The Twilight Saga 5: Midnight Sun 21. Goodbye

T here is no scent of a vampire eitherwhere near us, Emmett estimation art object looking nigh the fatalened grounds.All clear here, Alice looked with the future. Hell show up, further he wont bother ushe motives her to himself.Looking come out of the closet through with(predicate) the window of the Jeep I could call for no sign of the tracker. I was secretly hoping that he wouldnt show up. Putting Bella in the line of riskiness was burning holes through me.Hes not here, my voice was tense. Lets go, I firmly commanded.I gave Emmett a tight gesture and he started unbuckling Bellas harness. I could hear her pulse start to race as her schnorkeling became harsh and ragged. Her speck filled my lungs, re souling me forcibly of the precious creature I would be protecting this hithertoing.Shes worriedso human. Dont worry, Bella, Emmett verbalize in an amused voice, well take care of things here quickly.Moisture was beginning to build up in Bellas eyes and in that most fleet ing of seconds I necessitateed to take her and come stumble ?C run thousands of miles ?C just me and her, to workher.Thats not an option, Alices vision swirled in her head before it went up in a wisp of smoke as I realized she was right. We should zipper, her conceptions were strained as the many smoky and shadowy figures shifted and disappeared with separately decision that was being make.Alice, Emmett, I called.I hope hes here This is going to be so more fun Emmett ran a representation glee affluenty.Dont worry, Edward. Well keep her safe. Alice slid silently into the trees.Bella was showing extraordinary strength for some peerless so human. I swept out of the Jeep and opened the corroborate verge to see Bellas face which was still full of trouble and my protective nerve took a different turn as I took her relegate and brought her to my typeface to comfort and protect her.As the terror rose in my chest I was beginning to take up my feet reluctantly towards her door, where she would leave me to go inside. I knew the only safe place for her was in my arms. Our footsteps echoed in the silence scarcely I was not oblivious to my surroundings as we walked my eyes continually darting from every coign of the open space wish we were in the middle of a war.I hear someone approaching, Emmett resisted the lure to attack but his beliefs were always wildly enthusiastic about the prospect.Fifteen minutes, I reminded Bella spell steal a glance to look at her face, an icy s weightlift of terror rising in the equalize of my stomach.Tiny tears began seeping from beneath her eye lids as she looked up into my eyes. I can do this, she sniffed like she was demonstrateing to convince herself more than me.The lights on the porch were on, fashioning her tears reflect the light as soon as we ascended the last step. She rancid around to face me, bringing her warm sinks to my face, direct a quivering tactile sensationing through my body in the most hostile o f times.I turn in you, Bella express intensely. I volition always love you, no matter what gos now.What did she think was going to happen to her? An odd chill ran up my spine. Nothing is going to happen to you, Bella, I replied fiercely.Just follow the image, alright? Keep Charlie safe for me. Hes not going to like me very much afterward this, and I want to hasten the chance to apologize later, she looked up at me with her tear stained face.I could feel my philia sinking as I took in her pitiful expression. Before I could show this emotion on my face I perceive the thoughts of my family from the woods, distracting me again.Theyre here ?C only jam and Victoria. Alice thought flatly. Laurent went to see Carlisle ?C or ?C to warn him.They are keeping their distance. They caught our scent. Emmett was still hoping for a fight.Well, well, well I heard crowd to imbibeher thoughts. This is going to be a lot more fun than I realized, a laugh escape his lips at the prospect of his new hunt.Get inside, Bella. We wee to hurry, I say urgently spot slant everywhere her protectively.One more thing, she whispered hastily. Dont listen to another word I say this eveningInstantly her lips were on mine, sending warmth and pleasant electric shocks through my body. I forgot where I was for a fraction of a second before she pulled away, tears still streaming down feather her face. Her expression changed to searing see red, she turned on her heal and kicked the front door open.Go away, Edward her voice was a scream before she slammed the door in my face.I stood there looking at the door in stunned disbelief my breath being temporarily robbed. The feelings pulsing through me were oddly disembodying. Shrugging complete the sensation as best I could, I move to look around the cool misty grounds, stealing glances through my siblings minds along with Charlies. throng continued to keep his distance even though his thoughts were smug and optimistic to the point of lol lipopishness.What is she doing? Emmett wondered. I belowestimated her hilarious, this should be entertainingBella? Charlie called out anxiously at his daughters angry words.Move closer and see if you can get a better look at whats going on, I heard pile order Victoria. intermit her neck than mine, James thought c senilely.Leave me alone Bella shouted back at Charlie.Charlies thoughts were incoherent with fear at his daughters obvious pain. He began pounding on her door while startling flashes of insight and thought filled my mind.The human is fighting with her father, Victoria told James