As always everything belongs to Stephanie Meyers.
8. TARGET
In the morning we continued the façade of being away on a camping trip, while Alice returned Bella home. Being away from her, for even the shortest periods, was becoming more unbearable. We stood at my car as I held Bella tight refusing to allow her leave. Alice approached and slipped into the drivers seat as I continued to clutch to Bella. I kissed Bella vigorously while Alice's thoughts were screaming at me. Ignoring Alice, I drew back and stared into Bella's eyes.
"I'll miss you," I said.
"Me too. Don't take too long to come over," she responded.
"I won't. See you soon."
"Bye," She whispered.
Letting Bella go, she slipped into the car. I Held the door open and glared at Alice. "Drive carefully, you have very precious cargo," I reminded her.
Alice reacted the way she always had, sticking her tongue out at me. Slamming the door, I backed away. Alice stomped on the gas and pulled away with my heart on board. I watched as they headed down the driveway leaving me standing there until they were out of sight, allowing Bella to go was excruciating. I approached the house already anxious without her.
Walking through the front door Emmett and Rosalie were on the couch.
"What happened? I didn't hear any yelling last night," Emmett snickered.
"Shut up, Emmett," I snapped.
"Well, is everything alright?" he asked smirking.
"Shut up, Emmett. Leave him alone," Rosalie snapped.
That surprised the both of us.
"Thanks, Rose," I said.
"No problem," she smiled at me. "Did everything go alright?" she asked.
"Yes, better than alright, in fact," I answered.
"Really…" Emmett said howling.
"Shut up, Emmett," both Rosalie and I said simultaneously.
That was enough for me and headed for my room. I started up the stairs and as I passed Esme's room she summoned me.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I wanted to talk to you about Bella," she said.
"What about her?" I questioned.
"Well, I'm concerned with what was…" she said with a peculiar tone in her voice.
"What's the matter, Esme?" I asked.
"You and Bella, have you, or are you…" she paused again.
The question in her mind jumped out at me bringing a jolt of embarrassment with it. Never having a discussion such as this previously, what would I say to her? She was growing anxious knowing the question was out there.
"No… never… I couldn't," I answered quickly.
"I just thought with the new bed that maybe you were…"
Cutting her off quickly. "It's too dangerous, I would never put her in that kind of danger," I responded.
"Edward, sometimes when things are new, we have a hard time with control. You remember how hard it was to control your thirst at first. I'm sure this is the same, not easily controlled. I worry. And your right, it's dangerous for her… possible, but dangerous," Esme explained.
"There's no need to worry about that. It's never going to happen, not while she's human, which if I get my way, we'll never do that."
"Okay, I was just wondering."
"Thanks for caring so much," I said before leaving.
Making my way to my room it was strange seeing a bed in there. For as many years as I can remember I had never had a bed, never having a need for one. Stretching out on the bed flashes of our night together filled my mind. They were memories I would preserve forever. Bella's scent had imbedded in the blankets and sheets. I had considered never washing them again, but that seemed too juvenile. With her scent swirling my mind the discussion I had with Esme came rushing back. My mind lost all rational when clouded by Bella's scent and losing control really wasn't unrealistic when my guard was down.
Control was my burden that was stowed upon me when I became what I am, and up until now, it wasn't a problem. Since meeting Bella it was becoming remarkably difficult, but if it were possible to endure my thirst, then indeed I had the ability to abstain. With the dangers set clear in my mind, risking her life that way was inconceivable, but she had the power of persuasion on her side and resisting remained challenging. Control was the key, focusing my brain on the dangers that existed and the ways I could harm her, always helped.
Alice returned with my car, which meant I was able to leave for Bella's now. Going down the stairs, Alice confronted me half way down.
"I take it everything went well last night?" she asked.
"What is with everyone's sudden interest in my relationship?" I asked.
"Edward, in case you hadn't noticed, we all love her too. We are anxiously awaiting the day she joins our family," she said smiling.
"Alice, that's not going to happen, besides, she's already part of this family, remember?" I said reminding her of her very words.
"I know. I just wasn't sure you knew," she said as she made her way up the stairs.
Continuing my way down, she threw one last thought my way.
I'm glad everything is working out. Have fun today! she offered.
Making my way to the car, happiness spread threw me, as it was time to return to Bella. Arriving at her house, I got out of my car, and strolled to the door. Ringing the doorbell I was aware that Bella would answer because Charlie did everything possible to avoid speaking to me. I was unsuccessful in changing his mind about me, after all this time. I realized that he would always be unhappy that Bella chose me.
