Crimson Gold

Part 1: Chapter 8: Prom Hunting

3rd Person POV

Forest

"What was that about?" Ryan asked Alice as he, Alice, and Jasper dashed behind Bella's truck in the woods while Rosalie and Esme drove behind her. "Back on the field, you froze up."

Alice tensed, and Jasper explained, "She and James have a history. When she was human, she caught the attention of James, and the only way for her to be safe was for her vampire father figure to turn her into a vampire. James then killed the vampire who turned her, and he left Alice merely for sport."

Ryan's eyes flashed. "If he comes near Alice, dying is the least he'll have to worry about."

They arrived at the Cullens' house and quickly went inside, only to stop at the sight of Carlisle and Laurent walking down the stairs.

Ryan's eyes narrowed, and he made to form his claws, but Carlisle stopped him. "Wait. He came to warn us about James."

Edward, who had gone into a defensive position in front of Bella, narrowed his eyes.

"This isn't my fight," Laurent explained. "And I've grown tired of his games. But he's got unparalleled senses, absolutely lethal. I've never seen anything like him in my 300 years. And the woman, Victoria... don't underestimate her."

Ryan glanced over at Edward, who nodded at him, signaling that Laurent was telling the truth.

Nodding, Ryan stepped out of the way, allowing Laurent to leave.

In the Garage

"I've had to fight our kind before," Jasper said. "We're not easy to kill."

"But not impossible," Emmet filled in. "Not to mention we have Ryan. We'll tear them apart and burn the pieces."

"I don't relish the thought of killing another creature," Carlisle stated. "Even a sadistic one like James."

"What if he kills one of us first?" Rosalie asked.

"I'm gonna run Bella south," Edward said. "Can you lead the tracker away from here?"

"No, Edward," Carlisle said. "James knows you would never leave Bella. He'll follow you."

"I'll go with Bella," Alice offered. "Jasper and I can drive her south."

"I'll come, too," Ryan added. "If James finds out where Bella is, it'll be better to have me there as well."

Edward hesitated.

"I'll keep her safe, Edward," Alice assured. "Come on." She grabbed Bella and guided her toward the car.

"Rosalie, Esme," Edward said, pulling out a set of clothing. "Could you put these on, so the tracker will pick up Bella's scent?"

"Why?" Rosalie demanded. "What is she to me?"

"Rosalie, Bella is with Edward," Carlisle explained. "She's part of this family now." He passed her one of Bella's jackets. "And we protect our family."

Rosalie hesitated and then nodded grudgingly.

"I've got an idea," Ryan spoke up. "Bella, come over here, will you?"

Bella hesitated and then walked over as Ryan formed claws on his right hand.

Bella eyed him nervously. "Um, what are you going to do with that?"