after returning to him.This I project to see, James thought menacingly.Hes on the move, Alice warned me.If he gets too close Ill take care of him, Emmett thought pleasantly.My eyes searched the quality for any sign of the tracker but came up empty. I continued to stand protectively below Bellas window. James moved in to hear the conversations going on inside the mark but stayed clear of my vi sion. My tautness flew up fifteen feet to where Bella was.Bella, are you okay? Whats going on? Charlie called out, frightened.Im going home, she shouted angrily.Its almost plausible ?C chuckle ?C this is getting genuine, Emmetts amusement was heightened at her acting.Did he hurt you? Charlie asked, disjointed anger rising in his thoughts.Nohe protects her, James thought with great disgust.At their thoughts I snapped. I flew through the air swiftly entering her bedroom through the window, starting to grab anything and everything from her dresser in a fierce attempt to speed the process.No Bella shouted back at her dad while she ran around her room, packing her belongings. She hadnt noticed my presence until she turned to her dresser. Her eyes found mine and they were full of sadness and guilt. Before I could pull her into my embrace we were interrupted.Did he break up with you? Charlie asked, perplexed by her choppy angst.No Bella shrieked at Charlie again while shoving handfuls of clothes into her bag.Victoria is heading to our house because she knows that we plan to bring Bella there. Alice informed me.Charlie began beating on Bellas door, panic rushing his mind.What happened, Bella? Charlie shouted through the door.I broke up with him she shouted back.She was jerking her hand on the zipper of the bag so I caught her hand gently with mine and zipped it for her. I picked up the bag and gently placed it on her shoulder. Ill be in the transport ?C go I whispered and lightly pushed her towards her door, exhausting to press the fact that we subscribeful to get far away from James. I jumped out of the window.What happened? Charlie asked when she opened her door, following her downstairs. I thought you like him?I do like him ?C thats the problem. I cant do this anymore I cant tramp down anymore roots here I dont want to end up trapped in this stupid, ho-hum town like Mom Im not going to make the same dumb mistake she did. I hate it ?C I cant stay here an other minute Bella yelled in a desperate attempt to convince Charlie to permit her go.Shes good, Emmett thought.She is setting up an escape intellectual, but not clever enough. James thought. Things are about to get real interesting, James sneered in his head.Bells, you cant leave now. Its nighttime, Charlie whispered to her with splendid sadness in his voice. Charlies shocked thoughts were over powering as each word lashed at him, causing him pain.Oh yes she can. add up on little girl, come out to play. James snarled with great smugness.I resisted the temptation to lash around and attack him.That is not a good idea, Alice thought in hollow tones. Flashes of the future floated into her mind but disintegrated when I decided not to follow through with my plan.Ill sleep in the truck if I get tired, Bella responded to Charlie, her voice emotionless.Just wait another week, Charlie begged. Rene willing be back by then.What? Bella stuttered.We need to get her out of there, Alice push ed.She called while you were out. Charlie knew he had caught her off guard. Things arent going so well in Florida, and if Phil doesnt get signed by the end of the week, theyre going back to Arizona. The assistant coach of the Sidewinders said they might have a spot for another shortstop.Arizona is it? Surely she wouldnt actually go there. Hum James thoughts trailed off.I have a key, Bella retorted to Charlies pitiful attempt at keeping her there.Thats right. Just come outside. James was wistful.If it werent for our presence James would have already attacked. I was instantly becoming nervous at our plan. Is this plan going to back fire? I wondered gravely. We would shortly be in her very slow truck driving some(prenominal) miles towards my house before she would be in the protective custody of seven vampires.Just let me go, Charlie. Bella said softly. It didnt work out, okay? I really, really hate ForksThis is really going to hurt Charlie, Alice thought sadly.Bella walked out of the house. Ill call you tomorrow she yelled back to Charlie.She jumped into her truck and the engine roared to lifetime. She backed out and squealed her tires on the pave as she sped away. I was running next to her truck and jumped in. She was trembling and tears were leaking out of her eye lashes in massive amounts.Pull over, I said softly.I can drive, she barely sputtered a sobbing protest. straightaway the fun begins James thought while running behind us.Im right behind you, Edward. Dont worry, he wont try anything, Alice reassured me.I looked at Bellas face and pain knotted my stomach at the thought of her brokenheartedness in this moment. I wanted to do something but I couldnt think of how to comfort her. She was barely staying in between the lines on the road, probably because her vision was blinded by more tears. I grabbed her waist and put my foot on the gas pedal, moving her warm body over mine until I was the one driving.You wouldnt be able to find the house, I tried to ex plain to her in a way that wouldnt hoo-ha her anymore than she already was.The lights of the Jeep flashed across the truck and she turned to look out of the window, horror displayed in her eyes.Its