Chapter 6: Ritual

Charlie looked away as he pulled the sheet over the lifeless body. The young girl reminded him so much of Bella, and it angered him that some psycho was out there killing innocent people. He nodded to the coroner, thinking through what he knows so far. All of the deceased were between the ages of 18 and 22, all had brown hair, brown eyes, Caucasian, and no taller than 5'2.

He stepped out into the night air, knowing Bella would have a heart attack if she could see him now. He pulled out a cigarette, feeling in his jacket pocket for his lighter. "Dammit," He muttered, coming up empty. At the corner, the sound of a lighter flickered, and Charlie looked over to see a woman with bright red hair, and violet looking eyes. "Need a light officer?" She asked in sultry tone, swaying towards him with a small smirk on her lips.

Charlie, being a man, raked his eyes over the woman, finding that even though she was fully clothed, they were very form fitting, outlining every curve in her body. He then cleared his throat. He leaned forward as she came closer, the orange glow briefly illuminating her face before she closed the top. She sat the lighter into his uniform chest pocket, patting his chest. "You look like someone I know," She purred, looking him dead in the eyes. Charlie's 'spider senses' as he liked to joke went off, and he just grunted in response. The woman hummed, her voice sounding like tinkling bells, sweet and soft. Alluring.

"Doubt it," He responded, and she laughed. "Hmmm, I'm Vicky. What's your name?" Charlie didn't answer, and 'Vicky' glanced at his name plate. "Ooo, Chief Swan. C. Swan. What's that for? Charles, Chase, Charlie?" She smirked, laughing before pushing away from him. Charlie grabbed her wrist, brows furrowing at her cold body. "Got a last name Vicky?" He asked, raising a brow. Vicky hummed, pushing herself against Charlie, her finger trailing down his neck. Charlie eyed her with slight annoyance. "Sutherland," She answered.

"Got any idea what's happening around here?" He questioned, her wrist still in his grasp. She hummed, looking around innocently. "Well, I know there's some girls showing up dead all over town, and in Seattle too…they all look the same right? I'd say someone's out for revenge," Before Charlie could even grasp what was happening, she pulled away, walking away from him, disappearing around the corner with a "See you around Charlie,".

He made a move to follow her but decided against it. Pulling the lighter she gave him out of his pocket he frowned. "What the hell?" He muttered, finding that this zippo lighter belonged to him, his father's initials engraved on the side.

His cell rang, and he pulled it out, seeing the name Uley flash across the screen. "Hello?" He answered, his eyes widening at Bella's voice. As if she could see him, he dropped the cigarette from his mouth, stomping on it. "Hey Bells. Yeah, yeah I'm fine, just…working. There are some weird people around here. What? No, no, I'm fine, everything's alright here. How are you kiddo?"

Around the corner, Victoria hummed, before disappearing into the early morning. Bella might've been physically untouchable, but there were ways to get to her heart.

"If you're sure, alright, yeah, yeah, are you eating?" Bella asked, rolling her eyes as Sam softly laughed. "Let me see. You're mothering your old man to death," Saying a quick I love you, Bella handed the phone to Sam, who then spoke to Charlie for a few brief minutes. Answering the hard questions Charlie couldn't ask Bella, and even though he believed his daughter was telling the truth, he wanted to make sure she was being well taken care of.

Sitting down on the couch, she grabbed the magazine off the coffee table, flipping through the pages. She glanced up as one of the newest members plopped down next to her. She glanced at Sam who was eyeing the boy making sure he kept his temperament in check.

His shift didn't start for another two hours and the youngster had nothing to do except wait around and annoy the living hell out of people. "You know he's staring holes into your skull, right?" She asked, eyeing a coffee machine. She and Charlie could use an upgrade.

"Holes, shmoles, whatever," Bella chuckled, shaking her head. "You're bold," She laughed. "So, uh what's up with you and the scary one? Are you his…what's the word?" Bella sat the magazine down and turned to glance at the teen. They were only two years apart, but she had never met a 16-year-old like him.

