Chapter 21

Ever since that dream, she couldn't shake the dark cloud that was Carlisle Cullen. Wherever she went, she was reminded of him. From her job at the hospital to her studies at the university, from the books in her room to the stethoscope she wore, everything had a thread of him sewn into it. Once upon a time, she had thought she'd leave Forks in the arms of the love of her life, but she had started considering leaving because of them.

The reservation had always been home and had always welcomed her with open and warm arms. A few months before, Spencer would not have found it too hard to leave it all behind. She had already done it once and truly believed she could do it again. But it had been the only place that had embraced her when she had been at her lowest. Even if she had been ready to walk away from them, they had wrapped her in love and understanding. They had seen her at her lowest point and had helped her get back up.

Still, Spencer couldn't shake the conversation she'd had with Bella. As time passed, she questioned more and more if she'd give Carlisle another chance if he did come back. The harrowing emptiness she felt inside was more than just losing a boyfriend. It felt like true loss. The only thing she could compare it to was the time her father had left –an event the man she had loved used as ammunition against her. But how could she deny the truth behind the statement? If Carlisle had asked her to move with them, she would have left everyone behind without another thought.

But he hadn't. And she stayed. And life went on.

Things in La Push had shifted since the new year had started. For the better part of the first two months of the year, vampires had seemed to come back to feast on unsuspecting hikers in the colliding woods. They knew it wasn't the Cullens, but they were a threat, nonetheless. Patrol times had doubled, tensions were high, and Spencer knew nothing about it.

So, when Bella had called her to see if she could join her on a hike in the woods, the older girl had no qualms in saying yes. She had the time, and it made avoiding Paul easier. Her head needed clearing, and there was nothing better than the fresh outdoors. Especially since the day seemed to finally clear up.

"Thanks for doing this with me," Bella smiled softly as she jumped out of her truck. "I would have done it by myself, but I'm not good by myself in the woods."

"It's no problem," Spencer responded. "I honestly needed this. Can't spend my entire life buried in books."

"Guess not," the girl chuckled. "I would have called Jacob –we've been spending time together. But Billy said he was driving up to Port Angeles. Do you, um, know anything about that?"

"Can't say that I do. But that doesn't really seem unusual."

"It's just that he's been avoiding me for a really long time, and I don't really get why," Bella said as she kickstarted their hike. She was slow with the map and the compass, slower than Spencer would have been. But the more time she could spend outside of the house, the better. "I mean, Billy said that he was sick, but it's been over a week of that. And now, he's apparently feeling better, and he still won't talk to me."

"I can't help you there, Bella," Spencer said, suppressing a grimace. She knew what it was that the boy was hiding from her, and she knew just how awful it felt to be on the other side of the secret. "But I'm sure things will get better soon. He's probably just lost track of time."

"Yeah," she sighed. "Maybe."

"Here. Why don't I work the compass?" Spencer offered. "Do you have a specific spot you want to go to?"

"Oh, uh, yes," she stammered in Bella fashion, handing over the map and pointing where she wanted to go. "It's a meadow. Somewhere around this area."

"Any particular reason we're going there?"

"I don't... it's um..."

"Does it have anything to do with Edward?" Spencer softly inquired. They walked at an easy pace, stepping over rocks and fallen branches. "Is it somewhere he used to take you?"

"Yeah," Bella admitted. "It's a beautiful clearing. We're not too far from there. It's honestly stunning; covered in flowers of all colors. I couldn't believe such a place existed until he took me there."

"Mm, I guess finding secret places is a thing amongst the Cullen clan."

"Did Carlisle take you somewhere like that?"

"Yeah, somewhere similar," Spencer responded. "It's actually a few miles up this river."

"What's it like?"

"Well, the first time he took me was by the end of August, and thankfully everything was still in bloom," she said, smiling sadly at the memory. "There's this beautiful wooden bridge that stands right on the boundary of Forks and the rez. Vines of flowers wrapped around the handrails, and water rushed loudly under it. The trees covered the place enough that it kept it cool but left enough light peek through to make it just bright enough. We'd meet there so many times. Mostly to talk, but there were times we just went there to hold each other and pretend we weren't that different."

"Have you, um... have you gone back there?" Bella asked as she slipped into a rock, holding onto Spencer for balance. "Sorry."

