I awoke to the warm sunlight shining through the curtains. My nose was cold which meant the weather was going to be particularly miserable today.
But at least Edward was back.
I quickly scrambled out of bed and into my pair of jeans and black long shirt to fight the cold, slipping on some socks and running a brush through my hair.
I began walking down the stairs when suddenly I could hear a group of tense voices. One of them was Edward's. I took a breath, preparing myself for his lecture about me being more careful as I rounded the corner.
All voices stopped talking and seven pairs of eyes fell on my face as a blushed.
Edward suddenly crushed me in a hug.
"I was so worried." He stroked my face, staring into my eyes.
I smiled and leaned into him.
"Don't worry I won't be walking off into the woods anytime soon from now on". I forced a chuckle.
Peering behind Edward's shoulder, the room looked extremely tense. Carlisle stood frozen, the girls listening intently by his side while Jasper stared and Emmett stood tall and on guard, his arms at his side almost like he was ready for something incoming.
Edward kisses my forehead as we walked to the group. All eyes were avoiding me.
"Morning, Bella". Carlisle forced a smile, the others still intently muttering unintelligibly.
I looked up at Edward.
"What's going on?" Carlisle looked down, avoiding my gaze.
Edward cleared his throat.
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with my love." He pulled me closer to his side.
"What-." I interjected as suddenly everyone broke off from the group. Edward slowly walked to converse with Carlisle as the girls left upstairs with Jasper behind Alice.
Emmett walked outside down the stairs.
I knew Edward would be no help as he thought I was nothing but fragile. I knew it must be serious because of everyone's unwillingness to tell me. My heart pounded faster in frustration and fear.
There was one person who wouldn't be scared to tell me the truth.
I opened the glass front door, running down the steps. Edward didn't stop his conversation with Carlisle as I left the room, his eyes serious.
"Emmett!" I jogged slightly as he was walking on the grasses area around the side of the house.
"Oh, hey Bella." He said nonchalantly and continued walking, his gaze avoiding mine.
I jumped in front of him, standing tall.
"Emmett Cullen, you're going to tell me what the hell is going on." I glared at him.
His smile creeped onto his face.
"Bella are you trying to intimidate me?" He chuckled.
"Please. I can handle whatever it is." I looked earnestly into his eyes.
His lips pursed and he avoided my gaze.
"It's nothing, Bella." He walked around me.
Frustration built up in me.
"Seriously Em-". Suddenly he stopped on his tracks, subconsciously positioning himself in front of me protectively. The other cullens quickly walked outside as Emmett walked towards them. I could see Edward's livid expression. My heart pounded in fear and confusion. I peered over his tall frame as he stood in the way.
Pushing around him I saw him.
Jacob.
What the heck could he want besides pissing off a bunch of protective vampires?
I jogged over to him as Edward's arm shot out, stopping me in my tracks. He pushed me behind his body, the other Cullen's gathered close around. Jacob stood shirtless, his expression serious and irritated.
Edward took a step forward.
"I suggest you leave right now." His eyes glowered at Jacob and he looked terrifying.
Jacob smirked.
"You don't scare me blood sucker. Besides, I'm here to make sure she's alright."
My brow furrowed.
"Hey, yes of course I was lucky Emmett and Jasper were there. Why are you here?"
Jacob looked confused.
"Wait what are you talking about?" I asked him, puzzled. What on earth was going on.
Emmett stood in front of me again subconsciously.
Jacob smirked as Edward pushed a cold hand into his chest, keeping him back from me. Jacob jumped in response.
"It's her life. She has a right to know." Jacob spat. Edward glowered as the other cullens edged forward.
"I'm warning you." Edward looked terrifying.
How dare they keep something from me.
I pushed in front of Emmett and then Edward.
"Someone tell me right now what the hell is going on!" Edward sighed in anger.
Jacob smirked.
"Well, Bella, the red head is after you. "
My heart rate soared. Pounding in my chest. My hearing buzzed.
"Vic-Victoria?" My voice shook.
Edward pushed Jacob roughly in the chest.
"Leave!" He shouted.
Jacob ignored him, still staring at me.
"But don't worry Bella we've got it covered on our end. Just depends on your blood suckers. I'd think seriously about who you choose to protect you."
Emmett growled behind me, as Edward stepped forward to attack. Carlisle roughly grabbed his hand. Jacob smirked and then turned and jogged off into the distance.
My heart continued to soar as my breathing rasped and the air felt heavy. Edward grabbed my face gentle between him.
"Bella, shh, you're safe. We won't let you out of our sight and I won't let her near you." He embraced me as the others looked concerned.
Suddenly we were inside and I was placed on the warm couch. Esme slipped a warm cup of tea into my hands as she stroked my back. My breathing slowed.
After some more reassurance, I stopped listening to the conversation. Carlisle and the others discussed geographical tactics to kill Victoria as my breathing and heart pounded fast. I couldn't believe I had put my family in danger again. And that she was back.
I have the worst luck in the world.
Edward got up to join the conversation as Jasper sat next to me, gently placing a hand on my back. His eyes were kind.
"Bella, she's no danger to us so do not be worried." He said kindly.
I rolled my eyes and smiled slightly as calm washed through me. He rubbed my back as my breathing slowed.
"She will not harm you." He smiled authentically.
"Thank you, Jasper." I forced a smile back.
It wasn't only them I had to worry about but also the hot headed wolves. How could we get Victoria if they were unaware of our plan?
I interrupted everyone.
"I'll go to the reservation tomorrow to inform Sam of your plans so that we can all work together."
Edward began to argue when Carlisle interjected.
"She's right. Working as a team will help protect Bella better."
Edward glared at me. I knew his hatred of the wolves, but I had to fill them in.