As she looked at him, Levi's breath hitched, and his eyes widened to that of saucers. She glanced at Sam who shook his head. He wasn't all that surprised, and it was probably going to happen with any and every wolf that phased. It just seemed fitting that way. Covering the phone with his hand, he leaned forward talking softly. "Levi, it's called imprinting, and congrats, you just did,"

Bella waved him on with his conversation and turned back to Levi. She finally started to understand the dynamics of it due to Sam's explanation of it when he decided to take her home with him and offered what she understood. Before she could speak however, Levi's face scrunched up and he looked Bella over. "I mean you're hot and all, but I like blonde's babe," Bella snorted. "Our imprinting doesn't have to be romantic and it seems like that's what's happening. Most of you are like brothers to me, and granted I'm trying to get to know each and every one of you, that bond is there. Besides, you aren't my type either Sparky,"

Bella softly laughed at his pout and glanced over as Sam hung up the phone. "Now," He was cut off by the phone ringing again and answered it. "Uley," He responded. Emily came out of the back room with her suitcases. Sam sighed as he hung up, all eyes looking to him. "That was Billy. He wants to have a meeting. Shit sorry Em, I'm supposed to take you down to see your mother,"

"I'll take her," Bella offered, shooting her a smile. Sam frowned, mulling it over. "I don't know. It's best you stay over in LaPush, besides there will be no wolf guarding you going and coming. Too risky," Bella hummed, and glanced over at Levi. "Levi can come. His shift starts in two hours, and by the time we'll be back, he'll be out of your hair," Sam glanced at Levi who looked up to the task. "Why not? She needs to get out anyway. Besides we can bond a bit," Emily piped up, giving him her signature smile. Sam groaned and looked back and forth between his imprints. "Fine. Doesn't help she's pulling the puppy dog look," Bella raised a brow. "I do not pout, come on, I'll help with your things," Emily and Bella grabbed a suitcase in each hand and headed out the door. Sam gave Levi a stern look. "Behave and please, whatever you do, don't phase. No exposure, and we don't need anybody getting hurt. Bella is important to you and I almost as much as Emily is to me. But fuck up, it won't just be me kicking your ass,"

He jerked his head in the direction of the door, and Levi glanced at the brute that stood there. Paul was in a black t-shirt, and dark blue jeans, with a pair of converses on his feet. His hair was in its usual spiked fashion. He was leaning against the doorframe, both arms crossed over his chest. His breathing was even and calm; you could clearly see the rise and fall of his chest. Levi nodded frantically and audibly gulped as Paul's eyes, deep as black pits stared him down and through his soul.

"Got it, I don't really want those to be the last thing I look into before I die," He scurried past Paul shooting him a salute. "She's safe with me," Sam shook his head with a sigh. He then looked to Paul who was watching Sam's truck back out of the gravel driveway. After the experience in the woods, Sam cut back the tree limbs and vines. It caused for less of a blind spot. "She'll be fine," Paul just grunted, then responded, "I know,"

Sam could hear the threat in that statement. If she wasn't…well…it wouldn't end well.

Sam sat on the old brown couch across from Billy. "I know we haven't had a chance to talk," Billy nodded in agreement, setting down two sets of coffee. "It's understandable. How is everything?" Sam rubbed a hand down his face, the small bags under his eyes attesting to the fact that he was exhausted. "Hectic. I don't even know where to start," Billy chuckled softly. "How about from the beginning," Same smiled lightly, grabbing the coffee cup. "Got any Whiskey?" Billy just raised a brow before rolling into the back room. Sam cracked a grin as Billy came back out with the glass bottle. After pouring some of the liquor into their mugs, Sam started the insane tale of how Bella Swan has turned his pack upside down. Billy knew the beginning of course, but it only seemed to further his curiosity of the pack dynamics.

