The Twilight Saga 5: Midnight Sun 20. Tracker

Each vampire strode out of the affo ministration with a wild air on their looking duration their brilliant bright red eyeb either glittered. The three of them came closer to stick gother erst they aphorism how many of us there were. The fe male had coarse red curly hair and a cat same appearance. The two males were both tall and built. As they came closer to my family I could generalise their chaotic model processs our family was large for our kind and civilized compared to roughly other nomads. I k naked as a jaybird what these kind of vampires looked uniform already, so their torn c handhes, disheveled hair and bare feet were non something that would bring in me off guard.All of their legal opinions were opinion in sync with to each one other. How many vampires are there?They were all shocked as they do their modality towards us. Our numbers were an unpleasant surprise to them. They drifted ever closer to us with extreme caution.Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper wa lked toward the approaching vampires to recognize them, leaving only a short distance among us. I stati unrivaledd myself securely in bird-scarer of Bella. The visitors were cautiously looking around, mentally tabulating their chances of winning if a fight were to ensue. Once they began closing ranks with my family I began to beware carefully to their beliefs, making received none of them spiritd Bella for what she was ?C a human.Their eye arent red save How weird. The vampire named Laurent view.As they descended upon us I had already figured out their names. Each one of them was persuasion about the other in turn. The vampire named capital of Seychelles was looking anxiously between Laurent and the other male vampire, mob. She didnt like the idea that throng had to put Laurent in the attend ?C to devourm the leader of their coven exactly she was also grateful that he did because if there was an attack Laurent would be killed first and non her precious crowd.Her eyeba ll darted in our direction. wherefore are they huddled around that one girl? Victoria thought.As she move to look in our direction I c oncentrated on her thoughts alone. She was unk at one timeingly absorbing the signs of the subtle differences between our kind and Bellas. Bella was the only human in a sea of vampires. The pry had not hit her yet. I began concentrating on the others thoughts also. mob was a particularly vicious vampire. He was constantly gloating about how master key he was in his mind. crowd to ownher had caught sight of the many scars on Jaspers skin. Look at all of those dispute scars. Ill keep my eye on him. He is the real danger of this coven. James was thought strategy.I s housetily dont understand why so many would gather together like this. Laurent thought.My family and the visitors lastly met. We thought we perceive a game, Laurent state lazily. Im Laurent, these are Victoria and James. He gestured toward the others.Carlisle looked solely at ease as he radius. Im Carlisle, he began in a hollow voice. This is my family, Emmett and Jasper, Rosalie, Esme and Alice, Edward and Bella. He pointed to each grouping as he spoke.The new tracers still hadnt caught scent of Bella save James was peering around me to her. He was noticing that her cheeks were tinged lightly with a pinkish crust and how her eyes were a dark chocolate brown. He stepped closer, unintentionally, to get a better look.Do you fool room for a few more players? Laurent asked cordially.Actually, we were just finishing up. But wed certainly be provoke some other time. Are you grooming to stay in the area for long? Carlisle verbalise in mis carry onn enthusiasm, though Laurent hadnt noticed.How long do they plan to be in the area? Its doubtful they would be sufficient to stay here for long. Victoria looked at us incredulously.Were headed north, in fact, but we were curious to see who was in the neighborhood. We inducent run into any company in a long time. Laurent replied amicably.There is something about the dark haired girl. James concernd to look at her.His eyes wondered to mine as he continued to think strategically. He doesnt seem like too oft for a threat. He thought scathingly.I didnt let my conceptualization change ?C the less he knew about me and my ability, the better. Jasper could feel the extreme hostility emitting from James so he used his gift to calm him down, along with sending waves of calm to the other vampires. James thoughts returned to the communion once he comprehend Carlisles response. no. this region is usually empty except for us and the occasional visitor, like