Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer, I'm just producing a cheap imitation for my own pleasure …
A/N: Hey guys, sorry this chapter has been so long in the making. Things got VERY busy with work and university commitments, and then of course I was churning out some chapters of Take the Cake as well. It wasn't until I sat down and started writing this chapter that I realised just how much I had missed Vampward *sigh* so I've learned my lesson.
Um, just bear in mind that this is unbeta'd, unchecked, and in first draft form. I'm just mucking around with this one, but I hope you like it.
Songlines Ch9
I stood in the shadows for what felt like a long time. I was counting the minutes until I knew Bella would be in bed asleep. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I got it out already knowing it would be Alice.
Go watch your girl. A x
Despite the gravity of the situation I had to smile at Alice's impish comment. If she saw anything untoward she would alert me. The hour was late; most humans in the vicinity would be asleep or close to it. Decision made I scaled the side of the house in quick time and a brief hesitation, eased myself into Bella's bedroom.
She was asleep on her stomach clutching her pillow with her hair obscuring her face. I found myself standing by her bedside, my hands clenching and unclenching as I fought against the instinct to reach out and smooth her hair away to give me an unobstructed view. She was smiling a little in her sleep and I marvelled that she could sleep so sweetly despite the danger that surrounded her. It seemed that she truly had no idea what lurked in the world just beyond her awareness. I took a seat in my chair and watched her as the hours passed. Bella shifted in her sleep a few times but tonight was one of the rare evenings that she didn't speak. By the time I eased my way out of her window the sky was beginning to lighten. As I made my way back to where I had parked the car my senses were on full alert.
I had to give James credit; he was very good. He'd managed to trail us without his scent alerting me, and my own distraction in the woman walking at my side had somehow kept his thoughts quiet until he was ready to reveal himself. He had made no comment on the colour of my eyes but his thoughts as he had left told me that he was intent on finding out what the situation was. I cursed myself for mentioning the family but it was too late now.
When I arrived back home I could see Alice sitting on the front steps waiting for me. She was still shielding her thoughts from me but her expression was one of deep concern. Parking the car in the garage I walked towards the house and sat down on the steps beside her.
"Hey," I greeted as I leaned over and nudged her with my shoulder.
"I should have seen him sooner," Alice looked woebegone, "but I wasn't looking. I wanted to give you some privacy."
"It was okay," I shrugged off her concern, "I saw him off at the bar but I don't think that will be the last we see of him." I thought back to the glimpse into his mind that I had caught earlier. "My concern is Bella."
"As it should be," Alice agreed, "she's caught his interest."
"Mmm," I kept my voice non-committal. If James had even a fraction of the interest in Bella that I had, she would be dead already.
"Not her scent," Alice went on as she glanced at me, "it's you."
"Me?" I cocked an eyebrow at this.
Alice gave a sad smile. "I think so."
I frowned as I considered this.
"We're different, you're different," Alice pointed out, "and he noticed the way you watched Bella."
Alice nudged me with her shoulder. "Carlisle is waiting," she urged.
"I'm sure he is," I sighed.
The front door opened and Jasper appeared. He gave me a small nod as he crossed to where Alice was sitting and stood behind her. She leaned against his legs and smiled up at him.
"Want to go for a run?" he asked her, and then looked at me. "Sorry," he gestured at the small woman sitting at his feet, "she's been sitting out here most of the night, I thought I could-,"
"Go," I waved a hand, "I'll see you when you get back."
"I'll keep watching," Alice promised, "if I see anything we'll come straight back."
"Come on, baby," Jasper said as he took her hand and lead her down the steps.
I watched them disappear into the woods that surrounded the house and then went inside.
Rosalie and Emmett were nowhere to be seen and I could hear Esme moving around in the bedroom upstairs.
I'm in my study, Edward. Carlisle's thought drew me up the stairs and hesitating at the wooden door. Come on in, Son.
Carlisle was sitting at his desk finishing some paperwork from the hospital and he looked up and gave me a smile as he nodded towards one of the chairs.
"It sounds like you've had an interesting night," Carlisle said as he set his pen aside and regarded me with a calm expression.
"Not that interesting," I replied with caution, "although we may have to keep watch over the next few days."
"Who was he, anyone we know?" Carlisle asked.
"No, I've never seen him before, he-," I broke off as I considered James's appearance. "He's a nomad travelling with his mate." I sighed at this and rubbed my chin, feeling restless. I wanted to watch over Bella every chance that I could. I told Carlisle every detail of our encounter; the way James was dressed, his behaviour, his thoughts. When I finished Carlisle's forehead bore a slight frown as he considered the situation.
"They'll be hunting nearby?" he asked.
"I told him we have a residence here so with luck they won't cause any trouble," I reminded Carlisle.
"You did," Carlisle nodded, "how curious was he about that?"
I considered the encounter and shrugged. "I think it's safe to say he'll come looking, but I don't know if he'll approach us outright." I frowned again. "There was something-," I stopped as I recalled the sparse thoughts I had been able to detect.
"What?"
"He's good," I gave Carlisle a chagrined smile, "I couldn't read him clearly.
Carlisle's eyebrows went up at this.
"That's … unusual," he conceded.
"Tell me about it," I grunted. Bella was frustration enough without posing a threat, but James presented a new factor into the family's safety equation.
"And Bella?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose at this and sighed again.
"He saw us together and followed us back to her apartment. He's definitely curious but beyond that I don't know what he wants. If he's going to try something we're going to need Alice on this."
By the time I left Carlisle's study the sky was lighter. It was going to be another grey day, a fact I regretted now that I knew it meant James could roam around unhindered. I went to my room and closed the door, registering that my clothes carried the scents of the bar as well as Bella's room. I made my way into the bathroom for a shower and after some perfunctory ablutions I changed into some fresh clothes.
