Hide Seek
I stood stock still as the three figures that have been haunting my nightmares stood before me.
"Don't move Darlin'," Jasper whispered as quietly as he could.
I swallowed thickly before turning my attention back to the trio coming towards us. It was uncanny how they were exactly as I remembered them in my nightmare.
It took another moment before I realized that the red haired woman was in another dream. She was angry with me and I didn't know why. Of course at the moment she knew nothing about me.
The man with the darker skin and long dreadlocks, stood in the center of the trio. He was obviously their leader. His fashion style was of another time, clearly older than the others as well I think. He wore a marigold overcoat, with an old fashioned neckerchief. His pants hugged his slender legs. They were torn at the seems, and a bit tattered, and definitely had seen better days. He held up the baseball with a smirk, before tossing it at an inhuman speed towards Carlisle. He caught it with a loud crack and smiled at the man in the center.
"We were just leaving, but then we heard you playing. I am Laurent, and this is James and Victoria." He said, gesturing towards the other two.
"I'm Carlisle, this is my family. Your hunting habits have caused us a bit of an issue, " Carlisle said.
"My apologies, we didn't realize that the territory had already been claimed," he said in a curious tone.
"Yes, we maintaina permanent residence near by, just outside of town," Carlisle replied.
"Really," Laurent was surprised by this.
"Why don't you join us and we can talk there," Carlisle said.
"Do you mind if we play," Laurent asked in a playful tone.
"Yes, well we were just finishing up," Carlisle spoke with a smile.
"C'mon, it's just one game," he insists.
Carlisle looked around as if he were thinking this through. "Alright. One game won't hurt. Some of us were just leaving, you can take their place. You can bat first, " he smiled, tossing the ball back.
Victoria caught the ball with a salacious smile. "I'm the one with a wicked curve ball," she smirked.
"I think we can handle that," Jasper said with a thick southern drawl.
I turned to see James staring at our group before his eyes landed on me. I shuffled a bit uneasy under his penetrative stare. His eyes turned hard as he squinted at me. I wanted to look away but I couldn't. He finally turned to join his coven in the outfield, when he suddenly stopped as the wind shift direction. I felt my blood run cold in an instant, when I realized that the wind shift in his direction, blowing my hair towards him. He tilted his head up and sniffed appreciatively before turning to lean forward in a hunting crouch towards me.
"You brought a snack," he growled at Jasper and Edward who were suddenly crouched in a protective stance in front of me.
In a matter of seconds the rest of the Cullens joined us, crouching in the same way as Jasper and Edward. My heart was beating rapidly in my chest as the Cullens let out feral growls and hissing noises at the trio that now crouched together.
"We don't want any problems," Laurent spoke in a calm tone. "James," he chided towards the blonde man.
James quickly stood up with a glare in my direction. Victoria wrapped her arm around him before they turned to leave.
"My apologies. We'll be going now," Laurent said with a bow before disappearing in the same place the other two did.
My feet were frozen on the spot. I couldn't move. I felt hot arms wrap around me before I finally collapsed to the ground.
"He won't lay a finger on you princess," Paul promised.
I wanted to believe him, I truly did, but I knew already that he was wrong. He gently pulled me up to my feet.
"So now what," Jared asked.
"We get Bella out of here," Edward hissed.
"What do you mean 'get Bella out of here'? Like take her away or hide her?" Paul asked in a panic.
"What did you hear in his mind son," Carlisle asked.
"He wants her," Edward hissed.
Everyone started talking at once, and I turned to walk towards the Jeep. The only one who noticed was Jasper.
"Hold on darlin', I'll walk with you," he said.
We walked towards the Jeep leaving everyone else to argue. We didn't reach the tree line before I felt hot arms lift me up and nestle me atop Paul's wolf. I could tell he was worried as he sped through the forest. Once at the Jeep, Jasper assisted me into the backseat. I quickly buckled and turned towards Paul in the passenger's seat. Edward was in the driver's seat and Jasper and Emmett climbed in on either side of me.
"What's going on?" I asked.
No answer. I tried again.
"Is someone going to explain to me what the hell is going on," I asked a bit harsher.
"It's a game to him Bella," Edward said, not taking his eyes off the path back to the road.
"What do you mean by that," I asked, my voice small.
"It means it's his obsession. He's never going to stop till he has you," he replied.
Paul and Jasper, growled at this bit of information. Finally I could see the road up ahead through a small clearing in the trees.
