Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight and any of its characters.

Carlisle was walking slowly towards us, flanked by Emmett and Jasper with Alice, Rosalie and Esme at the rear. They stopped just in front of the nomads. The tables have been turned and they were the ones that were now surrounded.

Are you alright son? We came as soon as Alice saw. I gave him a slight nod and Carlisle kept his eyes trained at the nomads.

The three were surprised to see this many vampires in a group. With the exception of the Volturi, vampires usually go in twos or threes but these were seven vampires all in all, in one area.

Crimson eyes against golden, Laurent was still trying to understand why that was but nevertheless, he realized that the odds where now against them.

"I don't understand" Was the only thing that Laurent was able to say.

"You don't have to. The girl is with us." Emmett said in his strong voice. His tone implicated that Bella was with us, not as food. He cracked his fist together, showing that he was eager for a fight.

"I believe it would be best if you leave" Carlisle suggested.

"Yes, I believe so" Laurent said in defeat and gestured to his companions to follow him. I can feel Bella's stance relax behind me.

I guess I'll just have to find my food someplace else and soon. Victoria thought but she kept her thoughts alert.

"Goodbye" For now. James thoughts suddenly put me on edge. He was not letting this go.

When the three finally left the area and their thoughts finally away from me, all the rest started to relax their position.

"Wow that was exciting!" Emmett exclaimed.

"Emmett!" Esme chastised.

"If they started a fight, I would have enjoyed ripping them apart" He smiled his monster smile.

"They won't stand a chance" Jasper agreed.

"We have to leave, now!" I was finally able to say.

Bella was confused when I was starting to lead her away from the place. Without asking for her permission, I scooped her up in my arms and started running towards our vehicle with the others following behind.

"Hey! What are you doing?! I thought it was all over?" Bella was complaining.

"No it's not"

"What do you mean son?" Carlisle asked when we finally reached Emmett's truck. We all got in with Emmett at the wheel, with me and Bella in front and the rest of the family getting in the back.

"They won't be coming back, are they?" Esme asked worriedly.

"No, only the one named James. He was the one who said goodbye" Alice mirrored my concern. It looked like she already saw what was coming.

"Why?" Bella was the one who asked.

I struggled to mask the rage in my voice. This shouldn't be happening. Now, Bella's life was endangered because of someone like us.

"I saw what he was. He was a tracker, a very skilled one. He loves the challenge and we just provided him the best challenge, seven vampires protecting one human. He begins his hunt tonight."

The thoughts of my family were mixed.

All right! Bring it on!

We have to protect Bella.

I was hoping it won't lead to destroying one of our kind but if we have to…

This would be tricky.

Look what you've done. You've brought this on our family.

I ignored that last thought from Rosalie.

"What do we do now?" Bella suddenly said.

"You are not doing anything. We are going to get you someplace safe while we take care of the situation" Alice was the one who answered.

"What? No! I can't let you all risk your lives for me!" Bella exclaimed.

"Bella, we appreciate you worried for our safety but you shouldn't be. We can take care of ourselves." Esme tried to assure her.

"But this is too dangerous!" Bella reasoned.

"It is dangerous... for him!" Emmett smiled.

"You don't get it. He's not going to stop until he gets what he wants" I explained to her.

"We'll have to destroy him, tear him apart and burn him" Jasper added. Carlisle cringed at the idea.

"This is just wrong...I don't want you all to get hurt." She said worriedly.

"It's not us that you should worry about" Jasper quipped.

"Then let me come with you and help!" She demanded and my family looked at her like she was crazy.

"No! That's out of the question!" I told her. Did she really think that I would put her in danger like that?!

"I want to help! You've seen what I can do and from what I've learned earlier, I can fight" She argued. I couldn't believe she was even considering this. Just the thought of Bella fighting a vampire... No, I didn't want to think about it.

"This is different Bella. This is not the same as in Port Angeles. We're talking about fighting a vampire here" Alice was the one who replied.

