Chapter 2 Down the rabbit hole

Bella POV

Alice just stood there, continuing to look down at her feet. I was sure she could feel my eyes on her, but she didn't move, just standing there like an immobile statue, a sight I was very familiar with. The way the two other vampires were looming over her, she looked very fragile for a change. Well, no wonder. Those two were huge, and she was even smaller than me. They didn't make a move either, but I knew even without actually looking at them, that they were watching me very closely.

But strangely instead of panic, I felt anger rising inside me. True, I did not know the details yet, but I knew that she'd betrayed me. I wanted her to admit it, to explain her reasons for dragging me here. It was plain obvious that putting me in mortal danger didn't faze her at all.

At this moment I wanted nothing more than to close the distance between us, grab her chin and make her look me in the eyes, before making her tell me the truth. But thankfully, I thought better of it. She might be smaller than me, but she was still a vampire. And I wasn't a fool.

'I take that back … apparently I am a fool when it comes to trusting vampires … well I guess I've learned my lesson now … at last …'

"It's time to go." One of the vampire hulks said, sounding more annoyed and bored than actually threatening. Why would he? There was no need to demonstrate his supremacy. I was only human, and clearly not a threat. And Alice, well, she wasn't exactly one either, at least not to them.

"Follow us." He grabbed one of Alice's tiny arms, whirling her around on the spot. I could hear her hissing in pain, but I couldn't bring myself to feel sympathy for her. As far as I was concerned she deserved much worse. If it were up to me, she would be losing a few limps before the day was over. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that my former best friend had set me up.

"Come on, Isabella." Alec said, pulling me out of my scheming thoughts. His voice was soft, but still demanding. He didn't grab me forcefully like the other one had done with Alice. He simply placed a hand on my back, guiding me down the alley.

'Why is he so nice? Is it just another ruse, to weigh me in false security? Whatever … I have no choice but to do what he says …'

The further we went down the narrow alley, the darker it got. Suddenly the three figures in front of us vanished into thin air. There was brick wall at the end of the alley, and no doors or entryways on either side, only a dark hole in the pavement, just wide enough for one person.

"Yes, that's our way." Alec confirmed my suspicion, with obvious amusement in his voice.

I wanted to say 'No fucking way', but I caught myself just in time. I didn't think it would be wise to antagonize the vampire, not as long as he was this nice. 'Better play along. Who knows, maybe it will increase my chances of survival …'

"How …" I began, eyeing the hole with suspicion. It was too dark to see the bottom.

"I'll go down first, and then you will follow. I promise I will catch you." He said. His tone of voice, not to mention the stern look on his face, told me in no uncertain terms not to try something foolish like running away. Like I had any chance of making a successful escape...

"Alright." I conceded, my voice shaking slightly. Not from fear, more like from apprehension.

A second later Alec was gone, swallowed by darkness. I strained my ears, but I couldn't hear his feet meeting the ground. That fact wasn't helping my nerves at all.

'Oh, come on, Bella. You've jumped from cliffs this summer. How hard can this be?'

My musing was interrupted by Alec's encouraging words. "Come on. Just jump. You'll be fine."

"Well, here goes nothing." I muttered under my breath. I could hear someone chuckle down there, but decided to ignore it. I closed my eyes and jumped. Cold, damp air swooshed by me, and before I was able to make any sound, I found myself cradled in someone's strong arms.

The impact wasn't painless. Not that I'd expected anything less, what with landing on a creature made of marble. "Ouch." The word was out of my mouth, before I could stop myself.

"I'm sorry." Alec muttered, helping me on my feet.

"It's okay." I said, assuring him of my wellbeing. I knew that I probably had some bruises on my arms and legs, but I didn't blame him for causing them, because I knew it wasn't his intention, just his nature. And I was fine otherwise.

"Okay, Romeo, let's move it. We have a schedule to uphold." One of the other vampires grumbled. I heard another hiss and a chuckle, but couldn't make out the words. Then I heard movement, and Alec took my hand, very gently, obviously minding his strength, and pulled me down the semi dark tunnel with him.

I was grateful that he was keeping a human pace. I could barely make out any details, nor did I want to. I hated small spaces, and this tunnel just gave me the heebie-jeebies. It smelled weird, sort of rotten, and it made me feel like I was walking to my doom. Alec seemed to sense my growing anxiety. Instead of comforting me with words, he drew soothing circles with his thump on the back on my hand. After the other two had made fun of him for being so careful and considerate with me, I understand his choice for silent assurance. But I still wondered why he was doing it in the first place. He might know of me, but he didn't know me. I was nothing but a blood bag, a quick snack, and a potential threat to their secret. But for the moment I was glad that he acted the way he did. I suppressed a sigh, just squeezing his hand in answer.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally entered a hall. It was much lighter in here. There were three doors, plus the one passage we've just come through. The two bulky vampires pulled Alice along to the one on the right, while Alec guided me toward the one in the middle.

"Where are they taking her?" I asked out of sheer curiosity, not because I was worried.

Alec chuckled lightly. "Back to her cell … where else." Alec answered, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. It was plain obvious that he wasn't very keen of her either, which made him that much more likeable to me. He pulled open the door, revealing an elevator. Without any delay we stepped inside.

I wanted to ask him, why Alice was taken back to her cell. Did that mean she was a prisoner here? I couldn't imagine that. I thought someone with an incredible gift like hers would be welcomed here, treasured even, but apparently that wasn't the case. I didn't dare to ask about the reason though. I had a feeling all my questions would be answered in due time. And I could wait.

"And where are we going?" I voiced the only question that seemed safe, and actually more important to me at the moment.

Alec smiled at me, pulling the door shut, before pressing the only button on the display. "I have orders to take you to my masters."

Thanks for reading!

Revised and reposted on 2013/12/08.