"What do we do, how do we stop him," I asked.
"We'll have to kill him. Rip him apart and burn all of the pieces," Edward replied through gritted teeth.
Once at the road, Edward turned the vehicle away from town and began speeding, heading out of Forks area.
"Where are you taking me?" I demanded. No answer again. I cleared my throat and tried once more. "Where are you taking me?"
This time Paul spoke.
"We're taking you somewhere safe," he said with a low growl.
"No," I replied.
"Don't argue Isabella," Paul chided.
"No, you can't!" I shouted back.
"Shh. It's going to be okay darlin'," Jasper whispered.
"What about Charlie? What if they hurt him?" I asked in a panic.
"He'll be fine," Edward replied.
"No, you have to take me back," I demanded. "We can ask the Denali's for help," I said.
Edward growled at the mention of his mates coven. "No!" He snapped at me, Paul growled at Edward.
"Then take me back! We can come up with a plan on the way," I suggested.
Edward jerked the car into park on the side of the road.
"What do you suggest then," he asked.
"I'll pack my bags, and tell Charlie I need my space. I could hide in Seattle or somewhere else while everything gets taken care of," I offered.
"I think she's on to something Edward," Emmett spoke for the first time.
Edward sat for a moment before letting out an exasperated sigh. "Fine! But we leave tonight," he said with a harsh tone.
"Fine!" I replied.
Edward turned the car back towards town and began speeding back to Charlie's house. Once parked outside we all scattered out of the car. Paul walked me to the door. I waited for everyone else to hide in the trees and Edward to drive down the road at a safe distance. An idea suddenly came to mind causing my heart to jump with sorrow at the very thought of hurting Paul, or my father, but I knew it had to happen. Paul gave me a curious look feeling my emotions before I reached in for a tight hug.
"What is it princess," he asked.
I reached up and caressed his cheek, before kissing his lips.
"Do you trust me?" I asked.
"Of course I do," he replied with a worried expression.
"Then whatever happens, know I love you," I whispered reaching up on my tippy toes to kiss his cheek.
I grabbed the door nob and took a deep breath. I slammed the door open and stomped inside. "Go away Paul," I shouted as I headed towards the stairs. I slammed the door shut only for Paul to catch it.
I felt my heart lurch at the confused expression on his face, before the glimmer of realization flickered in his eyes.
"Bella please," he pleaded with me. "Can we just talk about this?" He asked.
I could hear Charlie's footsteps as I replied loudly, "There's nothing to talk about."
"Whoa, kids. Bella? Is everything okay?" Charlie asked with concern.
"Everything's fine chief," Paul replied.
Charlie raised a hand to quiet him.
"Actually, Paul was just leaving," I snapped in his direction.
Charlie raised his brow and looked between the two of us, before raising his hands in a calming gesture.
"Alright, do one of you want to explain to me what is going on?" He asked, looking pointedly in my direction.
I huffed and turned to stomp dramatically up the steps and slammed my door shut. Jasper was already in my room packing a suitcase for me when I heard Charlie follow behind me.
"You stay put," he said to Paul.
"I'll be downstairs darlin'," Jasper whispered before slipping out the window.
"Bells?" Charlie called through the door, knocking lightly.
"I don't want to talk about it," I replied as I swung open the door and headed past him for the linen closet for an extra towel and a toiletry bag.
"Bells wait. Where the hell are you going?" He asked exasperated.
"I just need to get out of here. I need some time alone," I replied as I quickly packed my toiletries into my suitcase.
"Did he break up with you?" He asked curiously.
"No, I broke up with him," I corrected him. I felt a slight twinge of pain course through me at my own words.
"I thoughtyou liked him?" He asked.
"I do. And that's why I need to get away," I replied.
"Where will you go?" He asked.
"Just out of town for a few days. Maybe Seattle or somewhere else," I replied.
"C'mon Bells. Just don't go. You can sleep on it. We can do more stuff together," he pleaded after I secured my suitcase.
"Like what. Eat steak at the diner every other day? Watch baseball games on the flat screen? Dad that's you. That's not me," I replied. The guilt was thick in my voice as I spoke my next words. "Look, if I don't get out now I'm just gonna be stuck here forever with no real future."
I pushed my way past him as he stood frozen in place, as the exact same words my mother spoke to him, sunk in. I could see the moment his heart broke. I felt awful. I wasn't surprised to see that Paul was no longer downstairs as I made my way to my truck. I tossed my bag into the bed and hopped in. The truck roared to life as I pulled out of the driveway and drove off.
