A double upload! I have a packed week ahead so I'll try my best to upload by the weekend! For now, enjoy some more B POV with a dash of D POV.

Happy reading!

Chapter 4

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B POV

Victoria was nice, peaceful even. The drive north wasn't as bad as I'd thought it would be. So far, I'd seen a lot of the beautiful mountain range people boasted about on their ski trips to British Columbia. I drove north to Nanaimo and took another ferry to Vancouver where I drove for ten hours back-to-back. I wanted so badly to rest on the following day, but now knowing if someone was following me, or who, kept me going. I had another day or so of driving ahead depending on how hard I pushed myself.

As I pulled onto the main highway, my phone rang. Putting it on speaker after a quick glance at the caller I braced myself, "Old Tick. What can I do for you today?" I hadn't heard from my newest vampire stalker since his texts, though I wasn't surprised to hear from him again, he didn't seem to be the quitting type.

"Princess," he said, almost with a sigh of exasperation, "I will admit, but only to you, that you've done well in covering your tracks, but it seems I may be onto now." He taunted, making my eyes narrow, hands grip the wheel tighter.

"Is that so?" I paused, "then how come I've made it this far without a single hitch in my journey?"

I heard a low rumble through the line that had my thighs clenching a little. Sue me, the growling is pretty hot.

"Your little journey is nothing more than a path that will lead you right to me. I've tracked many warriors, nomads, criminals, and more. I hope you aren't under the impression I will show you any ounce of mercy once I'm able to get my hands on you."

I scoffed before I could stop myself, "Okay, Mr Big Bad Vampire. Someone has a little rep to protect, don't they?"

I took a particularly sharp turn over some ice, nearly skidding out "Shit!" I blurted, correcting the wheel.

"WHAT IS GOING ON" his voice thundered down the line from where it fell under the passenger glove compartment.

I reached over and snatched the phone when it slid closer, "Nothing, nothing. Happy hunting!" I cheered, quickly ending the call before he could respond again.

The rest of the drive went by without any interruptions, calls, or texts. I pondered the possibilities of the Denalis' response once I showed up. Had Edward mentioned me at all? Were the Cullens in fact there with them now? Did Edward decide to be with the one vampire who apparently made her interest known?

It definitely wasn't an easy drive, being the middle of March, things weren't completely thawed out yet this far north. Thank god I'd brought warmer clothes with me. That patch of ice was a wake-up call and I spent the rest of the drive more alert than ever, keeping an eye out for twists, turns, and spotty road conditions.

By nightfall, I'd just crossed back over into the US, I spent the night outside Nelchina. As I was settling into bed, my phone rang, this time making me smile sleepily as I picked up.

"Hey, Jakey" I murmured, laying down.

"Bells!" I heard a chorus of my name in the background too, making my grin broaden.

"Haven't seen any new leeches yet, how are you, chica? Any trouble up north? Where are you? Need company? Are you warm enough? Do you have enough money? Have you found—"

"Jake! Stop! I'm okay, I promise. I'm almost there only a few hours away from the town and from there I'll figure out a way to find them. No sign of vampires yet and I even had an extra trick up my sleeve back in Port Angeles to throw them off my trail."

"Good job, Bells! Charlie's okay, missing you already. He did find all the meals you made him and said he gave you a call?"

"Yep, spent an hour or so on the phone with good ol' dad just yesterday. Make sure he remembers to bake not broil casserole!" I laughed, suddenly feeling a pang of homesickness being out here alone.

"Will do, and Bells? You really okay though?" the background noises died out, he'd clearly left to give us more privacy.

"Yeah, I mean, I miss home. But I'm okay. Doing well and all that."

"Okay, Bells. And you know all you need to do is share your location and I'm there, right!?"

"Sure, sure" I replied, grinning, "I know Jake. I also know that I need some sleep I'd I'm gonna make it there tomorrow so I'm going to go to sleep now."

Jake sighed down the line, "Okay, but tomorrow we're calling and you're giving me a play-by-play of the trees, leaves, roads, everything."

I laughed, "Sure thing. Night Jake." I sighed, stretching inside my little tent underneath the blankets.

"You too Bells." He responded softly before hanging up.

I was just drifting off to sleep when the phone rang again, "What nowwwww?" I moaned.