Take your time, she's running late this morning. Alice advised, making me alter my course towards the garage and out into the forest instead. See you when you get back, Alice sent again and then left me alone. I disappeared into the undergrowth and began to run. A hunt would do me good.
The burn in my throat had lessened somewhat by the time I arrived on campus. Alice and Jasper had set off ahead of me, Alice citing a study group commitment that I hadn't heard of before. When I had raised an eyebrow in Jasper's direction at this he had simply shrugged and gone back to his reading, flicking through the pages in a blur of speed, snorting at all the historical inaccuracies as he went. Alice had studiously ignored my curiosity as she had taken Jasper by the hand to pull him up out of his seat and propel him outside towards the car.
I made my way across campus scanning everyone I passed. My lecture wasn't due to start for another hour but I had been unable to stay away any longer; I needed to see Bella. I was almost at the bookstore when I saw something that halted me in my tracks; Alice and Bella, sitting at one of the café tables smiling and talking.
"Easy there," a voice behind me advised. I turned to see Jasper strolling towards me, his satchel slung across his chest and hands in pockets. "Nothing to worry about."
"What's going on?" I snapped. Alice had assured me she would keep her distance until the time was right. I frowned as I recalled her exact words and realised she could be more cunning than I had previously thought. Jasper offered a half smile as he monitored my reaction.
"I'm sure she has her reasons," Jasper went on. A wave of calm swept over me as he drew near and he put a companionable hand on my shoulder as he matched my pace. "Besides, don't they look happy?" he nodded his head towards the two women.
I had to concede that Jasper had a point. Bella looked relaxed and happy as she listened to Alice speak, sipping at a cup of coffee. Alice had a cup of coffee by her elbow and I wondered how she was going to dispose of the contents without Bella noticing. At that moment Bella looked up in answer to a greeting and Alice tipped some of the contents on to the ground at her feet, returning the tup to the table too quickly for human eyes to notice.
Bella noticed our approach and her face lit up with a smile of recognition. I could hear her heart rate accelerate and marvelled that I could be the cause of it. Jasper chucked under his breath beside me and I made an effort to try to keep my emotions to myself.
"Thanks, Man," Jasper muttered, "it's hard enough with Em and Rose without you getting all-," he stopped speaking as Alice greeted us.
"Here's my boys," Alice crowed.
I managed not to wince at her analogy. At 111 years of age I was hardly a boy for all that I was trapped in the body of a 22 year old, and Jasper was older still.
"Hey," she gave me a warm smile and then looked at Alice in puzzlement, "you guys know each other?"
"We're related," Alice replied just as Jasper leaned down to give her a quick kiss. "Not us," she corrected smoothly as she smiled at Jasper before giving her attention to Bella again. "Jasper and I are together, Edward's my brother."
"Oh," comprehension dawned on Bella's face, shadowed with a touch of relief at her earlier confusion.
"May I?" I indicated the vacant seat beside her.
"Please," she nodded with a smile. There was a hint of blush staining her cheeks now as I sat down beside her. "By the way, thanks for seeing me home last night."
"Oh so you're the one," Alice nodded in faux acknowledgement.
I shot a look at Jasper who gave me a baffled shrug. He had no idea what his mate was up to either and so it seemed all we could do was play along.
"I'm the one what?" Bella said as she swirled her coffee cup and sipped at it again.
"Edward's mystery date last night," Alice said and then leaned forward and went on in a confidential tone, "he tends to keep to himself a lot."
"You picked up on that too, huh?" Bella said with a dry smile and then gave me a wink.
"Darlin'," Jasper interrupted as he reached out and rubbed Alice's back, "don't tease."
"Sorry," Alice offered with an impish grin that indicated she wasn't sorry at all. "But the opportunity was just too good to resist."
"Sure," I replied in a droll tone. I wondered how close I could get to Bella, perhaps if I-
Do it. Alice urged.
I settled myself more comfortably in the chair and then rested my arm along the back of Bella's chair. She shivered a little at the contact but before I could wonder if it was in reaction to my lack of warmth she leaned back in her chair enough to feel my arm against my back. It was a small gesture but that one spoke of silent acceptance.
"I didn't know that you knew Bella," I said, raising an eyebrow at Alice who didn't even have the grace to blink as I called her to account.
"We just got talking while I was getting a coffee," Bella explained, "and then decided to share a table."
"Ah," I nodded.
"Small world, huh?" Alice smiled.
"Very," I agreed.
I felt a surge of amusement and knew from a flicker of his eyelid that it came from Jasper. The four of us were sitting exchanging polite small talk with only one of the group having no idea what the subtext was.
"So, Jasper," Bella was saying, "what are you studying?"
"History," Jasper smiled.
"Any particular specialty?" Bella asked.
"Oh here we go," Alice sighed in mock despair, squealing as Jasper tickled her side.
"Civil War," he replied, "ignore her, she's not one for hitting the books like I am."
"We all have our passions," Bella laughed, "Alice has already told me that hers is fashion." She turned to me, "and you're studying-," she gave me an expectant look.
"Literature and communications," I said at last, watching as Bella tried not to laugh.
"Communications," she commented and then pursed her lips. "Interesting."
I shrugged off her amusement, "it's something to do until-," I broke off realising that I had almost said too much, and then glanced at Bella as she gave me an understanding smile.
"Until you know what you want?"
"Something like that," I agreed.
I already knew what I want. For the first time in my overlong existence I could name my desire with perfect clarity, and it was sitting right beside me.
* * * * *
Today was one of days when Bella and I did not sure a lecture and I found myself wanting to stretch out our conversation as long as possible. Even Jasper seemed to be enjoying himself, or at least he seemed to give all the impression of a man taking his ease. He watched Alice talk with an indulgent smile, and contributed the occasional comment in response to questions from Bella.
