DC: I don't own it
Thank you to my reviewers!
Chapter 4,
Bella nearly fell out of bed when the entire servants quarters was lit up and a demanding voice called them to attention. She sat up groggily and looked over at Alice who looked just as confused and tired as she did. Esme pulled them up and began quickly brushing out their hair.
"What's going on?" Bella asked sleepily.
"Lord Cullen is coming home," Esme said, yanking the brush through one of the snarls that had formed through the night.
"Ow!"
"Sorry, there your done, now go get ready in your best clothes."
Bella nodded and went to change into her simple work clothes. She chose the frock that didn't have stains from the last time Edward made her trip while she carried his drink. Alice appeared next to her and changed herself. Bella reached over and smoothed her hair and Alice gave her a look. Bella stuck her tongue out and Alice made a face.
"Girls, come on," Esme said, waving them to her. They left the quarters and went to the foyer. They stood in a perfect line. Alice and Bella stood on one side with Esme, across from Angela, Jessica and Rachel. At the head of the line the Cullen siblings stood. Carlisle stood first looking mild and calm, beside him Rosalie, looking painfully beautiful as always, stood beside Emmett who had his arm around her waist. Jasper stood beside Emmett looking indifferent and Edward was on the end looking, in Bella's opinion a little anxious.
"Please Bella," Esme whispered, "please remember yourself."
Bella nodded. From the sound of it Lord Cullen was the no nonsense type. She stood perfectly still beside Esme and Alice and waited. Carlisle flashed over quickly and Bella squeaked in surprise as he swept her hair up into a bun on the back of her head. Esme gave him a quick apologetic look which he dismissed. Lord Cullen didn't like hanging hair on his human slaves. The doors opened and Bella felt her breath catch.
Lord Cullen entered. Bella felt like she was going to faint. He was so handsome it hurt to look at him but that wasn't what surprised her. He was so frightening in a strange way. His blonde hair was slicked back and his skin was papery white. His eyes were narrow and deep burgundy. He had high cheek bones and a heavy jaw. There were faint wrinkles in the corners of his eyes and his mouth. His mouth was a hard pale line. He was dressed in clothes that Bella supposed royalty would wear.
He wore a black suit with a burgundy tie. He wore a fur cloak that was taken by Angela and Jessica. In one jewel covered hand he held a cane which Bella thought seemed more for show than for necessity. His walk was powerful and confident. He came and surveyed his sons with severe eyes. It was strange, if Bella had known only one of the Cullen children were adopted, she would have guessed it was Edward. Even Jasper could be mistaken for Lord Cullen's natural son, and Bella had a suspicion that not only was that probably true, but Edward heard it a lot.
"Welcome home father," Carlisle said.
"Carlisle," he said. His voice was a deep rumble that made Bella want to reach for Alice's hand but she didn't dare move. Bella could see quite a bit of Lord Cullen in Carlisle's features, only softened. "Your eyes tell me that you keep with that ridiculous diet of yours."
Carlisle nodded once. "Yes, father."
"If you must disgrace me perhaps you could choose a less obvious way."
Carlisle didn't say anything. Esme seemed anxious. Bella glanced over towards her and back again. Lord Cullen moved next to Rosalie and Emmett.
"How have you been daughter?" he asked.
"Very well father," Rosalie said with a gentle nod of her head she looked like she was bursting to tell him good news but she knew it would have to wait. Bella supposed this was a family ritual. He passed by her without another word and looked to Jasper.
"Jasper, I hope you're well."
"Yes, sir," Jasper said with a nod.
"I hear you took another human."
"Yes, sir," Jasper said, "the small one."
"What was wrong with your last one?"
"Her singing voice reminded me of nails on a chalkboard."
A flush rose in Jessica's cheeks and Alice wanted to sink away. Lord Cullen didn't look at either of them.
"How does the new one sound?"
"Satisfactory."
"Sing," Lord Cullen ordered, not looking back.
Bella looked over at Alice who instantly replied by singing a soft and sweet song about a meadow in the spring. One of Jasper's favorites.
"Enough," Lord Cullen said. "Acceptable for a human."