"Did I disturb you, Sleeping Beauty?" came his syrupy voice, teasing at my weakened state and loosened inhibitions.

"Mmhmm. Sure did, Old Tick. What do you want—now?" I drawled, pausing on a yawn.

"A lot. But I can be patient and let you sleep." He conceded, making me frown.

That's not right, Mr. Growly hot vampire is supposed to be all angry and deadly, not considerate.

I heard low chuckles filtering through my thoughts, my face heating right up despite my sleep state when I realized I did, in fact, say that out loud.

I huffed, "You. Heard. Nothing."

"Ah, prinkipissa, I heard more than enough for tonight. I promise you, I'll be there before you know it."

And then he hung up on me before I could respond. Grumpy vampire.

My phone beeped as I moved to put it on the side table, glancing at the screen I saw his message.

Dream of me.

I groaned, replying:

I've never been susceptible to nightmares.

I will admit to no one ever that I did in fact dream of him. I dreamt of red eyes, sinful lips twisted into a cruel smile, and an immovable frame that should seem overwhelming being so close to me, but instead, it felt comforting, warm, and alluring.

I got two coffees at the gas station, wanting to take my mind off my wild and wicked dreams, no way in hell was I getting involved with another vampire. Let alone one hell-bent on hauling me back to Italy and probably being the one to drain and kill me himself.

Seems my stalker didn't agree, I answered my phone without looking, cursing myself when I heard his voice. Another part of me – the part I don't claim as my own – was thrilled when his deep baritone filled the cab.

"Did you dream of your hot vampire last night?"

I could practically hear the grin in his voice but chose to ignore it, "Nope" I popped the 'p', maneuvering onto the main road and started the last of my trek.

"And where are you now?"

I snorted, "Right behind you."

I heard that clicking tutting noise again, "Such a smart mouth, princess. Just wait until I find you, then you won't be too combative all the time." I heard an idle chuckle this time, making me frown.

"Why do you keep calling me that? It's annoying and doesn't really fit with the whole stalker-psycho vibe you should be going for."

He sighed, as if the answer were entirely too obvious, even to my inferior human brain, "In due time. Drive safe."

Once again, he'd stolen my move, hanging up on me before I had the chance to retort. I shrugged, focusing in again on the drive. Jake called me again an hour in, and I told him in detail about every single tree, river, and pothole I saw on the road until he whined that I was making him not want me to come back.

I continued along the drive, passing Willow and Chase before finally arriving at the Denali State Park. I wasn't exactly sure where I should go from here, but I figured asking around with the locals at the state park might be a good start.

I put the beast in park and bundled up, looking towards the ranger cabin. My feet had just hit the snow when my phone rang. I was the caller ID and pressed ignore, not in the mood to get all messed up by whatever he had to say this time.

Within seconds he called back, also sending a message.

Answer me, princess. Now.

Another one came in.

Please.

Now that caught my attention, I climbed back into the cab and shut the door, hitting answer.

"Where. Are. You. I need you to tell me, now," he sounded almost frantic, a change from his typical annoying self-righteous, and threatening disposition.

"Why?" I asked, there was such thing as the lesser of two evils, and though I'd been talking with who seemed to be the devil himself, something turning in my stomach told me there was worse out there.

"You've been tailed, stella. She sent someone after you the moment you fled." I sucked in a breath, eyes snapping up and locking with a pair of red ones boring into mine.

Standing in the doorway of the park office was, without a doubt, a human-drinking vampire. And boy did he look happy to see me.

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D POV

Toying with her helped pass the time while I sought out the psychotic vampire after her. It didn't take me longer to stumble across another pair of newborns, ripping one apart and leaving the other with their head attached, legs, and arms ash.

I circled the wriggling stump, "They'll grow back" I spat. Lie.

"Tell me where she is, and I'll leave you somewhere your limbs can regenerate. Refuse and, well, you die. Simple as that." This was getting boring; I wondered what Isabella was doing now. Driving? Eating? On the phone with the mutts?

"The compound—she's, she's there. At least she was an hour ago before she dismissed us to go feeding." He cut off, wriggling more and groaning in pain and probably hunger, newborns created for destruction seemed to be destructive within their own minds as well. Pity…I guess.

"Excellent" I appraised him, pulling out a lighter and setting him ablaze before I turned and left.

