I know. I know. It's taken forever to get this chapter out. My only excuse is that... Well, Real Life must take priority. Anyway, here you are. Also, my thanks to my wonderful Beta.

Chapter 10

I fought my way back to consciousness, desperate to escape the dreams that haunted me.

I opened my eyes slowly, fighting the urge to vomit when my vision swirled and my stomach rolled. I closed my eyes and breathed through my mouth. Considering the plethora of head trauma I'd suffered during my childhood I should have been used to watching the world spin. I wasn't, nothing ever prepared me to lose another of my senses. Being deaf was bad enough, feeling as if I couldn't rely on my eyes was nothing short of terrifying.

When I felt it was safe, I cautiously opened my eyes.

Encouraged by my stationary environment, I carefully examined my surroundings.

I was lying on an old exam table. Its age advertised glaringly in the cracked plastic. Across from me was a single table, lined with tongue depressors and cotton balls. I stopped inspecting there. I knew I wasn't in a hospital but it was too similar for my liking.

I felt something cold brush my arm. It took me a second to realize it was hands, the same one's from my dream. I also realized that they were not human.

Startled, I flinched away and scrambled off the table. I stumbled forward a few steps, my heart pounding.

I used my shield to steady myself, and whirled to see Edwards soulful eyes stared back at me.

Oh, my Lord. My heart kept thundering but for an entirely different reason this time.

He averted his eyes, staring at something over my shoulder, rather than looking at me. "What were you dreaming about, Bella?" His eyes were unaccountably sad, I didn't understand that. What reason did he have to be sad?

Uncertain about Edward's state of mind, I didn't feel safe answering the question. Not until I knew what had happened. I had always talked in my sleep but I was especially vocal during the nightmares. What had he heard?

"What did I say?" I tried to present a calm front as I asked. I was sure I failed.

Edward didn't answer, simply staring at me in a way that worried me. I'd talked all right, the only question was: How much did I say?

The last thing I remembered was collapsing on the sidewalk and then the dreams. Where was I, how did I get here?

And why was Edward here?

I could answer one of those. I was in the school nurses office. My mind had cleared enough that I understood that much.

"How did I get here?" I was aware that I had yet to answer his question but, given my situation, I didn't care.

He briefly returned his eyes to mine, "I carried you, after you fainted on the sidewalk outside."

My pride wounded, I snapped at him. "I did not faint, I simply blacked out. If I had eaten anything at lunch, it wouldn't have happened." I huffed, not caring if I sounded childish. Bella Swan did not faint. Ever.

Edward smirked, seeming to brighten up slightly. "Fine then. I carried you after you 'blacked out'."

My mind latched onto the three words I'd been too insulted to pick up on before. 'I carried you'. Why the hell couldn't I be awake to enjoy that part?

I started to question him further. "Wha..."

Mrs. Cope's arrival had me snapping my mouth shut. "Oh, Miss. Swan. You're awake!"

Really? I hadn't noticed.

"How are you feeling?" She continued.

I sighed, "I'm fine. Can I go home now?"

She gaped at me like I was crazy. Although, perhaps I was. "You fainted; of course you can't go home. I need to check your vitals and fill out a questionnaire in case you need to see a general practitioner."

"I did not faint, I blacked out." I snapped. Ignoring it when Edward snickered. "This isn't anything to worry about, I've blacked out before. Blood makes me sick and, as a result, my Glucose level plummets. If I'd eaten lunch it wouldn't have been this serious. All you have to do is call Charlie. He will arrange for my medical records to be faxed over and we can skip all this unnecessary hassle."

Despite my shield I had hurt myself quite a lot over the years. Standard medical practices were nothing new to me.

Mrs. Cope frowned and propped her hands on her hips. "Very well, Miss. Swan. Since you seem to understand my job requirements so thoroughly, we will go with your suggestion. Besides, Chief Swan has already been informed."

I nodded, satisfied that I wouldn't be poked, prodded, or asked embarrassing questions about my blackout.

I moved toward the door, intending to make a run for it.

Mrs. Cope grabbed my arm as I passed by. I knew it was coming and forcibly suppressed the urge to slam her into the wall.

"Just a moment, Miss. Swan. I can't release you without checking your vitals first. Not without your parents written permission." There was malice behind her eyes as she spoke and I knew she was hassling me because I had brushed her off. I could see how that would be annoying, I simply did not care.

Ass-faced, heifer!

She reached for a blood-pressure cup, and, without thinking, I growled low in my throat. It was a bad habit, one I'd picked up from Phil. He was inclined to growl whenever he got angry or upset.

Until this moment, I thought I had managed to break that habit.

It was a really bad time to have a lapse in self control., on account of the vampire currently watching your every move.

