Chapter Twenty Nine

Bella

The drive was fast but the scenery beautiful and Edward left me to my own thoughts. I wanted to ask him about the new discovery, my new sibling, but I didn't want to hear his voice. It put me on edge as did the looks he gave me when he thought I wasn't looking. He looked hungry and it scared me but if Jasper had sent him then he obviously believed I'd be safe and I must too. Sometimes I wished I'd phoned him before leaving the villa but it was too late now and he was gone to...wherever. To someone who needed his help more than I did.

"Where are Peter and Charlotte?"

I asked suddenly. I'd forgotten all about them in my haste to leave the villa.

He turned to me and smiled touching my cheek with a cold hand,

"Don't worry Bella I'll look after you. They had to go too, they didn't say where but their talents are in great demand. They are far too bloodthirsty and dangerous for a sensitive soul like you. That's why he sent me."

I watched as he drove after that, not feeling at all easy. Peter and Charlotte had no other jobs, they worked with Jasper looking after Aro's children and there were only three, no four of us now. Alice, Shaun who Jasper said was safe now, the new find, and me. So why was I being left to Edward. Was it the Major who'd pulled them off me? Maybe he knew something they didn't.

Edward

Luckily she still had the paperwork Jasper had left with her for when she would fly back to Forks. We got through the Swiss border easily enough and although she had become thoughtful Bella didn't give me any trouble. We stopped soon after the border so she could eat and rest. I chose a hotel on the main road so we could get away quickly if necessary but made sure she got a room with a good view. I helped her up to the room and left her to shower while I decided on my next move. Switzerland wasn't far enough away once he started looking, we needed to get further away and quickly so I rang and arranged a private jet to fly us to Bergen, Norway. If I felt he was getting close we could always take a ship out from one of Norway's many ports. I arranged for Room Service to deliver a meal and while Bella was in the shower I went out quickly and bought her some clothes that would do her for now. I didn't want to be away too long because she might get it into her head to ring the Whitlocks. I had no idea if she knew their numbers and I'd taken her cell phone but I wasn't taking any chances now I had her.

Bella

I heard Edward order me a meal and then leave so I finished in the shower as quickly as I could with my still bad ankle then went through to the sitting area., The meal smelled good and I was very hungry so I sat to eat instead of doing what I wanted but couldn't, ring Jasper or Peter. I had no idea of their numbers and my cell phone had disappeared. I'd ask Edward when he got back. I wondered if he'd gone to hunt because his eyes were much darker than Jaspers had been even when he smelled the blood from my cut lip. As I finished eating Edward came back with some bags which he presented me with a flourish. I looked inside and saw clothes, a good selection but not what I would have chosen.

"Thanks but I could have shopped for myself"

"Don't be silly, with a bad ankle and the Volturi still around."

"Could you protect me from the Volturi?"

"That's an insult Bella. Do you think Jasper would have asked me if I couldn't do the job?"

I shook my head but I still felt nervous.

"I think I'd like to speak to Jasper or Peter please."

"Sure, but we don't have time now. You need to get dressed, we have a plane to catch. You can ring when we land."

"Where are we going now?"

"It's a surprise Bella."

"I hate surprises Edward"

"You'll like this one "

I dressed in the clothes he'd picked for me, raising my eyebrows at the lacy underwear but there was no alternative.

We drove in silence to a private airfield where a very sleek-looking jet waited for us. I looked at it in astonishment,

"Jasper arranged this?"

"Well no. The plane was my idea but he didn't mind."

I didn't think it would be Jaspers style and it certainly wasn't low profile but again I had no choice.

"So where are we going?"

I asked once we were in the air

"Trondheim, Norway."

"Norway? Why there? Its cold and wet and snowy."

"You'll love it Bella, it's so beautiful."

"I'm not interested in the beauty just being safe and I don't like the thought of being so far from Jasper and the others."

"I am capable of keeping you safe. Jasper understands that."