yourselves. Carlisle explained. buy food for them? All three thought simultaneously.Jasper was truly talented. His continuous calm had changed the atmosphere into a more g everyplacen sufficient situation.Whats your hunting range? Laurent inquired.The Olympic Range here, up and down the Coast Ranges on occasion. We keep a permanent residence nea rby. Theres some other permanent settlement like ours up near Denali. Carlisle explained.A permanent residence? They all thought together.They never leave? How is that possible? Laurent thought in astonishment to begin with voicing his question. Permanent? How do you manage that? he asked, intrigued.This could be our opportunity to get Bella outside from here. Be ready to move her outside from them. Carlisle directed his thoughts to me.Why dont you come dressing to our inhabitation with us and we put forward talk comfortably? Carlisle invited. Its a rather long story, he explained.Home? Victoria and James thought together and then exchanged incredulous looks.That sounds very provoke, and welcome. Laurent s geographical miled small-arm choosing his words carefully. Weve been on the hunt all the means down from Ontario, and we carrynt had the chance to clean up in a art object.I wonder what it is like to be so clean and dressed so nicely all the time, Laurent wondered.Please dont discover offense, but wed appreciate it if youd refrain from hunting in this immediate area. We have to stay inconspicuous, you understand. Carlisle asked politely.Of course, Laurent nodded. We certainly wont encroach on your territory. We just ate outside of Seattle, anyway, he laughed while picturing his last devour and the kill.What? You idiot Why would you agree to that? James roared in apparent displeasure.I could feel Bella shaking and I tested to hold back her obvious human tendencies from the visitors. The constant deluge of thoughts had me as set up trying to keep up with everything. I centre on the threat and Carlisle.Get ready to get her out of here Carlisle ordered me.Well show you the way if youd like to run with us ?C Emmett and Alice, you can go with Edward and Bella to get the Jeep, Carlisle give tongue to as nervelessly as possible while inconspicuously directing Emmett and Alice of what to do.I could name the malarkey from a mile away before it hit u s. Alice looked at me frantically for a fraction of a second as she cognise this, too, and her vision of us escaping unscathed shifted abruptly. I sawing machine it flash and in that second I realized what was breathing out to happen. The wind was only a second away and I was prepared.Suddenly the wind blew Bellas hair off her neck and sent her fragrance soaring towards the other vampires. James turned to governance her as many thoughts went running through his head. I was preparing to nurse Bella. Her scent had been punctuated by the moisture in the air, just like always. A howling rush of anxious thoughts came flowing out of my families minds as they realized the danger.Ummmwhat a delicious scent, he thought hungrily.His nostrils flared to bring her scent ampleer into his lungs, he crouched down, preparing to spring. His eyes narrowed while coming closer to Bella. I was a step ahead of him and so was my family because they had caught her scent strongly on the wind before he did. He was not tone ending to lay a single palpate on Bella. My protective side took over and a ferocious snarl ripped up my throat threateningly towards James. I met his gaze unflinchingly and he was suddenly very still like a dog whos hunting a rabbit, ready to attack.Whats this? Laurent exclaimed in surprise.Why are they defend her? She is just a human and an exceptionally frail one at that This is going to be harder than my last hunt. James thought in a sinister way, determined to seize her at the first opportunity.His thoughts continued on a visual infrastructure as I saw that he would pick victims who were harder to catch and track them down delighting in the hunt. He continued to dwell on his satisfying memories of his obsession. The harder the kill, the more thrilling he found it. A dysphemistic jar ran through my stomach as I realized that if we didnt kill him right away that he would continue to hunt Bella until she was dead. I shifted simultaneously with each mo vement he was planning to make.Shes with us, Carlisle claimed quickly, nearly in a threat.The scent didnt register with Laurent or Victoria for a few seconds longer. When it finally registered with them the scent was obviously not as strong to them as it was to James.You brought a snack? Laurent had a make a face spread across his face as he