Dine and Dash by Katherine-Alexis-tyler-k.a.t

8/11/2019 Dine and Dash by Katherine-Alexis-tyler-k.a.t

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Author: Katherine Alexis Tyler

Beta:JustJJ

Italian: Awesomella

Disclaimer:All publicly recognizable characters, quotes, lyrics, settings, etc. are the property of

their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author named

above. The author is in no way personally associated with the owners, creators, or producers of

any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. This story has been written for an

intended audience of legally recognized adults.

Dine and Dash fictional story created : 21 May 2011

Dine and Dash PDF created : 04 June 2012

Summary: Rival gangs, rival hearts. Maybe he went too far but she was worth risking a gangwar for. He wanted her, now he's got her...That dare was unexpected but it served its purpose, the purpose he needed it to. Bella is dared todine and dash a restaurant but is caught by the owner, Edward Cullen. He's a 19-year-old, deadly

wicked, and dangerously sexy gangster, who is well connected. The young enemy of the gangher best friend Jake belongs to, now hes found a way to spin her dare in his favor. She's stuck inhis territory, working at his restaurant, to avoid a permanent record. What more could a Cullen

ask for?...


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Information:Winner of the Peoples Choice Torch Awards. Contains Angst/Smut/Crime-

/Violence/Cussing/Drug Use /Self Harm. There willbe somefictitiousmanipulations of reality.

However, there will also be a far more serious content as listed above broached in this story.Bella's somewhat self destructive and Edwards not a chivalrous prince charming. Gangward,

Possessiveward, Criminalward etc.Please consider yourselves warned.If this is NOT your cup

of tea, youre not old enough to be here, then please DO NOT read. If you do opt to proceed you

do so of your own accord.I reiterate this story is AU so I will manipulate reality to suit the

direction in which I need the plot to go. I assure you it serves a purpose and there has been

thought put into it, all of which will become easier to understand/see as the story progresses. Be

warned this story has been written for an intended mature audience.

Authors Note:JustJJ and I are working on the chapters and are trying to have them polished and

ready as soon as possible. In the meantime I made this pdf so youll still have some access to the

story. Hope it helps a bit.Please know that there will be a lot of errors in this because it is a

draft copy of the first 12 chapters!Kindly excuse the grammar, use of capitalization, format,

joined/missing words and any other errors there may be, this is a draft, it is being corrected on

the main copy. I apologize in advance. I willbe continuing this story due to the strong following.

I must admit I was completely blown away. The response and support that was shown was

overwhelming and want to extend a heartfelt thanks to my readers. Your continued support of

my writing means the world to me. I will forever be grateful to you all. Feel free to contact me

and I will try my best to get back to you.

Take care and God bless.

xoxo

Your, Kat

Author Contact Information:

Website: http://kittytylz.weebly.com(Blog, Banners, Teasers etc found here)

The Writers Coffee Shop: http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewuser.php?uid=59062

(If you are unable to access my TWCS profile via this link try searching for mypenname:KittyTylz, alternatively search for me by entering the titles of my

stories. The NC-17 version of In Love And War has already been relocated to

this website.)

Twitter: @KatieA_Tyler

FanFiction: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1912295/Katherine_Alexis_Tyler_K_A_T

LiveJournal: http://kittytylz.livejournal.com/
http://kittytylz.weebly.com/http://kittytylz.weebly.com/http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewuser.php?uid=59062http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewuser.php?uid=59062http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1912295/Katherine_Alexis_Tyler_K_A_Thttp://www.fanfiction.net/u/1912295/Katherine_Alexis_Tyler_K_A_Thttp://kittytylz.livejournal.com/http://kittytylz.livejournal.com/http://kittytylz.livejournal.com/http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1912295/Katherine_Alexis_Tyler_K_A_Thttp://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewuser.php?uid=59062http://kittytylz.weebly.com/


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Dine and Dash by Katherine-Alexis-Tyler-K.A.T

Chapter One Super-massive Black Hole

*~*~* Ooh, baby don't you know I suffer?Oh, baby can you hear me moan?

You caught me under false pretenses

How long before you let me go?Ooh, you set my soul alight

Ooh, you set my soul alight

Glaciers melting in the dead of nightAnd the superstars sucked into the supermassive

(Ooh you set my soul alight)


(Ooh you set my soul)

I thought I was a fool for no one

But ooh, baby I'm a fool for you

You're the queen of the superficialAnd how long before you tell the truth?


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Ooh, you set my soul alightOoh, you set my soul alight

Glaciers melting in the dead of night

And the superstars sucked into the supermassive(Ooh you set my soul alight)


(Ooh you set my soul)Supermassive black hole*~*~*

"Move it along Bells, we don't have all day." Sam laughed as I mumbled curses under my breath.

They always did this I swear. It was like they constantly had to worry about me breaking so Iwas never allowed to go out on their 'errand' runs. I mean I already know they're in a gang. I'vepractically been around the Grey Wolves,all my life. We go to parties, the beach, family shindigsand just hang out together all the time but when they have 'business' to take care of I'm shipped

back home like a house mouse and the males get to go out on a testosterone hype. I've seen themget into fights before. I mean how bad could these 'errands' be? Okay the fights are probablyreally bad but its life I can handle it, I'm sure I don't have to be handed over for safe keepingevery time they bust a lip or bruise an eye

I'm being a nave little bitch, I know but I still wish that I could go tonight. There's some problemwith the Shadow Fangs that they have to take off. Shadow Fang is a gang as big as Sam's.They're lead by a total hot head, Edward Cullen. According to Jake I've seen Edward a long timeago, when I was like 11? I can't really remember though considering what a hard time I washaving back then. But anyways I've heard from other sources that Edward's unbelievably easy onthe eyes but he's totally lethal. He bust open this one guys head on the pavement just forbumping into him and he'd been arrested twice... in that same month, but they can never keephim in. And there's this one guy in his gang, Emmett, he's a freaking mountain of sheer muscleand his cousin or something Jasper? He's been to Juvi. And apparently this other guy, James, waswanted for murder at some point and that's just to namefour out of all the members! I've onlyever caught glimpses of them once or twice when I was with Jake, Sam and Embry in Seattle butthe Wolves huddled me away before I could get a good look at any one besides muscle manEmmett and a flicker of someone's gorgeous bronze mess of hair. Anyway, Shadow Fangs aretotally notorious and the North and inland areas, where the Wolves are going tonight, are theirterritory not Sam's. Sam's territory is the west coast line and La Push. So in all honesty I knowthat Jake and the rest of the gang simply leave me at home because they do a bit more than bustlips and bruise eyes, I fully realize they're trying to protect me from only the hardcore stuff thatthey do but I'm worried and you can't blame me, they're my friends and Jacob Jake's mybrother.

"Chin up soldier, we'll be back in no time." Jacob's cold hand shot out to steady me as I stumbleddown the back of Sam's Jeep Hurricane, Jesus it's the coldest winter yet.

"Yeah just come back with all ten fingers and toes attached." I warned him and the others.


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"Sure thing Bells but no guarantees on their side." Seth grinned toothily.

"He's 17 and he gets to come! It's totally ridiculous. If I can't come then he shouldn't either." Iprotested. The truth of the matter is, Seth's pretty much as dangerous as the other guys but he'salso the most playful which means he's a cocky little twit who is most likely going to get

hammered if he doesn't keep himself under control there so on the off chance that they relent Icould be saving him from some severe blood loss.

Sam raised his brows incredulously. "He's a year older than you Bell."

I'm about to point out that I'm turning 17 soon when I'm cut off.

"And I'm actually part of the pack." Seth chipped in like the twit he is. I swear the juvenile 5year old in him will never grow up.

Fine go get your head bust open, see if I care.

Arg, I care!

Shaking my head I finally relent and step away from them with a deep sigh. "Just be careful!" Icall over my shoulder, screaming so that they can hear me over their insane adrenaline inducedyells in the car as the taillights burn bright and they wave out the window in vagueacknowledgment that I said anything at all.

"Boys." I mutter and shake my head in disappointment while I continue towards shelter. I grabthe icy handle and enter the much welcomed warmth of the cozy cottage styled house. "Heyguys, I'm home."

"In the kitchen." Sarah calls in an out of breath way.

Shrugging off my coat I allow my nose to lead me towards the delicious smell coming from thekitchen. "Hey Sari, what's sup?" I ask entering the kitchen and grabbing an apron.

"Roast lamb." she holds up a dish to me allowing the smell to engulf me before placing it back inthe oven, with a huge crinkly smile that's a carbon copy of Jakes. Turning back to me she raises abrow as she eye's me and dries off her hands in a dish towel. "Boy's leave you again?" she asksknowingly.

"One day I will injure them." I grab a wooden spoon and try to jab a pineapple slice for emphasisbut the slippery thing just slides away to the other side of the counter not doing much to provemy point at all. "I'm just you know working my way up to it." my face twists of its own accordat the end as the pineapple slice mocks me from its side of the counter.

Sarah chuckles as I eye the wooden spoon and pineapple slice with a frown. Taking the spoonout my hand she replaces it with a knife. "It's all about the weapon." She says in a really bad


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godfather impersonation. Raising my brow I laugh along with her at her silliness. "Now practiceon those fruit for me." She nudged her head in the direction of a fruit salad shes already started.

