SM owns.

Chapter 8: The Chase

EsPOV

Although induction into this existence was not something I would have chosen, it did seem to fulfill me somehow. I felt like I fit in. Belonged. This was extremely odd considering I was a single woman living with two equally singe men! And even after all these months, I was technically, still a stranger in their home. It was a strange dichotomy.

But I had so much to be taught about this life, finding my own proper living quarters was currently out of the question. My learning curve was steep; thank God my mind had a new found capacity for learning.

I came to understand we were defined as a coven and Carlisle had explained to me that we were unique in our choice of lifestyle. Not only in our "vegetarian" diet, but in the way we valued life, learning, and change. Change was something Carlisle had said doesn't come easy for vampires.

What it boiled down to: we were three misfits among the feared just looking for a life and place of our own. I often wondered...could this coven become a family?

There also was something else Carlisle drilled into me: discretion. Even as near indestructible beings, there were those we should have a healthy (read "smart") fear of. The Volturi were a dictatorship of sorts who made the vampire rules and enforced them as they saw fit. Although I did not like to think of myself as too weak to control my own actions, bloodlust was something I needed to consider.

Therefore, my daily life had been strictly structured since Carlisle said I was a danger to humans. I passed most of my time indoors when Carlisle and Edward were away. I read, sewed, and began chronicling the changes I experienced within my own body and mind. But without the benefit of sleep, time seemed to drag. And it made me very, very restless. I feared that part of me that ached to break away, to run freely and hunt when I felt the urge - it was difficult to control.

But now that I had finally reached the ripe age of six months, Carlisle felt I was ready to take the next step. After hunting, he began taking me to town for brief "desensitizing sessions" as he referred to them. It was a slow, often agonizing process, of allowing me to become accustom to the scent and presence of people - without acting on my instincts.

At first, we would walk through the woods surrounding the local park. The wind would carry the scent of people walking or playing at the park. Carlisle always held my hand firmly, reining me in and giving it a squeeze when the scents were particularly strong - or sweet.

Once I felt I had mastered my control at this stimulus, we began to actually walking through the park. Though we only did this when darkness blanketed the park, and young ones were home safely tucked in their beds.

He was a good teacher, always giving me reassurance and praise when the session ended. I was a good student as I was always eager to please him. My reward: his glorious smile.

Eventually, the trips progressed to a drive down Main Street on the weekends, a bustling time for this small town.

After few months of steady progress and no "incidents", Carlisle decided it was time for a real trip to town - a walk down Main Street.

My success gave me a new found confidence and hope I would soon be able to move about on my own, without a vampire chaperone - or babysitter.

These trips soon became almost a daily routine. We would walk down the streets just after twilight. The weather was cold now and I think the fact that the town folk were bundled up may have also helped me maintain control. But I kept that observation to myself...it was nice to think I was beginning to master my instincts and control. I looked forward to rejoining society very soon, and as our ventures into town continued, we upped the ante. Sometimes we would take in a concert or a movie show.

An unexpected side effect of these trips caught me by surprise. I began to notice knowing little smiles and nods from the people we passed in town. I knew it was a small town and faces became familiar quite quickly, but there was something more in their smiles than just a friendly "hello". One evening I thought to mention it to Carlisle - once I had worked up a bit of courage.

"I think people think we are a couple."

"What do you think of that?" He seemed unfazed by my comment and continued to look ahead as we walked the now dark street. But I swore I saw a smile pulling at the corners of his lips.

"Well, we do have to keep up our human façade. With the amount of time we are now seen together, we better have some proper story..."

"True," he said, "well, it seems the people have come to their own logical conclusion. Maybe we should play along...May I?"

He slipped his hand around mine and gave it a gentle squeeze.

I sucked in a breath of cold air. At that moment I was so glad Carlisle didn't have Edward's gift! I felt like a little girl experiencing her first crush. I knew I would be blushing if I could do such a thing. And despite this stone-cold body and the frigid temperatures, I felt very warm.

The evening ended too soon, and the car ride back to the house was quite. Something had changed...

However, later that night, as I contemplated the significance of our hand holding as the light of a new day filtered into my room, I became a little unnerved. Edward frequently spoke of Carlisle as his sire and his father. But what was my relationship with or to him? Was I to be a daughter, although the thought of that made me laugh as I was technically older... A sister, maybe? A companion? Or something more?

I felt the need to have this question answered sooner than later. My role in this house and this coven-verging-on-family needed to be defined.