Bella swung the door open.
Immediately my senses snapped to attention, something was wrong. The odor flowing from her house was incorrect. It was a familiar odor… someone had been here, no one I knew, but definitely one of our kind. My eyes widened, my nostrils flared and my lips pulled back over my teeth.
"Edward?" her voice was sharp with shock reading my expression. "What...?"
Putting my fingers to her lips. "Give me two seconds," I whispered. "Don't move."
Moving quickly I swept up the stairs to her room. The scent was strongest in her bedroom –it enveloped the entire room. After checking the bathroom I returned to the front door. Bella remained motionless exactly where I had left her. I put my arms around her waist and towed her swiftly toward the kitchen. My eyes darted around the room as I held her against my body shielding her from any danger.
"Someone's been here," I murmured in her ear after pulling her to the back of the kitchen. My voice was strained and inaudible over the thumping of the washing machine.
"I swear that no werewolves…" she started to say.
"Not one of them," I interrupted her quickly, shaking my head. "One of us."
Who could it be? What were they looking for? Needing answers there was only one place I could get them. My thoughts were spiraling quickly around my mind.
Bella was scared, the blood draining from her face.
"Victoria?" she choked out.
"It's not a scent I recognized."
"One of the Volturi," she guessed.
"Probably," I answered without thought.
"When?"
"That's why I think it must have been them –it wasn't long ago, early this morning while Charlie was sleeping. And, whoever it was didn't touch him, so there must have been another purpose."
What were they doing here? It was much too soon, for the Volturi to be looking for Bella. Her human status shouldn't be an issue to them for at least a few years. That led me to believe that there was something else they were looking for.
"Looking for me?" Bella asked.
I refused to answer and my body froze turning statuesque. I heard Charlie approaching wondering what we were whispering about.
"What are you two hissing about in here?" Charlie asked suspiciously, rounding the corner with an empty popcorn bowl in his hands. His suspicions were unfounded as he assumed we were fighting. Bella stood horror stricken unable to answer him.
Charlie's expression changed. Abruptly, he was grinning. "If you two are having a fight… well, don't let me interrupt."
He sauntered out of the kitchen returning to the living room. I ignored his rude comments because I had more pressing problems to worry about at the moment.
"Let's go," I said in a low hard voice.
"But Charlie!" she was panicked and her breathing becoming uneasy.
Deliberating for a moment I pulled my phone from my pocket. Quickly dialing a number I pressed the phone to my ear.
"Emmett," I muttered into the receiver talking to fast for Bella to understand. "I need you and Jasper at Bella's house immediately. There was someone here and I need to get her out of here. Sweep the woods. I need to talk to Alice… Hurry."
Shutting the phone I began pulling Bella toward the door.
"Emmett and Jasper are on their way," I whispered feeling her resistance. "They'll sweep the woods. Charlie is fine."
Dragging her along, I had her out the door before Charlie could say anything.
"Where are we going?" she was still whispering even though we were in the car.
"We're going to talk to Alice," I told her, my voice at a normal level.
"You think maybe she saw something?"
Staring at the road through narrowed eyes. "Maybe," more like I was hoping Alice had. I was hoping her insight could explain exactly what was going on here.
My family was waiting for us on alert after my call. Everyone was motionless, in various stages of stress. They were concerned both with Bella's safety and our own.
"What happened?" I demanded, as soon as we were through the door. Glowering at Alice my hands fisted in anger.
Alice stood with her arms folded tight across her chest. Only her lips moved. "I have no idea. I didn't see anything."
"How is that possible?" I hissed.
"Edward," Bella said in disapproval.
Carlisle interrupted in a calming voice. "It's not an exact science, Edward."
"He was in her room, Alice. He could have still been there –waiting for her."
"I would have seen that."
Throwing up my hands in exasperation. "Really? You're sure?"
Alice answered coldly. "You've already got me watching the Volturi's decisions, watching for Victoria's return, watching Bella's every step. You want to add another? Do I just have to watch Charlie, or Bella's room, or the house, or the whole street, too? Edward, if I try to do too much, things are going to start slipping through the cracks."
"It looks like they already are," I snapped.
We already had some pretty big cracks… someone had been there. Having this knowledge made me insane, the fact that someone had gotten that close to her…
"She was never in any danger. There was nothing to see."
