Chapter 13:

Edward had seen every kiss imaginable. Ones filled with the unconditional love of a parent to a child, cheek kisses of friends happy to see one another, sweet stolen kisses of lovers in the night, even anger-filled ones shared by couples in the heat of an argument. Yet seeing these occurrences didn't give Edward any understanding of how transformative something as simple as a kiss would be.

Bella's lips were warm and impossibly soft, they molded to his stone-hard lips easily as if they were always meant to be together. If she felt adverse to his cold touch she didn't show it, instead she leaned in closer if that were possible.

It took all of Edward's self control to keep himself still, conscious of how fragile Bella was. If he miscalculated his strength for even a fraction of a second Bella could be irreparably hurt. The urge to wrap himself all around her, to be utterly consumed by her touch, her smell, and her mouth was almost overwhelming.

When Bella finally broke away, gasping for breath, her face was tinted pink and her eyes were glassy and wild. Edward had never seen her look so beautiful and he couldn't help himself, he leaned into her to kiss her again. Instead of crashing his lips upon her with the fervor that he felt, Edward took his time giving Bella the chance to pull away if she were so inclined.

It was frightening just how right it felt to be close to Bella like this, like she was the final piece of a puzzle settling into place. It felt like coming home after years abroad, like a cool drink to soothe an agonizing thirst, a blinding sunrise after decades of night. There was a warmth that settled over Edward's heart like a blanket and burned like it was trying to beat again just for her.

As carefully as he was able, Edward cradled Bella's jaw in his hands. He smoothed his fingers over her skin and felt her shudder beneath him. Did she feel this moment as powerfully as he did? Edward had known the depth of his care for her, had already discovered that he loved her, but he had yet to witness just how captivated his heart was by her.

In this moment Edward knew with every fiber of his being, with any scrap of a soul he had left that he would do anything for her. He would defy gravity, physics, and physical limitations to bring her the sun, the moon, and the stars if she so desired. He would cross oceans and walk through fire for this woman. In this brief moment Edward discovered just exactly why vampires would kill for their mate, would die for them.

Bella's heart was hammering in her chest, an uneven harsh rhythm that pulled Edward's attention away from her lips to see her again as a whole. She was flushed and gorgeous, breathing heavily and trembling in his grasp.

Did she feel the spark between them? Could she feel the strings and magnetism pulling them together?

"Oh, Bella." Edward whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Voices from downstairs caught Edward's attention and pulled him out of their little bubble. He had shut out Carlisle and Esme's thoughts unintentionally, having been so completely enthralled with Bella. The others had returned home early, but he could see that there was something exciting on their minds.

Edward was irked by their return, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

"I know I said it would only be Carlisle and Esme, but would you like to officially meet the others?" Edward said, clearing his throat and pulling away from Bella regretfully.

It didn't matter whether or not Bella was ready for the rest of the Cullens because Alice flounced into the room in a flurry of movement that could never be mistaken for human. Alice immediately pulled Bella out of Edward's arms and into a hug as if she was intentionally trying to irritate him which she probably was.

"I just knew you'd get together." Alice said loudly before continuing in a stage whisper. "He was practically insufferable the last few weeks and the anticipation was literally killing me."

Alice's thoughts were smug and Edward was overcome with the urge to stick out his tongue at her in defiance to match her childish behavior, but he held himself in check. No matter how many times he would ask her to keep from meddling in his affairs, she would keep ignoring him, choosing instead to

"There's going to be a storm." Alice says excitedly. "It will rain after nine, but it will be perfect for a game."

Alice sees flickers of visions of the storm. Bella, bundled up in a hoodie and a jacket way too big for her, Emmett and Jasper arguing over a strike, Edward laughing at something Bella says.

"You're coming too Bella." Alice stated with a nod of her head. Bella looked between Alice and Edward with a look of confusion and untangled herself from Alice's unwavering grasp.

