Author's Note: So, several of you have been asking for longer chapters. I will try my best at that. I just can't commit to them being uploaded as quickly. Please enjoy.

Emmett and Rosalie were arguing trying to convince me that it was suicide. Peter stayed quiet, contemplative and I kept my focus on him. After a few moments, he nodded and pulled out his cell phone.

"Major, we have a plan. My best guess is that it will work. But you won't like it."

Rosalie and Emmett paused and then sighed. "This is insane."

I took a deep breath and reached my hand out and Peter offered me the phone. "Hey, Jasper. We need to meet and talk, before anyone else dies."

"Isabella, what is it you are planning?"

"Before I explain, are you near the others right now?" Silence was the answer. "Can you hide your thoughts?"

"I am far enough away they cannot hear this conversation. And don't worry. My brother doesn't generally like to listen into my brain. Too much gore for him."

I laughed. "Good, keep that up for now because the others will not like this, and it is likely the only way." I took a deep breath. "Use me as bait." Silence answered me so I felt the need to explain. "She keeps eluding you, as if it is her skill, her ability. To capture her, you need to offer something she will override your need to use elusion. Something she wants more than her existence."

Jasper sighed. "Peter was right, I don't like it. But I know that it is our best chance. You are right. She escapes even when it shouldn't be possible. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"It was my idea, after all. I need to stop her before anyone else is hurt."

"Do you understand that you could die or be forced to be changed to keep you alive? I'm good, but things happen."

I sighed. "Yes, Jasper. Thank you for being honest. I understand the risk. The full risk. But my life for that of the town? It's not really a question for me. The 'needs of the many outweigh the few', right?"

"Very well, put Peter back on and get ready to come back."

After handing the phone back, I tidied up around me and verified that I wasn't leaving anything behind. I hadn't planned to come here so I didn't come in with much, but it was habit when staying somewhere. Rosalie came over to me.

"You know, this is a very stupid idea, and it could even end in your death." I simply nodded. "Well, we will do our best to protect you. Just promise me one thing, Bella?"

"And what's that Rosalie?"

Her mouth quirked to the left. "Okay, two things. Friends and family call me Rose." She raised her eyebrows before proceeding. "Please do not go back to Edward. No matter what. He won't change. He will always be that way because he always has been. He. Won't. Change."

"You have nothing to be worried about there, Rose."

I gave her a hug and then Peter nodded before unlocking the door. Peter and Emmett stepped out first, Rose holding my shoulders, keeping me still. After a minute, a whistle echoed, and Rose gave me a little push. That must have been the signal of the 'all clear'. We bustled ourselves into my truck, Rose in the cab with me and both Peter and Emmett rode in the back of the truck.

"So, you and Emmett must have run to the motel? I didn't see any of your fancy vehicles here."

Rose laughed. "Yeah. Sometimes our rides are a little ostentatious." I scoffed but she continued with only a small eye roll. "But, when you live longer than a normal lifespan, you sometimes like to indulge you know? And vampires like speed. Your truck here, well, if you let me, I could work on it for you and get it tuned up some. Get a few more horsepower out of it."

"Wait, you are a mechanic?"

She nodded, a smile gracing her lips. "I like when an engine can purr but I love ones that growl just as much." She turned to me and she smirked.

I chuckled. "I think any woman loves a good 'growl'."

We both laughed. Conversation flowed easily on the way back to Forks. Surprisingly, Rose and I got along quite well, even though we didn't have very much in common. We were only a few miles away from town and Peter slapped the right side of the truck twice.

"Pull over and take that trail. Peter wants us to go right." Rose pointed.

I slowed to a crawl, barely seeing the 'trail' she wanted me to take. Eventually though, I managed to get us half a mile into the bush before I put on the brakes.

"Okay, I am not able to push my truck any further down here without getting stuck. I can barely see the path." My driver's door pulled open, and I yelped. Peter stood there with a grin, watching me as I held my hand to my chest, slowing my heart rate. "Geez, give a lady some warning would you."

He chuckled before speaking. "Well, my 'lady'. If this is as far as this beast will go, you must catch a ride the rest of the way."

Emmett was sniffing and looking around. "What way and why here? I don't smell the others or even Victoria."

Peter simply tapped his temple. The other two nodded and got ready. I quizzically looked at him as I climbed out of the truck and prepared to climb onto his back. "What do they know that I missed?"

"Oh, I just know shit."

With that, he took off and I gripped tightly around his neck, fearing I was going to fall off. We ran for several minutes, the motion making me nauseated. Keeping my eyes closed, I focused on regulating my breathing and counting the seconds. Eventually a pat on my hands had me opening my eyes and I realized we had stopped.

Swallowing the lump in my throat before I could vomit, I loosened my grip and fell to the ground on my butt. Wincing I rubbed the sore area while Peter chuckled.

"How dare you just drop her like that. My Bella, are you okay?" Edward's voice echoed around us as he approached and attempted to help me up.

"Umm, excuse me? I am not 'your Bella'. And he didn't drop me. I lack grace." I pushed his hands away as I stood to my feet, brushing my pants off. A few chuckles were heard from Emmett and Peter.