"Thank you father," Jasper said. Lord Cullen nodded once.
"I shall expect dinner at precisely six," he said, sweeping past Edward without a glance at him. They were released and left to their own devices. Bella watched Edward leave for his room. She really hoped he didn't need anything, he looked like he was in a terrible mood.
---
"So what did you think of Lord Cullen?" Esme asked as they took the laundry out. Bella and Alice folded it and put it in separate baskets.
"Scary," Alice said. "I thought I was going to die when he made me sing."
"I can imagine," Esme said. "He isn't home very much. When he is however things are run differently. No playing around, no nonsense. Behave and please don't question any order you are given."
The last direction was more for Bella than Alice and they all knew it.
"I will try," Bella promised.
"No, Bella, you will," Esme said. "Its been a short time but already I'm quite fond of you."
"Esme I promise I will try as hard as I can, but he just keeps pestering me!" Bella said hotly as she folded one of Edward's shirts. "He thinks that just because he has a lot of money..."
"Honey you have no idea," Esme sighed.
"...way more than a lot of money he can just push around whoever he wants like he's some sort of god! Just because he drinks blood and I have it doesn't mean that he's somehow better than I am."
"No see, kitten, that's exactly what it means," Edward said softly, tugging on a strand of her hair.
"Master Edward what are you doing here?" Esme asked.
"Oh I just had a feeling my little kitten was going off on a rant about me and came to see what it was about."
"Your father won't like that," Esme said.
Edward shot her a look. "I need my red sweater for tonight, have you seen it?"
"I just hung it up to dry. Be patient, you can't just throw it in the dryer and expect it not to shrivel up!"
Edward sighed. "The new machine giving you trouble?"
"Not yet," Esme said with a smile. "I think the other one was just getting old."
"I see."
Esme nodded. "Sir, is there anything else you would like? We have a lot left to do."
"No, no carry on."
Esme nodded and the three of them went back to their chores.
---
At ten till six the humans assembled in the kitchen to prepare the blood for their vampires. Esme reached into the warmer and took out their favorites. Jessica ladled out a bowl for Emmett and then moved so Angela could take her turn. The line went as such. Esme got a new container full of synthetic blood for Carlisle and Bella noticed that it was lighter in color and smelled different.
"Dessert will be Lord Cullen's favorite," Esme said.
Bella and Alice looked at each other. More blood?
"Blood chocolates," Esme said to them. "I'll show you what I mean in a few moments."
At exactly six the girls walked out to bring the vampires their dinner. Esme entered first. She carried the bowl to Lord Cullen and set it gently in front of him. "Enjoy, sir."
Lord Cullen nodded once and dismissed her. The siblings got theirs just a moment after. Carlisle sat to his father's right and Jasper across from him. Rosalie sat next to Jasper and Emmett next to Carlisle. Edward was left over and filled the seat by Emmett.
"Carlisle," Lord Cullen said after a long silence filled with only the sound of spoons against the bowls. It was graceful watching them eat, Bella had to admit that. Fluid and dainty movements.
"Yes, father?"
"Have you found yourself a wife yet?"
"Not yet, father, I don't believe I'm ready."
"Well I believe differently," Lord Cullen sniffed.
"Of course, father, I will keep a look out."
Bella wondered if Carlisle intended to keep that promise. His eyes looked sad as he went back to his synthetic blood. Bella would have to remember to ask Esme about it later.
"Rosalie, you wrote me saying you have good news."
"Yes, father, very good news," Rosalie said beaming at Emmett who looked nervously happy.
"Well? I love good news, do tell me."
"Emmett and I are going to have a baby," Rosalie said, nearly bursting at the seams with her excitement. Emmett beamed across the table at her and Bella saw for the first time, a smile on Lord Cullen's face. He had a very beautiful smile.
"That is wonderful news, congratulations my dear," Lord Cullen said. Rosalie was too happy to say anything. "When is the baby due?"
"January," Rosalie said.
"I will have to arrange a baby shower then," Lord Cullen said, "Esme."
Esme stepped forward. "Yes, Lord Cullen?"