took a step forward, ignoring everyones protective stance. He was resisting the temptation much easier than James.A midget horrified gasp exited Bellas lips. Another grunt ripped up my throat, harsher than before. My teeth were showing and it sent a jolt of unease down Laurents spine. He stepped back.I said shes with us, Carlisle looked tense and protective.But shes human, Laurent protested with a quizzical look on his face, slightly taken aback. Maybe this is how they stay inconspicuouskeeping a human as a pet?Yes, Emmett replied while stepping towards James.Laurent knew better than to become aggressive when there were so many vampires prot ecting Bella. He caught sight of Jasper who had his hands clenched so tightly that his scars shown pearly white. He looked quickly away and towards James while giving him a dark look. What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to get us killed? He thought.James belatedly pulled out of his crouch but his thoughts and eyes were still on Bella. No matter what happened presently, he was going to hunt her. Tonight ?C she will be mine, James thought excitedly. This should make for a much more interesting sport, he continued and it was obvious that our front make the hunt considerably more interesting.I refused to move from my protective stance, remaining forcibly in his way. Jaspers waves of calm were operative on the other two vampires but not on James. He seemed completely unaffected, like his body overrode it for the mere thought of a hunt as intriguing as this one would be.This one should be fun I bet James is already making plans. Victoria thought while failing extravagantly to traverse the excitement of the hunt on her face.It appears we have a lot to learn about each other, Laurent spoke smoothly, trying to placate the situation.Indeed, Carlisles voice was relatively calm.I dont understand the fascination. But wed like to accept your invitation. Laurents eyes darted toward Bella and me and then quickly away.GoodGood, keep talking. This should alleviate me out, James thought while his face lit up with a feverous fanatical glow.And, of course, we will not harm the human girl. We wont hunt in your range, as I said. Laurent added.James threw him a disgruntled look. hygienic that doesnt help me out at all, he thought angrily. Ormaybe this will bring them into a false sense of security and they will let their guard down, James continued to plan in his head.Carlisle studied Laurents expression for several seconds. He seems to be handling this relatively well. I dont think inviting them over will support anything, Carlisle contemplated. Well show you the way . Jasper, Rosalie, Esme? he called.All three of them moved forward blocking Bella from their view. Alice delimited up next to Bella while Emmett walked backwards to us, never letting James out of his sight, manageing that I could see everything he saw.Im coming with you, Edward. I wont let anything happen to Bella, Emmett thought protectively.We need to leave now, Alice thought urgently.Lets go, Bella. I commanded.Bella didnt move her eyes were wide in terror and shock. I grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her towards the jeep. Emmett and Alice stayed potty me, protecting both of us from any form of attack they capacity try to come at us with, all of us working as a seamless team.We dont have much time, Edward. James will be after Bella shortly. Carlisle wont be able to stall them for long. Alice looked upset.My impatience of her slow human ill-treat was unbearable so by the time we reached the forest edge I threw Bella on my back as gentle as I could without slowing down and then I ran for it. Emmett and Alice were struggling to keep up with me I was flying through the forest in a fury trying to get Bella away from the danger. I knew that this whole experience was jarring for Bella but the most important thing right now was for her to be safe. When we arrived next to the jeep I opened the door to the backseat and practically threw her in as the rest of us hurried into the Jeep.The key was protruding from the ignition already and I turned it quickly while the engine roared to life. Strap her in, I ordered Emmett who was already in the backseat.We have to go ?C now Alice shouted from her head. She was already sitting in the passengers seat looking extremely anxious.Her thoughts were unnecessary because I was already spinning the Jeep around to face the mountain road.Hurry, hes close. Alices eyes were wide with terror for Bella.I was mouth ferociously while several profanities come through my lips, words that I would never use in front of a lady. Emmett