Mrs. Cope flinched and Edward's head snapped up. I ignored Mrs. Cope, she wasn't a threat; Edward was. Amusement and disbelief were readily apparent on his face.

I snatched my hand away and stalked outside. I knew I was being a jerk but I didn't care. The anger bubbled up and I was helpless to control it. I wasn't mad at anyone specific, the world in general made a suitable target.

I felt like I needed to run, to escape.

I knew I couldn't. Leaving the school wouldn't be enough to alleviate that feeling. I just needed to go, as long as I was moving I could manage.

Charlie would understand, he knew how much the dreams unsettled me. He wouldn't care if I ditched without permission.

I was halfway to my car when Edward stepped in front of me.

"Where do you think you're going?" he groused.

"Home," I mumbled, wondering why he was so snarly.

He crossed his arms, scowling. "And just how do you intend to get there?"

I rolled my eyes, "The same way I got here: I'm going to drive." I stepped around him, fighting the sudden urge to smile. It amused me that a vampire—one of the world's deadliest predators—succeeded at pretended to be human, but couldn't pull off the, 'I'm more stubborn than you are,' look.

I didn't make it more than a foot before I was snatched backwards. Stumbling, I turned to see Edward holding the end of my jacket. "What are you doing?"

He frowned, abandoning the obstinate expression. "I don't think you should be driving in your condition. If you want to go home, I'll take you. "

"What condition?" I couldn't say I was exuding warm, sparkly feelings, but I wasn't drunk either.

He paused, "Bella you just woke up from a," he raised one hand beside his head and made air quotes. "'Blackout.' You haven't eaten anything and you're weak. Your hands are still shaking."

I glanced at my hands, irritated that he was right. I clenched my fists before looking back up at him.

Apparently Edward took that as permission. Turning, he dragged me towards his car.

"Hey, let go of me!" I yelled, considering my telekinesis as an option if he didn't listen.

I considered it but, when he kept towing me across the parking lot, I didn't use it; even if it was a tempting idea.

When we reached his car, he left me beside the passenger door and walked around to the driver side.

"What about my car? I can't just leave it here."

He dismissed that excuse with a wave of his hand, "Alice will return it after school."

I stared towards my Baby, wondering if running was worth a try. I looked back at Edward to see him regarding me with a patient look.

"Don't even think about it. I'd just drag you back."

Only if I let you, jerk.

"Fine," I huffed. With no other recourse, I opened the door and unceremoniously plopped into the seat. I didn't see why I should be graceful about a kidnapping.

Who would have thought a vampire could be this annoying... or this decent? I admitted reluctantly. God, he acts like one of the freakin' Brady Bunch.

I stared out the window, unseeing. The passing trees and scenery meant nothing to me. I was remembering an entirely different setting. In my head the car was crumpled, holding me down. The smell of blood suffocating me, the terrible silence pressing into my head.

I blinked, forcing that thought away. That was the only way to deal with it. Having these episodes always brought it back, made me feel as if it had happened yesterday. As if I was still living with the horror.

It wasn't an instant solution but focusing on something else gave me time to process. Time to realize I was past this, to a degree at least. I wasn't that scared little girl anymore. I was an adult, I'd taken care of my mother for years, I'd killed a vampire; I didn't need to be terrified of a memory.

Needing a distraction, I turned to Edward. "Why are you doing this?"

He cocked his head slightly, "Doing what?"

"Helping me."

"I..." He paused. I got the distinct impression that he didn't know the reason. "You needed help, and because I am able to provide it, I do."

I scoffed, "That simple, huh?"

"Yes," He said, nodding.

I turned in the seat, regarding him thoughtfully, "I don't believe that."

"You don't believe I helped you?"

"No, I know you helped me, several times. You took me to the nurse's office. You stayed with me, even though it probably would have been more convenient for you to leave. But why didn't you leave it there? I'm not your problem, so how come you've taken so much responsibility for me today?"

I was genuinely curious. Why had he gone so far out of his way to help me? And why didn't my scent seem to affect him anymore?

"Bella, when you were unconscious, you... Dreamed, I think. I know what's it's like to have horror stuck in your head." He shrugged, like it was nothing.

Nothing? This vampire showed a kindness most humans wouldn't think to offer, and it was nothing?

He started talking again, before I had the chance to express my gratitude. "I'm sorry. I need to pick up my brothers and sisters now."

I glanced outside, surprised to see we were sitting in my driveway. I hadn't even realized we'd stopped.

"Sorry to keep you, and..." I paused, searching for the words. "Thanks for the ride," I finished lamely.

He smiled, "Anytime."

With nothing else to be said, I nodded and moved to get out. Edward's hand on my arm stopped me. I watched as he struggled for words, "Bella, I'm not... I'm not a good friend for you."