I rather hesitantly brought up the subject the next evening while we enjoyed a stroll past the holiday decorations twinkling in the shop windows of Main Street. The thick blanket of snow covering the quaint downtown seemed to absorb all the background noise. It was a very quiet, peaceful night.

"Carlisle, I was wondering..." I spoke in a hushed tone while trying to sound casual. "If you are the father-figure of this motley crew and Edward is the son, what exactly is my role?"

Again, a small smile played across his thin lips, but it was subdued quickly.

"Well, I'd be interested in your perspective on that matter. Edward ultimately chose how he defined our relationship. I would never assume to make that decision for anyone..."

So diplomatic! How frustrating! Just answer the question, Carlisle!

He continued, "Besides, I think I have already taken too many liberties. I chose what was to become of your life. A choice that was ultimately not mine to make." Carlisle voice was quiet, almost like he did not want to speak the words out loud. The sounded remorseful.

I stopped mid stride, pulling us to a halt. "Do you regret your decision?"

How else was I to respond to his statement? I thought I had shown my gratitude for a second chance at life! I couldn't imagine why I would have wanted to end my human life, but I did, and now I had a new one. One that made me happy. I didn't want to doubt my new life, and I certainly didn't want Carlisle to wonder if he had made a mistake in bringing me into his world and his life. I was shaken and swallowed hard.

Then I remembered a conversation I had with Edward. We discussed God's plan. Specifically, that everything happens for reason; we just might not know what the reason is. This was the key to my answer. I was now ready to respond to Carlisle, to define my role...

"I believe my role is to be at your side."

"You do?" I could tell my frank response surprised him.

"Yes, well, think about it for a minute. We met many years ago and then went very separate ways. It appeared God would have none of that and arranged things in such a way so that our next meeting would bring us together and bond us in a very unique way to each other. Maybe I am to save your life one day...you know, return the favor... Whatever the reason, it appears we are destined to be together in some fashion."

This took incredible courage to say. And I tried to say it in a matter-of-fact way, not make it sound too sappy or too bold. But I had to admit to myself, I was hoping to get a hint on how he felt...

He took my hand in his.

We walked in silence for some time. It was not uncomfortable though. I knew he was thinking again, measuring his next words.

Finally Carlisle broke the silence, "I have to thank you. You have been an excellent influence on Edward. I have seen a change in him. You seem to bring out a gentler, more thoughtful side of him. I've observed he shares more with you than he does with me."

I guess we were changing the subject...

"He is a good person, Carlisle. You are raising him well with good values. But I think he needs something more. Something to feed his soul."

"You've convinced him he has a soul to feed? That's nothing short of a miracle!" Carlisle chuckled.

I smiled too, "Well, no, I haven't gotten that far...yet. But I think I know a good place to start - music. I've tried not to think about it while I am around him, but I'd like to surprise him a music book. I've also thought of getting him a phonograph recording of various instruments. Maybe one will spark an interest in him."

Carlisle approved, "Why don't you venture into town tomorrow. I am sure you could find those items at Johnston's Music Shop. I believe it's going to be cloudy and cold tomorrow. Perfect shopping weather."

"On my own? Do you think I'm ready?" I spoke with a mixture of fear and excitement. "If I am graduating from newborn status, Edward is definitely going to need a new hobby. He won't have to babysit me anymore!"

"You know, this calls for a celebration! When you are in town, pick out a new dress. Let's go to Duluth and hear the orchestra. What do you think? Think you are up to it?" The excitement in his voice was obvious. He was looking forward to the lightening of the burden I was upon him. But it also gave me a chance to mess with him a bit...

"Dr. Cullen," I let my voice sound coy, "sounds like you are asking me out on a date." I couldn't help but push the envelope just a little further...

"Well, if we are destined to be together, we may as well enjoy ourselves!"

I was starting to wonder if I would ever get a straight answer from this man!

The next morning was cloudy and cold. As I prepared for my solo trip into town, Edward kept flashing little crooked smiles at me.

"So, Carlisle has taught you some of his mind tricks," he said.

"Yes, Edward, you may have figured out I am keeping something from you, but that is all you're going to get out of my head." I stuck my tongue out at him for added emphasis.

"Well, thanks for the review of US state capitals, in alphabetical order no less! Well, you'll slip eventually and I'll hear it," he taunted.

"Wait," I said, Edward had caught me off guard. "How far does your ability go? Can you read me when I'm in town?"

"I've been working on that," he grinned again. "Since your mind is more familiar to me, I can hear it at quite some distance. So tell me, does Carlisle know how you feel about him?"

