|: Cigarettes and Candy :| Carlisle... - Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Declan's POV.
"Carlisle?" I asked the man as he parked the car next to Jasper's. "Why are you so tall?"
"What? What do you mean?" He turned to look at me before getting out of the car.
I climbed out of the backseat, struggling a bit with the baseballs and the bat. Esme was at my side instantly taking the balls from the crook of my elbow.
"Your clearly over six feet tall. But you're from the sixteen hundreds, weren't men really short back then?" I stood by the door with the bat, looking at his confused face.
I heard Esme's small giggle, "here we go again."
Carlisle rolled his eyes at Esme's words before he started walking away from the car.
I moved to Esme's side and walked next to her, small laughs escaping my lips. Esme nudged my shoulder with her own with a quiet laugh of her own.
"Yeah, weren't guys only like five foot five then?" I called after Carlisle. "So why are you so tall?"
"My father was tall." He stated simply.
I sped up so I could catch up to him. His face was amused, I love when he looks happy. I'm grateful that he knows that my teasing is harmless and he usually teases me back.
"Is that why you're so humble? Cause all your clothes were too small?" I huffed out a loud laugh. "That's why you're so nice, you were a mutant!"
Esme's laughs grew louder as she went up to Carlisle's other side. "He's finding out all your secrets, Carlisle."
"You two are insufferable." He smiled and shook his head.
I scoffed and moved to nudge his elbow with my own. "Oh cmon, if I wasn't here right now you would be so sad."
"That's true," he looked at me with his bright eyes. "I would be."
In the near distance I could see Rosalie sitting on a rock with Emmett standing next to her, and Jasper and Alice suddenly appeared next to it. They four seemed to talk amongst themselves and Jasper turned to wave at us three with a smile.
So, baseball is what brings everyone together in the Cullen family. I could see Rosalie smiling from here, so her sour mood about Bella is gone. Everyone seems excited and just overall happier.
I smiled at the thought of all the Cullens playing together and getting along. Them having this time where they all are together, I bet that's rare. Is baseball really that important?
"Declan!" Emmett called once we reached the large rock, "and you two are here too." He gestured to Esme and Carlisle.
I watched Carlisle roll his eyes and then pat my shoulder before walking away. He left in the direction of the center of the huge field.
I climbed up on the rock and sat next to Rosalie, "you look excited."
She smiled at me, "I love competition, what can I say?"
I ran my fingers trough my hair with a soft grin, "what are the teams?"
She held out both hands, starting to count if the left, "Carlisle, Jasper, and me." One the other hand she counted. "Emmett, Alice, and Edward."
"Okay, so team blonde against team not blonde." I nodded as I gathered the information. "What about Esme?"
Esme sat next to me on the rock, "I'm the designated catcher, and I prefer to umpire."
I nodded again and watched as Carlisle walked through the field. I guess he's marking the bases, I don't really know. I would assume he was because someone has too, they're very far apart though.
That's when I noticed Edward and Bella walking into the field. They were near the trees at the edge of the field slowly walking towards us.
I turned back to Jasper, watching him do some sort of spiny bat trick. Tossing the bat up then tossing it under a lifted leg. I couldn't look away, it was mesmerizing and impressive. It's nice to see him so happy too.
He's usually very serious and tense at school, yaknow, all the blood. It's nice when I get to see him away from school, he's all happy and full of sarcastic comments.
Once Bella and Edward grew closer, Esme and Rosalie stood. Esme turned to walked towards the couple and Rosalie moved to stand next to Jasper. I watched as Emmett looked at Rosalie for a moment before following Esme.
I wonder if they were saying things I couldn't hear. I don't know how good my hearing is compared to theirs but I know I certainly can't hear as well as they can. Whenever there's moments of silence, I can't help but feels like they're talking to each other so softly that I can't hear.
Esme and Emmett greeted Edward and Bella once they finally reached us. Bella glanced at me and I smiled and waved. I stayed seated on my rock and watched each of the Cullens doing their own thing.
Carlisle was finally done with whatever it is he was doing, was he marking bases? He started walking back towards me, but Alice started running towards the gathering of people near the rock.