I wasn't sure what he meant by 'friend' but he was wrong. "Edward, you have no idea what you're talking about," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

I fished my car key out of my pocket and handed it to him, whispering a silent prayer. "Here, you might need this."

He took it, nodding in response.

As I left Edward and made my way inside, I wondered if maybe, just maybe, these strange vampires could be helpful to me. Or rather, would they?

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

I'd been home for less than an hour, and I'd already run out of things to occupy my mind. I'd done my homework, and straightened the house.

Once I'd cleaned the house, I tried to read, and watch TV, but neither could capture my interest, not even Jane Austen.

Searching for another, more lasting, distraction, I called Jake. I usually didn't bother to call, just showing up whenever I felt like it, but it was Friday. I wanted to make sure he would be home. Pulling a kitchen chair in front of the phone, I got comfortable.

I stared at the text-to-speech converter, waiting to see who answered. Since I came to Forks, they always identified themselves along with their greeting. Or maybe they'd always done that?

"This had better be an emergency."

I paused, that didn't sound good. "Hello, It's Bella. Is Jake there?"

'Sorry, Bells. This is Jake. I didn't mean to snap at you, but this really isn't a good time.'

Worry filled me. Jake was bitchy like a hormonal teenage girl, but he was never rude. "What's wrong Jake?"

"I feel like my body's turning inside out. It really hurts Bella."

I panicked. "Jake, call Billy. Maybe you need to go to the hospital. I'll call Charlie and meet you there."

"I tried that already. Dad says it's just the flu. Then he told me to lie down, and it would pass. And it does, but then it comes back worse than before." There was a pause, "Why the hell are they still here?"

Who? "Jake, what are you talking about?"

"Dad called Sam and his gang. They're like some kind of cult. Paul, Jared, and Quil, are part of it now. They used to be my friends. Then, all of a sudden, they just disappeared. When they came back, they were different. They don't even go to school anymore, don't talk to anyone. They don't do anything but what follow Sam tells them to do. "

"Cult?" I muttered.

He continued as if he hadn't heard me. "They were all sick before they vanished. Just like I am now."

What the hell? I had never heard anything this bizarre from Jake. He was the most rational person... Okay, so maybe not 'the' most rational, but he wasn't usually one for ridiculous conspiracy theories either. "Jake, just because your friends joined a new group, doesn't mean it's a cult. And you aren't going to hang out with this 'Sam' guy, like your friends 'chose' to do."

His next words were chilling as they flashed across the screen. "That's just it Bella, I don't think they had a choice."

I opened my mouth to reassure him, but had nothing to say. What could I say to that?

"Hello, Bella? This is Billy."

"Billy? Where's Jake?"

I waited a full minute before he replied. "I just made him lie down. I'm sorry if he's worried you. He caught a really bad strain of the flu and the medicine the doctor prescribed is making him loopy."

Loopy? Who says loopy anymore, that word went 'out' right along with 'rad' and 'happening'."

"He seemed really sick. Maybe I should bring Charlie over; we could drive him to the hospital."

"No. No. That wouldn't help. You'd just catch his flu. Then you'd both be miserable."

"Oh, don't worry about that, I've already gotten my flu shot. Besides, Charlie's trained in emergency medicine. He'll be able to tell if Jake needs to go to the hospital."

"Jacob is my son, Bella. I think I know how to take care of him." Now how come that makes me suspicious?

"I'm sure you can but, if it's all the same to you, I'd still like to see him."

There was silence, then he answered,"Bella, I know we don't know each other that well, but have I ever done anything to give you the impression that I'm not a good father? That I don't love my son?"

I frowned, "No, Billy, you haven't. But Jake's like a brother to me, if he's hurt I want to help too."

"I know that Bella but you have to trust that I know what's best for him and for you. Jake will get better later but, as of right now, he can't have any visitors."

God, I hate it when people use logic against me!

"But what about this 'Sam' guy, and his friends?"

There was no pause this time. "Sam, and his friends, are being considered for future positions on the tribal council. They're here for a meeting, nothing more."

Huh? Jake isn't the only one acting weird. "I meant, if you're entertaining visitors, who's watching Jake?"

It was only words flashing across a screen but I imagined exasperation heavy in his next words. "They are leaving as we speak. And, I do not need you to tell me how parent my own child. I've done quite well without your help so far."

I blushed, even if he couldn't see me. "Okay, okay. I was just making sure Jake wasn't alone. You don't have to bite my head off for it. Bye." I quickly hung up, embarrassed beyond description.

I was still sitting there, by the phone, when vibrations told me that Charlie was home. I moved from my seat to the fridge, I hadn't had time to cook but maybe I could reheat leftovers.

I went about making dinner and pretended I didn't know he was watching me, analyzing my movements and posture.

I could have tried to reassure him but that wouldn't have made a difference. Charlie would just ignore anything I said and draw his own conclusions. He was a lot like me in that regard.

