It was almost lunchtime and Bella was tired of all the pitying looks she was getting from everyone. She knew she should have stayed home from school but no one would let her. Not even Rosalie would agree. She had been counting on Rosalie wanted to keep her at home.
She figured since Rosalie had the red eyes it would be easy to convince her to stay home for a day or two. But no. Rosalie grabbed some sunglasses and spent the day pretending to have a migraine. The humans bought it so easy despite none of the Cullens ever having so much as a cold.
"Bella," Angela greeted sitting down beside Bella. It was the first class they shared together for the day. It was also the first time talking to Angela since Angela learned about the supernatural world. Angela was spending a lot of time in La Push with Paul and the other wolves and imprints.
"Angela," Bella exclaimed in relief.
Jasper had called Paul and told him about Charlie. Most of the wolves were angry that Rosalie had turned Charlie but when they heard from Jasper that Charlie requested it, they let it go. Bella remembered overhearing Jasper say that they would have Charlie call Billy and let them know he did want to be turned. Paul had passed along the information to Angela.
"How are you?" Angela asked concerned.
It was different when Angela asked how she was compared to the other people at school. For one, Angela actually cared how she was feeling and Angela was the only other one that knew he wasn't dead. "I'm okay," Bella answered. "He's in Alaska with Emmett right now and Alice says he's doing well."
"Good," Angela said with a nod. "I saw Rosalie earlier. She was wearing sunglasses and claiming she had a migraine. Do vampires get migraines?"
Bella laughed. "No, they don't," she answered. "Her eyes are red so she has to wear the glasses."
"Red," Angela repeated. "But that means human blood." She glanced at Bella, as if she were trying to find bite marks on her.
Bella rolled her eyes. "She didn't bite me," Bella muttered. "She's been feeding on blood bags. She refuses to leave me alone to go hunt so this is what they came up with."
Class started so they couldn't talk more. Bella tapped her fingers to the desk in boredom. With a tracker and a random nomad hunting her down and Edward hellbent on killing Rosalie, school no longer held Bella's interest. There were more important things to worry about.
Angela seemed to notice Bella's heart wasn't in school. At the end of class, she presented Bella with a second copy of notes. "Angela," Bella said. She was torn between be grateful and being embarrassed.
"I know you're a bit stressed. I figured this would help," Angela said with a soft smile. She patted Bella's hand. "If you need me, you know where to find me." She started to walk away but stopped after a few steps. "You should call Paul. He misses you."
It was lunchtime now and Bella did not want to go to the cafeteria. She wasn't sure where she wanted to go. All she knew was she felt like she was suffocating inside the school. She knew as soon as she decided Alice would see it and Rosalie would be by her side in an instant. That didn't bother her. She wanted Rosalie by her side all day. She wished Rosalie wasn't already a senior so they could have more classes together.
Bella watched all the students rush toward the cafeteria. She couldn't understand why they were all in such a hurry to eat gross cafeteria food. When most of the students were gone, Bella turned and walked out of the school. Her destination was one of the tables near the edge of the woods.
She didn't get far before Rosalie's familiar presence was beside her. "It's dangerous to be out here alone," Rosalie reminded her.
"I know," Bella said, slipping her hand in Rosalie's. "I also knew Alice would see my decision and tell you. I knew I wouldn't be alone long."
They sat down at the table. Bella's thigh was pressed against Rosalie's. Bella put her head on the table. "Do you want to talk about it?" Rosalie asked, taking her sunglasses off and tossing them onto the table. She removed her jacket and wrapped it around Bella's shoulders.
"Everyone is talking about Charlie. I know they have no way of knowing he's not dead but it's still frustrating," Bella said. "I hate the sympathy looks everyone is giving me and having to pretend I'm sad."
Rosalie took her hand. "It'll go back to normal soon enough. I know it must be a strange position to be in. I've never lost someone I've loved so I can't imagine how you feel right now and it's different seeing as Charlie is still alive in a way."