"If you're watching Italy, why didn't you see them send…"
"I don't think it's them," Alice insisted. "I would have seen that."
"Who else would leave Charlie alive?"
Bella shuddered at hearing the danger Charlie almost faced. But that was the key, leaving Charlie unharmed was important information. Uncertain of their purpose, I knew this information had to be significant.
"I don't know," Alice said.
"Helpful," I snapped.
How could she not know? One of the most important things I ever needed her to do and she was failing. Having Alice clueless disturbed me. How could that happen?
"Stop it, Edward," Bella whispered.
Turning to Bella I was livid and my teeth clenched together. Glaring at her for half a second, abruptly I exhaled. My eyes widened and my jaw relaxed. I regained control and the fury was fading.
"You're right, Bella. I'm sorry," I said looking at Alice. "Forgive me, Alice. I shouldn't be taking this out on you. That was inexcusable."
I felt like a heel and taking my anger out on Alice was unacceptable. I attempted to control my anger… anger would not help the situation. Reining in the anger, my mind switched immediately to calculation. I was calculating all the possibilities surrounding this incident.
"I understand," Alice assured me. "I'm not happy about it, either."
Taking a deep breath. "Okay, let's look at this logically. What are the possibilities?"
Everyone seemed to relax at once. Alice leaned against the back of the couch. Carlisle walked slowly toward her, his eyes far away. Esme sat on the sofa in front of Alice, curling her legs up on the seat. Only Rosalie remained unmoving, her back to us, staring out the glass wall. She was concerned, worried about our family and who this was. She was wishing Emmett would return.
I pulled Bella to the sofa and sat her next to Esme who shifted to put her arm around Bella. I held one of Bella's hands tightly in both of mine.
"Victoria?" Carlisle asked.
Shaking my head. "No. I didn't know the scent. He might have been from the Volturi, someone I've never me…"
Alice shook her head. "Aro hasn't asked anyone to look for her yet. I will see that. I'm waiting for it."
My head snapped up. "You're watching for an official command."
"You think someone's acting on their own? Why?"
"Caius's idea," I suggested, my face tightened again.
With Caius's objection to Bella leaving, it wouldn't surprise me, if it were he who was behind this. He had strong opinions of how the situation in Italy was handled. Would he really go against Aro's wishes?
"Or Jane's…," Alice offered. "They both have the resources to send an unfamiliar face…"
I scowled. "And the motivation."
Why now? Why would either one of them hold such interest in Bella. It didn't appear right, nothing added up. Processing all the information I was bewildered by a motivation.
"It doesn't make sense, though," Esme said. "If whoever it was meant to wait for Bella, Alice would have seen that. He –or she –had no intention of hurting Bella. Or Charlie, for that matter."
Bella cringed at her father's name, again.
"It's going to be fine, Bella," Esme murmured, smoothing her hair.
"But what was the point then?" Carlisle mused.
"Checking to see if I'm still human?" Bella guessed.
That could be an option, but it still seemed unlikely.
"Possible," Carlisle said.
Rosalie breathed out a sigh, loud enough for everyone to hear. She'd unfrozen, and her face was turned expectantly toward the kitchen. I, on the other hand, was discouraged. I was coming up with nothing concrete and it was frustrating.
Emmett burst through the kitchen door, Jasper right behind him.
"Long gone, hours ago," Emmett announced, disappointed. "The trail went East, then South, and disappeared on a side road. Had a car waiting."
Damn it, damn it, damn it, could we not catch a break.
"That's bad luck," I muttered. "If he'd gone west… well, it would be nice for those dogs to make themselves useful."
Bella winced, and Esme rubbed her shoulder.
Jasper looked at Carlisle. "Neither of us recognized him. But here," he held out a broken fern frond. Carlisle took it from him and held it to his face. "Maybe you know the scent."
"No," Carlisle said. "Not familiar. No one I've ever met."
"Perhaps we're looking at this wrong way. Maybe it's a coincidence…," Esme began, but stopped when she saw everyone else's incredulous expressions. "I don't mean a coincidence that a stranger happened to pick Bella's house to visit at random. I meant that maybe someone was just curious. Our scent is all around her. Was he wondering what draws us there?"
"Why wouldn't he just come here then? If he was curious?" Emmett demanded.