We were halfway through our meal when he spoke. "Bella, how do you feel?"

I blinked. He'd been watching me for the better part of twenty minutes and he hadn't figured that out for himself? "I'm okay, for the most part. Why?"

He shrugged. "You're friend, Angela, called. She heard about your incident at school and was wondering if you still felt up to going to Port Angeles with them." He paused, and redirected his gaze over my shoulder. "I figured you would be and that you would probably need the distraction, so I told them yes."

Awesome!

He looked back at me, trying to gauge my reaction. "I think it would be good for you but I won't force you to go, if you don't want to. They'll be here soon, though, so if you're not going I'll need to call them back."

"Oh, no. I want to go," I said, smiling, I got up, threw my dirty dishes into the sink, and ran upstairs.

I got ready as fast as I could. Changing clothes and digging my wallet out of my school bag. Five minutes later, I ran back downstairs, yelling at Charlie that he could do the dishes tonight.

The second I stepped into the kitchen, I felt like a complete jerk. Charlie was already in the midst of cleaning up.

That's settles it, I'm a horrible daughter.

Charlie turned to me smiling, "I've got a head start on this one, Bells. Now before you go, I have a few questions. "

I scowled. Charlie was more comfortable with being a cop, than he was with being a father. I'd known the two personas would merge at some point. "And what would they be?"

Charlie turned to face me, leaning against the sink. "Why are you going to Port Angeles?"

I rolled my eyes, how typical. "There's a girl's choice dance coming up. The girls need dresses."

"What about you, are you looking for a dress too?"

Oh, real smooth Charlie. "No, Dad. I'm not going to the dance."

He frowned. "Why not? None of the boys here have caught your eye?"

"No, Dad. I haven't found a boy who interests me." Technically, Edward isn't a boy. See, I just lied again.

He searched my face intently, searching for any sign of deception. I made sure he didn't find any. After a few seconds, confusion replaced the suspicion. "Why are you going dress shopping if you aren't going to the dance?"

I rolled my eyes, "To help them find dresses, Dad. You know, advice and objective criticism." I wouldn't have had to explain this to mom.

Charlie seemed to realize the girly stuff was out of his element. "Okay, have fun," he muttered, shrugging.

I smiled. It was nice to have a parental moment with Charlie. I'd missed a lot of father daughter moments, but not all it seemed.

My smile fell as I considered another possibility; if things didn't go well, this could be one of the last. How unfair would that be? I just got my father back. I didn't want to lose him so soon.

The thought that I might fail to protect him, or fail to protect myself spurred me into action. I couldn't guarantee I would live long enough to share other moments with him. But at least I could give him this. I walked over and hugged him tightly. I felt his body tense in surprise but I didn't let go. "You're a really good dad. You know that?"

I felt his chest rumble but didn't move back to see what he'd said. Only when he hugged me back, did I feel like it was okay to let him go. I felt like he'd gotten the point, that he knew I loved him.

I stepped back, and glanced at his face. I knew he would repeat himself. It was common courtesy around a non-hearing person. "You're a good kid too, Bells," he said, blushing slightly.

I smiled, pretending I believed it.

Neither one of us was comfortable with emotional displays nor had any idea what to do now that we'd had a warm, fuzzy moment.

I was saved when movement diverted my attention. It was fast but not fast enough to worry me. I glanced towards the door when I felt it pull into the driveway, "Angela's here, I'm gone."

Charlie frowned, "I didn't hear anything."

I laughed, he'll never learn. "Wait for it."

Sure enough, the alert light started flashing. "Dad, someone's at the door." I smirked.

He looked back at me, frowning. "How do you do that?"

I shook my head, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you."

He rolled his eyes, and waved me forward.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The first twelve dresses were fun to analyze. I gave the girls my opinions and watched as everyone, but Angela, disregarded them.

By the time they stared to narrow down their choices, I was ready to go home. I loved girl time but only in small doses.

If I have to look at one more slut sleeve, I'm going to throw up.

As Jessica paraded around in her fortieth dress, I searched for a reason to leave.

Port Angeles had to have at least one bookstore. I wasn't really in the mood to browse through a bunch of titles but anything would be better than watching Jessica parade around in a dress that didn't consist of enough fabric to cover an emaciated kitten.

I stayed long enough to help Angela choose her dress, before I made my excuses and left.

Following Jessica's directions, I headed west.

Five minutes later, I'd passed two dozen souvenir shops but not a single bookstore. I was beginning to doubt the sincerity of Jessica's advice.

Several minutes later, I concluded that Jessica was either lying or ignorant. The most logical explanation was that she was just ignorant. Really, what use would Jessica have for a bookstore? It's not like she actually reads.