I was halfway to the Cullens, when a loud thump sounded from the bed of my truck, causing me to jump. I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I was afraid to stop the car or even look behind me.
"Everything's fine darlin'. It's just me," the sound of Jasper's voice was like an antidote to my panic.
"I thought you were..." I began.
"I know darlin'," he interrupted. "Let me drive," he said reaching through the door and sliding into the driver's seat as the truck continued down the road.
Another loud thump caused me to scream.
"Don't worry, it's just Emmett. Edward and your wolf are in the woods running alongside us," he said.
We drove in silence the rest of the way to the Cullen house. I wasn't surprised to see the rest of the wolves standing in the front yard.
"Don't worry, your father already forgives you," Edward said, patting my back as he headed inside.
"I guess the wolf's out of the bag," Sam said gruffly.
"Actually it's been out of the bag," I replied, looking at Paul pointedly.
"Wanna tell me what she means by that," Sam asked Paul.
"She's my imprint," Paul whispered looking down at the ground, a blush coloring his cheeks.
"That explains everything," Billy called from his wheelchair on the porch. "Why don't we discuss this inside," he said as he's wheeled into the house by Emmett. Rosalie gave me a glare before following behind them.
"Remind me again why we have to meet here," Jared complained, scrunching his nose up. "It reeks of blood suckers."
"That's because it's their crypt idiot," Embry grinned walking towards the steps.
Jared rolled his eyes at that, "har har."
Everyone gathered in the living room, and then it was pandemonium. Everyone began talking at once. Battle plans were put out, places I could hide were suggested and then their was the idea of asking for help from the Denali's. Hiding me there was a popular thing being thrown around the table.
"No," Edward replied. "I will not involve my mate in anyway."
"Son, they could be of great help," Carlisle said.
"Tanya is my mate. I said 'no' and I meant it," he growled.
"I have an idea," I said in a small voice.
Everyone turned to look at me.
"What is it Bella," Esme asked with a motherly smile on her face.
"I could be the bait," I shrugged.
"Absolutely not," Paul and Jasper said in unison.
They glared at each other for a split second before turning back to me.
"I can't lose you princess," Paul said wrapping his arms around me and hugging me tightly.
"Then can we please talk one at a time before I explode?" I sighed.
Right then the door bell rang causing everyone to growl and hiss. Emmett made his way to the door followed by Carlisle and Edward.
"What do you want," Edward spat.
"I come in peace," Laurent said holding his hands up in surrender. "I came to warn you, about James," he said with a serious tone.
"Why?" I asked. I could feel the fear radiating off him.
"He's absolutely lethal. I've never seen anything like it in my three hundred years," he confessed.
"What do you mean by that," Carlisle asked.
"He's a tracker. And the girl, Victoria... don't underestimate her," he warned.
"Why are you telling us this," Rosalie asked impatiently.
"I just want to live in peace. Perhaps try your lifestyle," he smirked.
"Theres another coven up north in Alaska. They're the Denali's," Alice chimed in.
Edward looked at her with curiosity before a small smile spread over his face.
"Yes, I'm sure you'll find it quite welcoming," Edward said patting his back.
"Yes, well I must be going now," he said looking at Edward with a strange expression.
"My family wishes you safe traveling," Carlisle said.
Laurent bowed his head before taking off in a full on sprint. I watched as he disappeared.
"Why does he get to go to Denali," I asked.
"It seems he will find a mate in Irina," Alice smiled wrapping her arm around Calebs.
I blinked at hearing this information.
"Can you see what the tracker will choose," I asked.
"I can only see his path while he's on it. Once the path changes, the vision changes," she replied.
Huh! I thought.
"Bella," she said in a sing song voice.
"Not now Alice," I said.
She smiled brightly and nodded her head.
"Of course," she sang.
"What was that about," Paul asked looking at me with curiosity.
"Nothing you need to worry about till after everything blows over," I smiled.
"So what's the plan," Jared interrupted, rolling his eyes.
"We should take Bella someplace sunny," Carlisle said. "He won't want to be exposed to the sun."
"What about San Francisco," I asked.
"How about Santa Cruz," Edward offered.
"No someplace less crowded," Alice said.
"What about Crescent City," Caleb suggested.
Alice got that familiar far off look before replying, "it's perfect."
"No... the bigger the crowd the better," Rosalie spoke.
