DISCLAIMER: The characters do not belong to me…they are all the creations of the wonderful Stephenie Meyer.

My-Bella & E.C. Cullen, the ultimate tag team writer/beta duo, proudly present the remainder of the chapter entitled "Hide & Seek". Give it up for our wonderful cliffy! You know you loved it!!

Last Time:I wrapped my towel tightly around me and tucked away the corner. I opened the door, smiling happily, expecting to see my god-like husband. Instead, I was met with an evil smirk and two crimson eyes.

NOW:

He yanked me out of the shower with one hand and covered my mouth with the other. I started thrashing, trying to get away from him. He wrestled me to the floor, still holding tightly to my mouth. I kept trying to bite him, trying to get free to scream for help. Why wasn't Alice seeing this? Where had Edward gone off to? How the hell did Demetri get into my room?

I nearly got out from underneath him, but he punched me right in the middle of my stomach. My breath left me in a rush, stunning me for a moment. He took full advantage of it and repositioned himself so that he was sitting on my legs and could hold me down easier.

My freaky brain decided now was a good time to point out how lucky I was that I had a small frame because if I was any bigger, I would have lost my towel by now. It also decided to point out that Edward didn't have a clue about what Demetri was thinking, or he'd be here already. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but I knew panicking was not an option.

If Alice and Edward weren't here, I knew it meant no one was coming to save me. I was going to have to do it myself. I had made it through my first year as a vampire. I had survived a bear, a sometimes overwhelming power, and that gropey human at the club in New York. I could do this. I could get myself out of this enough to call for help. Cautious before curious! I couldn't fight him, but I could scream for someone who could. I just needed some air.

There was really only one way I could do it … But would Demetri realize what was happening? Would it even work without me touching Edward? We had never tried to use this part of my power again. If I did this and it worked, would Aro know? I would have to risk it. There was no way to be safe while this was happening. Edward would take the blame and never forgive himself.

I reached up and grabbed tightly to the wrist of the hand holding my mouth shut. I focused on draining as much energy from Demetri as possible. I felt myself growing stronger as I started to pull the wrist away from my mouth. He pressed harder, trying to keep his hold on me. He lifted his body to give himself more leverage and I took my chance. I maneuvered my knee and foot and kicked him as hard as I could. He flew out of the bathroom and into my bedroom, hitting the edge of my bed.

I screamed with everything in me. "EDWARD! EMMETT!"

I heard their growls from somewhere in the house and then a loud crash as they burst into the room. Emmett tackled Demetri who was still lying on the ground. Edward flew into the bathroom and I scrambled across the floor toward him. He lifted me up and sat on the edge of the tub with me in his lap. I clawed at his sweater, trying to pull myself as close as possible.

"I have you, Bella. You're safe," he cooed in my ear. "My beautiful, brave wife!"

"You sorry piece of shit!" Emmett snarled. It was the second time I'd ever heard my brother curse.

"What's going on in here?" Carlisle roared as he stared at Emmett. "What do you think you're doing, Emmett? Didn't we just have a conversation about this?" Carlisle turned his head slightly and saw the way I was holding onto Edward. "Emmett, I'm sorry. Get him the hell out of my daughter's room."

Emmett nodded his head. "Don't worry about it, dad. Just make sure my little sister is okay." Emmett yanked Demetri off the floor. He led him out of the room with his arms up behind his head.

Carlisle rushed to my side. "Bella, are you hurt?"

I shook my head, still unable to speak.

"Edward, take her to Alice's room and stay with her. I'll send Rosalie and Esme to you."

Edward picked me up bridal style and raced out of our room and into Alice's. He sat on her bed, holding me tightly on his lap. "Bella, speak to me. Are you alright? What happened?"

I shook my head at him. I couldn't talk right now. If I tried, I would think about it and start sobbing or screaming. I needed to be strong right now for him and for my family and I couldn't do that if I thought about what had just happened, what could have happened.

He took hold of my hand and squeezed it tightly, letting me know he wanted me to hear him. 'Talk to me. Give me some sign that you're okay. Please, Bella.'

'Can't talk. Can't think, yet. Just hold me.' I thought to him.

He pulled me tighter, rocking me gently and humming to me. The door opened and I whimpered against him. "Ssh, Bella. It's just Rose and Esme."

I felt them trying to hug me.

Esme laid her head on mine. "My sweet daughter."

Rose sat down next to Edward and rubbed my shoulder. "What happened to her, Edward?"

"She's not ready to tell me yet," Edward said softly. "She just needs another minute."

I fought to find my voice and keep it steady. "Where … where were you?" I whispered.

"I was helping Carlisle with a problem downstairs concerning Jane. It happened so fast … I heard Emmett's plans to tackle Jane and ran after him. I didn't have a chance to tell you I was leaving the room. I thought I would be back before your shower ended. We didn't notice he'd slipped out of the room. I'm so sorry, Bella," Edward said as he kissed my temple.

Esme had taken the spot on the other side of Edward. She held my hand tightly. "Sweetheart, I need you to tell me exactly what happened."

