All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer
EPOV
"I have to get to class before I'm late. I'll…see you around Edward." She stammered blushing on her way out the door.
I simply nodded not sure of what I should say to her. I sighed as I watched her leave. I decided to skip my last class and spent the final hour of school listening to music in my car.
I could quite literally kill Rosalie. How could she have scared Bella like that? She had never done anything to her; hell she hadn't even spoken to her. I knew she was frightened about Bella exposing us, but she hadn't yet and I didn't think she was going to. I wasn't sure how I knew, I just did. It went deeper than that. Rosalie was jealous of my feelings for Bella. She was being absurd. She didn't want me; she just wanted me to want her. I rolled my eyes at how ridiculous it all was.
Bella was unlike anyone I had ever met. She was a puzzle, a mystery I was trying to unfold. She was the only person I knew who could see through me pretenses and wasn't afraid to put me in my place.
Every time I thought of her it brought a smile to my face. I was happier since I had known her. My family had noticed, though many did not agree with me spending time with the human girl.
I could only agree with them. I was dangerous, more so to her than any other. I should stay away, she wanted me to stay away, yet I could not. I was drawn to her. Every night at her house…when I would hear my name pass her lips as she slept…it was the most exquisite feeling I had ever had in my life. No matter if she wanted me or not I would always be there for her, protecting her. She was my life now, the most important thing to me.
I was furious with myself for not noticing her sooner when I was arguing in the parking lot with Rosalie. I was such a fool! I never wanted her to see that side of me. I was fairly certain she knew I was anything but normal, but I wasn't sure what her theories were. This bothered me greatly. It was beyond frustrating that I could not know her mind. Never had I had to work so hard for information.
I had apologized to her, for frightening her. It pained me to know that I had scared her so much. Though in a way I was glad she was finally fearful of me, but found myself torn--it bothered me. I didn't want her to be afraid; I didn't want her to fear me. It was best for her safety if she did, and it was selfish for me to want anything else.
'Finally. We get to leave this hole.' I heard Emmett think as the finally bell rang.
I looked up noticing all the children leaving their classes. My eyes instinctively went to where I knew Bella would be. I ignored the thoughts of my family as I concentrate on the gym door. Finally, she appeared and a faint smile graced my lips.
She really was clumsy, more so than any human I had ever known. It was part of her charm, but caused me to be overly anxious when I was not around her.
She didn't look around at all. She focused all her attention on her truck, if you could even call it that. It was more like a heap of rusting steel. She was acting stranger than usual, as if she were trying to avoid someone. She didn't even glance my way as she passed my car as she usually did.
I heaved a heavy sigh as my family entered the car, my mood turning dark. I could feel their eyes on me as I drove down the road but I ignored their thoughts. As soon as the car was parked I was out. I was at my piano within minutes playing a dark tune. My family knew better than to disturb me and left me alone.
I played long into the night relentlessly. As dawn broke I found myself playing the song she had inspired. The melody was so much like her, gentle, soft, and so very sweet. The joy I felt when I was around her came through in the song, and I longed to be with her again.
It was better this way, no matter how it pained me. She was safer keeping her distance. She was being wise.
I read from Alice's thoughts that it was to be sunny today. I ran to my room and changed quickly. It was perfect weather for sun bathing. Wanting nothing more than to be alone with only my thoughts, I ran for my car and sped down the driveway.
The meadow I had found not too long ago had become a haven for me. It was one of the few places I could truly be alone. It afforded me the privacy I needed to be myself without being bombarded with the thoughts of others. My talent, though useful, was an incredible burden at times. I had to go through great lengths if I wanted solitude, more so than any normal person.
I scoffed as I raced down the road. Normal. I was anything but, even among my own kind. I was a freak.
I slammed the car into park and took off running. It was exhilarating to feel the wind rush around me, and within minutes I found myself in my sanctuary. I laid down in the center with my shirt open allowing the rays of the sun to warm my body.
I smiled, nothing ever compared to the warmth the sun provided me. It seeped into my very core warming me from the inside out. But it paled in comparison to the heat I felt whenever I touched Bella.
Holding her hand as I had that night…I could feel the warmth from her body seep into mine causing a fire to flame from within. Never had I known such heat or pleasure. I had touched many humans before and yet never had this kind of reaction. It was both incredible and terrifying.
She was so soft and warm—vulnerable in every way it seemed. I couldn't seem to stay away from her, though I knew I should. I watched her though I knew I shouldn't. I continuously checked up on her throughout the day as I read the minds of those around her. It was unbearably hard to stay away when I knew she was going to get hurt.
I had to almost physically restrain myself a few days back as I watched her fall again and again during gym class. Thankfully, the gym teacher had finally decided to bench her. His thoughts brought a smile to my face.