I'd long passed Port Angeles' scenic veneer. Nothing but fenced off warehouses and industrial building surrounded me.

I turned around, making my way back to the tourist friendly part of town. The girls were probably already waiting for me at the restaurant.

I didn't care that I might me inconveniencing Lauren or Jessica, but Angela was my friend. I'd call and let her know I was going to be late. As I walked I felt my pockets, searching for my cell, I noticed two men standing at a little intersection ahead of me. They stared at me in a way I wasn't comfortable with.

I hoped they were just curious, but wasn't willing to risk the alternative. I took the first side road I found. It wasn't an actual road, more like an alley but it connected to the adjacent street.

In Phoenix, I wouldn't ever have attempted to walk around, alone, at this time of night. But this was the real life equivalent of Mayberry.

When I felt I'd traveled far enough away, I looked back. They were still there.

I knew then, that I'd been stupid. Port Angeles' may have strongly resembled Mayberry but bad things happened everywhere.

I had to physically force myself to keep pace, while my muscles literally itched with the urge to run. It was purely an instinctual response; they couldn't hurt me even if they tried.

When I reached the end of the alley, I paused long enough to look both ways. When I saw two men standing at each end of the street, I realized my mistake.

I wasn't being stalked, I was being herded. I deployed my shield and looked behind me. They were much closer than they had been before.

They acted as if nothing wrong was happening. The two men laughed and jostled each other like old friends. It has to be an act, what were the odds that I would 'accidentally' be trapped between six complete strangers, in town this small? Not likely.

I did a quick assessment of my situation. I was stuck in an alley; the exit behind me was blocked. I couldn't go left or right, as they were blocked as well. Straight across from me was an abandoned building surrounded by a high chain link fence. In order to avoid a fight, that was my only option.

With no other choice, I calmly walked across the street hoping the human monsters wouldn't know what I intended until it was too late.

I kept part of my mind on tracking the men I couldn't see. They were closing in, but not fast enough.

When I reached the fence, a rebellious flare had me looking back at them. I smirked and raising both hands, quickly flipping them off.

I didn't wait to see their reactions; I climbed the fence as quickly as I could and jumped down on the other side.

I didn't waste time trying to figure out what my next move should be, or what direction I should go. I ran. I was in unfamiliar territory, and that put me at a disadvantage.

I ran down a small dirt path that led around the building. I didn't know where it went but it had to better than what was behind me.

I used my shield to give me a little extra speed. My heart sank when I realized the little path led to a door. I didn't know what purpose the tumble down building had originally served, but I didn't want to find out. My only hope was the same chain link fence I'd jumped over. It seemed as if it ran the length of the property.

I risked being seen and threw an extra burst into my telekinesis. I flew forward and propelled myself into the air.

I sailed over the fence, landing smoothly on the other side. My speed never slowed as I ran into the street.

When I was six and being bullied at school, my father taught me several things I'll never forget. How to punch someone without breaking my hand. And that when you were running away from someone, never run in a straight line. Being a cop's daughter was a unique experience, to say the least.

I stopped, crouching in the shadow of an overgrown bush.

What do I do now? I was away, but I didn't know where my stalkers were. I couldn't continue on, as they were undoubtedly still looking for me. I couldn't stay here until they gave up; Angela was waiting for me. I was screwed no matter what I chose.

I made the decision: my ability could get me a long way before the men found me. As I stood up and stepped into the street, a pair of headlights blinded me. I couldn't tell what kind of car it was, only that it was traveling at a very high rate of speed.

Were 'they' coming for me? It seemed the only option. Why else would the driver be speeding on such a small street? A better question; how was I going to get out of this one?

If I used my gift to protect myself, they could expose me. Most people would scoff at their outlandish story, thinking it nothing more than a drunken delusion. But some, a small few, would believe. I couldn't let that happen; the only way to protect my family and myself was to either run, or kill them.

No, that was wrong. My choices had been reduced to only one option. The only question now, was where I would hide the bodies.

As I stood there, waiting for the car to reach me. I shut down. Emotionally frozen I was prepared to do what was necessary. Prepared to kill as quickly and efficiently as I could.

It took less than a second to fashion a dozen long, thin, needles from my telekinesis. They were small, invisible, and lethal. The perfect murder weapons.

Humans were frail, squishy things when compared to the ridiculous solidity of my telekinesis. My spikes would tear into their target, destroy every nerve, muscle, or organ in their path, then exit cleanly. Nothing but a tiny pink mark would show on the skin, they wouldn't even bleed. And after my weapons had accomplished their purpose they would simply cease to exist. No evidence would be left behind.

I stepped back as the car swerved towards me. As the driver slammed on the brakes and the car skidded to a stop, I raised my hand, ready to release my improvised weapons.

The door passenger flew open. But instead of revealing the enemy I expected, It was Edward holding the door open for me.

