"Don't worry. He'll forgive you," my lips turned up in an attempt to ease her pain.
She returned her gaze to mine and her eyes were still wide with panic.
"Bella, it's going to be all right."
"But it won't be all right when I'm not with you," her lips barely let the whisper escape.
"We'll be together again in a few days," I tightened my grip on her, realizing that I didn't ever want her to leave my protective custody. "Don't forget that this was your idea."
"It was the best idea - of course it was mine," she replied smugly and a smile crept up my face at the sign of a new emotion, but it was fleeting at best.
"Why did this happen?" she choked. "Why me?"
I stared out into the darkness realizing that it was my error. You idiot, moron! I knew that there were others in the vicinity and in a moment of happiness I forgot the dangers that could befall a human, especially one that smelled as tempting as she did.
"It's my fault - I was a fool to expose you like that." I replied with rage present in my voice.
"That's not what I meant," she said exasperated. "I was there, big deal. It didn't bother the other two. Why did this James decide to kill me? There're people all over the place, why me?"
In my attempt to block out all thoughts one still protruded into my mind, answering the question for me.
Because you are protected by seven vampires - something I have never come across. This is the best challenge, yet. I couldn't have asked for anything better than this! James thought hungrily for the hunt.
I hesitated before answering Bella's question, trying to word it in a way that wouldn't scare her beyond her current state of terror though the cold fury that was in every line of my face was obvious to her.
"I got a good look at his mind tonight," I began in a low voice. "I'm not sure if there's anything I could have done to avoid this, once he saw you. It is partially your fault." I looked at her reflection in the glass. "If you didn't smell so appallingly luscious, he might not have bothered. But when I defended you...well, that made it a lot worse. He's not used to being thwarted, no matter how insignificant the object. He thinks of himself as a hunter and nothing else. His existence is consumed with tracking, and a challenge is all he asks of life. Suddenly we've presented him with a beautiful challenge - a large clan of strong fighters all bent on protecting the one vulnerable element. You wouldn't believe how euphoric he is now. It's his favorite game, and we've just made it his most exciting game ever," I said in disgust.
I will win, James's thoughts were rapt and exultant.
I hesitated, trying to control the sensation that was building in my chest to pull over and attack. I controlled my urge and continued. "But if I had stood by, he would have killed you right then," I said, frustrated.
"I thought...I didn't smell the same to the others...as I do to you," she said hesitantly.
"You don't. But that doesn't mean that you aren't still a temptation to every one of them. If you had appealed to the tracker - or any of them - the same way you appeal to me, it would have meant a fight right there."
I felt her quiver.
"I don't think I have any choice but to kill him now," I muttered. "Carlisle won't like it."
"How can you kill a vampire?" she asked through her petrified sobs.
Glad I'm not the one to tell her this one, Emmett chuckled and I ignored him.
My focus was solely on Bella. Her gaze met mine and I could see the darkness of my face and eyes as I spoke. "The only way to be sure is to tear him to shreds, and then burn the pieces."
"And the other two will fight with him?"
Always so full of questions, isn't she? Alice mused.
"The woman will. I'm not sure about Laurent. They don't have a very strong bond - he's only with them for convenience. He was embarrassed by James in the meadow..."
"But James and the woman - they'll try to kill you?" she choked.
You silly girl! You are the fragile one, the breakable one - the one that is being hunted, I internally replied. "Bella, don't you dare waste time worrying about me. Your only concern is keeping yourself safe and - please, please - trying not to be reckless." I pleaded.
"Is he still following?" she asked.
Yes, he's keeping his distance; he's pretty keen not to be seen. He won't come after Bella tonight, Alice informed me.
"Yes. He won't attack the house, though. Not tonight." I replied while turning onto my driveway.
After the several mile drive to the house we could finally see the distant lights of the house becoming larger and clearer. I could immediately hear the thoughts of Laurent.
I can't believe they live like this - Amazing! I can't understand why they are planning on ruining all of this for a human. Laurent thought in astonishment.
He's at the forest edge, I'll grab Bella. Emmett thought while jumping out of the truck and running alongside it. When we were coming to a stop he opened the door and pulled Bella under his coat and ran her towards the house and through the front door, Alice and I at their side. Relief flowed through my veins now that she was inside, protected. Everyone stood at our arrival.
I can't believe this crap, Rosalie was muttering.
Oh thank heavens they are all right, Esme and Carlisle both thought, relieved.
Laurent stood in the mist of my family members, his eyes a gleaming ominous red, making the difference between us and them stand out.
What the hell is he doing in our house? I might get that fight after all, a feral snarl ripped up Emmett's throat, low and vibrating. He sat Bella down next to him, preparing to pounce.