I traced his scent back the way he came, knowing it would be a fresh trail and lead me to Victoria, I slowed my approach as I neared an area that was more desolate and host to many signatures.

I tried to pinpoint hers, there were clearly around four to six vampires total, and it was only a matter of time before they turned on each other. Newborns in groups didn't go well and often 'took care' of themselves when left alone.

I ventured over to a nearby hospital, snagging some blood-soaked clothes from the emergency bay before returning. "This oughta get those dumb fucks going" I muttered, balling up and launching the clothes to one end of the compound, close enough the newborns would smell it.

I knew I'd gotten them when I heard, "Just go already. Kill the injured rat and then come back and focus." Snapped a high-pitched voice. Had to be her, she had far more control than the others who all took off.

I approached silently, assuming she had to have some kind of talent to be this bold in he advances. "And what do we have here?"

I drawled, leaning against the doorjamb of the room she was pacing.

Her wild red hair whipped around her face, eyes narrowing, then widening upon realization of who was visiting. Soon enough, a smirk wormed its way onto her face as she slowly strutted over to where I was waiting.

"Ah, Demetri Volturi. Perfect timing, the show is about to begin." She grinned, making my brows rise in interest.

"Oh?" I asked, "And what show would that be? As of now, the only show I've seen is sloppy work and law-breaking creations." I challenged, not budging from my spot.

"She pursed her lips as if pouting, "The Cullens killed my mate! So, in exchange, I'm going to kill that measly little shit's girlfriend who he left so deliciously unprotected."

I held back my growl, "I just came from Forks where we found no trace of the girl. Your efforts are wasted."

Her grin turned gleeful, "tricked even the Volturi's greatest tracker and—"

My fist around her throat cut of her response, "What do you know of the girl?" I seethed, bored of this game.

Her eyes grew frantic, reply rushed, "She's Cullen's girl, she tried to escape that stupid little town," she tried to cackle but grimaced at my hand tightening further, "little did she know I sent my best little creation after her. He's followed her allllllll the way up north, good boy he is. Maybe he could even make a decent stand in once he's finished…" she trailed off already forgetting where exactly her neck was.

"WHERE?" I thundered at her.

She trembled this time, catching onto the fact that killing the human was not getting her any points. "A-Alaska. She's going to Denali, he should be—" she paused at the sound of a ping from a phone on the desk.

Keeping my eyes on her, I reached out and snatched the phone, holding it up to read:

She's arrived. Everything's set up. Want me to draw this out?

I froze, mind tunneling as I put the pieces together. Fuck. I shot off a reply,

Change of plans, I want the girl alive. Unharmed. Spotless.

Victoria choked in my hold, "What are you doing!?" she screeched, clawing at my hands, trying to break free.

I turned my blazing gaze to her, pulling her in close, running my nose along her hairline breathing in the scent of her fear, and chuckling at her fearful intake.

"I'm protecting what's mine," I replied, severing her head and setting her alight.

I dialed her number, texting her as I continued to be hung up on. We'll talk about phone etiquette later. Finally, she listened.

"Where. Are. You. I need you to tell me, now," I demanded, games and riddles forgotten in this life-or-death predicament.

"Why?" her sweet voice responded.

"You've been tailed, stella. She sent someone after you the moment you fled." I heard her breath of surprise, followed by a gasp and a muttered, "Shit, shit, shit."

"Isabella" I snapped, "location?"

"D—Denali State Park. I'm at the park ranger's office, I was trying to find—" she paused, clearly unsure about whether she was or wasn't trusting the right person. Ultimately, she shouldn't trust any of us, least of all me. She's right to fear me, I am, after all, not the good guy.

"Yes. The animal drinkers. Is someone there with you?" I demanded, wondering why her fear sounded like it sky rocketed.

"There's someone here, smiling at me. He's—he has red eyes. He also looks way too young to be a vampire—" she cut off and paused, thinking over the description.

"Is he wearing all black with a red jewel pendant?" I asked, praying I was right.

"Yes?" Her voice wobbled a bit though it was obvious my tough little fighter was trying to appear unfrightened by the immortal before her.

I sighed, "Alec, please escort Miss Swan to the jet. And do not harm a single hair on her head."