He looked every inch the angry vampire. I'd never been happier to see anyone in my life. I was moving towards the car when he snarled, "Get in!"

For once in my life I obeyed, dissolving the spikes as I went. Edward threw the car in gear and sped away.

I suppressed a laughed as he sped past the city limit sign. My luck was something else, a thing to be marveled at. I couldn't quite tell if I was blessed or cursed. I was the living personification of Murphy's law: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

Surprisingly enough, I felt safe. I had been rescued from the human threat, but now sat in a small enclosed space with a vampire who was not only pissed off, but who also had a severe reaction to my scent. Am I doing better, or worse, than I was a few moments ago?

I sat quietly and watched the darkened scenery flash by. I put a great deal of effort into keeping my mind away from how fast he was driving. I was better off not knowing. I'd had more than enough Cardio for one night.

A minute later he pulled into the woods, turned the car off, and stared into the darkness. His expression murderous, he clenched the wheel so hard I feared it would shatter under the pressure.

"Are you okay," I asked, genuinely concerned.

He looked at me, his eyes burning. "No. I am, most certainly, not okay. Talk to me," he ordered.

Talk to him? "Excuse me?"

"Just prattle on about something unimportant until I calm down. Please?"

It was the 'please' combined with his tortured expression that had me immediately complying. "Okay, give me a second." Unimportant? It seems like everything is a matter of life and death these days.

I focused on past days, when things were normal. It seemed like a lifetime ago, when in reality it was merely a few short years. I sighed; this wasn't going to be pretty. My most prominent memories were of embarrassment and humiliation. "I ate my pet goldfish when I was little."

He snorted a laugh and eyed me like I was crazy.

"Hey, don't look at me that way. I know what you're thinking and I'm not crazy," I snapped, both pleased and indignant.

I was going to finish the story and defend myself, but Edward burst out laughing. I stared, amazed. It was the first time I'd seen him laugh.

It's not that funny, I thought. Folding my hands, I sat back and waited for him to collect himself.

When he was through, he wiped his eyes like he'd laughed till he cried. I found it endearing, even if it wasn't possible. "Why did you eat your childhood pet?"

I gave him my best stink eye. "I don't think I want to tell you."

He smiled, "You can't tell someone that and leave the story unfinished." After a moment he added, "Please?"

I thought about it and, begrudgingly, admitted he was right. "I was six, and Renee was frying fish for supper. She burned half of it and, to supplement what she'd ruined, she fried Mr. Winkles. I didn't know until it was too late."

He laughed again, though not as hard as before. "Feeling better?" I asked, changing the topic.

His expression instantly reverted but he didn't seem as angry as he had to start with. I found that reassuring.

"Some, thank you."

I nodded.

"Are you okay, Bella? They didn't hurt you did they?"

"I'm fine; they never even got close to me." Those idiots were the farthest thing from my mind. Now that we'd moved on I was much more concerned with Edward's timely rescue.

"Thank you for rescuing me." I murmured absently. "But how did you find me?" And could you possibly take me back now. Being alone with a vampire, in a setting where I could easily disappear without a trace, isn't the brightest idea. Even if he is really, really hot.

He frowned. "I got lost, and, while I was trying to find my way back to the road, I saw you running." He paused, studying me. "Do you feel cold, nauseous, dizzy?"

"No, I feel fine. Why?" I frowned; he was lying, vampires didn't get lost. They had perfect memories. If he had gone down the wrong street, he would have known the exact path he needed to get back. And what were the odds that I would get help from a vampire of all things?

"You're unusually calm, which leads me to believe you're in shock," he said this gently, like he was trying not to upset me.

I laughed, "I'm not in shock. Trust me. It would take more than a few drunk assholes to do that."

He faced me long enough to say, "It might help if you eat something? Besides, your friends are probably worried about you."

Nodding to himself he started the car and drove us back towards Port Angeles.

How? Why? And Edward? How did he know I wasn't here alone? Why couldn't I avoid him? Why was he everywhere? What had I done to get his attention? Had I said something while unconscious in the nurse's office?

I'd been trying so hard. Trying to blend in, trying to keep everyone safe. It was disappointing to realize that, somehow, I hadn't entirely succeeded.

My stomach sank when he easily maneuvered his boring Volvo into a parking space across from 'La Bella Italia'. This was exactly where I needed to go, exactly where the girls were waiting. But, how had he known that?

"How did you…" I cut myself off, shaking my head. Why bother asking when I know he won't answer honestly.

I opened the door and climbed out. I saw Edward frown as I did so, one more thing to add to his growing list of oddities.

He was still frowning as he walked around the car to stand at my side. I glanced up at him, from the corner of my eye, wondering why he was still with me. I'd assumed we'd be assumed we'd be parting ways here.

