"So, vampires play baseball?" Bella asked from the backseat. Juliette fixed her ballcap, slumping her seat as she fiddled with her necklace. Edward pursed his lips and nodded once.

"It's the American pastime." Edward replied, continuing to drive through the woods in Emmett's jeep.

Juliette looked back at Bella from her spot in the passenger's seat, her arms folded as Bella shot narrowed eyes at her. Edward grabbed her hand and laced their fingers together.

"We're here." He announced, interrupting her inner monologue.

The mixed brunette undid her seatbelt, and looked over the seat at Bella with dark eyes. She narrowed them slightly, and by the time she turned around, Edward was holding her door open. Juliette climbed out the truck and he caught her, easing her onto her feet.

"Play nice," Edward warned.

"No promises," Juliette replied, grabbing his hand and kissing his cold cheek. She looked at Bella and smirked as she and Edward walked towards the rest of the Cullen family. Bella stiffened and Brandon rubbed the back of her hand, watching his younger sister.

Bella hated how natural Juliette seemed to fit with Edward. Everything about her was perfect and he seemed to accessorize her just as well. The two looked like they were meant to be and picture perfect. Somehow, Juliette's tanned skin and long black hair fit with Edward's auburn hair and pale skin. Juliette came to Edward's shoulder, or was she at his ear? Regardless, Bella envied her. Edward hadn't even given Bella a chance and with Juliette at his side, she didn't stand a single second. And Edward didn't look at Juliette as if he wanted to secretly drain her dry of blood. In fact, he looked as if he would do anything for her, even take a bullet for her.

Bella couldn't help but grit her teeth in envy.

She and Brandon moved forward towards the Cullens and their plus one, although the way Juliette stood poised and graceful, it was as if she were already one of them.

Bella looked at Juliette's matching cap and jersey and nearly scoffed. She wore a pair of thick black leggings that showed off her long and curvy legs almost sensually and a pair of black ankle booties. Bella could only wonder what she'd look like when she was actually dressed up.

Bella walked over to Esme and Juliette, who were talking among themselves. The two women looked up and smiled at Bella, comfortable with themselves.

"You two will be my umpires. They like to cheat," Esme laughed. "Call them as you see them, Jules, Bella."

And with that, the game began. And Juliette loved every second of it. It was electrifying, watching the Cullens.

Rosalie was on home plate, and Alice was pitching. The ball went like a bullet and the sound of Rosalie hitting was like a bolder crashing into the earth. Juliette's lips curled in a wicked grin as she saw Edward chase after it.

"That's got to be a home run, right?" Bella asked.

"Edward's very fast," Esme replied, causing Juliette's grin to grow.

Rosalie was a blur around the bases, but Edward threw the ball back and Esme caught it with ease.

"Come home!" Carlisle yelled.

Edward had sped back to the field and Rosalie dropped into a slide at the three women's feet.

"You're out," Bella said sheepishly, and Rosalie glared as if she could kill Bella.

Juliette chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Out! Whoo!" Emmett cried, causing Rose to glare at him. "Come on, babe. It's just a game," he justified.

Rosalie walked past Bella with a shove, and Juliette snickered as Carlisle told Rosalie, "Nice kitty."

Then, it was Carlisle's turn to bat, and Jules had to admit, he looked amazing in his jersey and scarf.

Juliette's eyes flickered excitedly as she watched Alice wind up and pitch, as well as watching Emmett and Edward both lunge for the ball, crashing into each other like boulders. It was Jasper's hit that was most dangerous though, and it made Juliette laugh despite herself.

"Jules," Alice started. "Why don't you give it a try?"

"Oh, I can't. There's no way I'd hit it," Juliette laughed.

"Come on," Emmett said. "Or you scared?"

"I'm not scared," Juliette replied, a grin on her face as Esme handed her a cold metal bat. Juliette stood in front of Alice and took a deep breath inward through her nose. "Alright, Alice."

