A Potter Secret

Intruder

Leah glances at Sam and Emily's kiss, then abruptly falls forward before her hands hit the ground, they become paws! Leah, now a light grey wolf disappears in the woods.

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Jacob and Bella climb off the bike, and start wheeling it toward the garage. "So, when did Leah joined the pack?" Bella asks.

"Around when her Dad died. Her brother Seth, also phased. He's only fifteen. One of the youngest we've had. Sam keeps him home studying, but he's chomping at the bit. Wish it was Leah who'd stay home," Jacob admits.

"Come on, don't be such a guy," Bella admonishes.

"No, it's- It's not a chick thing. It's- You know, a triangle thing. We all have to live the Leah, Sam, Emily pain-fest. Wolf telepathy, remember?" Jacob reminds.

"So, Sam dumps Leah for Emily?" Bella confirms.

"It wasn't like that. Sam hates himself for hurting Leah. But, Emily was The One."

"Yeah, I guess it's sort of chooses you sometimes."

Jacob knows she's talking about Edward, won't go there. Jacob shakes his head. "It's more than some crush, Bella. Sam imprinted on Emily."

Bella chuckles dryly. "Do I want to know what that is?"

"Imprinting on someone is like-" Jacob sighs and thinks for a moment. "Like when you see her, everything changes. All of a sudden, it's not gravity holding you to the planet. It's her. Nothing else matters. You would do anything- Be anything for her."

"It sounds like you know the feeling. Have you- Imprinted on someone?"

"You'd know if I had. I just have a direct line to Sam's thoughts." He continues into the garage. She follows. Jacob and Bella enter. Jacob rolls the bike to its spot. She notes her old motorcycle in the corner, collecting dust.

"So for now, you're- Still you," Bella says.

"And you're still you," Jacob copies.

"Yeah. Until graduation," she informs.

"Graduation?"

"You knew this was gonna happen."

"Not so soon. I mean, not before you've- You've even lived. Or before I could- For a second, just a second, I thought- But he's got his hooks in you so deep," Jacob replies, trying to control his frustration.

"I decided this, not him," Bella assures.

"Bella, they're not even alive. It makes me sick. Better you really be dead than one of them."

"I can't believe you said that. Edward was right, I shouldn't have come."

He's too angry to take it back. She heads for the door. "Bella, come on. Please. I'm sorry." It takes a long beat for her to recover from the hurtful comment. Finally, she nods. She moves to her dusty motorcycle, brushes off the seat.

"We should stick to safer subjects, like motorcycles," Bella says.

Jacob chuckles, lightly. "Only thing safe about you on a motorcycle is when you turn it off." She smiles as does he. The tension slowly dissipates as they dust off the bikes, shifting back to friends mode.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Someone touches Bella's dreamcatcher and turns it. A man walks about the room, touching her stuff. Picking things up, curious, setting them down just a little out of place. It's creepy. Finally, his hand falls on a red blouse draped over a chair. As he brings it to his nose, it's Riley! Pale white, chiseled features, eyes blood red. A vampire. He inhales Bella's scent then stuffs it into his jacket and exits her room. He goes down the stairs and into the living room. Riley soundlessly enters to find Charlie asleep on the couch. He's in uniform, a case file spread out, some of it resting on his chest. Riley leans over him, sees a photo of himself. It's his case file, and a newspaper article. Riley takes in the news and his own file, and Charlie who's unaware of the danger just inches away. Riley stares casually at Charlie's holster. Silently, uncannily smoothly, removes his gun. He stares right down the barrel. Yep. There's a bullet. Riley points the gun at Charlie's head. Smiles. This could be fun. How far can he pull the trigger without it going off? He squeezes, the hammer goes back, then Riley notices the picture on Charlie's chest. His smiling, human self. Reaches out to it. Bella comes in the front door. The living room is empty and quiet. Eerily so. Suddenly, Charlie comes around the corner saying, "You know, Edward could at least respect meal times."

Bella turns startled. Charlie leans in the kitchen doorway indicating his watch. "I was just with Jake," Bella corrects.

Charlie seems perfectly alright with her missing meal time, now. "Oh, Good." There's a knock on the door. Charlie knows who it is, heads back into the kitchen with a small, self-satisfied smile. "I'll just give you two some privacy then."

Bella guards herself, then opens the door to find Edward. "Hey," she starts.

"Do you understand how worried I've been?" Edward demands quietly, his eyes black and eyes sunk in slightly.

"I was perfectly safe."

"I almost break the treaty to make sure of it-" Abruptly he stops. Inhales. His face alarmed.

Bella looks away, starting to pull off her jacket. "I know, I smell like a dog. I'm sorry."

"No, no. Something's wrong." He moves into the living room. He darts throughout the first floor, checking it. Charlie doesn't see- He's concentrating on the photo of Riley whose face has been scratched out.

"What? What is it?"

"Stay here," Edward says and he bolts upstairs. She hurries after him. Bella enters to find Edward holding the dreamcatcher.

"Edward, what's wrong?" Bella asks.

"Someone's been in here."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Edward starts to lead Bella downstairs. "Hey, Bella," Charlie calls. "Where do you think you're going with my daughter, Edward?"

"Carlisle called, he wants to speak with her about something. I'll have her back soon. Alice will be there," Edward promises. He pulls Bella out the door and quickly helps her into the car. They pull out immediately.

"Edward, calm down," Bella tries. "You're scaring me."

Edward takes an unnecessary calm breath as he drives. "Bella, how are you so calm. An unknown vampire was in your house- in your room!"

Bella looks forward. "Because I know that you'll protect me," Bella explains, playing to his nature. "But you can't protect me if you don't have a clear head and are calm about the situation." Edward nods after a moment and reaches out, taking her hand. He grips a little to hard but she keeps quiet, knowing he needs this.

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