"You would," Esme said with a sudden, fond smile. "The rest of us aren't always so direct. Our family is very large –he or she might be frightened. But Charlie wasn't harmed. This doesn't have to be an enemy."
Esme's theory wasn't making sense. Whoever this was, went directly to Bella's house, nowhere else. Someone who was curious about us wouldn't have gone other places. As much as I wanted this to be nothing, it wasn't. This was bigger than I had anticipated. Whoever this was knew exactly what they were doing. Going directly to her house when entering town, then leaving in a waiting car, indicating more than one searching for something in particular.
Alice broke the silence. "I don't think so. The timing of it was too perfect… This visitor was so careful to make no contact. Almost like he or she knew that I would see…"
My mind began processing this immediately. Who knew about Alice? There were only specific individuals who were aware of Alice, so that would narrow the list. Could she be right? Was it someone who knew us? My money was still on Italy, being the most logical solution.
"He could have other reasons for not making contact," Esme reminded her.
"Does it really matter who it was?" Bella asked. "Just the chance that someone was looking for me… isn't that reason enough? We shouldn't wait for graduation."
That was not the answer. That would never be a resolution to the problem. Having been over this subject relentlessly, making this decision would not happen under duress. It would always be her choice.
"No, Bella," I said quickly. "It's not that bad. If you're really in danger, we'll know."
"Think of Charlie," Carlisle reminded her. "Think of how it would hurt him if you disappeared."
"I am thinking of Charlie! He's the one I'm worried about! What if my little guest had happened to be thirsty last night? As long as I'm around Charlie, he's a target, too. If anything happened to him, it would be all my fault!"
"Hardly, Bella," Esme said, patting her hair again. "Nothing will happen to Charlie. We're just going to have to be more careful."
"More careful?" Bella repeated in disbelief.
"It's all going to be fine, Bella," Alice promised as I squeezed her hand.
Nothing Bella could say would adjust my mind, the subject had twisted to one I was reluctant to discuss and I took this as our cue to depart. I had to return her home where I could get things back in my control. Bella could be quite persuasive and all her insane talk could possibly lead to unchangeable conditions. I refuse to allow that to happen, so it was better to be away from my family. They were too eager to have her join us.
The ride to Bella's house was silent. She was upset, not without reason. It must be incredibly terrifying for her under the circumstances. She was so fragile and soft with no way of protecting herself, but I would protect her, she had to know that. There was need for her to be upset, I was here guarding her and Charlie at all cost. I wanted to reassure her and searched for something to say.
"You won't be alone for a second," I promised as I drove her home. "Someone will always be there. Emmett, Alice, Jasper…"
She sighed. "This is ridiculous. They'll get so bored, they'll have to kill me themselves, just for something to do."
Giving her a sour look. "Hilarious, Bella."
She hated the thought of being watched and wanted the ability to protect herself, but that wasn't going to happen. She would have to accept the help we were giving.
Arriving back at her house, Charlie was in a good mood. Sensing the tension between Bella and I, he had jumped to the wrong conclusion, again. He thought we were fighting and I suppose we were in a way –we disagreed on the way to handle this –but that wouldn't last. He wore a smug smile while Bella was making dinner.
Taking the opportunity at dinnertime, to excuse myself, leaving to do some surveillance. Running through the forest, I made a sweep around the property searching for anything dangerous. Satisfied with my efforts, I returned to the house.
"Jacob called again," Charlie announced purposely as I entered the room.
"Is that a fact?" Bella stated.
Charlie frowned at her lack of enthusiasm. "Don't be petty, Bella. He sounded really low."
"Is Jacob paying you for all the P.R., or are you a volunteer?"
Charlie was not happy with her question… he was still pulling for Jacob. Knowing the truth about Jacob he'd probably feel different. Then again, knowing the truth about me would send him over the deep end.
After officially leaving for the evening, I began another sweep of the woods. Running into Emmett, who was doing the same as I, it pleased me to know they were taking this as seriously as I was.
"Emmett," I whispered.
"Edward, is that you?" Emmett answered.
"Yeah. Did you find anything else?" I asked.
"No. But were watching. Don't worry you can go back."
"Thanks, Emmett. You know where I'll be," I said.
"Yeah, somewhere dry," Emmett responded laughing.
"Ha, ha. You're funny. See you later."
