Here is chapter 6, I hope you like it. I'm already working on chapter seven and hopefully it will be out in the next week. If I get motivation I may finish writing it tonight and post it tomorrow or this weekend; we'll just have to see.
"Dr. Cullen!" Aniela cried again.
The tall, pale, blonde haired doctor turned at the sound of his name. His face showed his shock, just as Aniela's showed her absolute happiness.
"Aniela?" He questioned, sounding surprised.
Smiling widely Aniela nodded, rushing toward the man. "Yes, yes it's me!" She said with joy.
Ambrosia was taken aback as she eyed the man. He was a vampire, that much was obvious, but he wasn't like the Masters. As the two approached the vampire Ambrosia could see that his eyes were what were so different. They weren't a harsh red like the Master's; his were a liquid golden color that seemed to shine in the light.
"Aniela, wha…? I mean how are you here?" Carlisle asked the teenage girl in front of him.
"We escaped the castle and had just gotten on the street when I saw you. I can't believe you're here! You have no idea how happy I am to see you!" Aniela said all in one breath, her heart racing with something good for once.
Carlisle still seemed a little shell shocked, but as reality began to sink in he quickly let his keen eyes scan their surroundings, looking for any sign that any of the Volturi were around. Seeing nothing that suggested the dangerous vampires were anywhere in the vicinity Carlisle gently took Aniela's arm and led her to the elevators.
"Come, we can discuss everything in further detail back in the hotel room." Carlisle said as he pushed the call button for the elevator.
Ambrosia, still held by Aniela's grip, followed the two to the strange machine. It was unlike anything she had ever seen. The great shiny doors slid sideways and opened with a ding, revealing a small room with gold tinted walls. Ambrosia knew that she'd been sheltered, the Masters' never granting her permission to leave the castle, and she knew there were many things she didn't know about. But it was fascinating; the small box-like room the three of them stepped into. She watched as the vampire pushed one of the many buttons and it lit up with a number 4. The doors slide back closed and Ambrosia stumbled, grabbing frantically for the metal handle beside her, as the room gave a small jolt and began to move. Startled she watched as numbers were illuminated above the door. 2…3…4…- there was another ding as the doors once again slid open. Aniela and the vampire stepped out of the room and, wanting to be left behind, Ambrosia quickly followed suit.
Aniela was so ecstatic; she had successfully escaped the Volturi Castle, she made it out alive and now she was with Carlisle. Her luck had done an absolute one-eighty turn. At this rate she thought she would have a pretty good chance at winning the lotto. But with that thought cane another.
"Dr. Cullen, what are you doing here?" She asked, looking at the man beside her questioningly.
Carlisle looked down at her as they neared the hotel room he'd paid for. "You didn't think Jacob would just let you stay in the Volturi's possession and not come to save you, did you?" The good doctor shook his head with a small chuckle, "No, Jacob convinced the pack to let him come and try to get you back."
Aniela froze in her tracks, her eyes going wide and staring blankly at Dr. Cullen. "Jacob," She whispered, "Jacob is here?"
Carlisle nodded, a true smile coming to his face. "Of course he is. He's in room 431."
Before anything else could be said Aniela tore through the hallway, the cloak she had draped over her arm falling to the floor without a care. Both Carlisle and Ambrosia watched her retreating form for a few moments.
Aniela's legs and lungs screamed at her for the sudden unexpected exercise after such a long time of being sedentary. But the slight pain went away as adrenaline pumped. Aniela's eyes hungrily sought out the numbers she was looking for.
428…429…430…431! She skidded to a halt, looking at the numbers mounted on the golden plaque on the door in front of her. Her chest heaved with her effort to collect air, but she paid no attention to it as she stepped up to the door.
Rising her hand she pounded on the cool wood, not caring that she was being unnecessarily loud. A few seconds passed and there was no answer. Feeling her heart constrict with fear of not getting an answer Aniela frantically knocked again, continuing until she heard something.
"Hang on!" A gruff low toned voice called from inside the room.