'That Swan girl is a menace to everyone around her. How she managed to live this long is beyond me. If I don't bench her now I won't have a class left. She'll end up injuring them all.'
He had been utterly frustrated with her, though it was not her fault. He was correct about one thing--she was a menace. Never before had I met someone so prone to accidents. She was truly a danger magnet. If there was anything dangerous in a 100-mile radius of her it invariably found her. I had no idea how she managed to survive this long without protection.
I could feel my skin beginning to cool and I opened my eyes to see the sun starting to set. I got up, deciding to check on Bella. I was incredibly anxious to see her again and make sure she was safe.
I arrived at her house to find that she was not home. I wondered idly where she could possibly have gone when I heard the familiar roar of her truck's engine not far away. I watched from the cover of the trees as she exited her truck. I breathed in deeply hoping to catch her scent. She smelt of sand and salt water-she had been at the beach.
I frowned. Of all the places for her to go she had to pick the one I was not allowed to enter. I shook my head as I continued to watch her from afar. She seemed edgier than usual. She looked around and I could smell fear in her scent. Did she know I was watching? My car was parked a few streets away to avoid detection, and I was too far into the woods for her eyes to see me. She must have sensed someone was watching.
Not wanting to frighten her further I backed away, reassured she was safe for now. I would return tonight to make sure.
As soon as I entered my house Rosalie was waiting for me.
'Did you have a nice day Edward? Not like I have to guess where you've been. Probably stalking that human girl again.'
I growled warningly at her, but she did not stop her assault.
'You need to stop this now. I'm sick of you being so selfish.'
"Selfish? You would know all about that wouldn't you Rosalie." I hissed through clenched teeth.
'I'm not the one endangering everyone around me.'
"I'm not having this discussion with you again." I answered as I walked away from her.
'She's going to be the downfall of this family. She needs to be taken care of before something happens.'
I snapped. Before even I knew what I was doing I had her pinned up against the wall. "If you so much as look in her direction again, breathe a breath on her hair I will hurt you. Leave. Her. Alone." My tone was deadly.
She struggled against my grip and I let her down. I could feel the presence of others in the room with us but I ignored them.
"Why don't you take your own advice? You're so damn arrogant. You think you know everything, but you don't. You're wrong, this is wrong. It's not normal." Her tone was icy.
I shrugged as if her words meant nothing to me, though they pierced right through me. She was right on many levels. I continued on my way up the stairs blocking the rest of her thoughts from me. I didn't want to fight. It was the same argument again and again. It was incredibly tiresome.
Worst of all, I knew Rosalie was correct, but I couldn't seem to stop. It was much more than her scent that attracted me to her. I was fascinated by her mind, her quick wit…to watch her blush…
It was not normal. I was not normal, yet it did not stop me from changing and heading over to her house. It was late enough where I knew she would be in bed sleeping. I needed to check on her to make sure she was all right. She was a drug to me, something I couldn't seem to quit.
Her bedroom window was dark and I easily scaled the side of the house entering her room through her window. She looked like an angel. There was a small smile playing across her lips. She looked incredible peaceful.
A few stray hairs crossed her face and I couldn't help myself as I reached down to push them away. She stirred briefly and I thought I might have woken her, but she simply sighed and settled back down.
I listened as she mumbled my name a few times causing my dead heart to sore, before I left her in peace. It was nearly morning and I did not want her to find me in her room and so I left her there to wake alone.
Alice was waiting for me once I got home. "I had a vision."
I quirked my head to the side, curious as to what it could be. She allowed the vision to play in her head once again. There was a coven of three vampires coming to visit the area. They seemed merely curious, but it was clear they did not share the same diet as we did.
"I thought you would want to know." She added lightly.
"Yes, thank you." I would have to keep an extra careful eye on Bella. She had an uncanny ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. She smelled far to good to leave her alone. If any one of them were to catch her scent…I shuddered at the thought. Yes, I would have to be extra vigilant.
"When?" I asked.
"I'm not sure, but soon."
I nodded thanking her again before I went to my room. How was I to do this? How was I to protect someone who clearly did not want to be around me? Time and time again I had tried to be near her and she had pushed me away. I couldn't blame her, but I could not tell her the truth—could I?
She suspected something, which was clear. She knew far more than most humans did. She knew of my strength, speed, coldness…knowing her she probably figured other things out. She was far too perceptive for her own good.
I ran my hands through my hair. If only I could read her mind! I wouldn't have to guess at what she knew or thought. The one mind above all others I yearned to know and it was closed to me.
I pinched the bridge of my nose as I calmed myself. I would have to hunt tonight. I would simply watch her from afar. She did not need to know more than she all ready did. If I were going to be around her more often I would have to take extra precautions. I would not be the one to hurt her. I would keep her safe.
