Formerly;

"I'm sorry, Bella," I hear him mutter fiercely to his Bella. "It was stupid, irresponsible, to expose you like this. I'm so sorry." A wave of remorse washes over me, from his direction, as he says this. Suddenly, his breathing stops and his eyes zero in on the right field. I follow suit and I hear them before I see them.

He angles himself in front of Bella, taking a half step to stand between Bella and what is coming. Carlisle, Emmett, and the others turn in the same direction, hearing as well the sounds of passage, before seeing the intruders themselves.

…

…

Memoirs of Her Scent

Chapter 4:

Cataclysm

Ranging a dozen meters apart they emerge, one by one from the forest edge, and just like Alice had predicted, there are three of them. Two are male and the other is a female with a chaotic assortment of fiery hair whipping behind her like an agitated flame in the wind, feline features with precise and sharp lines, and crazed claret eyes, which she shares with the other two; the color that belong to those who kill without remorse, and give in to their thirst without conscience, or remorse.

Once, I too was like that, during the times of never-ending merciless war days. Currently, I'm still fighting against that part of me, the demon that wants to prowl, hunt, soar from its preys paralyzing fear, and lastly, devour the crimson liquid of immortals' feast. But compared to them, no matter how much my demon tries to push me aside and take full control, I always feel the remorse that they cannot feel because of their demons. For I've never known what it is like to forget one's humanity entirely. My strange endowment has never allowed me the audacity, or the pleasure of not feeling, and at times, I wish it did.

Nevertheless, unlike any other Vampire of my kind, every time I kill someone, I feel their pain, sorrow, and terror as my own. And yet, that does not overpower, or deter, the demon and its burning thirst, which I constantly feel, at the back of my throat. At least, not enough for me to make me want to stop the thirsting instinct, want, and need of the hunt long enough to try and overtake the predatory side, which always manages to take over when I thirst.

The intruding coven before us is cautious and curious. However, from what I can feel and witness in their behavior, they seem wary about meeting a coven as large as ours, which at least is encouraging in some ways. Given that they are trespassing into our territory uninvited, they should, at the very least, show some signs of precaution and a little apprehension. Especially with little lethal me in the midst of it all, not that I'm bragging, but I'm pretty good, quick, and clean when it comes to taking heads off shoulders.

Following Carlisle's lead, Emmett and I gradually step forward without bringing too much attention to ourselves, close in on the three human drinkers, surrounding them, and hope that they are intimidated enough by the nonverbal warning our stances are portraying, which my body is sure to be projecting right now without my consciously meaning to.

Without further preamble, after a few words of greetings are exchanged, they introduce themselves by name as Laurent, James, and Victoria. Carlisle, cordial as only he can be, extends the three of them an invitation into our home, no guises, and they are visible shocked, perplexed even, to find that we have a permanent home, here at Forks. But then again, all nomads are amazed to find any Vampire with permanent roots any one place.

Just when Laurent is in the process of accepting or declining Carlisle's invitation on behalf of the three of them, a light breeze ruffles Bella's hair and I stiffen as I smell her appealing scent. Everything seems to go completely void of sound or movement for the span of a heartbeat and then, the atmosphere takes a chaotic turn. And then, everything seems to go as wrong as it can go.

So fast, too fast, even for my eyes to take or my ears to process and my mind to comprehend, my eyes witness the transformation that possess the second male, James, as he is suddenly scrutinizing Bella with unquestionable interest, his nostrils flaring and his eyes dilated to eclipsing black and hungry. I feel, rather than see, Edward go emotionally stiff, before a sense of panicked protectiveness takes over.

In a matter of alternating seconds, right before our eyes, James' demeanor alters and he becomes the hunter. A dangerous mindset, for now he only sees Bella as his prey and every single one of us as nuisances that might get in the way of him obtaining the price. And now that he has the perfect prey, his mind is set and he will stop at nothing to obtain it, he will have her, one way or another, I could tell.

And then, what follows happens in a matter of five slow seconds, before time picks up again;

A shiver runs up James' spine and he licks his lips in anticipation, letting the thrill of the hunt ahead take over as he catalogs the situation and fully takes into account the probability that we just might ruin his hastily calculated equation. Something that only I notice thanks to the many years spent in combat, training newborns, and calculating against those that were opposed, or in the way of, what I needed to do and where my next move would lead me.

Because it was something that I had once felt, coursing through my body, like an electric current of exertion and exhilaration all in one, something wicked and all consuming thrilling, I felt elated with anticipation. My eyes and my stance almost daring and hoping for the fight to happen, no matter how senseless hoping and wanting for it was.