I marvelled that Bella could seem so comfortable with us when most humans seemed to shy away for any sort of contact. What would she do if she were to find out she was sitting with three vampires? For all that we maintained a 'vegetarian' lifestyle the lure of human blood would always remain. I glanced at Jasper to see if he had anything to do with Bella's relaxed state and felt oddly reassured when I gave me a slight shake of his head in response. She felt perfectly comfortable with us without any outside influences. Remarkable.
At last Jasper checked his watch and then glanced at Alice.
"Babe," he began.
"I know, your lecture," Alice answered, "have fun."
"Right," Jasper said with a sly grin. It was a particular pleasure of his to question and correct the academic text much to the consternation of his lecturers.
"How about you, Bella?" Alice turned back to the woman beside me, "have you got a lecture soon?"
Bella shrugged and set down her now empty cup. "I had one this morning, and I'm working at the bookstore in-," she consulted her watch, "ten minutes."
"Hmm," Alice pursed her lips thoughtfully, "maybe we should catch up again soon."
"I'd like that," Bella smiled, "you guys are easy to be with."
I managed to keep my expression carefully blank at this, although the woman seemed determined to surprise me at every turn.
"Really?" Alice was beaming, "Then consider it done."
"Great," Bella pulled her bag onto her lap and began to dig through it. Without any prompting, Alice produced a paper and pen.
"Is this what you were after?" she offered with an artless smile.
"Thanks," Bella accepted them and scribbled down her cell number before sliding it back, "can I have yours too?"
"Sure," Alice wrote quickly and then tore the paper in half, offering Bella the number.
"Wouldn't it be easier to program your numbers into each other's phones?" Jasper had watched the exchange with a bemused expression.
"Yup," Bella agreed, "but my phone's dead," she stashed the scrap of paper in her bag and held up the small black handset by way of explanation.
"I hope you're going to charge that," I offered, "you'd be safer if you had a working phone with you."
"Here he goes again," Bella sighed to Alice, "he seems to be a stickler for my safety."
"That's our Edward," Alice winked at me and then gave a well-feigned start of surprise. "Wait, I'm having a revelation here, would you be the girl that-,"
"Edward saved from getting crushed by a truck? Yeah, that's me," Bella gave me a slight grimace. "I thought the fuss over that had died down."
"Oh it has," Alice assured her, "Edward told us about it but I've only just put two and two together." She shook her head in apparent wonder. Oh she was good.
"Well," Bella gave me a playful nudge, "it seems that Edward here has appointed himself my personal protector. I tried to buy him a drink last night and then he insisted on seeing me home."
"You know the saying," Jasper chimed in smoothly, "save someone's life and then you're responsible for them."
"Yeah, right," Bella scoffed, "I'm quite capable of looking after myself.
"Ice slicks and trucks excepting," I added.
"Mmmph," Bella tried to hide her smile, "okay then smart guy."
She settled the strap of her bag over her shoulder and stood up. I rose to stand beside her and leaned close.
"Seeing as I'm so responsible might I have the honour of escorting you to work?" I breathed into her ear.
"S-sure," she replied before turning to face Alice and Jasper. "It'd be great to see you guys again, give me a call sometime, Alice."
"Oh you know it," Alice grinned, "later peeps," she added and taking Jasper's hand they set off.
Bella watched them go and then looked at me. "I like her, she's so-," she waved a hand.
"Talkative?" I suggested.
"She is," Bella agreed, "but in a nice way." She shot me a sidelong look as we began to walk. "Are you sure you're related?"
"Quite sure," I replied, wishing I could take Bella's hand. She took care of my internal dilemma by slipping her arm through mine as we walked.
"Hope you don't mind," she ventured after a moment of silence while we walked.
"Mind what?"
She indicated her arm through mine with a nod of her head.
"Not at all," I replied, "in fact I'm flattered."
"Good," she replied, "plus of course, the ground is still kinda icy so-,"
"Ahh," I nodded, "so you're using me for a bit of support."
"Something like that," she agreed.
We kept walking and exchanging small talk. I couldn't help but notice how the top of her head barely cleared my shoulder. For someone so tiny, so diminutive, she loomed in my awareness like a colossus. Alas we reached the store all too soon and she removed her arm from mine with a slight smile of regret.
"You'll charge your phone?" I prompted her, unable to let her go just yet.
"Yes, Boss," she gave a mock salute and then patted my arm with a laugh. "I don't know why you have to worry so much, Edward, I'm fine."
"Trust me, after seeing that truck bearing down safe is not a word that leaps to mind when I think of you."
"Oh," she flushed and looked oddly pleased, "and do you think of me often?"
"More than you'd think," I admitted in a low voice as I stepped closer, "I feel very … protective of you."
"I'd noticed," she replied in a dry voice, "but it's appreciated," she added in a quiet voice. "It's nice to know I've got someone watching out for me, even if they do drive me nuts."
"Noted," I offered a crooked smile and watched as she bit her bottom lip. "Have a good day and please, try to be safe." I paused and then moved with deliberate slowness to brush the back of my fingers along her cheek. She felt so warm and smooth, so alive.
As I removed my hand Bella's eyes were wide as she watched me. Her heart rate had given an unsteady lurch when my cool hand had come into contact with her skin.
"I'll see what I can do," she managed after catching her breath. And with that she disappeared into the store.
I hesitated outside for a moment and then resigned myself to adhering to the established charade and turned to go to my lecture. It was only for a couple of hours, surely nothing could happen on campus.
As it turned out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
* * * * *
The afternoon had progressed at a frustratingly slow pace. I was suffering through another interminable lecture when Alice's voice flashed into my mind.
