Bella's POV

I can't help but feel a sense of peace while venturing up this dirt path. The forest sets me at ease while keeping me calm. There's something about the smell of trees and sound of the wind running through them speaks to my soul. I am headed to my favorite place in these woods. There's an outcropping of rock that overlooks the valley below. Which is invisible to camp goers beyond the trees, but I can see it perfectly fine from where I'm standing. I often find myself up here spying on those around the camp down below. The opportunity to peak into and around the lives of others often excites me...even though it shouldn't.

After locating my perch upon the ledge, I dangle my legs over the edge and lay with my back on the warm rock and eyes to the sky. Like the lizards I often see up here, I stretch out and soak up the warm rays emitting from the sun. Fall has arrived and the air has a chill to it, but the sun is still warm from the summer and I soak up every ray I can before the winter rears its ugly sun. I closed my eyes and listened to the world around me and began to drift off.

The sound of approaching footsteps snaps me out of my dreams and sends me running for cover. Panic surges through me as I crouch behind a rather large boulder near the edge of the cliff. I try to control my breathing, but the adrenaline rush refused let me calm down. Two men round the final corner of the trail and appear from the tree line. I fixed my gaze upon them, and when my focus came to I noticed it was Felix and Demitri. My fear overrides my functions, which froze me up to the point where movement wasn't an option and I stayed in place. My hiding spot was close enough to ease drop on their conversation.

"We found them."

"Where?"

"Bangkok, Thailand."

"Thailand?"

"It wasn't on the list, but thanks to a friend of a friend we were informed that there's a new client in Bangkok who deals only at night and the girls they buy never return."

"It makes since that they would work out of Bangkok. It's a city plagued by overpopulation and a booming human trafficking industry. Anything has a price, and if you pay the right amount no one will notice if the girls don't come back."

"What is our plan then?"

"Have you told Jacob yet?"

"Yes. He was there when I got the call. He said to tell you that the Wolves are onboard with whatever you plan."

"Inform your men that we leave at dawn. I will meet with Heidi to see what our best options are and we'll meet with you in a few hours."

"Are you going to tell Bella?"

"She has a right to know and to have the option of killing them herself."

Felix nodded and walked away down the trail back to camp. Demitri remained standing on the outcropping looking in the direction of where I hid.

"Isabella I know you are behind that boulder."

For a brief second I considered not responding and pretending I was not behind the boulder, but I knew he knew I was there. You can't hide anything from those damn vampires. I stood up slowly and stepped around the large rock to stand before him.

"For the record I was here before you were."

"I know. I could smell you while walking up the hill. Why did you hide?"

"I didn't know who was coming so I panicked and hid. When I saw it was you and Felix I just stayed. I couldn't bring myself to move for some odd reason. I knew I was safe, but I failed to overcome the panic that engulfed my body. Plus I didn't want to have to explain myself."

"Why would you need to explain yourself? You are free to come up here."

"Yes, but I am hiding. They won't leave me alone."

"Who?"

"Some of the women in the camp. They seem to have taken it upon themselves to provide me with therapy, which consisted of them telling me how I'm feeling, thinking and what I should be doing to fix the issues I don't have."

Chuckling slightly to himself, Demitri stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me pulling me into his chest.

"They are just trying to help, but I will have Heidi say something to them. They should not be prying and need to respect your space and privacy. I could have hidden you away if you came to me first."

"I think I just needed some time to myself. The forest always makes me feel better."

"Please let me know next time you're going off alone."

"Alright I promise I will."

"I meant what I said to Felix."

"I know."

We stood in silence listening to the sounds of the forest around us. I always feel so safe in his arms. He always seems to be around when I need him and making sure my needs are taken care of. I know that he has a mate. Heidi told me that he loves her endlessly and that she is beautiful, but I can't help but feel attraction for him. I wonder if he feels the same for me at all or am I just some girl he feels protective of?