Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters and no copyright infringement is intended.
Life had been slowly getting back to normal in the six months I had been free from the grip of that monster. It gave me some comfort, knowing he was facing serious charges and would never be free again. It was reassuring, but I still expected the worst to happen. Laurent assured me Bella and I were safe, but as much as I trusted him there was still that nagging doubt had settled itself in the back of my mind and taken root there, growing stronger with each day. Because of this, I'd hardly left the apartment lately. I insisted when Bella went anywhere she took one of Emmett's guys with her. She hated it, telling me I was treating her like a child, but deep down I knew she understood my intentions came from a place of love. If I was honest, I was terrified of losing her.
I suffered from night terrors. Waking up screaming in the middle of the night, my body covered in a soft sheen of sweat, my chest heaving while my heart pounded like a jackhammer. The sights I saw during these events, even though not real, terrified me. They varied from seeing my father's lifeless body laying at my feet, following us fighting while a crowd bayed for pouring from the wounds I'd inflicted. In others I was fighting for my life against a faceless stranger, before finally being overcome by their superior strength. My life ending as my head twisted to the side as he snapped my neck like a twig as my lifeless body slumped to the ground.
Bella was there for me every step of the way. She held me tightly while I sobbed uncontrollably in her arms, gasping desperately for breath. She always told me it was going to be okay, how she loved me no matter what. I never understood quite how she could still love me, given the fact I was clearly some kind of monster, but she did. Her love for me was a candle in the darkest of days and nights, she was a beacon of hope guiding me home.
The date was set for Aro's trial it was three weeks from now. I was set to be a witness, which I wasn't looking forward to. The thought of being anywhere near that monster made my blood run cold. Knowing I would have to face him in an open courtroom after everything he'd done to me. I'd been working with a therapist, focusing on coping techniques in readiness. I was afraid I'd break down on the stand at the mere sight of him. I also knew he had to be locked up, away from society for the rest of his miserable life and I would be instrumental in that. He'd taken me to hell and back and enjoyed every single moment of it. His grand finale was when tried to force me to kill my own father, to my great shame, I almost did. How Carlisle had forgiven me for that, was beyond me. The love and compassion he showed me was unquestioning and unreserved. I would never be able to thank him for it as long as I lived.
My family never spoke of those dark days, even though it was like having a huge pink elephant in the room at times. Occasionally Carlisle would wince when he got up too quickly, and I knew it was from the beating either I, or Aro's thugs handed down to him. Either way, it was my fault. It took some time, but finally they stopped looking at me with pity and started treating me like a man again. I was damn sure Bella had something to do I with that, but she never said anything to me. Another way she supported me.
Tonight was a big night for us, it was Esme's birthday. She'd booked a table for the whole family to have dinner together. I tried to get out of it, saying I wasn't sure we'd be able to make it, but she simply gave me her well practiced 'mom look', and I backed down and agreed instantly. Even though my heart really wasn't in it, there was no point fighting her. This is how we found ourselves dressed up for a night out. It felt strange wearing something other than sweats and t-shirt, my recent clothing of choice, but I had to make the effort. Bella had encouraged me and after we'd talked things through we decided to go the lake house for a few days straight afterwards. It was strange as so much happened there, I was worried it would bring back those bad memories. I'd told Bella and my family the truth while there last time. But, given the fact Bella and I saved and strengthened our relationship there, it felt right to go there, just us two. In the back of my mind, I knew what I wanted to do next, I wanted to ask her to marry me, to spend the rest of her life with me. Not because I was broken and she was the glue holding my fragile psyche together like so many would think, but because I loved her and never wanted to let her go. If the nightmare I'd endured had taught me anything, it was that.
All the way through dinner, I was on edge and physically flinched everytime someone came near the table. I didn't know what I was expecting to happen. I mean it wasn't like someone was going to come in and abduct me out of a crowded restaurant, but then again I hadn't expected to be snatched off the street It was just all part of the PTSD my therapist said I would experience for some time. No matter how irrational I knew these fears to be, I still felt that something could easily happen. Being around large groups of people I didn't know made me even more nervous, plus I didn't want to let Bella out of my sight. Ever since the day I thought she'd died at the cultural center at the hands of James, I couldn't bear the thought of losing her. It was nearly enough to push me over the edge of my already frayed sanity. I wouldn't survive if anything happened to her.