Angela and Jessica were standing outside the restaurant, looking around anxiously. One glance at Angela's face made me feel bad, she was very near panic. Jessica, on the other hand, seemed more irritated than anything else.

I waived to get their attention. Jessica spotted me first. Her expression morphed into adoration when she saw my escort. Not that I blamed her, he had that effect on people. Angela's reaction wasn't much different, although relief was there as well.

They stared as we crossed the street towards them.

Angela snapped out of it before Jessica. "Bella, where have you been? We were so worried." As she talked she threw glances at Edward every few seconds.

Jessica's petulant expression suggested 'she' hadn't been too worried. "I got lost, and then Edward found me. I'm sorry you were worried." Edward's eyes narrowed at that. Whether it was because of the lie, or the reminder, I didn't know.

Angela nodded regally, so I assumed I was forgiven.

Now, how to I get rid of Edward? I was going through a list of subtle goodbyes when Edward stepped into my direct line of sight. "Hello, Angela. Jessica." He nodded at each of them.

Jessica giggled, fluttering her eyelashes coyly. "Hello, Edward. Do you have any plans for the night?"

Edward winced, throwing Jessica a pained look before looking at me questioningly, "Actually, I was hoping I could join you for dinner."

This time I was the one gaping at him. What the hell? Is he really inviting himself to eatwith us? A human dinner? With human food?

Angela frowned. "We ate while we were waiting for you, Bella. I'm sorry, we thought you would be back before we finished." Judging from the murderous look Jessica gave Angela, she hadn't planned on being honest about that. Jessica was willing do far worse than overeat in order to spend time in Edward's company.

I squelched a twinge of jealousy. I had no claim on Edward; it wasn't rational to be jealous because someone else wanted him. "It's okay, I'm not hungry."

Edward gave me a disappointed look, "I think you should eat something."

I think you should eat something. I mocked mentally. Before I could protest, he turned to the girls, smiling the most charmingly seductive smile. You sneaky bastard! "If it is okay with you, I'll drive Bella home after she eats. That way you don't have to wait."

I rolled my eyes, he was so obvious. Unfortunately, he was also extremely hot. There wasn't a chance in hell of them saying no.

Five minutes later, I was sitting at a private table, trying to resist the nearly uncontrollable urge to body slam our slutty waitress.

She smiled seductively at Edward, pointedly ignoring my existence. "What would you like to drink?" Whore.

Edward turned to me, silently asking me the same question. Left with no other choice, the harlot finally acknowledged me. "A coke, please?"

Edward turned back to the waitress and smiled, "Two cokes, please."

As the waitress stumbled away, I wondered if he was even aware of the effect he had on people. "You shouldn't do that. It isn't fair," I scolded.

"Do what?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes, "Dazzle them like that." When he still seemed confused I scoffed, "Come on? You have to know the effect you have on people."

He honestly seemed confused as he asked, "I dazzle them?" One more thing I didn't understand about Edward. He was a vampire; the ability to dazzle people was a lure, meant to draw his victims to him. Even if he didn't dazzle them intentionally, he had to know that.

"Yes," I nodded. "Until now, I thought you were doing on purpose." If he was lying, he was doing a unquestionably fine job of it. I couldn't find any sign of deception.

"Why would I purposefully 'Dazzle' someone?"

I laughed, "You haven't ever noticed the way people react to you? The waitress, Mrs. Cope, Jessica, Angela, Lauren. All you have to do is smile at them and they'd give you anything you wanted."

He looked down at his hands where they rested on the table, seeming to think a moment before he responded. "Do I ever 'Dazzle' you?"

I thought about it, "Just once I think." I would never understand why I answered that honestly.

He smiled, like this was good news to him.

That he could dazzle me was odd.

Or maybe not, I thought. The only vampires I'd been around were Phil and James' coven. I couldn't see myself being dazzled by my stepfather, or the people who wanted to torture me to death.

The waitress returned with our drinks. I nearly choked when I saw her. She'd made a few changes to her... outfit. Her shirt suddenly had a neckline that bordered on indecent and her skirt was several inches shorter.

I rolled my eyes and laughed quietly. She looked like an idiot, to me anyway. I knew most men wouldn't think so. She stopped next to Edward and set our drinks on the table.

"Are you ready to order?" she asked. I knew Edward was hot, hell it took me forever to stop calling him 'Adonis' in my head, but I couldn't see why women made such fools of themselves for men.

Edward raised his brow at me. Taking the hint, I glanced at the menu and ordered the first thing I saw. "Mushroom Ravioli."

"And for you, Sir?"

Edward shook his head, "Nothing. I'm not hungry."

I had to choke back another laugh at her incredulous expression, "Are you sure there isn't anything I can get for you?" I didn't miss the way she emphasized 'anything'.

