The decision to take a break wasn't one Harry made lightly, but Hermione and Leah had been persistent. "You've been doing everything for everyone else, Harry," Hermione had argued gently. "It's time to do something for us, for once."

Leah had nodded in agreement. "We've never had a chance to just be together. It's always been about business, responsibilities, or watching over Teddy."

Harry sighed, looking at the small bundle of energy playing on the floor. Teddy was the light of his life, but Hermione and Leah were right. He couldn't be an overprotective father forever. Teddy needed to experience life without Harry hovering, and Harry needed to trust others to care for him.

After discussing it further, they decided to leave Teddy in the capable hands of Charlie and Bella. Both had shown a natural knack for looking after him. Bella, now familiar with some of the supernatural powers, was more than up for the challenge, and Charlie, with his calm demeanor and firm but kind approach, had become a favorite of Teddy's.

"You'll be good for Charlie and Bella, right, Teddy?" Harry said, kneeling beside him.

"Promise!" Teddy beamed in excitement.

With that settled, Harry prepared for their secret getaway. The cover story was simple: Harry would drive the car to Seattle, creating the illusion that all three of them had left together. But in reality, after dropping Teddy off, he would return home to use the Floo Network for a more direct, magical journey.

As Harry loaded the car, Hermione handed him a packed bag, and Leah gave him a teasing smile. "Make sure to be convincing when you 'leave' Forks," she said. "Wouldn't want anyone to know."

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Yes, dear," he replied with mock seriousness, earning an amused laugh from both women.

The drive to Seattle was uneventful, and Harry enjoyed the rare solitude. Once there, he parked the car in a public garage, ensuring it would be seen. Satisfied that their cover was intact, he apparated back to their home, where Hermione and Leah were waiting by the fireplace.

"Everything set?" Hermione asked.

"Yep. Teddy's in good hands, and the car's parked," Harry confirmed, pulling out the pouch of Floo Powder. "Shall we?"

Together, they stepped into the fireplace, calling out their destination: Blackthorn Ranch, one of Harry's more secluded properties, nestled in the picturesque mountains and far from any prying eyes. The green flames roared, and in seconds, they were whisked away.

The ranch was stunning, a sprawling estate surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The main house was a cozy yet luxurious cabin, complete with a large stone fireplace, polished wooden floors, and wide windows that offered breathtaking views of the landscape.

As they stepped out of the fireplace into the ranch's grand living room, Leah let out a low whistle. "Now this is what I call a retreat."

Hermione smiled, already envisioning days filled with relaxation and quiet exploration. "It's perfect as always, Harry."

Harry looked around, pleased. "I figured we deserved a bit of luxury after everything. No responsibilities, no emergencies—just us."

Leah walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You've outdone yourself, Mr. Black."

Hermione joined them, leaning her head on Harry's shoulder. "Now, let's make the most of this."

For the next few days, the trio fully embraced their escape. They explored the vast property, taking long walks through the woods, enjoying the crisp mountain air, and relaxing in the ranch's natural hot springs. The evenings were spent by the fireplace, sharing stories, laughing, and simply enjoying each other's company.

For Harry, it was a reminder of what he was fighting for: a life filled with love, peace, and happiness. The break allowed him to recharge, to reconnect with Hermione and Leah on a deeper level, and to appreciate the rare moments of tranquility amidst their otherwise chaotic lives.

Back in Forks, Teddy was thriving under Charlie and Bella's care. Charlie introduced him to the wonders of the being a cop, while Bella kept him entertained with stories and games. Despite Harry's initial worries, Teddy was as happy as ever, proving that a little independence was good for both of them.

As Charlie tossed a ball to Teddy in the backyard, his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket. He sighed, wiping his hands on his jeans before answering.

"Charlie Swan," he said in his usual gruff tone.

"Chief, we've got a situation," came the voice on the other end. "A couple of hikers were found dead near the Forks forest trail. Looks like another animal attack."

Charlie's face darkened. "How bad?"

"Pretty bad, Chief. Same as the last few. Looks like a big predator, but we haven't seen anything this vicious in years. Locals are starting to panic."

"I'll be right there." He hung up and turned to Bella and Teddy, who were playing catch. His eyes briefly flickered with concern as he addressed them.

"Bella, I've got to head out. Another animal attack. Stay inside, keep an eye on Teddy."

Bella nodded, though her face betrayed her worry. As soon as Charlie left, she turned to Teddy, her heart racing. She knew exactly what Edward had told her about vampire killings. This wasn't just some rogue animal—it had to be a vampire.

That evening, as darkness fell, Bella paced the living room, wringing her hands. When Edward arrived, she wasted no time.

"Edward, Charlie just left to investigate another 'animal attack.' People are dying, and I know it's not what it seems."

Edward's face grew grim. "You're right. This isn't the work of a wild animal. It's a vampire."

Bella's stomach turned. "Do you think it's someone passing through? Or... are they here for your family?"

Edward shook his head. "It's hard to say. Most vampires don't know about us or our lifestyle. But if more are showing up, it's a problem. Especially with humans dying."

"What do we do?" Bella asked, her voice filled with both fear and determination.

"We need to figure out who's responsible before the Volturi catch wind of this. They don't take kindly to vampires exposing our kind through reckless killings."

At that moment, the door opened, and Jacob Black walked in. His usually laid-back demeanor was replaced by a fierce intensity.

"We need to talk," Jacob said, his voice low. "The pack has picked up a scent near the attack site. It's definitely a vampire, but not one of yours, Cullen."

