Enthralled

Chapter 2: The Game Is On

Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns Twilight Banner by LOS

This story is dedicated to my faithful follower, silkyjacob who waited patiently for it to hit this site.

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So far, there were no signs of lightning strikes, and not one drop of rain. It was eerie to say the least.

Alice would give the signal when to swing at the ball, and every hit corresponded to the crack of thunder. Emmett swung the hardest. No wonder there. Bella marveled at the strength of his brawny arms.

While Emmett was the strongest hitter, Edward was by far, the fastest base runner. And Alice... oh gosh, she knew where the ball was going to end up before the pitcher even threw it. Jasper laughed at his wife's uncanny talent, and taunted his teammates. She was wherever the ball landed—and it landed securely in her glove.

Bella stayed out of the way of the exuberant players, basically acting as a spectator, but when she finally was up at bat, three shadowy figures glided toward them out of a gathering mist. To Bella, they looked as if they stepped off the stage of a punk rock concert ... until she noticed the color of their eyes.

In a flash, Edward grabbed the bat from her, dropping it to the ground, then stepped in front of her protectively. In the meantime, James began sniffing at the air. Edward looked worried, realizing that this vampire was a tracker. Perusing the nomad's mind, he gleaned his name, and that he was anticipating a snack—a snack that his lady love would provide. He couldn't blame the tracker, Bella's sweet blood was a constant torment even for himself.

He gently nudged Bella toward the Humvee, then half-carrying her, got her into the vehicle and sped off.

Bella looked over at Edward, and seeing his brow creased, asked, "What is it, Edward? You're scaring me."

"We're going to your home to pack your things. We need to get to Phoenix. Alice and Jasper will take you."

Frowning, she added, "But why? Those nomads are way back there at the field."

"Bella, you don't understand. The sandy-haired one is a tracker."

"What does that mean?"

"It means he'll track you down just for the sport of it, and I cannot take a risk with your safety. We must get out of Washington now."

Oh, god, Jacob warned me it would be dangerous to run with vampires, and now his prediction has come true.

She swallowed thickly, her heart beating so rapidly that she thought it would crash through her ribcage.

~~~~~

Charlie was at work, so throwing aside caution, Edward sailed around the room in a whirlwind, tossing her belongings into a bag. Bella left a note on the kitchen counter, advising him that she was staying at a friend's home for a few days. She would worry about what would happen as the days dragged on, when it actually happened. Poor Charlie, but it couldn't be helped.

After arriving at the Cullen's, Edward stashed her bag in Esme's car, along with Jasper and Alice's things. Then Alice re-dressed her friend in her own clothing to mask her scent.

It was all so confusing. "Why can't you come with us?"

"I've been targeted along with you, as well, Love. He'd expect me to accompany you. It's imperative that I throw him off the trail. If I remain here, he may wait to see if I lead him to his prey, and in the meantime, you'll be safe in Arizona. And, please, don't use your cell phone at all, not even to call me or your father. It may be that James has the means to intercept the calls. We can't take that chance."