"You brought a snack."
The mere statement set off a chain reaction from both sides. Immediately Royal and Edward were crouched in front of Bella, while the rest of the Cullen's ran to cover their them. Emmett immediately took his place next to Royal. The circumstance caused Rose to forfeit her rightful place next to Royal to her mate.
On the other side, Laurent and Victoria ran to James side. Victoria and James were poised to lunge while Laurent wore a more curious expression rather than aggression.
"A human?" Laurent's tone was dubious. No doubt it was strange. Even vampire's such as the Cullen's who were integrated into human society did not expose human's to their ways.
"The girl is with us." Carlisle's beautiful face was pulled back in a snarl, abandoning any formality and politeness he'd offered before. "I think it best if you leave."
The tension in the air was stifling. Royal found himself glaring into the crimson eyes of Victoria. Occasionally her eyes found another Cullen, but they always found their way back to his gold. He avoided the glare of James, who's eyes had yet to back down from Edwards challenging gaze.
Finally Laurent lifted his hands in the air. He slightly placed himself between his companions and the other coven. "I can see that the game is over. We'll go now."
He backed away, hands still raised. Victoria began to join him. James remained.
"James." Laurent warned.
Finally, James broke away. Victoria gave one final glare before joining as well. James wrapped a possessive arm around the red head and gave one last glance back at the Cullen's and Bella.
The poor human had been clutched securely to Edward the entire time. Her rapid heartbeat drummed in Royal's ears as she held her breathe throughout the exchange.
When the strange vampires were finally out of vampire sight, Carlisle turned. "Get Bella out of here. Go."
Edward nodded, turning her away and back to the Jeep and ran. Edward struggled to assist Bella with her belt before turning back towards the group. His eyes met Royal's. "Rory."
Royal knew what it meant. He knew his brother needed him. Rose was quick to shake her head at him, but Carlisle seemed to agree with Edward.
"Go with them, Rory."
Esme gave him a mothering nudge. "Just in case."
"But be careful." Emmett added with a stern look.
Royal nodded. He didn't want to, but his childishness would have to wait. He ran quickly to the Jeep and climbed in the back.
"Please go!" Bella pleaded to Edward, and they were off driving away from the field through the thick Washington foliage.
"So what, now he's coming after me?" Bella spoke in a rush, looking over at Edward for answers.
"James is a tracker." Edward stated, his eyes still on the rough terrain, flickering once back to Royal through the rearview mirror. "The hunt is his obsession. I read his mind. My reaction on the field set him off."
Bella's brows were furrowed from what Royal could see. Edward continued.
"He was focused on Rory, because of his gift, but once he caught on to your scent his target changed. We just made this his most exciting game ever. He's never going to stop!"
Royal said nothing to this. He felt like I-told-you-so would have been far to inappropriate for the occasion.
"What should we do?" Bella looked to Edward, then back to Royal. Royal avoided her eyes, instead finding Edwards once again. The two vampires exchanged a knowing look.
YOU ARE READING
The Cold-Hearted(Seth Clearwater)
Fanfiction"I'm as cold as ice, but in the right hands, I'll melt." ~ Royal Hale did not trust anyone. He had learned that even those with the best of intentions can do evil deeds. He had barricaded his heart, creating a barrier of ice around it, not allowin...