"I must be missing something. You need a storm to play a game?" Bella asked, smoothing her hands down her jeans before tucking them into her pockets.

"Oh, you'll see." Alice said with a wink before she walked out mumbling something under her breath about jerseys and warmer clothes. Bella watched her leave and then looked at Edward with a look that demanded a clearer explanation.

"We have to wait for thunderstorms to play baseball or any contact sport for that matter." Edward smiled crookedly at Bella. "It's hard to explain, but you'll see."

"If you say so." Bella mumbled. She followed him out into the hall and down the stairs where the rest of his family was waiting in the living room.

Alice was curled up in Jasper's lap playing with the hair at his neck. Emmett was seated across from them and was lost in the debate he and Jasper were having. Rosalie was hovering just out of sight, her mind conflicted over meeting Bella properly. Esme and Carlisle were elsewhere in the house choosing to give Bella some space as she met the others.

"There is just no way a bear could take on an elephant." Jasper continued.

"They may be bigger, but bears can move faster. They're more mobile and their paws are huge!" Emmett said, swiping his fists into the air to mimic a bear attack.

"That may be true however the difference of power between them makes an elephant the champion." Jasper replied. He glanced over and inclined his head to Edward to let him know that he could in fact feel the apprehension emanating from Edward.

The feelings weren't aimed at Jasper or any of his siblings in fact. Edward just wanted this to go well, for Bella's sake. He knew that she wanted to make a good impression on them in spite of how nervous she was to meet them. Edward knew that once they got to know her that they would love her and welcome her into the fold, Alice already had. His worries were unfounded, but he couldn't help them any more than he could help reaching out to hold Bella's hand.

Jasper had in fact hunted with Alice just before they arrived to give Edward some peace of mind even though his control hadn't slipped in years.

"Bella." Emmett turned to face Bella with a mask of seriousness. "Back me up here. Who do you think would win in a fight, a grizzly bear or an elephant."

"Uh…well." Bella spoke awkwardly, she had obviously been taken off guard by the conversation or perhaps with how quickly Emmett was to bring her into it. "I think an elephant would win."

"Aha!" Jasper said victoriously while smirking over at Emmett. The larger brother sank down into his chair with a pout, grumbling under his breath at them.

"I can't believe this. You guys are so wrong."

"I mean, elephants can take on lions so it makes sense that they could hold their own against a bear." Bella's attempt at defending her answer did not go unnoticed by the others.

"Bears are so much bigger than lions." Emmett said, his tone still sour.

"Em, they are entitled to their opinions." Rose's voice carried into the room ahead of her as she stepped behind Emmett's chair. And so am I.

Edward narrowed his eyes at her slightly, but she wasn't even paying him any attention. Rosalie rubbed Emmett's shoulder's to soothe his frustration for a moment before turning toward them.

Bella stiffened, but then she surprised Edward by reaching out her hand for Rosalie to shake. "It's very nice to meet you Rosalie." Her voice was soft and the muted tone was the only indication that she was nervous.

Rosalie stared at Bella and her outstretched hand for far longer than was polite. Her face was a mask of indifference, but Edward could hear all of the things Rosalie was trying to keep quiet. She was weighing the pros and cons of Bella's involvement in their life yet focusing only on the ways that would be advantageous or detrimental to her. Eventually Rosalie reached out to shake Bella's hand and Edward could feel the sigh of relief from Bella.

"Charmed."

Esme, who had been hovering near the doorway for the entire exchange, peeked her head into the room. "Bella dear, would you like something to eat?"

"Yes, thank you." Bella took her escape into the kitchen and Edward didn't hesitate to follow her.

Esme had spent all morning planning and organizing food for Bella and it clearly showed. The countertop was like a snapshot of a magazine filled with platters and dishes of various things for Bella to choose from. Moving quickly, Edward pulled out a chair from the island for Bella to sit and he received a smile in return.