Sarah doesn't know much about the activities of the guys or all of them that Jake and I hang outwith. For all she knows Jake's simply going through a teenager phase with his friends but she

really has no clue that her son belongs to an actual gang.

We both worked in silence while I mused on the delicate yet intricate facets of my relationships.Sarah's not related to me, heck none of them are. Her husband Billy is my dad's best friend, theygrew up together, it's as simple as that and it would've probably remained that way if my momhadn't skipped town 13 years ago. Now this is home. At least it is during the weekends, holidaysand any other time I want to drop by. My dad really didn't know how to take care of a 3 year oldand with his heavy work schedule I could see where he was coming from. He wasn't alwaysForks chief of police but he worked hard for the position so that we'd be okay. While he was outslaving it was Billy and Sarah that stepped in. Sarah's awesome, she makes me miss Reneeless

Anyway, now Sarah, Billy and Jake are extended family. I love them as much as they do me.They're my way of life. In fact Sam and Jakes other Grey Wolf boys are the only friends I haveoutside of school and I prefer it that way because well, it's always been that way.

I have some friends at school. Angela, Mike, Eric, and Jessica but we only ever see each otherwhenI'm at school. I school up North, mostly because Forks High is near both the police stationand my dad, Charlie's, house. It's not much of a comfort to Jake and the guys that I school inForks, its Shadow Fang territory. But it isnt really a big deal, it's not like Edward Cullen wouldhave any reason to bother with me, Jacob and Sam have ensured that I'm greatly unknown intheir dealings. Besides me schooling there makes it easier to see my dad. He picks me up after

school because I live with him on week days outside of holidays. He was pretty adamant that Ischool in Forks and not the Res where Seth is currently and the other boys where back when theywere schooling, I think it's because we'd hardly ever see each other if I did. I miss my dad a lot,he's great but I know he feels guilty about Renee leaving so he made the sacrifice of letting Sarahraise me just so that I'd have a make-shift mother. I hate Renee for that. But I love Charlie andSarah for it even more.

An ice breeze shook us to attention as Billy shut the back door.

"Something smells good." Billy's gruff voice said with appreciation as he wheeled himself intothe kitchen.

"Sarah's going all out today." I grinned as she blushed and swatted the dishtowel at me.

"Abusing my little girl when I'm not looking hey?"

I turned and bounded towards the jokey gravel voice. "Dad, what are you doing here?" I smiledwidely and hugged him. He in return did an awkward one armed pat on my back, Charlie's neverreally been one for emotional displays.


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"What your ol' man not allowed to drop by for some dinner?"

"Sure he can." I hugged him one more time against his will and gleefully showed him mybutchered fruits. I'm useless in the kitchen I know but it doesn't stop me from trying. I grinnedlike the mischief emoticon as I watched dad try and come up with a way to compliment my

disaster.

"Well you coulda just said no."

Billy let out a gust of rumbling laughter as Charlie pretended to pack up and leave 'cause Iapparently used my salad to refuse him dinner.

"Ha-ha." I pouted and thumped my salad bowl down on the counter with too much force.

"Come on Charlie it's not beyond saving. I'm sure it tastes fine." Sarah patted my shoulder eventhough she was well aware I was faking my disappointment.

"Where'd Jake go to?" looking around the room Billy inquired and Sarah answered to the best ofher knowledge.

"Oh he's spending some time down at the beach with the rest of the boys."

Part of me feels bad that they don't know about their activities but it's not my story to tell so asper usual I just shrug.

"I swear that kid keeps getting bigger and bigger every time I see him." Charlie comments as hehelps us lay the table.

"He's nineteen, dad." This is something that my father always seems to forget.

"Well you two are growing up too fast if you ask me." He huffs as he takes a seat across fromme.

"Oh give it a rest Charlie. It was bound to happen sometime." Sarah chimes in, actively hintingto Charlie that he can't expect me to be his little girl forever. How I love this woman!

"Can't blame a guy for trying." Dad mumbles under his bushy mustache and dishes out forhimself. "You coming home today Bells?"

The phone cuts off my reply and I shoot dad an apologetic look before answering. "Hey Jess."

"Bella, how are you?" Now I know better than to actually answer that so instead I just remainquiet knowing Jess isn't really interested in the answer, it was merely her greeting.Jess does notdisappoint. No longer has she asked the question before she is steam rolling through the rest ofher speech. "We haven't seen you in such a long time. So here's the plan. We're all meeting on


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Friday morning at the diner so we can take a trip down to Port Angeles. You coming? And by theway the answer better be yes or I have Angela's permission to alienate you at school Monday."

I roll my eyes. Classic Jess. "That'd be great dad." I answer my fathers question and he chuckleshaving heard Jess's boisterous voice from across the table.

"What was that?" Jess asks confused. Guess she isn't called 'dad' very often then.

Laughing lightly I confirm the plans with her. "I'll be there Jess."

"Yay!" I can practically see her doing a silent happy clap at getting her way before she hastilyhangs up no doubt to call Angela. "See you at 9 then! Bye."

"Bye." I mumble at the now dead phone, laughing to myself. Nothing livelier than Jessica on theweek before school starts up again.

Just then the front door burst open and in walked Jacob, Seth and Jared. The three off themlooked A okay but I'm guessing there's a reason why the others didn't come in as well... My dad'spolice cruiser is a big give away that the Chief of Police is around. They send me a wry smilelike they usually do after running 'errands' like these to say all's well and then proceeded as if it'sany other day with everyone else in the room. Much to everyone's amusement Seth reaches forthe salad first and at the sight grimaces and incredulously inquires.

"So Bella cooked again?"

Twit!

~.~.~

Charlie and I got home pretty late last night but he tried to get in some father daughter timesorta There's only so much fun one can have watching baseball when you have no interest inthe game so I was up in my room fast asleep by the first home run.

I was still asleep when Dad left for work this morning. I walked down and found a note on thefridge saying he'd be back by 5 but he'd left me some money in case I wanted to go out. After myshower and normal routine I decided to take him up on that offer. There wasn't much to do athome and I figured I could get myself something to wear on Friday, it wasn't often I got to go outwith other females, I may as well look the part.

My neighbor was headed into town so I managed to hitch a ride there and quickly called dad tolet him know my plans and find out if I could meet him at the station afterward so we couldcome home together, he said it was fine which meant I had roughly an hour and a half to myself.

Forks didn't have much to offer when it came to recreation but it still had more than La Push did.I walked around aimlessly for half and hour until I managed to find a little clothing shop at thecorner of the street. It was a miracle that the weather was holding up, I had only now realized


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that the sky was heavily laden with dark clouds. Better make this a speedy shopping trip Idecided quickly not wanting to get caught in the down pour.

The sales clerk was a petite female with long striking red hair, I swear she looked like she hadflames flowing down her back. Aside from the fire hazard on her head though she looked very

pretty and friendly in that 'buy some of my clothes' way. "Anything I can help you with?" Sheasked in a friendly tone.

"Nah thanks just looking." She returned my smile with her own friendly catlike one and walkedback to the register while I sifted through some of the clothing racks. The dresses were gorgeousbut I was looking for something casual where as these dresses were meant for prom or somethingelse of the sorts. "Any casual wear?" I asked her.

She smiled and nodded towards the far end of the store clearly distracted by the good lookingblonde guy that had entered the store and headed in her direction. Deciding to give them a bit ofprivacy I moved by myself towards the casual dresses at the back of the store.My god whoever

designed these dresses was a genius they were gorgeous in a played down way. I was stuckbetween a deep blue one that flared from the waist and went down to my knees and a black andteal handkerchief dress. Holding out both in front of me I scanned my appearance in the fulllength mirror next to the window. They looked both looked fabulous but there was no way I'd beable to afford them both. Eventually I managed to settle on the black and teal one, I preferred itanyway.

By the time I get back to the till the blonde guy is seated on the counter with his legs danglingover. It's only thenthat I notice his clothing. He's dressed head to toe in dark red, black andmetallic gold. He turns away from the cashier and I catch sight of his piercing blue eyes, thecolor is cold like ice and a brief amount of confusion flashes through them when he turns around

and smirks at me clearly not understanding why I'm gawking at him like he's death. The girllooks between us in confusion and I hastily shove the dress on the counter top and bolt out thedoor. There is no way I need that dress THAT much. I've got to get out of there before by somefluke this guy recognizes me!

I race out the doorway and into the steady drizzle. I can hear the cashier yell after me if I therewas something wrong with the dress and right after that I hear the guy ask her 'You know herVictoria?'

My steps quicken and the rain starts to beat down more heavily knowing, in some part of mysubconscious, that I've got to get out of the downpour. By now I've hopefully gotten far enoughaway but my sweater is clinging tightly to my body and my hair's plastered to my face. I roundthe corner and silently thank god there's a garage dead ahead of me, perfect place to wait out therain. I stumble through a puddle and continue towards the garage. It's pretty safe to say I couldbe stuck here a while, the rain isn't going to let up anytime soon. In a huff I rummage through mybag and retrieve my cell, calling dad to pick me up seems like the wisest choice right now, but asluck would have it I've got no signal due to the weather.

