DISCLAIMER: The characters do not belong to us, although we would love to have Edward. They all belong to Stephenie Meyer.
Author's Note:Thank you all for your supportive feedback! We know some of you have been taken aback by some of the events and changes with the characters but remember we are enhancing a few details about our beloved Cullen clan. We are enjoying the journey this story is taking us on and are thrilled that you all are with us for the ride! Enjoy! VBR & My Bella
Once we got home, we went upstairs to pack Bella's things. Alice and Rose decided to teach her a few tricks with her makeup to help her tone down her enhanced looks. Jasper, Emmett, and I were sitting leisurely in Alice's room, joking around with the girls. Bella was having a good time with her new sisters and was actually looking like she was enjoying the attention.
After one too many chats about lip gloss and halter tops, I walked over to Bella as she sat in Alice's vanity chair. I kissed the top of her head, letting her know with my thoughts that I was going to be in our room. She nodded and smiled in reply.
I made my way down the hall and found myself feeling morose. I knew that all too soon we would all have to face what was coming and it was making me anxious. There was a knot in my gut and I hated the feeling of impending doom looming over us once again. I knew we would all fight and fight hard, but Alice's vision had a way of slipping in no matter how hard I pushed it away.
My room was dark as I made my way to the window wall. I could see the lightning menacing the sky from afar. There was no rain, but it wouldn't be long before it reached this area. I scanned the treetops and skyline, taking in the beautiful sight before me. How I loved these woods—they seemed more mine than anywhere else we had ever lived.
I imagined that somewhere deep in that very forest, Victoria had watched us. She had somehow come close enough to alert our senses without actually making her presence known. This battle with her would be more psychological than when we were up against James. This was a chess match—a sick, twisted version of it, but a mind-game nonetheless. We would have to outsmart her, beat her at her own game, and ultimately put an end to her miserable life.
To add to the list of things to deal with, in just a few hours we would have to put on the ultimate charade for Charlie. I worried for Bella and how she would deal with leaving him permanently when the time came. Every thought was leading to a new worry and my mind was quickly filling up—I had to stop myself from getting anxious. I turned from the window, picking up on Bella and Alice's thoughts. They were giggling as Emmett messed with one of Alice's outfits. It was good to have him back to his normal joking self. Not to mention that the sound of Bella's sweet laughter was an adequate distraction.
I walked into my bathroom and lit a few candles; the glow was comforting and I knew soon enough she would join me. I smiled at how quickly she picked up on my actions and thoughts, as I turned on the faucet in the large claw-foot tub. I poured the rose bubble bath in, letting the scent fill the room and clear my head.
I stood in front of the mirror, running my hands through my hair leaning in to take a good look at my eyes. They were darker than usual, and even for a vampire I looked tired.
"You look breathtaking, actually," Bella said drawing my attention to her reflection in the mirror moments before her scent hit me. She was smiling as she slipped in to the tub, and she sighed as the hot water warmed her skin. The woman was much too stealth for her own good.
I turned to face her, taking in the sight of her in the tub. "May I join you?" I asked, smiling her crooked grin.
She only patted the bubbly water in response. I removed my clothes and slipped in facing her, a sigh escaping my own lips as the warmth encompassed me. With our legs intertwined, we sat there in silence for some time. I looked on her lovingly, allowing her the same quiet time I needed.
"You must be excited to see Charlie again," I mentioned.
"Yeah, I am. I'm also nervous, but I feel better about being around him after tonight. I'm pretty sure I can handle it now," she replied.
"Of course you can, Bella. You are amazing. I'm honestly impressed with what you did tonight. Everyday you are showing more and more how your abilities are becoming second nature to you," I said, relaxing and resting my head against the tub.
"I have to admit…I am scared about school," she replied as she played with the bubbles in her hand.
"You don't have to be, love. We will be there with you, and besides, no one would mind if you took a bite out of Mike Newton," I laughed, teasing her.
She smiled and rolled her eyes, tossing a few bubbles at me while I dunked my head under the water. When I surfaced, I trailed my hand down her leg, cupping her ankle and putting her foot against my chest. I kissed it, marveling at how delicate she still seemed, even though I knew she was no longer fragile.
