Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or anything affiliated with it. All characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. I do own this storyline, please be original and don't copy. :) TY!
Chapter 8
EPOV
Isabella was going to them. She had decided to sacrifice herself in order to save everyone else.
Maybe I should let her go, but I knew that I would not be able to live with myself, if I did. My feet immediately quickened their pace and I ran as swiftly as my legs would carry me. I had to stop her before she reached them. If necessary, I would force her to hide. Without my Isabella, I was nothing. I would rather die than let them take her.
"Isabella, wait!" I shouted.
She did not look back, but I knew that I would catch her easily. She was not running her fastest. As I reached out to grab her wrist, someone seized my arm and knocked me to the ground.
The sensation caused me to gasp for air. Looking up I noticed that I was surrounded by at least a dozen of those dogs. The monster named Jacob had a secure hold around Isabella's waist. I realized that we were on the outskirts of their village.
I jumped to my feet yelling at the top of my voice, "Let Isabella go right now! If you do not, I will not rest until I see you dead." I pointed straight at Jacob.
Off to the side, I became aware of a woman who was about the same height as Jacob. She walked up next to him and gave me an appraising scoff. "He is feisty Jacob, how about letting me keep him for myself?"
Jacob sneered, "I would kill this man before I let him live in the same village as Isabella. It's obvious she has feelings for him. Feelings which I must sever.
He gestured to me, "If you know what's good for you, you'll go cower with the rest of your village."
"Men, bring Emmett forth. I must apologize, that he is not in better shape. We had to punish him a bit. Anyway, a deal is a deal. You may have Emmett back, and I will now take my leave with Isabella." Jacob commanded.
I saw them drag Emmett in from the deep woods. He was tied and gagged and looked horrible. He had fresh as well as old blood covering his body, and he was without any clothing.
I finally forced myself to look over at Isabella. Tears were streaming down her face. I could tell she was shaking with fear. She was looking straight at me, slowly shaking her head. Jacob whispered something in her ear to which she nodded her head.
I was a warrior, I was not meant to just stand idly by while the love of my existence was brutally taken from me. As far as I was concerned, I would rather die trying to save her, than live my life without her.
I released my dagger from its clutch, as I had done so many times before. I took in Isabella's strained expression, and I gave her my best smile. I broke into my warrior's stance and dared all those who opposed me. I saw a glimpse of fear pass through Jacob but he quickly masked it with a cocky chuckle.
"Young man, will you kill us all?" he mocked.
"My name is Edward!" I growled. "And I will kill every last one of you who stand between my love and myself!"
"Hahaha," Jacob laughed. "Okay Edward, good luck with that." He grabbed a more firm hold onto Isabella's waist and started to drag her off.
I quickly lunged toward them but one of Jacob's men instantly jumped in the way. I ambled to the side and drove my dagger into his belly. I leapt forward only to be met with another and then another man. I had killed four men before a few of them caught on to my cunning and attacked me together.
I was able to fatally wound one of the men before the second man jumped me, knocking me off balance. This created an opportunity for the third one to slice his dagger across my back. I shrunk forward in shock. As the second man was about to drive his dagger into my chest, several arrows shot through the trees. The two men near me both fell to the ground, dead.
I expertly took in my surroundings only to find that Isabella, Jacob, and the rest of his men were nowhere to be seen. I steadied myself, and took off in a run hoping to catch up with them. I felt wetness on my head as my eyes started to see a bit of red. I slowed, touching my hand to my forehead. Bringing my hand back, I discovered dark red blood. Then my vision began to blur, as I swayed from side to side.
"No" I thought. I cannot pass thought no sooner crossed my mind , then reality came crashing in, and I collapsed on the forest floor.
BPOV
Running away from Edward like that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Once Jacob grabbed hold of me, I knew there would be no going back. This was it, this would be the end. While he had me in his forceful clutch, he whispered into my ear, "I left some of my men to watch over your people. If you try to fight back, then I will command my men to kill everyone in your village. Do you understand what I am saying?"
I shook my head, yes.
I could see Edward staring into my eyes. I was so scared but I dared not move. When I realized he was going to fight to the death for me, I trembled uncontrollably. I was dragged off before I could witness the outcome of the fighting, so I do not know if Edward lives or if he is dead. He was an amazing fighter but one man could only do so much.
Now I am sitting around a fire with these fiendish madmen. They have ripped me from the only home I've ever known, and they have stolen me from my only love. Surprisingly, they had not gagged me or tied my feet. However, my wrists were securely fastened in front of me by a strong rope. I gathered that this Jacob fellow, wanted me to say whatever I wished. But, I would not give him the satisfaction of my voice.
"Well, what do you think, my mate to be? Do you think Edward is dead?" Jacob rudely asked.
I shuddered with the thought but did not reply.