"It's okay," she chuckled. "And no. I haven't gone back since he broke my heart and left. I'm afraid of how I will react if I do."

Bella seemed to sit with the words before talking, a question furrowing her eyebrows long before she voiced it. After keeping quiet for a second, the girl whispered, "Can I ask you something without you thinking I'm crazy?"

"We know vampires are real," she smiled. "There's not much you can say that will sound crazy."

"I see him sometimes," Bella breathed. "In moments when I'm in danger, he appears and talks to me. And, uh, I've been doing some pretty reckless things in order to see him."

"The mind is very powerful, Bella," Spencer sighed. "In times of heartache, it can show us what we want in order to appease us. It's not crazy, but I do hope you don't do something crazy searching for him."

"I won't," she chuckled dryly. "At least, I hope I don't."

"Then, can I ask you to promise me something?"

"Sure."

"If you ever do feel like you're about to do something crazy, call me."

"I will," the girl smiled. "Thank you, Spencer."

"Of course," Spencer winked. "Us Cullen discards need to stick together."

"The Cullen Discard Club," she snickered. "I like that."

They walked for a few more minutes before Bella recognized the path they were on, taking the lead on the hike as they neared the clearing. Her steps were lively, pulling faster than Spencer. The Uley girl could see the excitement growing in her, a thrilling enthusiasm building the closer they got. Giddy and nervous was how she would have described Bella at that moment.

But they could not have known what they were walking into when they reached their end goal. "It's not the same," Bella said, disappointment dripping from her voice. "It doesn't look the same."

"Well, the ground is still thawing from winter, Bells. It's gonna take time for new flowers to bloom," Spencer cooed. "It doesn't change the fact that it's a beautiful spot. I'm sure that come springtime, it'll be like you remembered it."

But she didn't hear Spencer.

Bella was stuck inside her head, searching for something more than just flowers and grass. No. She was searching for the image of Edward. She searched for the feelings that bloomed in her chest when he was there. She looked for him in the dried grass, in the rocks and the fallen branches, and looked for him in the hard, cold dirt. But there was no danger. And no danger meant no Edward. No Edward meant the dark pit in her heart still remained empty.

Suddenly, as Bella scrambled to her feet, trying to find a way to escape the surplus of emotions, a figure caught both girls' attention.

At the farthest corner of the clearing, a man stood motionless. As frozen as only a statue –or a vampire—could be. A flash of recognition washed over Bella's eyes as she stared at him, excitement filling her once more.

"Laurent!" she exclaimed.

"Bella?" the man inquired, a cat-like curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "And company... I don't believe I've seen you before."

"I'm not exactly from this side of the tracks," Spencer responded, tugging softly at Bella's arm to get behind her. If the girl had been looking for danger, she had found it. "You're not allowed into my side of town."

"Ah, the Cullen treaty," he said. "And I didn't know they had another human pet. I thought you were the only one, Bella. They kept you very well hidden... I don't believe I got your name."

"That's because I didn't give it," she said, forcing a smile. "And I would very much like to keep it to myself since I don't plan on seeing you after this."

"Hm, I respect that," Laurent chuckled before turning his attention toward Bella. "I didn't think I would see you here, Bella."

"Well, maybe I should be saying that," she muttered. "I do live here. And last I heard, you had gone to Alaska."

"I did go to Alaska for some time," he agreed. "But, it's weird, when I found their house empty, I thought they had moved on."

Bella's breath seemed to hitch in her throat as she attempted to find an answer. She fished and fished but, "Oh," was the first thing that seemed to leave her throat. Spencer tried to reassure her by giving the girl's arm, but it seemed her attention was entrapped by the man before her. But finally, she managed to croak out, "They, uh, did move on."

"And they left you both behind?" he murmured, almost like he was speaking to himself. "Hmm, interesting."

"Do they visit often?" Laurent kept fishing, taking a tentative step forward as the girls took a step back.

Bella still seemed stuck in her head, looking off to the side of Laurent, rather than straight at him. Spencer was sure that the image of Edward had appeared in front of her, that somehow he was speaking to her, and all she could do was listen to him. Because to her, there would only ever be him. "Now and then," she lied, her voice trembling slightly and rising in pitch. "Time seems longer when they're away, but I'm sure it just feels longer for me. They can get distracted sometimes and..."