just Alice, I immediately tried to soothe her by cradling her hand in mine. At my interest she sighed and began to relax, though her face showed a great sadness.The tracker? Bella whispered.is running behind us. Emmetts a few steps in the lead of him, Alice informed me of the situation outside the truck but I was too intent on continued to leak from her eyes as she looked up at me.He heard the end of your performance, I said with the deepest of loathing while remembering his thoughts.Charlie? she looked like she was going to choke from the word.Alice quickly began scanning for Charlies future which was solidly there. His future looks bright, she added.The tracker followed us. Hes running behind us now. I continued to try and calm her nerves.Can we run him? she asked anxious and curio us.In that truck? Funny, Emmett mused.No, I pressed the gas pedal down to the floor, emphasizing Emmetts thoughts. The truck groaned, sputtered and continued to move at its regular fifty-five.Nice try, but that truck isnt going any faster. Emmett thought before jumping in the back, highly amused by the whole situation.A high toss scream exited Bellas parted lips and I reached up, clamping my hand across her mouth to quiet her.Its Emmett, I explained while removing my hand from her face.Her face was screwed up in anguish and terror so I wound my arm around her waist and brought her into my side. I felt better immediately at her closeness because this was the safest place for her to be.Its okay Bella, I promised, though I wasnt sure if my promise was empty. Youre going to be safe.Her face still showed a gold braid of emotions terror, panic, and sadness. Expelling all thoughts that were around me I concentrated every last particle of my mind on the one person who needed me most ?C Be lla. I needed to distract her and to distract myself. I knew the best way to get her talking was to make an assumption, which she would undoubtedly correct for me usually with a lengthened explanation.I didnt realize you were still so bored with small-town life, I began, looking sideways at her face. It seemed like you were adjusting fairly well ?C especially recently. Maybe I was just flattering myself that I was do life more interesting for you.I wasnt being nice, she thwarted my attempts at a diversion while gazing down. That was the same thing my mom said when she left him. You could say I was hitting below the belt.Dont worry. Hell yield you, my lips turned up in an attempt to ease her pain.She returned her inspect to mine and her eyes were still round-eyed with panic.Bella, its going to be all right. tho it wont be all right when Im not with you, her lips barely let the whisper escape.Well be together again in a few days, I tightened my grip on her, realizing that I didnt ever want her to leave my protective custody. Dont forget that this was your idea.It was the best idea ?C of passage 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 notioned as tempting as she did.Its my fault ?C I was a fool to expose you like that. I replied with rage present in my voice.Thats not what I meant, she said exasperated. I was there, big deal. It didnt bother the other two. Why did this James decide to kill me? Therere people all over the place, why me?In my attempt to block out all thoughts one still protruded into my mind, answering the gesture for me.Because you are protected by seven vampires ?C something I have never come across. Th is is the best challenge, yet. I couldnt have asked for anything better than this James thought hungrily for the hunt.I hesitated before answering Bellas question, trying to word it in a way that wouldnt 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. Im not sure if theres anything I could have done to avoid this, once he saw you. It is partially your fault. I looked at her objurgation in the glass. If you didnt smell so appallingly luscious, he might not have bothered. But when I defended youwell, that made it a lot worse. Hes 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. shortly weve presented him with a beautiful challenge ?C a large clan of dependable fighters all stage set on protecting the one vulnerable element. You wouldnt believe how euphoric he is now. Its his favorite game, and weve just made it his most exciting game ever, I said in disgust.I will win, Jamess 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 thoughtI didnt smell the same to the othersas I do to you, she said hesitantly.You dont. But that doesnt mean that you arent still a temptation to every one of them. If you had appealed to the tracker ?C or any of them ?C the same way you appeal to me, it would have meant a fight right there.I felt her quiver.I dont think I have any choice but to kill him now, I muttered. Carlisle wont like it.How can you kill a vampire? she asked through her petrified sobs.Glad Im not the one to tell her this one, Emmett chuckled and I ignored him.My focus was solely on Bella. H er 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? unceasingly so full of questions, isnt she? Alice mused.The woman will. Im not sure about Laurent. They dont have a very strong bond ?C hes only with them for convenience. He was embarrassed by James in the meadowBut James and the woman ?C theyll try to kill you? she choked.You silly girl You are the fragile one, the brickle one ?C the one that is being hunted, I internally replied. Bella, dont you dare waste time lamentable about me. Your only concern is keeping yourself safe and ?C please, please ?C trying not to be reckless. I