But her pounding only grew faster, more frantic, at the sound of the voice. There was a growl from behind the wood before the door was harshly jerked opened.
"Wha…" The rude question trailed off as the boy looked at Aniela. Aniela let her eyes rush over the boy in front of her, her heart racing as she took in his familiar looks. Seth's mouth was open in shock, his eyes wide. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but before he could collect his thoughts enough to do so Aniela was moving again.
With strength she didn't know she possessed Aniela shoved around the boy in front of her and into the main part of the hotel room. Her eyes fiercely scanned the room, her mind barely registering how nice the place was and that Embry was sitting in a fancy love seat a few feet away. Aniela's whole being was focused completely on one thing, the only thing she needed and wanted at the moment. And as her gaze moved to the beds across the room she found it.
Jacob looked shocked beyond belief as he stared at her. Aniela took a brief moment to run her eyes over him from a distance, taking in his shaggy hair, his dark skin and his chocolate eyes, before she flew across the room. She catapulted herself onto the bed, her body colliding with Jacob's and throwing both teens off the mattress and onto the floor. Neither of them seemed to notice though as Jacob's body instantly reacted to hers.
His arms closed around her body, wrapping her in the warmth she'd dreamed about for months. But this wasn't a dream, his arms around her were real, and Aniela reveled in the sensations running through her body. Jacob's earthy sent invaded Aniela's brain, the smell causing her heart to flutter and making her burry her face into his neck. She felt his arms tighten around her and she, too, tightened her hold on him.
Jacob was in absolute shock; his brain still trying to comprehend what his body and eyes were telling him. Aniela, his Aniela, was here in his arms with him. He was feeling her satin smooth skin rubbed against his, her breath warmed his neck, her arms clung to his shoulders and her silky black hair was between his fingers. She really was real, not just a figment of his imagination. The sudden urge to see her face, her eyes, slammed through Jacob with such a force that he seized Aniela's slim shoulders and held her away from his body.
His eyes devoured her, touching every part of her face, wanting her image seared into his mind for all eternity. She looked the same way he remembered, but there was something about her that had changed. Her skin was still smooth, soft and colored, but it was paler than before. Her eyes, striking blue and lit up with unadulterated joy, were slightly sunken in and droopy; they looked tired and haunted. And her normally silky, black hair wasn't as smooth as it used to be and it looked lank and a little listless as he ran his fingers through it. But she was beautiful, his angel was the most beautiful thing in his life and she was here, in his arms.
"Aniela." Jacob whispered as he bulled Aniela back to him.
Aniela smiled, happy beyond belief to be in Jacob's arms. "Jacob," She whispered back, her lips finding his cheek, his nose, chin, and forehead. She pressed kisses all over his face, savoring the moment.
Finally Jacob, unable to help himself, caught Aniela's face in his hands and captured her lips with his. The kiss was gentle, hesitant at first; each making sure the other was real. Then Jacob crushed Aniela to him, their lips bruising at the intensity. Nothing else mattered to Jacob or Aniela as they lost themselves, drowned in each other's presence. When the kiss broke Aniela buried her face in Jacob's chest, her arms around his shoulders.
Her cheek was pressed against his heart, the sound resounding in her soul. A smile broke out over her face; happiness wasn't even close to explaining what she felt, it wasn't a fraction of what she was experiencing. The presence of Jacob seemed to resonate through her whole body. Her heart eased from the constant ache that plagued it for numerous weeks. Her skin tingled with his warmth, her breathing eased and her whole body felt a billion tons lighter.
"I missed you." Aniela whispered, knowing it didn't even come close to how she really felt, her eyes tearing up with her emotions. "I can't believe you're here." She continued leaning back to look Jacob in the face.
"Believe it." He replied leaning up to her lips once more.
"Not to interrupt you," a person started, clearing their voice, "But I think it is imperative that we get some answers and then get out of her as soon as possible."