Spencer squeezed her arm as the girl started to babble, hoping she'd get the hint. The girl's lying was as bad as her balance, and it was sure to get them in trouble.

"That's odd," he continued. "The house smelled like they've been gone for some time."

"Well, they don't really stay there anymore when they come by," Spencer interjected. "We make an effort to stay other places when they visit, but they're keeping the house for any longer stays. We'll be sure to mention you came by the next time they're here. But we really..."

"Probably shouldn't mention it to... Edward," Bella managed to add as she interrupted Spencer's lie, forcing them to stay there longer and interact with the fidgety vampire. "He has such a temper... not that I have to remind you. He's still so touchy about the whole James thing."

"Is he?"

"Yup," Bella affirmed, still not getting Spencer's hints. The more the girl sent signals to the other, the more the Swan girl ignored. "So, how have things been in Denali? Carlisle mentioned you were staying with Tanya?"

"I like Tanya," he grinned. "And her sister, Irina... but it's odd staying in one place for too long, although I enjoy the novelty. The diet..? Not as much." The smile he wore grew even bigger and more sinister. "There are times I cheat."

"Jasper has problems with that, too," Bella blurted.

"Is that why they left?"

"He's actually quite careful at home," Spencer interjected once more. "Hiding in plain sight just got a little hard for them. That's why they don't stay at the house when they visit. Too many questions."

"Ah," he mused. "Quite the predicament to live amongst humans."

The glint in his eyes made Spencer's mouth grow dry. She had seen that hunger painted across amber eyes months before, the night that had changed everything for both of them. It had appeared the second Bella had confirmed that the Cullens had left. They had no protection from the clan. It was open season for the two Cullen pets.

Somehow, Bella didn't know when the moment was to keep quiet. She continued to offer information that only worked to cement the fact that the vampire clan had left them alone and had not bothered to come back. It was almost as though her self-preservation gene had died.

"Did Victoria ever find you?" Bella asked in an effort to distract him. Not that it would deter the predator from his prey.

"Yes," he said, slightly halting in his steps. "I actually came here as a favor to her. She won't be happy about this."

"About what?"

"Killing you," he grinned.

"Me?" Bella worried.

"Well, both of you. You," he answered, pointing at Spencer. "You were a welcome surprise. Victoria wanted to save that part for herself. Not killing our new friend here, but you, Bella. A mate for a mate—sort of poetic, no? She asked me to get the lay of the land for her, but I never thought it'd be this easy to get to you. Much less that you'd bring another one of their pets. Let me guess, you belong to Carlisle."

Spencer's reaction to his name gave the man answer enough. She flinched at the word, halting in the steps she was taking back. There was nowhere to hide, and Laurent knew it. "I supposed Victoria will be angry, all the same," he sighed. "But I just can't help myself. I'm so thirsty, and I can't decide which one of you smells better."

"They'll know it was you," Spencer said, standing her ground as she stepped protectively in front of Bella. "You won't get away with this."

"Why wouldn't I?" Laurent snickered. "The rain will wash away all scents. No one will find your bodies—you'll simply go missing. Another pair of hikers in the wrong place at the wrong time. There will be no reason for Edward or Carlisle to think it was me. Especially not in regards to you, unnamed friend."

"Please," Bella begged. "Don't do this."

His expression softened at the girl, a kind smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'll be quick," he said. "You won't feel a thing. I can promise you that. What she had in store for you... it was monstrous."

The Uley girl couldn't believe that was how she'd end her life. At the end of the day, she would still leave her family, with no reason or explanation. Only this time, she'd have no chance to come back. She would become collateral damage in the whirlwind that was Bella Swan, and she had stepped right in the middle willingly.

A gust of wind made the hairs on her arms stand on edge, paired with the chilling stare Laurent gave them as he inhaled their scents. "Mouthwatering."

As he walked slowly toward them, enjoying intimidating his prey, Spencer turned slightly toward Bella and whispered, "He'll attack me first, and when he does, I want you to run, Bella. No questions, no thinking. Just run towards the rez."

"I can't..."

"This is not up for discussion," she said through gritted teeth. "It'll take some time for him to drain all my blood, so you better run the fastest you ever have. Take off your backpack and run."