pleaded.Is he still following? she asked.Yes, hes keeping his distance hes pretty keen not to be seen. He wont come after Bella tonight, Alice informed me.Yes. He wont attack the house, though. Not tonight. I replied while turning onto my driveway.After the several m ile 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 cant believe they live like this ?C Amazing I cant understand why they are planning on ruining all of this for a human. Laurent thought in astonishment.Hes at the forest edge, Ill 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 pelage 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 cant 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 Emmetts throat, low and vibrating. He sat Bella down next to him, preparing to pounce.Hes 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.Im good-for-nothing, 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.Ill stop him, Emmett roared internally.Nothing stops James when he gets started. Laurent answered while shaking his head in frustration.Well stop him, Emmett promised him.You cant bring him down. Ive never seen anything like him in my iii hundred years. Hes absolutely lethal. Thats why I joined his coven. Laurent said doubtfully. His head began to shake ba ck and away 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 its worth it?A grumble formed in my stomach and ripped up my throat so loudly that it had him cringing away from me in fear.Im afraid youre going to have to make a choice. Carlisle said gravely.This is one hell of a life style to live in. But James ?C I could never defeat James. They mentioned something about a settlement in Denali. Im intrigued by the life youve created here. But I wont get in the middle of this. I bear none of you any enmity, but I wont go up against James. I think I will head north ?C to that clan in Denali, should I warn them? Oh, why not Dont underestimate James. Hes got a brilliant mind and unparalleled senses. Hes every bit as comfortable in the human world as you seem to be, and he wont come at you head onI m sorry for whats 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?Im 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 hes circling around to meet up with the female. I explained.Just drop her off at the rivers bank and get this over with, Rosalie sneered in her head. I ignored her thoughts.Whats the plan? Carlisle asked.Well 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 wont let them hurt Bella. I guess theres no other choice, Carlisle hold but h is 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 ?C a danger youve elect to inflict on all of us.Rose, Emmett put a hand on her shoulder but she shrugged it off.Please ignore her, shell 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 Rosalies jibe and changed tack in the speed of light.Ill do it, Edward. Esme suggested.I turned to her, Esme?Of course, she responded immediately. Esme flew to Bellas 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 Rosalies thoughts as they grew meaner and more visual.Rosalie, you will take Bellas truck. Esme will go with you, I commanded.You want me to ride in thatthatthing? she barked.Please, Rose. Do it for me, Emmett asked softly.I wont she hissed loudly.Rosalie, Bella is part of this family and you will plow her with respect, do you understand me? Carlisles voice became firm.Fine, Rose snapped at us and then stalked away. I could feel the angry satisfaction on my face.Im coming with you to hunt James. Maybe we can talk him out of this trash 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 fetching your truck, Bella, I said while issue her to grab a cell phone that Carlisle was giving to each family member.Alice , Jasper ?C take the Mercedes. Youll need the dark tint in the south.Well keep her safe, Edwardpromise. Ill miss you. Alice thought while Jasper silently nodded in approval of the plan.Were 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. Hell track you. The woman will follow the truck. We should be able to leave after thatLets go. Ill leave you a minute, Carlisle thought but there was still a bite of impatience in his thoughts ?C we had to hurry.I rushed over to Bella, not even hesitating while I brought her into my tight embrace, allow her body warm every inch of mine. The monster, desire, was still positively, solidly there. I placed my hand under her chin, bringing her lips to mine. Euphoria splashed through my hectic nerves calming them, though the electricity reminded me that I was doing this for her, that I would die for her to protect her. In seconds the kiss was over and I could feel the slight vehement of my body as I placed her back on the ground. I kept her face in my hands, communicating silently the love I had for her as tears strolled down her pink cheeks, her face fluid with despair. It was time to go, so I wretched myself away from her and then I was gone, a chill fill my stomach.I ran to the jeep, hoping into the passengers side. Carlisle was driving and Emmett was in the back, we took off, driving north. James caught my scent easily and began chasing after us in the Jeep. I picked up the phone to call Esme. It only rang once, Go now, I ordered.I could still here the thoughts of Victoria as we speed away. Rosalie and Esme fired up Bellas truck and drove east. Victoria caught the smell of Bella and took off after her truck. I called Alice, even though I was positive she already knew. She answered her phone before it even rang, Victoria is on their trail, I informed her. Its time.