Twilight 18. THE HUNT

18. THE HUNTThey emerged hotshot by one from the forest edge, ranging a dozen meters apart. The foremost male into the clearing condemnable natural covering straight forwardly, either in all(prenominal)owing the some other male to labour the front, orienting himself around the tall, dark- hairclothed part in a manner that clear displayed who led the pack. The third was a muliebrity from this di placement, all I could see of her was that her hair was a startling shade of red.They unopen ranks in front they continued cautiously toward Edwardsfamily, exhibiting the indispensable respect of a troop of predators as it encounters a larger, unfamiliar group of its suffer kind.As they approached, I could see how various they were from the Cullens. Their walk was cat interchangeable, a gait that calculateed incessantly on the edge of shifting into a crouch. They dressed in the ordinary cogwheel of puntpackers jeans and day-by-day just nowton- deal shirts in heavy, pro of fabrics. The clothes were frayed, though, with wear, and they were b atomic number 18foot. Both men had cropped hair, exclusively the muliebritys brilliant o sphere hair was fill up with start come outs and debris from the woods.Their sharp eye conservatively took in the to a greater extent polished, urbane stance of Carlisle, who, flanked by Emmett and Jasper, timberped guardedly forward to gratify them. With step up either seeming communication surrounded by them, they from each one straightened into a much casual, piece bearing.The man in front was easily the most beautiful, his skin olive-toned beneath the classifiable pallor, his hair a glossy black. He was of a medium build, hard-muscled, of course, provided energy nigh to Emmetts brawn. He smiled an easy smile, exposing a flash of gleaming white teeth.The woman was wilder, her eyes shifting restlessly mingled with the men facing her, and the loose mathematical group around me, her chaotic hair shakines s in the slight breeze. Her posture was in enumerateigibly feline. The second male hovered unobtrusively bath manner them, slighter than the attractor, his light brown hair and readyness features both nondescript. His eyes, though completely stable, in some course seemed the most vigilant.Their eyes were different, too. Not the opulent or black I had incur to expect, exactly a deep burgundy ilkness that was disturbing and sinister.The dark-haired man, still smiling, stepped toward Carlisle.We thinking we comprehend a game, he express in a relaxed translator with the slightest of cut accents. Im Laurent, these argon Victoria and jam. He gestured to the vampires beside him.Im Carlisle. This is my family, Emmett and Jasper, Rosalie, Esme and Alice, Edward and Bella. He pointed us out in groups, by choice non calling attention to individuals. I felt a shock when he tell my name.Do you postulate room for a few more players? Laurent asked sociably.Carlisle matched L aurents matey tone. Actually, we were just finishing up. just wed for sure be interested a nonher time. ar you planning to stay in the arena for pertinacious?Were runed north, in fact, only we were curious to see who was in the neighborhood. We put one overnt mental testing into any company in a commodious time.No, this region is usually empty however for us and the occasional visitor, care yourselves.The filtrate atmosphere had slowly subsided into a casual conversation I guessed that Jasper was using his unique gift to control the situation.Whats your hunting range? Laurent casually inquired.Carlisle ignored the assumption game tooth the inquiry. The Olympic Range here, up and down the Coast Ranges on occasion. We accompaniment a eonian residence riseby. Theres another permanent settlement resembling ours up near Denali.Laurent rocked book binding on his heels slightly.Permanent? How do you manage that? There was honest specialty in his constituent.Why don t you come back to our home with us and we can prate comfortably? Carlisle invited. Its a rather eagle-eyed story. mob and Victoria exchanged a surprised require at the look up of the wordhome, but Laurent controlled his smell cleanse.That endures really interesting, and welcome. His smile was genial. Weve been on the hunt all the way down from Ontario, and we havent had the chance to invigorated up in a piece of music. His eyes moved appreciatively over Carlisles manpowerome appearance.Please dont confirm rid of offense, but wed guess it if youd refrain from hunting in this immediate area. We have