"I can take care of myself." She said stubbornly. "Besides, it's me he wants. I don't want any of you to be hurt because of me. You can use me as bait if you want" She suggested.

"No!" I half shouted.

"Bella, you're family now and we protect our family. We won't be able to protect you if you'll be in the line of fire." Carlisle explained before I can let my anger get the better of me. I wasn't angry with her for suggesting herself to be used as bait. No, I can never be angry with her. I was angry with myself. Because of what I am, Bella was now in danger.

"But -" She started to protest.

"You'll just be a liability" Rosalie cut her off.

"Rosalie" I warned.

"It's true. If she's there then Edward won't be able to focus because he'll be too busy trying to make sure she won't get hurt" That actually made Bella think. I looked deep into her eyes and saw how torn she was.

"Please Bella... I won't be able to forgive myself if anything happens to you" I pleaded.

"All right…" She said in defeat.

We finally arrived at the house and everyone was busy preparing.

"How are going to do this?" Carlisle asked.

"We have to split up. The others will have to lead the tracker to a fake trail. That's where will meet him" Jasper spoke.

"All right, I'll drive Bella somewhere where she'll be safe" I told them.

"No, he's going to expect that she'll be with you. Jasper and I will take her" Alice explained. I saw it in her vision and true enough; James would be following my scent.

"Jasper, are you able to do this?" I asked him. I trust my brother that he won't hurt Bella but I wanted to be sure that he's up for this. He's going to be in close proximity with her for a long period.

Don't worry Edward, I'm in control.

Bella stood at one corner watching us and I came over to her side.

"This will be over soon and when we're done, I'll come get you as soon as possible, I promise" I kissed her hair and inhaled her scent letting the burn in my throat fill me with the strength I needed.

She nodded before speaking.

"Edward, could you give me a few minutes? I just need to go to the bathroom"

"Of course, Let me go with you" I was about to lead her when she raised her eyebrows at me in question.

"I'll just be right outside the door."

"Really?" She asked in disbelief. "Alice, a little help here?" She looked at my sister and Alice started to focus.

"He's going to wait until we would leave before he starts the chase." Alice confirmed and Bella looked at me. "See, No one's going to hurt me in the bathroom so I can go alone"

"Actually Bella, it wouldn't hurt to be safe. Have Edward go with you." Alice added and Bella frowned. "Fine" She conceded. I nodded at Alice and gave her a silent Thank You before leaving them.

Keep an eye on her Edward.

We walked silently inside the house while the rest of the family we're getting ready to leave in the garage.

"How are you feeling?" I asked her.

"Scared" But there was no trace of fear in her words. I can understand that the situation might be a lot for her to handle.

The more I need to make sure that she's away from any fight no matter what.

"Edward." Bella turned to me when we were at the bathroom door.

"Yes?"

"Could you do me a favor? I need to change into comfortable clothes. Maybe you could get one at the spare room while I wash up in the bathroom? I'll just be quick. Don't worry."

"All right, I'll be back" She smiled at me and I could see that there was something there in her eyes that I couldn't read.

I ran towards the spare room at the second floor. The room was already empty but Bella's scent still lingered. I opened the closet and saw some clothes that she wore. I got out a t-shirt and jeans and went back to the bathroom where I could hear the water running from inside.

"Bella, I'll leave the clothes at the door." I called out. There was no answer.

"Edward!" Alice called out from the living room. There was a hint of anger and urgency in her voice.

"I can't see her!"

Panic suddenly filled my every being. I opened the bathroom door and sure enough, it was empty.

AN: I hope you all enjoyed reading. I want to thank everyone who have liked, followed and reviewed my story. It really, really means a lot to me. You're the reason why I want to make sure that you have something to look forward to every week. ^^

I've also re-watched the movies so I can keep the Twilight fever going. Hehehe

Reviews are welcome. ^^