"So Edward, how was school today? I'm sure you passed your Spanish test." Esme said, grabbing a towel and wiping down the already clean counters. I'd like her to be comfortable around me, but I don't want to overwhelm her.

"The test went well. I have no doubt that I aced it." Edward's voice was laced with humor. He had been fluent in Spanish and several other languages for a few decades so high school level exams were effortless to him.

Intending to ask more questions Esme was interrupted when Alice whirled her way into the kitchen at vampire speed. She dropped a pile of clothes in the chair next to Bella and twirled in place to show off her outfit.

Alice's obsession was clothing and styling and it really showed with the sheer amount she could fit in her closet. It didn't help that she also insisted on buying everyone else's clothes as well. More than half of Edward's own closet was her doing.

"What do you think?" Alice held her arms out wide to Bella. She had changed into some leggings and a baseball jersey she had embroidered herself.

"You look great!" Bella replied.

"It's going to get a bit cold so we need to bundle you up." Alice pulled Bella up out of her chair and started holding up several jackets to her frame. Although Bella was slim, Alice was still several inches shorter and far more petite so none of her clothes would fit her. Bella ended up with one of Esme's cable knit sweaters and windbreaker that Edward wore to school the day prior.

Edward was pleased with this development even though he knew that Bella wouldn't realize how having his scent on her made his claim more tangible to the others. Perhaps she would be displeased with his possessive nature if he felt the need to explain it to her.

Jasper and Emmett could be heard whooping and howling from the backyard where they were wrestling. It had been some time since the last storm and the two of them were highly competitive. Jasper's team had lost the last game they had played and he had not forgotten how Emmett had ridiculed him for it.

Carlisle entered through the other side of the kitchen thinking about how late the storm might keep them out. Flashes of a conversation between Carlisle and Bella went through Alice's head.

"Oh! That's right. Call your Dad and let him know you're staying over for dinner."

Bella fumbled through her pockets until she located her phone and dialed her father immediately.

"Hey Bells."

"Hey Dad."

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah, of course. I just wanted to tell you that I'm staying at Edward's house for dinner tonight."

"Edward? The Cullen boy?"

Surely Bella's father recalled who Edward was, it had only been a few days since Carlisle and Charlie had their chat. Edward captured Bella's free hand with his, intertwining their fingers as she spoke. It was almost alarming how much he missed her touch now that he had a taste for it.

"Uh yeah, but his sister invited me over. Will you be okay without me for dinner?"

Charlie chuckled over the line. "I think I can fend for myself. I didn't go hungry all the years before you moved in."

Edward watched as Bella rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Don't stay out too late Bella. Call me when you're on your way home."

"Okay Dad. I love you."

"Love you too."

Bella had barely hung up the phone before Alice was poking her head back into the kitchen.

"We'd better get a move on." Alice said with a grin before dashing back outside.

Edward and Bella followed at a slower pace, exiting the house as the rest of the Cullens were running off into the forest. Rosalie hesitated a moment before grabbing Emmett's hand and disappearing into the trees. Her head had been filled with questions and possibilities regarding Bella's gift and he was surprised that Rose had been so civil when properly meeting Bella.

"Rosalie was a lot more pleasant than I anticipated." Bella gave a sly look over at Edward and he knew that he would have to explain his sister's attitude.

Would Rosalie's hope that Bella could change her, or any of them, back to their humanity alter how Bella currently feels about him? Would she suspect that he was only using her and her gift for something so selfish? If he didn't tell her the truth she would probably just pull it out of him in the same manner that she did to Alice.

"Rose has accepted you for the most part, but it is purely for self-centered reasoning." Edward paused to help Bella through some bushes before continuing. "My sister seems under the impression that it would be possible for you to turn a vampire back into a human."

Edward avoided looking at Bella afraid of what her expression would betray. They walked for a little while longer before he turned to her. Bella looked thoughtful, her bottom lip pulled between her teeth once again. He gently grazed his thumb across her chin and she was startled by the sudden attention as if she hadn't realized they had stopped walking.