"Then Paul came around," Billy snapped his eyes to Sam, concern now a prominent emotion on his face. "I'm not sure if that's…" Sam cut Billy off with a shake of his head. "I know what you're going to say, but it's too late for that. They're already friends somewhat, and he's seeming to stick around because of her. He even apologized to Emily. As much as I was and still am against it, there's nothing I can do, and it might be good for them," Billy frowned. "What if he snaps?" Sam didn't seem bothered by the question and shot it down quickly. "I'd think he'd snap on anyone else but her. I know it's only been a few days, but I just know that she sought him out when least expected, and he actually obliged. That means something. If he's willingly able to make a friendship with a girl he's not even connected to, that says something. Maybe it is a good thing he can't imprint. He's had plenty of opportunities, and he's treated her with nothing but a kindness I've ever seen,"

Billy hummed with a nod. "I'm not one to talk about love life, but Jacob seems pretty broken up about Bella in your 'gang' as he likes to say. Do you think with him being rightful alpha that he may imprint on her?" Sam's brows furrowed, and he had to deny it. "No. Do you know how upset the balance will be? Drawn to a wolf that will never imprint and then imprint to the alpha? Not happening. I personally don't believe she sees Jacob in a romantic light. I firmly believe that with Paul in the picture, it's gonna be him," Billy tilted his head taking a few sips of coffee. "But you said it yourself, they are just friends,"

"I did, but I didn't say that's where it'll end. All I can say is, if Jacob still feels the same when he eventually phases, my only advice would be for him to get over it,"

Billy's eyes widened slightly at that, pouring himself a shot. "But Paul isn't…" Billy trailed off, knowing Sam knew where he was going. "No. If Paul has any love in his heart, any loving bone in his body, it's going to be for her," Billy tilted his head, a frown on his face. "Why? How can you be sure?" Sam leaned forward, setting his mug down. "Because when he looks at her, when he's around her, he almost seems human,"

Levi listened as Bella and Emily rambled on about recipes and food which only made his stomach rumble. "Hey B, is it okay I call you B? Yeah? After we drop her off, can we please stop for something to eat? I'm a growing boy," He whined. Bella and Emily shared humored glances, and Bella nodded. "Sure, and don't call me B. Bella is perfectly fine," Levi leaned forward, glancing at the two of them.

"I'll let ya' call me Sparky," Bella laughed and shook her head. "Deal kid," Levi leaned back in the seat nodding to himself. "Why am I a kid? You're what, 18, 19?" Bella glanced at him in the rearview raising a brow. Levi gave her a glare, turning to look out the window. "I want a Happy Meal too," He grumbled, sighing again as Bella and Emily started talking about babies of all things.

"What about you Bella? Do you ever want them?" Bella shrugged. "I must admit that when I was with the Cullen's, I never actually thought about everything I'd be giving up but talking about them, I don't know, maybe?" Emily smiled at her flustered expression. "I think you'd make a great mother," Bella smiled in return, the car descending into silence.

30 minutes later, Levi was shifting places as Emily walked towards the small cottage home. Bella pulled off after making sure Emily made it inside. It was just rolling around 7:30 in the morning, and the sky was just starting to lighten. Levi's growling stomach reminded Bella that they needed to stop for food.

They started down the empty highway, Levi glancing out the window watching the trees fly by. "Shoot," Bella murmured, the truck slowing down. In front of them seemed to be some major car accident. "We were just here. What the hell happened?" Levi asked, sitting up in the seat. Bella shrugged. "No idea, but it looks pretty bad," She rolled down the window as an officer came up to them. "Is everything alright?" She questioned. The officer shook his head. I'm afraid not. Now, if you make a U-Turn, and about 5 miles out there will be a detour sign to a back road that'll take you around all this," Bella glanced back at the scene and nodded. "Thank you, officer," He tipped his hat and walked back towards the scene. Bella rolled up the window, and made a U-Turn, following the instructions. She found the detour sign, turning down the narrow road.