"It's time!" She sang excitedly.
Just as she spoke a low rumble of thunder rang out, bringing chills up my spine. I silently hoped it wouldn't rain to hard since I didn't have an umbrella or even a hood.
"Eerie isn't it." Emmett spoke before Alice grabbed him.
"Let's go." She practically whined pulling him away.
I watched the pair with an amused smirk as Carlisle reached my side and climbed up on the rock.
Edward followed after the two after a moment with Bella. Esme reached an arm around Bella shoulders and led her towards Carlisle and I.
"This isn't going to end terribly, right?" I asked as softly as I could manage.
He rested his hand on my nearest shoulder, "everything will be fine, I'm sure. Everyone is on their best behavior."
"What if Bella faints or something, or what if it rains so much that it's all muddy and I slip. Or what-" I was cut off.
He squeezed my shoulder with enough pressure to ground me. "Stop it. Don't spiral on me like that." He began. "Whatever happens, I'll make sure everything is okay for you. I promise."
Childishly, I reached out my hand and extended just my pinkie out to him. "Pinkie swear?"
Without question he interlocked out pinkies, "Pinkie swear." He repeated. "Do you feel any better now?"
I took a heavy breath and nodded. I really do. I know all my fears and worries are irrational but that doesn't mean I can just ignore it. Anxiety doesn't just go away because you know it's irrational.
"Good." He stood from the rock and grabbed my hand. "Now, I have to go before Alice drags me away too."
"Go win," I jabbed his chest with my free hand. "I didn't come all the way down here for my blondes to lose."
He smiled and nodded, "I'll try my best, Coach."
"I know you will, now go." I pushed him softly.
His smiled widened as he turned to walk away, the second he was gone Bella was next to me. She carefully climbed onto the rock, well, my rock. I decided I'm claiming the rock as my own.
I couldn't shake the feeling I have, it's making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I know that I'm safe here with the Cullens, but I just feel terrible.
I couldn't concentrate on the game, I heard every hit and heard the whistle of every fast throw. However, I couldn't keep my eyes on the action. I kept looking around the field anxiously.
Thankfully, no one seemed to notice. Not even Bella, which I good I wouldn't want to ruin her time with my anxiety. She was so entranced by the game that she didn't see me nervously glancing around or tugging at my hair.
I itched to snap the rubberband against my wrist but I know I can't do that here. I can't let anyone see that I do that.
I demanded myself to focus on the game as Carlisle stepped up to bat. Has he done that already? Did I miss it? I can't remember I was to busy trying not to lose my mind.
It was then when Alice froze, I saw he body tense and he eyes go blank. Everyone else froze as soon as Edward ran up to her. He made it to her side and I could see him talking very softly, but I couldn't make out the words he was saying.
"Alice?" Esme called, her voice completely showing her worry.
Quickly everyone gathered around home base and I stood from my rock and hopped off of it. I jogged over to everyone with Bella at my side.
"I didn't see -, I didn't know." Alice was stuttered as Edward stared at her with dark eyes.
Carlisle stepped around Edward and put his hands on Alice's shoulders. "What is it, Alice? What did you see?"
"They're traveling faster then we thought, they're coming this way." She mumbled so fast I barely caught what she was saying.
I glanced around the group nervously, trying to find someone to ask who they were. Everyone was so immersed and that alone made my anxiety spike.
Jasper moved so he was right on Alice's side, he asked a quick question and I ignored it. Until someone can tell me who they is, all this information is useless.
"Can someone tell me who they is? I hate playing the pronoun game." I spoke louder then everyone else in an attempt to be stern.
Carlisle was at my side so fast, I jumped when he just appeared. "Nomads, our kind."
"How many?" Emmett spoke in his usual booming tone, making me feel better that at least he was worried.
"Three." Edward answered, his eyes firmly on Bella.
Emmett scoffed, "we can take three."
"We're not 'taking' anyone!" I hissed in horror. I don't want to fight anyone, surely Carlisle and Esme agree.
Time ticked by as everyone stayed eerily silent. I looked at each of their worried faces, even Emmett looked more seriously then usual. He doesn't look as worried but he also doesn't look amused.