Jacob chuckled, "It is okay my lovely, you will learn to respect me," He reached out, back handing me across the face. "And when I ask you a question, you will answer me. Do I make myself clear?" he asked
Looking down I nodded my head.
'Whack' once again he hit me across my cheek. "Use words Isabella," he demanded.
"Do I make myself clear," he again asked.
Tears falling down my face, I quietly replied, "Yes."
He smiled, "Good, I am glad we understand one another. Things will run so much more smoothly."
"Now then, do you think Edward is alive or dead Isabella?" Jacob asked.
"I do not know," I answered.
"Hm, well I think he is dead," Jacob mused.
"It is really too bad that you and Edward behaved the way you did. Your father and I were planning on having our joining ceremony tonight back in your village. You could have been my mate by now, and we could be consummating our union." Jacob sighed.
"Now we will have to wait until we return to my village. Such a shame, I have to wait. Oh well, there are other fun things I can do with you in the mean time," glancing at me, he continued.
"Would you like that Isabella?" Jacob asked.
""Wwwhhhat," I stuttered out.
Jacob laughed, "If we did some fun things together before we are joined?"
Tanya jeered, "Jacob, I am pretty sure she does not want your hands all over her yet."
Jacob glared at Tanya then he looked over at me, "Isabella, I do not think that is true. Tell Tanya you can not wait to have my hands all over your body."
Knowing the consequences if I was to disagree, I lied, "Yes Jacob you are right."
"Hahaha," Jacob snickered, "See my sister, I told you she wants me as much as I want her."
Tanya shook her head and walked off while Jacob scooted closer to me grabbing a handful of my hair. He twisted it between his thumb and fingers inhaling my scent.
"Mmm, Isabella you smell so good, I can not wait to taste you," Jacob breaths into my neck.
I hold perfectly still being careful not to quaver at his nearness. Then Jacob yanked on my hair imploring me to look at him.
"Next time my lovely, you need to sound a bit more believable. Do you understand?" he lowly asks.
"Yes Jacob, I am sorry," I answer softly.
Letting go, Jacob patted my shoulder, "Good, get some rest. We will continue our journey in a few hours."
Once he is no longer watching me, I shiver all over. He creeps me out unlike anyone I have ever met. I hate to think what it will be like to be his mate. I curl myself into a fetal position and rest my head on the forest floor. My only hope is that somehow Edward and the others are safe. My life is nothing in comparison to the rest of theirs. I hope Edward will not come after me. I hope he will try to move on and be happy. If anyone deserves it, it is he. Goodnight Edward, please forget me.
EPOV
I woke up in my lodge, the morning light was streaming in. My head hurt terribly and my body ached all over. I looked over to my left and discerned my brother Emmett lying on a pile of furs. Rosalie lay curled up next to him, fast asleep. She looked extremely exhausted.
Emmett turned his head toward me letting me know that he was also awake.
"Hey bro, how are you feeling?" Emmett asked.
"Argh, like a failure!" I seethed hitting the ground with my fist.
Jumping to my feet, I began looking for my weapons.
"Edward take it easy. You cannot take them on all alone. We need to devise a plan with the other warriors," Emmett tried to reason.
"We will do no such thing," says the Chief as he breezed in.
My father Carlisle walked in behind the Chief and said, "Chief Bill, I really think we should meet in the council lodge and discuss this with everyone. After how they attacked us, I feel it is time that we draw the line. This can not continue as it has for so many years."
"I have made my decision and signed a treaty. They will no longer come into our village unannounced. In the future we will discuss who marries who," the Chief argued.
"Isabella and I were a few short sentences from being joined. The fact that you agreed to a treaty with them is a huge injustice. If we do not go after them, I will go by myself," I roar at the Chief.
"Edward, calm yourself, I will not tolerate you raising your voice toward me," the Chief quietly speaks.
I finished collecting my weapons and stormed out of the lodge. I would not listen to anymore nonsense. Every moment sitting here doing nothing, are moments lost. Who knew what they were doing to Isabella or how far they had gotten.
My father rushed up behind me, "Please son calm down. I will not let you go alone. Just give me a little time. No matter what the Chief says, you will have our help."
I sigh, "Father, in my heart, she is already my mate. There will never be another for me. I am going to throw a bag together with food and water. Afterwards, I will leave. If you have people together by then, of course I will be happy for their help."
My father patted me on the back, "I understand Edward. I will leave you now and gather those who are willing to come with us. We will deal with the Chief when we return, if we return."
I smile grimly at him and walk away to put things together.
Jasper came to my side. "Edward, I am coming with you."
I nod, "Of course, get ready."
I am not in the mood for chitchat right now; my focus is getting to Isabella as fast as I can.
Jasper hurried off.
Esme, my mother strolled up to me, "Edward, I love you my son and I will be joining you and your father."
I smile, "And I love you mother, therefore, I would expect nothing less."