I did not travel far and was back at her house by the time she woke up. I watched her the entire day as she relaxed around the house. I found myself caught up in her facial expressions. When her brow would furrow I wanted to reach out and make it go away. Each smile would make me smile. Her laughter was music to me ears, and I could not deny the joy I felt as the sound drifted my way.
By nightfall her father had returned and I decided to leave her briefly to change and check in with my family. It was supposed to storm tonight which usually meant one thing, baseball.
I would not be joining them. I wanted to stay as close to Bella as I could. Alice would have already seen my decision so there would be no need to tell my family of my decision.
"Are you sure?" Alice asked as I walked through the door.
"Yes."
My family was just on their way out.
"Have you seen anything new?"
"No. I'll let you know when I do." She promised. She leaned up and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving to join the others.
I sat down at my piano and began playing as soon as they were gone. I had some time to kill before I could go back to see Bella. The familiar melody of her song wafted through the house as my thoughts once again turned to her angelic face.
Sooner than I expected I caught the minds of my family approaching. I glanced at the clock noticing that it had been only a few hours since they had gone.
I listened more closely.
'Edward, we have guests with us--two males and a female. They are the ones Alice saw. They appear to be merely curious. You should be there when we arrive.'
Carlisle thoughts were clear. I would have to stay for the time being.
I stood on the porch as I awaited their arrival. I wanted nothing more than to send them off on their way as soon as possible. I found myself restless to get back to Bella, though I knew the danger was coming my way not hers.
I caught the minds of the strangers and I had to agree with Carlisle. They appeared to be curious about our lifestyle, and wanting nothing more than to clean up and be on their way.
I would do nothing to hinder their plans.
I watched as they approached the house. Carlisle was in the lead with Esme and Rosalie on either side. Emmett, Jasper, and Alice ran directly behind the visitors as if they were herding them, keeping them from wondering off. I could not argue with their logic.
They stopped in front of me.
"This is my other son Edward." Carlisle introduced politely.
I nodded at the others as Carlisle introduced them to me in turn.
'This coven is enormous. Much like those in Italy…' Laurent mused.
'Unlike anything I have ever seen before. How do they do it?' The female seemed overly apprehensive, as if at any moment she was prepared to bolt. Her eyes roamed relentlessly from one person to the next as if she were waiting for one of us to attack.
'I can't believe after all these years… So this is what came of her. Interesting.' My eyes instantly fell to the one called James. He was looking at no one in particular so I had no idea who he might be referring to. But his thoughts were confusing. I could sense awe and regret for something, but I didn't know what. I searched for more information, but his thoughts reveled nothing more.
"Come lets go inside." Carlisle suggested.
I went inside and joined my family. After a moment of polite conversation we gave our visitors a change of clothing and sent them on their way. As soon as they were out the door I was off.
I needed to check on Bella and make sure they were not taking any detours. I climbed into her window without braking pace and was relieved to find her peacefully asleep in her bed. I sat in her rocking chair and watched as her chest rose and fell with each breath. She was safe.
I don't know how long I sat there staring at her before I caught the thoughts of another. Their thoughts were not clear at first and I listened closer to decipher what they were thinking as I sniffed the air for their scent.
'It must run in the family. Another fool, protecting what it not his. This one will not get away.' I froze. It was James. I sat in shock as his plan unfolded before me. He had her scent, the scent of my Bella, and he wanted her.
I jumped from her window and made a close sweep of the area, but he was already gone. I could no longer catch his mind.
I instantly reached for my phone, but it was already ringing.
"Edward." It was Alice.
"I know." I said in a low deadly voice.
"Emmett and Jasper are on their way."
"I'll be there shortly." I said as I shut my phone. I climbed back through her window. I knew time was of the essence and I reached out to shake Bella awake.
She jumped and tried to scream but I covered her mouth to muffle the sound. I could not have her waking Charlie. She started to thrash around and I wrapped my arm around her to restrain her. It broke my heart to see her so frightened but I had no other choice. I had led him to her. I had put her in danger. It was my entire fault.
Her eyes flew open and the naked fear I saw there tore me up. I stared back un- flinching. Her heart was racing, but soon she recognized me and I could sense her calming down, even if just a little bit.
I removed my hand from her mouth, but she said nothing.
"I'm so sorry. I have to get you out of here. You're in danger Bella." I explained quickly.
She blinked a few times before answering. "What? Edward, what are you doing here?" She backed away from me pulling the covers up closer around her.
"There are things you don't know about me. Things that will be explained to you later, I promise, but I need you to trust me. We need to get out of here, now."
She looked at me for a long moment before she nodded. "I trust you." She whispered taking me by surprise.
"Leave a note for your father. Tell him whatever you need to tell him so he won't go looking for you. I'll start packing you a bag."
