Chapter Two: Deceit

– Edward

“Uh, Edward, there’s no one—”

“He’s around the back of the house.”

“But there’s no road—”

“There is… in the wood.” I lied, anticipating her sweet, sweet blood.

“Are you sure? I don’t—”

“Bella, how long have you been here?” I held a finger to her lips, shushing her before she could say anything. She flinched, from the cold or from the innate fear most humans had for us, I couldn’t tell. I led her towards the trees, dark, mysterious… perfect.

“Edward? There are only tre-umph!” Her cry came muffled through my hand. “Whff aff uu oofnn…”

Ignoring her, I picked her up and ran, taking her farther and farther away from Forks. Better safe than sorry and I knew I only had a few minutes at the most before Alice would send everyone after me. Unless they had been following me the entire time, in which case I wouldn’t have any time at all.

After what I knew to be far enough for at least five more minutes, I stopped in an open glade. I knew this place…

I gently set the fragile human down, only for her to slip to her hands and knees. I vaguely remembered Carlisle talking about motion sickness some humans suffered. I suppose running at full speed wouldn’t help her much.

“Bella… are you alright?” I could feel the bloodlust rising, as close to her as I was. I knelt and lifted her chin. She simply stared at me with those wide brown eyes… so much like a deer’s caught in the headlights. She didn’t even flinch this time.

“E-Edward?” Her voice was faint, as if she were about to pass out. “Wh-what was that? Where are we? Why—”

“Shh… shush my Bella, don’t worry, no one else knows where we are—” Except possibly Alice “I just wanted to have you all to myself… without Charlie interrupting.”

“O-oh…” Realization flickered in her eyes. I couldn’t read her thoughts, but I would be willing to bet she had the wrong idea… though why not let her think that? No one would be able to hear her if she screamed, but… it had been years…

“Bella…” I pulled her up to her knees and gently leaned toward her. I almost laughed at how clichéd she looked when she closed her eyes and leaned towards me. I pressed my lips gently against hers and wrapped my arm around her waist. She seemed uncertain at first, but got into it as I deepened my kiss and bent her backwards down towards the ground.