"Use mine."


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A deep smooth velvet voice behind me startles me, a voice that one can associate with the likesof heaven and darkness together, regardless of how contradicting it may be. A hand juts out infront of me wielding an expensive looking cell but still too shocked by the guy's sudden intrusionbehind me I spin to face him instead of grabbing the phone.

His beauty startles me far more than his voice did. He'sgorgeous. He looks about 19 years oldand his face is sculptured to such perfection I'd believe Michelangelo had done the job himself.He was tall and commanding even though his body language was nothing but casual. He toweredover me with such ease that I swear I felt like a garden gnome in his presence. His hair was amarvelous shade of bronze mixed with copper. It had the look of absolute disarray like since theday he was born he had formed a habit of running his hand angrily through it. His attire was darkand sexy much like the appeal that oozed straight out of him in every other sense, be it hisstriking looks, lopsided smirk, dangerous poise or piano fingers clutching the cell. His body waswell toned, rippling muscle was something that could be seen despite the black jeans that hunglow on his gorgeous hips, the dark red shirt and black hoodie that brought out the paleness of hisskin and the red, black and metallic gold trimmed sneakers covering his feet.

"Bella." He smiles in greeting but cocks his head to the side like a predator. My eyes must'veflashed with shock that he knew my name at all because he smirks flashing me his sharp pearlywhites. "James said he saw you." He says with some amusement and watches me withcalculating eyes.

I feel like a bucket of ice water was thrown down my shirt. Why didn't I realize it before! He'swearing Shadow Fang colors too. I'm in so much trouble!

"Who are you?" my voice comes out venomously biting and ice cold, internally surprising me.But I soon realize it was merely due to a lack of knowledge of whoI was talking to.

"I'm Edward." He answers easily completely unfazed by my tone, his voice low and deep as heleans back and studies my reaction. If I thought I was scared of the fact that it had been James inthe shop, you've got no idea how terrified I am now that I know this is Edward Cullen.

He smiles at me and I swear it's dazzling, capturing my attention like a room of fine wine woulda recovering alcoholic. It causes my pulse to race. His voice isn't threatening. I don't even think itwas meantto be threatening. But his natural dangerous aura still has an undertone in it. My flightinstinct has already kicked in and I turn to race off.

"Bella seriously it seems like every time we meet you're running away." He mocks as he quicklymoves to block my way. "Right now. That first time four months ago in Seattle, in Port Angeles,thricein Forks." He finishes looking me in the eye. For a second I'm completely overwhelmed.His eyes are a deep shade of jade, it's the most intense thing you could ever witness.

How could he have seen me all those times? I'd only ever encountered the Shadow Fangs twiceand hadn't even gotten to identify any of their personal appearances. My gaze shifts towards hishair and I remember it! It's the same hair from that one time in Forks, the one that was semi-hidden because I was so overwhelmed by the sight of that heap of scary muscle, Emmett.


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"What?" I breath out in shock that he'd seen me so many times and actually took notice.

He just shrugs smugly knowing that this is news to me. Just so content getting under my skinwith this knowledge that he will intentionally never elaborate on.

Ignoring him I sidestep and move towards the side exit of the garage knowing that it makes mecompletely visible to everyone that I'm hoping is the 24hr store.

He refuses to let me leave though. Holding me in his line of sight he tags along. "Relax I don'twanna hurt you anima gemella (soulmate)." He says trying to calm me down but the fact that he'sso amused at my anger and fear does little to help his endeavor. He knows he's got the upperhand.

"My name isIsabella." I corrected him in disbelief. "And I'm not scared of you. You couldn'thurt me if you tried." It was merely a brave front I know but this was the only defense I had andI'm a stubborn girl since what must be birth. He looked thoroughly amused by my answer.

"Really Bella because you seemed to be in a real hurry to get away from James." he grinned atme shrewdly, calling my bluff. "Now I'm wondering, is James scarier than me?" he goadedleaning forward and towering over me. Looking at me with sheer amusement dancing in hiseyes.

It was his surety however that sparked something in me. "You can't hurt me. What are you goingto do? I stuck my chin out. Kidnap me? Beat me? Kill me? Rape me? I'm not afraid. I'vegrown up around gangs too remember?"

Technically it's not true, I've never borne witness to such atrocious acts aside from some fights.

But this was my defense and he didn't have to know it wasn't accurate. Deep within me I reallyknew that I would be able to make it through it all though because Ive forever believe that theonly time someone can take power over myself away from me is if I let them.

Rationally, the only way for him to destroy me, would be for him to kill me and I wasn't afraid ofdying. Living is far more difficult than dying and I've lived this long so why fear something easylike death?

"You're going to have to think a bit harder. I shook my head defiantly. Come on CullenScare me." I met his gaze with daring eyes and arched a brow. My reply seemed to please him asmuch as it surprised him.

"You're feisty. I like it but you really should pay attention little girl." He leaned towards methreateningly and braced his palms on the cold wall on either side of my body, towering over meand locking me in place. The muscles on his arm tensed and he looked predatory. His eyes dartedto my mouth and back to my eyes. Locking me in his gaze he dipped down until his breath wasdancing hot against my cool skin and he was completely in power over me. The irises of his eyeshad almost completely disappeared. He looked completely lethal and they refused to break theirhypnotic gaze from mine.


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"I can be veryscary." he narrowed eyes and his shoulders seemed to tense and broaden further ashis gaze intensified and smoldered me. His scent hit me like a ton of bricks. He smelled likecinnamon, soap, smoke and raw man. It was like everything that needed to be bottled and used tomake the perfect aphrodisiac. "But like I said, I don't wanna hurt you." He studies me for a whileand his body language reminds me of a caged animal. "The day I saw you in Seattle I was very

intrigued." He put emphasis on the word and paused. "but Jakey and your other Wolf buddiesshuffled you away so fast. And then I was really. Pissed. Off. " He placed stressed and pouted ina condescending fashion. His eyes however were dead serious and I think he'd be hissing if heweren't so hell bent on mocking me with his brooding.

"What do you want?" I asked in a voice that came out much weaker than I wanted it to, but Icouldn't help it I was scared and fighting sosodesperately not to let him know.

"Nothing." he said leaning away from me, relaxing his stance and running his hand through hismessy sex hair. "...major." He completed and his damn sinfully gorgeous crooked smirk wasback before I could let out my sigh of relief. My eyes darted to him in shock.

What could he possibly want with me?

As if reading my thoughts he grinned and brushed my hair out my eyes. "Go out with me." Hesaid it so casually I almost choked.

"What?" I asked perplexed.

"A date, Bella." He elaborated with dark amusement at my expression.

He couldn't be serious?

My brows formed a frown and I looked up at him incredulously. Biting back a scoff at theludicrousness of what I was hearing, I went for the obvious. "My dad is Charlie Swan."

Completely unaffected, he deadpans "And you are Isabella Swan." He shrugs his shouldersnonchalantly, "What? You want me to ask him for permission or something?" his eyes were richwith humor at my aghast expression.

Wouldn't the chief just love him asking out his only daughter?

"He's the Chief of Police!" I choked out with utter disbelief and conviction. Now that should by

far be the best way to get a gang leader to leave you alone but I was fast learning Edward Cullenwas notsomeone to be deterred or refused.

"Doesn't stop you from hanging out with Jacob."His eyes darkened menacingly at the mentionof my relationship with Jake causing me to fractionally flinch.


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"Jacobis family! Practically my brother! His mother raised me!" I rambled defensively wantingto get away fast. "Why are we even having this conversation?" I asked aloud when suddenlyrealized I was justifying myself to a stranger who I didn't owean explanation to.

"Because you're secretly in love with me." he said cockily tilting his head to the side. He said it

like he knew what his close proximity was doing to me like my body's reaction to him was asure indicator that it was only a matter of time before his presumptuous statement would becomea sure fact of life.

"No!" I shouted horrified. What the hell would give him that idea?I don't know maybe that littleproblem your lady bits down south are having right now?

"So it's not a secret then?" he folded his arms and inspected me with humor obviously enjoyingseeing me riled up as my large eyes kept darting from his knowing eyes to his pink moist fleshylips.

"Argg." I shot my hands out in disbelief and opted to leave instead of continuing this argument.There was no way in hell that I could go out on a date with him.If Charlie didn't kill me, Jacobwould!

His hand moved quickly and gripped my arm turning me back to him. His expression was softerbut still very amused. "Okay come on just dinner. I promise we don't have to start planning thewedding right away."

"There is nowedding to be planned!!" I shrieked.

"Relax love, I have no qualms with eloping." He shrugged and egged me on seeming to love

seeing me this annoyed.

Of their own accord my eyes narrowed at him. "I'm leaving now." I hissed.

"Says who?" His deathly amazing smirk was back and he roughly pulled me closer. Still grippingmy one arm he now had me flush against his rock hard chest. His smoke, spice and potent rawmale scent knocked me senseless, he smelt as good as he looked. It was almost as if he wasdoing this to me on purpose. "Just dinner Bella" he whispered along my lips before connectinghis to mine. My brain failed to register that I should move away from this kiss. It wasn'tdemanding it was if anything a mixture of possessiveness and sincerity. His lips were full andsweet, molding together with mine in a breathtaking dance even if it only lasted a few seconds.