If James is half as smart as his hunting rush might allow him to be, he would have realized by now that there is a big difference between any other of his previous hunts and conquest to this one. And that is, this new 'prey' is actually being heavily protected by opponents that present him with a sweet challenge and are not about to back down.

Even so, this prospect adds to the thrill of the kind of hunt he has in mind to carry out in order to ultimately obtain his target prey, because the kind of challenge we present, is exactly what he has been looking and hoping to encounter at least once during a hunt. Apparently, James is a morbid and sick thrill seeker, easily bored by anything that doesn't present a challenge to him.

All this I can detect and capture from the air around him in an instant, and it disgusts and makes me jealous. Though, I cannot quite comprehend or pinpoint the source as to why the jealousy. I frown, calculating the different scenarios, turning points, and decisions this situation might force us into acting upon. There are so many variables and the possibilities are endless… and I can practically feel my demon purr with the realization, also looking forward to getting unleashed for a change.

Apart from the risks that point to a likelihood in which Bella might end up getting hurt and, or, killed, there's a kind of static and tangible hum in the air, around each and every one of us, making way to the anticipation and eager expectation of a fight in the horizons. Then again, I might be projecting both Emmett's and my undeniable desire for a potentially good fight. Won't lie about that, I'm always itching for a good fight.

Unless his coven decides to back down and settle things peacefully and walks away without so much as a glance back, maybe there won't be any body parts torn apart and burned unnecessarily. But judging by the obstinate look in James' eyes, that alternate route is not even close to a probability at this point and much less in his vocabulary, I would wager.

Now, the seconds decide to catch up to the minutes and the hands of the clock start inexorably ticking again, abruptly and swiftly, cutting through the brusqueness of the moment relentlessly when─

Unexpectedly, a swift rigidity falls over all of us as James lurches himself forward, with one step, into a crouch. I sigh. Just as I suspected it would happen, predictably. Still keeping a vigilant gaze on James, I train my eyes on Edward to see him counters James' actions by bearing his teeth and crouching before Bella, defending his mate from the imminent threat.

Next, a feral snarl rips through Edward's throat, echoing threateningly and daring James to do anything more than what he's all ready done, and inexplicably, I feel a snarl of my own burning and threatening to tear out my throat. Immediately and feeling slightly startled, I clamp down my mouth, successfully silencing my warning before it can even be issued.

"What's this?" Laurent asks with open surprise displayed in his face. From what I can read, his emotions, now those, they tell another different story entirely. They are weary, on the wire, and annoyed, and a little on edge, all directed at James' crouching form as he glances between his coven mate, Edward, Carlisle, and back again, before settling on Carlisle. We are a large coven.

"She's with us." Carlisle's firm rebuff is directed toward James. James doesn't budge and Laurent is becoming fidgety.

"You brought a snack?" Laurent expression is incredulous as he takes an involuntary step forward.

I hiss at Laurent's words and actions, but my protests are drowned by Edward's as he snarls even more ferocious at Laurent's actions, harshly, with bared teeth. That causes Laurent to step back once more, sensing the tangible threat behind Edward's ferociousness. When I sense Laurent's eyes on me, swiftly taking inventory of all my little intimidating trophies, my battle scars, I smirk tauntingly and wink cheekily at the man.

That's right bitch, I'm something else, I think at him, holding eye contact, until I shame him into looking away. Right then, I catch Emmett's eyes and he is looking at me with approval in his eyes, his expression eager but more serious than I've ever seen it before, outside Rosalie related things, that is.

"She's human," Laurent has the balls to protest. In contrast to his emotions, his words were merely astounded.

"I said she's with us," Carlisle corrects in a hard voice and all his pretence at courtesy is gone. I smirk. Carlisle angry is not a sight I often get to see. But when I do, well, let's just say, things get interesting,in all sense of the word.

Still the intensity of our caution does not loosen and as I watch them warily, neither James nor Edward relaxes their aggressive poses. Edward is furious and dejected, regretful. Meanwhile, James is thrilled and enjoying the challenge, that has ever so conveniently presented itself before him. And I can just see the wheels turning as his mind goes into overdrive, morbidly working and planning ahead as to what the next stage of the hunt will be.

He is savoring every moment of it, as he taunts Edward, moving this way and that so that Edward will mirror his every step ─disgusting─ while his plan has already taken form, all that he needs is to decide and figure out how best to obtain his precariously guarded price.

"Yes." It is Emmett now, speaking at Carlisle's side, his eyes restlessly wary on James' moving form. I can't help but wish that it had been I, the one speaking, and not Emmett. There is just something that has me wanting to defend our Bella and especially let her see and hear me doing so, strangely enough.