Alice grinned with a hop in her step before she twisted like a ballerina and pitched the ball. Juliette's eyes focused on the fastball coming towards her and shut as she swung the bat. To her chagrin, she heard the loud crack! of the bat and her eyes flew open as the ball cut through the air.

"Run baby run!" Edward yelled, and Juliette took off around the long bases, hoping she could at least make it to first.

Her nerves felt as if she had been electrified, all her senses tingling at once. Her muscles felt as if they were being used for the first time, all of them pulling and contracting to make her move.  It was as if her whole body and all of her senses were waking up for the first time in her life. Her hair flew behind her as she began to run faster, much to Bella and everyone else's surprise. Juliette was a blur, but much more visible than that of Edward's or Alice's, as her feet touched first base and then second. Emmett was the first to react as he went to retrieve the ball. Edward was still amazed at seeing her move at such a fast rate and his eyes landed on Brandon, who wasn't surprised at all.

Could he have been really telling the truth about Juliette's history?

Could the girl he loved really be a fourth of a vampire?

But he supposed it wouldn't matter. She was still his Juliette, goofy and graceful and kind and realistic.

Emmett returned with the ball and tossed to Jasper who was waiting at third base. Edward grinned at Juliette who was charging at full speed. "Dive baby, dive!" He yelled, watching her crouch down quickly and slide onto third base. Carlisle quickly ran over and chuckled in surprise.

"She's safe!" He yelled, and she laughed, jumping to her feet.

Rosalie grinned and walked to the base, when Alice yelled, "Stop!"

Edward's smile fell as he listened to his sister's thoughts.

Alice spoke quietly, "They were leaving but they heard us."

"Let's go," Brandon started as Edward ran to Juliette's side.

"It's too late," Alice spoke.

"Pull your hair down," Brandon told Bella, who undid her ponytail.

"That's not going to help," Rosalie grumbled. "I can smell her from across the field."

Edward and Juliette hurried to the others and gathered around Bella and Juliette protectively. Juliette's hands rested on Edward's shoulders, and he nodded when he looked back at her.

"It's okay," He mumbled to her. "I'm sorry, I should've never brought you here."

Brandon whispered to Bella, "Stay quiet and stay behind me."

And out of the mist came five vampires. One was a wild-eyed redhead, another was a blonde guy who looked dangerous and untamed. In front of them was a black vampire, his eyes dark and he stood tall, as if he were the leader. Then, there was the couple behind them, a woman with cocoa colored skin and bright red eyes and at her side, was a pale man with matching crimson eyes, and his brown hair looked as if it had been stained with soil. They walked more eloquently like something off the pages of history and with an air of both sophistication and fatality.

Thunder rumbled above, only making Juliette feel more uneasy about the situation.

"I believe this belongs to you," The leader spoke. He threw the ball and Carlisle caught it with ease.

"Thank you," Carlisle spoke calmly.

"I am Laurent. And this is Victoria, James, Sera and Mikael."

"I'm Carlisle, and this is my family." Carlisle waved a hand to show all of them as a unit.

"Hello," Laurent chuckled. James, the blonde, tilted his head. Jules' eyes fell on the couple behind them and she watched as the man's eyes twinkled and what seemed like like recognition.

"I'm afraid your hunting activities have caused something of a mess for us," Carlisle announced. Carlisle, ever polite, continued to smile.

"Our apologies. We didn't realize the territory had been claimed." Laurent justified.

"Yes, we maintain a permanent residence." Carlisle explained.

The five newcomers exchange a look of surprise.

"Really?" Laurent spoke. "Well, we won't be a problem anymore." 

"The humans were tracking us, but we led them east-" Victoria justified. "You should be safe." She grinned wickedly.

"Excellent." Carlisle exhaled.

"So... Could you use three more players?" Laurent asked.

The Cullens exhaled, but they looked worriedly at each other and Juliette tightened her grip on Edward's arm.