Jacob and Aniela broke away from each other, their eyes going to where Carlisle stood. Easily Jacob rose to his feet; Aniela still cradled to his chest, and nodded at Carlisle. "You're right."
Carlisle smiled at the two, quietly ignoring their wet lashes and tearing eyes. "Come, everyone is in the other room." He said turning and moving to the connected room.
Aniela kept her head resting on Jacob's shoulder, allowing herself to be carried from the room. As they entered another expensively decorated Aniela's already present smile widened even more. Embry and Seth were standing close to the door and each boy looked happy to see her.
"It's good to see you again Niels." Embry said as Jacob passed through the doorway. Seth nodded his agreement.
"You, too Embry." Aniela replied, leaning in Jacob's arms to give Embry a hug.
They walked further in, coming to a stop in the main part of the room. Aniela was a little surprised to see Edward, Alice and Jasper standing next to Carlisle, but the three nodded at Aniela; Alice smiling at her widely. She returned the friendly gesture as she let her head rest comfortably back on Jacob's shoulder.
"Good, now that we're all together again," Carlisle started, "We can hear how Ms. Pierce has come to be here."
"It will have to be the short version. I was able to book us a flight, but we need to leave in 30 minutes." Alice spoke up, getting a nod from Carlisle in return.
"Yes, that's probably a good thing. It is best that we leave as soon as possible." Everybody agreed, Aniela feeling almost light headed at the thought of really leaving.
"So, go on Niela, tell us of escape." Embry prompted Aniela.
She looked at all the people around the room, her lips turning up in a soft smile as her eyes met two toned ones. "It wasn't really me." Aniela started, "It wasn't my plan. I was locked in a room the whole time I was in that bloody castle. No, the escape plan was entirely Ambrosia's doing."
At the mention of the other girl all eyes darted toward the door where Ambrosia was standing. "And this is Ambrosia?" Carlisle asked looking at the willowy girl.
"Yes, she was already at the castle when I got there." Aniela said, nudging Jacob to set her down.
"She was already there?" Seth asked interestedly.
"Yeah, she was there when I woke up the second time." Aniela replied as she stepped toward Ambrosia.
"Does she work for those blood suckers; one of their humans who can't wait to be made into one of them?" Jacob demanded, his voice turning harsh.
There was a low grumbling growl from beside Jacob as Aniela, seeing Ambrosia flinch as if struck, whipped around to Jacob with a cry. "Jacob!" Aniela glared at him, her fists setting angrily on her hips. "I cannot believe you! You don't know her and you don't know how much she did for me! Ambrosia helped me. She fed me and talked to me and kept me from going crazy in there. She took care of me while I was trapped in that hellish place!"
Aniela was fuming. Her face was red and tears had collected on her lashes. She couldn't understand why Jacob would say such things. He didn't know how much Ambrosia really did for Aniela, how much her company kept Aniela sane enough to make it through the days. Aniela knew that if it wasn't for Ambrosia she wouldn't have been there she'd still be in that castle, lying on the bed sedated and being used like some water fountain for the Volturi to drink from whenever they pleased. It infuriated Aniela to think that anyone could say such things about the one person who cared for her during her imprisonment in hell.
The room was silent, the tension in the room now screaming in the quiet. Jacob and Aniela stared at each other, Aniela glaring tearfully and Jacob looking a little shocked. They exchanged looks for a few moments, each processing what just happened. Jacob started at Aniela before moving his eyes to Ambrosia.
He looked at her hard, trying to find any hidden treachery that could take his Aniela away again. He was thankful to the girl for helping Aniela, beyond thankful, but the fact that she was very clearly human didn't mean she was in the clear. Bella had told him about the humans the Volturi employed promising them a life changing bite when the time came. He didn't trust anyone who would work for monsters just to become one. But the look on Aniela's face told Jacob that she had already befriended Ambrosia and had a deep connection with the girl; one that Jacob obviously didn't understand yet.
