Edward was stonily silent on the walk back to our room. Or the run back. He grabbed my wrist and we bolted from Declan as fast as our human legs could manage. Not once did he turn around to see if we were being followed. I looked back often, jumping at every whisper of wind and shadow. After a while, I gave up. Neither of us would see him coming until it was much too late.

Edward locked the door behind him and began violently ripping open drawers and closets, throwing all of our clothes on the bed.

"Get the suitcase, Bella." He didn't look at me. His face was set in an expressionless mask, but I could see his features tremble slightly every now and then. I didn't move. "Bella, we're leaving as soon as possible. Please, get the suitcase and help me pack." Still no eye contact. It's not that I didn't want to move. I just couldn't. In a single handshake, our world was changed. And we weren't talking about it. With one touch, a demon wearing the face of the angel had suddenly entered our lives. And we were going to run from it.

"How are we going to outrun him, Edward?"

"He's expecting us tomorrow morning. We won't be here."

"And that's it? It's just as easy as that?"

"Bella, he's clearly a raving lunatic. And we have this chance to run. We should take it."

"But he's the only one who understands what happened to you."

"We do not need to understand what happened. We need to escape with our lives."

"LOOK AT ME!" He froze in place, holding some of his shirts. I surprised myself, as well, with the anger in my voice. His eyes met mine and my breath caught in my throat. He had merely swapped topaz for emerald, his eyes still bright jewels even in his humanity. I felt warmth pool in my cheeks, suddenly self-conscious, and I took a moment to collect myself. "You're human."

"Yes."

"What does that mean? For us?"

"I told you that if I could turn back time and become flesh and blood for you, I would do it. Instantly. That has not changed, my love."

"So, you're happy this way?" He paused.

"I do not know how to answer that. There is so much to deal with. So much to face. And I cannot think clearly with someone like Declan stalking us, playing games with out futures. But I have you. I can handle this if you're here with me. Are…are you happy this way?"

"I'm afraid, Edward."

"Of what?"

"Of everything. I'm afraid for you. You can't do what you did tonight. Ever again. You can't fight off the monsters for me, Edward. You'll get yourself killed." Dropping the clothes, he held me tightly and I finally broke. Silent tears dripped down my face and I crushed myself against his warmth. I felt safe once more.

He ran his hand through my hair.

"You make me strong. I love you, Bella. I'll love you forever."