"I'll need to carry you the rest of the way. Is that alright?"

Bella nodded and she wrapped her arms around his neck from behind as he hoisted her legs up and around his back. He couldn't feel her weight, but he could feel the heat emanating from every place their bodies were pressed together. Bella's breath tickled the hair by Edward's ears as she tucked herself close to him. Keeping his grip gentle Edward raced through the trees to catch up with the others.

The run felt far too short as they arrived at the field and Edward slowed to a human pace, but kept a firm grip on Bella. He was enjoying her proximity and the way he could feel her quickened heartbeat against his back.

Edward walked with measured steps to where the rest of his family was gathered in the center of the field. It was the largest expanse in the mountain area without any trees at all and they had found it to be the perfect space for them to play. It was far enough that even the most avid hikers wouldn't readily find it and even if they did, they tended to avoid it during the weather that the Cullens used it for. Edward placed Bella carefully on her feet next to Esme and Carlisle.

Jasper and Rose were tossing a ball back and forth farther out into the field. Rosalie was still being a little prickly about Bella joining them for the game and Jasper was wary of getting too close to Bella for the time being. It was rare that Jasper allowed himself to tap into his vampire abilities when humans were near and although his thirst was sated at the moment he didn't want to leave anything to chance so he wanted to keep his distance.

"The teams have been decided." Esme said with a smile to Bella.

"Myself, Alice and Edward on one team. Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper are on the opposing side." Carlisle said for Bella's benefit.

"You're not going to play?" Bella turned toward Esme as she spoke.

"No, someone has to keep them honest." Esme threaded her arm through Bella's. "You and I are going to referee."

"Are you guys done?" Alice appeared seemingly out of nowhere and clasped her hands together in front of her. "It is time." An ominous thunderclap echoed around them perfectly timed through Alice's visions.

Edward smiled at Bella's wide eyed shock and leaned in briefly to kiss her cheek. He raced Alice out into the field as Emmett settled on the space allocated as home base.

The game settled into a familiar pattern with Carlisle pitching first, giving Emmett two strikes before he hit a ball out into Alice's waiting hands. Rosalie used all of her anger and irritation to focus and hit one pretty far out into the trees, but she was no match for Edward's speed. Jasper managed to get on base, but that had more to do with Alice than anything.

Bella watched with a wide eyed fascination the entire time. Her cheeks pink from the chill and her mouth agape in the most adorable fashion. She clapped and cheered when anyone made it to home base and Edward could see Rosalie's attitude softening if only minutely.

Esme was kind, explaining their rules for the game and describing what was happening far out of Bella's human sight. Edward might have tried showing off for Bella, jumping higher and using his full speed at times.

Edward stop grandstanding. Alice shot Edward an annoyed look, but he merely flashed a smile back at her.

Edward couldn't help it. The false human pretenses were tiring after a while and it was exhilarating to finally have someone he cared romantically for that could see who he really was. It was a welcome change having Bella around now that she knew most of his secrets. She had accepted everything in stride so far and Edward felt such a great relief from it. He was overwhelmingly giddy with-

Edward shot a glare over to Jasper who was openly smirking.

I just merely enhanced what was already there. Jasper thought. It's nice feeling you so happy.

The smell of rain was getting thicker as the storm rolled in and Edward knew that there would only be a little bit of time before it started to come down. Bella would have to be home soon, but he didn't want this moment to end.

Emmett was back at bat and Edward could see the length of his determination on getting a hit so far that Edward couldn't catch it. Alice prepared to throw, kicking her leg out like a ballerina and then her pitch was slicing through the air. Emmett threw the entire weight of his body into his swing and the boom that followed was almost deafening, the entire mountain seemed to echo it back to them.