With a deep breath Jacob decided that he would let the issue go for now, but he would be keeping an eye on the girl. He wasn't about to let anything take Aniela away again; he'd take out anything that tired and that included some mysterious girl.
"Alright," Jacob said moving toward Aniela. "I'm sorry Niela, it's just she could be taking advantage of an opportunity to lead the Volturi to you and I…" Jacob trailed off, pulling Aniela to him and bringing his face to her neck. "And I don't want to lose you again. He whispered, his voice soft and desperate at the thought.
Aniela melted against him. Her arms came up and warped around his shoulders, her face resting on one of his broad shoulders. She knew what he was feeling, the sense that there was still a chance for them to be ripped away from each other again. She knew how he was feeling, she was feeling it too, but she didn't believe for a one second that Ambrosia would be the one to break them apart. Aniela pulled back from Jacob's embrace slightly, her eyes catching his.
"I know what you're worried about," She said, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, "But I trust Ambrosia with my life. She is not part of the Volturi." Jacob nodded for Aniela's benefit, but he was still wary of the girl and would definitely be keeping an eye on her.
A voice cleared from the couple's right and they broke apart looking at Seth who had cleared his throat. "Guys, not that your love fest isn't simply adorable, because it is, really," Aniela laughed at that, "But we have to wrap up the story so we can get our plane back to the states."
Aniela nodded knowing the younger boy was right. She turned and walked over to Ambrosia, taking the girl's hand in her own. "Ambrosia was there when I woke up; she was at my bedside and had at tray of food for me. She pretty much nursed me back to health. And when the Volturi came in…" Aniela shuddered at the memory and quickly skipped it, not wanting to talk about it at that moment, "When the Volturi visited the last time she told me she had an escape plan and the next day we snuck out and, viola, here we are." Aniela finished giving her short version of her escape.
Carlisle looked confused and turned to the two teen girls. "But how did you escape? I doubt you just walked out in plain view."
"No, Ambrosia made a map of a tunnel and we followed it out to a street a few blocks away from here." Aniela explained.
Carlisle still didn't look satisfied. "What tunnel?" He asked Ambrosia directly.
"It was an old royalty escape tunnel. It led under the ground and out of a storm cellar to a back way between two buildings." Ambrosia replied looking at Carlisle. "I heard word of it from one of the human workers who had happed upon it long ago."
Carlisle nodded, his face showing his intrigue at such a route. "Fascinating, I'll have to ask you more about it later on, if you don't mind." He said quietly before turning back and addressing the group as a whole. "I think now would be a good time to grab our luggage and be on our way. If the Volturi haven't discovered Aniela's gone yet, they will soon."
The group made sounds of agreement and in a few minutes they were ready to leave for the air port. Jacob, Embry and Seth each had a suit case in their hand. Edward, Alice, Jasper and Carlisle had small, but expensive looking luggage cases. The four of them were dressed in cloaks like the ones Ambrosia and Aniela had worn when escaping.
Aniela stood next to Jacob, their hands clasped, as everyone rejoined in Carlisle's room. "Are we all set?" He asked looking everyone over.
"No," Aniela spoke up, catching their attention. "I don't have my passport on me and I doubt Ambrosia even has one. There's no way we can get through customs." Aniela's rationalization seemed to hit Embry, Jacob and Seth as they all three looked to the Cullens for help; they hadn't even considered that detail.
"Its fine," Edward said, waving off their concerned looks. "We've chartered a private jet to take us back. When we get to Washington we'll be landing on a small strip owned by a friend of Jasper's. We've got it all taken care of." He reassured.
Aniela and the boys smiled; gotta love having connections with vampires who have an almost unlimited amount of money. "Now that that is settled let's head out." Alice, Jasper, Edward and Carlisle exited the room first, followed by Jacob, Aniela, Ambrosia, Embry and Seth. The door closed quietly with a soft click.