I continued to my lodge and packed what I needed. I made a quick stop down at the stream to fill up water bags. I noticed Emmett there doing the same thing.
"Emmett, are you coming," I ask.
"I would not miss it," he breaths. "Edward, before we go, there is something I need to tell you."
I looked up at my brother, "Emmett, I know about you and Rosalie, it is okay I understand. In fact, I am very happy for you both."
He sighed, "Thank you, that means a lot to me but Edward there is something else. Something I did before, that I am not proud of."
I cut him off, "Emmett, I am sure whatever it is, we will work it out. You are my brother, and I love you but now we need to get moving."
Emmett bows his head, "Edward, I am the one who tried to rape Isabella, and almost killed Jasper."
I stopped moving. Is he kidding? This is nothing to joke about. Especially right now. I had really thought James was guilty. I looked over at Emmett. He is bent over, his face is in his hands, and tears are running down his cheeks. I, I think he is serious, but how could he do such a thing. That is not Emmett, my brother is not like that.
Emmett sniffled, "Edward, I was in a bad place. I had always been so envious of you and what you had. Our parents always doted on you. First born, best warrior, and then Isabella would be yours too. I was not thinking clearly at that time. All I could think about was making her mine before she became yours. At first, I just tried to spend more time with her, yah know, get her to notice me. It just never worked, and then finally I resorted to trying to force her."
Emmett looked over at me sadly, "I want you to know how much I regret my actions. If I could, I would take them back but I can not. All I can do now is be honest and try to redeem myself in some way."
I was dumbfounded. I was too shocked to move or do anything. Seeing my mother walk down to the stream, shook me out of my stupor. I lunged connecting forcefully with Emmett. Bringing my fists repeatedly to him.
"How could you?" I shout. "She was like your sister!"
I did not give him any time to respond, as I slammed his face into the water. It soon registered with me that Emmett was not fighting back. I knew I should try to calm down but all I could think about is the look of fear on Isabella's face after her attack. My own brother betrayed us.
My Father soon arrived and yanked me off Emmett. "What has gotten into you Edward?" he asked.
I shook my head trying to clear it, "Emmett, is the one who almost raped Isabella."
My father gasped, "Edward, are you certain?"
Emmett is struggling for breath yet he is able to bring himself back to a standing position. His hands are out in front of him.
"Father, let me explain," he begs. "I was not in a good place, I know it was wrong."
My mother, always the voice of reason rests a calming hand on my shoulder.
"Edward, you can not murder your own brother. You are far too good for that. We can see that Emmett feels guilty. Let us give him a chance to explain himself," Esme calmly states.
"He did explain," I fumed. "Did you know he and Rosalie are now mates?"
Rosalie, who had just walked down to where we were, struck me across the face.
"That was not they way I wanted to tell everyone Edward, how could you?" she screams.
Emmett reached over pulling Rosalie close to him. I see a tenderness in him now, that had not been present before. He gently caressed her face trying to soothe her. She relaxed into him.
"Rosalie and I are mates. Being with her has taught me what real love is and I love her more than anything else, " Emmett said.
I run my hand through my hair, "Fine, I will not kill you but I do not forgive you, not yet any way. I have other things I need to focus on, and I have already wasted too much time standing here talking to all of you."
I looked to my father, "Have you collected everyone you can? I am finished and I am leaving."
As I said this, I noticed twenty some men, mostly warriors walking down to the stream where we were standing. Jasper, Mike, and Tyler are among them.
My father noticed my gaze and smiled, "Yes Edward, a lot of people are sick of our enemies as well. We will no longer tolerate them."
I smiled and nodded, "Good but please understand father, I will go as quick as I can and I will wait for no man."
Carlisle replied, "I understand my son." He looked over at everyone else. "Thanks to all of you who volunteered to help rescue the Chief's daughter. We will go quickly."
I bowed my head in gratitude to everyone and set off to rescue Isabella.
EMPOV
My talk with Edward had went better than I had expected, being that I was still alive. Really, he had every right to kill me but he did not. Hey, if the roles were reversed and someone had hurt Rosy like that, I think I would have killed them. Hopefully, I could somehow prove to Edward and everyone else how truly sorry I am.
I looked at Rosalie, her face was damp from crying. I needed to get going; everyone else had already left.
I cupped her face in my hand, "Rosy, I love you so much! You know that baby."
I wrapped my other arm around her, pulling her close to me. "I have to go now, you know I cannot let them get away with what they have done."
Rosalie sniffled, "Emmett, there are so many already. You need not go. I just got you back, just stay with me."
I want more than anything to tell her that I will stay. "Aw, Rosy girl, it will be okay, I will be back soon."
She wrapped her arms tightly around me bringing her lips to meet mine. I kiss her back just as passionately.
"Come back to me soon," she breaths.
I smile, "I will."
With that, I grabbed my pack and ran off to catch up with the rest of the group.
