Edward Cullen thought his future with Bella was set in stone-his blood singer, his mate, his forever. But when Alice has a startling new vision, everything he believed begins to unravel.
At the center of it all is a mysterious girl, one who brings u...
John 15:12-13 [NIV] [12] My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
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The dark-haired man, still wearing that easy smile, took a step closer to Carlisle. "We thought we heard a game," he said in a relaxed voice, his French accent just noticeable. "I'm Laurent. These are Victoria and James." He gestured casually to the two vampires beside him.
Carlisle's expression remained composed and welcoming as he spoke, pointing out each of the Cullens in groups. "I'm Carlisle. This is my family: Emmett and Jasper, Rosalie, Esme, Alice, and Bella... and Edward, and Vidalia." He made no effort to single anyone out, but Bella felt a jolt of surprise when her name was spoken aloud.
While Vidalia noted how Edward’s posture subtly shifted, moving just slightly to put himself between her and the newcomers.
Laurent’s gaze lingered on each member of the family before returning to Carlisle. "Do you have room for a few more players?" he asked in a sociable tone, as if suggesting nothing more than an afternoon diversion.
Carlisle met his tone with the same ease. "Actually, we were just finishing up. But we’d certainly be interested another time. Are you planning to stay in the area for long?" he inquired, his voice friendly yet edged with an undertone of caution.
Laurent’s smile didn’t falter. "We’re headed north, in fact, but we were curious to see who was in the neighborhood. We haven’t run into any company in a long time." His casual words were matched with an air of nonchalance, but there was a flicker of something calculating in his eyes that didn’t escape Vidalia’s notice.
"No, this region is usually empty except for us and the occasional visitor, like yourselves," Carlisle replied, his demeanor friendly, though his eyes remained keenly focused. The tension that had settled over the clearing was slowly giving way to a veneer of casual conversation.
Vidalia could feel a subtle shift in the atmosphere and glanced at Jasper, realizing he must be using his unique ability to keep the situation from escalating.
Edward's grip on Vidalia’s hand tightened momentarily, as if to ground himself in her presence. The contact was reassuring to him, and she could feel his gaze flick toward her every so often, his concern evident despite the calm front he maintained.
Laurent, appearing to test the waters further, asked casually, "What's your hunting range?" His tone suggested idle curiosity, though the question carried a deeper implication.
Carlisle, ignoring the presumption behind the inquiry, answered smoothly, "The Olympic Range here, up and down the Coast Ranges on occasion. We keep a permanent residence nearby. There's another permanent settlement like ours up near Denali."