We sat there for the next few hours making each other laugh and acting more like teenagers in love than ever. We talked about everything that came to mind as a storm raged outside, fat rain drops beating against the window wall in the next room. This time with her was so blissful—it was moments like this one that made me fall in love with her all over again. She was my angel, my heart, and my soul. She brought me happiness and contentment with a life I had struggled with for so very long.
The sun was coming up when we finally got out of the tub and dried off, still laughing and carrying on. I turned her to face me and kissed her lips, not letting her finish her current sentence.
"I love you, Bella Masen." The words had left my mouth before I had a chance to check them and my eyes grew wide as I realized what I said.
"I love you, too," she replied, wrapping her arms around me and letting me know that the name didn't bother her.
"I am going to ask you one day, you know," I said, looking at her intently.
"And when you ask, I will say 'yes'," she whispered, her eyes filling with emotion as she looked up at me.
I pushed her back against the wall, kissing her deeply as my hands tangled in her hair, welding her to me. "You have no idea what that means to me, Bella. None," I said between kisses, my voice rough with my own emotions.
She only kissed me harder and caressed the sides of my face with her small hands. We stood there, forehead to forehead, breathing heavily from the passion we were struggling to suppress. We had to be restrained for now and start our day.
"We should get dressed," she said breathily, taking the towel and wrapping it around her nude body. She turned in my embrace and leaned into the mirror over the counter, examining her brown contacts closer. As she stood upright again, I moved her wet hair aside and kissed her exposed back and shoulder.
"I'll leave you to it then and meet you downstairs to hunt before we go. She nodded as I exited the room, grabbing one of the towels from the rack.
I made my way to the closet and put on black slacks and a black button-up shirt with black shoes. I tried to calm the thick waves of hair on my head, although they had already dried into their usual state of messiness. I made sure to grab my cell phone, car keys, and wallet; all of my human accessories.
I entered the front room downstairs, rolling my sleeves up to the elbow, as I joined my family. They were all lounging and waiting for Bella and me. "Good morning, Cullen family," I said, feeling extremely calm despite the situation we were in.
"Well don't you look pretty?" Emmett teased.
I shot him a sharp look and snarled half-serious at him as Esme walked over, distracting me by putting her arm around my shoulder and kissing my cheek.
"Good morning, sweetheart," she smiled, patting my shoulder.
"Edward, we could come along if you like," Carlisle offered from across the room, getting my attention.
"No, it won't be necessary, but thank you. I think the less of a commotion we make for Charlie, the better. He's already frazzled enough with everything that has happened," I replied.
"Don't worry, Edward. Today will go fine with Charlie," Alice announced, tapping her head. I just nodded in reply, knowing she had checked Bella's future for me.
"Oh, Bella! Don't you look lovely!" Esme exclaimed.
Bella's scent hit me just as Esme spoke. I turned to watch Bella come down the stairs. She was wearing the most exquisite outfit—fitted dark denim jeans with a white, wispy, capped sleeve blouse that buttoned up the front. She had black boots on with her hair blown straight and tied back at the sides. Her makeup was done so delicately, it set off her eyes. The slightest hint of blush was on her cheeks, and her lips shimmered with the palest pink gloss. She was an angel, a vision.
I met her at the bottom of the stairs, kissing her neck. "You look beautiful, Bella," I whispered.
"But do I look human?" she asked.
"You look like a lovely young lady who's grown up a lot in the last few days," Carlisle stated while everyone else nodded in agreement.
"I'm taking Bella to hunt before we leave for Charlie's. I assume you guys have already had breakfast."
"Yeah, we did. But Jasper and I will be scouting the forest as you two go out, just to make sure everything is clear," Emmett said, standing and nodding Jasper over. They were out the door before I could respond.
"We are taking every precaution necessary," Carlisle added as he walked over to Bella and kissed her cheek. He took both of her hands and squeezed them reassuringly. "You will be safe, my girl. We all will."