His tongue merely skimmed over the tingling skin of my lip and just as quick as he had advancedon me he broke the kiss but didn't relinquish hold of my arm.

My head was a mess.I just kissed Edward Cullen! Jacob and the others were going to kill me!Why was I still standing here?

Trying hard to keep my composure I shook my head and decided to decline once more but theshock had turned my voice far too soft. "You don't understand my dad's -"


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"-A cop." He cut me off. "Nowyouunderstand. He lowered his head so that we were at eyelevel. I'ma delinquent gang leader. It's thanks to guys like me that he'sgleefully employed. Ifyou really think about it? I've practically been feeding you all your life, what's one more meal onmy tab?"

I gawked at him and he seemed thoroughly pleased by my expression fighting against hisobvious amusement he continued while I remained stunned to silence.

Smirking, he gently placed a crooked finger under my now slack jaw and closed it. Finalmenteci siamo incontrati(finally we have met) and Bella I'm going to make sure it isn't the last." Hesaid with finality, his eyes though still playful had darkened considerably making sure I knew hewas dead serious. "I want you. And I always get what I want."

Something in the way he said it made me think that I should be flattered as much as I should bescared. He let go off my arm and I bolted away, not realizing I was running through a seriouslydodgy poorly lit alley. That only served to make me push harder to get away from the dangers

that could lurk in this place. I broke speed just before the station, leaning my hands onto myknees I caught my breath.I hadn't chosen the safest route to run through but thank whateverpowers were watching over me because I got here safely. Straightening up I started forwardtowards the entrance of the police station. As I walked in however I was sure I saw a flash ofbronze dash back into the alley I had just moved away from.

~.~.~

Last night was the first night I dreamt of Edward Cullen.

That crooked grin plagued my thoughts even when I woke up this morning. Sweat lined my

brows and I lay panting for breath. He hadn't even touched me in my dream let alone kissed me.He hadn't needed to. It was just the way he looked at me that sent fire coursing through my veins.It was so possessive, raw and calculating like I was going to disappear if he didn't keep melocked in his sight.

But that was in a dream two hours ago and right this second I'm seated in the dinner with Angelawaiting for the rest of the group to show up and if there's one thing I'm certain ofI'm going toavoid Edward Cullen like Seth avoids my cooking.

"What's his name?" Angela asked me suddenly with a giggle.

"Whose name?" I blushed a little wondering what she saw that made her ask.

"Come on don't be coy Bells. It's written all over your face. What's his name?" she smiledteasingly.

"It's not like that Ange." shaking my head to clear it I try and distract her because I'm pretty sureshe'll have me committed if I sayEdward Cullen. "So ask Eric to prom yet?"


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Pretty shy Ange blushed and her jaw dropped. "Oh my god I can't believe I forgot to tell you!Ben asked me right before I grew a big enough spine to ask Eric."

"Um okay wow, major information overload here Ange. Since when is Ben a leading man in thestory of your life?" I was genuinely curious now. Eric for some unfathomable reason had been

the object of Angela's affection since she laid eyes on him. Jacob had narrowed it down to 'loveis blind' which I did swat him for, considering he scoffed at my school friends and that was ablatant pun on Angela's bad eyesight and mock of Eric's slightly um emo style.

She laughed shyly and adjusted her glasses. "I don't know. He was just so sweet on the phoneyou know?"

"That's great Ange, I'm really happy for you." a sincere smile formed on my lips.

We didn't get to discuss things any further though because everyone else chose that moment tojoin us. It felt good to see them again, I'm around Jake and everyone around the reservation so

much that I forgot about how fun these goofballs can be. They serve as the perfect distractionfrom my thoughts of Edward and his new found interest in me.

Mike and his group are considered very popular at school. Eric Yorkie as stated before is slightlyemo but really sweet. Angela Webber is the kind heart of their group, she's really pretty,unbelievably shy, always willing to help and impossible not to like. Jessica Stanley is aboisterous, bubbly blonde who has forever had a crush on Mike. And sandy blonde haired blueeyed Mike Newton has never been one to waste time, a fact highlighted right now. He jumpshead first into everything and Jessica has never been one not to go along with whatever Mikesays so when he suggests we play truth or dare even before being properly seated Jess is all for it.I begrudgingly wake up and follow them outside to sit on the lawn and remember that thisis why

I spend more time down at the reservation than with them.

"Don't look so worried Bella we'll start of slow." Eric smiles his toothy eager to please smile andsqueezes my shoulder slowly. As we form a circle on the grass, thankfully the dew isn't too bad."So who's first?" he asks rubbing his palms together.

"I'll go." Jessica offers impatient to please Mike and grins expectantly at him for her dare to noavail.

"Oh I have one!"

Jessica's smile fades and she turns away from Mike to scowl at the bellowing Eric. All's lost tohim as he formulates his version of torture on the friend he affectionately calls the 'Shrill Shrew'."Truth or dare?" he asks Jess ominously.

"Dare." She grins expecting something pathetic that only he could consider being a shudderworthy dare.


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"Good." He grins evilly waytoo happy with her choice. I find myself actually leaning away intrepidation. "I dare you to call Greene and tell him you're having the sickest sexual fantasiesabout him when he addresses us in school assembly."

Oh! My! God!

Cruel!

Who knew Yorkie was sinister!?

Mike snorted loudly and high fived Eric while Angela and I shot a clearly horrified Jessica asympathetic look. Regardless of everything No one deserved that!

Principle Greene made dinosaurs look young and sexy, he was practically a fossil on legs himselfand he had the shiniest balding head on the planet! Did I mention he's a chronic spitter? Soyeah...Eww!

It took her a second to get her head in the game but then she determinedly woke up and strodeover to the pay phone outside the diner. "There's no way infucking hellI'm calling from myphone." With angry jabs she dialed Principal Greene's number and Mike strode over to herwanting to make sure she wasn't pulling a fast one on us. They both waited a while as the phonerang and then Greene must've picked up because Mike gave us a thumbs-up and shoved his fistin to his mouth to muffle down his laughter.

"Hi Principal Greene I know this is your personal number but I have a problem and I was hopingyou could help me with it." Jessica's face was paling with each word but that was much betterthan the awful green shade she turned as she continued. "It happens every assembly when-

when you're addressing u- us. The way you're s- s- so forceful and demanding I start gettingthese crazy thoughts like str- stroking you till you're hard. And licking yo-"

I swear I was going to be sick. That was by far the most god awful thought one could ever havethe displeasure of having planted in their head. Eric looked paralytic on the floor the way he waslaughing and I swear Mike was biting his fist so hard he was going to draw blood anytime now.

"WHO IS THIS?!" we heard Greene roar furiously on the other end of the line.

Jess jumped in fright and quickly slammed the phone down. She was positively mortified whenshe got back but one look at Eric and she was livid. According to the rules though you can't ask

the person who asked you so she directed her anger elsewhere.

"Angela truth or dare!" Jess barked.

Angela swallowed fast and without missing a beat yelled with such conviction that the Popewouldn't doubt her! "Truth!"

Jessica however was taking no prisoners. "Describe your first crush Webber."


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"Um." Angela shot me a worried look.

I shrugged in sympathy hoping against hope that for her sake Eric didn't realize it was him.

"That's not a descriptive word Ange. It's not a word at all!" Jess growled still annoyed.

"Err he's thin." I could see the wheels in Angela's head turning as she tried to escape by beingas vague as possible.

Go Ange!I thought happily.

"He's not good at any sports, he's really cute in a geeky way and he's never really noticed me."

Eric snorted. "What a loser! Angela baby forget the geeks and try out some manly men like meand Mike over here." He flexed his imaginary biceps for her.

Her eyes darted to me and we laughed quietly at the inside joke.

"Mike truth or dare?" she quickly asked before we laughed out loud.

"Dare." he said it like it should be obvious.

"I dare you to drive to your house and tell your folks you knocked up Mrs. Cope." Angela smiledand adjusted her glasses on her nose.

Mike turned an odd shade of green.

I swear it was for reasons like this that I loved Angela best from this lot. Jess might've been abitch to her no more than two seconds ago but she was still willing to get revenge on behalf of allof us from the idiot who started this game. Mike!

"You can't be serious?" he griped clearly outraged by most of his friends rolling on the floorlaughing our asses off.

"What's wrong Mike? I asked considering I was the only one besides Mike that was still in asitting position. Scared?"

"No." he said in irritation. "Come on." He grabbed his keys and raced to his car with all of us

scurrying to follow. Part of me knew he was racing because he wanted to get this over and donewith as soon as possible.

Mike has always been a lucky bastard and things were no different today. His parents weren'tthere when we got to his house so he put up a note on the fridge and made a point of writingdown that Mrs. Cope is pushing 75 and has thus far surpassed the age of menstruation andmenopause alike. So safe to say they're going to know he's not serious.


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"Truth or dareIsabella?" Mike turned to me clearly annoyed by my provocation earlier. "And letme remind you in the past you've picked 'Truth' every game. I'm hoping this isn't a stellartradition?" he mocked baiting me into a dare.

