We arrived in front of my house. How could I break my parent's hearts? At least I can act and lie well.

I got out of the car, and went inside.

"How was the game?" Dad asked, but I ignored him, flying to my room. Once I was inside, I grabbed my duffel bag and started throwing clothes in. Bella was there, also helping. Once the bag was full, she zipped the bag, and slung it over my shoulder. Then she crushed her lips to mine.

"I love you," She whispered.

"Yeah, me too." I swooped down, stole a kiss, and then she disappeared.

I exited my bedroom and went downstairs. My parents looked confused and worried when they saw me with my bag.

"Where are you going, son? Not for a sleepover, since that's too much stuff."

I headed into the kitchen to grab some snacks for the way there. "You're right, Dad. I'm…..I'm leaving."

"What? Why?"

I sighed. "I can't stand it in Forks anymore. It makes me too depressed. It just doesn't feel like home."

"But running away isn't the option, son. Where will you even stay?"

I put some crackers and apples in my bag. "Our old house."

"But what about Bella?"

"I broke up with her. She was devastated, hurt, but she understood. I'm leaving. I'll visit, though." I looked at their pained, guilty, hurtful faces. "I'm sorry, but I need to go. Who knows? Maybe Chicago won't feel the same without you." I hugged my Mom and dad, and kissed my Mom's cheek. "Goodbye."

I ran out the door and into my Volvo. I threw my duffel bag into the back row and started driving.

Once I was off the street, around the corner, Bella appeared. She was running by my side of the car, easily keeping up. She could probably run faster than this car.

"Pull over."

I pulled the car over, stopping the car.

"Let me in," She said.

"I can drive," I sniffled.

"You won't be able to find the house."

I couldn't disagree with that.

I unlocked the car, got out, and went into the passenger side. Bella got into the driver's seat. Once I was strapped in, she started driving again.

Not long later we were at the Cullens' house. Bella parked the car out front and we got out, going inside. We froze when we saw Laurent with Carlisle. Bella's lip curled back, showing off her teeth.

"He's here to warn us."

"He's tracking us," Bella announced, glaring balefully at Laurent.

Laurent's face was unhappy. "I was afraid of that."

Alice danced to Jasper's side and whispered in his ear; her lips quivered with the speed of her silent speech. They flew up the stairs together. Rosalie watched them, and then moved quickly to Emmett's side. Her beautiful eyes were intense and—when they flickered unwillingly to my face—furious.

"What will he do?" Carlisle asked Laurent in chilling tones.

"I'm sorry," he answered. "I was afraid, when your boy there defended her, that it would set him off."

"Can you stop him?"

Laurent shook his head. "Nothing stops James when he gets started."

"We'll stop him," Emmett promised. There was no doubt what he meant.

"You can't bring him down. I've never seen anything like him in my three hundred years. He's absolutely lethal. That's why I joined his coven."

His coven, I thought, of course. The show of leadership in the clearing was merely that, a show.

Laurent was shaking his head. He glanced at me, perplexed, and back to Carlisle. "Are you sure it's worth it?"

Bella's enraged roar filled the room; Laurent cringed back.

Carlisle looked gravely at Laurent. "I'm afraid you're going to have to make a choice."

Laurent understood. He deliberated for a moment. His eyes took in every face, and finally swept the bright room.

"I'm intrigued by the life you've created here. But I won't get in the middle of this. I bear none of you any enmity, but I won't go up against James. I think I will head north—to that clan in Denali." He hesitated. "Don't underestimate James. He's got a brilliant mind and unparalleled senses. He's every bit as comfortable in the human world as you seem to be, and he won't come at you head on… I'm sorry for what's been unleashed here. Truly sorry."

He bowed his head, but I saw him flicker another puzzled look at me.

"Go in peace," was Carlisle's formal answer.

Laurent took another long look around himself, and then he hurried out the door.

"How close?" Carlisle asked.

"About three miles out past the river; he's circling around to meet up with the female."

"What's the plan?"

"We'll lead him off, and then Jasper and Alice will run him south."

"And then?"

Bella's tone was deadly. "As soon as Edward is clear, we hunt him."

"I guess there's no other choice," Carlisle agreed, his face grim.

Edward turned to Carlisle. "Get Edward upstairs and trade clothes."

"Yes, of course. Anything to help Edward escape."

Carlisle gestured for me to follow him upstairs. We went up two flights of stairs until we were in his and Esme's room. It was white and light blue. He started taking off his clothes, and I did the same. We traded clothes. When I put his on, I realized that we were the same size, just like we were both six feet two inches tall.

We went back downstairs. Jasper and Alice were already in the Black Mercedes. I walked over to Bella and pulled her into a kiss. When we pulled away, I smiled sadly at her.

"You be safe." She told me.

"You, too."

She laughed. "I'm not the one being hunted. I'm the best fighter in the coven besides Jasper. Now go."

I nodded and got into the car. I watched Bella as Jasper drove out of the garage.

I was on my way home, but for my safety rather than a choice.

does anyone know how to avoid under 200 chapters so I can publish more?