Destiny

~14~

The small and insulated town passed by. Inside the Forks Coffee Shop were Mike, Jessica, Eric and Angela laughing, flirting while looking innocent and hopeful.

Edward, Emmett and Alice rushed Bella from the truck to their house, but froze when the door opened and Laurent exits. They immediately took defensive positions but Carlisle appeared.                                      
"He came to warn us. About James."
They backed down slightly. Laurent addressed Carlisle.                                      
"I've grown tired of his games. But he's got unparalleled senses. Absolutely lethal. I've never seen anything like him in three hundred years. And the woman, Victoria, will back him. Don't underestimate her."
Carlisle nodded thanks. Laurent looked at Edward, apologetic.                                       
"I'm truly sorry for what's been unleashed here."                           
And he moved off, disappearing into the woods.                                                                  

The side door bursted open as Edward and the Cullens entered, followed by Bella. The lights flip on to reveal a pristine garage; the Volvo, the red BMW, a black Mercedes sedan and an SUV. Everyone but Rosalie sprung into action, opening cupboards for    supplies, cell phones, extra batteries, maps, portable GPS units, changes of clothes, cans of gasoline, etc. as they loaded up the vehicles                                                
"I've had to fight our kind before. We're hard to kill", Jasper said.                                    
"But not impossible. We'll tear him up..."                            
"We'll rip him apart with our hands, then burn the pieces."
"I don't relish killing another creature. Even a sadistic one like James."                       
"If he doesn't get to one of us first."                         
"This is insane", Bella exclaimed horrified, "You can't put yourselves in danger like this... for me."                                     
"Too late."                           
Edward shot Rosalie a look, but he grabbed two sets of keys off a hook, throwing one set, lightning fast, to Carlisle.
"I'll run Bella south, while you lead the tracker away..."
"No, Edward... the tracker thinks you won't leave Bella. He'll follow you."                                   
"I'll go with Bella. Jasper and I will drive her south. I'll keep her safe, Edward."                         
Alice stepped forward. Edward studied her, being torn.                   
"Can you keep your thoughts to yourself?"                           
She nodded. It was an unspoken agreement. Edward finally surrendered his keys to Alice. Then he opened one of Bella's suitcases, pulling out clothes, tossing them.                                      
"Esme, Rosalie, put these on so the tracker will pick up Bella's scent."                             
Rosalie dropped the clothes.
"Why should I? What is she to me? Just a danger you've inflicted on us..."        
"Rosalie. Bella is with Edward. She's a part of this family now. And we protect our family."
She glowered.
'I wouldn't hesitate to protect Desti, but Bella...'
She coffee, but still picked up the clothes. Carlisle hit the door opener and the massive metal doors rolled open. He squeezed Edward's shoulder before he and Esme climbed into the SUV. Everyone finished loading up, climbing in cars. Edward and Bella took a moment together.                                      
"If any of you get hurt because of me..."
"We won't, there are five of us, two of them. When it's done, I'll come get you."                           
He pulled her closer, looking into her eyes.                                       
"You're my life now."
They drank each other in, possibly for the last time as the SUV peeled out.