"Bella, how are you handling things?" Esme's soft voice spoke next, and I looked at her and sighed.

"Fine, I guess. As good as one can be when they know they are the reason that an amazing innocent woman is dead. So yeah, I'm just peachy."

Esme stepped back, looking like I slapped her. Carlisle stepped up and placed hands on her shoulders. "Now Bella, that wasn't really necessary. We are all here for you. Edward can help if you just let go of your anger and forgive him. Quarrels are expected in relationships."

I scoffed and turned away, walking towards Jasper who stood stiffly at the edge of the clearing. "Hey Jasper, is he always been so daft, and I just never saw it or just when it comes to Eddie-Boy?"

Alice finally flighted her way over towards me. "Oh Bella, you might be upset now, but he is your mate. Remember, I have seen it. You really shouldn't make this last too long. It only hurts yourself."

"You can take your future sight and shove it. And I am certain you already have seen where I will tell you to shove it. Now back off."

Jasper's lips twitched but he maintained a neutral face. "Enough of the pleasantries, shall we. We need to put your plan into action."

At that moment a snarl erupted from Edward. "No! I forbid it! You cannot use her as bait! How dare you suggest such atrocity to her."

"Oh, shut it, Eddie. I gave him the suggestion. I imagine he isn't as fond of it as the rest of you. But it is the only thing that will work." I snapped back at him.

Esme piped in, "You can't be serious? You could be killed."

I faced the whole group, moving my gaze to each one and back again. "I am aware of the risks. But what is it that Victoria wants? Hmm. Me. Why did she kill Angela? Because of me. So, let's give her me so you all can get a clear shot at her."

"No, I forbid it. I will take you and run, we can get away, keep ahead of her. My mind reading ability will know if she gets close and I can protect you."

I shook my head and focused back on Jasper. "Okay, so how will this best work?"

Instead of Jasper, Alice starts speaking. "Really Bella, you should listen to Edward. If you run now, she will know you left and follow you, leaving the town alone. She won't be able to catch you. Edward is the fastest runner."

"Well Major, your voice certainly does like to travel and has taken on quite the high pitch lilt." Peter snarked out.

Jasper rolled his eyes. "Enough Captain. Enough all of you. Let's get this straight. It is Isabella's life. She gets to make the calls. We all must accept that. And yes, I think I have a way to convince her to come after you. But it does require us all to give you some . . . distance. Oh, and Alice – you can't stop with the 'seeing' thing. I know the truth."

"What do you mean by that?" I questioned him but staring between him and Alice.

"He is just trying to annoy me. We know that I see decisions and their outcomes- "

"Alice." Jasper's voice was quiet, but there was a definite growl in every ounce of the word he uttered. It sent shivers up my spine, and I bit my lip to control any further reaction. I will unpack that all later. Alice huffed and crossed her arms.

"What is it she is hiding Jasper?" Rose this time was the one demanding an answer. She stood, feet shoulder width apart, arms crossed and her right toe tapping the earth beneath.

He simply raised his eyebrows at Alice who stormed away. After only a few feet, he responded, "She can't see Bella and hasn't been able to for quite some time. I believe its her shield."

Several of the vampires started to argue amongst themselves around me. I was shocked but relieved. I could choose to do anything, and Alice wouldn't know. Smirking I looked back to Jasper. I mouthed to Jasper 'where and when'.

Finally, his smile leaked out before shaking his head and mouthing back. 'Forest – baseball field and now if you want.' I nodded and sighed overlooking the group before simply walking away into the woods. Peter had pointed in a certain direction, and since he just 'knew shit' I trusted he knew where Jasper wanted me to be. And this could only work if I didn't have a vampire with me. I needed to be alone for her to approach.

I knew it wouldn't take long before they would notice my absence, but hopefully long enough to get there, or if not, at least have a few moments of quiet and peace. Carefully picking my way through the woods I thought about what Jasper had said.

Alice can't see me. Edward can't hear me. This is so . . . freeing.

I bit my lip and there was an extra bounce in my step. Peter dropped down in front of me from the trees and I slapped my hand over my mouth before I could scream. I slapped him and narrowed my eyes at him.

"What, I am not going to pretend to be anything I am not. I'm a vampire. We move fast and we sneak up on humans. What do you expect?"

I shook my head. "Fine. If you put it that way. So, help me find the baseball field? I have an absolutely terrible sense of direction." We both laughed as he helps steer me to my left some more. We wandered for a bit, in the quiet until he held my shoulder, holding me in place.

Whispering in my ear he said, "keep this straight line and you will be there in five more minutes. I can't go with, or it will scare her away. And don't worry. Major has them all in line and he won't let you die." He backed away and winked before disappearing.

Taking a deep breath, I continued on the path he directed until I stepped out into a clearing. Being here brought back memories of when I watched them all playing baseball. It felt like a century ago. Stepping forward to where home base was, I stood there remembering the carefree attitudes they all had.

"Well, well. The mouse is finally alone for the cat to play."