Time seemed to slow then, as several events occurred at one time, the most prominent being Alice's gasp as her entire collections of their potential futures were wiped out. Everything Alice had seen about their night and every choice afterward was gone, whatever happened had changed every single one of their futures. Edward was at Bella's side by the time that a new vision was unfolding for Alice.

A group of five figures melting out of the trees, spread out over several yards with red eyes glowing in the dim light. There was no other future available as their contact was imminent even now he could pick up the tenor of their thoughts of the far edge of his ability.

Panic filled Edward's chest as he stared down into Bella's wide eyes. Perhaps he could just take her and run, get her away from the new vampires and back to Forks. As quickly as that thought had come it was wiped away by a new vision of Alice's. Bella clinging to Edward as they were surrounded and outnumbered away from the others. Bella didn't survive.

"What is it Alice?" Carlisle raced over to stand beside Alice where Jasper was already stationed alert and scanning the horizon because of the dread emanating from her.

"I didn't see." Alice was still staring out in the distance, her eyes unfocused and seeing clips and pieces of futures that made no sense. "They heard us playing. They're curious and want to join."

"How many of them?" Carlisle kept his voice calm trying not to alarm Bella, but his thoughts betrayed his true feelings. Can you get her out of here?

"Five." Edward said, shaking his head at Carlisle. In every instance that Edward tried to get Bella away from the others it ended in pain and death.

"Only five?" Emmett grinned wide, flexing his shoulders as his teeth flashed. He was confident in both their numbers and their abilities.

Bella's warm hand embraced his own and the fragile calm Edward was trying to cultivate disappeared. Even the soft strokes of her thumb across his skin couldn't clear away the tension in his frame. He ached to be able to remove her from this danger and the regret of putting her in this position was almost overwhelming.

"How much longer do we have?" Esme asked concern for Bella bleeding into her tone.

"Five minutes or so." Alice said monitoring her visions and trying to make sense of them.

The nomads would spread out along the treeline to survey the Cullens before approaching. Edward watched as Carlisle walked out to meet them, their formations changing slightly except for their chosen speaker. There was a flash of Bella alone in the woods, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. Edward was resolute in keeping them with the group now, it would be impossible to keep her scent hidden and he couldn't risk them splitting off and hunting her.

"Let's continue the game, no need to give them something to question." Carlisle urged the others back to the field, but they didn't go farther than a few yards away. Rosalie flanked Emmett off to one side and Alice drifted in close to where Bella and Edward were standing.

Jasper refused to move too far away from Alice instead choosing to block her from sight of the trees.

Edward turned abruptly and pushed Bella's hair out her face trailing his hands through her dark tresses. He brought his face in close to hers breathing her warm fragrance and breathing out his own scent onto her. Edward traced the planes of her face and neck hoping to layer enough of himself over her to disguise her humanity. Bella's face warmed in response to his ministrations and her apricot skin colored pink so sweetly. He brushed his lips across her cheek and pressed them quickly against hers.

"It's not enough Edward." Alice said sadly.

"I know." Edward's voice cracked slightly. Bella smelled too good, felt too warm, and the pace of her heartbeat echoed in his ears. He pulled Alice's hat off her head and placed it on Bella's, pulling her hair forward to hide her face and neck from view.

Edward began tapping his foot to the beat of Bella's heart, fidgeting almost compulsively in his anxiety. All they had to do was hide Bella until they could get their uninvited guests to leave and then he would spirit her far enough away. Perhaps all the way to Canada.

They waited in silence until the five vampires made themselves known. Edward watched as they approached in a jagged line; there were three men and two women in their group, their leader only a few steps ahead of them.

"We thought we had heard a game." His voice carried across the distance easily as they advanced. His dark skin held the luster of their kind and his eyes were bright red beacons. "I'm Laurent and these are my companions, Laura, Rick, James, and Victoria. Would you admit just a few more?"