Esme kissed Bella's other cheek, smiling warmly. "Bella, before you go, I want you to have this." Esme opened a square velvet gift box large enough for a necklace.
Bella stood there in surprise as she stared at the beautiful piece inside.
"It was my grandmother's," Esme explained as she removed the silver locket from its resting place and handed the empty box to Carlisle.
The locket was royal blue enamel and featured the most delicate diamond and sapphire floral centerpiece. Bella's eyes grew wide as she stared at Esme in surprise, realizing how antique it really was.
"My grandfather gave this to my Nan right before he went to war. It was the last thing he ever gave her." Esme lifted my hand, showing the ring to Bella, before continuing. "The ring Edward wears was the last gift he received from her. The love that Edward and you share reminds me a lot of them—one is incomplete without the other." She stepped behind Bella, placing the delicate locket around her neck.
Bella gently placed her fingers over the front of the fragile locket and glanced at me in amazement. "How can I accept this?" her thoughts questioned.
"The same way that I accepted the ring…graciously and with thanks."
I responded smiling in thought. "Now all of my children have something of mine," Esme said proudly. She smiled as Bella hugged her tightly.
"Oh, Esme, I don't know what to say," she whispered. "I will treasure it forever."
"As we will treasure you, little one. Now, go. Charlie is waiting," Esme said.
Bella only nodded, her thoughts still swirling as her fingers lightly traced the curves of the locket.
"It looks beautiful on you, love," I told her, taking her into my arms as we went out the front door. "Let's get some breakfast and get going."
We entered the forest and I immediately sensed Jasper and Emmett on either side of us, each just a few miles away. They had herded in a few deer to make this hunt as quick as possible, sending the panicked animals toward the pond. Bella and I immediately turned and headed in their direction. Just as we approached our prey, Bella scaled a tree and leapt from the top, landing on the deer and breaking its neck straight away. She feed and managed not to get a single drop on her. I made my own kill as the other stag panicked.
Bella smiled as she walked in my direction. "You're right. That is a lot of fun, Jasper!"
I could hear Jasper laugh as he made his way closer to us. That was apparently one of the moves he had shown her while sparring earlier. "You are a good student!" he mused proudly.
"Your stuff is already in the car, Bella. See you guys later!" Emmett called out. He met Jasper a few feet away from us, and they headed back toward the house together.
"Alright, love. It seems the time is upon us," I said, smiling as her face took on a nervous expression.
We walked toward the car and I took the time to admire my love. Bella looked beautiful. No more than that! She looked stunning. She was no longer the simple beauty that she had been before, and it had nothing to do with her enhanced features. There was something underneath, something the outside world couldn't see, but was there all the same. Whether it was newfound self-confidence or just being completely comfortable in her skin, I wasn't sure. I just knew it wasn't like the old Bella. Alice was confident that her make-over story would be believable to Charlie, and I trusted that, but I was nervous anyway—I was still marveling at Bella's beauty all this time later so it was hard to imagine her father wouldn't notice the change.
I opened the door for Bella to get into the Volvo, and then closed it after her before going around to the driver's seat. As we headed out into the foggy morning, I let her thoughts drift uninterrupted. As we zoomed through the familiar streets, I somehow felt like we were driving back to normalcy. Of course, nothing could ever be as it was before…And I was perfectly fine with that.
We pulled up to Charlie's driveway and I turned the engine off, taking her hand into mine. "Are you ready, Bella?" I asked, as she stared at Charlie cruiser parked in the driveway.
"Yeah, let's go," she nodded, opening up her door. She waited by the car as I got her bag out of the backseat.
We walked hand in hand, but only made it a few paces before Charlie came bolting out of the front door. "Bella!" he shouted, coming at us with his arms outstretched.
Before she could react, he had her in his arms and swung her around. I wondered if he knew just how dangerous that hug could have been. Bella embraced him, letting out an audible sigh. From her thoughts I knew that she was in control and in fact happy.
He put her down and stared at her, lifting her chin with his finger. "God, it feels like a lifetime since I've seen you, kiddo. You look…amazing!" he exclaimed.
