"He's tracking us," I stared coldly at Laurent.
"I was afraid of that," Laurent frowned.
I could hear James as he began thinking strategy in his mind, he was going to meet up with Victoria who was already waiting for him a short distance from the house.
"What will he do?" Carlisle asked Laurent in chilling tones.
"I'm sorry," Laurent began. "I was afraid, when your boy there defended her, that it would set him off."
Same old games, Laurent thought angrily in his head.
"Can you stop him?" Carlisle questioned.
I'll stop him, Emmett roared internally.
"Nothing stops James when he gets started." Laurent answered while shaking his head in frustration.
"We'll stop him," Emmett promised him.
"You can't bring him down. I've never seen anything like him in my three hundred years. He's absolutely lethal. That's why I joined his coven." Laurent said doubtfully. His head began to shake back and forth again, this time in confusion. Why her? What is so special about this human girl that would make them want to provoke such a vicious hunter? He stole a look at Bella, and then turned back to Carlisle, perplexed by the situation. "Are you sure it's worth it?"
A growl formed in my stomach and ripped up my throat so loudly that it had him cringing away from me in fear.
"I'm afraid you're going to have to make a choice." Carlisle said gravely.
This is one hell of a life style to live in. But James - I could never defeat James. They mentioned something about a settlement in Denali. "I'm intrigued by the life you've created here. But I won't get in the middle of this. I bear none of you any enmity, but I won't go up against James. I think I will head north - to that clan in Denali," should I warn them? Oh, why not! "Don't underestimate James. He's got a brilliant mind and unparalleled senses. He's every bit as comfortable in the human world as you seem to be, and he won't come at you head on...I'm sorry for what's been unleashed here. Truly sorry."
"Go in peace," Carlisle said quietly.
Hum, I hope it is like this in Denali, Laurent wondered, looking around before sweeping out of the house, his thoughts fading with distance.
Carlisle turned to meet my gaze. "How close?"
I'm going to seal off all entrances to the house, Esme thought while walking over to the wall, pressing a key pad - making large metal walls creek and groan as they sealed up the glass wall.
"About three miles out past the river; he's circling around to meet up with the female." I explained.
Just drop her off at the river's bank and get this over with, Rosalie sneered in her head. I ignored her thoughts.
"What's the plan?" Carlisle asked.
"We'll lead him off, and then Jasper and Alice will run her south." I explained to him in a hurry.
South? Interesting choice. "And then?" Carlisle asked.
"As soon as Bella is clear, we hunt him." I replied darkly.
Well, we know we won't let them hurt Bella. "I guess there's no other choice," Carlisle agreed but his lips were turned down into a frown.
I turned to Rosalie. She needed to learn that Bella is now a part of our family. "Get her upstairs and trade clothes," I commanded.
Her thoughts sputtered incoherently for several seconds before anger surged through her mouth. "Why should I?" she said vehemently. "What is she to me? Except a menace - a danger you've chosen to inflict on all of us."
"Rose...," Emmett put a hand on her shoulder but she shrugged it off.
Please ignore her, she'll come around one of these days, please, Emmett begged for Rosalie.
With everything that Emmett has been doing for me lately I decided that I would do something for him. I ignored Rosalie's jibe and changed tack in the speed of light.
I'll do it, Edward. Esme suggested.
I turned to her, "Esme?"
"Of course," she responded immediately. Esme flew to Bella's side and without flinching brought her into her grasp and raced upstairs.
Once Bella was upstairs everyone was in a hurry, running around packing their belongings or preparing for their independent trips. I continued to ignore Rosalie's thoughts as they grew meaner and more visual.
"Rosalie, you will take Bella's truck. Esme will go with you," I commanded.
"You want me to ride in that...that...thing?" she barked.
"Please, Rose. Do it for me," Emmett asked softly.
"I won't!" she hissed loudly.
"Rosalie, Bella is part of this family and you will treat her with respect, do you understand me?" Carlisle's voice became firm.
"Fine," Rose snapped at us and then stalked away. I could feel the angry satisfaction on my face.
I'm coming with you to hunt James. Maybe we can talk him out of this nonsense and can spare his life, Carlisle thought wishfully.
Esme and Bella appeared down the stairs only a few minutes after they went up, both of them changed. It was an odd sensation to smell Bella all over Esme but we were in a hurry so I informed Bella of our plan. "Esme and Rosalie will be taking your truck, Bella," I said while passing her to grab a cell phone that Carlisle was giving to each family member.
"Alice, Jasper - take the Mercedes. You'll need the dark tint in the south."
We'll keep her safe, Edward...promise. I'll miss you. Alice thought while Jasper silently nodded in approval of the plan.
"We're taking the Jeep," I told Bella.
"Alice," Carlisle asked, "will they take the bait?"
Alice closed her eyes while swirls of colors flashed and danced around until she solidly saw their path. "He'll track you. The woman will follow the truck. We should be able to leave after that"