I buried my face against Edward's neck. 'I can't tell her everything. I had to use my power to get him off me. Edward, I drained his energy! I don't know if he knows or not.'

'Well, that's new! And thank God for it! But how did she manage that without me? Bella, tell them what he attempted and that you don't remember how you got free to yell for us.' Edward cautioned me.

I took a deep breath and looked at my mother. "I was in the shower. The door opened and I thought it was Edward. I was talking to him, but then he didn't answer so I thought he left. I finished up and reached for my towel, but it wasn't where I keep it. The room was foggy and I couldn't see. And then I felt my towel and thought it was Edward handing it to me. I wrapped myself up and when I opened the door …" I sobbed loudly and buried my face in Edward's shirt. So much for being strong for him! Stupid emotions!

"It's okay, love," Edward cooed in my ear. "You're safe, right here in my arms. You can do this. Just finish telling Esme what happened."

"He pushed me down on the floor and put his hand over my mouth. I just kept fighting him until I could scream for someone," I sniffled.

"That bastard!" Rose hissed. "I'll rip him to pieces myself!"

"Rose, calm yourself," Esme cautioned. "This is not what Bella needs right now."

"I wish Jasper was here to help her," Edward whispered, thinking I wasn't listening.

My head shot up and I stared at him, panic flooding my system. "Where's Jasper? Where's Alice?"

"Calm down, dear," Esme soothed, running her hand over my hair. "They are perfectly fine."

"This is part of the problem I was helping with, love," Edward explained. "Alice and Jasper went out for a walk to calm down after Jane made an attempt to knock Alice over. I was downstairs trying to help Carlisle calm Emmett. Aro says it's all a misunderstanding."

"Will he call this a misunderstanding, too?" I shrieked.

Edward tucked my head tightly against him. "Ssh, Bella. We will take care of this. He will never step foot near you again."

"And what about when we have to go to Italy?" I wailed.

"Isabella Cullen!" Esme called.

I snapped my head toward her and stopped breathing and thinking.

"Sweetheart, I know you are in a little bit of shock right now, but you need to calm down." Esme put her hand against my cheek. "As your mother, I swear to you that your father and I will fix this."

I nodded my head slowly. My mother would never say that if she didn't believe it would happen.

She turned her attention to Edward and Rose. "The two of you are to stay here with her. No one enters this room unless I bring them in here. Understood?"

They both nodded their heads. Esme smiled at us and left the room.

"BELLA!"

I knew that scream … Alice was home. The door opened and Alice and Jasper rushed in.

Alice locked Edward and me into an awkward hug. "Bella, I am so sorry!"

"Don't Alice," I whispered, resting my forehead against hers. "Don't apologize. This isn't your fault. They know how to block you when they want. And Edward and Emmett were there in plenty of time." I looked up at Jasper. "Please calm her. I'll just get upset all over again."

Jasper put a hand on her shoulder and moved my sister into his arms. Her small frame was shaking with her frustration and anger.

"They will pay for this," she hissed.

"I'm sure of that," Rose said. "I've never seen Esme so angry."

"She and Carlisle are practically screaming at Aro right now. Aro is thinking of many punishments for Demetri. Esme thinks Jane was a distraction for Demetri. Why else would one vampire attempt to trip another? Aro doesn't believe Jane helped, but that's probably because of how much he dotes on her," Edward informed us. "Demetri is not even speaking. Not that he needs to. Aro touched him and saw it all."

I looked up at Edward, knowing my fear was written on my face. What had Aro seen? Did it look like I was doing anything out of the ordinary?

Edward gave me a small smile. "Aro is very glad you still had newborn strength to fight him off, Bella."

I let out a breath I hadn't even realized I was holding. Edward started rubbing my back again. I tried to focus on the movement of his hands so I could calm myself.

"We should get you some clothes!" Alice chirped suddenly. "Yes, that's just what we should do."

"I don't want any of you to leave the room," I whispered. I was afraid something like this or worse would happen if any of us went off on our own.

"I've got a few things in my closet that I was saving for you," Alice said, rubbing my arm.

Rose reached over and ran a hand down my hair. "And we can curl your hair," she said with a smirk. "I'm sure Edward would love that."

Edward was always happy to see the finished product of my sister's hard work. And at this point, anything that made Edward happy and less likely to go downstairs was a welcome thing.

Edward kissed my cheek softly. "I'll be right here while you play Bella Barbie, okay?"

I kissed his forehead and followed my sisters into the bathroom. I didn't want to be away from him, but I needed to get dressed.

As soon as the door closed, I removed the towel from my body to check my stomach. I had bruises from Demetri's knuckles, but they were faint and yellow, as if it had happened days ago instead of minutes. I would have to talk to Carlisle about this. Maybe drawing on his energy had helped to heal me.

"How about we put some foundation on you, Bella?" Rose asked, pointing at my bruises. She was being careful in case we were being listened to.

"That sounds good, Rose," I replied.

I stood perfectly still while my sister hid my bruises. Vampires weren't supposed to bruise, no matter how short the time might be.

Alice handed me my clothing. I quickly dressed, telling her thank you again and again for having something comfortable for me. It wasn't the usual clingy clothing she liked me to wear for Edward. It was a long, loose sweater and pair of sweatpants.

