Chapter 3

"So, I'm headed out. You'll be okay while I'm gone?" Jake asked.

"Sure. I'll do some reading, clean, maybe I'll go for a walk," I began as he gave me the stick I. "Close to home, of course."

"That's good. You never know what is roaming around out there."

"Usually the pack, right? You've not seen anything have you?"

I was hoping he would start huffing and that might mean the Cullen's had returned. But no such luck. He just gave me that goofy grin.

"No, babe. Nothing but us guys. You know you could call Em or Kim and have a girl hang out or something."

"Jake, they have their kids and I'm perfectly content by myself. Don't worry about it. Go lead the many and make them better."

He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek and left. I waited for his car to start before I got up off the kitchen chair where I had been sitting. When his car could no longer be heard I looked out the window. He was gone and I could get moving. I packet a backpack with water and granolas. I made sure I had my phone in case I ran into trouble. If it was me, I could just about guarantee that I would run into some sort of trouble. I did not invite it, somehow it always found me. I decided that I would ride my motorcycle to the Cullen's. It would not be as noticeably missing. I slung my backpack over my shoulders and put my helmet on. I kicked the bike to life and took off down the road as I headed out of the reservation.

EOV

Alice had been the one who had repeatedly tried to reach me. She had told me that Bella had graduated, married the mutt, Charlie died and that she lived on the reservation. Alice also told me that the army that Victoria had started was still out there and that her main helper was out for revenge against us: meaning this rogue vampire army was headed to Bella. That part of the conversation woke me right up.

"What do you mean the army is headed for Bella," I exclaimed.

"I see that got your attention," Alice muttered.

"Alice, I do not have time for this! What did you say about an army of vampires headed for Bella!?"

"The remaining vampires that Victoria had created were holed up in Vancouver. Their leader, a vampire named Riley, has made it his mission to carry out Victoria's last wish. To kill the mate of Edward Cullen, regardless of the fact that the wolves obviously killed her and that Bella is now married to one of them. He is still very much determined that Bella will die because of what we did years ago to James."

"And you are sure of this?"

"As much as I am still sure that Bella is your mate."

"Well, she married him."

"And what choice did you give her? You are a selfish ass and if I did not want to see Bella happy so bad I'd tell you to stay where the hell you are for all the pain you have caused all of us."

That hit me hard. I had been selfish and I had caused everyone I knew pain. They all dropped everything just to do as I had asked them to do. Emmett and Rosalie went on extended trips to be away from everyone else who was unhappy about the situation I caused. Carlisle had to hurriedly leave Forks, thus dragging Esme with him because I asked it of them. Alice and Jasper had been searching for evidence about Alice's past life ever since they had gotten a tidbit from James about knowing her in her former life. All because I had asked. I was an ass.

"Where is everyone?" I asked.

"Carlisle and Esme are in Port Angeles along with Jasper and myself. Rosalie refuses to indulge your selfish ass anymore. Her words but I agree with her. This means no Emmett," she replied.

"Have you at least talked to Emmett?"

"Yes, but he goes where his mate goes, which is what normal vampires do. They go where their mate is. They don't tell them horrible lies to get them to do something that they really don't want them to do. Of all the awful things you could have done, why did you leave her alone in the woods for anyone to kill her? And that could have easily happened seeing as Victoria and her goons were still after her. My God, you are a fucking ass! If I was in front of you I would knock you out! And that is nearly impossible! That's how furious I am with you, Edward!"

"I know you are beyond furious with me but I need you to tell me how long do I have before Riley gets to her?"

"You need to clean yourself up now. There is a ticket waiting for you in Rio at the airport. It will take you to Seattle. Go straight to our house in Forks. This will happen within the week. Just get there as fast as you can. Once you get to Forks, call Carlisle. Then we'll come and help. Maybe, if you are lucky!"

All of the cleaning, flying and running took about a day. Now I was standing in front of our home. The one I shared so many memories with my family and with my Bella. I hope I am not too late to save her. I hope that I have made it in time. I hope that . . .

"Edward?" Bella asked, surprised.