I had given him a hard time about being scared, I couldn't become a hypocrite. "Dare." I said

quietly knowing that I was going to regret this.

"Good, come on people let's go." He hopped back into the car and started her up. We all piled inand soon he was driving out of Forks.

"What about Bella's dare?" Eric asked after a while and I swear I wanted to throw him out thewindow.

"We're supposed to be spending the day in Port Angeles, so she'll get her dare in Port Angeles."Mike said smugly as I cringed.

Nope this would not be good at all.

Once we got to Port Angeles Mike parked outside the ice-cream store that they usually stop at.We all jumped out and stood patiently while Mike thought about what to dare me. A light bulbmust've gone off in his head because he turned to me with a devious smile. "Bella, I dare youdine and dash."

I let out a breath that I didn't know I'd been holding. I had honestly been expecting somethinghorrid but compared to Jess's dare thiswas mellow. I could dine and dash an ice-cream parlor nosweat! "Seriously Mike? That it? Okay, I can do that." My relief seemed to foil his planshowever.

"Not the parlor. It has to be a restaurant." He amended quickly not liking that I appeared to begetting off the hook.

"What?" I yelled in shock.

"What's wrong Bella? Scared?" he threw my words back at me in an annoying mocking voice.

"No!" I barked out defensively even though my nerves were now shot to hell.

"Good so can we get this show on the road. Any one sees a place she can hit?" he asked as we

scanned the area for any signs of a restaurant.

"We'll all go." Angela inserted supportively. I was thrilled at the prospect of having them withme as moral support.

Technically I have nothing to worry about. I've played truth or dare with the gang in La Push somany times I've lost count. But with them it's different. I can go into a dare regardless of howridiculous because the Wolf guys never let me get hurt. They've dared me far dumber things and


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if I ended up in over my head they used their 'persuasive' skills to get me out of it. Come to thinkof it, I didhave nothing to worry about because no one couldhurt me. The Grey Wolves wouldbe able to get any ordinary man of the street to lay off me, no sweat. With that thought I felt a bitbetter.

"Hey there's a restaurant down the street?" Jessica's unsure voice brought me out my musings.

May as well get this over with.

"Okay let's go." I said determinedly.

Sure enough as we rounded the corner of the street there was a restaurant calledNell Ombra. Itwas a flashy little place but I tried not to digest too much of the appearance lest I psyche myselfout.

"Why haven't we been here before?" Angela asked slightly above a whisper.

"I have no idea? This place is insane." Jess gushed looking at the polished black tables that hadactual fish circling the ring of clear glass at the center, which had red lights shining throughcreating a glow as you ate. Trendy current music was playing and the tempo was just right forthe feel of the place, not too fast and not too slow.

"Guys let's try notto freak out Bella shall we?" Eric advised the others when he took note of myface.

"Oh sorry Bella." Angela apologized.

"Yeah this place totally sucks." Jess added immediately. Plastic grins worked their way onto thegirls' faces as a waiter came up to us. "Hi, welcome toNell Ombra. Table for 5?"

"Yes please." I answered with as much poise as possible considering there where at least fourhundred butterflies in my stomach. He began walking to the back of the restaurant and withoutthinking I hurriedly asked if we could be seated closer to the door. The guy gave me a strangelook but seemed to have bought my excuse about suffering from claustrophobia. The onlyproblem was he went on to explain ingreatdetail that his mom suffered with it too and we hadto wait patiently for about three minutes before he actually took my order, which by the way hadto be the most expensive pasta dish they serve by order of one Michael Newton.

"That boy has serious momma issues" Angela whispers to me incredulously as I take note ofsomething I mayhave missed before.

We're seated across from a cop.

I can't imagine how this day could get any worse


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I wryly pick at the pasta the waiter places in front of me while the others look on making sure Idinebefore I dash.

I chew on some of the creamy mushroom and penne until I notice our waiter go round to theback to check on another customer. Apparently I'm not the only one who's noticed. Ange kicks

me under the table forcing me to look at her. I clear my throat and stand up, a small indicator tothe others, that I'm about to make a break for it. With small jittery steps I make my way to theexit, followed sluggishly by the others who rise one by one from the table so as to appear casual.

"Hey!"

I should know better than to expect a cop to fall for casual.

The second the waiter calls out after us the cop it out his seat!

"RUN!" Mike yells and we simultaneously pick up the pace.

Everyone scatters as we bolt. The cop makes a mad dash for us and my heart's pounding in myears! I miss the Wolvessomuch right now. This is why I never go out with anyone from school,we're not really friends are we? They're all running for themselves. None of them spare a glancefor the others, they just run every man for themselves, not like with the Wolves where it'sprotect the family no matter what!

The last thing I notice is Angela running wildly across the street and someone's following highon her tail. Everything starts to blur after that, I'm not watching where I'm running all I know isthat I have to get as far away from the cop and restaurant as possible. I'm not sure where theseguys appear from but they must've been alerted by the ruckus behind us because soon they're

right behind me then some get past me and they're racing like you wouldn't believe. There is nopossible way for anyone to outrun them! They're well built, in colors, and young but defiantlyolder than me, and they're so agile that even though they were at first all casually having aconversation, the second we raced past them they took off right after us and literally caught up ina matter of seconds!

My breaths are beginning to come out in pants and my calf muscles are on fire but I try to runfaster. Someone grabs hold of my arms and pulls me back with such a force that I crash into him.Flung into my captor's chest he holds me in a cage consisting of only his lean muscular arms.He's far taller than me and as much as I try to break free of his hold it's useless. "Quit movinglittle girl." He growls and I feel like pointing out he can't be much older than me but wisely shut

my mouth considering he's positively terrifying and I haven't even seen him yet!

Someone approaches from behind us and an olive skinned guy with dreads stops mid-run toaddress him. The other males continue their pursuit of Mike and the rest. His grey eyes darttowards me as if giving count before he turns to leave. "Don't worry we'll get the othersEdward."

It can't be?


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Yes it can!

The guy holding me in an unbreakable grip turns me towards 'Edward' and I refuse to look at himout of fear of seeing who I think thisEdwardmight be! But I am now however able to see theguy who's got a vice grip on me its James!He smirks at me and with horror clearly spelt on

my face I start up my bid to break free.

"I'm so sorry boss I tried to stop them." Someone pants as they run up to where we are.

My head snaps to the out of breath waiter who has finally managed to catch up and I make themistake of following his line of sight and thenI die.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

As feared,Edward Cullenis standing there wearing a devilish smirk and yes, hes Boss!

Now, I think I'm seconds away from blacking the hell out.

I gawk at him in shock. Edward's dressed similarly to how he was yesterday only today he's gothis hoodie sleeves roughly pulled up to his elbows showing off his lean muscled arms as hestuffs his hands into the front pockets of his dark jeans and stalks casually towards us but hiseyes pierce and burn through me like I'm a lamb and he's the lion. His presence is dark,calculating and commanding as usual and only his eyes have a roguish glint in them. Completelyignoring his employee he instead directs his attention to his olive skinned gang member.

"Let them go Laurent, I'm reallynot fucking interested in them." He dismisses almost as if theother kids that were with me bore him like nothing on this planet. His dark eyes scan me starting

from my toes, practically drinking up my body until he finally comes to a stop at my eyes as hecompletes his sentence. "I'm interested in her." He states in no uncertain terms.

Grinning cockily, lust, possession and amusement dance in his eyes as he steps closer. "I offeryou dinner and you say nobut you have no qualms with stealing lunch from me." He saysthoughtfully but its easy to catch his true humor and triumph in the dark forest green of his eyes."What ever shall we do with you Bella?" He tsks at me condescendingly. His voice a steady,amused, whisper but he was definitely serious

Oh Lord, was he serious!

Chapter Two Never let you go

*~*~* Shadows fall and the darkness of night descendsConcrete walls bring the road to an end

I don't know which way

Leads me back to you


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Every step that I takeBrings your light into view

You took so long for me to findYeah

Suddenly our worlds collide

I'll never let you go


I've found you and now I knowI'll never let you go

Yesterday never seemed so far away

All this time you've been

Right in front of me

You took so long for me to findYeahSuddenly our lives intertwine

I'll never let you goI'll never let you go

I found you and now I know


When you go just let me knowAnd I'll appear

When you go just let me knowAnd I'll be there

Cos I just wanna let you know

That I will never let you goI found you and now I know

That I will never let you go



I found you and now I knowI'll never let you go *~*~*

This could not be happening. Edward's eyes burned with more seriousness than mind wasreeling.How in gods name had I gotten myself into this mess! If I ever saw Mike again I wasgoing to castrate him!

James hold on me was firm making any attempts at fleeing impossible. He seemed as amused asEdward did. Two other guys made their way back with Laurent, the one was blonde, tall,


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muscular and lithe exuding a dangerous aura much like Edward's while the other was none otherthan muscle man himself,Emmett. Both smirked as they moved to join the others. My eyesdarted around frantically. Even if I could get away from James and somehow dodge Edward Iwas still surrounded by his gang, a few more guys- three to be exact and one looked oddlyfamiliar- were working their way back towards us. My breathing was already shaky so I chose

not to study them and instead finally met Edward's calculating ice gaze once again. His stancewas nothing if not nonchalant. He watched me closely commanding attention without evenhaving to utter a word.