"Make up a list for a baby shower and celebration."
"Yes, Lord Cullen," Esme said, bowing her head and stepping back.
"Edward," Lord Cullen said, cutting the happiness in the air just by the tone of his voice. Edward looked up.
"Yes, father?"
"You and Tanya."
It wasn't a question but a statement. Bella tried to figure out what was hidden behind his words but came up with nothing.
"Tanya and I are well," Edward said, "nothing special to report."
"I can't say I'm surprised. How long have you been with this girl?"
"Almost a year," Edward said.
"I see. Do you see her often?"
"Once a day at least," Edward answered, "she is busy with school."
"And you aren't?" Lord Cullen asked.
"Well...yes...I am...but that isn't..."
"You have been keeping up with your schooling yes?"
"Yes, I have," Edward began.
"Then you must see her there."
"She goes to a different school, the all girls school. She's devoting a lot of her time to looking into college."
"And are you?"
"Yes," Edward said. He looked like he just wanted to get back to his dinner in peace. Lord Cullen wasn't going to allow that.
"Have you been accepted anywhere?"
"I haven't heard back yet."
"Then you haven't been accepted," Lord Cullen sighed. "When I applied I was notified of my acceptance the next day!"
"That was because grandfather threatened to kill the dean and his family if you weren't!" Edward cried.
Lord Cullen closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Tell me Edward could you at least manage to make it through one meal the few times I am home without proving to me that you are a disappointment?"
"May I be excused?"
"No you may not. You will tell me why my son hasn't been accepted into any of the top schools."
"I haven't heard back from them so I don't know if I've been accepted or not!" Edward said angrily. "It's only November! Acceptance letters don't arrive until January at the earliest!"
"You are a Cullen, you have your choice of any school in the world. How many have you applied to?"
"All of them! I promise you father they will all want me."
"Well they had better," Lord Cullen said, "or you and I will be having a very long talk."
"Yes, father," Edward said.
Bella felt an awkward silence fall over the room. Carlisle looked anxious and Emmett was giving Edward sympathetic side glances. Rosalie was trying to hide her smirk and Jasper was trying to calm the room.
"Jasper. Enough."
"Yes, father."
"You," Lord Cullen said, looking at Bella.
"M-me, s-sir?"
"Yes, you come here."
Bella shakily walked to the head of the Cullen family.
"To whom do you belong?"
It went against everything she believed in to answer his question. "Master Edward, sir."
"I see. Has he used you?"
"He has me do chores, sir, if that is what you mean."
"Don't play innocent with me. Has he used you?"
"No, sir."
"Good," he said. "No son of mine will do such a thing with a human."
Bella felt awkward. She felt all the eyes in the room on her while Lord Cullen ordered her about.
"I see you kept your hair."
"Y-yes, sir."
"Edward."
"Yes, father?"
"How has this girl behaved?"
Bella felt her heart stop and her breath catch in her throat. Edward was going to say for sure not only that she had a defiant streak but probably some other things too. He would probably make something up so that she would be hurt. He would enjoy that too much.
"She has a temper," Edward said, "and she likes to think that she can disobey me but it is quite amusing to watch. She's breaking into her role quite well."
"You humans," Lord Cullen said with mild disgust in his voice, "you think you're equal to us. It's comical really."
Lord Cullen dismissed Bella with a wave of his hand and a hearty laugh. He went back to drinking the blood in his bowl and the meal progressed in silence. When it was time for dessert Esme took Bella and Angela back to the kitchens while Jessica, Rachel and Alice cleared the table. By the time the bowls had been taken, the girls were back with dessert.
"Ah, wonderful," Lord Cullen said. Bella carried a silvery tray with three silver goblets bearing the Cullen crest, to her assigned vampires. Esme presented Lord Cullen with his first and then Bella and Angela gave the children theirs. Bella felt Edward's eyes on her when she set his down. She was curious to find out exactly what this dessert was. Lord Cullen picked up his small silver dessert fork and poked one of the dark balls. He pierced it, and blood trickled out of the shell that looked like chocolate.