"Thanks, Dad. It's all Alice's fault," Bella replied, smiling warmly at her father before glancing at me.
"Leave it to you to go to California and not get an ounce of sun," he chuckled. "Just like your mom," he added, leading Bella into the house.
I followed behind them as Bella and I both smiled at how well things seemed to be going.
I set Bella's bag down by the front door as Charlie turned to face me. "Edward...it's been…awhile," he managed, extending his hand out in an unnerving gesture of civility.
"It certainly has, sir," I replied. "My parents send their best."
He smiled and nodded, turning to face Bella who was looking around the living room at all the newspapers that littered the coffee table and floor—Jacob's face on every one.
"Oh, hun. I'm sorry about that. I've been trying to find some leads so I was reading up on his disappearance," Charlie explained.
"It's fine, dad. It just doesn't feel real," she said, sitting on the couch.
"Yeah," was all he responded.
"Charlie, if there is anything my brothers and I can do, please let us know; we would be happy to join the search," I offered with a serious tone.
Bella gave me puzzled look and I reminded her with my thoughts that we had to keep up appearances for Charlie's sake. There was no reason for me to not offer to help find Bella's friend, and Charlie might suspect something if I appeared not to care.
"Thanks, Edward. I might take you up on that," Charlie replied. "Can I get you kids anything to drink?" he asked.
Bella shook her head in response causing the locket to catch Charlie's attention. Bella noticed and responded to his questioning gaze. "Isn't it beautiful? Esme gave this to me this morning before I came home."
"It looks…expensive, Bella," he said, concern and awe coating his thoughts.
"She said it was her grandmother's," Bella told him.
"Well, you better take good care of that. I would hate to have to repay what its worth if you ever lost it," he warned.
Bella smiled and nodded. "Believe me, no worries there, Dad. I'm not going to let it out of my sight for a second."
"Better get this over with," Charlie thought as he looked between Bella and me. "Well," he said, sitting down in his chair. "I'm sure Edward has to get back to his family soon, so I will cut to the chase. You two obviously mean a lot to one another and I'm sure you've already gotten the 'you're too young for this' speech from Dr. and Mrs. Cullen. So all I will say is this…If either one of you ever pulls a stunt like this again, I will hunt you down myself."
Bella's lips twitched as she suppressed a smile at her father's threat. "Dad, I love you, but you aren't scary in the least," she thought.
I tried to cover up the smile her thoughts created, and nearly failed when she giggled in her mind.
Charlie was oblivious to us both as he continued on with his carefully prepared fatherly speech. "Bella, witnessing you trapped in the void Edward left you in and watching you run back to him at the drop of a hat, made me think you were crazy at first. But then, as I thought back to how you were before his leaving, I realized that you were happy with him, truly happy." He paused, trying to remember exactly how he had practiced this in front of the mirror this morning. "I remember what it was like being young and in love. I know it's not always sunshine and roses. You're almost an adult now, Bella, and I would rather deal with this, than lose you because I wasn't supportive. You are my little girl, so I am willing to give Edward one more shot for your sake. Not to mention that with Jacob disappearing, I don't care if you are in love with Frankenstein or Teen Wolf, as long as you are home and safe."
I held back a smirk at his comment—he, of course, didn't know close in the horror genre he was.
Bella's eyes filled with emotion as she smiled at him and started to speak. "Dad, I—" But she was quickly cut off when Charlie tossed a stack of newspapers onto the coffee table.
The scent of the musky, iron nectar hit both Bella and me simultaneously. Charlie grimaced and cursed under his breath at the large paper cut he had given himself.
Bella's head immediately turned toward me, her eyes wide with terror and pleading for strength. She held her breath, trying to fight the bloodlust that was welling up inside her. "Ignore it," she hissed in her mind. "He's your father. Ignore it!"
I tried to give her an excuse to leave the room and regain her control. "Bella, why don't you go upstairs and change into something more comfortable? I'm sure you'd like a break from being Alice's dress-up doll, and I can help Charlie clean up down here."