Edward, the store – Bella.
I stiffened in my seat as Alice's vision flooded into my mind.
Bella rounding one of the display stands in the store and colliding with someone's chest; someone who caught her and held her at arm's length as he laughed and regarded her with cold eyes.
James.
Air hissed through my teeth as a low growl built in my chest. It was barely audible but still enough to make the boy sitting two rows in front of me look nervously over his shoulder and slid down in his seat to make himself less visible. I clenched my hands, barely registering that the pencil in my hand was being crumbled to sawdust. I pinched the larger pieces between two fingers, rubbing the remnants into a fine dust that I swept off the armrest of my chair.
James was here and for the moment there was nothing I could do.
I can't see what he's doing, Alice sent again, He's hiding from me, I don't know how.
Alice's visions were subjective. I considered the possibilities. Perhaps she couldn't see James because he hadn't yet decided what he was going to do. Perhaps he had a special ability of his own, something that could hide him from our kind. I frowned at this. There had been nothing in his mind that I had been able to sense beyond his extraordinary tracking skills, but that wasn't to say any extra capabilities weren't there.
I stared at the clock on the wall just above the lecturer's head. He caught my gaze and tugged at his shirt neck as he talked. No doubt my gaze was making him anxious. The next thirty minutes were going to be excruciating.
I'm still looking, Alice advised, and Jasper will be there soon.
* * * * *
The lecture finished and I was up and out of my seat while the lecturer was finishing his concluding comments. I made my way down the aisle stairs, aware that my haste was raising eyebrows but uncaring. Moving at human speed was frustrating at the best of times and I chaffed as I forced myself to move at an acceptable pace down the corridor and out into the main hallway.
It's okay, Edward, Bella's okay, Alice's tone was reassuring now. Jasper's there, I'm on my way too.
I made my way across campus and got to the store to see Jasper casually leaning against a pillar. Only the constant flicking of his gaze across his surroundings betrayed him, and it wasn't something the average human would notice. He was projecting feelings of peace towards me and I shook my head as if a mosquito was annoying me.
Sorry, man, he offered, it's for your own good. You look ready to take someone's head off.
"You have no idea," I muttered under my breath as I drew closer.
Jasper's lips quirked at this but he said nothing more.
"Anything?" I said as I drew near.
"You tell me," he shrugged. "I can't see anyone different here, you're the one that has his scent."
I stood clenching and unclenching my fists.
"What are you going to do?" he asked.
"I'll have to go inside," I said at last, "I have to see."
"I'll be here," Jasper nodded and then smiled over my shoulder. Alice appeared at my side and gave my arm a reassuring squeeze.
"She's okay, Edward," she said, "but go check."
"I thought you just said she was okay?" Jasper queried as he pulled her towards him for a quick kiss.
"She is," Alice replied as her gaze turned inward, "but it's so hard to know for sure." She was fretting now. "Please, Edward, go make sure."
"This is getting complicated," Jasper observed.
I turned without another word and made my way into the store.
As soon as I stepped inside I knew. My nostrils flared as his scent flooded my senses. He had been here, near Bella. My Bella. My chest vibrated with a subterranean growl as the threat to Bella washed over me. I followed the trail, wanting to know precisely where he had been.
Bella was busy with customers and hadn't seen me yet. Good. I prowled around the store, tracking him. He had covered most of the store but his scent pooled in one particular spot and it was mingled with Bella's. He had seen her, touched her. I stood there taking deep breaths, taking his scent deeper in to me so that there would be no mistaking it in future.
"Is it him?" Jasper appeared at my side and at my nod tasted the air. Jasper stood thinking for a moment and then looked at me. "I don't know him," he said at last, "he's someone new." Jasper had a remarkable faculty for remembering scents, a skill that had been invaluable in our more nomadic years.
"Will you be able to remember?" I asked.
"Yeah," Jasper gave a slow, confident nod. "I'll know what to look for now." He gave me an apologetic look, "sorry I wasn't able to help earlier."
She's coming. Alice sent.
I glanced at Jasper. "Bella's on her way over."
"That's my cue to get out of here," Jasper replied and turned to stroll out of the store, giving every indication that he had not a care in the world.
"Edward?"
I turned at her call and saw Bella walking towards me.
"Hey," she smiled, "so you're keeping an eye on me at work now?"
I forced my lips to curl up into a smile. "You'd think so, but this is the only bookstore on campus."
"True," she nodded, "gotta love that monopoly. What are you after?"
"Something Alice wanted me to pick up, but I should have written it down," I ventured after a careful pause.
"Oh darn," Bella said, "looks like you'll just have to come back then, huh?"
"Looks like," I agreed, my smile more genuine this time.
Bella looked up at me, her expression open and happy; she really had no idea of the danger she was in, and found myself envying her naivety. As she spoke she had shifted a little closer to me and I caught the scent of James on her clothes. For a moment my throat closed with rage.
"Busy day?" I ventured when I was able to speak.
"Not really," Bella shrugged. She glanced to the shelf beside her and absently shifted a couple of books back into their correct order, running her fingers along the spines as she thought. "I had-," she paused and bit her lip.
"What?"
She shook her head. "It's nothing, you'll think I'm being silly."
"Now you have to tell me," I pressed, "I'm curious."
Bella shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she thought, and then with a slight sigh she turned to me.
"There was this guy," she said with considerable reluctance, "we bumped into each other and," she broke off again and shrugged.
"And what?" I kept my tone as encouraging as possible.
"It's probably nothing," she insisted, "but he looked kinda familiar," she gave her words some thought, "and kinda creepy," she concluded.
I considered her words. She had obviously paid more attention to my conversation with James in the bar last night than I had given her credit for.