The vampire's pace increased as he bared his fangs to the girls, his stare trained on Spencer's form. As Bella slowly slipped off her backpack, Spencer braced herself for impact. Tears burned their way down her cheeks as she mumbled a prayer to whoever was listening. She begged her mother found solace, and her brother found peace after her passing. And that somehow, the Cullens got revenge for her death. If it was her time to go, then at least she hoped it was for something.

Laurent was so close, she could feel the air from his movement, so she closed her eyes and waited. But the impact never came. As her eyelids fluttered open, she saw him paralyzed in fear, his eyes staring far into the woods. "I don't believe it," he said almost to himself. "It can't be."

He retreated from the edge of the trees as a growl echoed through the meadow, and Spencer finally felt like she could breathe. Sam's wolf jumped out of the darkness, followed quickly by Jared and Paul, then Jacob and Embry, all standing just slightly to the side and behind Sam. For a split second, Paul's wolf looked toward her, sending her a look of concern which she responded with a thankful smile.

Behind her, Bella trembled in fear, petrified in the position she was. But Spencer knew the last thing she needed was to see how the pack shredded Laurent to shreds. They needed to move, and they needed to move now.

"Bella, we have to go," the girl said, placing a hand on either side of her arms. "We can't stay here."

"N-no... we... we can't," she stammered. "They'll go after us."

"They're too preoccupied with Laurent. Believe me, Bella," Spencer insisted, trying to break through the girl's mental block. "We have to go. Now."

Spencer took hold of Bella's arm and dragged her to the same path they had come from as the wolves disappeared behind a retreating Laurent. The girls ran as fast as their legs could take them, weaving through the woods like they had done it a million times before. But where Bella was only begging neither Laurent nor the wolves caught up to them, Spencer couldn't help but pray that the pack came back unscathed. She worried they would come back home harmed, all because the girls had been reckless.

Her lungs ached, and her legs yelled, but all she could worry about was getting back to the head of the trail they had taken. After a few minutes of running, which felt like a lifetime, they finally reached the rusty red truck that belonged to the Swan girl. They crashed onto its side, bracing their bodies as they caught their breath. Hearts were hammering, and sweat shimmered on their foreheads, but they were safe. Finally safe.

"What was that?" Bella trembled. "What the hell was that?"

"Wolves, Bella. They were just wolves."

"But they... they only went after Laurent. One of them was so close to me I could almost touch it!"

"Let's just be grateful they didn't see us as a threat and went after him instead," Spencer offered, giving away as little as she could. "Now, go home. Take a shower, get some rest. We're lucky we're alive right now."

"You would have really sacrificed yourself for me, wouldn't you have?" Bella asked, finally dropping the wolves. "You didn't have to, but you were ready to protect me."

"Yeah, I would have."

"I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but why? He wanted me the most. You could have saved yourself."

"It's not in my nature to do that," Spencer shrugged. "It was sort of an instinct to protect you. I guess, I never want to see the people I care about be harmed, much less in front of me. I knew there was a chance you could survive, and I was ready to take it."

"Thank you, Spence," the girl sniffled as she took Spencer in a crushing hug. "You have no idea how much that means to me. "You have no idea what that means to me."

"Just know I'm always in your corner, Bells," she smiled. "Whenever you need me, I'm here. We're the Cullen Discard Club. We look out for each other"

"Right. The Cullen Discard Club," Bella chuckled softly. "I guess I better head home then. Thanks again for everything, Spence."

"Don't mention it," she replied. "Get home safe, Bells."

"You too, Spencer."

The Uley girl waited until the truck disappeared down the road before running toward the Young cabin. Knowing the pack would still be taking care of things in the woods, she called out to Emily once she reached the house. Her knocks were frantic against the door, nerves overtaking her senses.

"Spencer?" Emily questioned as she opened the door. "What's wrong?"

"I... uh... a vampire and Sam... and..." Spencer couldn't get words out as adrenaline and worry spiked even more in her system. "They could get hurt."

"Oh, honey, come here," the woman said as she took the girl in her arms. "They're gonna be okay. They'll be home before you know it."

"But..."

"Nope, no bad thoughts," Emily replied softly. "Why don't you wait for them here and I'll fix you up something to eat in the meantime? Looks like you've had a bit of a rough day."

"Alright," Spencer agreed as she forced a smile. "I just hope they're okay."

"They will be," she smiled, hugging Spencer once more. "You'll see."