"So, what was it like being with vampires?" Bella frowned, trying to think about the best way to explain it. "It was different, I guess. Much different than this," She responded. "What are they like?" He asked curiously, his attention now on her. "The most beautiful things you'll ever see," She whispered, deciding to tell Levi her story with the Cullen's. "I wasn't supposed to fall in love with them you know? I did, and I thought that I found a family. I wanted to join them," She glanced over at Levi, seeing his curious expression. "But why? Wouldn't you be…" He trailed off confused, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that vampires existed and he was born to kill them. "So, what changed?" He asked, and Bella took a quick glance in the rearview, her brown eyes reflecting back at her. "Sam," She smiled.

"I'm still trying to understand everything too, but he's pulled me out of this dark hole, and I can finally breathe," She sighed, then took in a calming breath. "So uh, is Paul, are you his imprint?" Bella laughed and shook her head. "No. Paul and I…I think we're friends. Sam isn't very fond of him, but since I met him, he's been nothing but kind, and there in a way I can't really explain," Levi hummed, nodding at that. "I'd say you two are. He just gave me this really dark look before we left, so I guess he's fond of you," Bella chuckled.

"I guess. Is he scary?" She asked, laughing a little at his incredulous expression. "Scary? He's downright terrifying. It's like he has no soul or something," Bella glanced over at him, a small smile playing on the corner of her lips. "Everyone has a soul in my opinion,"

As she turned her head to glance back at the road, her eyes widened at the object in the road. "Oh my god," She slammed on the brakes, turning the wheel so that she wouldn't hit the little boy in the road. The truck spun in a circle before gliding into the nearest tree on the passenger side. The minor impact jostled them both, Bella's head hitting the driver's side window.

She winced, but otherwise didn't think too much about it, turning her attention to Levi who seemed to be alight. "You okay?" She asked, turning to look out of the window. "Mhm, where'd he come from?" He asked, stretching out his arm, surprised to find the soreness easing away so quickly. "No idea," She clicked the button on her seatbelt, moving it out of the way before opening the door. She stumbled out of the truck, cautiously approaching the little boy. He was really pale with dark black curly hair, dressed in a short-sleeved t-shirt, and bright blue jeans, untied sneakers on his feet. "Hey, are you alright?" She asked, slowly stepping forward. He was facing away from her, and she could hear him sniffling. "Hey…" She whispered, reaching out a hand.

She grabbed his shoulder, turning him around. Bella reared back in shock, backing away from the little boy. She fell to the ground, scooting back with her hands and feet. A warm hand pulled her up to stand, she and Levi staring at this faceless child. "Get in the truck," She advised, pushing him back into the truck. She hopped in right after him, and she quickly turned the truck back in the direction they were going, narrowly missing the 'boy'. As the dust settled behind them, she took a glance in the rearview, eyes narrowing as in the place of a boy was a dark, cloaked shadow.

Paul was just walking through Sam's door when the phone rang. He sat on the edge of the couch, debating if he wanted to let it ring. Sam was obviously still at Billy's, and thinking that it might be Bella calling, he decided to pick it up. "Uley," He responded. "Paul? Is Sam there?" Her voice drifted on the line, and he narrowed his eyes at the tone of her voice. "No, he's with Billy. What's wrong?"

He could faintly hear Levi in the background sounding slightly hysterical. "Levi," She snapped, then mumbled something he couldn't make out. "We're about 20 minutes from LaPush. Can you meet us at Billy's? We um, we ran into…I don't know how to explain it without sounding crazy," She sighed, her voice hinting that whatever happened, it was frightening.

"Are you alright?" He asked, listening closely. "Um, yeah. I'm fine. It could've been worse," She whispered. "It?" He questioned, his mind briefly running through different scenarios. "We almost got into an accident. Sam's truck has a pretty noticeable tree-sized dent in it. There was this kid in the middle of the road, and I had to swerve so I didn't hit him. I'll explain when we get back. Levi's fine, he's just having a mini freak-out. I'll see you," She said softly, and then hung up. He put the phone back on the hook, doing his best to calm himself. He had an assumption that this had something to do with the figure that seemed to torture her at any given moment. If one were to look at this from an outside point of view, they'd wonder why he or anyone else could care. They barely know the girl, but there was something about Bella Swan that you couldn't help but bend to her will. No matter what she chose in the end, or when it came to the Cullen's, she never asked to be pursued. There is a reason why she was the lamb and Edward was the lion.