"I can do this," she thought to herself and me. She stood up, struggling to collect herself. She rubbed the palms of her hand against the side of her jeans, trying to calm her urges and prevent her hands from balling into fists. In these moments…these painfully endless seconds of anticipation, Charlie was oblivious to Bella's struggle.
Bella spoke softly and her voice echoed with her control. "That can wait, Edward. Are you okay, Dad?"
"Yeah, Bells. No big deal, just a nasty paper cut," he said, sucking on his thumb.
I kept my face smooth as I picked up the newspapers from the floor and questioned Bella with my thoughts. "Are you okay, love?"
"Yes, that was…interesting for a moment, though," she replied, smiling in thought as she helped to stack the papers on the coffee table.
"How so?" I asked, watching as Charlie went into the kitchen to put his finger under the tap. I was immensely grateful for these silent conversations Bella and I could share.
"Well, I sort of knew what Jasper felt during my birthday party all that time ago."
I nodded the slightest bit. "You are doing wonderfully."
"I think I'm going to be okay around him now."
"Well, there was bloodshed within the first twenty minutes and you managed to control yourself completely. I think it's safe to say you'll be spectacular, love."
Bella snorted at my thought as Charlie walked back into the room.
"What's so funny, Bells?" he asked, smiling at her.
"Edward nearly gave himself the exact same paper cut you got, these newspapers are deadly!" Bella told him, winking at me.
Charlie chuckled as he looked at Bella. "It's so great to have you home, kiddo. You really look…happy. And it suits you," he said, smoothing the back of his hand on her cheek.
She closed her eyes and smiled, even though she was still working to regain complete control from the earlier incident. "I'm glad to be home, too, dad."
"Bella, pull away before he notices your chill," I cautioned.
She opened her eyes and moved away from her father, walking over to the sofa. "So, you missed me, huh?" Bella chuckled, sitting down next to me.
"And not just your cooking, Bells," Charlie replied, sitting down in his chair.
We sat in the living room for a few hours, chatting about Los Angeles and all the places we "visited". Charlie believed all of it. Bella and I were convincing storytellers and Alice had even sent along pictures that Bella remembered to pull out of her bag. Alice had truly thought of everything—of course, a lot of these pictures were of scenery and landmarks with only a few actually showing us. The pictures were really from a vacation we had taken a few years ago.
"Alice should work for the C.I.A," I mused to Bella in thought.
"It's like being in the witness protection program." I smiled as Bella was giggling in her mind.
After a few more vacation stories, I was certain that Charlie would be perfectly safe alone with Bella. I stood and faced him. "Well, sir, I should get back home. I'm sure you would like some time alone with Bella. Thank you for your understanding about all of this and I'm sorry for all the trouble," I said sincerely, as he stood and stretched his hand toward mine. I quickly shook it, hoping he would be oblivious to my cool skin.
"Mind if I walk you out, Edward?" he asked.
"Not at all, Charlie," I replied. I turned to Bella, kissing her cheek chastely. "I will be right outside the whole time, love," I whispered too low for Charlie to hear.
She nodded, but I could tell from her thoughts that she was just as anxious about our parting as I was. "See you tomorrow, Edward," she said her voice amazingly steady.
I followed Charlie outside and closed the door behind me.
"Edward, I don't doubt your love for my daughter," he said, as we walked toward my car. "I see it every time you look at her. You're different than the other kids here in Forks, son, and I suppose that's why you scare the hell out of me."
"I do love Bella, sir, with every fiber in my being. I made a mistake by leaving all those months ago. Please believe me when I say I did it because I thought it would be best for her," I said, looking him in the eye.
"I understand Edward, but I will never forget the state she was in. I thought I had lost my little girl. And as much as I hate to say it, you seem to be the only one that can bring her to life, back to herself. I used to feel that way about her mother…I still do sometimes. Her mother was the love of my life, but we were so different we just couldn't make it work." He paused before finishing. "I want Bella to be happy, and at this point, I don't much care who with. My trying to interfere and pushing her toward Jacob didn't do anyone any good, so I'm going to trust her on this…one more time. This is your final chance, Edward. Don't disappoint me," he finished, placing a stern hand on my shoulder.