Edward was nudging me away from Bella and wrapping himself around her protectively."I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have brought you here. I'm so sorry, Bella."
I looked up at Carlisle, just beginning to truly panic. He was looking over my head at the trees. That must be where they are coming from.
Everyone rearranged themselves to be facing the same trees Carlisle was glaring at. I moved from between Jasper and Alice so I could stand by Carlisle side.
He was stood in the middle, because he's the leader I'm assuming. He must be the one who speaks for the family since he is the coven leader. I stood myself at his side confidently, my anxiety leaving as my protectiveness overcame me.
This family just wanted to have a good baseball game, and these fuckers think they can just join? I will fight for this family, without question. I will defend each and every one of them, even Edward and I barely like him.
I cannot believe this is happening, I felt it coming but I can't believe it. I knew something was going to go wrong but this is so much bigger then I had planed. I was thinking that someone would argue or Bella would trip and fall and scrape her knee or something.
"Declan, Stay behind me." Carlisle muttered.
"I'd rather not." I answered, "I'm staying where I can block you."
My wings were itching to be out, to be a solid mass between Carlisle and the oncoming threat. If I thought it'd help, I'd fly Bella away from here. I'm sure I could lift her and fly at the same time, we wouldn't be able to get far though.
I wished I'd thought to tape my chest instead of wearing a regular binder. I'd would have my shirt off and my wings out now if I had thought ahead.
Maybe it's for the best, what would a bunch of nomads do if they saw me with my wings out? Would they be more likely to attack because they thought I was a threat?
I heard a soft hiss come from Edward and that's when I saw them. I noticed the movement in the trees, there are three of them for sure. I can see three figures making there way towards the edge of the clearing.
When they emerged from the trees I heard Bella's soft gasp, I guess she didn't see them until now.
One was dark skinned and clearly the leader of whatever pack this was. He wore an old looking shirt, like centuries ago old. They were ripped and covered with the remains of the forest.
The next was another man, his hair blond and dirty looking, he was taller and more built then the other man. He walked with increasing vigor yet stayed behind the leader.
The last was a women with hair redder then I've ever seen. Her hair was long and also had leaves and twigs stuck in it. Her face was nearly childlike, I wonder how young she is.
Altogether, the group is intimating. I don't want to fight anyone, especially not this kind of vampire. I'm sure I could hold my own for a little bit, but I've never been trained to fight this kind of vampire.
I'll only fight if Carlisle needs me too.
The group strut their way across the field and stopped about fifteen feet away from us. I could see them better now and I hated the way the two men eyes studied Carlisle.
Carlisle is anything but intimidating, he's standing their with a friendly smile and his hands in his pockets. I'm sure he's purposely trying to be nonthreatening, but I wish he looked more ready for a fight. I don't want anyone attacking him because they think they can get away with it.
"My name is Laurent," the dark skinned man spoke first, taking a step closer. "This is James and Victoria."
When he gestured to the two I couldn't help but feel frustrated. He's acting like he isn't completely interrupting everyone else. This isn't a casual meeting, we're not friends.
"I'm Carlisle, " he greeted back. "This is Declan and Esme, Emmett and Jasper, Alice and Rosalie, and Edward and Bella."
At the sound of my name, I tried to stand taller in an attempt to be more intimidating. I'm still only about five foot five but I could still try. I'm sure I'm the least of the threes worries with Emmett and Jasper here.
"Do you have room for three more players?" I noticed the dark haired man, Laurent, has a slight accent.
No, go away. Leave my Cullens alone.
"Actually," Carlisle began with a much kinder tone then I would've used. "We were just finishing up. Maybe another time? How long will you be staying?"
Why is he encouraging this? Does he really think these people want to be his friend? The blond nomad keeps glaring at him like he's some sort of annoying puppy. Clearly these people's intentions weren't good. Maybe Laurent is the only one with good intentions.
"We are heading north, but we were curious to see who was around. We haven't been around others in a long time." Laurent explained.
I could feel bad for him, being stuck with no one but the other two. The other two who look like they rolled around in dirt. If Laurent is as he is portraying, I bet he gets really sick of the other two.
