Bella's POV

"Okay," Edward said, "that's better, I can hear you now."

I looked at Edward and his face turned into a frown. What was Peter thinking about now?

"I…" Edward stuttered out. "I…"

I looked back at Peter, but he was looking at Carlisle.

"This isn't right," Edward finally settled on before running up to his room.

I looked at Peter and he was grimacing. It's as though part of him was happy and part of him was not. It was odd and I wondered exactly what he was thinking to make Edward and himself react that way. I needed to figure out Peter's game now, the Bringer of Darkness would just have to wait.

"Snap the fuck out of it," I told Peter, standing in front of him.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied.

"Pete, whatever you're thinking, whatever you're doing, stop it."

"Bella," Carlisle said, but I ignored him.

"Pete, I'm not stupid, I know you're up to something." Peter kept his blank look in place. He was playing a good game, but I wasn't buying into it.

My phone rang and Peter smirked, he fucking smirked. I would work out his game.

I pulled my phone from my pocket and Makka's name flashed at me. Great, just what I needed. I shielded myself fully and answered the call, turning my back to the others.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"I heard you were back," Makka purred seductively.

"That is true, but I don't have time for this now."

"You never have time for me anymore, what is it this time?"

"I'm looking after a child who is up to something and I have another mission."

"Can't you get away for a few moments at least, I want to see you, I want to feel your hard body underneath mine."

I closed my eyes, I wanted that too. It had been too long.

"Makka," I said softly. "If I could I would."

"That's bullshit and you know it. I'm not going to be here forever, you can't just come and see me when you want, I have needs to and I want to see you, soon. If you don't come to me I'll just have to track you down."

"Fine," I said, "fine. I will find the time." I did not want to be tracked down.

"When?" Makka asked, not completely satisfied.

"Look, I don't know, soon. I told someone about us though."

"Really?"

"Yeah, not all the details, but some and that's gotta be a step forward."

"It is. Who did you tell?"

"Ed."

"Oh, then yes that is a big step forward. So I'm assuming you left the most important detail about me out seeing as it was Edward you told."

"Yeah, you know how he is. I promise you hear me, I promise I'll slip away soon. Okay?"

"Okay," Makka accepted. "I can't wait to see you, the things that I will do to… B, I need you now."

"I know, I know, soon. I've got to go."

I hung up the phone and unshielded myself. I did not need any more shit on my plate right now, but I guess I deserved it. I was too distant with everyone. I either needed to be more present or move on from these people. I looked at Carlisle. I couldn't ditch him, he was family. I looked at Peter next, but he was gone. I let out a sigh and listened for him. He was upstairs with Ed, of course. I listened in to their conversation.

"But I don't understand," Peter said, "wouldn't the queen be the most powerful piece."

"No, it's the pawn."

"That makes no sense."

They were talking about chess? First medical cases with Carlisle and now Chess with Edward, what was next? Fashion with Alice, cars with Rose? What was Peter up to? Maybe his goal was to infiltrate the Cullens and it had nothing to do with me at all. Perhaps I was only the pilot to get him here. If this was true he was doing a remarkable job, but there was an easy way to find out. I just had to tell him I was leaving and see how he reacted. See if he tried to come with me or see if he stayed. I slowly made my way up the stairs.

"See," Edward said, his voice low. "The pawn is small and unsuspecting. Everyone always underestimates it which means that it can move around with ease and as you have more pawns than other pieces you can always sacrifice a couple here and there to distract your opponent and make your move."

I walked into Edward's room and the scene that met me was not one I suspected at all. Peter was sitting down on Edward's black couch looking over his chess board. Edward was standing by his side, bent over, close to him. Closer than I would have expected.

"What the hell is going on in here?" I asked. "Peter, I told you to stop whatever you're doing."

Peter looked up at me incredulously. He wasn't going to fool me.

"Ed, you know you can tell him to fuck off right? And don't be fooled by him, I bet he's only talking about chess to get to you."

"Ah, Bella, I know you've been away for a long time," Edward said, "but do you remember that I can read minds? I think I would know if Peter was playing me. He's genuinely interested, I can tell."

I rolled my eyes. Edward didn't have the same life experiences that I had, but if he wanted to teach Peter how to play chess then I would let him because Lord knows Edward needed to start making some mistakes.

"Peter, I have to leave soon, a short trip, but I'll be back."

Peter looked up at me, he seemed torn, conflicted, again.

"I… Umm…" he said and it surprised me as he was usually so composed. "How long will you be gone for?" he asked, gaining some of his confidence back.

"Not long, a couple of days max."

"Does this have to do with your assignment because if so I'll come?" He was still conflicted and I saw him glance briefly at Edward.

"No, it has nothing to do with that, personal business."

"Oh," Peter said, relaxing, "that's fine, I'll stay here, well if that's alright with you, Edward. Perhaps you can teach me how to play this silly game."

"It's not silly," Edward said before stopping and smiling. This time I didn't want to know what Peter was thinking at all, but whatever it was pleased Edward.

"I'm not leaving just yet," I informed both of them, but they weren't paying me any attention.

Peter was focused back on the chess board, he picked up a rook and looked at it. Edward was watching him closely, but he turned to me and waved me off. Who was Edward to tell me to leave? I shook my head, this was not worth my time. I had seemingly found a way to shake Peter so I'd be able to see Makka and that was a good thing. I needed to focus on the immediate present and that included Makka, not Peter.

I left Edward's room and headed back down the stairs. I wasn't surprised to see everyone now home. Carlisle was with Esme, Emmett with Rose, and Alice was with Embry. I guess it was reunion time, there was only one person missing, Jasper. I shook my head to clear it, now was not the time and if I was being honest with myself then I knew he was never really a part of this family.

"Bella, you're home," Esme said, bringing me into a hug.

"Yeah," I said, pulling away, "but unfortunately I have to leave soon, but I will be back to pick up Peter."

"Peter's staying?" Carlisle asked excitedly.

I frowned.

"Yes, I can't take him with me, not on this trip."

"Who's Peter?" Esme asked and Carlisle pointed up to Edward's room and we all listened in.

"You're picking this up quick," Edward praised him, "but you're sacrificing too many pieces."

"I know what I'm doing," Peter said confidently, "how could I not? I have a great teacher."

It went silent for a few moments.

"It's your turn," Peter told Edward and I had no doubt he was smirking.

"You don't mind do you?" I asked Carlisle. "I haven't known Peter for long, but he is a handful and I'm not one hundred per cent sure that his intentions are honorable."

"He would be foolish to try anything here, Bella," Carlisle said, smiling at me, "plus I like him."

Okay then. I wasn't too worried. I would only be gone for a day or two and Carlisle was right, Peter would be foolish to try anything and I was certain that Peter was anything but a fool.

"What? How?" Edward said. "That's impossible. Never before have I seen someone win that way… It's impossible. You clearly cheated."

I was with Edward on this one, Peter surely cheated.

"I didn't cheat," Peter said and he sounded offended. "Like I said before, I just have a great teacher."

Ugh, I couldn't wait to be out of here and away from whatever the hell that was.