"Oh, come on. Just one game." Laurent smiled charmingly, making Juliette distrust him more.

"Sure, why not?" Carlisle chuckled. "Three of us were leaving, so you can take their place."

"James, Laurent," Mikael spoke up, looking at Sera. "Sera and I are going to go ahead. We'll see you soon."

"Of course," Laurent nodded. Juliette watched as the couple sped off, suddenly uneasy.

"We'll go first." Carlisle smiled, throwing the ball with flick of his wrist.

At this, Victoria smiled. "I'm the one with the wicked curve-ball." She caught the ball as well.

"Well, I think we can handle that." Jasper chuckled softly.

Laurent exclaimed happily as he and his friends walked to the bases.

"We shall see..." Victoria smiled, pleased with herself as she looked at James.

As the Cullens walked off, and Juliette followed Edward and Bella followed Brandon, the wind blew, stirring up Bella's hair and her scent. Juliette's own nose flared and James lunged for Bella. Edward had already had Jules behind his back but that didn't stop the rest of the Cullen clan from defending the human girls.

"You brought a snack." James growled.

"You're human?" Laurent asked.

"The girl is with us." Carlisle warned. "I think it's best if you leave."

"I can see the game is over." Laurent nodded. "We'll go now." He saw James' look in his eyes and sighed. "James..."

The three vampires hesitated, but took off.

"Get Bella out of here... Go!" Edward yelled, frustrated. Brandon hurried her to the car and Juliette heard Bella exclaim.

"Okay, I've got it! I've got it! I'm alright." She groaned as Juliette and Edward climbed into their respective seats.

"What? Now James is coming after me?" Bella asked Edward.

"Listen, James is a tracker. The hunt is his obsession. I read his mind." Edward sighed.

"Brandon's reaction at the field set him off. We just made this his most exciting game ever." Juliette looked at her boyfriend and grabbed his hand in hers.

"He's never gonna stop." Bella sighed, cupping her face.

"What should we do?" Jules asked, furrowing her brows.

"We have to kill him." Brandon growled. "Rip him apart and burn the pieces."

"Where are we going?" Bella questioned. Edward looked at Brandon who simply nodded.

"Away from Forks... We'll get a ferry to Vancouver." Brandon said.

"I have to go home, now!" Bella yelled.

"Bella, that's crazy!" Juliette exclaimed. "We need to get out of here!"

"You should take me home." Bella insisted.

"You can't go home. He's just gonna trace your scent there." Edward tried to be reasonable, but Juliette could hear the tension in his voice. "It's the first place he's gonna look. And I'm not going to risk Juliette's life, covering you while she waits in the car."

"But my dad is there..." Bella argued.

"It doesn't matter!" Edward yelled.

"Yes, it does!" She retorted. "He could get killed because of us!"

"Edward,"Juliette sighed. "She's right. We need to get her out of here."

"What about you, Jules?"

"Send me with her." Juliette sighed. "You all need all the strength you have to kill him."

The car was filled with nerves and tension as Edward stopped outside of Bella's house.  Edward drove off as soon as Brandon and Bella were out of the car, the tires of the Jeep screeching.

"Edward," Juliette started. "What about me? Is James coming for me?"

"No, he wants Bella, but you're human, so he wouldn't care if he killed you or not."  He spoke. "But I plan on killing him first. I'm going to make you safe again, baby, I promise."

"I just don't want to lose you," Juliette sighed.

"You won't." Edward assured her, kissing her knuckles. He squeezed her hand, comforting her as she held onto his hand.

Edward and Juliette pulled into the garage, rushing into the house.

Edward nearly lunged for Laurent, but Carlisle yelled,  "Wait! He came to warn us...
About James."

"This isn't my fight and..." Laurent sighed. "I've grown tired of his games. But he's got unparalleled senses, absolutely lethal. I've never seen anything like him in my three hundred years. And the woman, Victoria... Don't underestimate her." Laurent warned and then walked out of the home with another word.