"Are you okay?" I wanted to take her in my arms and get her out of there. Instead I had to stand by her side and make polite conversation. I had to act human, but however much it frustrated me I could follow the charade for Bella's sake.
"I'm fine," she looked surprised, "it was just a bit weird." She gave a short laugh. "Maybe your protective streak is rubbing off on me."
"Maybe." I could only hope.
"So," Bella turned away as someone called her name, "I'd better get back to work. Good luck remembering what you came for," she said, "maybe I'll see you again sometime."
"You can count on it," I assured her, and watched her smile.
* * * * *
I left the store and began walking towards the car park where I knew Alice and Jasper would be waiting.
"See anything?" I asked Alice as we reached the car.
Alice glanced at me and was about to speak when she checked herself.
He's here, she thought to me. She gazed around the car park; at the arriving cars and groups of students milling around and making their way to class. She shook her head and looked at me, her eyes a little wild. Edward, he's here but I can't see where. It's all blurry. He's watching us but that's all I can see.
I stopped still at this and scanned the surrounding area, lifting my head to sniff the breeze. There was perhaps the faintest trace of him on the wind but it was gone before I could follow it. I gritted my teeth and took an involuntary step back towards the direction of the store before Alice distracted me.
You're no good to us like this, Edward. Alice's voice stopped me and I glanced back at her. What are you going to do? Lurk outside the store until Bella gets the creeps?
Jasper glanced at us both and silently held his hands out for the car keys. I flicked them at him, which he caught in mid-air and unlocked the car so that he could sling his and Alice's bags onto the back seat. Alice kept up a steady stream of silent conversation with me all the while.
I've never seen you like this, she admitted, but if there's anything I can do to hel p...
I gave her a long stare and she sighed as her gaze turned inward once more.
She's … fine, Alice ventured at last, but she's flickering in and out, I can't be sure because there are so many variables. Alice frowned and then looked up at me in sudden realisation. But you're a constant in her life now. Alice looked again and I saw her shoulders slump a little in relief. Her reaction puzzled me. Was she becoming so attached to Bella already? I wondered what this meant for the long term. She'll be okay I think, but you need to stay close for your own peace of mind as well as ours.
* * * * *
So I stayed close, meeting Bella on campus, talking to her between lectures and tutorials, sitting with her at the café when she and Alice were enjoying themselves. Alice and Bella seemed to be forming a genuine friendship that both women seemed to delight in. I couldn't find it in myself to begrudge Alice her moments of almost-human normalcy. Watching her laugh as Bella teased her was the happiest I had seen her in a long time.
The days progressed at a grindingly slow pace, and only the evenings brought me some measure of relief. That was when I could watch over Bella to my heart's content. Her sleep talking was intermittent and seemed to occur on the nights when I arrived later than usual. On one occasion Jasper had called me out to hunt, thinking that he had found a trace of James's scent. We had tracked him to the best of our abilities for hours and had finally lost him two counties away. By the time I had arrived at Bella's room there were only two hours at best before dawn.
As I had silently entered her room I could see that she had been having a restless night. For all that the weather was cool she had kicked off her covers, her hands fisting the pillow as she frowned and mumbled under her breath. Unable to resist, I had leaned over her for a moment hoping to catch her words.
"Can't see you," she had said at last, her breathing short and choppy.
"I'm here," I whispered back, "I'm right here."
At those words Bella had subsided a little, her breathing smoothing out. I had remained leaning over her for a moment more, watching as her eyes fluttered open at me for the barest instant before drifting closed again. I looked closely at her face and saw moisture glistening around her eyes. Tears? Surely not, but I resolved never to be late again. Bella didn't cry again that week.
Of James, there was no sign.
Emmett and Rosalie had been monitoring the police reports and radio bands, and Carlisle had been vigilant in monitoring any blood related injuries that arrived at the hospital. There was nothing to arouse our suspicions, and slowly I started to entertain the faint hope that James had lost interest and left the area.
Two days later some hikers found the bodies of two campers, mauled beyond all recognition and already in an advanced state of decomposition. The general consensus was that wild animals had attacked the campers; but my family knew better. James and his mate were still here.
* * * * *
"Hey," Bella smiled and waved me over to where she was sitting. The mornings were cool and so she was sitting at an inside table at the café. She was a creature of habit; I knew her routine by heart now.
"No Angela this morning?" I asked as sat down.
"No, she stayed at Ben's last night."
"Really?" I was surprised. Angela hadn't returned home while I was there, but she had made the occasional early morning arrival from a late night at her boyfriend's.
"It's getting pretty serious," Bella gave a rueful smile, "I think I'll either have to see if I can cover the rent myself or get another roomie."
I hadn't considered the idea of Bella living alone.
"Are you okay?" Bella was eyeing me in concern and I realised I had been quiet for a fraction too long.
"Sure," I attempted a smile but she wasn't convinced, "Why?"
"You look tired," Bella indicated the shadows beneath my eyes.
It had been a few days since I had hunted. For Bella to notice a small detail like that meant that she was paying more attention than I was giving her credit for.
"I'll be fine," I tried to shrug off her concern, but she wasn't having it.
"You need to look after yourself," she insisted, reaching out to cover my hand with her own, heedless of the chill of my skin.
I watched as the pulse in her wrist jumped in time to the steady beat of her heart and muted drumming that I found myself matching my breathing to, for all that I had no need for air. It was one of the most soothing sounds I had ever heard.
"Have you got a busy day?" Bella asked as her fingers drew idle patterns on the back of my hand. I don't think she was even aware of what she was doing, but I luxuriated in the warmth of her touch.
"Not really," I shrugged, "couple of lectures, maybe some study time at the library but that's about it."
"Half your luck," Bella pulled a face.
"Why, what have you got on for today?"
