twenty-five.
::OK::

"you know that I can tell
the slightest difference in your facial expression
don't tell me nothing's on your mind"
—wallows

.•°* .•°* .•°* .•°*

"Shouldn't one of us have stayed with Althea while Victoria is out here?" Rosalie asked while the Cullen family stood in the dark woods scanning the treeline. Bella and Edward had gone to see Renee and Althea was still in Forks. The blonde vampire couldn't help but feel a little concerned for her friend who the red-headed vampire was after.

Alice continued to stand there trying to get her vision clear. She knew Victoria was coming. It was just a matter of time. The short-haired Cullen still couldn't help but think about what Althea had said. She saw Victoria die, she knew she was going to die. But Alice hadn't been able to see that. So she could only help but wonder if tonight would be that night or if that would be too easy.

"She's back at home, locked up tight. She said she didn't need or want anyone there to watch her. Even sent her little boyfriend away. Althea wants almost all of us out here because she thinks it could help get Victoria quicker," Jasper said.

And he was right. Althea made it very clear that she thought the more bodies out there for the singular vampire would be enough. She would be fine at home with the doors locked. It wasn't like she had never come face to face with Victoria before. Althea could hold her own for the weekend while everyone was out and her father was working a missing persons case.

"Are you sure this is where you saw her?" Carlisle questioned his daughter.

"She's almost here," Alice informed them. All their eyes scanned around their surroundings. Then she suddenly got her vision, seeing Victoria's next move, "On your left!"

The family was quick to take off after the vampire. Emmett was the one who had soon caught up to her. Quick on her tail with determination. He had his sight on the vampire who threatened to harm his friend. He wanted to end her. Right as he reached out for Victoria, she moved quickly, flinging him over her shoulder into a tree. It angered the male vampire more. He didn't seem to falter as he got to his feet and continued on his hunt along with the rest of the Cullens.

The family was quick to come to a halt in their chase once Victoria jumped across the water that indicated the start of the treaty-line.

"Wait. She's in their territory," Carlisle told them.

"She'll get away!" Esme yelled as they started to chase her along their side of the line.

"No, she won't," Jasper said. It didn't take long for the wolves to make their presence known as they chased after the vampire.

Paul, Quil, and Embry chased after the redhead. Determined to get the vampire who they had been hunting for. Though being in their wolf forms, their natural instincts had slightly trumped over the real reason they were after Victoria. In their mind, they were made to protect the land from any of the cold ones. It was engraved deep into them that that was their main purpose. Take out the vampires who cross into their territory. But with a clear mind, they knew the important reason why they needed to kill this vampire in particular was because she was a threat to one of their imprints. Althea was one of them and they were going to make sure they took out every threat they needed to in order to keep her safe.

Running after the cold one, she had slipped right through their teeth as she started to utilize the two territories. Jumping from one side to the other to evade the wolves and the Cullens. Victoria was dodging them all, but she had soon noticed Emmett was close to her again. The vampire was fueled at that point and continued on his path after the blur of red. Nothing else in his mind especially as Victoria made the jump back over the water.

Rosalie had caught on right before it had all unfolded, shouting for her partner to stop but he was too far gone. He crossed the line after Victoria which caused the wolves to get distracted. On instinct, Paul was quick to snatch Emmett down, tossing him into the water with a growl. The two having a little face off with each other had given the perfect opportunity for Victoria to slip right through their fingertips, gone into the night. The little tiff between the wolves and Cullens was going to be a bit more of a problem for Althea once she would be made aware of what went down, especially between Paul and Emmett.

🐺🐺🐺

Bella and Edward had returned to Forks after their small trip away. And it had left a bit of awkwardness in the air. While Bella filled Charlie in on the trip, Edward had handed over a graduation gift for Althea that Renee had them take back for her. Althea was a little hesitant when the couple walked through the door of the house. Unsure on if her sister was still human or not. Edward would have been a fool to have turned her while they were away then bring her back home like it would all be fine. Like Bella wouldn't have killed them all on the spot.

Althea had taken the gift she was given and headed upstairs. Wanting nothing more than to be alone. She had felt off. Paul hadn't checked in with her in a few days but she knew he was still very much alive. Though it was strange not hearing a word from him or even seeing him. Though it happened a couple of times not being able to see him, he would at least send her a text. He wasn't even answering her messages that she had sent which made her a little upset. Her boyfriend was MIA. Avoiding her and she had no idea why.

Something she was sure of was that Victoria was still running around. She still felt the wickedness of the vampire in the air. Taunting her.

The girl sat down on her bed with the box in front of her. Opening the top to set her eyes on the gift. Her grandmother's jewelry box. The very same one she always talked about when she would see her grandmother on occasion. For a rather plain wooden box, she was really drawn to it as a child. So seeing it the moment she opened the gift filled her with a little bit of joy. She peeks underneath the box once her fingers hit something to see the key was taped to the bottom. That was one of the many reasons as a child, Althea was always unsuccessful with opening up the box.

