Chapter 16: Not Nearly Innocent


Bella PoV


"Hey, what's going on?" I jumped and turned to see Seth standing with a puzzled look on his face. "Is she alright?"

"I'm fine." Max's voice was weaker. She looked up at him.

Max's eyes widened, as if realising that we had all seen Nick's wings. Also that we can now see hers. Then she looked round. I copied.

Her family were all busy. It was like they knew what to do. Max smiled gratefully at them.

The Cullens were all watching Max and Nick. They kept glancing at each other. I think they were talking through Edward. Paul had disappeared. Jacob and Sam were looking back and forth between Nick, Max and Seth. Who was staring at Max. The same way Sam looks at Emily. Oh, he's not…

"Here, Max." Iggy lit the fire. Nick let go of Max and she went so close to the fire I thought she'd singe.

"Max? Are you warming up? Listen, I'm a doctor. I can help you." Carlisle stepped forward, reaching out a hand.

"Don't touch her!" Nick and Jacob both yelled at him. Jacob hadn't even acknowledged me.

Max looked up at him. She looked so vulnerable. Nick and James looked ready to kill anyone who moved any closer to her.

"What's that? On your back?" Everyone looked at Seth. Then they turned to Max.

"Yes, what are you?" Max winced at Carlisle's tone.

Her breath started coming in short gasps. Seth stepped towards her, ignoring Edward's growl and Nick's threatening look. Edward used his vampire speed to get in front of Max.

"Don't take another step." His voice was cold and hard.

"You can't do anything to stop it, leech. You're on our territory. You broke the Treaty." Sam's tone was angry. Edward's head flashed round to him.

"You're friend almost killed her!"

Max coughed up blood. They didn't even notice.

"Max? Max, what's wrong?" Tiffany did.

"So. Cold." It was like saying those two words killed her.

"Max!" Jason yelled, "Iggy? What's happening?"

"I don't know! Max? She's shutting down!"

She curled into a tight ball, hugging her knees.

"No, too cold. I'm sleepy." She was talking to herself. Not a good sign.

Max frowned, "What is?"

She drew in a sharp breath and clutched her head.

"I won't! I promise! I'll stay awake! Please, just stop." She screamed at something.

Alice had her arms around Jasper, who was screaming along with Max. Nick pulled Max up.

"Angel, what's going on?" He yelled over the screams.

"Her Voice is trying to stop her from sleeping. She's gonna fall unconscious instead! Her body can't take it!"

As if on cue. Max went limp.

"No, no, no, no. Max! Wake up!" James shouted at her. He looked up at Nick. "We need help. If we don't get her warm then she'll not wake up."

"We can help you." Carlisle once again stepped forward. Jacob opened his mouth to protest but Carlisle cut him off. "This is no time to argue. This girl will die if we don't act. One of you will need to carry her, for the extra heat. Take her to the closest house."

Sam nodded at Jacob, but when he moved to pick Max up, Nick was in his way.

"You're not touching her."

"Nick this is no time to argue. I'm a fully qualified doctor. I won't hurt Max. However if I do no help her soon I won't be able to."

Nick nodded shortly, then turned and picked up Max himself. "We'll meet you at your house. But wolf boys here don't come."

I felt my jaw drop as he jumped, snapping out his black wings again, and flew in towards the Cullen's house. The others followed one by one, each with their individually beautiful wings, until only Angelica was left. Did she not have wings?

She giggled, turning to me, "Yes we are quite beautiful aren't we? I do have wings, see?" She took off her jacket and I saw a pair of gorgeous white wings. "I just got told to wait behind to make sure they don't come."

She glared darkly at Jacob and Sam. I was shocked. How could such an innocent little girl have such a glare?

"I'm not innocent. I've seen things that you could never imagine. I've watched people die. Most weren't even considered people. Just things." I stared at her, incredulous. Her dark look changed into a lovely smile. "Now shouldn't you be going? Don't take the car! If you really can run that fast then go. Edward will drive Bella. Max will explain everything when she wakes up, now go!"

Carlisle exchanged a glance with Edward, who nodded. Angelica rolled her eyes as the vampires disappeared.

Angelica turned to Jacob and Sam, concentrating on something. She continued to look at them until confused looks covered their faces.

"You will go back to your homes, go to sleep and wake up tomorrow with no intention of coming near Max or any of us." I shivered at her tone of voice. Jacob and Sam turned and walked away, still looking really puzzled.

"I'll see you guys there. Bye!" With one last sweet smile she turned and took off over the cliff, going in the same direction as her family.