"I'm working a half day shift at the store," Bella replied, "then I've got three lectures this afternoon." She wrinkled her nose at me in mock despair, "And if I'm lucky I'll have some brain cells leftover for some study tonight."
"Busy girl," I observed, wondering what time she would be getting home.
"All work and no play makes Bella a dull girl," she sighed.
"Hardly," I said and, feeling daring now, laced my fingers with hers. "But if that's a concern of yours we'll have to do something about that."
Bella cocked her head and smiled at me as a slight flush crept into her cheeks. I could have watched that slow rush of colour for hours, watching the way the blood rushed into her lips to make her look even more delectable.
"Oh really," she replied with a slight smile.
"Mm-hmm," I answered, "can't have you missing out."
"Right now it doesn't feel like I am," Bella commented, watching as I gave a slow, pleased smile.
I was about to speak when Bella looked up in answer to hearing her name called, and saw one of the men – boys, I told myself – waving her over.
"That's my cue to head to work," she said with a smile of regret, "but maybe I'll see you tomorrow." She disengaged herself and stood to collect her books and bag. "Urgh, today's going to be a long one," she muttered. I had gotten to my feet when she had, and looked down at her in surprise as she moved closer. "Um, so I'll see you later, Edward."
"I'm looking forward to it already," I assured her.
For a moment she hesitated and then she reached up and placed her small hand on my shoulder, trailing it down to my elbow in a gesture of goodbye before turning to leave. Despite the warmth of the lecture hall later in the afternoon that had the other students complaining and inspecting the thermostat, I refused to remove my jacket. I wanted to keep her scent on me for as long as possible.
* * * * *
The day was slow and boring but I took mild comfort in the fact that Bella would be in lectures for the afternoon. It would be difficult for anyone new to sneak into the halls given that at this time of the year new students were somewhat rare. Still, Jasper had loitered outside Bella's lectures when he had a break in his schedule, and Alice did the same.
We were all keeping watch now. Even Emmett had taken to swinging past Bella's apartment at night. Even though he knew I was there he wanted to make sure there was nothing untoward was happening outside. Rosalie maintained an attitude of pained disgust, as she seemed unable to comprehend our level of interest in a human. Not even the attraction of something or someone new in our lives was enough to rouse her from her disinterest. Still, she did nothing to hinder and for the most part kept her comments to herself, a fact for which I was grateful even now.
Carlisle maintained his nightshift hours at the hospital and Esme visited him with under the guise of bringing him dinner every night. Their relationship had the nurses sighing and making envious comments as they watched Carlisle kiss Esme goodbye when she left. I wondered what they would make of Esme if they ever saw her during a hunt. For all that she had the face and demeanour of a Madonna her blood lust was just as strong as it was for the rest of us.
Even Carlisle wasn't immune to his curiosity about Bella – my Bella, as I thought of her now - he had accessed her medical history and had been somewhat surprised to see that she was no stranger to hospitals; a broken leg, wrist, numerous contusions and sprains. For a dark moment we had wondered if her injuries had been caused by abusive circumstances, but further investigation and medical notes on her files had revealed nothing. It seemed that Bella had experienced an exceptionally uncoordinated childhood that had been compounded by attempts at horseback riding, trail bikes and other natural adolescent disasters.
Somehow she had managed to survive her teenage years - a fact Carlisle had marvelled the first night he carried her medical file home – and nature had seen fit to endow her with better coordination and Bella had emerged as a graceful and confident woman. It seemed however, that nature still abhorred a vacuum and was now fighting to maintain a balance. For all that Bella could move with more grace (ice notwithstanding), she had become a danger magnet.
I was still in a lecture when Bella's last one for the afternoon had finished, and so I was surprised when I reached the car park to see Bella's distinctive truck. Frowning I had checked my watch. At this time of year it grew dark quickly, and I had no desire to see Bella traversing the college campus alone at night.
Alice and Jasper had made their own way to college that day and so I got out my phone to give them a call.
"She's studying, Edward," Alice said as soon as she answered. Greetings were something she didn't often waste time on when she knew why we were calling.
"Was it planned?" I asked, and waited.
"No," Alice said at last, "spur of the moment, she's an impulsive kinda girl, I like her."
"Say that when you're trying to protect her sometime," I grunted.
"You know you love it," Alice laughed. "Now, she's in the library with friends and it looks like she's going to be there for a while. Everything's fine for a couple hours."
I hesitated at this. With Bella ensconced in the library I could perhaps hunt before going to see her.
"Do it," Alice urged, "you look like shit anyway."
"Thanks," I drawled.
"You do, even Bella noticed earlier." Alice paused, "and Emmett said he'll meet you at the usual place."
"Done," I agreed and hung up.
* * * * *
I left the car at home and ran into the woods after exchanging a brief greeting with those inside. Alice was curled up around Jasper on the couch, the pair of them talking in a rapid buzz of words and Esme was readying herself to visit Carlisle.
I found Emmett waiting for me in a clearing, standing stock-still as he moved his head slightly in reaction to whatever scent he had just picked up.
"Hey, Loverboy," he greeted, grinning at my quiet snort. He delighted in teasing me about Bella had every opportunity, and I let him, knowing that I had his full support.
"Hey, yourself," I replied, "we on?"
"Yup," Emmett jerked a thumb over his shoulder, "there's a herd about 2 miles east."
"Then let's be having it," I replied as I ran past him, hearing his grunt as he took off in hot pursuit.
* * * * *
Two hours later I felt sated and relaxed as I returned to campus. Bella's truck was still there and I parked my Volvo beside it before making my way over to the library.
My phone vibrated in my pocket and I dug it out to see it was Alice calling.