A woman with vibrant red hair stayed back farther than the rest and Edward noticed that she had no intention in playing. She was already planning escape routes from this confrontation. Edward watched her as her eyes flicked from Emmett's massive frame to the blond man next to her. The other stocky male of the group seemed equally as indifferent to staying, he appeared to merely be a part of them as a convenience rather than as an actual coven.

"We were just finishing up, unfortunately." Carlisle said amicably, he waved his hand behind him to indicate the rest of the Cullens as he listed off their names in no particular order. "I'm Carlisle, this is my family, Jasper, Rosalie, Esme and Alice, Emmett, Edward and Bella."

Edward sifted through each of their thoughts looking for any indication that they had noticed Bella, but none of them had. It was only when the brunette vampire, Laura, overlooked Jasper's normally menacing presence that he realized something was amiss. Focusing on Jasper now he felt himself become disinterested in not only Jasper, but Bella and Alice as well. The dull, unconcerned feeling was wavering like a shield around them, keeping the new vampire's thoughts on Emmett's imposing stance and Edward's on agitated demeanor.

"That's a shame, it's been awhile since we've had any fun." Laurent sighed.

Fun. Sure. The blond vampire's sarcasm was heard through his thoughts as he thought back on his last instance of fun. Stalking a young woman not unlike Bella through the dark streets of a city. Edward bristled at the memory as it ended in a bloody mess. Vic hasn't bolted yet.

"How long were you planning to stay in the area?" Carlisle continued.

"We are just passing through." Laurent said, gauging the conversation.

"We have a permanent residence in the area if you'd like to refresh." Carlisle stepped forward, welcoming them with his charm. Even the flighty redhead seemed more at ease, settling slightly as Carlisle spoke. We will lead them back home, take Emmett and Alice with you.

Alice's visions shifted subtly, a new branch where Laurent's coven joined them at the house with their absence explained as a hunting excursion.

Carlisle tried to lead them, to turn them away from Bella and it quite possibly would have worked if the wind didn't change. The storm had continued during their conversation bringing droplets of rain and a fresh wave of Bella's enticingly sweet scent across the field. Edward could see the instant that they realized a human was there as their figures tensed.

Jasper subtly pulled back the shield of camouflage he had wound around Bella keeping it firmly around himself and Alice. Edward felt a pang of betrayal as Bella was exposed, but he knew that they couldn't actively try to hide her anymore unless they wanted to disclose more of their secrets.

The blond vampire, James, dropped into a crouch with Laura following soon after. Edward copied their movements and placed himself directly in front of Bella. Her heartbeat was clear and quick now that Edward wasn't trying to cover it up.

"Oh, you brought a snack." Rick said, perking up for the first time as he eyed Bella appreciatively. Edward snarled in response shifting his weight from one side to the other.

"She's with us." Carlisle's previous charisma had dissipated.

"But, she's human." Laurent replied quickly, astonishment coloring his voice.

"Yes."

Laurent watched carefully, his eyes briefly flashing to James who hadn't moved his position. He didn't want to cause waves with a coven as powerful as Carlisle's, but he also feared backlash from James. Edward saw then that James preferred to keep Laurent at the front so he could flush out weaknesses undetected. There was nothing more that James loved than a game of cat and mouse and they had unwittingly dangled a tasty morsel in front of him. A poor defenseless human protected by a coven of several vampires.

Edward could see that Laurent was going to try and smooth over this bump in the conversation, but then another unfortunate incident occurred.

A fresh scent of spilled blood, fragrant with freesia was swept up in that damned breeze to tempt everyone.

Chaos ensued as the nomads slipped into hunting position, their thirst ignited by the smell. Jasper, who had already been pushing himself to his limit of his gift, was compelled to drop his shield as he was overwhelmed by the force of so much hunger. Even Edward felt his throat flare in response to Bella's blood. Alice broke from Edward's side to grip Jasper's face as she tried to stall a vision from coming forth, Jasper pushing him aside to get to Bella.