Only the predator would go after the prey.

Paul arrived at Billy's in less than 5 minutes, knocking on the door. "I'll get it," Sam called from the inside, frowning when he opened the door. "What are you doing here?" Paul tore his eyes to Bill briefly, before looking back at Sam. "Bella just called. I think she had a run-in with that thing again," Sam frowned, ushering Paul inside. "Is she alright?" He asked concerned, closing the screen door behind him. "Yeah, she and Levi are on their way here. What do you know about Shadow figures?" Paul asked, raising a brow in Billy's direction. "Not a lot, but we have some books and legends on them. Why?" Billy rolled towards his bookshelf, browsing through his titles. "We think one may be after Bella. It's been hanging around. It's been using people to get to her. We don't have any idea where it came from," Billy hummed softly. "I don't like the sound of that. When did she start noticing this shadow figure?"

"Not too long after she got here. It probably started showing around after she…after her scar disappeared. Maybe?" Sam guessed. "Hmmm. There have been stories that evil things can manifest. It's possible it's manifested from the scar. Regardless, we need to figure out how to break the connection,"

The sound of crunching rocks outside alerted them to Bella's arrival. Sam went to the door, opening it to meet her halfway. "Jesus. What happened to my truck?" Just as Bella said, the right side was dented, dust covering his once red truck. Bella hopped out, Levi scooting from the passenger's side and then out.

He slammed the door shut, giving Sam an apologetic look. "Sorry man. It wasn't our fault though. That…whatever it was, just came out of nowhere," Bella nodded in agreement. "That thing is back Sam, and it took the form of a child. It had no face. It's what made me swerve," Sam clenched his teeth, looking back at Billy who was waiting at the door.

"Please tell me you know something," He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Well come on," He waved his hand, and turned around. They all followed him inside, taking up a seat on the couch. Paul sat on the arm, and Bella gave him a gentle, yet tired smile. He eyed the small bruise on her head, reaching out to gently run his fingers across it. She winced a bit, but nodded, a silt affirmation that she was otherwise alright.

"Ahhh, here we go. 'Birthed from evil, cold like ice, it feeds off the energy of its victims. Usually conjured by a mark or physical dependence. When removed or destroyed, it takes a physical form, tying itself to what feeds it,' Interesting. I will say that what you have is indeed a Shadow apparition and has for some reason connected itself to Bella. Do you know what it wants? Has it spoken to you?"

Bella nodded. "It has. Twice. When I first noticed it, it kept telling me to embrace, only I didn't know what it was talking about. Then, in the woods, it told me that 'they can't save me'. It sounds familiar though. That night Jared took me in the water, I heard it. It told me to embrace the cold. What does that mean?" She asked, chewing on her bottom lip. Billy frowned, flipping through the book.

"This happened before or after the bitemark disappeared?" He asked, glancing at her for information. "Um, I didn't start seeing until after the bitemark disappeared, but I heard it the night I was out. There were two things in the darkness, a blue mist, and then, there was a fire I think. If I remember correctly, this wolf emerged, and it was so hard to reach, but I touched its nose," Billy looked at her sharply, wheeling towards her.

"This is much worse than I thought. It all makes sense. The venom from her scar has manifested into a physical entity, and it won't rest or let go until you're dead or like it said….embrace the cold. This has never happened before, but hundreds of years ago, a woman was being haunted by something called a Duin. Very religious. She had interacted, unknowingly with Cold Ones. She then had to undergo a ritual in order to get rid of it. A ritual that took a shifter to overcome. Hmmm. Maybe this is the same thing. Bella, where were you most vulnerable? One moment in your life where you didn't know if it was going to be the end?" Bella frowned, wracking her brain.

"Um, I don't know. I don't know what you mean," Billy grabbed one of her hands, turning it over. "You see the lines on your palm? These make us the very people we are. When was there a moment where you lost yourself altogether? When these lines intersected and had no pattern?"

