alex laughed in surprise and said, "Those were mine, also."
"We should just get them both and share," she suggested, giggling.
Paul tried not to frown as he said, "That sounds great, you guys. Anything else?"
Bella asked, "Romaine wedge?"
"Make that two," Alex said, handing Paul his menu. As he turned to take Bella's menu, she looked him over suspiciously.
"I still think I know you," she said, smirking.
Paul shook his head no and walked away. He turned in their orders and ducked into the bathroom to clear his head. His girl seemed far too at ease about being on this date, and less-than-friendly affection was all over the poor sucker's face.
Think, Paul, think. You have to find some way to fuck this up for them. He couldn't think of anything outside of blatant rudeness toward Alex that could set things awry. He took a deep breath before exiting the bathroom, hoping like hell that an idea came to him quickly.
(BPOV)
She watched the waiter walking away, trying to figure out why he felt so familiar. She was sure she had never seen him before, but that fact did not hinder the charge of energy she felt as he stood next to her. Despite the extreme differences in appearance, she couldn't help but think of Paul.
Bella discreetly slid her cell phone from her purse and sent Paul a message. Thursday needs to hurry up.
Alex grinned as he talked animatedly about a new show he had been watching. Bella was glad he remained in a good mood after the waiter openly flirted. She needed to tell Alex that she only wanted to be friends but didn't know how.
"So," Alex asked as he poured them another glass of wine, "How would you feel about going away with me somewhere this weekend?" The question surprised her. She froze for a moment before taking a drink. Alex chuckled and guessed, "Hmm, too soon, huh?"
Bella sat her glass down carefully and said, "Alex I-"
"Hey," he interrupted, "No pressure. I know you want to keep things casual, and I enjoy getting to know you. We can have separate rooms. Whatever makes you comfortable. You said you and Jake have been arguing a lot. I thought that, maybe, a couple of days apart might do you some good."
"That's very thoughtful of you," Bella said, dumbfounded. Even if it was a casual arrangement, she could see him hoping.
Their waiter arrived at that moment, bearing their food and a scowl. He forced a smile at them as he set their entrees down as well as two additional plates. "In case you two would like to divvy up your items," he said. "Can I get you anything else?"
Picking up the strain in his voice. Bella asked, "Hey, are you okay?" She reached over to touch his arm, and he sighed.
"Yep. I will be," the waiter answered with a genuine grin.
Cutting into his romaine wedge, Alex asked, "Can we get a little gorgonzola?"
"Let me see about that," the waiter said before walking away, looking dejected.
Bella said, "I'm not sure he's having a good first day."
"He seems like a fun kid and is only working here because he has to," Alex said.
"That's too often the case for people," Bella said. "Surviving at poverty level with jobs they despise because it's what was available at the time."
"Yes, it's disturbing," Alex admitted. "I think we should leave him an excellent tip. His personality seems quite fun underneath the hostility."
Bella snickered, again reminded of Paul. Her phone buzzed, and she frowned as she reached to check it as Alex began transferring food to one of the extra plates.
Paul: It fucking better. I can't wait to get you back in my sandbox.
Bella chuckled as she slipped her phone back into her purse and reached for the wine. The waiter returned with Alex's request. He and Bella's forearms somehow collided, and a splash of wine landed on her skirt.
"Shit," the waiter said in surprise. "I'll grab you some salt and club soda," He was gaping at her apologetically, looking more anxious by the second.
"Totally not your fault," Bella muttered in aggravation. "I'm a klutz. Can you hurry with those?"
The waiter left and returned in a flash. Bella excused herself. Alex crossed his silverware over his plate and did the same, stepping outside. Bella worked on the stain to the best of her ability in the bathroom and hoped the dry cleaner could get the rest out. The dress had been a goodwill find and only cost her four dollars, but she loved it all the same.
Bella peeked out the bathroom door to check on Alex and froze. She could see him outside through the slatted blinds, appearing irritated as he smoked a cigarette while talking to a redheaded man in a suit.