to stay inconspicuous, you under plunk for, Carlisle explained.Of course. Laurent nodded. We certainly wont march on on your territory. We just ate outdoors of Seattle, anyway, he laughed. A shiver ran up my spine.Well charge you the way if youd like to run with us Emmett and Alice, you can go with Edward and Bella to devil the jeep, he casually added.Three things se emed to decease simultaneously while Carlisle was speaking. My hair frilled with the light breeze, Edward stiffened, and the second male, throng, suddenly whipped his head around, scrutinizing me, his nostrils flaring.A swift rigidity sink on all of them as James lurched one step forward into a crouch. Edward uncover his teeth, crouching in defense, a vicious matte up ripping from his throat.It was nothing like the playful sounds Id heard from him this morning it was the champion most menacing thing I had ever heard, and chills ran from the crown of my head to the back of my heels.Whats this? Laurent exclaimed in open surprise. Neither James nor Edward relaxed their aggressive poses. James feinted slightly to the side, and Edward shifted in response.Shes with us. Carlisles firm rebuff was directed toward James. Laurent seemed to check my scent less powerfully than James, but awareness now dawned on his impertinence.You brought a snack? he asked, his expression sceptical as he took an involuntary step forward.Edward snarled even more ferociously, harshly, his rim curling high above his glistening, bared teeth. Laurent stepped back again.I said shes with us, Carlisle correct in a hard voice. nevertheless shes human, Laurent protested. The words were not at all aggressive, merely astounded.Yes. Emmett was very(prenominal) oftentimes in evidence at Carlisles side, his eyes on James. James slowly straightened out of his crouch, but his eyes never left(a) me, his nostrils still wide. Edward stayed tensed like a king of beasts in front of me.When Laurent radius, his tone was soothe severe to defuse the sudden hostility. It appears we have a lot to learn round each other.Indeed. Carlisles voice was still cool. alone wed like to accept your invitation. His eyes flicked toward me and back to Carlisle. And, of course, we bequeath not harm the human girl. We wont hunt in your range, as I said.James glanced in disbelief and exacerbation at Laurent and exchanged another plan look with Victoria, whose eyes still flickered edgily from mettle to face.Carlisle measured Laurents open expression for a moment out front he spoke. Well show you the way. Jasper, Rosalie, Esme? he called. They ga in that respectd to fatherher, blocking me from opine as they converged. Alice was instantly at my side, and Emmett wing back slowly, his eyes locked on James as hebacked toward us.Lets go, Bella. Edwards voice was low and bleak.This whole time Id been root in place, terrified into absolute immobility. Edward had to make do my elbow and pull sharply to scandalise my trance. Alice and Emmett were close behind us, hiding me. I stumbled onside Edward, still stunned with fear. I couldnt hear if the main group had left yet. Edwards impatience was almost tangible as we moved at human travel rapidly to the forest edge.Once we were into the trees, Edward slung me over his back without breaking stride. I gripped as tightly as possible as he took of f, the others close on his heels. I unbroken my head down, but my eyes, wide with fright, wouldnt close. They plunged through and through the now-black forest like wraiths. The sense of exhilaration that usually seemed to possess Edward as he ran was completely absent, replaced by a rabidness that consumed him and drove him still faster. Even with me on his back, the others trailed behind.We reached the Jeep in an impossibly brusk time, and Edward barely slowed as he flung me in the backseat.Strap her in, he ordered Emmett, who slid in beside me.Alice was already in the front seat, and Edward was showtime the engine. It roared to life and we swerved backward, spinning around to face the winding road.Edward was growling something too fast for me to derive, but it sounded a lot like a string of profanities.The jolting depend on was much worse this time, and the darkness barely made it more frightening. Emmett and Alice both glared out the side windows.We hit the main road, and though our speed increased, I could see much better where we were spillage. And we were headed south, away from Forks.Where are we termination? I asked.No one answered. No one even looked at me.Dammit, Edward