"Edward! That is none of your business. A lady should be allowed some privacy in her thoughts!" I was so embarrassed. Had he shared any of my thoughts with Carlisle?

"I beg your pardon, Esme. That was rude of me. I just, well, I think he'd be pleased to know how you felt."

He appeared sincere in his apology, and I was relieved to realize Edward had kept my secret.

"Well, I am finding that a bit challenging lately," I stumbled over my words. It didn't feel right talking about t his with Edward. And, I wasn't sure who he would be more loyal to - me or Carlisle - on this issue. Hastily I excused myself from his presence mumbling about my need to prepare for my day of shopping.

I dressed quickly for my solo trip to town, anxious to put some distance between me and Edward's questioning eyes and prying mind. Yet his words gave me much to ponder during my trip into town. Edward said Carlisle would be "pleased' if he knew about my feelings toward him.

Actually I hadn't really defined those feelings myself. To me, we seemed to have all the ingredients for a potential romance. We enjoyed each other's company, had many things in common, and I did miss him when he was away from home. There was also seemed to be a strong physical component - I felt drawn to him. He was so incredibly handsome - and that smile and those eyes... Snap out of it, Esme! It's probably tied to those stupid vampire instincts!

But was he experiencing the same feelings I felt growing inside my heart? He seemed very evasive when I dropped hints around the subject. Maybe it was his kind way of discouraging my interest. At this point, I decided I would have to wait and see. I didn't want to be forward.

I arrived downtown eager to shop. Carlisle had left me a sizable amount of money with a note that said 'enjoy'. I decided to not test Edward's radar, and tried to think of the night out with Carlisle instead of my goal at the music store. Luckily, I was able to complete my task there quickly as the store clerk was more than willing to help me with my selections. I think he was actually flirting with me...

As I hustled out of the music store, I started to think more intensely about the dress I would buy. With my newly bestowed beauty, I considered getting something a little more daring than my usual hand-made fare. Maybe that would get a reaction from Carlisle that I could read!

I smiled. It was so good to be independent. I enjoyed the feeling, and wondered if I was an independent woman when I was human. There was so much I didn't remember about my former life. Carlisle said that it was typical to not maintain clear memories of being human. But I couldn't help but think that remembering nothing was not typical. Carlisle simply attributed it to my "accident".

I flitted in and out of the various stores looking for the perfect dress for our "celebration". I held my breath during close encounters with sales people and kept my mind focused on my task. It was a good strategy for maintaining control and appeared to be working.

Working too well, actually, because at some point, I realized I was being followed. I had been hearing the same footfalls and breathing not far behind me for some time.

I was not afraid of being harmed since Edward had thoroughly demonstrated how indestructible I was. What I did fear was the reason I was being followed. Had I slipped up? Did I somehow reveal my true nature? I did a mental review of my activities and my appearance. My eyes had changed and now resembled a cross between red and yellow. Amazingly, they looked like a brown color - an ugly, ruddy brown-but still, not too offensive.

I pictured the Volturi, dark figures moving to strike against me, Carlisle and Edward for revealing "the secret". I had to come up with a plan to diffuse this situation.

Pushing panic aside, I tried to be clear headed and take control as much as I could.

First, I would use my senses to gather what information I could about the stalker. By his stride and footfalls, I could tell he was male, about six foot and medium build. But I could not isolate his scent with all the other people nearby. The stalker was maintaining a fair distance from me, like he was trying to observe me.

When weaving and out of stores didn't shake his pursuit, I came up with a plan of action.

I began walking at a brisker pace toward the end of Main Street. If I could get to a more isolated area of town, I might be able to avoid any kind of conflict in front of witnesses. I would not betray Carlisle's trust. I would not be the cause of Carlisle and Edward's discovery. I would protect them at all costs.

At the end of town were many abandon warehouses. This would be a good location to confront the man following me. But despite the confidence I had in my plan, my mind still hung on the edge of alarm. This situation felt so unfamiliar and yet familiar at the same time. How could that be?

My lips curled and a low growl rumbled in my chest. My panic was becoming overshadowed by an instinct for self-preservation. I turned down a narrow alley between two warehouses hoping this was all a misunderstanding and it would go away.

Suddenly a voice called out to me. It was hard and menacing...familiar.

"You can run Esme, but you cannot hide. No matter where you go, you are still my wife."

A/N: Thanks so much for reading. I so do love cliffies! Quick, go to the next chapter (and review!)