I freaked out when Bella went to the restroom and was gone for too long, I went to find her in a blind panic. Not realizing I was being followed by my brother, Emmett. He scared me half to death when he placed his hand on my shoulder just outside the restrooms. I panicked, despite his larger build I turned around and pinned him to the wall with my arm across his neck.
"Holy shit bro." He gasped.
I could see the concern in his eyes and I moved my arm, feeling sick at how easily I had turned on someone I cared for. I dashed into the bathroom before locking a stall door behind me. As I stood there with my back pressed against it, my breathing was heavy. I heard the main door open and knew it was Emmett following me.
"Edward?" He called out. "Look man, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
I slid down the door ending up sitting on the floor, my back still firmly pressed against the door, head resting against my knees. "Go away." I uttered.
"No. Not this time," he replied in a soft and gentle voice. "Talk to me, I'm here for you."
I couldn't speak, words stuck in my throat. How could I tell him of the terror that had spiked in me when he touched me, how I feared, maybe irrationally that it was someone coming to take me away again.
"Do you want me to get mom or dad?"
"No! Please Emmett, just leave me alone, I'm okay." I lied.
I heard a snort from the other side of the door. "Yeah, right, and I'm a prima ballerina. Look, Edward, you're not fine and I want to help. I know you're struggling with what happened, hell, anyone would be after going through what you did. But you're safe now. He's locked up and so are his cronies. No one is gonna hurt you, or Bella. Not if I have anything to do with it. Paul said there's been nothing out of the ordinary happen around Bella. Things are okay, if someone was going to come after you, either of you, they would've made a move by now with the trial looming."
Even though he kept his voice low, I could hear how hard it was for him to keep calm. Bella being hurt at the hands of James infuriated him. He loved her like a sister, and told me he wished James was alive, purely so he could rip him limb from limb for what he'd done. How he managed to keep his calm with me after what I did to Carlisle was beyond me. It was like no one blamed me, they understood on a level I didn't, I did what I had to survive. Of course, Esme was seriously pissed at Carlisle for goading me like he had done while we were both facing death at the hands of that monster. Deep down I knew she was relieved he was okay and were both safe.
A soft knock came on the door, "Edward, are you okay in there? Talk to me."
I then realized I'd zoned out, retreating into my own world. As I heard more concerned voices, and they were told to leave by Emmett. Then came the one voice who would always be able to reach and ground me pulling me back from wherever I retreated to. The woman I loved more than my own life, and who I would do anything to protect. Bella.
"Edward, open the door, please? Let me in baby. It's only me and Emmett. You're safe, I promise, I won't let anyone hurt you."
Slowly I got to my feet and slid the bolt back on the door before opening it and coming face to face with Bella. There was a look of anguish on her face, it broke me knowing I'd put it there. I opened my arms to embrace her, knowing only her touch would make it all okay. She stepped to me and I wrapped them around her, holding her to me as if that action alone could keep her safe. I knew it couldn't, but right now it was all I had.
"It's okay baby, I'm here." She whispered against my chest as she tucked her head beneath my chin.
Only when I spoke did I realize I'd been crying. "You were gone for so long, I thought..." The words refused to come out of my mouth, I was afraid to give them form.
"I'm sorry baby, I bumped into Angela from work. We got chatting in the ladies room, I didn't realize we'd been so long until Esme came in looking for me. I'm sorry," The words were rushed as she tried to reassure me.
"You're safe, that's all that matters." I croaked out. My eyes found Emmett's, he was standing, watching our embrace and looked uncomfortable, I smiled at him in an attempt to let him know everything was okay. He got the message and motioned to the door, indicating he would be outside, I nodded.
We stood there, holding one another, not wanting to break contact, or end the moment. All that mattered was Bella was okay, she was in my arms where she belonged. After a few minutes I pulled away. "We should go back, I think I scared them.".