a nd Alice were on full alert, constantly updating me in their thoughts at what was going on around us.I cant hear or see anything. Emmett informed me urgently.He lost Bellas scent once we took off in the Jeep, she explained to me, relaxing slightly.I watched Bella in the review mirror and through Emmetts eyes. She was bouncing up and down on the seat, her eyes wide. I suddenly offered Jasper had come along with us to keep her calm.Go south, they will split up but the prospects of them finding us are slim. Oh, she paused in thought, looks like they arent planning to leave so quickly after everything after all. I wonder what they are going to do, Alice tried to look further in the hereafter but there were too many decisions that hadnt been decided yet.I turned south on the main road.Where are we going? Bella finally spoke with a squeak.No one answered her.Just tell her, Alice commanded.I shook my head slightly. Emmett realized we were having one of our private conversations and mum what I was answering.Dammit, Edward Where are you taking me? Bella shouted this time, looking horrified.I looked in the review mirror at her slightly crest fallen face and it broke my resolve. We have to get you away from here ?C far away ?C now. I said hastily.I pressed the accelerator down harder at my words while the Jeeps speed reached a ascorbic acid and five miles an hour.Turn around You have to take me home she vehemently exclaimed.This is exactly why I didnt want to tell her where we were going because I knew that she would engage what I couldnt give her. I looked in the review mirror again to see her face. She was fighting with the harness, bowelless at the straps with tears welling up in her eyes.Emmett, I called.Emmett looked down at her while she was angrily greedy at the straps. Jeez, she is in a fury. Emmett thought. He brought his hands to her wrists and held them tightly in his grasp. Bella looked in the review mirror with pure anguish in her eyes.No Edward No, y ou cant do this, she cried out.When she begged and pleaded with me like this it broke my heart. I returned her gaze in the mirror. I have to, Bella, now enthrall be quiet. I implored.She was stubborn, as always. I wont You have to take me back ?C Charlie will call the FBI Theyll be all over your family ?C Carlisle and Esme Theyll have to leave, to hide forever She shouted with a tragic expression displayed on her face.Of course Bella was being selfless. It was just in her nature to care about everyone else when her life was in danger. This was energy to our family the FBI ?C its happened before with Jasper and Emmett.Calm down, Bella. I commanded. Weve been there before, I was almost crying with exasperation.Not over me, you dont Youre not ruining everything over me she began struggling under Emmetts hold.Edward, what do you want me to do? I dont want to hurt her but she is going to hurt herself with all of her struggling. Emmett thoughts became worried immediately.Edward, pull o ver, Alice directed. Bella has a good plan if you will just listen to her.I gave Alice a grave look while pressing the gas down even harder, showing her that I wasnt even going to slow down, let alone pull over.Edward, lets just talk this through, she continued. Hes not quest us he actually has no idea where we went. Now pull over, she inclined her head toward the roadstead shoulder.You dont understand, I yelled in frustration.Alice had no idea that James was a tracker that when he hunted his prey he never gave up and always conquered. I couldnt bring Bella back to Forks, he would find her and she would be in danger again. If she were to die, I would too.Hes a tracker, Alice, did you see that? Hes a tracker I shouted.Crap Emmett looked grim.Pull over, Edward. Do it now We have to talk about this now We are in this together and we all have to make the decisions together. That includes Bella Alice raised her eyebrows like she was daring me to disagree with her.I looked down at the s peedometer as the Jeep had reached one-twenty.Do it, Edward, Alice said to me in a bossy disapproving voice while glower at me.She needed to understand, I had to explain to her but I didnt want to say this in front of Bella. I didnt want her to be more terrorized than she already was. I looked into the review mirror again as I saw Bellas encouraging eyes telling me to pull over. Her heart was hammering loudly in her chest and her scent was circling all of us in the Jeep, emphasizing her human frailness. I closed my eyes for a fraction of a second, hoping when I opened them again that this would all be over with. I couldnt stop, I must keep going Listen to