"You've never lost someone you've loved?" Bella asked. "What about your family?"
Rosalie shrugged. "I stopped caring the moment I turned. My parents were so eager to sell me off to Royce." She shook her head. "They're not my family. You are."
Bella slid onto Rosalie's lap. Rosalie wrapped her arms around her waist and put her head on Bella's shoulder. "Do we have to stay?" Bella questioned. "I would much rather go home."
"We should stay," Rosalie started. Bella's face fell. "But if you really want to leave then Carlisle and Esme will cover for us both." Bella sighed in relief.
She looked toward the parking lot where Carlisle's Mercedes was. With Emmett gone, early acceptance into college was the excuse, they couldn't use his Jeep any longer. Edward's Volvo was now a pile of scrap metal thanks to Rosalie's temper. That just left Bella's truck, that all the vampires hated because it was slow, Jasper's motorcycle and Rosalie's sports car.
"Alice should get a car," Bella said. Rosalie raised an eyebrow at her. "Well Emmett is supposed to be gone…with his jeep and you killed Edward's car. We need a couple more."
"Is that your way of saying that you're okay if I bought you a car?" Rosalie asked excitedly. Bella glared at her. "What if I rebuilt one for you?" Rosalie questioned thinking about the magazine she had been searching. "You could pick it out."
"You want to build me a car?" Bella questioned, wanting to make sure she heard Rosalie correctly.
"I know you don't want a brand-new car. I thought you might be more willing to accept a rebuilt car of your choice," Rosalie said with a shrug. "If you would rather fix up your truck, that is fine too."
"Okay," Bella agreed. "Can we look at cars sometime?"
"Anytime you want," Rosalie promised. She shifted Bella off her lap and stood up. "Come on. Let's go home."
Bella followed Rosalie into the woods with no fear. While she wasn't afraid to follow Rosalie into the woods, she was confused. "Why are we in the woods?" Bella questioned.
"We're going to run," Rosalie told her. "I want to get far inside so no stray human will see us."
They walked silently for a few minutes. She could still see the school through the trees and the various humans that were seated outside for lunch. She knew if she could see them then they could potentially see her.
They stopped once they were in the thickest part of the forest. Rosalie turned to her mate. "We're far enough…" She paused. Her red eyes darkened and her lip curled back.
"What's going on?" Bella questioned. She didn't like the look in Rosalie's eyes. The look wasn't directed at her. Not that she ever thought Rosalie would look that angry at her. Something had to have happened. Bella whipped around trying to find some clue as to what had changed her mood.
"Tracker," Rosalie snarled.
A young man stepped out from between two trees. His long, dirty blonde hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. His red eyes gleamed at the sight of his prize. This wasn't how he wanted it to go. He wanted his human prize alone and ready for him to take. He would have some fun with her before draining her. But that damned blonde-haired bitch wouldn't leave her alone, especially not after Victoria attacked her father.
James growled. Victoria ruined everything. If she wasn't so devoted to him… and a good lay… he would have killed her a long time ago. She was always too quick to act, knowing her gift would protect her. After he got his prize… he would kill her. He eyed the blonde vampire, crouched and ready to attack him. Her red eyes burned with hatred toward him. It was interesting to see a vampire with red eyes protecting a mere human so fiercely. It would make this game all the more interesting. Perhaps he would keep the blonde as a prize.
"James, actually," he said stepping forward.
Rosalie shifted. Bella was pressed in her back, blocking most of his view of her. He didn't deserve to look at her. "I don't care who you are," Rosalie spat.
"You protect this fragile human," James commented cocking his head to the side. "Yet you feed from humans. Strange. Did you get a taste of her and decide to keep her around for a snack?" he asked with a smirk.
Rosalie growled loudly. Bella covered her ears. "I am going to kill you," Rosalie said, shifting when James moved.
She was at a severe disadvantage right now. She didn't know how well he could fight. But it didn't matter. As long as she was protecting Bella, he would have the upper hand. Her only hope was that Alice had seen something and help was coming. She deliberately made a decision to attack, knowing that, that at least would trigger a vision. All that was left to do was stall James and wait for back up.