"I won't, sir. On my honor," I replied, grateful for his acceptance.
With that, I got in my car and sped off. I parked it in the woods a few miles away and stealthily made my way back to the house. I scanned the woods, pleased that I found no one and that Bella and Charlie were safe for the time being. I could hear Charlie in the kitchen with Bella, chatting about the lasagna he had put in the oven. He joked about it being the best frozen stuff money could buy. I smiled, happy that Bella was truly pulling this off.
I leapt into the tree branches and slid into her room through the window. I scanned the room, making sure no one but us had been here—no vampires, that is. I sat in her desk chair, looking over the list of countless emails from Renee awaiting Bella's reply on her computer.
Bella and Charlie were still talking downstairs, and I used the opportunity to right one of my many wrongs. I knelt and lifted the floorboard, revealing the items I had hidden away from Bella all those months ago, and placed them on her nightstand. The last item was a picture of us in her living room right before I left. Looking at the picture of a smiling Bella reminded me of everything my leaving had caused. I had very nearly killed her with my words and actions, and I would never forgive myself for that.
"Dad, I'm not hungry. Alice made us all eat a huge breakfast," Bella told Charlie. "I'm just going to go change real quick."
"Alright, Bells," he replied, his thoughts focused on a game he had been missing.
"So that's where all that stuff was?" Bella asked, walking into the room as I was replacing the floorboard.
I stood and opened my arms, amazed at how lucky I was to actually be able to hold her after everything we had been through. "I could never leave you, not really." There was so much more I wanted to say, but I didn't really know how. I had never been this open or emotional with anyone before. I pushed away my own internal struggle, needing to make sure Bella was alright.
"How are you holding up?" I asked.
"So far so good, although, I need to go back downstairs and give my mom a call. I also agreed to watch a movie with Charlie," she replied.
"Sounds like a full afternoon," I said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I miss you," she whispered, kissing my lips.
"I miss you, too, love. Remember to tell him about this weekend. You need to catch Alice and Rose up with school, and you can even throw in me taking you out on a date for good measure," I said smiling.
"Ooh, so you're going to take me out on a date, huh?" she asked, twisting her hips playfully and biting her lip.
I held on to her waist and pulled her closer to kiss her properly. "Yes, I think I will," I replied, teasing her lips before giving her a real kiss.
She kissed me again, changed her clothes, and then went back downstairs. I decided that I needed to scan the perimeter again so I went back out into the now very cloudy day.
The forest was lined with a light fog now and was very quiet. I scaled a tree a few feet from Bella's house and watched over Charlie and her through the window; they were laughing and enjoying one another. I hated that because of me her time with him would be cut short, and he would miss out on the rest of her life. I was overwhelmed by everything that Bella had given up to spend eternity with me and I vowed to spend every day making that up to her.
They spent most of the afternoon chatting and watching TV. A few times, Bella came to the window and gave me a smile that sent my heart soaring. She knew right where I was hiding, and I wondered if she knew from my thoughts or from her hunter instincts. Either way, she was still managing to amaze me with her abilities.
I continued to make sure the surrounding area was clear and by the time the sun was setting, I was aching for her touch. I heard her kiss Charlie goodnight and tell him about our plans for the weekend. She was in complete control the entire time.
I was already in her room by the time she opened her door, almost running into my arms. I kissed her forcefully, taking her sweet scent in through my mouth and nose. "I love you," I sighed into her mouth.
She kissed my neck all the way up to my chin, leaving a trail of fire behind. "I've missed you, Edward," she said.
She suddenly walked over to the window, taking in all the details of her room. "I am going to miss this place," she admitted, her tone heavy as she sat on the floor by the window.
I was still a little dizzy from her touch, "I know, but we could always take things over to my place little by little and we can set you up with your own room as soon as tomorrow if you like," I said, taking her into my arms as I sat next to her.
"Don't you want me to sleep in your room?" she asked, seeming a little hurt.
"Of course I want you with me, love. But I also want you to have your own space. Forever is a long time and you should have a place to retreat to and call your own. Besides, I'm sure Alice would love to help you put it together."