She placed the key into the lock and heard the small click of the latch. Without hesitation, she opened up the box. It felt like a wave washed over her. Maybe because it was something she had always wanted to do. Or maybe because of the few contents that sat inside waiting for her. The first thing she pulled out was a necklace. The main charm being held was a raven with its wings spread out. On the backside of the raven held a small symbol marked on it. And the next thing she pulled out was an oval cut moonstone ring. It had a small glimmer to it. Althea was quick to try and slip it on. It fit perfectly on her finger. Almost like it was made for her. She tried to open the other drawer in the box but it seemed jammed. A small flash of annoyance fell over her but she shrugged it off. It's an old box, of course it was jammed. She let out a sigh before placing it over on her shelf. A smile on her face as she looked at it from where it sat. A small piece of her inner child felt at peace knowing she had gotten one of the things she adored dearly as a kid with some much curiosity.

Althea glanced over towards her window. The dark of the night engulfed the sky and treeline. Her mind drifted back to Paul. Wondering what he could possibly be up to. Her eyes scanned the trees with just a small amount of hope that he would come walking out of the woods and put her at ease. But his figure didn't emerge which left her a little defeated.

A knock sounded on her door that was cracked open.

"Come in," Althea called out, sparing one last look outside before closing her curtains.

Edward appeared in the doorway, Althea processing that it was him at her door instead of her father.

"Hey, Bella is showering. I was going to take off so if she asks, could you let her know?" Edward questioned.

Althea shrugged her shoulders, "I guess."

"Did you like the graduation gift?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, it was really nice," Althea told him.

He chuckled as he recalled his time meeting Renee, "Yeah, your mother kept talking about how your grandmother always reiterated to her that the gift was for you and you only. She was very adamant about it, at least that was what we were told."

"She always knew how much I liked the jewelry box. So it's expected," Althea said.

Edward peered down at her desk where the raven necklace laid. He picked it up to examine it.
 

"Was this in there?" Edward wondered, Althea nodded her head in response.

"Hmm, that's peculiar," Edward noted. Wondering if maybe her grandmother always had a hunch on what Althea was becoming. He turned his attention back to the girl to see her fidgeting with a ring on her finger.

"What?" Althea asked as she felt his watchful eyes on her.

"Did–did he... give that to you?" Edward hesitated for a moment, pointing at the ring.

Althea glanced down then shook her head. She gasped slightly, "Goodness, no. This was also in the jewelry box. I thought it was very pretty. And it would be kind of hard to get a gift from Paul when he hasn't talked to me in days."

Edward motioned towards it again, his own way of asking to look at it. Althea hesitantly gave her hand to him. Feeling a slight coldness from his touch before it warmed. He looked down at the piece of jewelry, suddenly stuck in thought. It sure resembled something he pictured once before. He snapped himself out of his thoughts before sending her a small smile.

"It looks nice on you," he complimented.

"Thank you," Althea accepted his compliment.

"So you haven't talked to him in a few days?" Edward decided to direct his attention at that other piece of detail she had given him.

She sighed, "No. Been radio silent on his end. I have no idea why."

"Well, it could be..." Edward trailed off as he caught the sad look in her eyes. He stopped himself from telling her his own theory having to do with Paul and Emmett getting into a little tussle down at the treaty line. "Maybe, he's just busy with Victoria. He wants her gone just as much as my family and I."

"Yeah, maybe you're right."

"I'm going to head out now," Edward made his way back towards the door before looking over his shoulder, "I wouldn't think too hard about it. He would be a real fool to leave you hanging for a long time. I'm sure you're worrying over nothing though. Get some rest, Althea."

He closed the door behind him, leaving the girl back alone by herself. Her mind drifted off to his words. Maybe it was nothing. But damn she did hate Victoria. For a vampire who wasn't physically there, she sure felt to be standing in between Althea and Paul making it impossible for the two to really reach each other.

🐺🐺🐺

Althea had gotten out of her car when her eyes set on the scene of Edward and Bella approaching Jacob who stood right next to his bike. The girl glanced around real quick to see all the other students going on about their day before she picked up her pace to approach the trio.

"Hey," Althea nodded to her sister and Edward before turning to Jacob.

"Hey, Al," Jacob greeted, embracing the girl. His eyes dead set on Edward who shifted uncomfortably in his place.

"I need to talk with you," Althea quietly said to him, though he already knew what she wanted to talk about. Paul. Edward shared a look with Jacob as he heard his thoughts spilling out.

Althea backed up to look between the three. Feeling the tension still growing.

"I heard you went out of town," Jacob looked at Bella.

"Yeah, to see my mom," Bella told him.

Jacob then glanced at Althea questioning why she hadn't gone. Since Embry was the only other person she had informed of that minor issue when he had picked her up one night, the rest were in the dark. Somehow even with the pack-link, Embry had kept it a secret for her to not stir the pot.