me, Alice, I gave her a reproachful look. I saw his mind. Tracking is his passion, his obsession ?C and he wants her, Alice ?C her, specifically. He begins the hunt tonight.He doesnt know where ?C Alice began but I cut her off.How long do you think it will take him to cross her scent in townspeople? His plan was already set before the words were out of Laurents mouth.I heard a faint gasp come from Bellas lips and I looked quickly in the review mirror to see her lips parted in pure horror. Charlie You cant leave him there You cant leave him she shouted and began thrashing against Emmett and the harness with nothing but pure worry in her expression.Shes right, Alice said while she looked to the future and then she looked at me in horror.I quickly dived into her mind, her vision was devastating. Bella She will be so hurt and broken I dont know if we could fix her if Charlie is killed. We have to stop him ?C nowAt the thought of what this could do to her I automatically slowed down. I didnt want her to die, but I could protect her from him but I couldnt protect her from the agony, the grief that she would have to suffer if her father was killed. It would be torture to see her in such pain or worse, if she finally took the blame off herself and realized it was entirely my fault and refused to let me comfort her. Alice could almost see my question hard at work. Lets just look at our options for a minute, she said coaxingly, knowing that I was deep in thought about our options.The Jeep slowed as I took my foot off the accelerator slowly and the speedometer showed the Jeep slowing down to ninety miles an hour.In Alices vision James would give Victoria the first kill ?C Charlie. Victoria was his mate and they were extremely vicious together, feeding off of each others ruthlessness. She would display Charlies dead body to try and coax us back ?C and it would work I slammed the brakes while pulling into the shoulder. I felt horribly powerless. The car behind me screeched to a block off too and honked their horn. I saw Bella slam back into the seat and I was instantly nervous I had done something to hurt her but she looked unscathed.I turned to look at Alice. There are no options, I howled.To bring her back when that monster was hunting her ?C I just couldnt bare it if something were to happen. My brilliance was in limbo.Im not leaving Charlie Bella yelled louder than I had ever heard but I disregard her.We have to take her back, Emmett said quietly.No, I said with authority.Hes no match for us, Edward. He wont be able to touch her, Emmett promised.Hell wait, I explained.Well beat him at his own game then I can wait, too. Emmett said while grinning widely.You didnt see ?C you dont understand. Once he commits to a hunt, hes unshakeable. Wed have to kill him. I shouted.And this is a problem because? Thats an option, he replied unperturbed.I was becoming angrier because I knew I was going to lose this argument. And the female. Shes with him. If it turns into a fight, the leader will go with them, too.Three against seven? Please There are enough of us.Theres another option, Alice replied quietly.She saw what Bella was planning in her head and the only way she saw this plan was if it was a possibility. This made me angrier than before. There ?C is ?C no ?C other ?C option I s houted.I could see the shock on Bella and Emmetts face in the mirror. I turned to look at Alice. She has a good plan and you know it Alice barked in her head.I continued to stare at her with deepest dislike.If she doesnt convince James that she is no longer in Forks than he will let Victoria kill Charlie. You cant let that happen. What would Carlisle say?I continued to glare at her and her logic.Does anyone want to hear my plan? Bella asked.No, I growled because I already knew her plan and disagreed with it.Ive had enough of this Alice glared at me so menacingly I almost thought she was going to dismiss holes through me.Listen, Bella pleaded desperately. You take me back.No, I cut in.I turned to look at her and now she was glower at me. You take me back, she continued anyway. I tell my dad I want to go home to Phoenix. I pack my bags. We wait till this tracker is watching, and then we run. Hell follow us and leave Charlie alone. Charlie wont call the FBI on your family. whence yo u can take me any damned place you want.Wow I like her style. She fights perversive Emmett looked surprised.Just let her do this, Edward. Alice continued to glare at me.Its not a bad idea, really. Emmett allowed.It might work ?C and we simply cant leave her father unprotected. You know that, Alice replied in a I told you so tone.Everyones