Bella smiled at me, "You did, I'm also thinking Emmett got a shock. He said you pinned him against the wall. He sounded quite impressed you managed it, as am I, he's a big guy."
I smiled at her, but it wasn't a happy smile. "Survival instinct. Nothing more."
She palmed my face. "I know baby. But that's all behind you now. We have a wonderful future to look forward to, together." She took my hand in hers, leading me out of the bathroom and back to our family who were sat around the table in animated conversation. As we retook our seats, Carlisle smiled at me, knowingly. I mouthed to Emmett."Sorry." He just grinned and nodded his acceptance. Bella placed her hand on my thigh, rubbing it in reassurance, like always her touch calmed and soothed me. Even if at times it was hard for me to believe I was free, we were safe and together we could face anything.
Once dinner was over we said our goodbyes and prepared to head out of town. Carlisle pulled me to one side, asking me to check in with him once we got there. I promised him we would and with that, we left.
The roads were fairly quiet, it was nice to drive in relative silence. Bella rested her head back and closed her eyes, allowing me to just drive. I was aware of everything around me so I noticed when a set of headlights suddenly appeared behind us, before they slowed down and backed off, but remained following. I instantly became suspicious, the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end, my heart pounded a little quicker in my chest as I watched them. I slowed down, they would also slow, when I sped up, they would do the same. Always keeping a distance behind us, just far enough for me not be able to make out who the driver was. Once we were away from the main built up areas I knew I had to either confront them, or get away. Either way it would prove they were following us. Bella stirred in her sleep next to me and I gently shook her awake.
"Babe, I don't want you to panic, but I think we are being followed." For some reason I was whispering despite it only being us in the car.
"What!" She turned in her seat to see what I was talking about. Sure enough the SUV was still there. "Who is it?"
"I dunno, but I sure as hell intend to find out." I growled. "Just make sure you're buckled in tight, and hold on, it's gonna be a bit bumpy. If anything happens to me, I want you to run." She went to interrupt me, but I cut her off. "Bella, I need you to be safe and raise the alarm. I'll protect you with my life, but you can't think about me. Run. You hear me? Don't look back, just get as far away as possible, promise?"
She nodded her head in agreement and I could see how scared she was as tears filled her eyes. I took hold of her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips, I whispered. "I love you, always remember that."
"I love you too Edward." Her voice wavered.
I let go of her hand and put both mine firmly back on the steering wheel as I prepared to make a move.
"I'm ready." Bella whispered, telling me I could put my plan into action. We were now on the long, straight road to my parents place, there were very few houses on this part of the journey, but lots of side roads that led into the national park which hugged the shoreline. I took a deep breath while looking for one of the service roads I knew were there. When I saw one, I turned the wheel sharply. The car skidded to the side and Bella screamed as she clung on the handle above the door. I wanted to tell her we were safe, after all we were in my Volvo, one of the safest cars on the road.
The road was bumpy and winding, I thought for a moment we'd lost the person following us, Then in the distance behind us I made out headlights following.
"Shit!" I cursed, hitting the wheel hard before pressing my foot down on the gas pedal, causing the car to lurch forward. Bella let out a small whimper at my side, but I couldn't respond, my full attention was required to drive and not crash. The headlights were beginning to gain on us when I saw a smaller road to the right, I took the turn quickly, hoping they wouldn't catch us back up. I needed time to think and any additional distance between us would give me that. Then I hit the brake pedal, bringing the car to a screeching halt, killing the engine.
"What the fuck are you doing Edward?" Bella screamed at me.
I unbuckled my seatbelt before I got out of the car running to her side and unfastening hers before dragging her from the vehicle. "Hide. In the trees. Don't make a sound no matter what happens. When they find me, which they will, I won't fight, I'll go with them willingly. I want you to run. Don't stop, don't look back. Just get outta here, it's me they want."
Bella began to sob. "I can't lose you again, I won't." She clawed at my shirt.
"Baby you won't lose me, I'll always find my way back to you, I promise. Now, get behind those trees and no matter what you see or hear, don't come out. If they don't take the car, the keys are still in the ignition. Wait for them to leave, then drive slowly to the nearest police station and call Carlisle and Emmett, okay? Let them know what happened. They'll protect you."