Juliette sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"I've had to fight our kind before. We're not easy to kill." Jasper said as Edward ran up the stairs, coming back with a backpack filled with Juliette's clothes and he was currently shoving money in it."

"But not impossible." Emmett added.

"We'll rip him apart and burn the pieces." Edward concluded.

"I don't relish the thought of killing another creature, even a sadistic one like James." Carlisle sighed as they walked into the garage, Brandon and Bella following them.

"What if he kills one of us first?" Rosalie asked.

"I'm gonna run Bella south and then lead the tracker away from here." Brandon said.

"No, Brandon. James knows you'd never leave Bella. He'll follow you."

"I'll go with Bella and Juliette. Jasper and I will drive them south." Alice said, a worried look in her eyes as she took Jules' bag from Edward and stuffed it in the trunk of a black car.

"I'll keep her safe, Edward." Alice assured him.

Juliette walked over to Edward and wrapped her arms around him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. She pulled him down to look in his eyes. "I'll be okay," Juliette smiled weakly. "Trust us, please. I need you to focus so you can come back to me."

"I need you to be safe," Edward's voice cracked.

"I will be. Just focus and get James. And I will be."

"I love you," Edward said, resting his forehead against hers. His hands settled on her waist. "I love you. You are my life."

"And you're mine," Juliette admitted. "So come back, baby."

Edward leaned down, pushing her up with his hands on her hips. He pulled her body close to his as his lips met hers and her arms wrapped around his neck as they passionately kissed. Edward kissed her as if it would be his last and Juliette let a few tears escape her eyes. He wiped them away as she leaned down and kissed his lips again when he pulled away slightly.

"I'm coming back for you, Juliette. I'll make you safe." Edward promised. He held her jacket in his hands and gave it to Rosalie, who slipped it on.

"I love you," Juliette mouthed as she climbed into the backseat of the car with Bella, wiping tears out of her eyes.

Bella looked at her and Juliette turned away from her, biting down into her lip to keep from remarking with a snarky comment.

Alice and Jasper climbed into the car and with one last look at Edward, they drove out of the garage and were on the road towards Phoenix. Juliette held her phone in her hands and closed her eyes, watching as Edward disappeared with Rosalie and Esme into the woods.  A stray tear left her eyes and she brushed it away with her knuckles as Alice glanced back at her, the vampire biting into her lip.

Bella scoffed, "You're crying but my life's in danger. Unbelievable."

Juliette turned to look at Bella with married eyes. "You know what Bella? Shut the hell up! It's your fault we're on the run in the first place! You should've just went to Jacksonville with your mom and instead of lusting after my boyfriend! So, I don't want to hear any kind of bullshit that comes out of your mouth, so don't fucking talk to me! Sit on your side of the car and shut up." She growled, daring Bella to speak again. "Say something stupid again and I'll skin you. I dare you, Bella. I swear to God, I'll punch you or something."

Bella slumped back in her seat, defeated and Juliette sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I'll protect you," Alice promised. "Edward's going to be okay and he'll come back for you, Juliette. He loves you too much."

"I know," Juliette reassured herself, tucking her phone in her pocket.

Unfortunately, she didn't see the flashing silent screen that had her mother's name glowing brightly, nor did she see the three times her mother called again and again.

[ You guys!!! I could scream in excitement! Holy Dove is at 10.1k reads and I'm in such awe! Also, there's two or three chapters left in this first part and they will certainly leave you on the edge of your seats as well as be total shockers. So, I can't wait for your comments.  And I'm so sorry Juliette is so aggressive! If you have anything you need to be cleared up, please ask me.

Also, there's a companion book to this one called Annalis and it is a Jasper Hale fic. It takes place during Breaking Dawn part two.

Finally, what do you think is going to happen in the next couple of chapters? ]