"What!?" She snapped in response, seemingly caught out by this turn of events.

"Princess, wait just a moment. Please hand your phone over to the annoying vampire before you so I can speak with him."

B POV

I frowned at his words but before I could register them completely, my phone was gently taken from my hand and placed against the ear of the teenaged immortal before me. His abrupt appearance in my passenger seat had me lunging backward in fright.

Tapping on the window behind me made me whip around, letting loose a scream at the hulking figure on the other side of the door.

"GET AWAY." I screamed reaching for the lighter I'd thrown in my door before leaving. Though the flame was small, it still gave me a tiny ounce of security.

The mountain started shaking in laughter, "Oh, oh no, not a tiny lighter wielded by a mighty little human, whatever will I do? Alec, help me, help me!" his chuckles turned into full-on laughter, causing the intimidating vampire to bend over with his hands on his knees and roar in hysterics.

I frowned at 'Alec', turning around to face him again, catching part of his conversation with Old Tick.

"And why exactly would I do that?" he frowned before the laughter outside cut off and his eyes widened.

"Alright, okay, okay. Yes, I see. We'll meet you there, show off."

Annoyed I was being left out I piped up, "What does Old Tick want?"

Alec looked at me, a smirk pulling at his features, "Hey, that wasn't my nickname for you. Look, don't get snippy with me, Old Tick." Whatever the response was, Alec tried to hide his cringe before sighing, "Yes, loud and clear, Mr. Boss. We'll see you there." My heart rate picked up when his words registered. If they knew each other that meant I was with the Volturi now and would be meeting up with my Volturi stalker AKA Old Tick. That also meant he'd be taking me to Volterra to stand trial and, well, die.

I focused on Alec, "How about you leave me here, and we pretend this never happened, huh? Or better yet, drop me off with the Denali coven and then forget about all this nonsense? Sound good? Okay, cool, let's go." I rambled, starting the engine but squeaking when a loud crack sounded and the whole truck shook.

I looked in my rearview mirror and glared at the hulking immortal, "Hey BIG FELLA! This truck is prettier than you and I'd like to keep it that way."

He snorted, prying open the little back window, "You know what? I'm glad you're sassy, serves him right being an asshole all this time. But now, little one, you're coming back with us, finder's keepers, ya know?"

I frowned, "But what about Victoria and the newborn—oh my god the newborn that's been following me—"

"Was a fun little warm-up session for what's about to go down" the mountain finished, grinning kind of like Emmett did when he talked about hunting bears.

Alec added in, "Oh, and Victoria's been dealt with, You'd think that was enough but no. We've got to go deal with the south now before I forget and let it go on another hundred years" he finished off, imitating my frequent caller, making me stifle a giggle.

Bad Bella don't laugh at the evil vampire ruler coven member jokes.

"So, here are your choices: either you let me drive your truck or one of us carries you to the jet…" Alec offered, shrugging his shoulders, and making me narrow my eyes.

"How about," I turned the key in the ignition, "I drive my truck to the jet, and you tell me how to get there."

I'd already started pulling out, easing back onto the road when I heard a creak and looked up to see my tailgate was no longer full of giant stone vampire.

"So what's going to happen to the beast?" I asked Alec, giving my truck a good pat on the dash.

He shrugged, "We could hide it nearby and hope someday someone super unlucky finds it?" he offered. Little shit.

"Rude. I'll have you know I've put a lot of effort into this thing just to get all the way up here" I huffed in response.

"How devastating. You know, Forks, if you play your cards right, and that's a big if, we might keep you around. So maybe try not to obsess over unfortunate-looking vehicles or anything else lame to plead your case."

I slowed down, turning in my seat to fully stare down this immortal child. I knew we were edging towards a bend in the road and based on his earlier conversation, knew he'd somehow keep us from crashing.

He frowned, eyes on mine slowly widening as his gaze flicked to the road, "Umm, B—Bella? The road." He prompted.

I kept staring, "What about it?" Brow raising in challenge.

His eyes, flickered more frequently between mine and the road, before he growled, reaching over to grab the wheel and steer us away from the edge just in time.

Leaning back he started muttering to himself, something along the lines of "..like having two of them.." but I couldn't quite hear it all.