Was I being passed around yet again? Was this the way my life was going to be, like the prize in pass the parcel the kids game, until either I died or Aro gave up on me?

Edward

Once we landed in Norway I had a rental car waiting and a beautiful chalet by a fjord already arranged. Bella slept in the car insisting in sitting in the back so she could stretch out. I'd hoped to enjoy the beautiful scenery with her but as a human she needed her sleep. I woke her once we got to the chalet and she staggered groggily as she walked up the steps giving me the opportunity to hold her round the waist. She was so warm and delicate like a rare butterfly and one that I desired for myself. I think she must have felt my desire because she stiffened before pulling away.

"I'd like to clean up please Edward."

I showed her through to the opulent bathroom sure she would appreciate it but her brow furrowed,

"Are you sure Jasper arranged this?"

"Well he wanted you to be comfortable so I arranged this. Its better than the place he was going to put you."

She looked round as if comparing it with somewhere else, to its detriment

"What's the matter? Don't you like it? I thought you'd enjoy the luxury."

"I want to go home, not live in a gilded cage Edward and I want to talk to Jasper please."

Bella

Edward looked almost annoyed that I wasn't gushing over the luxury of the place but I'd rather be back in the crumbling villa with Jasper. I wanted to talk to him but Edward seemed reluctant.

"Bella, he's not going to talk to you. He has more important things to do now so he's left your security to me."

My heart sank, so I was right, I was the parcel again. For the second time I almost hated Jasper Hale. Each time I thought he was going to look after me he ran away and left the problem, me, to someone else. Well fair enough, this time I wouldn't let him hurt me. I'd let Edward take care of me, who knows I might even get to like him. Firstly I needed to make my peace with him, I'd been a real bitch so far.

"It's beautiful Edward. Thank you for arranging it, I'm sorry I've been so off with you. I'm just scared and tired, Thank you for volunteering to look after me, it means putting your own life on hold."

"That's not a problem Bella. You know I'm fond of you and I was rather hoping some time together might persuade you that you like me too."

"I don't know Edward. Everything is up in the air at the moment. I really don't want to commit to anything"

He smiled, it was a lovely smile but unlike Jaspers it didn't stop my heart from beating, but then I'd probably never see Jaspers smile again so I'd make the best of Edward.

He took me through to the lounge which had a huge wall of glass over looking the water and snow topped peaks beyond. In the grate burned a huge log fire and I could see myself curled in one of the huge leather chairs pulled close to the crackling logs reading a book from the huge bookcase against another wall. I excused myself to clean up and unpack my bags before following my nose through to the kitchen where Edward was cooking me a meal. I was pleasantly surprised by his culinary skills when he presented me with a mixed salad and cheese soufflé cooked to perfection. Afterwards there were chocolate covered strawberries and ice cream. By the time I'd finished and walked back to the fire I was feeling mellow and a lot happier to be in Edward Cullens company. He had made a huge effort on my behalf so when he sat beside me and held his arm out I snuggled into his side and put my head on his chest. I fell asleep like this but in my dreams it wasn't Edward but Jasper who cuddled me and when I woke it was with a shock that I saw Edward smiling down on me. He bent his head and kissed me gently on the cheek as Jasper had done and my tears wouldn't be held back. He wanted to know what was upsetting me and thinking quickly I told him I was just scared. He held me close and I tensed inwardly, I knew he wanted more but as soon as I closed my eyes it was Jasper I saw, Jaspers scent that filled my nostrils. Edward was too sweet, his body too angular but I tried, he deserved some reward for what he'd done.

I allowed him to carry me through to the bedroom and tuck me up in bed, turning out the light and kissing me good night. Once he'd shut the door my tears started once more and I stifled them as best I could. I didn't want him coming back into the bedroom to console me. I didn't sleep that night, every time I closed my eyes I saw Jasper again, why couldn't I accept that he didn't feel anything for me, whatever he'd said and despite the impression I'd got. I was never going to see him or be in his arms again but I couldn't help wishing.