Hunting. Rosalie and Emmett are nearby. Edward comes to a full stop. He senses Rose's and Emmett's surprise as he allows their prey to get away.

EPOV

It wasn't bear. The scent I had been tracking was fading away, replaced by the unmistakable scent of human. I spun, called by the strength of a siren call I had never in one hundred years heard. The yearning was undeniable, almost overwhelming my resolve. I followed it, unable to deny the quenching of at least my curiosity. I heard Rose's thoughts; It's a human Edward. Why are we stopping? I paused, surprised that she didn't appear drawn to the scent, certainly not as surely as I. I nodded once, to acknowledge her, but continued slowly to discover the source of my obsession.

I found her. Shivering, her body was even at that moment warmer than my own. She was small, this human child. I tried, failing, to search her mind. There was nothing. I could sense nothing. Having arrived moments behind me, Rosalie gasped. She's just a baby Edward. We must take her to Carlisle. I nodded again, even before the words formed in her mind, the need to protect this huddled and suffering child became my all-consuming drive. I bent down, stroking her hair did not rouse her. I shook her shoulder gently. Soft whimpers were my only response. Just carry her Edward. She may already be suffering from exposure. Surely sleep will be best in order to get her to Carlisle the fastest came Rose's thoughts.

I picked her up, pausing as she seemed almost to waken, only to turn more comfortably in my arms and rest her head upon my shoulder. From the first, I wondered at the subconscious trust she placed in me. I shuddered with the knowledge that I would never allow for the situation where she would take away that gift. It was my first vow to her.

In moments we were back at the house. Alice's gift ensured Carlisle was aware and prepared to treat the child. We quickly got her inside where Esme had warm towels ready for her. The rest of the family was blessedly silent, allowing her to remain asleep while Carlisle checked her vitals.

I caught fleeting thoughts as Carlisle's mind went about the task of being a physician. I questioned none of them until he finally spoke.

"A few more hours Edward, and she may not have survived at all. She's dangerously dehydrated, and her core temperature is extremely low. You've done a very good thing. "

"So she'll survive then." I stated.

"With all of her digits in place I might add. September in Washington is no trifling matter for humans. Did you sense any others while you were out? Do you know where she came from?"

"There were no others. Not within my power to see. She was not sleeping near a camp. I found her simply curled up on the ground. Nowhere remotely close to a road either Carlisle. How could she have got there?" I asked.

"I do not know. I need to get her started on fluids immediately. If you would ask Jasper and Emmett to see if they can follow her scent? Perhaps find where her parents may be. Until she awakens, and the longer she sleeps the better in this instance, we need to answer as many questions as possible."

I nodded, heading to the family room to make plans. Alice and Rosalie were putting on their coats, preparing to leave. I could not sense Emmett or Jasper in the house at all. Alice smirked in my direction.

"Yes, they are already gone to learn whatever there is to learn, and Rose and I are off to pick up human supplies. Esme is preparing the guest room for her. You might see if she needs your help" she impishly informed me.

Rosalie barely looked my way, in her head I sensed dizzying lists of what I was not about to argue were not necessities. I smiled in amusement at them both, and went up to see Esme; half-wishing Emmett and Jasper had waited, half grateful that I would be here when the child whose blood smelled of freesia and demanded my protection arose.