He stood tall across from me locking me to my spot as he regarded me with a cool stance andcalm eyes but it was something about the way he was looking at me, the wicked glint that burnedin his eyes tainting his cool demeanor with a wicked edge as the cop caught up to us that yelled"GOTCHA". My heart pounded fiercely as I looked from him to the tall slightly balding man oflaw, a stupendous contrast to the lithe dark gang leader in his presence. I couldn't believe mythoughts at this point, the adrenaline must be messing with my mind because right now I wasgratefulfor the fact that their gang was here, I was grateful thatEdwardwas here, surely they

wouldn't want the police involved, they're criminals for god sakes!

Edward seemed to be analyzing the situation and all was hope was shot to hell when he smirkedat me after due thought and bowed out the way allowing the cop a direct visual of me, the culpritthat was nabbed by his guys after I robbed his restaurant. I gaped at him in shock and the bastardmerely stared back and shrugged in a condescending fashion with that fucking smirk plastered onhis annoyingly beautiful face and triumph burning in his dangerous eyes.

The cop looked lessthan amused by my behavior. His eyes narrowed to slits as he tut'd at meshaking his head like he was disappointed in the kids of today. His name badge read 'LieutenantWaylon Forge' and he looked to be the type who took the law veryseriously.Just my luck!

"You know back in my day young ladies never pulled stunts like this. Why they would nevereven associate with boys who did things like this." He began his tirade, shaking his head at me inall seriousness. My face burned at his berating. Usually I wouldn't really care but right thissecond I had an audience of Shadow Fangs. "Kids these days I tell you."

Now I was getting annoyed. "Look it was just a stupid dare from my friend Mike!" I snapped andEdward's head shot up smirking at my antics I narrowed my eyes at him and focused on the nowirate officer.

"I'd watch that tone young lady!" he hissed, clearly not enjoying having his authority underminedI recoiled ever so slightly and I vaguely noticed Edwards eyes flash lethally to the cop.

"If I were you I'd watch my step." Edward spoke through gritted teeth, his stance nonchalant andcool but his lowered head allowed him a hooded glare at the cop that laced his words with venomshrouding it in a dangerous threat.

Ruefully I came to terms with one thing, I was screwed and even though I was grasping atstraws, Edward really was my only chance.


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"Now look here Missy-" Waylon Forge continued and my temper stupidly came to life at hiscriticizing tone.

"My name's notMissy!" before I could stop myself I bit out the words in a hiss. Edward smirkedand seemed pretty keen on watching me squirm now. I was confused as to why he was allowing

the cop to take the lead instead of dealing with me himself, I had little time to waste on himhowever when this brain-dead officer failed to grasp the 'ha-ha' part of a practical joke, a bloodydare!

The officer sneered. "Well a namewould be a good start." I mentally kicked myself as he pulledout his little book.

I opted to say nothing. Defiantly looking at the man in front of me whilst ignoring the amusedthough naturally sinister stares of the Shadow Fangs present. Lieutenant Forge looked at meexpectantly and folded his arms. "What you did young lady is a criminal offence! You went intothat place with no intention of paying for the bill!"

"See officer Forge this is why I can't give you my name. It's apparent that you can't grasp thesimple enough concept of an innocent dare, what are the chances of anything useful happeningwith my name!" By now I was beyond caring what Forge's opinion was. If I got into trouble Samand the guys would take care of it or Charlie, I'm police chief of Forks daughter for gods sake! Ididn't get to run through that again and change obvious glitches though.

"That's it young lady, were going down to the station!" Waylon bellowed.

"WHAT?" Stupid, stupid Bella learn how to shut up!"NO! WAIT! EDWARD AND I AREFRIENDS!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. OH YEAH MUCH BETTER JOB!

Everything stopped!

Edward's brows shot up quizzically in an 'Oh really' fashion to the point that they were nowburied under his bronze mane of wild sex hair. His minions were smirking amusedly as theywatched the exchange between Edward and me. I could feel James chest vibrate with a silentchuckle. My face burned with embarrassment and I mentally smacked myself but now was notthe time to worry about them,I'm about to be arrested!

Edward smirked at me cocking his head to the side. I shot him a desperate look, praying that bysome miracle he played along just so that this fool would dub it friendly prank and piss off

without blemishing my perfect permanent record!

No such luck.

"That so?" Waylon eyed me dubiously and turned to Edward for confirmation.

He stood predatorily still making no move to commit one way or the other. I watched with apounding heart as Waylon looked back to me and Edward smirked at me behind him. I softened


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my eyes in desperation and shot him a look imploring him to let me off the hook. He in turnsmirked and with piercing green orbs looked me dead in the eye and mouthed out, "Go out withme?"

My eyes widened with fury, "Like hell!" I mouthed back momentarily forgetting that officer

Waylon was still facing me he turned an odd shade of red thinking the words were directed athim. "Oh god, no! Not you! Him!" I rambled and speedily tried to point to Edward but Jameshold on my forearms prevented me from moving them fully so I simply managed to only bendmy elbow a fraction.

Waylon stared at me with annoyance "Right another fun part of your friendships I'm sure?"

I snapped my mouth shut afraid of offending this fool any further and looked to Edward for helpagain. Edward raised his brow asking for my 'final' answer and I haughtily shook my head in afirm 'no'. Didn't he understand that all hell would break loose? Sam would have a cow! Jake, Samand the rest of the guys would go ballistic and start a war!Clearly not.Much to my dismay he

crossed his arms and smirking at me he shrugged his shoulders basically telling me 'Then you'reon your own'. I have to admit that I was a bit shocked that he was letting go of the 'date' thing soeasily, he seemed pretty adamant on going out with me before and he didn't strike me as the typewho gave in easily or ever.

"Come on Princess the stations got a date with you."

I huffed at idiot Waylon's choice of words and idiot Edward must've caught it too because hechuckled and watched me with calculating eyes and a condescending smirk.

Waylon stepped forward to escort me to his cruiser and James finally released his hold of me

after receiving a fractional nod from Edward. Even now Edward looked like the forbidden fruit,so tempting but coated in explicit danger, he was the guy parents warned their little girls to stayaway from. He oozed sex appeal and his presence was commanding and strong, he was beautifuland shrouded in a dark mystery, his calm presence had lethal under tones that screamed danger,much like his eyes which could only be described as doorways to his soul because it was onlythrough them that you could tell that there was a storm going on beneath the calm, like right thisvery second, he was unmoving but you could practically see the wheels turning in his head at thedeep contemplative look in his eyes he was waiting for something.

As I stepped forward towards Waylon, I could feel Edwards gaze burning my skin withpossession, he watched me with those precise calculating eyes that held deep seas of churningemotion in them. And I had this feeling that it wasn't going to be too long before the storm wouldswallow me whole into it. If I didn't get out now the walls I built so carefully around me wouldbecome the ship that the fury of the storm broke against the merciless rocks and I'd be the sailorthat drowned in the storm that was Edward Cullen.

"Just out of curiosity what repercussions will she face?" At his voice all activity stopped. I staredwide eyed at Edward and watched ruefully as Waylon turned to face him.


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"Well she's a minor and it's a small crime so she won't go to trial but don't worry she's going tohave herself a permanent record, lil' lady will think twice before viewing criminal offences as agame."

I swallowed but kept my stare fixed on Edward, did he really want to enjoy my misery this

much? I was so piqued that I opted to leer at his smirking highness instead of pointing out to theidiot cop that Edward was well aware what criminal offenceswere!

Edward watched me closely making sure I knew what I was headed towards if I didn't agree togo out with him but there was no way I was going to give in, not just for the sake of the Wolvesbut for the sake of my obstinacy, so I instead stubbornly met his stare head on and remainedquiet.

"Finmente ci siamo (finally we have met) and Bella I'm going to make sure it isn't the last. Iwant you. And I always get what I want"

I'm not sure why I remembered it now but looking at his soft, amused and determined stancebefore me immediately caused me to recall his earlier words to me with such clarity that it set meon fire despite the chill it sent down my spine. He was looking at me the exact same way that hehad yesterday... after kissing me his promise to me I should've learnt my lesson earlier,Edward Cullen was notone to be refused, I should've just taken the bloody date!

"That won't be necessary officer, far too harsh. I think Miss Swan and I can work out a deal."Time seemed to be moving in slow motion and I held my breath as he continued, his gazeholding mine with no effort at all on his part. "She can work it off at Nelle Ombre for a month."

"WHAT!" I choked out. "THERE'S NO WAY- "

"Think carefully girl sounds fair, either that or a blemished record." Waylon added his two centsworth.

My mouth opened and closed in what could only be described as a comical fish movement. "Ican't work for him." I said more to myself than anyone else but needless to say all present caughtit. There was no way I could go back and tell the guys that I was employed under the ShadowFangs all hell would break loose! There'd be war!

"Well then let's be on our way." Waylon began leading me away and Edward was still intentlystaring at me, it could've been my imagination but I think he was restraining himself from

stopping Waylon as he watched me be lead away to the cruiser.

HOLY COW! CRUISER!