James straightens, slowly, almost mockingly, out of his crouch, but his eyes are still appraising his prey with thirst and lust, nostrils wide and flaring. Edward still holds himself protectively, tense in front of Bella, his stance like that of a lion at the ready.

More conversation takes place, in which Laurent promises that neither he, nor his coven, will 'not harm our human girl' or hunt in our range, much to the other two's distaste. Yet, I have the sinking feeling that this is not the end, the situation has not been solved. Not by far.

James will find a way and come at us with some retribution and come back to try and have Bella. James is determined to have her. There is undeniable resolve, tangibly edged to his emotions in a way that concerns me and puts me on edge, making me worry for the fragile human's safety.

Carlisle considers Laurent before reaching a final decision, by then he calls Rosalie, Esme, and I forth, while Emmett falls back. As soon as I am at Carlisle's side, listening to his instructions, I find myself wishing that I can be at Bella's side, where I can calm and comfort her nerves.

She is terrified, numbed with fear, and I am sure that she would have appreciated the help my power would provide her. But at the moment, I did not trust myself to make such suggestion. The fear of actually trying to help but ending up hurting her is mortifying. Essentially, I think I feel a strange sting of jealousy toward Emmett and his better control.

…

Edward takes Bella away, disappearing into the trees, alongside Alice and Emmett. The sense of loss that I feel at this moment is almost unbearable. By now, I know Edward enough to know that he will be rash and will try to take Bella as far away from here as possible.

A strange sadness surges through my body at the thought. Surprisingly, it drowns all the others' emotions, making me oblivious to their emotions, which would have otherwise flooded through me and as a result, blocked my own feelings from reach.

…

That's why ─having had this knowledge and expectation─ when Bella, carried in by Emmett ─and feeling a quiet rumble go through me at the sight─ along with Edward and Alice at either of their sides, burst into our large white room, I was surprised and, yet, relieved that Edward hadn't done the predictable.

Laurent, also, stood in our midst. I could hear Emmett's low growls rumble as they approach, from deep within, and he carefully set Bella down at Edwards's side.

"He's tracking us." Edward announces as he balefully glares at Laurent.

Laurent's face is unhappy, but his feelings tell me otherwise. Judging by his emotions, he could care less about what is going on, when all he truly cares about is not being blacklisted, or persecuted, by our abnormally large coven─ to make it so that we understood that he had nothing to do with the matter of James decision to hunt our Bella.

As Edward speaks, my focus shifts to Alice as she dances her way to my side. Once at my side, she whispers in my ear, telling me that we should go upstairs so that she can explain what was going to happen. Agreeing, I nod to her reverberating voice and bound the stairs with her, up to my room.

"So," I start, "what's the plan here?"

Alice engrosses me into an animated recount of what had happened after they had disappeared into the trees. She told me about the brilliant plan that Bella had formulated in her attempt to bring Edward and his rationality under control– and it had worked.

All things considered, if the plan did go according to plan, it is a brilliant plan and I have to agree with Emmett─ Bella truly is diabolical. And I actually thought she was so innocent, guess I got proved wrong. I like it.

Now that I think about it, I think it is time for Emmett and I to make a little bet.

"There's no time for bets, Jasper," Alice reprimands while I smile sheepishly, my goddess knew me too well.

"Sorry, couldn't help it," I smile, without remorse, if you must know. Alice shakes her head, smiling furtively and sighing knowingly.

Now, to make sure I understood what's going to ensue here, I need to verify everything with Alice and summarize everything she's told me.

"So… you and I are to take Bella away from here?" I inquire with unease. Alice nods. "And Edward trusts me to do such task?" I clarify, "To be around Bella and keep it together?"

Alice smiles kindly at me then. "I told him to give you some credit," Alice states, explaining, "when he asked if you were up for it." That is as good as a solid "yes" for me. I felt alighted with glee. "Besides, you've been doing very, very well, all things considered." Her eyes gleamed with pride as she said this, making me purr at her appraising me.

"I have, haven't I?" I muse as she shows me an encouraging smile. Rubbing my hands together, I grin devilishly and say, "Alright then, let us get a move on!"

I test the atmosphere as we reappear at the end of the stairs; I am surprised by what I savor. Bella is surprised by something and this knowledge bemuses me. Just as I am about to probe the answer from her emotions, I notice that she has been captivated by Edward, of course. And then Esme is taking her away and out of sight, something about a change of clothing.

During our Bella's absence, we settle everything we need or will need. Carlisle equipping us each with small, silver cell phones ─to keep us in contact.

Carlisle instructs that Alice and I are to take his Mercedes; we will need the dark tint where we are going, once daylight hits. Now, one last thing needs to be clarified.

"Alice," Carlisle asks as if he's read my mind, "will they take the bait?"