She frowned, her mind going back to that cold night just a few nights ago. "In the woods. When I was alone, and it was dark…" She whispered, her eyes now focusing on his. "Tonight, we meet here, and we'll travel to those woods. I'll send Sue over with some information and get you prepared. Now, if I am correct about this, a wolf will have to accompany you to that stage of vulnerability as you confront this Shadow. The only catch…" He trailed off, looking into the book once more. "Hmm. The connection between wolf and human must be real, not forged, meaning that any wolf that has imprinted on you, cannot accompany you," He slid his eyes over to Paul, slowly coming to terms that his son may get his heart broken a second time around when he phases. There was no doubt in his mind that the gods had spoken.

She truly did belong to him.

Bella fidgeted as Sue tied her hair back and into a long braid. "Relax," She soothed. She sighed, pulling at the thin material she had on. "Sorry, I'm nervous," Sue chuckled, turning Bella around to face her. Her kind eyes gave Bella something to hold onto. "I know. I know you're scared, but believe me, you'll be fine. This will all be over soon," She said, wincing herself at the small gash on Bella's forehead and the bruise. "You're all kinds of scarred up huh?" She sat Bella down and began to explain what Billy was going to do.

"Billy is going to try to summon it using your blood. You will then travel with Paul to the exact spot of your vulnerability. The figure should emerge, and Bella from what I even read, it will do everything in its power to hurt you. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You cannot let it know you're afraid. You must beat it by showing no fear. Fear feeds it, and it just soaks it all up until it can't anymore. Once you overcome your fear, and that is truly letting go of everything that can harm you physically, and in your heart, will Paul be able to destroy it," Sue laid her hand over her chest, smiling warmly.

"You're one of us now. There's nothing outside of this that can hurt you, and with faith, and trust, family can overcome anything, all you have to do is trust them," Bella nodded, smiling at Sue, feeling a little bit more confident about what was going down. She pulled the black cloak around her shoulders, tying the black string around her neck. Sam knocked on the door, pushing it open. You could tell he was worried, as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. The stress was evident on his face, and all Sam wanted was to just fall into bed for one night and actually catch some sleep. "Are you ready?" He asked, moving to the side as Bella nodded, and stood. "Yeah," She nodded. "Where is he?" She asked, and Sam led her out of the house. "Already at Billy's. Listen, we can't be there, just you, Billy, and Paul," Bella frowned, "What? Why?" He laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "It's a requirement. We'll be waiting for you guys at Billy's when this is over. Look, Paul and I may not have started on the best of terms, and it's going to take some getting used to on both parts, but believe me, he's capable of keeping you safe. He's a good fighter and does what he needs to. Trust him and stay at his side. No matter what you hear, no matter what you see, no matter what you feel….don't lose sight of him,"

Bella hid it well, but his warning did frighten her a bit. "Okay," She agreed, nodding. She squeezed his hand, and Bella slipped on a pair of flats.

The two walked in tense silence, Bella's heart beating increasing by the second. "Relax, okay?" He grabbed her hand, squeezing it gently. She took a deep breath, calming herself down. She glanced up at the moon in the sky. So bright, it was almost blinding. They silently crossed Billy's yard, and Bella had a fleeting wonder if Jacob was awake.

If he was watching this strange meeting, wondering what was amiss. The thought left her mind immediately though when Sam's hand left hers and she saw Paul. He was dressed in a similar fashion, black, think pants, almost like a sheer, but with no shirt, a black cloak around his own shoulders. Sam nudged her forward, sending a nod Paul's way. Paul nodded in return, his attention shifting once Bella was in sight. If he didn't know any better, he'd almost assume Paul imprinted.

She took his attention whenever she was around, and it was so strange that it was almost normal. He wasn't lying when he said Paul almost seemed human. He looked at her with a fondness and deep curiosity. She was the enigma to him.

Billy gave Bella a warm smile, patting her hand. "Good. Sue briefed you?" At Bella's nod, he handed Paul the keys to his truck, and Bella helped Billy up the ramp, and into the back. She got into the passenger seat, and after they were situated, Paul started the drive to Forks. "You know where to go?" She asked surprised. "Yeah, it was all Sam could think about one night," He explained. About 25 minutes later, Paul pulled into the driveway of Bella's home.