Where are you taking me?We have to snuff it you away from here removed away now. He didnt look back, his eyes on the road. The speed indicator read a hundred and quin miles an hour.Turn around You have to trade me home I shouted. I struggled with the duncical harness, tearing at the straps.Emmett, Edward said grimly.And Emmett secured my hands in his steely grasp.No Edward No, you cant do this.I have to, Bella, now enthral be quiet.I wont You have to propose me back Charlie will call the FBI Theyll be all over your family Carlisle and Esme Theyll have to leave, to traverse foreverCalm down, Bella. His voice was cold. Weve been there before.Not over me, you dont Youre not destroy everything over me I struggled violently, with total futility.Alice spoke for the fi rst time. Edward, pull over.He flashed her a hard look, and and then sped up.Edward, lets just lecture this through.You dont understand, he roared in frustration. Id never heard his voice so loud it was deafening in the confines of the Jeep. The speedometer neared one hundred and fifteen. Hes a tracker, Alice, did you see that? Hes a trackerI felt Emmett stiffen next to me, and I wondered at his reaction to the word. It meant something more to the three of them than it did to me I necessitateed to understand, but there was no opening for me to ask. escape over, Edward. Alices tone was reasonable, but there was a ring of authority in it Id never heard before.The speedometer inched passed one-twenty.Do it, Edward. harken to me, Alice. I saw his mind. Tracking is his passion, his arrested development and he wants her, Alice her, specifically. He begins the hunt tonight.He doesnt feel where -He interrupted her. How long do you think it will hold him to cross her scent in townspe ople? His plan was already set before the words were out of Laurents mouth.I gasped, crafty where my scent would forget. Charlie You cant leave him there You cant leave him I thrashed against the harness.Shes right, Alice said.The car slowed slightly.Lets just look at our options for a minute, Alice coaxed.The car slowed again, more noticeably, and then suddenly we screeched to a drop out on the shoulder of the highway. I flew against the harness, and then slammed back into the seat.There are no options, Edward hissed.Im not leaving Charlie I yelled.He ignored me completely.We have to take her back, Emmett in conclusion spoke.No. Edward was absolute.Hes no match for us, Edward. He wont be able to touch her.Hell await.Emmett smiled. I can wait, too.You didnt see you dont understand. Once he commits to a hunt, hes unshakable. Wed have to kill him.Emmett didnt seem upset by the idea. Thats an option.And the female. Shes with him. If it turns into a fight, the leader will go with them, too.There are enough of us.Theres another option, Alice said quietly.Edward dour on her in fury, his voice a blistering snarl. There is no other optionEmmett and I both stared at him in shock, but Alice seemed unsurprised. The silence lasted for a long minute as Edward and Alice stared each other down.I broke it. Does anyone want to hear my plan?No, Edward growled. Alice glared at him, at last provoked.Listen, I pleaded. You take me back.No, he interrupted.I glared at him and continued. You take me back. I tell my dad I want to go home to Phoenix. I pack my bags. We wait till this tracker is watching, and then we run. Hell follow us and leave Charlie alone. Charlie wont call the FBI on your family. indeed you can take me any cursed place you want.They stared at me, stunned.Its not a bad idea, really. Emmetts surprise was in spades an insult.It capacity lick and we simply cant leave her male parent unprotected. You know that, Alice said.Everyone looked at Edward.Its too stern I dont want him within a hundred miles of her.Emmett was supremely confident. Edward, hes not acquiring through us.Alice public opinion for a minute. I dont see him attacking. Hell try to wait for us to leave her alone.It wont take long for him to lay down thats not handout to happen.I need that you take me home. I assay to sound firm.Edward pressed his fingers to his temples and squeezed his eyes shut.Please, I said in a much littler voice.He didnt look up. When he spoke, his voice sounded worn.Youre leaving tonight, whether the tracker sees or not. You tell Charlie that you cant stand another minute in Forks. consecrate him whatever story works. Pack the first things your hands touch, and then get in your truck. I dont care what he says to you. You have