Mind Reader

Chapter 35

Edward's face is grim; while Isla was away in Italy, someone had broke into Bella's house - a human feeding vampire. Isla is sitting in between Rosalie and Esme, a stressed Alice is close to Bella. Bella is trying to keep up with the fast-paced conversation.

"No, Alice - - it was a stranger," Edward says. "I didn't recognize his scent." He looks at Rose and Isla. "Not helpful, guys."

"Could you guys pleads, like - - speak out loud?" Bella asks.

"Sorry," Edward sighs.

"It was a nomad passing through?" Esme asks.

Isla sighs. "A passer-by wouldn't have left Charlie alive."

"Someone orchestrated this..."

"Victoria..." Carlisle guesses.

"No," Edward shakes his head, "it has to be the Volturi."

"It wasn't," Isla says.

"Checking to see if I've been changed?" Bella asks. "Isla, did they ask?"

"No," Isla replies, "only asked who turned me and I signed the ledger, and sparred with Felix and Alec."

"Besides," Alice speaks up, "I've been watching Aro's decisions."

"We gotta finds this fool," Emmett speaks up, "and get some answers out of him."

"We also need to take shifts at Bella's house..."

Isla scoffs. "Another protect Bella detail?"

"Isla..."

"She's right," Bella cuts Esme off. "You can't watch over me and my dad, and search for the intruder, and for Victoria, or keep yourselves fed. Your eyes are black - when was the last time you've been hunting? You're already too busy protecting me..."
......

"Paul," Isla speaks as she meets him at the treaty line. "Nice sparring."

"You shouldn't have crossed over," Paul demands, angrily.

"Have you forgotten she's the bitchthst for example this life on me?" Isla demands and Paul grimaces. "I was at my prom, of all places, prom! It was supposed be the east night of my high school career and it was RUINED by that red headed bitch. So tell Sam that I'm sorry for crossing the treaty to get the bitch that did this to me!"

"Isla, easy!" Sam demands as he appears. "No one's mad, not even the elders. They know Victoria was the one to turn you. Just try not to do it again. We're letting you off with a warning."

"Thank you, Sam," Isla says and she glares at Paul. "I'll see you guys around eventually."

Isla flashes off and she finds Jasper. She pulls him into a clearing and she tells him what all Aro said once they were alone in the throne room.

"He was us to mix our diets a month prior if we decide to join?" Jasper asks as he sits on the long beside Isla.

"Yes," Isla says. "We don't have to say yes, but I've been thinking about it. Everyone's been choosing Bella and over the drama Bella has brought upon us, I haven't had much training time, Jasper time, or a chance to think about myself or the offer. It's always Bella this, Bella that."

"I thought you liked Bella," Jasper replies.

"I did." Isla replies. "She lost my respect as soon as she wanted the family to vote for her immortality as if it should be a choice when it shouting."

"You should accept his offer," Jasper says genuinely. "Not right now, after this Victoria stuff eases off. You should go to Volterra."

"What about you?" Isla asks as she looks her husband in the eyes.

"I can't go, not yet," Jasper says. "I'm going to stick around Forks after you leave but we can skype every day and as soon as I do join you in Italy, we're in for a long month or so, or longer."

Isla leans against Jasper and sighs. "Thank you."

"Anything for your happiness, darlin'," Jasper says. "Even if it means you leaving me for a while until we're together again, I love you that much, Isla Masen Hale."

Isla kisses Jasper and snuggles into his side