He smokes? He did not smoke on our first date and never mentioned it. Weird. She was about to shut the door again as the redhead turned around. Alex was conversing with the one and only Edward Cullen. He looked the same, though the suit did make him seem somewhat older. If he was here to stalk her or try to take her, she knew he would listen for others' thoughts of her inside. No one was safe. Bella let the door shut softly and leaned against the bathroom wall as she tried not to panic.
Her phone was in her purse at the table, and there was no one to help her. She couldn't hide in the bathroom much longer.
Bella, why? Why were you so stupid? She knew better than to go against Jacob's instincts where her safety was concerned. It always got her into trouble. She slowly peeked out again, and they were in a heated conversation, oblivious to her watching through the window.
Do they know each other? Their phone calls and conversations had given no cause to suspect deception, and Alex genuinely seemed to care for her. Then again, she could have sworn it was Edward's voice she heard when Alex had called her the week before. Her head swam with the possibilities as her breath caught, and Bella choked back a sob.
Bella slipped quietly from the bathroom and carefully approached their table, thankful they couldn't see her from outside. She prayed that when they both discovered she was gone, Edward wouldn't take it out on Alex somehow. Bella thought of him in a hospital bed like Riley and shuddered. Bella ignored her tears as she grabbed her purse and looked around for the waiter. He immediately spotted the distress on her face and looked up toward the window. Bella watched him freeze as if sensing the cause behind her panic and rushed to her side.
"Come on," he whispered, taking her hand.
"Think about something obscure. Distracting. Anything but me," Bella whispered. "And don't talk. Please trust me."
"I do," he said. The waiter squeezed her hand with one hand and brushed her tears away with the thumb of the other. It was such a Paul gesture that she took a calming breath and knew she was safe somehow. The waiter yanked the crisp, white shirt off, leaving his baggy white T-Shirt falling over the apron. He held the shirt for her to slip into, and Bella instinctively complied. Assuming he was trying to disguise her, she was grateful that her scent was currently 'off' and the waiter's scent could further mask hers. The waiter walked her through the kitchen, past the yelling cook, and out the back door without a word.
He put his arm around her shoulders and let her discreetly point the way to her truck. She hoped he was thinking about anything but her face or their current situation as they quickly fled through the alley.
"Thank you," Bella said as she darted around her truck.
"I should come with you," he said firmly. "To make sure this Jack-wad doesn't follow you."
"That's very kind, but," Bella paused, unsure what to say. They were wasting precious time.
He said, "You're shaking like crazy, Bella. Let me drive until you calm down. We have to go now before he follows."
Bella eyed him warily as she opened the driver's side door. "And you learned my name, how, exactly?"
He shrugged, his answer more of a question than a reply as he said, "Your date used it?" He continued to wait, scowling as he watched toward the restaurant. Bella sighed and scooted into the passenger seat, allowing him to climb behind the wheel.
Handing him her keys, she grumbled, "You better have a valid fucking license."
The young man rolled his eyes as he turned the ignition, and the truck roared to life. He threw it into gear, and they were off, quickly putting space between themselves and Edward Cullen.
She asked, "What's your name, anyway?"
"Joe," he answered simply.
"Well, Joe, thanks for helping me, but you can pull over up the street. I have over an hour's drive ahead of me, and I certainly can't bring you back.
"You're still shaking," he said. Bella glanced down as she realized it was true. Nearly encountering Edward Cullen had shaken her to her very core. She pulled her cell out and fumbled it in her haste.
Aware it was complete bullshit and that she would likely need to pull over to face the impending meltdown somewhere, Bella lied, "I'll most likely calm down along the way. It will be fine." She sent a group text about spotting Edward to the wolves and Charlie, knowing it would raise some hackles. Despite his help, Bella was wary of Joe after saying her name and readiness to help. His familiarity still bothered her when she couldn't place how she knew him. And yet, Bella was sure. When he didn't pull over, she said, "Okay. Drive to your house, and I'll let you out, but they know I've left by now. I have to get out of town."
Joe asked, "Where do you live?"
"Forks," she lied.
He scowled as his phone buzzed in his pocket, dismissing it and keeping his eyes on the road. "What happened back there?"
She hesitated to answer, unsure if she should tell him anything. Her phone erupted with incoming messages, and she sent another group message about escaping and heading home.
Joe was nearing the route she needed to go to Forks. As he turned onto the highway, she asked, "What are you doing?"