We all watch Alice as she closes her eyes and becomes very still, and I along with her, as if her actions are somehow reflected on me, impairing me from acting on my own, of course that isn't the case. Finally, her eyes flutter open and we receive the answer that we longed and hoped to hear.

"Let's go."

Carlisle begins walking toward the kitchen. While Edward went to Bella's side in less than it took her heart to skip a beat. Once he has her within reach, he crushes her to him, catching her in his iron grip. Then he proceeds to pulling her face to his, lifting her feet off the floor, and clearly unaware or uncaring about the rest of us watching them.

For a moment his lips love hers, with such passion that it seems as if they would melt into each other from the heated passion of their kiss. The way he kisses her, is as if he were trying to remember the taste of her warm breath on his, while it collides against his lips with his cold breath and creates an epic battle.

Surely someone may contradict, but there are times when I think that it is possible for summer and winter to clash against each other and in a heated-cold, create a love that will never compare to any other, singular.

I chuckle mutely─ though I know it isn't the appropriate time for laughter─ as I feel Rosalie's indignation surging through her; she's ever the jealous one. I also chuckle at Bella's poutiness when the kiss between her and Edward ends too soon for her liking.

His eyes smolder into hers as he set her down, still holding her face with such delicacy, mustering his love and his goodbye.

Then, Edward is gone, along with all the traces of his love showing from his eyes and face, just moments ago, as he puts on his expressionless mask. His cold mask, which will allow him to protect his lover─ and so, the hunter becomes the hunter.

We stand there a moment, and I cannot help but look away from Bella, when her tears fall noiselessly down her slope, ivory cheeks, in mourning for the inevitable separation that has to transpire between her and her lover.

For some reason, it tares me, to feel her sadness and solitude─ even among us─ to a degree that surprises and aggravates me; I have never felt such despair for and with another.

The aggravation was such that I wanted to ignore it and run to her, embrace her, and tell her that everything would be alright, though I knew not of the future I felt that such comforting white lies would suffuse as long as it calmed our Bella and stopped her tears from falling.

The silence drags on and I am, still, immobile in my own torment, as my own feelings clashes with Bella's. But then, Esme's phone vibrates and she receives her okay as I fight back my compelling feelings and stifle them, until the fall unpresumptuous to the background.

Esme walks over to Bella and caresses her cheek, removing some of her tears, in that motherly way of hers and smiles down tenderly upon the girl she already considers a daughter.

"Be safe," are Esme's lingering words before she slips through the door, Rosalie following her, and they, too, are gone.

Then it is just the three of us, and we, too, wait for the phone call that will give us the green light.

Alice answers her phone before I even hear it vibrate─ she too vanishes, swallowed by the darkness as she goes to get the car. Leaving Bella and I to be alone in this prolonged silence as I stay a safe distance away from her, though I long to be near.

─What am I saying?─

I cannot take it anymore, I have to break it.

"You're wrong," I say as silently as I can so that I wouldn't startle her. I fail.

"What?" she asks startled and confused by my sudden words. Intriguing, she seems to think that I, too, can hear her thoughts.

"I can tell what you're feeling," I remind her simply, knowing that she will understand that she's, after all, the one feeling. "And you are wrong," I repeat. "You're worth it."

She shakes her head in stubborn defiance."No I'm not," her voice is so small, so frail, as she says this that it, too, hurts.

Trying to convince her, I speak again, "Yes you are, Edward thinks so." I frown. "He loves you and so does the rest of the family," ─ minus one, but I could not tell her that now. She already knew anyway─ there is a bit of doubt in her but she accepts it. I smile at her. Bella's really something.

Alice sends me a text. The car is ready and it is time for us to leave. I will be the designated driver. But before that, Bella needs to sleep. And I know just the right thing to make her sleep─ my touch.

I promise Bella, for Edward, I'll make you safe so sleep and dream of your lover, until we get to Phoenix. I wish her as she fell into a fitful sleep at my touch, Sweet dreams…

Things I have learned about Bella during our trip? ─Smiles maliciously─ she talks in her sleep and tells Edward how much she loves him. So amusing! Now I understand why he loves to watch her sleep.

Actually, I never knew Edward had such an ego─ to constantly need to hear her say how much she loves him. Oh, I know an Edward-iffy weakness!

Well, you do learn something new every day, after all. Also, you can ask Bella something, anything while she's asleep and she actually answers! I mean, I was only kidding when I asked her about the airport, but she actually answered!

At first, I wasn't so sure if I should believe her─ I mean, she was asleep, but then, we passed right by it. This threw Alice and I into a fit of laughter.

Truly, Bella Swan is something else.

Well, we are here… and now we wait some more.