Midnight Sun (Twilight #1.5)(173)

"She's with us," Carlisle claimed quickly, almost in a threat.

The scent didn't 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 smile spread across his face as he took a step forward, ignoring everyone's protective stance. He was resisting the temptation much easier than James.

A small horrified gasp exited Bella's lips. Another growl ripped up my throat, harsher than before. My teeth were showing and it sent a jolt of unease down Laurent's spine. He stepped back.

"I said she's with us," Carlisle looked tense and protective.

"But she's human," Laurent protested with a quizzical look on his face, slightly taken aback. Maybe this is how they stay inconspicuous...keeping 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 protecting 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 slowly pulled out of his crouch but his thoughts and eyes were still on Bella. No matter what happened now, he was going to hunt her. Tonight - she will be mine, James thought excitedly. This should make for a much more interesting sport, he continued and it was obvious that our presence made the hunt considerably more interesting.

I refused to move from my protective stance, remaining forcibly in his way. Jasper's waves of calm were working 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 hide 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," Carlisle's voice was relatively calm.

I don't understand the fascination. "But we'd like to accept your invitation." Laurent's eyes darted toward Bella and me and then quickly away.

Good...Good, keep talking. This should help 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 won't hunt in your range, as I said." Laurent added.

James threw him a disgruntled look. Well that doesn't help me out at all, he thought angrily. Or...maybe 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 Laurent's expression for several seconds. He seems to be handling this relatively well. I don't think inviting them over will hurt anything, Carlisle contemplated. "We'll show you the way. Jasper, Rosalie, Esme?" he called.

All three of them moved forward blocking Bella from their view. Alice bounded up next to Bella while Emmett walked backwards to us, never letting James out of his sight, knowing that I could see everything he saw.

I'm coming with you, Edward. I won't let anything happen to Bella, Emmett thought protectively.

We need to leave now, Alice thought urgently.

"Let's go, Bella." I commanded.

Bella didn't 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 behind me, protecting both of us from any form of attack they might try to come at us with, all of us working as a seamless team.

We don't have much time, Edward. James will be after Bella shortly. Carlisle won't be able to stall them for long. Alice looked upset.

My impatience of her slow human pace 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 - now! Alice shouted from her head. She was already sitting in the passenger's seat looking extremely anxious.

Her thoughts were unnecessary because I was already spinning the Jeep around to face the mountain road.

Hurry, he's close. Alice's eyes were wide with terror for Bella.

I was muttering ferociously while several profanities come through my lips, words that I would never use in front of a lady. Emmett and Alice were on full alert, constantly updating me in their thoughts at what was going on around us.

I can't hear or see anything. Emmett informed me urgently.

He lost Bella's scent once we took off in the Jeep, she explained to me, relaxing slightly.

I watched Bella in the review mirror and through Emmett's eyes. She was bouncing up and down on the seat, her eyes wide. I suddenly wished Jasper had come along with us to keep her calm.