He said, "I can get a ride back from Forks. I know people there. You're obviously still very shaken up, and I don't feel right leaving you alone yet." He offered her a kind, genuine smile. "I'm sorry for imposing, but I want to assure you are safe first. Is that alright? Will you please let me drive you to Forks? You can dump me off at the edge of town." He was already behind the wheel and doing eighty. There was little she could do besides nod and agree as she answered the frantic messages from Jacob, Quil, Leah, and Charlie.
Joe asked, "So can I know what set everything off back there?"
She said, "My date was outside talking to my stalker ex-boyfriend outside."
"I figured someone was dangerous, or you wouldn't have looked so terrified," Joe said sympathetically. "Were they working together?"
"I hope not, but I can't say for sure. Alex and I went out before, and he seemed genuine."
Joe asked, "You don't think your ex will hurt your date, right?"
Bella's phone rang then, and she groaned at Alex's name on the screen. She couldn't hold back the nervous tremor in her voice as she answered.
Alex sounded frantic as he asked, "Bella, where are you? You just disappeared. The owner said you left through the kitchen with the waiter. What the hell happened? I'm freaking out here. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I had to get out of there. I didn't feel safe," she admitted. "How do you know Edward, Alex?"
"Who?"
"The man you were with outside, Alex." Bella was struggling to hold back her temper. Her question sounded like an accusation as she asked, "How do you know him?" Bella jumped as Joe slid his hand under hers and squeezed it reassuringly. She clenched it back as she relaxed somewhat, needing the physical reassurance of her current safety. The gesture was disturbing and comforting, all at the same time. He behaved like one of the wolves, instinctively doing the same things they would have done.
Bella was almost startled by his voice as Alex spoke. Calmly, he asked, "Do you know him? Is that why you snuck off?"
Bella said. "He's my ex. The one I thought you sounded like the other day."
"Well, that's creepy," he muttered and laughed. "He just started talking to me outside."
"You looked like you were arguing," she said.
Alex laughed and said, "He seemed very condescending. Kind of a snob, if you ask me."
"This isn't a joke," Bella said heatedly. "I need to know if you have anything to do with him being there today. He stalked me when we were together, Alex, and I think he was there for me."
Alex's tone changed as he spat, "What do you mean he stalked you?"
Despite the anger in his voice, Bella relaxed. He was concerned about her safety again, and she could hear it behind his words. She admitted, "Edward and I dated in high school. He stalked me. Edward broke into my house to watch me sleep. He interfered with all my relationships, tried to make my friends hate me, and gaslit the hell out of me whenever he could. He caused me to have a mental break. It has taken years to work through, and I only just now started dating again. I was always covered in stitches or bruises and almost died because of my association with him multiple times, Alex. He's dangerous."
"I wish you hadn't run off," Alex said. "I would have protected you."
It wouldn't be enough, she thought. Edward could dispose of Alex in less than a second if he wanted. Bella's head throbbed with anxiety. She said, "You can't. There are very few things besides distance that can. Look. I need to go. I'm sorry for leaving without an explanation, but I panicked. If you see him again, avoid him. Please? We'll talk soon, okay? I might need to keep some distance until I know he's not a threat." She conjured up a visual of Alex lying in the hospital like Riley.
"If that's what you want," Alex said, sounding disappointed.
"Yes, I think that would be best for now." Bella hung up without saying goodbye as Joe's phone went off again. "Should you answer that?"
"While doing eighty? Nope. Not that important," he said firmly. She could hear the lie behind his words, and he wiggled his fingers around the wheel to release the tension in his hand.
"I think you can relax a little now," she said. If Edward wanted to chase them, he could easily do so. He drove like a maniac regularly and was more than capable of destroying her truck to capture her if he chose. Bella couldn't imagine him doing so on purpose, but she was uncertain of his motives.
"God, maybe I should have just stayed and confronted them," she muttered.
"You were right to follow your instincts," Joe said. "Your intuition is there for a reason."
"Yeah, I wish that intuition existed five years ago," she said, more to herself than him. Bella realized she still held his hand and let go, putting her hands on her lap. They rode in strained silence as they continued rushing toward Forks.