Bella knew of course that the Cullens enjoyed chocolate. Carlisle didn't seem to want to eat his, but his father wasn't going to be giving him a choice in the matter. He swallowed the pieces like a gentleman and kept with the conversation. The talks turned to political matters and Lord Cullen thundered about how the radicals would love to see the king overthrown.
"I'll tell you something," he said after swallowing another bite, "The Volturi are doing a fantastic job with the world we live in. Why when I was your age, Edward, the streets were crawling with humans and it smelled horrible! Bringing one in was a hassle. No you kids have it easy, just go to a center and pick one out and they'll prep it for you. I remember my first human, ah she was a pain. I went to a store and bought her and I had to do everything myself! What nonsense is that I ask you?!"
"Utter nonsense," Rosalie agreed. "That's why I refuse to go to the Centers. Have you smelled them lately?"
"Absolutely revolting!"
"Well father you must take into consideration that the building is hardly ventilated and there are hundreds of them packed in. From what I've studied about human anatomy and biology..."
"Save it books, nobody cares," Rosalie snapped.
"If nobody cared there wouldn't be literature on the subject now would there?" Carlisle replied coolly.
"Carlisle I wish you wouldn't waste your talents on such pitiful creatures. They aren't like animals. They are an unlimited supply so if one dies just go get another."
Bella felt her fists clench at her sides and she bit her tongue. Lord Cullen, unfortunately, noticed.
"You," he said, "do you disagree with my comment?"
Alice and Esme looked over at Bella with scared eyes wondering if she was crazy enough to go against the Lord.
"No, sir," Bella said.
"Come here."
Bella walked to him. He grabbed her hand and forced her fingers open. He saw the indents in her palm from where her nails dug in.
"S-Spasm," Bella said.
"Spasm indeed," Lord Cullen sighed.
"It is quite common in humans," Carlisle said quickly. "They need to shift occasionally and muscle contractions..."
"Bore someone else with your meaningless talk will you? And you, human girl, do you disagree with my statement? Do you believe that you are better than an animal?"
"No sir," Bella mumbled.
"I'm sorry I didn't catch that. Do humans only mumble or is it just the dumb ones?"
"No, sir," Bella said as loud as she could manage.
"So humans don't mumble or they aren't dumb? Be clear."
Bella felt her throat run painfully dry. She wanted to run away from the terrifying vampire that stood before her. Edward she could take, suddenly his cruelty seemed to be nothing but playful games. What could she say?
"I-I-I..."
"Sir she did not mean to offend you," Esme said.
"I did not ask for your opinion, Esme. Tell me then human what do you say no to? Do you think you are better than an animal?"
"No, sir, I don't," Bella said.
"Do you think you are smart?"
"No, sir, I don't."
"Do you think I should punish you for your behavior?"
Bella hesitated for the briefest of moments "Y..."
Too late. Her moment of hesitation cost her dearly. Lord Cullen's powerful hand met her face with an ear splitting crack and the force sent her to the floor. Alice made to help her but Esme held her back. The vampire looked at her.
"Do you have a problem as well?"
"N-no sir," Alice squeaked. Lord Cullen turned back to Bella and grabbed his cane. He raised his arm to strike her with the cane when Carlisle spoke.
"Wait, father, let Edward deal with her. She is his human and as he is old enough to have her he is old enough to discipline her."
"Very well," Lord Cullen said. "I will retire for the night."
He left and the room was silent. Esme held Alice back and other three girls watched in mute horror. Bella didn't move. Her head was spinning. Her cheek burned from where his rings had caught her skin and tore it. Rosalie went back to her dessert as if nothing was happening. Emmett and Jasper exchanged looks and Edward stood up. He grabbed Bella's arm and pulled her up.
"Come with me," he ordered.
Bella stumbled after him confused and in pain.
"You are insane," he commented as they walked down into the basement. Bella had heard of this. It was where they were sent if they disobeyed. Unlike the rest of the magnificent house this place was cold and dreary. Edward took her down the hall to a small room. He pulled her clothes off and she shivered.