"He's checking to see if you're still human," Edward pointed out, finding it amusing. The entire thing was rather amusing because while Jacob was making it his mission to try and scare Edward to make sure he didn't turn Bella. Edward also didn't want to turn the girl. She was just too adamant with the idea though so he inevitably would have to. No matter how much he kept pushing the date back as a compromise.

"Look I'm here to warn you," Jacob began, the two sisters looked between Edward and Jacob who glared at each other. "If your kind come on our land again..."

"Wait, what?" Bella questioned, confused.

"Message delivered. Consider us warned," Edward told him, wanting to just end the conversation.

"Warned?" Althea stood there just as confused. Did the Cullens actually cross over the treaty line?

"You didn't tell either one of them?" Jacob questioned.

"It could go both ways with her but she's also in the dark. So just leave it alone Jacob," Edward commented, motioning towards Althea. Which he was right, his family or the pack could've let Althea in on what went down over the weekend but none of them had. Not even her imprint who was involved.

"Tell us what?" Bella asked, turning to look at Edward. He glanced down at her then his eyes shifted to Althea who also seemed to be waiting for an answer.

Without breaking eye contact with Althea, Edward began, "Emmett and Paul..."

Althea instantly looked towards Jacob for confirmation. Seeing the boy cross his arms over his chest with a small nod.

"They had a misunderstanding. It's nothing to worry about." Edward finished.

"Nothing to worry about? No one even thought to tell me that Paul was involved?!" Althea let out.

"Listen to you. She doesn't even believe you. Did you lie to get Bella out of town too?" Jacob asked, letting out a dry laugh.

Edward stepped closer towards Jacob in a challenging manner, "Just leave. Now."

"She has a right to know. You and her were the reason why Althea was put on the redhead's radar in the first place," Jacob said.

Althea pulled at the sleeve of her hoodie as a slight distraction, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

"Victoria?" Bella exclaimed, still confused. She had no idea that Victoria was back. She turned towards Edward, "Alice's vision."

"I was trying to protect you from getting involved," Edward tried to tell her.

"By lying to me? That's why you were trying to get Althea to come with us. To protect her and get her away from Victoria as well," Bella pieced together. Jacob clenched his fist down at his side.

"We're gonna talk about this more later. But you, why haven't you called me back?" Bella turned to put Jacob in the hot seat.

"I had nothing to say," Jacob responded, heading towards his bike.

Bella looked at him in shock before following him, "Well, I have tons. Hold on."

"Hey, Bella," Edward stopped the girl from advancing more towards Jacob. Pulling her off to the side so they could have a small conversation. More like him trying to stop her from going with the boy.

Althea had moved towards Jacob, without even having to say it, he could tell she was looking for some answers.

"Paul's fine now," Jacob told her.

"Okay, then why hasn't he been talking to me? Jacob it's actually been hurting me a lot more than you think. He's just been MIA."

"He didn't know how you would take it. Him going after your precious Cullens," Jacob said in distaste.

She gave him an annoyed look.

"He thought you would be mad at him. So he's been laying low, focusing on the other leech terrorizing you," Jacob informed.

"Has he been staying at Sam's?" She questioned.

He nodded, "Yeah."

"Has he been there this entire time when I've gone looking for him?" Althea wondered.

Jacob didn't say anything. Not that he had to. That was Althea's answer. It hurt her a bit to know Paul was intentionally avoiding her all because of a little altercation between him and Emmett. Though she knew she wouldn't be able to hold it over his head for not telling her about this since she was keeping the biggest secret of all about her unintentional late night escapades through the woods. But the difference was she wasn't avoiding his entire presence because of it. He had made her feel like it was her fault he just suddenly became a ghost in her life.

Bella had walked over toward the bike as Jacob held the helmet out to her.

"Paul knew you were bound to find out. So he's going to come around any moment. If you head over to Emily's, I'm sure you'll be able to catch him before he runs," Jacob told Althea. She looked down at the ground a little in defeat before nodding her head. She guessed that would be a start.

Jacob and Bella took off which left Althea standing a few feet away from Edward. She felt his eyes already on her which caused her to sigh.

"That's what you were trying to tell me last night but then you decide not to," She pieced together.

"You were upset."

"But you still told me that maybe it was just a misunderstanding. And you still gave Paul the benefit of the doubt," Althea stared at the Cullen boy.

"You really like him. And I knew it had nothing to do with you. He just needed more time, I guess. But I couldn't let you think he wasn't talking to you because of something you did," Edward told her.

She couldn't help but let a small smile make its way to her lips, "Thank you."

Edward nodded his head, still looking at her with the same sparkle in his eyes. At least Althea was a little more happy now with that small clarity. That's all that mattered in the moment. His mind completely burying the thought that Bella just took off with Jacob on the back of his bike. All that clouded his mind was the first girl who he truly loved. Though he'd never say it outloud, he prioritized her happiness first. And that happiness seemed to fall with Paul Lahote. The second wolf he had come to dislike. But he would tolerate it for the time because it was all for Althea Swan.