"Well, that might as well wait until I have to leave Forks." The sad look on her face broke my heart.
"Bella, please don't fret over these things tonight. Just know that whatever you want or need, you only have to ask," I assured her, kissing her head.
"Oh my God, Edward! What is that smell?" Bella cried, covering her nose and mouth in disgust. "Bet this is what it smells like after Emmett coughs back up human food."
Had things not been so tense, I might have laughed. Instead, I was immediately on my feet, scanning for a whiff of what had upset Bella's sense of smell.
"Bella, I don't—" The words died in my throat as the stench slammed into me, quickly followed by the rambling thoughts of Sam and his pack. They were all in wolf form, surrounding the small house.
I instinctively held Bella behind me as I went to the window.
"We need to talk," was all Sam said in thought. His mental tone gave no clue as to his emotional state.
A growl escaped me as I lifted the window and replied just loud enough for him to hear me. "After Charlie is asleep, we can meet. Name the place."
"In the forest, about 20 miles east, there is a clearing behind an old abandoned house. Don't keep us waiting long," he warned as he and the rest of the pack disappeared into the night like ghosts.
Bella and I waited for Charlie to fall asleep; she was surprisingly calm while I was merely annoyed. These dogs were delusional if they seriously thought I was going to show up with just Bella.
I reached for my cell phone and called Alice, knowing she was blind to this change of events thanks to the mutts. "They are on the way," I said as I closed the phone and turned toward Bella.
She was looking through her bag and pulled out a black velvet jacket with a high neck and long sleeves.
"Are you okay?" I asked. Her thoughts kept repeating the same words…"Asset, not danger magnet," as she put her boots back on.
"Yeah, I just want to be ready for anything. I've heard from a fairly reliable source that werewolves are unpredictable," she said, pretending to be amused with her joke. "We handle this together," she added, realizing her smile had not fooled me.
I only nodded in response. I was relieved that she was ready for whatever was about to happen, and that she was also being cautious.
A few moments passed as we waited for the others, and I grew impatient with each passing second. I wanted Bella's first night home to be calm, not running around in the dark playing with mutts. "Bella, remember to stay close to me and tell me immediately if you sense anything out of the ordinary," I said, my concern showing in the tone of my voice.
"They're here," Bella whispered seconds before I sensed our family outside.
I went to the window and opened it further, motioning for Bella to go first.
"Really, just jump?" she asked, seeming somewhat fearful. I smiled at this little glimpse of the old Bella.
"Well, unless you plan on turning into a bat, love…yes, just jump," I replied, smiling playfully at how she could lighten my mood without even trying.
She smacked my shoulder before leaning her head out of the window. Feeling slightly comforted by Emmett waiting down there, she leapt and landed on her feet next to him. As I followed after her, I noticed the rest of our family was waiting just under the canopy of trees on the edge of the forest.
I took Bella's hand and started east. The fog was gone now and the moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the ground below and giving a soft luminescence to our skin as we ran. We crossed the distance in a short amount of time, and as we neared the designated spot, Alice and Esme took to the trees, scanning the area from above. The rest of the family flanked us on either side as we came to the clearing behind the old house.
Bella smelled them first and gave a disgusted huff before she stopped breathing.
Seconds later, the pack entered the clearing and their thoughts roared into my head. They were agitated and it made it harder to pick out any one thread of thought.
"What do you want?" I asked Sam plainly.
His thoughts became louder and I was able to pick them out of the jumbled mess of their pack mentality. "I see you have broken our treaty, Edward." He snarled as he crouched and pointed himself at Bella. "You realize this means you must leave Forks?"
I moved Bella behind me protectively. "We intend on leaving town shortly. We only want to give Bella time for a proper goodbye with Charlie."
"Her father is the only reason why we haven't come after you sooner. Charlie is a good friend to us and we realize Bella's leaving will hurt him. But we can't allow you to stay. You have thirty days to get out before we hunt you down, Charlie or not." He growled at Bella again and I attempted to ignore it…Right up until his next thought rang out loud and clear. "I'll be happy to kill her myself."