James took advantage of Rosalie's distraction and lunged for Bella. Rosalie spun Bella away from them and took the full impact of the blow. James snapped his teeth, mere inches from Rosalie's throat. Bella's breath was caught in her throat. She had to do something or Rosalie would die.
To her surprise, Rosalie dropped her weight, setting James off balance. She kicked him into a tree and turned to face Bella. "Are you okay?" she questioned in a rush.
Bella nodded. Her eyes widened. "Rose, look out."
Rose whipped around, bracing herself for impact. But it never came. A muscular body soared through the air and crashed into James. James flew into another tree and Peter was crouched down in front of Rosalie and Bella.
"Are you two okay?" Charlotte asked, appearing suddenly beside Rosalie. She wouldn't get too close to Bella until she knew it was safe. She knew better.
"Yeah," Rosalie said. She glanced at Bella, making her mate was uninjured. "Alice?"
"Alice," Charlotte confirmed. "We came as soon as she called. We need to get Bella out of here."
Rosalie growled. "She's not leaving my side," Rosalie said firmly. She trusted Charlotte but she needed to see Bella at all times. It was the only way she kept her sanity.
"Then you both need to go," Charlotte said, not at all bothered by what Rosalie said. "It's not safe for her here."
Rosalie shook her head. She watched as James charged Peter and Peter easily evaded the attack. James was so desperate to get to Bella that he hadn't considered he was outnumbered. He saw this as his only chance. "I need to be here," Rosalie muttered.
"Then go, kill him," Charlotte instructed.
Rosalie touched Bella's cheek before turning and charging James along with Peter. James was initially targeting Peter but redirected his attack to Rosalie. He flew through the air, his white teeth gleaming. Rosalie ducked down to avoid the attack. James' reach was better than Rosalie thought. He missed her neck but was able to sink his teeth in her shoulder.
Rosalie cried out and fell to the ground. Bella gasped as Rosalie hit the ground. She wasn't sure what happened but she knew Rosalie was hurt. She tried to move forward, to go to Rosalie but Charlotte wrapped her arms around her and held her in place. "She's okay," Charlotte whispered in her ear.
Peter took advantage of James' distraction. He launched himself at the tracker and locked him in a tight grip. James struggled trying to break free. "Char," Peter called.
Charlotte let go of Bella and ran over to Peter. Together the two of them had James in an unbreakable hold. It was one they used often with newborns. No one could get free, not without losing a limb in the process.
Rosalie stood up. She ignored the pain her shoulder. Her black eyes burned in pain and anger. "End it Rosalie," Charlotte said.
Rosalie stalked forward. She wrapped her hands around James' neck. He tried to bite her but couldn't reach. She twisted his head. Bella covered her ears at the sound. It reminded her of nails on a chalkboard, but so much worse.
She couldn't look away as she walked Rosalie rip of James' head and toss it to the side. There was no blood, just a whiteish fluid that leaked from the neck. Peter and Charlotte ripped off the arms and tossed them next to the head. Charlotte pulled a lighter from her pocket and lit James' head and arms on fire while Peter finished dismembering the vampire.
Rosalie turned around to face Bella. Bella could see the pain her eyes but she was hiding it well. "Bella," Rosalie said moving closer.
Bella ran into her arms. "You're hurt," Bella said. She pulled Rosalie's shirt to the side. On the back of her shoulder was a bite mark, all of the teeth were visible.
"I'm okay," Rosalie said pulling Bella's hand away. "We need to get you back home."
Rosalie lifted her into her arms and ran back to the house. Peter and Charlotte stayed behind to make sure the entire body burned.
The house was empty when they arrived. Carlisle was at work, the other 'kids' were still at school. Esme was out somewhere and would probably return soon.