eyes were on me. I took in a deep breath. Its too dangerous ?C I dont want him within a hundred miles of her.Edward, hes not getting through us, Emmett said confidently.I wish I were as confident as he was. I looked at Alice because she started flitting through the future again. Ah, yes, the future is getting clearer. I see I dont see him attacking. Hell try to wait for us to leave her alone.It wont take long for him to realize thats not going to happen, Emmett said.I demand that you take me home. Bella said firmly.My brain was pomposity with the onslaught of information ?C the past events, the present and the future. Bringing my fingers to my te mples and squeezing my eyes shut while trying to dispel all thoughts was useless but I tried anyway.Please, Bella whispered a cry.I knew I had to do what was best for Bella all around, not what was just best for me. I decided a compromise would be the best I could deal with.Youre leaving tonight, whether the tracker sees or not. You tell Charlie that you cant stand another minute in Forks. Tell him whatever story works. Pack the first things your hands touch, and then get in your motortruck. I dont care what he says to you. You have fifteen proceedings. Do you hear me? Fifteen minutes from the time you cross the doorstep. I conceded.The engine roared to life as I turned the key. I whipped the truck around while listening to everyones thoughts.I knew this was going to happen, Alice thought smugly.Yes We get to fight Hell yes Emmett rejoiced.Emmett? Bella said. I looked in the mirror and she was looking down at her hands.Oh, sorry. Emmett said while letting go of her wrists.This is the most exciting thing since mine and Jaspers trip to Africa. I hope Edward always keeps Bella around, everything is always so interesting Emmett continued to think happy thoughts the whole way back to Forks.While everyone else was silent I was working plans in my head. This is how its going to happen, I began to explain our strategy. When we get to the house, if the tracker is not there, I will walk her to the door. Then she has fifteen minutes. I gave Bella a dark look in the mirror to let her know I wasnt going to change my mind on this point. Emmett, you take the outside of the house. Alice, you get the truck. Ill be inside as long as she is. After shes out, you two can take the Jeep home and tell Carlisle.What? No fight No way, Emmett interrupted. Im with you.I sighed. Think it through, Emmett. I dont know how long Ill be gone. I explained.You arent going to ruin this for me. Until we know how far this is going to go, Im with you, Emmett said with authority.A growl almost esca ped my lips. If the tracker is there, I frowned, we keep driving.No worries Were going to make it there before him, Alice said with confidence. Oh no you dont, Edward, Im staying with her. She thought when I planned to send her home.What are we going to do with the Jeep? Alice asked to provoke me.I gritted my teeth as I spoke. Youre driving it home.No way No, Im not she said coolly.Tonight I just couldnt help myself, a stream of profanities come through my lips, but low enough I was sure Bella couldnt hear them. Would she think of me as a gentleman after this? What a dumb thing to be thinking about in such a crucial moment, I thought to myself.We can all fail in my truck, Bella said quietly.I ignored her, she wasnt helping my cause.I think you should let me go alone, Bella said even more quietly, purposely provoking me.I clenched my teeth and breathed through them slowly. Bella, please just do this my way, just this once.Listen, Charlies not an imbecile, she continued like she hadn t heard me. If youre not in town tomorrow, hes going to get suspicious.Why does she continually worry about me when she should be worried about herself? Beautiful, selfless, warm, swear humanwhy do you do this to me? I roared internally. Thats irrelevant. Well make sure hes safe, and thats all that matters. I told her.I could see her rebuttal churning in her eyes before she spoke. Then what about this tracker? He saw the way you acted tonight. Hes going to think youre with me, wherever you are.Where on earth did this creature come from? Emmett wondered. Edward, listen to her, he urged. I think shes right, Emmett said, positively delighted.Hum, she has a point. Yes, she is, Alice agreed.They already convinced me to come back to Forks and bring her back to the vampire who hunted her and now they expect me to stay behind I cant do that. I barked.It was true, it was almost physically impossible for me to leave her now.Emmett should stay, too. He definitely got an eyeful of Emmett. She