Trying not to think too hard, she helped Billy out of the back, helping him grab a few items she didn't even know he had. "Let's go to the back," Bella pushed him along, feeling Paul at her side. He was looking around, but it was simply a precautionary measure. "Right here," Bella stopped, coming to stand next to Billy. He pulled out a little bowl and a knife. He then pulled out a slip of paper with words on it.

"Now, Bella when you get into the woods, you need to put yourself back in your shoes. Follow that feeling of dread, and you'll know. Do not separate, do not listen to anything it says. One slip, and it will have its claws in you. Paul will remain human until you get to that spot. Then he will shift and wait. This is not just a physical battle but a mental one. Fight it by showing you have no fear. Come, give me your hands," They each laid their hands out, palms up.

Billy's hands shook a bit as he quickly sliced Bella's palm, a small trickle of blood dripping into the little wooden bowl. Billy looked up at Paul, gripping the knife a bit tighter. "I'm going to have to cut a little deeper son, so you don't heal too quickly," Billy pushed the knife further into Paul's flesh, slicing a bigger gash on his palm. His blood too dripped in the bowl before Billy took some powder, sprinkling it in the bowl. "I need a piece of hair from you Bella," Bella complied, pulling a long strand of hair from her loose braid. Billy held the bowl out and she dropped it in.

He pulled out a piece of cloth, of which Bella recognized it as a piece of her scarf. "Hope you don't mind," Billy murmured, and Bella shook her head. "Not really a scarf girl," She whispered. He pulled out a box of matches, lighting one before lighting the fabric in the bowl. Blowing out the match, he looked at the two. "Your blood should draw it in. Remember what I said, and put the hoods on," He warned.

They did as instructed, and Bella turned around, facing the woods before stepping forward. At the edge, she stopped for a moment, gathering herself. Paul stepped next to her, and she grabbed his hand, her wide eyes staring into the trees. Paul looked down at their hands, briefly admiring the difference in skin tones, and the feel of her hand in his. He squeezed it gently and Bella glanced up at him taking in his face, wondering how a guy like him ends up in a mess that was this life.

Billy watched from afar as they stared at each other then walked into the woods. "Spirit of evil…your child has come," He whispered, blowing out the fire.

Bella and Paul walked far, the moon illuminating just enough light for her to see. They say that all woods look the same, but Bella knew where she was going. She could still hear Edward's words, her confusion at his confession. You don't….want me? The horrible way he uttered, No. It was so cold.

She could feel the tears in her eyes, and she didn't know why she was crying. She thought that she got over this. Over this hole. She let the pain cry her a river, no longer seeing through her own eyes, but that of the Bella he left behind. She let go of Paul's hand, and like memory started forward, remembering every cry of his name as she trailed after him. "Edward," She whispered, following the tress as they started to sing the melody of pain, beckoning her forward.

She felt along with the trees, Paul's presence totally lost on her as she wandered through the woods, just like that night. Paul watched her carefully, two steps behind her. When she moved, he moved. She moved in different directions, turning around sometimes only to backtrack. She placed her hand over her heart, a small tear running down her cheek. She stopped after a while, sinking down to the forest floor, staring at the ground.

"Bella….nice to see you," She stood with a gasp, Paul was by her side to hold her up. He looked around for the source of the voice. "I know you," Bella responded, mentally slapping herself. There was a reason the voice sounded so familiar. Do you now? It asked, echoing around them. Bella hesitated. Could this be a trick too?

A few feet away stood a familiar face, but they knew it wasn't real. It took on the form of Sam, even to go as far as mimic his voice. "Too much?" He asked, smirking. "How about this?" Before their eyes, it morphed into Renee. "Oh Bella….I see you and mommy haven't gotten any closer have you?" He then morphed into Charlie, and Bella pursed her lips. "How about…this?" She sucked in a breath as it transformed into that of Edward, looking exactly like him.