Rosalie went straight to her room and slammed the door shut. She sat Bella on the bed and ripped her shirt off. She went to the mirror to check out the bite. She was vain and she knew it. The thought of a vampire getting his teeth in her bothered her more than she wanted to admit. The only vampire whose teeth she wanted on her skin was Bella's, when she eventually turned.
Bella got off the bed and walked over to Rosalie. Her fingers lightly traced the bite mark that was leaking venom. "Does it hurt?" Bella asked concerned.
"Not really," Rosalie replied. "It stings and will for the next few hours until his venom is gone. It's going to scar though, like the bite marks on Jasper."
"I don't like it," Bella admitted. "I'm glad you're okay and that the only injury for all three of you was a bite mark… but I don't like how your perfect skin has his mark on it."
Rosalie turned around to face Bella. She gently cupped her cheek. "I'll be okay love," she promised. "If this scar is the cost of keeping you safe, then I will gladly pay it." She removed her bra and tossed it aside. "I'm going to shower and get all this dirt and grime off me. Do you want to join me?"
Bella followed Rosalie into the bathroom. She quickly stripped off her clothes while Rosalie removed the rest of hers. Bella turned the water on and waited for it to warm up. "Will the water cause any problems?" Bella asked.
"No Bella," Rosalie assured her. "The bite is already closed. The lingering venom is why I still feel pain."
They both got in the shower. Bella forced Rosalie to turn around. She grabbed the loofah and lathered it up before carefully washing off her back. She moved slowly around the bite mark. She could see that it was already healed and was now just a scar. Her heart clenched at the sight. She didn't think any less of Rosalie for having the mark, especially since it came in defense of her, but it pained her to know Rosalie got hurt because of her.
Rosalie turned around before Bella had a chance to finish scrubbing. "I can practically hear you thinking," Rosalie said. She gently took the loofah from Bella's hand. "It's okay Bella. We're both okay."
Bella threw her arms around Rosalie and sobbed. She's been so close to losing Rosalie. If Peter and Charlotte hadn't shown up then they both would have died. She owed the two a lot.
Rosalie rubbed her back as Bella continued to cry. Eventually, once the water was starting to get cold, she pulled away. "I'm sorry," Bella said trying to wipe away her tears. "I shouldn't be crying. You're the one that got hurt."
Rosalie kissed her. "It's okay love," she said softly. "I understand how overwhelming all of this must be. But the tracker is now dead and you're far safer now then you were before. I will never regret getting hurt to protect you. I would die to keep you safe." Bella shivered from the cold of the shower. Rosalie gently eased her out of the shower. "You're freezing," Rosalie said when Bella protested. "Go get warmed up while I finish in here."
Bella grabbed a towel and quickly dried herself off before wrapping the towel around her hair. She walked into the bedroom and dug around for clothes. She pulled out a pair of underwear before moving over to Rosalie's dresser for pajamas.
Rosalie stepped out of the bathroom just as Bella pulled one of Rosalie's hoodies on over Rosalie's tank top. "My clothes again?" Rosalie questioned. She grabbed some clothes and quickly got dressed.
Bella blushed. "I like your clothes," she reminded the blonde. "Do you want me to stop wearing them?"
"No," Rosalie answered. "I would be perfectly happy to have you only wear my clothes. But I may need to buy more clothes."
Bella stared at Rosalie, horrified at the thought. "Uh, Alice didn't hear this conversation… did she?"
Rosalie's phone went off. Rosalie quickly dug through her jeans and pulled it out. She showed it to Bella. "Alice did see this conversation," she confirmed. "She's more than happy to take me on a shopping trip in the future."
Bella groaned. "Do I get to stay home?"
Rosalie laughed. "I'm sure you and Jasper can find something to do." Bella sighed in relief. "Do you want to take a nap before the others get home?"
Bella thought about it for a minute. "Yeah," she decided. After the stress of James, she could use a nap, especially since she hadn't been sleeping well.
She allowed Rosalie to guide her to the bed. She laid her head against Rosalie's chest and closed her eyes. She was asleep in seconds.