continued.You have got to be kidding me Shes turning on me now What? Emmetts eyes narrowed in her direction.Ill placate him. Dont worry. Youll get a better crack at him if you stay, Alice suggested.The way they were planning was driving me insane. I had to put my foot down at some point. You think I should let her go alone? I said incredulously.Do you think Im an idiot? Of course not. Jasper and I will take her. Duh.I felt like I was being beaten down. They were making sense and I knew it, but I just couldnt stand the pain if something was to happen to her and I wasnt there to protect her. I cant do that. I repeated.Bella spoke up, Hang out here for a week ?C I looked at her in the mirror and she could see my I dont think so expression and amend - a few days. Let Charlie see you havent kidnapped me, and lead this James on a wild-goose chase. Make sure hes completely off my trail. Then come and meet me. Take a roundabout route, of course, and then Jasper and Alice can go home.It will work. Really. Alice thought to me.Meet you where? I conceded, curiosity getting the best of me.Phoenix. She said matter-of-factly.No. Hell hear thats where youre going, I said impatiently.Oh Great planAlice thought seeing what Bella would say before she spoke again.And youll make it look like thats a ruse, obviously. Hell know that well know that hes listening. Hell never believe Im actually going where I say I am going.Interesting, always interesting. Shes diabolical, Emmett began to chuckle and I ignored him.And if that doesnt work? I muttered.There are several million people in Phoenix, she informed me like that settled it.How did our conversation end up like this ?C here, in Forks embracing danger? We should be a hundred miles away by now Its not that hard to find a phone book, I said grimly.I wont go home, she said happily.This is entertaining, really. Emmett thought with another chuckle in his head.I wanted to upset my eyes at her or shake some sense into her. Maybe she had lost her mind with the deform of the ordeal. Oh? I asked, utterly perplexed.Im quite old enough to get my own place, she smiled at me in the mirror.It wont come to that. Dont worry. Edward, well be with her, Alice winked at me.Everyone had lost their minds. A sadistic vampire was hunting Bella and everyone had turned it into a monstrous joke What are you going to do in Phoenix? I rebuked.If I have time, shop. She thought but pretended that she didnt think that when she looked at me and replied, Stay indoors.I threw her a disgruntled look.With Jasper gone Edward and I can track this James down and kill him I kind of like it. Emmett grinned stupidly.I glared at him. Shut up, Emmett, I commanded and I meant that for his thoughts too. It didnt stop him.Look, if we try to take him down while shes still around, theres a much better chance that someone will get hurt ?C shell get hurt, or you will, trying to protect her. Now, if we get him alone we can hack him up into little pieces and b urn him Emmett ideal in his thoughts with another wide grin spreading across his face at the thought.I saw the bright orange streetlights as they grew brighter and larger as Forks loomed into view. We had finally arrived back in town and I was suddenly anxious that our plan wont work. The streets were empty and it felt like it was an ominous sign. Alice could see the grim expression on my face.Shell be fine, Edward, Ive seen it. Alice thought calmy.Bella, I began while Alice and Emmett became alert immediately, gazing raptly out the windows. If you let anything happen to yourself ?C anything at all ?C Im holding you personally responsible. Do you understand that? I said softly.I heard her loud gulp. Yes, she whispered.I looked at Alice who turned back to me. Can Jasper handle this?He cares for Bella, too. exit him some credit, Edward. Hes been doing very, very well, all things considered.I raised an eyebrow. Can you handle this? I asked.I have fewer problems handling it then you d o. Id never hurt Bella. How dare you. Alice thought while a growl ripped up her throat and she pulled back her lips to show her gleaming teeth.Coming from Alice, the very tiny Alice, made me smile despite the events of this evening. But keep your opinions to yourself, I said harshly, knowing that the knowledge of her visions would be too much for Bella to handle.You mean the one where I think you should change her into a vampire so she can weather with us forever? She thought with great smugness.I grimaced while pulling into Bellas driveway, looking out at the dark grounds surrounding her house. A lump formed in my throat at the thought of what had to happen next.