Ambrosia walked toward the back of the group, trailing behind Aniela and Jacob. She was very unsettled by the past few hours. She wasn't sure what to do. She had just escaped from the only place she knew in all of Italy; left the only safe haven for her. Now she was getting ready to leave the country and enter a world completely foreign to her. Ambrosia was painfully aware how much knowledge she lacked about the modern world; she was completely in the dark and completely alone.
A stab of loneliness that Ambrosia hadn't felt for many years throbbed in her heart. She really was all alone; her family was long gone, familiar surroundings miles away, even the languages she spoke weren't hers. There was nothing left of her real life, of what she knew was home. It was gone and now Ambrosia was beginning a new life.
Yet again she was leaving behind the familiar to adventure to a new place, new people, new experiences and a new life. But at least this time the change was in her control. She could choose how to live her new life. Never one to let her fear control her Ambrosia decided that she would face her new life head on, making whatever changes she needed to in order to be happy. She was determined to be happy this time; it had been so long since she had felt the genuine joy she wanted.
But, she thought as she looked ahead at Aniela, she already had one friend and that was more than she had at the Masters' castle. A soft smile came to her face as Ambrosia thought about that; Aniela was her first friend in many years. It felt good to be able to say she had a friend and a small sense of happiness swelled in her chest, replacing the lonely throb that had been there.
That happiness, however, was quickly stomped down by apprehension as she realized the group had stopped in front of the moving metal box she had rode up to the floor. The doors dinged open and everyone loaded into the box, the three darker skinned boys taking up quite a bit of room. Ambrosia hesitated; she already wasn't fond of the machine and the lack of room present this time didn't make it seem any more appealing than before.
"Come on Ambrosia." Aniela said, reaching out and pulling her into the crowded box.
She stood next to Aniela, her side firmly pressed against the teen standing to her left. She wasn't sure who exactly she was standing next to, she hadn't been introduced to anyone yet and even if she had know his name Ambrosia wasn't taking her eyes off the numbers above the doors. Someone pushed a number on the wall panel and once again the room jerked.
"Whoa, careful there." Hot hands steadied Ambrosia as she stumbled with the elevator's movement.
"Thank you." She replied, her eyes still fixed on the numbers, counting to herself as each number lit up. They descended through the floors, it only took a few moments, but it was entirely too long for Ambrosia and she was the first one off the elevator.
"Are you ok?" Aniela asked, coming to Ambrosia as everyone else stepped off.
Ambrosia gave a small nod. "I am not accustomed to riding in such machines. I do not think I like elevators very much." She said, earning a small laugh from Aniela.
"I'm sure you'll get used to it. Come on." The two followed the group, waiting while Carlisle checked out at the front desk.
Jacob and Aniela walked outside together, their hands once again clasped and their side touching with each step. Aniela was scared to let herself get too far from Jacob. She'd been away from him for longer than she ever cared to be and she was going to make up for the time she'd lost during her imprisonment.
As they stood in front of the hotel and waited for the cars to be pulled around she couldn't stop herself from leaning against Jacob. She turned her face and pressed a flurry of soft kisses to the skin of his arm. It felt good to be able to do that again, she thought, she had missed him more than anyone else. Jacob pressed a kiss to the top of her head and Aniela smiled up at him. He returned it; pressing a kiss to her lips.
A black Mercedes pulled to a stop in front of the group followed by another identical car. Carlisle thanked the two men who stepped from the cars and traded the car keys for a generous tip. The Doctor turned to the teens behind him and handed one set of keys to Edward.
"We'll see you there." He said as Alice and Jasper loaded their luggage and got into the first car.
Edward loaded their things in the trunk and got in the driver's side and Seth sat in the passenger's seat. Jacob looked to Aniela, Embry and Ambrosia.
"It's gonna be a tight fit, but Niels can sit on my lap and we should fit just fine." He said, sliding in next to the far widow. As Aniela followed he lifted her off the seat and onto his lap, wrapping her in his arms. She snuggled contentedly into his large body, loving the seating arrangement.
Ambrosia looked at the machine in front of her, apprehensive at the thought of sitting in it.