She nodded as she got up and went to her desk. She was being much to calm. It wasn't natural, but there was no time to think on it now. I was done packing her gym bag before she had finished her note. I could see a few tears escape her eyes as she finished.
Without a word I reached over and took her into my arms. I gave her a small smile before I wiped her tears away.
"I'll keep you safe Bella. I promise."
She nodded wrapping her arms around my neck.
"Hold on tight." I warned before I jumped from her window. Jasper and Emmett were waiting for me just inside the tree line and we were off.
We made it back to my house in record time. My family was all gathered in the living room when we arrived. I set Bella, gently, back on her feet but she clung to my hand refusing to let it go.
"What's the plan?" Carlisle asked turning to look at me.
"We get her as far from here as possibly. Then we hunt." My voice turned dark as I imagined what he wanted to do to Bella and I could feel her cling tighter to my hand.
'Are you sure? Is that necessary?' Carlisle questioned me in his mind.
"He's a tracker." I answered simply.
I heard Rosalie scoff from across the room and I glared at her. Emmett put his hand on her shoulder but she shrugged him off.
"Rosalie." I heard him whisper to her. "He loves her. Be good."
She stalked away from him like a small child and sat down in one of the chairs in the room looking the other direction.
Emmett sighed.
I chose to ignore her and focused on the others in my family. I saw recognition flash in their eyes, and watched as they tensed.
"Where will I go?" A soft voice asked half hidden behind me. I turned then to face the one I was sworn to protect. Her face was tear stained and she looked even more fragile and pale.
My eyes softened as I looked upon her face. "We're figuring that out. First, I need you to change. You can't travel in what you have on." She was only wearing an over sized shirt. We needed to confuse the scent, and I didn't want her to freeze to death.
She blushed as she looked down to take in her appearance. She let go of my hand as she instinctively pulled down on the hem of her shirt as if to make it longer.
"Esme?" I turned to look at my mother figure.
"Of course." She leaned down to take Bella into her arms but she instantly pulled away back into my arms.
"I won't hurt you Bella. I promise." Esme implored reaching for Bella once again.
Bella only clung tighter to my shirt, refusing to let go.
"Bella," I said as I pried her hands from my shirt. "You need to go with Esme. There isn't time for this. You need to get changed."
She shook her head defiantly. I sighed in frustration.
'Edward, she's frightened. Don't make it worse. Why don't you take her to my room and let her get changed there.' Esme suggested smiling warmly at Bella.
I nodded in agreement. I leaned down scooping Bella, once again, into my arms and ran to Esme's room. Once there I set her down near the dresser.
"Choose whatever you like, just make it fast." I told her before I turned around to give her privacy.
"I know what you are." I heard her say just above a whisper.
"What?" I turned around to face her. Her head was down and she was fidgeting with her fingers.
"I-I-know what you and your family are. I can guess what the danger is."
"How?" I breathed before shaking my head. There was no time. Later when the danger was not so close. "You need to change. Leave your clothes on the floor for Esme. We will need to confuse the scent."
She nodded her head and began picking out clothing as I turned around. I listened to the conversation downstairs, as she got dressed. We would leave in three groups. The men would take off first leading the hunt. Esme would dress in her clothing and head off in one direction with a less than thrilled Rosalie. Carlisle had made her role clear as a member of this family, and she had grudgingly agreed to help. Alice and I would then be free to escape with Bella at our sides. We would drive as far East as we could, stopping only when necessary, until we found a safe place to stay.
It was a plan I could live with.
As soon as Bella was done I took her into my arms and raced back downstairs. Carlisle was handing phones out to everyone.
'I assume you heard?' He thought as he passed me.
I nodded.
"Alice will it work?" I asked turning to face my favorite sister.
She closed her eyes in concentration and we all froze around her to hear her answer.
"James and Laurent will follow the men. The female will go after Esme, then the way should be clear."
'He doesn't stand a chance against us Edward. He won't get through us. Your girl will be safe.' Emmett promised as he exited the house with the others.
We waited silently for James and Laurent to take the bait. After a few minutes Esme's phone rang. She didn't say anything and within minutes her phone was shut once again.
"They're being followed." She said simply. She turned to me and hugged me fiercely. "You take good care of that girl. She's special."
She turned from me and gave Bella a warm smile. "Be safe." And with that Esme and Rosalie were out the door.
Bella couldn't seem to stop fidgeting at my side. I finally took her hands in mine and gave her a reassuring smile. "It's all going to work out Bella. I promise you will be home and safe again before you know it."
She smiled weakly and nodded.
"It's time." Alice announced from the doorway.
"Where…" Bella began to ask, but I covered her mouth with my hand cutting her off.
"Not know. Later. We must get going."
"Okay."
I allowed Alice to drive opting instead to sit in the backseat as I tried my best to comfort Bella. I began humming the song I wrote for her and eventually she fell asleep in my arms.