"What are you going to do to me?" she asked fearing the worst. Edward didn't answer. He was caught up for the moment with her body. In the Center he was being watched so he couldn't properly take in everything he saw but now he could, when they were alone. He grabbed her hands and fastened them above her head with iron cuffs. She was beautiful in a strange way. Her breasts looked like they could fit in his hand and they looked so soft. His eyes shifted to her nipples, hard from the cold and rosy red. He looked slowly from her breasts down her flat stomach to the soft brown hair between her legs.
Edward went to a cabinet on the wall. His father had shown him how to do this once when he was young. It was no big deal then. After all the human had deserved it. Lord Cullen had made it look so easy. Edward came back with a whip and turned her around.
"You should be thankful that Carlisle said something," Edward said, "my father can tear the skin from bones."
Bella winced at the thought and then the first lash came. Sharp and quick but painful. She bit her lip. She wasn't going to scream. She wasn't going to give him pleasure. Another lash and then another. Her back was on fire.
"Look at me."
Bella managed to turn her head to look at him. Edward came up to her and looked her over again. "Five lashes should do it." He put the other two on her front. One hit her stomach and the other snapped her breast. "Why don't you scream?"
"Why would I give you the pleasure?"
"You need a sense of self preservation kitten," Edward murmured. "That mouth of yours could get you killed."
Edward stopped. He could feel her breath on him. Hot and sweet. Her breasts heaved with each breath and her heart thumped in her chest. Her skin was red from the beating. Edward knelt and licked along the wound on the side and bottom of her breast, taking up the blood. He licked the wound on her stomach too. Bella stiffened as he came back up. He put his hands on her hips and she shivered.
"Your blood is too sweet for a human," he murmured.
"Stop it," Bella growled.
"You are in no position to order me around," Edward said, "especially now. Naked and chained...all I would have to do is unbutton my pants."
Bella swallowed. Vivid memories of the vampires raping her mother tore through her mind. Edward rubbed his hips against hers and she jerked away.
"Does that frighten you?" He asked. "I could rape you now," he whispered in her ear, "that would teach you to behave. Or maybe it would encourage you to disobey me, so that I might do it again."
"I will never be pleasured by you," Bella promised.
"Oh don't be so sure," Edward said with a smile. He tapped her nose playfully. "Tanya bet me that I couldn't make her cum. I did. Several times. Girls are the same. They all have the same buttons. Rub their breasts..."
Bella cringed as Edward cupped her breast and teased her nipple.
"Whisper in their ear," he whispered, "remind them that they try to be a good girl but inside they're dirty and naughty. Girls love dirty talk. Then my hand slips down and my fingers dance on their clit."
Bella squeezed her legs closed when Edward reached down to touch her but it was pointless.
"When they see how big I am, that is enough to make them moan. With one sharp thrust I claim them and they know pleasure. Do you feel it?"
Bella felt it alright. Through his jeans she could feel him hardening. Edward looked into her eyes. She was terrified even though she tried to hide it. He sighed. It would be so easy. A sweet victory. He would pound her virginal caverns over and over again until she screamed his name. But he couldn't escape her eyes. She was genuinely scared of him penetrating her. What had she seen to make her so afraid? She was so ignorant in most areas so what made this different? She was a virgin. He would have to find out from her sister somehow.
Her body was reacting. As he rubbed her she was getting wet. Bella was zoning out. Her mind was miles away, where he didn't know. He pulled his fingers away and Bella didn't look at him. Her head was still turned and her eyes were closed. Edward reached up and released her. She fell to the ground with an oof.
"Let this be a lesson for you," Edward said, "if you cross my father again he will be the one to punish you and he will not stop until you are bloodied and raw, if he even cares enough to keep you alive. Get dressed."
Bella pulled her clothes on quickly and followed Edward out of the basement. She returned to the servants quarters and Esme was waiting with bandages. Bella didn't accept them though. She fell into Esme's arms and cried into her shoulder.
"What did I do?" Bella asked.
Esme didn't answer because she didn't exactly know. She rubbed Bella's shoulder soothingly, avoiding the cuts from the whip. She took Bella to her bed and dressed her wounds. Alice came in a few moments later and ran to her sister. Alice held her the way she always did and sang a soft lullaby for her.