"And why's that Barbie," Jacob finally spoke.
"The bigger the crowd the less likely he'll be to come out in hiding. So she doesn't really need to leave the state. We could hide her in Seattle at the Hilton or something. Besides I don't really see why I have to do anything for the human," she replied. Her tone was serious as it turned to one of sarcasm.
"Rose," Esme chastised.
"Rose, Bella is like family. We take care of family," Carlisle said placing his hand on her shoulder.
"So, what is she to me," she snapped.
"Babe, c'mon Bells is like a little sister to us," Emmett said.
Rosalie rolled her eyes before stomping off. I felt uncomfortable standing there after that.
"Don't worry about her," Emmett smiled at me.
"Jasper and I can take her to Seattle," Alice volunteered.
"Right... Esme, Rose? You two take Bella and switch clothes," Carlisle said.
"Wait, why," I asked.
"It'll help throw off your scent," Edward replied.
"Ah," I replied.
Esme scooped me up and cradled me to her chest and we disappeared into a dark room. I closed my eyes and let my mermaid sight take over to see better. No one spoke as we all quickly rushed changing clothes. I wore Esme's pants rolled up. Rosalie was impatient and helped me dress in her top and jacket. Their clothes were cold, as if taken off a mannequin. I was used to being around their cold temperatures as Jasper was one of my best friends.
"Sorry Bella," Esme said with a sad smile.
After getting dressed we all gathered together in the living room.
"We'll set up a small perimeter around the Reservation just in case," Sam began.
"We want Bella safe just as much as your family does," Billy said to Carlisle.
"Of course," Carlisle replied.
I watched as Sam and the majority of the pack followed with the exception of Paul, Embry, and Jacob. Quil looked at me with a sad smile before ducking outside.
"So, I guess it's time to kill us a bloodsucker, eh Bells," Jacob said playfully.
I rolled my eyes before following the Cullens to the garage. Paul followed close behind.
"We'll see each other soon princess," he whispered leaning down for a kiss.
"Just stay safe," I replied, hugging him tightly.
"Always," he whispered returning the hug.
A loud whistle sounded from outside.
"Looks like they're calling me. I guess I gotta go beautiful," he said and quickly kissed me deeply.
"I love you," I whispered.
He smiled before replying, "I love you too baby."
I watched as he disappeared out through the garage door and into the night, taking my heart with him.
"I promise you will see him again Bella," Alice spoke softly breaking me out of my thoughts.
"Not soon enough," I replied.
I made my way to the car Jasper was loading my things into. It was sleek and black, with very tinted windows. The interior smelled of leather and new car. This one belonged to Carlisle. It was a Mercedes S55 AMG, black with dark grey leather seats. Before Jasper slid into the driver's seat he handed me a pillow and a small blanket.
"Thanks," I smiled.
"Any time Darlin'," Jasper grinned. "Let's play hide and seek shall we," his smile was infectious, I couldn't help but smile back.
I made myself comfortable as Alice and Jasper slid into the front seats. We were off, heading to Seattle at full speed. I let myself drift off to sleep as the four hour drive only took us approximately two hours. We arrived at the hotel just as the sun began to rise above Mount Rainier. The clouds covering most of the sun rise, keeping it well shaded where we were. Jasper, went ahead of us and began the check in process. Alice, made a call to a man here in Seattle by the name of J. Jenkins.
I began to zone out as the sound of people living their lives surrounded me. I was exhausted, and only had a couple of hours of sleep. Finally, we headed up to our room. Jasper was able to get the presidential suite, fully stocked with food and drinks, and full sized toiletries just in case.
"Mr. Jenkins will be arriving in an hour. I reserved a secluded room for us in the dinning hall to discuss business," Alice said to Jasper.
"Good. This is only a backup plan. As long as he can deliver before the evening," he replied.
"Precisely," Alice smiled.
The moment we got through the door to our hotel suite I headed straight for the kitchen to assess the food. I was suddenly famished and my stomach began gurgling loudly.
"Hungry darlin'," Jasper winked at me.
I sighed as I pulled out some breakfast supplies. I quickly whipped up some breakfast tacos with a large glass of chocolate milk.
"How can you stand that stuff," Alice asked with a look of disgust on her face, as I chugged the last of my chocolate milk. "It smells absolutely vile," she complained.
I chuckled a little.
"I'm still human too Alice. It tastes amazing to me," I smiled licking the chocolate mustache from my lips.
