Golden - P.L.

13. Little Hearts and Messy Hair

"To you, I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it." - Taylor Swift, Sweet Nothings

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I fiddled with my fingers as I sat on the Cullens couch. My mouth fell open when we pulled into the driveway. The Cullens lived in a large modern style home. Floor to ceiling windows lined the living room, it was beautiful.

"Who was it? Someone we know?" Alice said sounding stressed. I never got the chance to meet the rest of the Cullens but they were all welcoming. Rosalie smiled at me comfortingly as I pulled my knees into my chest. I hated this, I felt out of the loop and unsafe. I wanted to be with Paul.

"Just a stranger, I didn't recognize his scent." Edward replied, I felt Bella place her hand on my knee attempting to comfort me. This was all too much.

"A nomad passing through?" Esme guessed making Edward shake his head.

"A passer by wouldn't have left Charlie and Lilah alive." Rosalie said, I felt my blood run cold. What did he want? Why was he in my room? The questions raced through my mind and Edward gave me a sympathetic look. Suddenly the front door swung open abruptly making me jump slightly.

"His scent disappeared about five miles south of Bella's house." The strange man said. He had shoulder length blonde hair, his voice held a slight southern drawl. Guessing from what Bella told me his name was Jasper.

"You must be Delilah. I'm delighted to make your acquaintance." He gave me a small lopsided smile. I couldn't help but smile in return as waves of calmness washed over me.

"Hi." I said softly giving him a little wave as I pulled my knees away from my chest.

"Someone's orchestrating this." Edward said deep in thought. I sighed softly, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. Even thought I took a long nap I was still tired.

"Victoria?" Carlisle questioned. I shuddered at the sound of her name.

"I would've seen her decide." Alice said shaking her head.

"It has to be the Volturi." Edward concluded. Who the heck was the Volturi?

"I don't think it was the Volturi either. I've been watching Aro's decisions too." Alice said, the conversation seemed to be going in circles with no conclusion.

"So we keep looking." Emmett said. His big muscles were crossed over his chest.

"We also take shifts, guarding Bella and Lilah at their house." Carlisle said nodding his head in agreement with Emmett. I hated the idea of them revolving their lives around making sure me and Bella were safe.

"Another protection detail." Rosalie asked annoyed as she rolled her eyes. Ouch, I frowned slightly at her harsh tone. I know from what Bella's told me that she wasn't very fond of her, but she was down right rude.

"Rosalie." Esme said in a warning tone.

"No, she's right. You can't protect me, watch my dad, and search for the intruder and for Victoria, and keep yourselves fed." Bella agreed. I grimaced at the thought of one of them ripping into a poor deers neck.

"Im not going to leave you guys defenseless." Edward said shaking his head.

"Well I'm not going to let you starve. Besides, we won't be unprotected. Anything Lilah is involved in the wolf pack is too." Bella said simply. I felt all eyes land on me as I smiled sheepishly.