Chapter 49 – Understanding

Alice's POV

As Emmet and I ran towards Bella's truck, I couldn't help but recall Carlisle's words.

"Reuben is very dangerous; you all need to understand this.

For a short time, I lived with the Volturi, a small coven of ancient vampires and it was there I met Reuben for the very first time.

At the beginning he, like the others, led an educated and refined life as they survived on human blood. As the months passed he became more careless with his choices of victim, and more opposed to the rules and regulations the Volturi lived by.

The Volturi's attempts at controlling Reuben were unsuccessful, and he was asked to leave. I have never seen or heard from him since those days, until now.

Reuben despised me for my willpower and control; he attempted to convert me, and failed"

Had Reuben stumbled upon us by accident, or had he been searching for Carlisle?

Esme had insisted, then, that Bella get some rest and I agreed with her. The look of shock that was still apparent on her beautiful face pulled at my dead heart, almost giving it new life.

I'd taken her up to my room, positioning myself beside her, as she held tightly onto me. Sleep had come within moments, as I softly whispered calming words in her ear.

Rose had knocked gently on the door, and appeared.

"Emmet is going to get Bella's truck, I'm going with him" she had informed me, as I lifted myself from Bella's arms.

"No, I'll go… I need to see Jake…"

Rose had raised her eyebrows, "Is that such a good idea Alice?" she asked, as I gently left Bella's sleeping form.

"He needs to know what happened" I had replied, adding "Stay with her Rosalie? I don't want to leave her alone?"

I expected Rose to shift uncomfortably and suggest Esme instead.

I was pleasantly surprised when she nodded, "I won't leave her side".

We soon arrived at the clearing, to find Jake standing beside Bella's truck.

"Where is Bella" he asked, a frown appearing across his face.

Venom.

I felt it massage my throat as the anger quickly bubbled somewhere deep within me.

"Easy Alice" Emmet whispered, as both my fists clenched at my side.

"Why is her truck still here?" he continued, adding "And why are you both here?"

The venom continued to heighten my irritation and anger.

"Alice, I really think you need to calm down" Emmet continued, as he glanced from me back to Jake.

"Back off Wolfie" he continued as Jake folded his hands across his chest.

"Or what? You'll lumber over here and hurt me?" Jake scoffed.

It was running through my veins, now. The venom. I could feel it's exploration as it continued to poke at the small amount of reserve I had managed to maintain until now. Poking and prodding, searching for the annoyance it new I was feeling…

Emmet remained standing by my side, although I could feel his temper rise slightly.

"Is Bella with you?" Jake asked again, "She left me over an hour ago…"

Hatred and outrage erupted.

"And you let her walk, into the woods, alone…" I hissed, as Jake shrugged his shoulders.

"So?" he questioned.

Wrong answer Wolf….

Before Emmet could stop me, I was standing inches away from Jake, who seemed a little shocked.

"So?" I repeated, as my fist connected with the top of his cheekbone.

Crack.

The strike came with a force even I didn't think I was capable of inflicting, as my knuckles struck Jake's face.

Jake immediately fell backward, landing with a definite thud onto the floor.

Emmet was next to me, as we both looked down at Jake.

"Eat your heart out Rocky" Emmet laughed, as I took a small step back. I was still shaking as the venom slowly waved farewell, happy that its job was now done.

"You…." Jake hissed, as he stood, one hand holding his cheek bone.

"Has she broken your cheek bone, Wolf Boy?" Emmet asked, as he finally stopped laughing.

Jake looked….angry, as angry as I had felt.

"No" Jake hissed again, as his eyes fell on me.

"No? Shame" Emmet continued, adding "You'll have one hell of a bruise though".

Jake started to shake.

"You'd better get away from me" he almost whispered, as the shaking seemed to get worse.

"Oh, cool, is this where you turn into a puppy?" Emmet asked, as I placed a hand on his arm.

"Step away Emmet" I asked, as Emmet shook his head.

"Only if you step with me Alice, I'm not leaving you"

Jake's fists clenched at his side, as his head rolled back.

I continued.

"Jake, listen to me… Bella is safe, but when she left you, he found her…. The nomadic vampire… he found her…."

Jake started to take in large gulps of air as his head shot back down.

"He let her go, because he knew we were in the vicinity" I continued, as Jake growled.

"Hey, that's quite impressive" Emmet interrupted, as Jake's eyes locked with my own.

"Is… she… okay…" he whispered, as I watched him fight his inner demons. Jake was clearly in turmoil; something I had triggered. I felt a slight wave of regret.

"Bella is safe, Jake" I answered, as Jake took several steps back.

The shaking seemed to have subsided a little, but Jake still looked furious, although I suspected the fury was now aimed at himself.

"I should never have left her" he whispered as he continued to take large gulps of air.

"No, you shouldn't" Emmet replied, as Jake growled again.

I turned to Emmet, "Get in Bella's truck and start the engine".

Emmet looked as if he was about to disagree, but thought better of it.

"Sure" he answered, as he walked towards the truck.

"Next time, I'll bring you a big, fat, juicy bone" he shouted out, as he climbed into the driver's seat.

Jake took more steps back.

"Jake, I'm… sorry"

And I was. Not for punching him; he deserved that. But it had obviously triggered the potential to shape-shift, and Jake was clearly struggling to control the transformation.

Jake shook his head, "I would have punched me too" he muttered, as his breathing started to calm.

"Go, Alice. And tell her I am sorry… so very sorry…."

I nodded, "Just be careful Jake, Reuben is out there somewhere".

Jake swallowed hard, and for the first time since I had known him, he looked deep into my eyes.

"You be careful too… Rocky…" he answered, a small smile playing in his lips.

I turned to go, when Jake called out.

"Alice… I'm… I understand now. How you feel, about her I mean"

I nodded as he continued.

"Your feelings are so strong, you took on a wolf … I'm sorry for… everything"

I nodded again, adding "thanks Jake".

Jake turned but then glanced back at me, "I have your back, Alice".

I smiled, "And I have yours" I replied.