Alice stood quickly and pulled out her cell phone. It hadn't even began to ring yet. Finally the light on the screen lit up with an incoming phone call from a restricted number.
"I'm arriving now," a man's voice I didn't recognize said on the other end.
"He'll meet you in the dining hall in a few minutes," Alice replied. She snapped the phone shut before the man could even reply.
"I'll be back in about three hours darlin'. Please stay in the room and don't answer the door for anyone," Jasper said. "Alice will be here if you need anything."
"Okay," I whispered.
"Don't worry Bella, I won't bite," Alice smiled, flashing her bright white teeth.
After Jasper left I quickly cleaned up the kitchen and headed for the bathroom for a shower. It didn't help me relax at all. Finally I laid down and began to fall asleep. Several hours later I woke with a start.
"Shhh. It's just me Darlin'. Alice went to see about getting you something else to wear," Jasper whispered.
"Something else to wear," I asked.
"She thinks that you need more clothes for our journey," Jasper said.
"Our journey? Where are we going," I wondered out loud.
"We're preparing to leave the country if necessary," Jasper replied nonchalantly.
"What about the tracker?" I asked.
"Edward, Carlisle and Rosalie are leading him north as we speak," he replied.
"Where's the wolves. What are they doing," I asked.
"They ran ahead in hopes to ambush him. We have Esme and Emmett following the redhead. Victoria, I think her name is," he said looking serious.
"Are they working together?"
"As far as I know," he grimaced.
"Hello," Alice called from the entrance.
"She's back from shopping with our clothes," Jasper smiled.
"Our," I asked in confusion.
"Of course Bella. We need to keep up with appearances as well," Alice replied walking into the bedroom, her arms full of shopping bags.
I watched as Alice quickly unpacked everything and placed her clothes folded neatly into a brand new suitcase. Jasper did the same with his clothes. Alice had me try on everything before packing them into my new suitcase as well. From the outside we looked like three friends just traveling together.
"We might be able to check out to head to Portland tomorrow," Alice said.
"Why Portland," I asked.
"We have a property south of town there," she replied with a smile.
"Are you hungry," Jasper asked.
I nodded unable to find my words. This was probably going to be how my life is from now on. Always running, always hiding.
After eating a late dinner we settled in to watch television. Nothing kept my interest. Finally my cellphone rang. I felt my heart leap at the sight of Paul's caller ID.
"Hello," I answered.
"Hey princess. How are you holding up," he replied.
"I'm okay. I miss you," I almost sobbed. I stood up and headed for the bedroom for privacy, although that wasn't really going to give me much.
"I know baby. As soon as this is all over we should get away for a bit," he replied.
"I'd love that," I replied hoarsely trying not to cry.
"Hey, chin up beautiful. We're almost done. The barbie leech said they should be here in a few hours," he replied. I could just picture the smile spreading across his face.
"Okay. Be safe, I love you Paul," I said, the tears brimming in my eyes.
"I love you too Isabella, more than own life," he replied, his tone more serious. "I'll see you soon." And with that he hung up.
I sat listening to the silence on the other end before finally putting my phone down. I missed him. I needed him. I needed to know that he would be okay.
I made my way back to the living area. Alice and Jasper were both staring blankly at the television screen, both expressionless. Suddenly Alice let out a gasp, her eyes glazing over as she's brought into a vision.
"What is it Alice? What do you see," Jasper asked.
"Water. Boats. It looks like some sort of dock or pier, maybe," she replied, her hands searching for something in front of her.
Jasper quickly handed her piece of hotel stationary and a pen. She began to draw what looked like an abandoned house with a private pier. It looked very familiar and took me a few minutes to recognize it.
"That's the old lake house. Well not really a lake. It was my grandparents on my father's side. They owned a large house in Vancouver but I don't understand. Why are you seeing this," I asked.
"Her visions are subjective. When the path changes the vision changes," Jasper replied.
"So whose path changed," I asked.
"The trackers," Alice replied with a serious look of concern.
"We still need to head to Portland before going south," Jasper said.
"Okay. We should get the car loaded and check out," Alice replied.
"I'll call Jenkins," Jasper said grabbing a couple of suitcases and heading out the door.
"Bella, you need to change into one of your new outfits," Alice said.
"Okay," I replied in a daze.
I made my way back to the bedroom to change. As soon as I was done and finished packing my dirty clothes, my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number and assumed it might've been one of the pack or my mother calling from a payphone.
I answered with caution.
"Hello?"