"You just wanted him to love you," She closed her eyes as his voice floated in the air. She shook her head violently, glaring up at the figure. "Stop it," She snapped, "I know who you really are. I can't believe I missed it, but you're him. James," She sneered. The figure sneered at her before shrinking a few inches, and Bella swallowed.

It really was him.

"You're smart for a human," He mocked. Bella glared at stepping forward, only to have Paul grasp her arm. "Don't." He growled, his dark eyes staring James down. "I would listen to the…whatever he is," Bella tilted her head, tsking at him. "At least I'm alive. You couldn't even kill me properly," She taunted. James snarled, crouching low. Paul's grip had tightened on her arm, ready to pull her back. She almost had him where she needed him.

"Some vampire you were. Smart, but not smart enough. You didn't even hear them coming. They burned you, and look at you now. Too much of a coward to actually reveal yourself….pity. And you're a fucking mist…granted I gave you full form, but fuck that. They're alive, I'm alive, and you're not…Laurent even betrayed you…Victoria well….I'm surprised she's still standing. If she can't kill me….then what kind of world is this?"

"You're mine," He sneered, lunging forward. Paul pushed Bella to the side forcing her to roll under a large tree that had fallen. She gasped as Paul phased in a matter of seconds, standing in between her and James. "I'll torture her nice and slow this time," He threatened, letting out what sounded like a primal, human, roar, clashing head on with Paul.

They met head on, and Bella watched as they seemed to be a match for one another. They were both calculating, each watching the other to make a move. Paul never let James get on the other side of him, guarding the little huddle she was in.

Bella said a silent yes as Paul got a chunk of flesh from his neck and shoulder. James pushed Paul off of him with a force she's never seen. He hit a tree with an yip, and Bella glanced up as the tree started to shake. Before she could climb out from under the tree-like perch, the smaller tree fell sideways, landing in front of her with a loud crash. She covered her eyes to keep the dirt out, now unable to see anything. There was a small opening to her right, but it was even too small for her to climb out of.

She looked through the small hole, seeing what she could. She closed her eyes, sending a silent prayer that they would win. "Giving up lover boy?" She gasped as James taunted Paul, panic quickly setting in. She blindly searched the forest floor, feeling for anything sharp.

She got as close to the hole as possible, eyeing the bark on the tree. She gritted her teeth as she started to rub her arm against it. wincing as she broke flesh. She gasped in triumph as she eyed a sharp rock by the tree. She stretched her hand further, her fingers barely grasping it. She used it to cut deeper, hoping that the more blood, the more James could smell it.

As if answering her prayers, the wind blew uphill, and Bella knew she got his attention as James turned in her direction, taking a deep whiff. He was suddenly masked by a ball of fur, and Bella could hear the screeching of metal.

She tried to see through the small hole, but no avail. "Paul?" She questioned loudly, staring to break the pieces of bark that she could reach. "Move back," He warned, and Bella slid over to the side, covering her face. Paul smashed through the bark, ripping out the big chunks. He grasped her hand, pulling her out and up. He brushed some pieces of wood out of her hair. She ran her hands along his chest, frowning at the scars that littered it. "Jesus," She whispered, watching in amazement as the small scars started to heal. The deep gashes taking longer. The ripping of fabric made her look down to see he had torn a piece of her shirt to tie over her arm.

She glanced over at the body parts that littered the ground. Before she could second guess herself, she threw her arms around him, sighing as he wrapped his arms around her waist tightly. She squeezed him tightly as he lifted her off her feet, and despite the carnage that laid around her, she felt like she was on top of the world, and that finally, things could go back to normal, or as normal as can be for a girl with a pack of wolves for friends.

AN: So we see that Victoria is taking a different approach to getting to Bella, and what the Shadow figure really was.

AN2: Also, do you guys think I should make a Facebook page for this fanfiction in particular? Maybe show you guys sneak peeks? Discuss, or no? Also, does anyone make banners? PM me! Or tell me how? lol

Thanks!