She kissed me with tears streaming down her face, before she turned toward the trees, the headlights from the vehicle following us getting closer. I'd bought us these precious few minutes, but it seemed nothing more than that. I pulled her back and kissed her for what I thought could be the last time before pushing her away. Without words, she understood and took off, running away from me. Once she was out of sight I walked calmly to the front of my car and knelt on the ground, my hands behind my head, fingers intertwined. If they wanted me so badly, I wasn't going to put up a fight. This time I needed to have my wits about me, to give Bella the best chance of getting away from them and to safety.
As the vehicle got closer the headlights flooded over me and I heard the sound of tires skidding on the ground. This was it. The moment I'd been dreading and always knew would come. It was just a matter of time. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as I closed my eyes took myself mentally to another place and time. My safe haven where I hadn't been in several long months, the place inside my head I went to escape when I was held in Volterra. I could hear the SUV doors open and close, then footsteps getting closer to me. The feeling of someone grabbing hold of my arm, pulling me to my feet, turning my body to face them.
"What the fuck is going on? What are you doing!" A voice shouted at me, "Where's Bella?"
I opened my eyes and looked into their face, unable to make out who they were thanks to the headlights blinding me. I felt sick they knew her name. "Somewhere you'll, never find her you bastard!" I spat at the person who was hidden in shadows.
"Edward, stop this. I need to know what happened here." He spoke again.
"Nothing happened here, except me giving you what you want. Me. Take me, forget about her, she's not important to you."
"What the fuck do you mean she's not important? I have to find her." He said the last part almost to himself but I heard the words. The threat he clearly made was like a red rag to a bull. My hand unlocked from the back of my head and without any thought for my own safety I pulled my fist back and punched him. It seemed to catch him off guard and he fell to the ground. I was on him in an instant, and I managed to land another round of punches before he landed a couple himself, knocking me off balance and onto the ground. I fought him hard, but he was stronger than me and soon he had my wrists securely in his hand.
"Edward, calm the fuck down will you. I'm not here to hurt you." Then I realized, I knew his voice. Now he was out of the shadows I recognized him. It was Paul, one of Emmett's men, the one who'd been looking out for us.
"Paul!" I gasped. '"What the fuck are you doing here?"
He let me go, slowly getting to his feet. "Looking after you, or I'm supposed to be." He indicated to the car. "Doesn't look like I'm doing very well at that though does it. Shit, Emmett is gonna fire my ass for this."
I shook my head. "He won't. I'll explain, he knows I'm super conscious about things like this. I'm surprised he sent you to follow me and... Shit, Bella!" I turned to the trees where I'd told her to run. "Bella! It's okay, you can come out now." I called, hoping she hadn't gone too far, but there was no response. This was not good. If she'd taken off, she could be anywhere. I ran toward where I'd seen her last. "Bella? It's okay, it was only Paul. It's nothing to worry about." I pushed through the undergrowth and began to panic more. Where was she? I went deeper into the trees, calling out her name, but nothing came back. I pulled out my cell phone to find I had no service, shit! How was I supposed to find her out here? Standing still I listened, waiting to hear the tell-tale snap of a branch, something, anything that would tell me where she was headed. Then I heard a small whimper to my left, it was all I needed to tell me where she was. Rushing toward it, I found her huddled on the ground, head on her knees, arms wrapped around her legs. As I approached her I reached out to touch her and was shocked when she reacted by looking up at me, her hand outstretched a pocket knife in it. Where the hell had she got that from? Her eyes were filled with tears, terror clearly etched on her face.
"Bella, it's okay." I said to soothe her, as I held my hands out to show her it was only me. "We're safe, I promise."
She began to cry properly as she stared at me. The knife dropping from her shaking hand. I got down on my knees before her, taking her trembling body in my arms. Then I heard a sound that made me feel sick. It was the unmistakable sound of a gun being primed, followed by the coldness of the muzzle as it pressed against my temple. It was quickly followed my a hand on my shoulder as I was pushed to my knees. A voice told me. "Don't try anything. Hands in the air," Looking into Bella's eyes. I could see real fear in them, and then from the darkness a gun appeared at the side of her head. There was nothing I could do given the situation other than comply. I raised my hands as instructed, only to have then roughly pulled behind my back and secured with what felt like plastic cable ties which bit into the skin causing me to wince slightly. Through this I never took my eyes from Bella as I tried to tell her it with my eyes it would okay, even though I knew nothing of the sort.
