**Chapter 12: Shadows in the Night**

Rhea's encounter with Paul had left her heart in turmoil, but there was no time to dwell on it. Returning to the Cullen house, she found Alice waiting for her, concern etched deep on her face.

"Rhea, something's wrong," Alice said, her voice tight.

Rhea's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"

"There was someone at Bella's house while you were gone. I saw it in a vision, but it was... fragmented, blurry." Alice's frustration was clear. "They were definitely there, and it's not someone we know."

A chill ran down Rhea's spine. "Do you think it was Victoria?"

"It's possible," Alice said, grim. "But I can't be sure."

Without missing a beat, Rhea felt her instincts sharpen. If Victoria was lurking around Bella's home, it could mean Bella was in immediate danger. Even if she was still reeling from her encounter with Paul, Rhea knew she couldn't let personal issues cloud her judgment.

"I'll go check it out with Jasper," Rhea volunteered, her voice steady.

Jasper nodded at her side. "Good idea. If it's an unknown vampire, we need to be prepared."

---

The night was dark and tense as Rhea and Jasper approached Bella's house, the quiet of Forks unsettling in its stillness. They moved silently through the trees, staying just shy of the property line as they scanned for any traces of the intruder.

Jasper raised his hand, signaling for Rhea to pause as he surveyed the area. Rhea concentrated, her senses heightened, catching a faint, foreign scent—something sharp and metallic, with a hint of bitterness. She turned to Jasper, who gave her a silent nod, acknowledging that he'd picked up on it as well. Whoever had been here was not human, nor did they belong to the Cullens.

They moved around to the back of the house, examining a faint trail that led into the woods.

"It's faint, but they definitely went this way," Rhea murmured, crouching to examine the tracks. She glanced at Jasper. "They left in a hurry."

Jasper's jaw tightened. "Whoever it was probably sensed you approaching earlier. But the question is, why would they risk being here in the first place?"

As if on cue, Edward appeared silently at their side, his face drawn with worry. He had received Jasper's text and come at once.

"What's going on?" he asked.

Rhea explained, "Someone—possibly another vampire—was here at Bella's house. We're not sure who it was, but the scent doesn't belong to any of us."

Edward's eyes darkened. "If Victoria has managed to get this close..."

Jasper nodded, his gaze scanning the treeline. "This could be part of a larger plan, or she could be testing us. Either way, we need to make sure Bella's safe. I suggest taking her back to the Cullen house until we know more."

Edward agreed, his expression determined. "I'll bring her over right away."

---

Inside, Bella was already awake, groggy but alarmed as Edward explained the situation to her. Her expression grew more serious as she absorbed the news.

"You think Victoria was here?" Bella asked, her voice a mix of fear and frustration. "If that's true... maybe Jacob and the pack should know. They could help track the scent."

Edward's jaw tightened at the mention of Jacob, but before he could protest, Bella added, "The pack could help you find out where she went. You know they'd want to keep me safe, too."

Realizing Bella had a point, Edward nodded reluctantly. "Fine. We'll bring Jacob here to see if he recognizes the scent."

---

Not long after, Jacob arrived, his face hardening as he spotted Edward waiting for him outside Bella's house. As Rhea stood beside Jasper, she couldn't help but feel a smirk tug at her lips, amused by the rivalry that always flared up between Jacob and Edward.

Jacob ignored Edward's stare and walked up to Rhea. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she assured him, touched by his concern.

Jacob nodded before turning his attention to the task at hand. He leaned forward, sniffing the air, his face twisted in concentration. "Yeah, I don't recognize it. But I can tell you it's definitely not one of you."

Edward's patience finally snapped, and he shot Jacob a pointed look. "We knew that much. But if you're here to help, focus."

Jacob bristled. "Watch it, bloodsucker. I'm doing this for Bella, not for you."

Edward's eyes flashed with irritation, and he took a step closer to Jacob. "Well, I'm here for Bella too, Jacob. You don't have to remind me."

Rhea stifled a chuckle, crossing her arms as she watched the two glare at each other, neither willing to back down. But before they could escalate things further, Bella stepped between them, giving them both a stern look.

"Enough! You're both here because you care about me, right?" she snapped, looking from one to the other. "So stop fighting and start working together. Victoria is a threat to everyone—not just to me."

Edward and Jacob shared a long, reluctant look before finally nodding in silent agreement. Jacob crossed his arms but didn't speak again, and Edward held his ground, his face tight but resigned.

Rhea caught Jasper's eye and gave him a smirk, amused by how Bella had managed to bring them to heel.

Edward cleared his throat. "If Victoria is building up her attacks, we'll need more than just the two of us watching her. Bella's right. We can't afford to let her divide us."

Jacob, his stance tense but his voice steady, nodded. "The pack can help. We'll keep an eye on the forest, and if she shows up again, we'll be ready. But we'll need to work together to make sure she doesn't get any closer."

There was a collective silence as the weight of their alliance settled over them. Rhea felt a sense of resolve solidify in her chest. This wasn't just about Bella; it was about protecting their families and their home. Whether vampire or shifter, they shared the same goal, and for now, that was enough.

Bella let out a relieved breath, her face softening as she looked between Edward and Jacob. "Thank you. Both of you."

Jacob shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, well, we'll see how this goes." He glanced at Rhea, a small hint of a smile on his face. "You know, it's good to see you like this—working with us."

Rhea's smile faded, remembering that only days ago she'd been on the other side of this conflict, living as a human, still part of Jacob's world. But now, everything was different. And yet, some things—like her loyalty to her family and friends—remained the same.

"I'm still me, Jacob," she replied softly. "I'm just... stronger."

With a shared look of understanding, Jacob turned and left, his form disappearing into the shadows. The weight of the uneasy alliance lingered as Edward wrapped his arm around Bella, his face a mixture of worry and determination.

Rhea felt Jasper's reassuring hand on her shoulder. They were united for now, but the battle against Victoria—and whatever force she was building—was only beginning.

Authors note: I know its not going completely with the storyline but I'm trying, I must stay that writing fanfiction is harder than an original, anyway please vote and comment