"He's there," she said breathlessly, "you're not going to get there in time but I don't think he's going to try any-,"
I didn't hear anything else she said before I started to run. Rounding a corner I heard the thoughts of someone approaching, and cursed as I had to slow down to a more human speed. It was another student, but they were too deep in thought to notice my sudden appearance. As soon as they were out of sight I sped up again, getting to the library as quickly as I could.
I entered the building and had to stop to gather myself; bursting into the main hall looking wild-eyed and snarling wasn't the kind of appearance I needed to make. Bella's scent was strong; she was still inside. But I could also smell someone else beginning to mingle with her distinctive sweetness.
He was there.
His scent trailed around the room and I followed it carefully. It seemed as if he had strolled around the library, stopping at bookshelves here and there, the better to observe Bella while she studied, all the while moving in slowly decreasing circles towards where she sat. I burned, realising that his scent of death and decay was winding itself around her as he thought he could stake his claim.
She was mine.
"Hey, I remember you."
My head snapped sideways as soon as I heard his voice. I had been tracking him but was still precious seconds behind his movements. He was approaching her desk now, watching her carefully as she looked up and gave him a polite smile.
"Sorry?" Bella tapped her pen against her book as she tried to place him.
"The book store, we bumped into each other," he prompted as he reached the desk and sat down on it.
"Right," Bella shifted in her seat a little, "wow, that's quite a memory you've got there."
"Oh I remember things that I like," James drawled as he gave her a lazy smie.
"Uh-uh," Bella looked unimpressed and I didn't miss that her gaze had darted sideways to see if anyone else would come to her aid.
Of course, the library was emptying out at this time of night, there were precious few students and staff inside, and those that remained with too far away to notice anything untoward going on.
Except for me.
"So, you study here too?" James went on. He made himself comfortable and watched with pleasure as Bella realised he was going nowhere.
"Looks like," Bella muttered, "but it's getting late and I've got lots to do so-," she gave him a look that indicated she was done with the conversation.
"It's late," James smiled, flashing his teeth now, "isn't it dangerous for young woman like yourself to be walking around campus at this hour?"
"It's not late," Bella argued and then involuntarily glanced at her watch, blanching when she saw the time.
"Like I said, it's late," James leaned in a little closer now and Bella leaned back in response before closing her book with a decisive snap.
"Which means I'll be going," Bella stood and began to gather her books. Her heart rate was speeding up and I could detect the acidic bite of adrenaline as it began to flow through her body. James could too, and I saw his eyes darken at the prospect of a hunt.
There was nothing I could do inside the library; it would draw too much attention. I stood helpless as Bella packed up her things, smilingly declined his offer of escort and the speed of her heart quicken when he insisted. I glanced up at the air conditioning vents and tracked the air currents in the room. I was still downwind from James, he hadn't detected me yet, and for Bella's safety I would have to keep it that way until they were outside.
I trailed them to the door and beyond, following them across campus as James made small talk. Bella's answers were non-committal at best. She was withdrawing further into herself and the scent of adrenaline was getting stronger. At last she could sense danger, but there was nothing she could do about it.
But I could.
By the time they had reached the car park there was no-one in sight. James acknowledged this with a satisfied purr as he began to steer Bella towards a darkened section away from the floodlights.
"Nice try, Romeo," Bella attempted a joke, "but my truck's on the other side of the lot."
"Who said anything about romance?" James replied as he reached up to push some hair away from her neck.
"Don't touch me," Bella snapped, looking angry now. "Get away now."
"Or you'll what?" James replied moving closer. He reached out again but before his hands could touch her I was there.
My hands slammed into his chest, the force of our impact propelling him through the air until he landed on the asphalt hard enough to leave the surface splintered and cracked. He sprang to his feet and for a breathless moment we crouched face-to-face snarling at each other, the woman behind us entirely forgotten. I heard movement behind me but couldn't afford to break my stare. James crept forward a pace, still in his crouch before his attention was diverted to whomever it was approaching.
Bella was frozen to the spot, her heart rate pounding as her breath came in short gasps.
Keeping my gaze on James I reached out with my mind, feeling a sly grin tug at my lips when I realised who it was. Emmett moved past Bella in a blur and stood beside me, matching my crouch as we silently challenged the nomad.
For a long moment James faced us both before, decision made, he straightened and inclined his head towards us both with an ironic smile.
"Gentlemen," he murmured, "this is quite a surprise."
"Plenty more where that came from," Emmett assured him with a pointed grin.
"Interesting," James mused as he stared behind me to where Bella was regarding us with wide eyes. "You don't feed and yet you object to those who do. This will be a matter of interest to others, I'm sure."
"But not a surprise," I assured him. There were others that knew of our lifestyle so it would be no revelation.
"In that case," James bowed again, at Bella this time. My growl intensified at the notion of James being anywhere near her. "I'll bid you good night. For now."
James straightened and regarded me with a bright stare before he turned and vanished.
"Boy," Emmett said in a loud voice as he clapped his hand on my shoulder with enough boisterous force to propel my feet into the asphalt by an inch, "there's some weirdos around here late at night, huh?"
We both turned to see a pale and shaking Bella rouse herself and turn back towards the direction of her truck, walking with rapid but jerky steps as she dug out her keys.
"Bella," I called as I jogged to her side, "I'm sorry, are you alright?"
"Not really, no," she said as she held her keys in a white knuckled grip. "Who the hell was that guy?"
"Who, Emmett? He's my brother," I said, deliberate misunderstanding as I tried to downplay the situation for all it was worth.
"Nice try, Edward," Bella had reached her truck now and was trying to unlock with door with shaking hands. She dropped her keys into an icy puddle of water at her feet and cursed. She bent down to pick them up but I beat her to it, my hand darting in and out of the water, shaking off the keys before dropping them into her outstretched hand.