I could only watch as she was pulled to her feet, her hands also bound, but hers were in front of her body. The gun was placed back at her head and only then I saw who was holding it, Paul. My heart sank, he was supposed to be protecting Bella and I, not holding a gun to her head. I didn't understand what was happening, only minutes before he'd been concerned about us. Then the proverbial penny dropped. He wanted her as leverage to make me compliant for whatever was to happen next, even though I'd given him no reason to believe I wouldn't be. I hated him in that moment and wanted him dead.
"Paul, please let her go. I'm assuming it's me you want. Bella isn't part of this, she never was."
He smiled at me. "You're right. It is you I want, but her? She's valuable insurance. See I've heard about you and your single minded determination to get back to her. Having her with us will ensure you do just as I say, otherwise I might have to kill her, slowly, while you watch."
"You bastard." I growled. "I'll kill you for this."
He laughed. "You'll have to get free first, and this time there are no second chances, there is no insider willing to help you. You're truly are alone." He sneered, turning toward me. Of course, he couldn't see what I could, which was Bella, finding her feet and looking around for an escape route. I needed to keep him distracted.
"Whatever you're being paid, I'll double it, triple it even, Just let us go. I won't say anything to anyone. You can vanish into the night like this never happened. Emmett will be none the wiser. I promise."
He was right in front of me now, and Bella was ready to run. All I could do was pray she would make it far enough away for them not to find her. She moved slowly, taking small steps away from us so as not to be noticed and it seemed to be working.
"Whatever you want, name your price and it's yours." I had to keep his attention fixed on me until Bella was far enough away.
"You don't get it do you? For someone so smart, you really are dumb at times." Paul mocked. "This isn't about money, it's more than that for me. But you'll see soon enough." He then turned around and saw Bella had gone, he gripped the front of my jacket, pulling me to him. "Where the fuck did she go?"
I laughed, refusing to answer, which only served to wind him up. "Fucking tell me Cullen or when I find her, she will pay in the most horrible of ways." He threw me to the ground. Turning to the trees he called out. "Bella, come back or I swear to God, I'll put a bullet in his head right here, right now,"
I wanted to distract him, and let Bella know it was okay to keep running so I shouted out, "He won't Bella, he needs me alive. Run!"
Paul turned to the man stood behind him. "Watch him, if he tries anything, shoot him. I'm going after her."
I was back on my knees, gun at my head and all I could do was listen to the sound of Paul lumbering through the trees in search of Bella. It felt like forever before I heard a scream which pierced the night air and shattered my heart. It was quickly followed by the sound of a single gun shot ringing out. An eternity passed before his tall frame appeared before me, he was alone. My heart sank and I fell forward, my head resting on the ground as I sobbed uncontrollably. I was only vaguely aware of being pulled to my feet and hearing Paul and the man talk.
"Time to move out, we have to get going."
My feet were useless and they all but dragged me across the uneven ground to a black van that was waiting for us.
"Take him, I have some loose ends to tie up." Paul barked. As I was bundled into the back of a van and ready to face an uncertain future. Who was waiting for me, I had no clue. Once again, I was alone.
Authors Note:
This was written and what will become the first two chapters donated to Fandom for LLS. Thanks to everyone who supported this fantastic cause, I am proud to say this was my fourth year donating a piece and hopefully will continue to do so in the future. I have to thank Leigh Warner for pre-reading, Chocl8lip for her beta skills and Dorchester for the amazing banner.
Coming back to this story was both a hard and easy decision. SO many of you wanted more from this, and in a way, I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to them just yet either. Taken was my first fanfiction and I still have a rather large soft spot for it. I was going to wait until I had the whole thing written, but after a chat with a good friend Nicole, she told me to post it - so I hope you don't mind waiting.