---
Esme walked into Edward's room and found him studying. "Oh, Esme, what do you want?" Edward asked.
"What did you do to Bella?" Esme asked.
"What father told me to do," Edward said defensively. "Five lashes seemed enough to appease him."
I mean it Edward, what did you do to her?
"She should get used to punishment if she is going to keep acting like that," Edward said. Esme glared at him. "I'm trying to finish my homework."
"You have to sleep now," Esme said. "I came to make sure you were tucked in."
"No," Edward said putting his pen down, "you came to butt in my business. No go and send Bella up, I need her for something."
"She is sleeping."
"Then wake her up."
Esme marched over to his bed, turned down his quilts and then went over to him. "Bed."
"You can't tell me what to do!"
"Edward you are seventeen, not seven, now go to bed before I call your father."
Edward glowered at her and threw his books closed and stood. "Fine, but I won't sleep."
"Yes you will," Esme promised. "You always do." Edward tried to stifle a yawn but Esme saw it. "See."
"You're so hugely irritating!"
"Esme knows best," she said, "your father instructed me to take care of you and I am going to obey his orders."
"Esme that was when I was little," he reminded her.
"You still are," she said. He peeled off his shirt and threw it on the floor. "Hamper."
"No," Edward said. Esme sighed. Edward laid down and Esme tucked him in. "I'm old enough to tuck myself in."
"And I am old enough to wish you were still seven and manageable," Esme said. "Or rather an infant and relatively silent."
Edward stuck his tongue out at her and she gave him a look.
"When are you going to stop treating me like a baby?" he asked.
"When you stop acting like one," Esme said, "now goodnight."
Edward huffed and rolled onto his side. Esme turned out the lights and closed his door. "Master Jasper you too!"
"I'm not tired!" Jasper called back
"I heard that yawn!"
Edward decided that even though she was human Esme had magical powers. She always knew when they were up to something. At least Jasper had it easy, he only slept once a month at best. Edward still had his bi-weekly bedtime that Esme strictly enforced. He had at least five or six years left of that sleeping nonsense and he wasn't happy about it. He rolled onto his back and sighed. Why did she care what he did to Bella anyway? He strained to hear every voice in the mansion until he found the one he wanted. Alice's high mental voice caught his attention and he looked through her eyes.
"What did he do to you?" Alice asked as she point ointment on Bella's back. Bella hissed at the cold medication.
"Whipped me," Bella said, "it was just...being naked in front of him alone..."
"Did he do anything?!"
"If he did you'd be lucky," Jessica said, "Master Edward is gorgeous!"
"No, just touched me a few times," Bella said quietly, "bragged about his sexual prowess."
"Oh my god I walked in on him and his girlfriend once," Rachel said, "he is probably amazing!"
"Can we stop flattering him?" Alice snapped.
"The entire time I just saw mom and what they did to her...I froze and he stopped."
"Why did he stop?" Alice asked, smoothing the bandage on her back.
"I don't know, I guess because he saw how scared I was. What they did to mom..."
Edward pulled away. He had what he needed to know. Esme was playing mother to Bella and Alice as well and he knew all too well how she got when one of her babies was hurt. His phone rang and he picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Edward! Are you busy?"
"Sleeping," Edward sighed.
"Oh, boo, listen how about I come and stay with you for break, how does that sound?"
"Perfect," Edward said with a smile, "I'll see you in a few weeks!"
"Alright! I love you Eddie!"
"Aw Tanya you know how I hate that name," he moaned.
Tanya laughed. "I love you anyway," she giggled.
"I love you too. Bye."
He hung up and sighed. Tanya coming to stay would make his father happy. Anything that pointed in the right direction towards a nice marriage. Edward closed his eyes and sighed again. He didn't open them again and drifted off into a deep sleep.
TBC
I still hate hell week and finals! I've been distracted from papers by a book and now I'm addicted to yet another vampire series. Damn writers and their interesting plot lines with their hot vampires!