I immediately snarled and charged forward at him—Emmett, Jasper and Carlisle were at my side in seconds, not really knowing what had been said. They only cared that I was enraged.
"Listen closely, dog," I hissed, enjoying the way he was trying to back away from me. "You even breathe in her direction and I will rip you in half. Got it? That goes for your pups, too," I snarled, pointing to the others with my chin. "We will be out of town by your deadline, so choke on your idle threats, mutt." I turned away from him, done with this conversation. I just wanted to get Bella home.
"That little redhead sure is going to have a good time with you," Sam taunted, showing me his memory of a streak of red crossing the forest.
I stopped in mid-step, my hands balling into fist, my nostrils flaring, and my eyes darkening with fury. I turned my head to the side, trying to control my anger and not leap on the mongrel. "What did you just say?" I asked, my voice wavering from my rage.
Esme was immediately at Bella's side, asking her what was going through Sam's mind. Bella relayed what she heard in my mind and the small clearing was suddenly filled with the roars and snarls of my family. They were all instantly at my side, causing the pack to flank Sam and start to inch forward. I turned around, completely facing Sam, and began to close the gap between our two sides.
"Victoria is here, Edward. She's here to hunt you and your little girlfriend down," Sam said matter of factly.
"Where is she?" I growled loudly, practically insane with anger at that point.
"Everywhere really; she has a few friends with her and honestly, I have no intention of getting in her way. After all, why put my boys out when one of your own can finish the job for us?" His thoughts showed just how arrogant he was.
I rushed forward, ready to rip his muzzle off at his words, but one of the other wolves placed himself between me and Sam.
"As long as she only hurts who she came for, I will be happy to turn a blind eye," Sam taunted. I grabbed the throat of the wolf at my feet before any of them could realize my movements, lifting him high into the air. "Blind eyes can be arranged," I snarled, tightening my choke hold on the mutt's neck as I brought my other hand up before his face. "Where is she?" I asked Sam again, squeezing the dog even harder.
"Put him down, you fool!" Sam screamed out in his mind. "Your presence here has caused enough grief for my family. You already ran Jacob off, maybe even killed him for all we know. He was wrong to go after you alone in the state he was in. I warned him. But it doesn't matter if he was wrong or not, the treaty has been broken. You have thirty days," Sam finished, as he and the pack quickly disappeared into the darkness of the forest.
"Edward, we are getting nowhere here. Put the dog down and let's go get answers," Jasper commanded, sending me a wave of calm.
"Stay away from us," I warned the mutt before tossing him to the ground.
The mongrel whimpered before running off in the same direction the pack had gone.
My insides boiled with my barely contained rage. I would find her…And I would destroy her.
Bella took my hand in hers, trying to sooth me, but I didn't think anything could calm me right now. This was a different sort of bloodlust and the only cure would be Victoria's death.
"There isn't much time," I said, breathing heavily in an effort to reign in some of my temper.
"What about Charlie?" Bella asked her voice barely more than a whisper.
"Charlie will be safe—the wolves will see to that," I promised.
I looked around at my family as they drew closer to Bella and me. "We must start our search for Victoria tonight." I said pinching the bridge of my nose. "Bella and I will have to stay behind in case Charlie wakes up. But in the morning, Bella needs to be taught to track properly and fast," I added. My family nodded in agreement, each of them contemplating whether they would be better at scouting or helping to train Bella.
Carlisle was the first to speak. "I think we need to scan through the town and forest first. We can go out as far as Port Angeles tomorrow. Better we go looking for her than being caught off guard. Bella we will be waiting for you at the house in the morning for your training, okay?" "Of course, I'll be there." Bella replied nodding.
Carlisle walked over to me and put both his hands on my shoulders.
"We are going to find her Edward. Victoria won't get to us, any of us." He said confidently.
"I'm ready for this, Edward," Bella replied, looking up at me with love and trust in her eyes.
I prayed she was right, because unless we were all ready and focused, we would be hard-pressed to change Alice's vision. And God take pity on any mongrel that dared to get in my way while I hunted for that red-headed bitch, because I damn sure wouldn't.