Her heart rate was still pounding but I could hear it was beginning to slow a little. "That guy, he's the one I saw at work."
I nodded.
"And he's the guy you saw off at the bar the other night. You know him?"
"Not really," I conceded with reluctance, "but I know he's no good."
"No shit, Sherlock," Bella drawled. "And you," she pointed past my shoulder, "what's the deal with you showing up unexpectedly like that?"
"Me?" Emmett's face was the picture of innocence, "Edward's giving me a lift home."
"Right," Bella was looking exasperated now but surprised us both when she stepped towards Emmett and held out her hand. "If that's the case, I'm Bella."
Emmett glanced at her in surprise before reaching out automatically and gingerly took her hand in his for a brief shake. "Emmett," he replied, "nice to meet you."
Alice wasn't kidding, she's different, Emmett thought. All I could do was nod.
"Just as I thought," Bella muttered to herself as she jerked open the truck door and hurling her bag inside, heedless as books tumbled out and fell across the seat.
"Bella," I reached out, surprised when she whirled to face me looking angry.
"Don't you Bella me, Edward. We're going to be having a talk and you're going to be giving me a lot of answers."
Emmett gave a low whistle in the background.
"Don't you start, Emmett, unless you want in on this conversation too," Bella gave him a sharp look before returning her attention to me.
"Me? Uh, no way," Emmett coughed to hide his surprise. Damn, I think Rose is going to like her too, Bro. She's a firecracker.
Bella swayed a little as she regarded me and I realised her adrenaline was wearing off as she went into mild shock. She was going to be getting tired so it was important that she get home as soon as possible.
"Bella," I tried again, "maybe we can talk later when you're-,"
"Emmett," Bella interrupted, surprising us both again, "I've changed my mind. You think you can take Edward's car home? He and I have some talking to do."
"You okay with that?" Emmett asked me, and I nodded, not taking my gaze away from the angry, trembling woman in front of me. She was magnificent. "Okay, then," Emmett mumbled, grabbing the keys I tossed to him and offering us a sheepish grin as he reversed the car out and slowly drove away.
Bella and I watched the lights of the car as it drove off into the night and then looked at each other.
"What do you want me to say?" I felt helpless now. All my efforts to protect her and ended in near failure.
"What do I want?" Bella handed me the keys. "I want you to drive, I want a drink, and I need you to tell me the truth."
* * * * *
A short drive later she sank into a chair inside the restaurant I had taken us to and was checking out the menu, biting her lip and frowning in concentration.
"Bella," I began.
"Quiet," she said, "I'm trying to stay angry with you right now."
"Trying?" despite the gravity of the situation I couldn't help but smile.
Bella held up a hand for quiet. "Still trying here, don't push me, Cullen."
I sat back in my seat and waited. A waitress approached us to take our order, dismissing Bella with a glance and turning her attention on me. I nodded in Bella's direction and she turned back to her with a slight sigh.
"Scotch and coke," Bella ordered.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but our bar licence is restricted, you'll need to order a meal to be able to-,"
"Fine," Bella interrupted and looked at the menu again, "I'll have the ravioli."
Little Miss Prissy, the waitress thought to herself and then turned to face me again. Hello gorgeous …
"Just a Coke," I smiled before returning my attention back to Bella.
The woman lingered. "Are you sure there isn't anything else I can get you?"
"No, nothing," I answered, not moving my gaze from Bella who was drumming her fingertips on the tabletop.
Bella watched the waitress move away and then looked at me with a challenging expression. "Do you have to do that?"
"Do what?"
"Dazzle everyone."
"I dazzle people?" I was mystified.
"Oh please," she scoffed, "like you haven't noticed."
"I haven't," I protested in a mild voice. Our drinks were delivered and I watched as Bella drank hers in quick order, sliding my Coke towards her when she was finished. "Here, you need the sugar."
"Thanks," she replied, sipping at the soft drink a little slower this time. "So," she said at last, "some night, huh?"
"You could say that," I agreed. I glanced around the restaurant. The waitress and hostess were regarding us with curiosity, but there were enough other customers in the restaurant to keep them occupied. It was a mellow crowd and so there was nothing different about the two of us that would draw any attention. Other than perhaps our conversation.
"Did you know that guy?" Bella slid her drink aside as her pasta was set before her.
"No, when I saw him at the bar that was the first time I'd met him," I admitted.
"Really," Bella nibbled at some pasta as she gave my words some thought. "It seemed like you knew him."
"We have," I gave a delicate pause, "some people in common."
"Right," Bella nodded. "People." She nodded her head at the empty place setting in front of me. "You're not eating?"
"No," I answered, "I'm on a … special diet."
Bella put her fork down with a sigh. "Edward, you've gotta give me something. Anything, or I'm leaving."
I hunched forward in my seat at this. I needed her to stay. I need to be with her.
"I feel very … protective of you."
"Oh I've noticed, believe me," Bella paused and resumed eating. Her heart rate was almost back to normal now and I could feel that the adrenaline had nearly worked its way out of her system. Her scent was almost back to its delicious sweetness although I wouldn't feel truly comfortable until she had changed clothes and rid herself of James's scent. "And it's appreciated, but right now, Edward, I need more."
"What do you need?" whatever it was, I'd see that she got it. I couldn't afford to lose her now."I think," Bella said slowly, "I need you tell me something like-," she waved a hand in a vague gesture, "I don't know. Make something up to explain your super-speed, the strength I saw tonight, the way you and Emmett are barely room temperature, and the way you speak sometimes," she ended on a breathless laugh. "Because right now things aren't adding up, and I'm wondering if I'm batshit crazy for even thinking that you might be a-,"
"Vampire," I finished for her.
A/N: Sorry for making you wait, but this story is definitely back in business!
Reviews = love.