I sprinted towards the main house without a word. Behind me, I could hear Edward explaining the situation to Jacob in low urgent hushes, not wanting Nessie to overhear the bad news. I kept on running without waiting for Edward; my father was in danger and he needed me.

Bursting through the front door seconds later, I found Alice pacing up and down the room; and Jasper sitting on the couch, waiting for me.

“Where’s Charlie?” I demanded.

“Carlisle had rushed over to him immediately after I saw the vision. They are probably on their way to the hospital now. Don’t worry. He’s going to be fine.” Alice replied while shooting quick darts at Jasper.

He’s going to be fine. Immediately, I relaxed and let out a relieved sigh. Maybe it’s because of Jasper’s special calming ability working on me; or just because I know Charlie was okay. I didn’t care; as long as Charlie stayed alive and kicking.

I heard the front door opened silently, and felt Edward’s arm wrapped around my waist a moment later.

“Jacob will be taking care of Nessie at our cottage. I’ve asked Jacob to keep the news to himself. We don’t want to worry her too much.” Edward whispered in my ear as I laid back into his chest.

We spent the rest of the morning waiting for Carlisle’s calls for update; but they never came. I wanted to rush down to the hospital to check it out myself; if not for the arms Edward kept firmly wrapped around me. Just as I was about to test my newborn’s strength against his grip, Edward’s phone rang. I snatched it before he could answer it.

“Carlisle! How’s Charlie? What happened? Who did this to him?” I shot all questions that I could have thought of in one breath.

“Bella, calm down. Charlie’s going to be fine. We’re now at the hospital of Port Angeles.” Carlisle reassured.

“He was patrolling the outskirts of Forks when he heard the nearby police radioed for help. There was an armed robbery taking place at Port Angeles. He took off immediately. When he arrived, the shooting between the police and robbers was in full swing. He managed to shot down one robber before his accomplice fired a few shots at him.”

“Most missed,” Carlisle continued hurriedly, before I could have the chance to react; “but one bullet was right on target. It barely missed his heart.” I gasped when I heard how close Charlie came brushing with death.

“His condition had stabled for the moment. Luckily for us, an old friend of mine was around when Charlie got injured. He administered enough medical help to him before the ambulance arrived. That helped to save his life.” I heard a hint of gratitude and amusement in his voice.

I raised my eyebrow in interest but did not question it. Instead, I asked a different question.

“When can I visit Charlie?” I was anxious to see him.

“Not today. He just went through a major operation and he needs his rest. You can come tomorrow afternoon if you want.” Carlisle replied.

I heaved a sigh of relief and passed the phone back to Edward, who began to converse animatedly with Carlisle. He was speaking at an incredible speed, too fast for me to catch anything. When he finally hung up, I dragged him off the couch and out of the door.

“Where are we going, love?” asked Edward as we sprinted through the forest.

“Off to hunt. I’m going to the hospital tomorrow and I don’t want to take any risk.” I wasn’t due for a hunt for another week, but I can’t take the risk of going to the hospital that was full of the scent of fresh blood; it was simply just too dangerous. Catching the scent of a herd of deer twenty yards away, I steered myself in the Northeast direction and let my instincts ruled my senses as I hunted.

I threw off the carcass of the deer when I was done draining its blood. I felt very full; I think I overfed this time. But that can’t be help. I must take precaution if I want to go visit Charlie tomorrow; hospital is just another place full of temptations. I smoothed out the creases in my shirt as I waited for Edward to finish his hunt.

My hunting skills had definitely improved, I thought to myself as I scanned my outfit for any microscopic tears. I spotted two; one at the end of my left sleeve, and the other at the hem of my shirt. But it was definitely an improvement from the first hunt, where Edward had to take off his shirt for me to wear when we were done hunting.

“Bella? I’m done.” He held out his hand to me and I took it. Without a word, we sprinted back to our cottage. We both knew what to do. It was time to let Nessie know the news.

***