What if...

Chapter 14 ~ Getting Caught

Tension radiated off of Edward in waves as he brought us to the seat farthest away from Laurent. Even that didn’t seem to be far enough. All of the Denali’s and Cullen’s were here, they must be keeping the pack out of view in case Laurent got away and told Victoria.  

I leaned into Edward, trying my hardest not to look into the red death-like gaze of Laurent.

“I still see your pet is with you Carlisle, she must be very interesting if you keep her.” His calm, smooth accent purred.

“I do believe saying the last time we met that Bella is Edward’s mate, Laurent.” Carlisle corrected in a calm manner, always keeping his cool.

“Yes, I do recall…” Laurent started, looking over at Irina quickly, “Irina has told me some about your family, it seems extraordinary of what so many of you in one coven can do.”

Edward tensed; apparently Irina had lied about what was said between them.

“Did she now? I suppose that seems normal, considering you two are mates, is that correct?” Carlisle questioned. Laurent pursed his lips, hesitating some before nodding his head, a thoughtful look covering his face.

“So, you disappeared. We are all curious as to where you went.” Carlisle stated.

Laurent’s eyes were narrowed, but not surprised. “I had business to finish…with Victoria of course. I was tracking her down to let her know that I would be joining the Denali’s coven; of course…finding her was fairly difficult. She seemed to have gone south, supposedly getting the idea as to how exactly avenge her mate, James.”

“Yes, so you have been in contact with her.” Jasper confirmed.

“Yes,” Laurent answered, obviously hiding something, “I assume you are aware of the newborn army?”

“We are aware of the situation. So why is it that you did not return to Alaska?” Jasper pushed.

His eyebrows rose as if confused, “I was trying to stop her, let Victoria know that James had it coming. Obviously he would lose in such a fight. When I could not seem to get a hold of her sanity I came here to warn you Cullen’s, then go back to Denali.”

His story seemed very put together and straight forward. I easily believed it, but something was off…just the feeling.

No one spoke for a while; I looked up at Edward to seem him deep in thought, or in everyone else’s thoughts. I thought through what Laurent said, trying to piece together the words…but there was nothing. He said everything that would make sense. I assumed everyone was counting on Edward and Alice’s, possibly Jasper’s abilities to catch anything not said.

I swallowed, thinking of how best to ask this, I suppose blunt would work, “So what is she doing exactly. What is the time and place, her plan of action?” I asked. His red eyes locked with mine the minute I opened my mouth, I tried to calm my heart rate and breathing patterns.

He looked momentarily stumped, but if he was truly on our side, then he would be truthful.

“I believe that she intends for her army to grow strong enough first. She wouldn’t tell me her plan once I announced I mated with one of the ones she wishes to destroy. She sent me off before I could stay around much longer.” His story was wavy, even he sounded unsure.

“Thank you Laurent. I do hope you understand our reasons for questioning…” Carlisle took over.

“Of course Carlisle.” He replied, a hard edge in his voice.

“Also that,” Jasper spoke up again, “everyone is to be paired up with another until we are certain of what is going on.” Laurent tensed for a moment before bringing back his stoic expression and nodding.