"This area is typically empty except for us. We get an occasional visitor." Carlisle's causal tone still surprises me.
Is Jasper the one making everyone calm? Hell, even I am beginning to feel it. I wanted to yell at him, to tell him to leave my feelings alone. He's being helpful but I hate this feeling. It's like I'm having a panic attack but I can't feel it. I'm just trapped in my mind.
"What's your hunting range?"
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at Laurent's question. How long is this conversation going to be before these people notice Bella is a human?
The have super hearing and can smell blood from miles and miles away. They can't not know yet.
"Why don't you follow me to our home so we can talk more comfortably?" Carlisle invited.
Is he fucking serious?
What is he doing? I don't want these people around him or any other Cullen. How could he invite these people to his home?!
The two leaders continued to talk back and forth about hunting and the Cullens home. Laurent seems to be more trusting then the other two. He's seems more willing to go to their house then the other man.
"We will show you the way, Emmett and Alice," he looked to them, "you can go in the jeep with Edward, Bella, and Declan."
What?! I'm not leaving him with these people! No way! Not to be dramatic but I literally would rather die.
A breeze blew by and I could feel my panic rising at what I knew was about to happen. Bella's scent must've blown right into the other man, he tended up and breathed deeply. His eyes turned black as he smiled.
James leaped forwards, falling into a terrifying crouch with a growl leaving his chest. Laurent almost jumped into action with him on pure instinct before he stopped himself. However the women, Victoria, was at James side within a second. Her own crouch more like a jungle cat.
I turned to look at Bella as Edward stood in front of her, he was crouched like the two nomads. His own growl was higher and longer then James was.
I quickly moved away from Carlisle and pushed my way between Bella and Edward. I stood with my left shoulder facing her and my right shoulder near Edward. If I need to, I'll release my wings and fly Bella away.
They can't get her if she's hundreds of feet in the air.
"What's this?" Laurent's voice showed his obvious confusion.
"She's with us," Carlisle was firm and answered without hesitation.
Laurent looked back at Bella, his eyes studied her for a moment before doing the same to me. "But, she's human!"
He's seems genuinely astounded, not angry or frustrated like I would've thought. Maybe there is good in him, as long as he doesn't seem humans and a lesser being.
He reached to grab James roughly. His hand on the others shoulder, he pulled him out of his crouch tugged him away.
"We will take your offer, and we will not harm the human girl." Laurent began. "I apologize for James."
Edward straightened up, his eyes are black and still furious. He grabbed my upper arm roughly and wrapped an arm around Bella with the same eagerness.
"Let's go." He muttered and pulled up away from the group.
"No," I snapped in a whisper. "I need to stay with Carlisle."
I'm not leaving him, I can't. I can't leave him with those people. Every fiber of my being is aching to be with him, protecting him.
"He doesn't want you here." Edward snapped back.
I know thats good thing, logically I know he wants me safe but fuck that shit hurt. He doesn't want me to protect him. He probably thinks I can't protect him.
I noticed Emmett following us, his large form acting as a barrier between the nomads and Bella. Edward continued to pull us towards the jeep and I kept looking behind at the group.
What if a fight breaks out and Emmett's not there? They need him. They have Jasper but they need more muscle, right?
We reached the jeep and I'm surprised Edward didn't rip the back door off with how hard he pulled on it. He helped Bella inside and told Emmett to sit with her.
I opened the passenger door and climbed in, buckling up as fast as I could as Edward was already driving us away.
I took one last glance at the group, my eyes focusing on Carlisle. He was talking, his hands gesturing to the tree line, fuck if he gets beat up I swear to god.
My view was obstructed by wet trees and I huffed, I turned to face the front windshield. I had to close my eyes, Edwards driving so fast trough the twisting turns of the forest.
My hands fisted the seats and my heart sped so fast I couldn't keep up with it. I felt my chest tighten and I tried to ignore the oncoming panic attack.
I fucking knew it! I knew this would end poorly!
Edward better be taking us where ever the Cullens are going. I need to be with them, I need to know where they all are. He'll take Bella somewhere safe then I'll make him take me to the Cullens.
I don't care about my safety, I just care about the Cullens.