Edward nodded. "We've got to work together. If this vampire is rogue, they could bring more attention than we can afford."

Jacob crossed his arms. "Fine. But this is your mess. The pack won't tolerate vampires running wild."

Bella stepped between them, her voice shaking but firm. "Please, stop fighting. We need to stop this vampire before anyone else dies."

Edward and Jacob exchanged a tense look but ultimately nodded in agreement.

"I'll talk to my family," Edward said. "We'll keep watch tonight. If this vampire comes near Forks again, we'll be ready."

"And my pack will patrol the forest," Jacob added. "We'll catch them if they make a move."

As the two left to prepare, Bella sat back down, trying to steady her nerves. Teddy, who had been quietly observing from the couch, walked over and hugged her.

"Don't worry, Bella," Teddy said softly. "Daddy always says we're stronger when we work together."

Bella smiled weakly, pulling him close. "I hope you're right, Teddy. I really do."

The next morning, Edward pulled up in front of Bella's house in his Volvo. The overcast sky threatened rain, the perfect backdrop for his somber expression. As he stepped out of the car, he glanced around cautiously, ever alert for signs of danger. Bella opened the door before he could knock, her face a mixture of relief and worry.

"Morning," Edward greeted softly, his eyes scanning the living room. "Where's Mr. Swann?"

Bella sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "He left early this morning. Went to Seattle to report about the attacks."

Edward's jaw tightened. "Seattle? It's worse there than I thought."

Bella nodded. "Yeah. Now it's just me and Teddy here."

At that moment, Teddy came bounding down the stairs, holding a toy broomstick Harry had enchanted to float slightly above the ground. He grinned at Edward, who gave him a small smile in return.

"Hi, Edward!" Teddy chirped.

"Hey, Teddy," Edward replied. Then, turning back to Bella, he said, "We spent all night searching Forks for the rogue vampire. My family scoured every possible hiding spot."

Bella's eyes widened. "Did you find anything?"

Edward shook his head. "Nothing. Whoever it was must have moved on. But we'll stay vigilant just in case."

Bella let out a breath, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "That's a relief, but I'm still on edge. What if they come back?"

"We won't let anything happen to you or Teddy," Edward promised. Then, his tone lightened slightly. "Speaking of my family, we've decided to play baseball today. There's a thunderstorm coming, and it's the only time we can play."

Bella raised an eyebrow. "Baseball? In a thunderstorm?"

Edward chuckled. "It's a family tradition. You'll see why when you come. I'd like you to join us."

Bella hesitated, glancing at Teddy, who was now playing with his toy. "I don't know, Edward. I've got Teddy to think about, and with a rogue vampire possibly still out there…"

Edward stepped closer, his eyes earnest. "It'll be safe, Bella. The storm will mask everything, and my family will keep watch. We'll be far from any danger."

Bella bit her lip, torn. "I just don't want Teddy to get hurt."

Edward placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "I understand. But we'll be in an open field, away from any threats. Teddy can come, too. He'll have fun, and I'll make sure nothing happens to either of you."

Teddy looked up, curious. "We're going to play baseball?"

Edward smiled. "That's right. It's a special kind of game."

Teddy's face lit up with excitement. "I wanna go! Please, Bella?"

Bella glanced between them, finally relenting. "Okay, fine. But only if you promise to keep an eye on Teddy the entire time."

Edward nodded solemnly. "You have my word."

Edward was the last to arrive at the expansive clearing where the Cullen family had gathered. The field was framed by towering evergreens, their tops swaying in the strengthening wind. Dark clouds rumbled overhead, signaling the incoming thunderstorm. As Edward parked the car, Bella and Teddy stepped out, taking in the sight of the perfectly prepared baseball field.

Bella noted the neatly drawn bases and the professional-looking bats and balls set aside. It was clear the Cullens had taken their game seriously, but what caught her attention was the logo on the equipment: Black Sports Equipments. She immediately recognized it from the company Harry owned, the one he built from scratch.

Teddy's eyes sparkled with pride as he pointed to the logo. "That's my daddy's company!" he announced loudly, puffing out his chest. "He makes the best sports stuff."

The Cullens exchanged glances and decided to make Teddy happy. Even Carlisle, who was usually composed, raised an eyebrow in a pleasant way.

"This is Harry's company?" Emmett asked, picking up a bat and giving it a few practice swings. "No wonder these feel so good. They're perfectly balanced."

Alice nodded, inspecting a baseball. "And these balls are reinforced. They won't break under our strength."

Carlisle smiled warmly at Teddy. "Your father's quite the innovator. We're lucky to have such high-quality equipment."

Teddy beamed. "Daddy says it's the best because he tests everything himself."

Rosalie, who had been standing off to the side with her usual aloof demeanor, crouched down to Teddy's level. "You must be very proud of him," she said softly, her usually sharp tone softened by the boy's infectious pride.

Teddy nodded enthusiastically. "He's the best dad ever!"

Even Rosalie, known for her stoic and sometimes irritable nature, couldn't help but smile. "I'm sure he is."

Bella watched in astonishment as Teddy's charm melted through the usual barriers. Rosalie picked up a baseball and handed it to Teddy, her expression almost tender. "Want to help us warm up?"

Teddy's eyes widened. "Really? Can I?"

"Of course," Carlisle said, gesturing toward the field. "We'd love for you to join us."

Edward leaned close to Bella, his golden eyes shining with affection. "See? I told you it would be safe."

Bella smiled, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't expected. For the first time, she realized that perhaps she and Teddy had found a second family among the Cullens.

Author's Note:

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