Edward refused to move his eyes from James who cracked a vicious smile. He shifted from one side to the other and Edward followed him as he moved.

"Jazz it's ok. Focus on me. It's alright." Alice whispered over and over.

Now there's only five. James' thoughts had a cruel edge, calculating the odds in favor of his group.

Visions were cascading for Alice, physical combat and arguments alike, but she couldn't focus on Jasper and untangling the futures at the same time. Edward couldn't fault her for it either because in keeping Jasper calm she was keeping Bella safe.

Victoria was the first to move, but it was in defense to distance herself from the rest. It didn't matter though because Emmett shifted when she did and his movement made an opening for the others. James feinted to the side at the same time that Laura leapt forward. Edward saw Carlisle and Esme run to meet her as he mimicked James.

They paced together in a half circle, James trying to find a weak spot and Edward refusing to let him get any closer. The grinding sound of others colliding concerned him, but he didn't let his focus waver. James wouldn't hesitate and Edward couldn't give him the opportunity.

It was only the soft gasp behind him that caused him to falter, but Edward heard the grass crunch behind him at the same moment the arms descended around him. He twisted around to grip the vampire around the throat with his arm. Pulling Rick into a headlock he looked up to see James standing just in front of Bella, a victorious look in his eyes as they locked with Edward's.

"Stop." Edward's voice was harsh, laced with violence and malice. He gripped Rick tighter as he struggled. "I'll kill him."

"I have no need for him." James said, lifting his hand up to Bella's mouth. His finger grazed her lip before he brought it to his own. "This would have been such a good hunt." He sounded almost dismayed as he placed his hand on Bella's throat.

Edward was frozen in panic, everything else faded as he watched Bella's terrified expression. She was too far away, James was too close and Edward would never be fast enough to save her. Poor sweet Bella whose only crime was falling in love with a monster. A monster that would be the death of her.

Bella clenched her eyes shut, but it was a useless pitiful gesture. Edward didn't allow himself the same comfort, he would watch every horrifying moment as Bella was ripped away from him.

He's human! He's human!

Bella's voice ricocheted through Edward as if she had shouted directly in his ears. There was a flash of unbearable heat as Edward processed her words.

He's human.

A scream tore out of James' throat as grasped his head, pulling on his hair like he wanted to rend it from his head. He gasped for air and held his hands out as if seeing them for the first time. James turned toward Edward and the others with a desolate expression on his face, hazel eyes wild. A new sound pulsed in a rough cadence. A second heartbeat.

What the fuck?

Impossible.

Oh heavens.

James gripped his chest and yanked on his collar with a sick choking sound. There was something wrong, his face turned a sallow yellow color as his blond hair faded pale white. He staggered back towards Bella, but his legs wobbled beneath him. Edward watched as James' skin sloughed off in pieces, his muscles melted off his frame and his limbs folded in upon themselves as he crumpled to the ground in a heap of steaming mess.

With a movement that Edward was unprepared for, Rick ripped himself out of Edward's grip, but he took this chance to escape. The rest of the nomads followed seconds after him leaving only the Cullens in the field.

Edward wasted no time in moving to Bella's side as she suddenly bent in half only to be sick. He pulled the hair from her face and laid his cool hands on the exposed skin of her neck, aware that everyone was watching them.

When Bella was finished Edward was concerned to see that her nose was bleeding.

"Bella. You're bleeding." He looked quickly to Jasper, but there was no need. Between the nomads leaving and the shock of James' demise it appeared that Jasper was able to gain control of his thirst once again. That did not mean the guilt he felt over the outburst had dimmed.

Bella swiped at the blood under her nose almost absentmindedly. Her eyes held a glassy haze like was looking but not seeing.

"Darling, Bella, are you alright?" Edwas said softly, hesitantly. "Bella?"

Her response was barely a whisper, a mere breath that he would have missed had he not been so focused on her.

"I don't feel so good."

And then she collapsed.