I sat down in the chair and let Rose and Alice have their way with my hair. They understood I was anxious to get back to Edward so they did it a little faster than normal. When they finished, they turned me towards the mirror. My hair and makeup looked great. My brown hair was in big curls and my makeup was understated. I was comfortable. I kissed their cheeks and hugged them tightly.

I opened the bathroom door and saw Emmett had joined the boys. I ran to him and hugged him tightly.

He returned the hug, resting his head on mine. "Are you okay, Bella?"

I nodded my head, unable to find the words I wanted to use to tell him how much I loved him. That was twice now that he had put himself in harm's way to protect me.

"He's gone, Squirt. He can't hurt you," Emmett said.

I pulled back and looked up at my brother. He nodded and smiled. I felt two very familiar arms wrap around me and pull me backwards. Edward set me on his lap and I turned to see his face.

"Aro had Alec and one of the other guards take Demetri away. They are returning to Italy and Demetri will spend a year in their dungeons," my husband explained.

"You guys should have seen Esme," Emmett said in an awed tone. "I have never seen her so mad. When Aro started saying something about a misunderstanding, she nearly clawed his eyes out."

"Any idea what we're supposed to do now?" Rose asked.

"No. Esme just told me to come up here and wait," Emmett replied.

Alice started bouncing around all of a sudden. I looked at her and she was practically beaming.

"You'll see," she sang.

The door opened and Carlisle and Esme stepped in, followed by Aro and Felix. I moved myself between Edward and the wall. I wanted to make it as hard as possible for anyone trying to get near me. He put one arm around my waist, pulling me against his back.

"Bella, my apologies," Aro said.

I glared at him. He didn't have any apologies for what had happened to me! Something inside me told me all of this had been his idea. I wasn't sure of why I felt that way, or why he would want it to happen to me, but I couldn't shake the feeling either.

"Demetri does not always use good judgment," Aro continued.

"Aro, I understand that you had nothing to do with Demetri's behavior, but considering the circumstances …" Carlisle said "…I think it might be best to cut this visit short. For Bella's sake."

"Of course, old friend," Aro said with a dark smile. "My curiosity has been more than satisfied. If Bella had a power, I'm sure she would have uncovered it and used it against Demetri. We will leave now. I look forward to seeing you all again." Aro chuckled. "Summer break will come soon enough. We will have plenty of time to get to know each other in Italy. Perhaps then, you will all be interested in seeing how we live."

So that was his ploy! Force me to use my power and reveal myself to him! The bastard! If only I could rip him to shreds! How dare he put me in that situation to satisfy his sick curiosity! If that had happened, it would have torn Edward's heart to pieces … I bit the inside of my cheek, fighting my temper and keeping back the venomous words that wanted to pour out of my mouth.

Aro didn't seem to care that no one had replied to his little comment. He did his slight bow thing again and left the room. Felix followed him out with Carlisle walking behind them. We heard them saying a few more goodbyes and then the door closed. We sat in silence waiting for Carlisle's return.

He stepped into the room and looked at us all. "I would have to say that was probably the most agonizing time I've had in centuries," he said.

We looked at each and started laughing. What else could we do? Carlisle always took everything so calmly!

"They are gone!" Alice sang. "I still can't see anything about next summer, but we have time."

"Bella, are you truly okay?" Carlisle asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"I think we should all go downstairs and give Edward and Bella a moment alone," my father announced.

Edward lifted me in his arms and took me to our room. We crawled under the covers, clinging tightly to each other.

I opened my mind to him. 'Edward.'

He buried his face in my hair. 'My sweet Bella. I'm so sorry. You must have been so scared.'

'I was, but once again, it was more for you than me. I knew I had to get away or you would blame yourself.'

'You know me so well ...'

'I think Aro was behind Demetri's attack on me.'

'I see that in your thoughts. I also see all of the things you imagine happening if that's correct. Does it do any good to remind you that it is silly to worry right now? We have ten months before we are expected to appear in Italy.'

'I don't believe we would have the ten months if Demetri had understood what was happening. What if he figures it out and they come back?'

'They love their rules as Jasper likes to point out. Demetri will not be speaking to anyone until two months after we leave Italy. He will not have contact with anyone.'

'I don't trust any of them.'

'That's very wise of you, love. But you also can't live in fear of them. They are gone for now. Be here with me.'

'My mind is just so full right now, Edward.'

'Let me help you. Open yourself to me completely and see only what I want you to.'

I took a deep breath and did as he asked. For the rest of the night, Edward concentrated on showing me happy memories of us and our family. He showed me some of the tender moments he'd witnessed over the years before I knew him or his family. He showed me Rose and Alice having fun with me during a Bella Barbie session. He showed me times I've spent with Emmett and Jasper.

I wondered how he knew about some of them. I was sure he was out hunting or in town for a few. I would have to ask him about that later. Right now, this was all I needed. I relaxed completely in his strong arms, feeling safe and secure.

We had just faced the Volturi again, but as a family this time, and we were still together. I would just have to cling to the hope that we could pull it off again in ten months time.