HEY! here is the next chapter for Jame's Story. And, I am considering boycotting this story, so if you do like it..review or you will regret it later! Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 2:

As we came through the forest, I let Laurent take the lead, as a decoy. I saw eight of them, their stance directed at us in a defensive sort of way. This made me suspicious. We walked silently towards them. Laurent spoke in a friendly manner, wanting to gain their trust easily and quickly. I half smiled. He was paying attention to my lessons.

"We thought we heard a game," he said in a relaxed tone that surprised me, and it seemed to surprise them too, except for the older looking one. The father, he looked like. Laurent introduced Victoria and I, saying our names with great authority. The older man followed suit, and introduced himself, as well as the others.

"I'm Carlisle. This is my family, Emmett and Jasper, Rosalie, Esme and Alice, Edward and Bella."

The one known as Bella seemed slightly surprised that this man, Carlisle, had included her as a family member. Was she not as close to them? I wondered. Was she merely a visitor dropping in? This puzzled me.

Laurent continued to socialize casually, as if they were long term friends that had not seen each other in awhile.

"Do you have a room for a few more players?" Laurent asked.

I silently gritted my teeth. I did not like where this was going.

"Actually, we were just finishing up. But we'd certainly be interested another time. Are you planning to stay in the area for long?"

Laurent hesitated, only a hesitation I could see before he decided to tell them the truth.

"We're headed north, in fact, but we were curious to see who was in the neighbourhood. We haven't run into any company in a long time."

I almost snorted at Laurent's description. A long time was an understatement.

"No, this region is usually empty except for us and the occasional visitor, like yourself." It amazed me that Carlisle was able to say relaxed and calm like that. It had been awhile since I had seen a vampire with such abilities.

"What's your hunting range?" Laurent pressed.

I held my breath, which I do usually, but still, while I waited for Carlisle's response.

Carlisle answered casually, smoothly, almost. I was once again, flabbergasted.

"The Olympic Range here, up and down the coast Ranges on occasion. We keep a permanent residence nearby. There's another permanent settlement like ours up near Denali."

I gazed at this man, shocked. How did they manage to keep a permanent settlement? Laurent asked what I was thinking.

"Permanent? How do you manage that?"

"Why don't you come back to our home with us and we can talk comfortably? It's a rather long story."

I exchanged a quick look with Victoria. Home? We were both thinking.

"That sounds very interesting, and welcome" he smiled ever so slightly. "We've been on the hunt all the way down from Ontario, and we haven't had the chance to clean up for awhile."

Carlisle added something else. "Please don't take offence, but we'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from hunting in this immediate area. We have to stay inconspicuous, you understand."

"Of course" Laurent responded with little hesitation. "We certainly won't encroach on your territory. We just ate outside of Seattle, anyway" he laughed as if thinking about an inside joke. I noticed the smaller girl, Bella, shiver. What was wrong with her?

Carlisle spoke again, interrupting my thoughts.

"We'll show you the way if you'd like to run with us-Emmett and Alice, you can go with Edward and Bella to get the Jeep."

Then, I was hit with a breeze, bringing me to awareness of Bella's scent.