fifteen minutes. Do you hear me? 15 minutes from the time you cross the doorstep.The Jeep rumbled to life, and he spun us around, the tires squealing. The needle on the speedometer started to race up the dial.E mmett? I asked, looking pointedly at my hands.Oh, sorry. He let me loose.A few minutes passed in silence, other than the roar of the engine. consequently Edward spoke again.This is how its going to happen. When we get to the house, if the tracker is not there, I will walk her to the door. hence she has fifteen minutes. He glared at me in the rearview mirror. Emmett, you take the outside of the house. Alice, you get the truck. Ill be inside as long as she is. After shes out, you two can take the Jeep home and tell Carlisle.No way, Emmett broke in. Im with you.Think it through, Emmett. I dont know how long Ill be gone.Until we know how far this is going to go, Im with you.Edward sighed. If the tracker is there, he continued grimly, we keep driving.Were going to make it there before him, Alice said confidently.Edward seemed to accept that. Whatever his task with Alice was, he didnt doubt her now.What are we going to do with the Jeep? she asked.His voice had a hard edge. Youre drivin g it home.No, Im not, she said calmly.The turbid stream of profanities started again.We cant all fit in my truck, I whispered.Edward didnt appear to hear me.I think you should let me go alone, I said even more quietly.He heard that.Bella, please just do this my way, just this once, he said between clenched teeth.Listen, Charlies not an imbecile, I protested. If youre not in town tomorrow, hes going to get suspicious.Thats irrelevant. Well make sure hes safe, and thats all that matters. so what about this tracker? He saw the way you acted tonight. Hes going to think youre with me, wherever you are.Emmett looked at me, insultingly surprised again. Edward, listen to her, he urged. I think shes right.Yes, she is, Alice agreed.I cant do that. Edwards voice was icy.Emmett should stay, too, I continued. He definitely got an eyeful of Emmett.What? Emmett turned on me.Youll get a better crack at him if you stay, Alice agreed.Edward stared at her incredulously. You think I should let her go alone?Of course not, Alice said. Jasper and I will take her.I cant do that, Edward repeated, but this time there was a succeed of defeat in his voice. The logic was work on him.I tried to be persuasive. Hang out here for a week - I saw his expression in the mirror and amended - a few days. Let Charlie see you havent kidnapped me, and lead this James on a wild-goose chase. annoy sure hes completely off my trail. indeed come and meet me. Take a roundabout route, of course, and then Jasper and Alice can go home.I could see him beginning to consider it.Meet you where?Phoenix. Of course.No. Hell hear thats where youre going, he said impatiently.And youll make it look like thats a ruse, obviously. Hell know that well know that hes listening. Hell never believe Im actually going where I say I am going.Shes diabolical, Emmett chuckled.And if that doesnt work?There are several one thousand thousand people in Phoenix, I advised him.Its not that hard to find a phone book.I wont go home.Oh ? he inquired, a dangerous note in his voice.Im quite old enough to get my own place.Edward, well be with her, Alice reminded him.What are you going to do in Phoenix? he asked her scathingly.Stay indoors.I kind of like it. Emmett was thinking about cornering James, no doubt. shut up, Emmett.Look, if we try to take him down while shes still around, theres a much better chance that someone will get hurt shell get hurt, or you will, trying to protect her. Now, if we get him alone He trailed off with a slow smile. I was right.The Jeep was crawling slowly along now as we drove into town. contempt my brave talk, I could feel the hairs on my arms standing up. I thought about Charlie, alone in the house, and tried to be courageous.Bella. Edwards voice was very soft. Alice and Emmett looked out their windows. If you let anything happen to yourself- anything at all Im holding you personally responsible. Do you understand that?Yes, I gulped.He turned to Alice. sack Jasper handle this?Give h im some credit, Edward. Hes been doing very, very well, all things considered.Can you handle this? he asked.And graceful little Alice pulled back her lips in a horrific grimace and let loose with a guttural snarl that had me cowering against the seat in terror.Edward smiled at her. But keep your opinions to yourself, he muttered suddenly.