Edward nodded, not even throwing a glance in her direction, instead staring at me intently. I studied his expression for a moment, "I'm not in shock. Would you relax?"

He scowled, an expression I was becoming familiar with. "You should be. A normal person would be."

I shrugged, trying to hide a grimace.

My phone vibrated, the same one I'd been searching for earlier. I pulled it out and read the caller I.D. 'Phillip: The Annoying Step-Thingie' flashed across the screen. I glanced subtly at Edward, and hit the ignore button.

Edward noticed, but didn't comment.

I focused on Edward, already plotting my way out of a tight situation, "I need you to do me a favor."

"What favor," he asked, suspiciously.

I rolled my eyes, "Relax, It's nothing too hard. I need you to keep tonight's little... Adventure to yourself. Please?" As I spoke, my phone vibrated again. Knowing it was Phil calling, I sent it to voice mail without looking at the caller ID.

"Why?"

I rolled my eyes, "Because Charlie is protective and, if he finds out about tonight, he'll freak out."

Before Edward could speak, my phone went off. Again?

That worried me, after the second time I sent it to voice mail he should have known that I couldn't answer. That he was calling a third time, meant that whatever he was calling about, was important. I frowned, the possible catastrophes numbered in the hundreds.

"Excuse me," I murmured absently to Edward. I made sure the phone wasn't producing sound of any kind of sound and that there wasn't any kind of reflective surface behind me, before I answered.

"What's wrong?" I asked, skipping the pleasantries.

'Bella, Phil here.' Really, I wouldn't have guessed that, it being your phone number and all. Get to the point already.

'We've discovered some disturbing information about the Cullen Coven.' As he talked, our waitress returned. To my surprise her clothes had been returned to their original, adult, size. She didn't linger or attempt to seduce Edward again, she set my plate down and left quietly.

I turned my mind back to the problem at hand. Relaxing my posture I tried to project exasperation, as if I was a normal teenager having a normal conversation with an authority figure.

"No, I'm in Port Angeles with a friend.' I rolled my eyes and sighed.

'Bella? Are you with one of the Cullen's right now?'

"Yes."

'Is their trouble?'

"No."

'May I ask why you are enjoying the company of someone you were supposed to be avoiding? And is this safe?'

"I couldn't help it. No. I've already gotten a few gifts I didn't see coming."

"So you know part of it already. That's why I'm calling: I met up with an... old friend who purports to have met their acquaintance. He says the un-mated male is Telepathic, and another possesses a precognitive ability. You need to leave. Now!'

Oh, shit! Edward's a freakin' mind reader? The idea nearly floored me. No, that's not possible. Had they read my mind and saw what I am, they would have come for me long ago.

"No. I've already seen the second one. I wasn't interested in the first.'

'You knew about the psychic?'

"Yes. Most of them seem nice."

'Will the Telepath be a problem?'

"I don't know, but give Renee my love." I said, trying to infuse my voice with sadness. Which was difficult, considering I didn't know what sadness sounded like.

'I understand. Given the circumstances we should limit contact to emergencies only. Are you sure you won't join us?'

I sighed, purely for Edwards benefit. "Yes, I'm sure. Charlie needs me. Besides, I like it here."

'Be careful, we'll be in touch if we discover anything else. Goodbye, Bella.'

"Goodbye, Phil." I severed the connection.

Hello! I tried to think loud, to throw my thoughts at him.

Edward! Hello!

Nothing.

Hey, how's your thirst been lately? Does hearing the blood rush through my veins make you thirsty? Does the sound of my heartbeat make you burn? You know how easy it would be to make it go away. The animals don't satisfy you, but I can. My blood would be so sweet. It's right here, so close.

Still nothing. Maybe I truly was a mental shield. If I understood correctly, a mental shield would make me invulnerable to such an ability.

"Bella? Are you well?"

"Yes. I just miss my Mom. That was my stepfather checking up on me."

He nodded.

"Sorry for the interruption. If I hadn't answered the third time he called, he would have had Charlie and the National Guard searching for my body." I rolled my eyes like any exasperated teenager would. "You aren't off the hook, you know? I still want you to promise you won't tell Charlie."

He smiled, "I promise I will not tell your father about what happened this evening."

I beamed at him, "Thank you."

He froze, his eyes going unfocused. A fraction of a second later, he snapped out of it. It was so fast, I wondered if I'd imagined the whole thing.

Before I could ask him about it, my cell vibrated again. I thought about ignoring it, but my conscience got the better of me. I could listen to Phil give me the same advice he'd given me a hundred times before.

To my surprise, it wasn't a call. It was a text. Such a simple thing, a text, so small harmless. Still, for all that, it could be incredibly powerful. I nearly cried when I saw the text, 'Waylon Forge is dead.' Charlie was going to be so heartbroken.