My mind snapped back into action and kicked into overdrive as the black and white vehicle ofthe law enlarged the closer we got. As we approached I assume Waylon's partner jumped out, apretty African American woman appearing to be in her late twenties. Her name badge readCommander Cora Berkshire and she eyed me speculatively like she already knew I was a culprit.


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The anxiety built up with a fury inside me as reality started to sink in, I was about to be put intothe backof a cruiser this time round and it wasn't dad's cruiser, this cruiser's destination was apermanent record. "WAIT!" I yelled as Waylon reached for the door vaguely I noticed thatEdward was right beside me looking like he was about to say something as well.

I looked at him expectantly hoping that maybe he was going to let me go but once he'd studiedmy face that smug look quickly reappeared. "Please ladies first." He prompted smirking at meand I groaned loudly.

"I'll work it off at Edward's."

A breath taking crooked grin worked its way onto his face and I darted my eyes away before Ifocused on anything besides how pissed off I should be at him!

"You realize you're entering into a verbal contract to avoid charges being pressed by Mr.Cullen?" Waylon highlighted to me and I nodded simply without looking up.

"She'll work for me for the duration of a month and I won't press charges." Edward named histerms again I nodded only now it was accompanied with a glare at him.

Waylon however ruined our 'moment'. "What say Commander Berkshire?"

She looked to us and nodded. "The contract stands Lieutenant Forge." Her words were solemnlyspoken. "We're both witnesses." She directed that part to Waylon.

"Okay then. Guess I'll be seeing you often young lady, I frequent at Nelle Ombre." OfficerWaylon voiced his parting thoughts as he and Cora hopped into the cruiser, pulled out his

parking space and left.

Edward took a predatory step forward and I flinched back only to have myself bump intosomeone causing Edward to chuckle. I turned to face whoever it was and much to my horror Isaw the blonde guy from before. His eyes watched intently as I swallowed and he smirked downat me.

"Well, well, well if it isn't the Wolves little pet." The blonde guy whistled low and leaned anelbow against the building wall. He had a southern accent and his blue eyes were a mixture ofamusement and that dark undertone that I was now used to gangsters having as he regarded me.

Emmett chuckled and came to stop right beside him and my eyes had to have widened. He washuge, like massive huge! His bicep was the size of my head! If he wrestled McMahon wouldhave to change the spelling of his show 'cause he'd definitely have something to 'ROAR' aboutalright! He grinned at me and I fidgeted my gaze away from him. "Lucky aren't we, Jasper?"

My eyes practically popped out in recognition at, 'Jasper' and he didn't seem to miss it.


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"That we are. How are you darlin'?" Jasper piped in, in mock sincerity before straightening up tolook over my head to a menacingly amused Edward and match his grin. "So cousin what's theverdict?"

"Boy's, welcome Forks' own Isabella Swan to Shadow Fang, she's now officially part of Nelle

Ombre." Edward chuckled and his statement was met with a chorus wolf-whistles and smirks.

I turned and glared at Edward, he met my look head on and didn't seem fazed in the least. "I'mgoing to burn that place to the ground." I threatened narrowing my eyes at him.

He grinned "Whatever you want amore mio, I can't wait for our extended time together afterthat."

Swallowing I decided to just get this over with. "Whatever." I said as nonchalantly as I couldmanage. "What's this arrangement going to be?"

He seemed surprised by my sudden spin of the conversation but recovered just as quick. "You'llstart tomorrow, we'll work your shifts according to your school schedule when it starts up againbut for now you'll be working from 12 till 7, but you'll need to be there an hour earlier tomorrowso we can go over specifics."

His answer was business like and that was all that I needed right now. "Fine! That'll give meenough time to murderMike!" I muttered as I stalked off.

~.~.~

Collapsing on my bed the one thing, that I was for the first time grateful for, was that I was no

where near the Grey Wolves or the Res right now. I couldn't believe how I managed to getmyself into this mess. I was literally stuck in Shadow Fang territory, working at a place ownedby none other than Edward Cullen himself! And I had no hope in hell to get out of it becausethose blasted cops had witnessed our verbal contract!

My breaths were labored as things started to overwhelm me. I didn't know where my thoughtsshould start and end, my priorities were blurred right now. What should be at the top of thepyramid of thoughts? The fact that I was stuck working there? What would Charlie say? The factthat I hadn't told Jake and the others yet? Did I even want them to know? How could I hide it?How would I broach that topic if I didn't hide it? How would they react?

Arg there were just too many things! I couldn't handle it right now. Reaching over my bed I priedopen my headboard drawer and grabbed my bag. Shrugging on my jacket I decided to go for awalk.

"Dad!" I yelled down the hall.

Silence.


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"Dad?" I tried again walking towards the kitchen after noting he wasn't in the lounge. Thekitchen was vaguely illuminated by the lounge light. Sighing I finally caught glimpse of the notestuck on the fridge door.

Problem down at the station didn't want to wake you. I'll try and be back as soon as I can. xx

Dad

At least telling dad wasn't going to be a problem for now I thought with some relief. Shufflingmy sneakers on I made a beeline for the door needing to be out the house as fast as possible.

The second I stepped out the door I could feel the cool night air bite at me. Tugging my jacket abit closer I shut the door securely behind me and began walking where ever my feet took me.The steady pitter patter of the raindrops kept me company as I tried to numb the ramblings of mymind.

I wasn't sure why I was like this, but I was. I liked things in perspective and right now I was

completely taken over by my torrent of musings and Edward was definitely leaving me out of myelement.

Growling out into the night I rummaged through my bag and retrieved my guilty pleasure, mypack Marlboro.

Smoking was a relatively new experience for me, I tried it two months ago as an outlet but it wasone bad habit that I kept. It was a lame way of dealing with things but a small blessing in its ownway because it stopped me from doing things that were monumentallydumber to relieve mytortures.

No, I'm notsuicidal, never have been! Sometimes I just don't know how handle things and I dorelatively dumb things to deal with it or to push the problem or thoughts aside but never with theintent of killing myself. I'm stronger than that and definitely notthat selfish. Even with all of theproblems surrounding me I can not fully sink, I will always pull through but sometimes I do goself destructive I'm not sure why I do it but I do.

When I was younger, my problems centered on Renee. And I found as I grew that no problem Iever had was bigger than her. Regardless of what went wrong whether it was school, home oranything else, if I couldn't deal with it and it began to overwhelm me all I had to do was think ofher and all my other problems would disappear into the background and the only thing thatwould dominate my thoughts was the biggest problem I would ever face in my life, my mother.

In some warped form of messed up irony she became my mechanism for dealing with bullshit. Ifthings became too much then I'd think of her and everything else would be erased for thatmoment and I could focus on dealing with my swarming hate for her, it was easier becausehowever big a problem Renee was to me it still just left me with oneproblem to deal with asopposed to numeroustorrents of others.

So here I am focusing yet again solely on my 'mother' and lighting up a white bodied demon ofrelief. I watch the smoke emit from the glowing red tip as I take a drag. I hate the way it burns


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my throat, I hate the taste of the tobacco but that's probably the reason why I keep at it. Not onlyis it a known relaxer but the cigarette is the personification of my mother, it's bad for my health,it hurts me and I hate it but it's a sick pleasure knowing that at least with this there is an end.With every pull I burn her up until nothing remains, until she disappears like the cigarette. I burnher up until nothing remains, until she disappears like the cigarette...

The tar scuffed my shoes as I dragged my feet, I was close to town now and it was getting late. Iinhaled deeply as I took the last puff of the cigarette enjoying a sick pleasure at watching itglower before dropping it to the ground and stubbing it out with my toe.

Rocking back on my heels I tilted my head to the sky. The tiny droplets of water peppered lightkisses on my wind swept face. Opening my eyes I stared intently at the sky willing the stars toappear. I scoffed at the thought, I was too old for such notions Burying the sadness I put onmy big girl pants and turned in the direction of home, I wouldn't be in trouble with dad. He'dmost probably think Jake had picked me up to go out like he usually did.

Picking up my pace was a pretty dumb idea considering how wet the ground was.Black ice?Ihadn't even noticed how cold it'd gotten but sure enough a thin layer of ice covered the grounduntil I fell. Picking myself up I bent down slightly to dust of the wetness from my knees and myeyes aimlessly danced forward catching a reflection through one of the windows. My breathcaught.

That was Sam's Hurricane. Straightening up I spun in direction of the Jeep. What the hell wouldthey be doing in Forks?

Slowly I began walking forward at most I was hoping one of them could drop me home but as Ineared the side of the building yells became predominant and on instinct my pace picked up. The

cold wind picked up almost trying to keep me away. Fighting against the breeze I finally roundedthe corner.

Jacob, Seth, Sam, Jared and Paul were facing off with Edward, Emmett, Jasper, and James.Edward looked perfectly menacing and Jacob seemed to be matching his vibes. Shockimmobilized my body, all I could do was stand frozen at the corner of the block, hand still bracedon the wall I had used for leverage to spin the corner. The stances of the nine men before mewere positively alarming, Shadow Fangs sheathed in red, black and gold stood menacinglydominating despite their disadvantage of being out numbered by the Grey Wolves in theirchrome grey, slight white and silver colors.