"Would you like to sit next to Aniela or do you want to sit next to the window?" Ambrosia turned her gaze to the left at the boy next to her. He was the same one who had steadied her in the elevator, she could tell from his voice.
"I would prefer the window, please." She replied. Ambrosia chewed he lower lip for a moment, trying to keep her nerves from taking over her body. Taking a deep breath Ambrosia shook her head a little and she carefully lowered herself into the dark interior of the machine.
The seats were cool and smooth and the whole inside was very comfortable looking. But once Ambrosia closed the door and stiffly sat back in the seat the machine seemed to growl to life and started to move. Instantly the girl gasped and frantically grabbed onto whatever was closest to her to steady herself.
There was a soft chuckle from the boy beside her as her hand grasped the rough fabric of his pants. "Here," He said as he reached over Ambrosia's body and pulled something from next to her shoulder. Ambrosia looked at the long strip of material that he pulled across her chest. "The seatbelt will help protect you."
Ambrosia smiled at the teen next to her. "Thank you," She replied, pulling the seatbelt taught around her, "It does make me feel a bit safer." The boy smiled back at her. "What is your name?" Ambrosia questioned.
"Oh!" Aniela exclaimed softly, lightly hitting her hand to her head, "I completely forgot about introductions. Ambrosia, this is Embry, Seth and Jacob." Aniela said pointing to each boy in turn. "They're the boys from the reservation I told you about. And the guy driving is Edward Cullen; he's related to Dr. Cullen, Alice and Jasper."
Ambrosia dipped her head slightly and looked to the newly introduced people in the car. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"You, too Ambrosia," Seth said, glancing back at her. Jacob merely grunted softly and Edward nodded back at her from the front, giving a slight smile through the rearview mirror.
"It's nice to meet you, too." Embry said, smiling at her and holding out his hand.
Ambrosia shook his hand, noting how hot his skin was. His skin was a few shades darker than hers, Ambrosia noticed as she looked at their clasped hands. Turning her eyes to his face Ambrosia took in Embry's features. He wasn't the pretty, flawless faced men that Ambrosia had been around for the longest time, and she was quite happy to meet a guy who was handsome and not perfect.
He had dark hair, the length not quite reaching his shoulders, the color resembling the rich soil in the gardens at the castle. His eyes were lighter than his hair, but held an intense array of emotions; emotions that Ambrosia had a feeling many didn't take the time to see. His nose was long and straight and came to an end at a slightly upturned tip. Full lips smiled at her, looking a little misplaced on such a wide jaw. A jaw that, Ambrosia noticed, had a small dimple in the chin.
No, Embry wasn't perfect like the Masters' were, he was uniquely handsome and Ambrosia felt her heart flutter slightly in excitement at the change. She gave him one small smile before pulling her hand and eyes away from him.
The rest of the ride was quiet; Jacob and Aniela were focused on each other. They were silent as they absorbed each other's presence, happy to stay that way for as long as possible. Jacob hadn't moved his arms from Aniela's body and he didn't plan to anytime soon. He wanted to keep her where she belonged, wrapped in his arms with him; nowhere else except with him. Having her with him was something he'd never take for granted again.
Jacob had felt as though he was complete again; Aniela's presence filling the hole that had been there for the past five months. And as he looked down at Aniela's dark hair Jacob felt himself take a deep, full breath of the scent he'd tortured himself with. Aniela's natural fragrance danced around him in an alluring current, making him drunk with the wonderful smell and the happiness it brought with it. And he was, Jacob realized, for the first time in five months he was truly happy again.
Please review and let me know what you think of this story so far. I know some of you are wondering if Ambrosia is going to mention the abrotion to Aniela and I'm still trying to decide if she's going to or not. But I hope that those of you who are a little on the fence about Ambrosia will wait a little longer, she has a really interesting back story and it will explain a lot about her character. Anyway I was thinking of writing an Emmett story, but I want to know if anyone will read it if I do so let me know if it'd be something worth writing. Thanks, see you at the next update.