I returned to Bella's house, going up the wall and through her window. Barely any time had passed before she came to her room. After a very long day, she took to her bed with me joining her. Lying down next to her, I began singing her to sleep. She slept silently during the night leaving me to believe she was feeling safe. I was grateful she slept so soundly leaving me time to consider today's events.
I needed to figure out who was here and what they wanted. Calculating everything in my mind was maddening and I was still coming up empty handed with no reasons at all. I was very frustrated and my concern remained that we would miss a crucial piece of information, but I was using all of my capabilities to ensure this wouldn't reoccur again. This now changed my list of proprieties.
Watching her sleep, imagining my life without her was unbearable. Was this wrong of me? That remained the question that still haunted me. With everything that had ensued, along with what was occurring now, my place in her life remained uncertain. The pain over Jacob, the constant state of fear, my presence here continued to be catastrophic for her. This made me question my existence here… once again. That was a question I had presented to myself many times over.
What was I to do? At these moments my decision appeared clear, leaving her was the only choice that made sense. How would I accomplish that? Having left once, it would be more difficult now. She would strongly object to my suggestion, so if that's what I decide, she could have no awareness of it. And if I left again… I could never return… ever. Could I really do that?
Instantly Jacob's memories came flooding threw my mind. Memories of Bella the last time I had left her. She was so wounded, unable to cope, how could I do that to her again? Having this knowledge was the solitary motivation preventing me from changing my mind. Nevertheless, if it were best for her, if her health and safety were in danger, I couldn't be responsible for that. I refuse to leave under those circumstances.
Where would that leave me? With the one question I had since meeting her, was this wrong of me? From an ethical perspective yes, the answer was always, yes. However, from another perspective I appeared selfish. Selfish was my desire to remain with her for the rest of my existence. A selfish creature I was, and apparently a selfish creature I would continuously be.
Morning brought with it a sense of guilt, both on my part and hers. I felt guilty for everything I created in her world. Without my interference she would live a normal happy existence. Without my intrusion she would continue on to college, get married and have children. If I hadn't appeared in her world she would be safe and happy. The guilt was devastating, leaving me with that same question, was this wrong of me?
She was feeling guilty for not forgiving Jacob. I knew she would call him and let him off the hook… it was just a matter of time. That pleased me for two reasons, first being how upset she was not talking to Jacob, and second, which was far more important at the moment, we required all the help we could get. Requiring assistance from the wolves was loathsome, but with their help perhaps nothing would fall through the cracks.
"I'm going to let Jacob off the hook," she warned me, after she'd eaten breakfast.
"I knew you'd forgive him," I said with a smile. "Holding grudges is not one of your many talents."
She rolled her eyes, looking pleased. She picked up the phone and began dialing.
"Hello?"
"Jacob?"
"Bella!" he exclaimed. "Oh, Bella, I'm so sorry!" he stuttered his words hurrying to get them out. "I swear I didn't meant it. I was just being stupid. I was angry –but that's no excuse. It was the stupidest thing I've ever said in my life and I'm sorry. Don't be mad at me, please? Please. Lifetime of servitude up for grabs –all you have to do is forgive me."
"I'm not mad. You're forgiven."
"Thank you," he breathed. "I can't believe I was such a jerk."
"Don't worry about that –I'm used to it."
Their relationship was special, but still it was increasing difficult to listen this conversation. It was rude of me to listen as intently as I was, but I couldn't help myself. It was not as if I had a choice –to listen to their conversation –it was more like a necessity.
Jacob laughed with relief. "Come down to see me," he begged. "I want to make it up to you," I tensed over his last statement, I'm sure he wanted to make it up to her.
Bella frowned. "How?"
"Anything you want. Cliff diving," he suggested, laughing again.
Exactly why I had such a problem with her hanging out with him… cliff diving. Was he insane? She was not immortal the way we were, she could get hurt or worse. He was too young to understand that.
"Oh, there's a brilliant idea."
"I'll keep you safe," he promised. "No matter what you want to do."
She glared at me. I gave her no indication of my mood.
"Not right now."
"He's not thrilled with me, is he?" Jacob's voice was ashamed, rather than bitter.
"That's not the problem. There's… well, there's this other problem that's slightly more worrisome than a bratty teenage werewolf…" her attempt at joking was not working having an underlining of concern.
"What's wrong?" he demanded.
"Um," she said uncertain.
Knowing she was uncertain of how much to tell him, I felt the need to step in at this moment. Her loyalty was unwavering and I loved her for it. Holding out my hand for the phone. She looked at me carefully.