Even from where I stood I could see Jacob's muscular frame tremble with rage as he facedEdward. Fear gripped me as I watched on, I'd never seen any of them look like this. The Wolveslooked terrifying. However nothing could prepare me for Edward. He and the Shadow Fangswere the epitome of calm as they faced off with the Wolves, seemingly unfazed by their blatantfury but regardless they looked infinitely morelethal in their predatory stillness. Edward stoodtall and looming as his presence dominated everything around him, his piercing eyes showed thestorm raged behind his composure. Beside him the other Shadow Fangs exuded the sameserenity as they sized up the Wolves with the same lethal edge flashing dangerously in their eyes.


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They seemed so dominating, so attuned, that Edward could probably command them withoutusing any words, they fed of the vibes he projected and acted instantaneously.

My words rang true and I watched in horror as Jacob threw a punch at Edward. Seeminglyeffortlessly Edward leaned back fluently dodging the jab. The guys beside him flew forward at

the silent signal. Emmett and Paul were head to head loud cracks pierced the other wise stillnight as they came to blows. Beside him James and Sam dueled brutally, Sam retrieved a gun butJasper, having caught the movement floored Jared, and growling menacingly flung Sam backagainst the wall before he could slam it against James temple.

To say I was terrified would be the greatest understatement! Grunts, cries and knuckles makingcontact with flesh filled the night and I could see the sprays of blood as punches were thrown. Insome part of my brain I knew I should move. Stop this madness. But my body refused tocooperate. Not even my voice was in my control. No words could escape my lips, I required airto sound the words that were stuck in my throat and right now I wasn't even breathing.

My eyes stayed trained on Edward. He was being ganged up on by both Jacob andSeth but waseffortlessly managing to hold his own against them! Jacob who already had several cuts andbruises launched at Edward but he swiftly moved out the way, a loudsmackresonated as his fistmade contact with Jacobs gut. Seth brought his fist forward with a fury aiming for the side ofEdward's face but he was fully alert. He spun away from Jacob just in time and halted Seth'spunch with a firm opened palm sounding out a booming thwap. It was now a battle of strength asSeth tried to force his hand forward through Edwards hold. Meeting Seth's gaze Edward's eyesturned deadly as he enclosed his fingers around Seth's fist in a death grip, Seth sneered at eitherhaving his shot blocked or for his inability to free his hand from the grip I'm not sure and broughtup his free hand for a hit to Edwards gut. A cracking noise cut across the street as Edwardbrought his head forward hard connecting it to Seth's in a head butt before he could land the

punch. Seth's head flew back and he stumbled a few steps allowing Edward to turn just in time toavoid an attack from Jacob. Seth shoved the full force of his weight at Edward from the sideslamming him into the building behind them. Edward grunted having the wind knocked out ofhim but recovered fast, kicking Seth in the side with his knee and shoving him off. Jacobslammed his brass knuckle covered fist into Edward's face in a cheap shot causing blood to gushout a newly inflicted gash on Edward's forehead and I swayed as things started to blur. I couldvaguely make out Jake's form as he shoved his shoulder into Edward's chest. Edward grunted ashis back collided painfully with the hard brick. I looked to my hands that had come up to my faceof their own accord. When had I started to cry?

A feral growl rumbled through Edward at the sight of the blood and he grabbed Jacob's face andthunderously slammed it into the brick with a booming crack. James and Jasper quicklyintercepted Seth's attack on Edward from behind and all of a sudden I found myself breathing.

Too soon Sam was up again and Jasper wrestled him to the ground to keep the gun away. Sethpounced on James back catching him unawares and holding him in a headlock. James rammedhis back at the wall actively slamming Seth up against it. Jacob caught the action and growledmoving in to plow his fist into James head but Edward in two quick punches sent him to the


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ground along with Seth. James slammed his fist into the back of Paul's head forcing him to dropthe chain he was lashing at Emmett in a cheap shot.

Pale as death I watched as these guys went at it like masochists, waking up for more beatingslike it was going to go out of fashion.

Rising again Jacob and Seth faced off with Edward. Both launched themselves at him but he wastoo agile, moving fast to the left he spun around and quickly cracked his fist into Seth's backforcing him to his knees. Jacob grabbed a metal rod and I watched in horror as he swung it atEdward who had just found his footing after the sharp turn. He ducked his head back avoidingJacobs swing and caught the rod. Growling the two of them braced their hands on the rod in afirm grip as they both fought for dominance. The veins along Edward's forehead and armsthrobbed angrily as he began expanding his holding area. He was actively pushing the bar backat Jacob. Jacob grunted trying to push with more force but the rod didn't budge any closer toEdward.

"SHE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANYWHERE NEAR YOU, BASTARD!" he gritted out, as hisfeet started losing ground and slipping back with the upper body strength Edward was exertingon the rod.

Dread filled me as I realized what the argument was about.

Edward managed to fully gain power over the rod and used it to fling Jacob back, he spun thecold metal in his hand as he menacingly stepped towards Jake. Sneering down at him he hissed."YOU'RE FORGETTING SOMETHING JAKEY, YOU'RE INMYTOWN NOW!"

"STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM BELLA CULLEN OR I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL KILL

YOU!" Jake snarled.

Edward snickered darkly and spun the rod as he continued his advance. "DON'T FOOLYOURSELF MUTT, YOU CAN BARELY MAKE IT TO STAND UP! HOW THE FUCK DOYOU PLAN ON KILLING WHAT YOU CAN'T TOUCH?"

Jake rose with a vengeance but true to his word Edward was faster and dodged him effortlessly.

"YOUUNDERSTAND SOMETHING CULLEN!" Jake barked. "SHE'S NOT JUST A GIRL,SHE'S MY SISTER! I WON'T LET YOU ANYWHERE NEAR HER! I TOLD YOU THEFIRST TIME, STAY AWAY FROM HER!"

"ANDI TOLD YOUTHE FIRST TIME. NOT EVENI CAN KEEPMEAWAY FROM HER!WHAT CHANCE DO YOU HAVE!" Edward snarled back rhetorically his voice and eyesmenacing as he exuded blatant possessiveness. "YOU DECIDE JACOB! DO YOU WANT METO BEHAVE-" he smirked at the word pointing out just how loosely it was being used, "- ANDLET HER WORK FOR ME. OR DO YOU WANT HER TO SPEND A LITTLE TIME DOWNAT THE SEATTLE STATION AND I FIND OTHER MEANS TO GET MY TIME WITHHER?"


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Jake growled and made to throw another punch and something in Edward seemed to snap."RIGHTNOW,JAKEY, I'M JUSTHUMOURINGYOU!NO ONE'SKEEPING HER AWAYFROM ME! DON'T FORGET, THOSE ARE MY COPS! NOT EVEN CHARLIE SWAN CANGO AGAINST IT, IT'S THE SEATTLE JURISDICTION, FORKS COPS HAVE NOFUCKING SAY THERE!"

A buzz of activity erupted as sirens went off. 'Speak of my father and thy will receive' I thoughtruefully.NOWmy legs deemed it okay to jump to life!Bastard limbs, where were you when thefight was happening!

Edward, Jacob and the others turned to the extreme end of the street in the direction of thescreaming sirens. A scramble broke out as they parted ways in haste to get out of there before thecops showed up.

"SHE WON'T BE THERE TOMORROW CULLEN!" Jacob yelled as his parting words as theymoved towards the Hurricane still oblivious to my presence in the shadows.

"OF COURSE SHE WILL! HER FUTURE'S IN MY HANDS!" Edward retorted. "In fact Jakeyboy, one could say" he spoke exaggeratedly thoughtful before the dark arrogantpossessiveness burned through again. "I am her future." He smirked, hopping up and hangingonto the side of a Jeep Wrangler as it sped off with the rest of his chuckling gang who caught hiswords and let out whistles and chuckles with an expression as equally condescendingly cocky astheir leader.

The Wolves snarled but continued towards the Hurricane as the cop sirens grew louder.Weighing my options I decided now was as good a time as any to make my presence known. Itwas either that or wait at the scene of the crime and explain to either my father himself or his

cops what I was doing here.

Pushing myself forward I raced towards the Jeep in time with the guys. Seth was the first to seeme, anger and confusion flashed fully across his face as he held open the door for me. Shootinghim a rueful look I hopped in fast, he followed closely and slammed shut the door just as fastSam sped us away.

The smell of sweat and blood rolled off them filling the Jeep with the scent of copper, salt andiron. They panted as we sped towards the Reserve.

"WHAT THE HELL WHERE YOU DOING THERE?" Jacob yelled and I started knowing it

was directed at me and that I'dnever

witnessed this side of him.

Seth seated beside me ignored Jake and turned to me his voice mirrored the look he had when hehad first seen me. "YOU'RE CRYING? DID CULLEN DO THIS? DID HE DRAG YOUTHERE?"

That seemed to snap everyone's thread of control and furious growls erupted as they beganfollowing Seth's line of thought.


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"NO!" panicking, I yelled wanting them to calm down! And I meant calm down quickly! Nomore blood shed was needed in one night! "I saw the Jeep and came to see you guys but stoppedwhen

Dine and Dash by Katherine-Alexis-tyler-k.a.t

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Transcript of Dine and Dash by Katherine-Alexis-tyler-k.a.t