Alec sighed, "Look, human, Forks, Bella, Cullen's Paramour, you have to come back to Volterra. For now, you're safe. I can't predict the trial but I do know that if our boss can't track you, there must be something special enough about you to save your ass. So just suck it up and enjoy the vacation."

He leaned back in his seat and continued to give me directions when needed. Otherwise, he left me to my thoughts which were reeling for so many reasons.

My mind caught onto a few things, "Cullen's paramour? You mean Edward?" My chest twinged a little at the thought of the boy I loved who left me behind to pick up my pieces.

Alec frowned, "Yes, the kid who thought he was above the law, damn animal drinkers, he's being held in Volterra until he settles down and stops attempting to reveal himself to the public. The public has been through enough." He snorted at his own joke.

"What do you mean reveal himself? Like in the sunlight? Why would he do that!?" I demanded, the Edward I knew wouldn't blatantly do something that could cost him his life, which would crush the others.

"Well, the original reason we came was Master Aro saw about you through Carlisle, and then Edward when he was summoned. However, Edward seemed to be under the impression you had died because of the Seer. We came poking around to find out the truth, and lo and behold there you were. Though it did take some searching," he paused to point to a side road, "Ah, here we are. Buckle up, Forks, time to board the Volturi jet".

I was still processing. Did this mean Edward still loved me? What about the rest of them? What was going on? How did they not realize I was alive?

I walked onto the jet feeling like a zombie, only a muffled thump drew my attention from my thoughts, seeing and flinching at the larger one dropping my bags of stuff in the back row.

When he saw me staring, he just shrugged with his hands on his hips, "In case we keep you, wouldn't want to take away all your…things?" He offered, walking off towards the front, probably to talk to whoever dared pilot this thing.

"Alec…?"

"Forks?" he replied sitting in one of the loungers, nodding to the one across. If you had told me a few hours ago that I'd be sitting face to face with one of the Volturi guards on their private jet, willingly engaging in conversation I would've thought you were more certifiable than Victoria.

I sat down, "Edward broke up with me…I just don't understand why he'd do that if the rumor of me dying were to cause him this much pain."

"Well, I can't say why Cullens do anything. But I can say that his reaction was pretty on par with what mates are like when their other half dies. Though only Master Marcus can confirm that, and he hasn't said anything about you and Cullen."

I sat with that knowledge for a while, wondering why the hell he left then if I meant so much to him when he'd last said I meant next to nothing.

I didn't ponder long before my phone rang, "What?" I sighed, exhausted from the day.

"Tired?"

"Obviously."

"You know, one day that smart mouth's going to get you into a lot of trouble…" he warned.

"Oh no not yet another scary stalkery vampire threatening my life." Alec looked a little alarmed at my sassing his boss. Oh well.

"You're welcome, by the way," he said, I could hear the smugness in his voice.

I sat up a little because he wasn't wrong per se, he really had done me a solid. Charlie, the wolves, La Push, Forks, everyone was safe now.

"You're actually right; I do. Thank you, Old Tick, for saving the day. You're my hero."

I heard a low rumble of a growl coming through the speaker, Alec locked eyes with me, miming throat slitting, making me roll my eyes.

"Honestly, if I weren't so tired, I'd be better at this. But thank you, really." I amended, hearing him hum in approval this time.

"Good girl," I wrinkled my nose in annoyance, making the big one chuckle, "now walk over to that door at the end of the jet and open it. That can be your space for now. Oh, and you're welcome. Again." And with that, he hung up.

I frowned, looking at the other two who seemed to be hiding their surprise before cautiously making my way to the door at the back. Slowly turning the knob and pulling, the door opened to reveal a beautiful private bedroom with an ensuite bathroom off to the side. The floors were a dark burgundy plush rug, the bed large and fluffy. I sighed, not caring about the nearby company as I shut the door and slunk over to the bed, rolling onto its fluffy surface, and sinking in.

I smiled a little, taking in the huge TV on the wall, intricate artwork, and freaking fireplace off to the side with a sitting chair and mini library. Now this I could get used to.

Before I could even try to debate whether passing out on a plane owned by the Volturi was a horrible or terrible idea, I was out. All those hours of driving and stress over Victoria finally caught up with me.

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Close but still no Demetri & Bella meeting yet! How will things go when they land down south? What complications could they run into?

Let me know what you think, xxx