"Bella?" Jacob asked.
I sighed, holding my hand closer to her.
"Do you mind speaking to Edward?" she asked apprehensively. "He wants to talk to you."
There was a long pause.
"Okay," Jacob finally agreed. "This should be interesting."
Not caring what he thought, I would put my prejudices aside for the moment, to protect her. It was essential to explain to him what was going on. Bella handed me the phone with a warning in her eyes. There was no basis for a warning… there would be no argument with him today.
"Hello, Jacob," I said politely.
"What's up? Something must be terribly wrong if you're willing to talk to me?" he answered.
"Someone was here –not a scent I know," I explained. "Has your pack come across anything new?"
"No, not that I know of, but there's only so far we can go, what with you being back. We're limited to our own land," he answered.
"Here's the crux, Jacob, I won't be letting Bella out of my sight till I get this taken care of. It's nothing personal…"
"Quit lying, this is all personal. You know she would be safer here with me, we could protect her," he snapped.
"You might be right…"
"Look, at least let us come up there and get familiar with the scent. Give us something to work with. I'd also like to stretch out our boundary lines so we could protect more land near Forks. And, I'd like the freedom to come and go from Bella's house," Jacob suggested.
"That's an interesting suggestion. We're quite willing to renegotiate. If Sam is amenable."
"I'll convince him, don't worry about Sam."
"Thank you," I replied.
"Who's going with you to follow the trail? And what do you plan to do with Bella?" he asked catching me off guard. Jacob knew me better than I'd expected.
"I'd planned to go alone, actually," I said. "And leave her with the others."
"Would you consider leaving her with me when she is not with you? I want to make sure she's safe. Can you consider that, please?" he pleaded with me.
"I'll try to consider it objectively," I promised. "As objectively as I'm capable of."
"I'm coming there to see what I can come up with, maybe I can pick up on something you missed," he offered.
"That's not a half-bad idea. When?"
"Right now, if that's okay?"
"No, that's fine. I'd like a chance to follow the trail personally, anyway. Ten minutes," I asked.
"Yeah, I'll be there, she'll be safe. Go check out the trail," Jacob suggested.
"Certainly," I said. Holding the phone back out. "Bella."
She took it slowly, looking confused.
"What was that all about?" she asked Jacob, unhappy that we were making arrangements without her.
"A truce, I think. Hey, do me a favor," Jacob suggested. "Try to convince your bloodsucker that the safest place for you to be –especially when he leaves –is on the reservation. We're well able to handle anything."
"Is that what you were trying to sell him?"
"Yes. It makes sense. Charlie's probably better off here, too. As much as possible."
"Get Billy on it," she agreed. "What else?"
"Just rearranging some boundaries, so we can catch anyone who gets too near Forks. I'm not sure if Sam will go for it, but until he comes around, I'll keep an eye on things."
"What do you mean by 'keep an eye on things'?"
"I mean that if you see a wolf running around your house, don't shoot at it."
"Of course not. You really shouldn't do anything… risky, though."
"Don't be stupid. I can take care of myself."
Bella sighed.
"I also tried to convince him to let you visit. He's prejudiced, so don't let him give you any crap about safety. He knows as well as I do that you'd be safe here."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"See you in a few," Jacob said.
"You're coming up?"
"Yeah. I'm going to get the scent of your visitor so we can track him if he comes back."
"Jake, I really don't like the idea of you tracking…"
"Oh please, Bella," he interrupted, laughing he hung up.
All of this was very difficult for me to hear and process. Knowing that he was right, that when she wasn't with me she should be with him, he would protect her as well as I could. Although, I wasn't crazy with the idea of cliff diving and Jacob could tend to be a risk taker, I was assured he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her.
Being friends with him was impossible, however I would tolerate him in order to protect the area better. The more people watching, the more probable it would be to find whoever was here. Having to rely on him –my mortal enemy –was ghastly, however, I would hide whatever my feelings were, until this was over.
If the wolves were keeping an eye on the west, we could handle the east side of town. All bases appeared covered and if Jacob could convince Sam to extend their boundary lines, then we would have every neck of Forks and the surrounding area guarded.
Calculating in my mind who it was we were looking for, I referred to my list. My list remained the same leaving only two possibilities, Victoria or the Volturi. Reasons weren't important… no matter why someone was after her, the fact remained they were, and we needed to find out pretty fast who it was.
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