A/N; Beta'd by Fran, as usual. All remaining mistakes are mine.

Chapter Eight.

I heard those words and they tore me in two, yet, at the same time, they gave me hope.

So many lies, so many questions.

The woman I called Mother wasn't my actual mother, and Dad ... Charlie ... wasn't my father? How could this be true? Because, if it was, then everything I knew about myself had been one big lie.

But why would they do that?

Moreover, how did I end up with them to begin with?

I gazed up into the kind, dark brown eyes of Carlisle Whitlock and I knew beyond a doubt that I was going to faint. I felt a rush of nausea settle in my stomach just as my head to spin dangerously. I'd never fainted before, but what else could this be.

As I began to sway, I heard Carlisle curse softly as his arms caught me. I felt my body lifted and placed on cool leather. I glanced up, saw a car roof, and realized that I was inside his expensive-looking Jaguar.

I still felt absolutely no threat from this man.

And that odd sense of safety remaining as he smoothed my hair back from my forehead.

Every fiber in my body just knew that I could trust him with myself.

The nausea retreated slowly as my spinning head stilled. My thoughts bombarded me with things I wasn't yet ready to face. And I flinched as I recalled my dad, and how much I loved him, even now. He'd been my rock for so long. My everything; how could he have lied to me about something so important?

My entire life was a lie.

"How is this possible?" I croaked out at last, my eyes desperately seeking Carlisles gaze.

I didn't bother to refute his claim.

I didn't need to.

Instincts so deep they seemed primeval, told me that he spoke the truth.

His eyes softened as he looked at me. "I'm sorry Bella. I should have waited, perhaps prepared you. You must forgive my eagerness; it's one of my worst faults. However, when I saw you at Charlie's house that day you answered the door, I just knew even though I had never seen you up close. I still cant believe that he would have been so stupid as to hide you there. It seems as though I had forgotten that they often say; to hide something well is to hide it in plain sight. I suppose I had always believed that maybe just maybe I'd been wrong."

"About what?"

"About how my friend betrayed me with my wife; how he lied to my face time and again. When I told him that I knew about their affair, I also told him that Esme wanted nothing more to do with him. She was carrying my child and we wanted to be left alone. Esme was my life ... you both were. I saw nothing but her and I was besotted with you. Nevertheless, they restarted their affair after your birth and I was none the wiser. Charles was dating a socialite named Rene Dinsmore; they also had a baby daughter much the same age as you were. It was only afterwards that I realized..." Carlisle grimaced as he gazed unseeingly at the window.

"What did you realize?" I prompted.

Carlisle's gaze slid back to me as a small smile tugged at his mouth. "I shouldn't tell you all this now. It's too much too soon. But I will tell you everything eventually. I swear."

I shrugged as I sat up gingerly, "I'm not that fragile, Carlisle. I'd like to know. There is so much I don't understand..."

He cleared his throat and smiled at me sadly. "I finally realized that Charles had always believed that you were his daughter ... when nothing could be further from the truth. Esme and I had reconciled, but I had asked her for a DNA test and she had obliged. You were ... are ... my daughter, not Charlie's. Esme and I didn't last long after your abduction. She blamed me for your loss and she hated me for being who I am. I'm a businessman, Bella and until the night you disappeared, my work always came first. I blamed myself for not taking more care, for not doing enough, for not being there and for so many things. So I set out to find you."

I stared at him wide-eyed as I imagined several scenarios. Had Dad, I mean Charlie, stolen me? It seemed very likely. Was that why Rene hated me so much? What had happened to their daughter?

My head began to spin again and I collapsed weakly against the seat. "Are you okay? Should I take you inside?" He asked concern plain in his pleasantly deep voice. It soothed me, although I didn't know why.

I shook my head with a grimace. "No, I'm okay. I don't want them asking questions." I lay back and closed my eyes tightly as tears I hadn't known were there overflowed.

"What now?" I asked at last. "Where do we go from here? It's all such a nightmare."

I opened my eyes a little and saw a determined expression cross Carlisle's face. "It's up to you Bella. It's truly is in your hands. I can provide the evidence you need to believe that I'm your father if you'd like. I don't want you to have any doubts about this."

A tiny smile trembled on my lips. "I'd like to see the proof, but I don't need it. I know."

"What do you know?"

"I know that you're my father. I can feel it. It's a connection that goes deep. Don't ask me to explain; it's simply a gut instinct that I trust."

A brief grin spread across his face and was gone just as quickly. "I've always trusted my gut too. It's the surest way to know if something is right without viable proof. Seems like you are a true Whitlock."

A surge of belonging swept through me leaving me exhilarated and lonely all at once. This man was my father, but I didn't know him, I knew Charlie.

Charlie was made of down-to-earth humor and fishing poles, whereas Carlisle was sophisticated and dangerous. His soft-spoken manner didn't fool me; I could sense the steel will that existed beneath the handsome exterior and good manners.

I felt safe with Carlisle but I was pretty sure others didn't.

My heart grew heavy as the implications hit home more profoundly. I was going to have to choose, this I knew.

How was I going to tell Charlie?

How was I going to tell him that I knew the truth?

How would I explain to him that I knew he had stolen me and perhaps I'd like to go back to where I belonged?

How did one find the words to say all that to the man who had raised me?

"I will work it out, Bella. You don't need to do anything. I will protect you and I will make sure you're happy; nothing is an obstacle, now that I've found you. I'd move heaven and earth for you."

Carlisle stroked my hair once again and leaned over to press a kiss to my forehead. His scent enveloped me and for a split second, a long forgotten memory flashed through my mind.

"Good night Mia, Daddy loves you..." As quickly as it came, it was gone and I shook my head slightly to rid myself of the lingering melancholy, which usually followed that particular dream.

Who was Mia? I'd never known.

I smiled up at Carlisle and struggled to sit.

"I'd better get back to class. I don't want to arouse suspicion or anything."

He nodded and his face was an odd mixture of happiness and pain. "I'm terribly sorry about how I told you, Bella. I hope you'll understand one day. Your children are part of your heart and if you lose them, you're never the same again. Finding you has made all the difference in the world to me, I'm finally whole. Will you meet me again soon to talk more? Can I call you?"

"Yes, I'd like that." I smiled. His wording struck me and I knew there was more to my story. "Children? Do you have others?"

"I have a son and ... you."

Shock once again filled me ... I had a brother. "What's his name?"

Carlisle smiled softly. "Jasper."

The name somehow sounded familiar, although I couldn't remember having ever met someone with such an unusual name. "I hope to meet him one day," I said softly, my voice wavering annoyingly.

"Sooner than later Bella. When we meet again, we can talk about how we are going to handle this situation. I have a plan in mind, but I want to discuss it with you first. Is that okay?"

"Yes," I said. "That's fine. Goodbye, Carlisle."

I quickly stepped out of the Jaguar and made my way inside on wobbly legs. I didn't go to class because I couldn't bare the prying eyes I imagined would follow me. I went straight to my dorm. Shutting the curtains, I sat on my bed and stared at the wall; I felt hot and yet my skin was damp.

How was all this possible?

I had an entire family to which I actually belonged and yet I'd never known about them.

My vision blurred and then I realized that I was crying. With ugly sobs, I slowly sank onto my side, burying my face in the starchy white sheets in a desperate bid to hide my crying from prying ears.

Rose.

I needed her so badly.

My best friend and almost sister was the only person I felt I could talk to.

She would understand.

With shaky hands, I tapped the start of her number onto my screen and sighed in relief as her saved number appeared. I hit dial without another thought.

"Bella? Are you okay?" Her husky sweet voice made me smile through my tears.

"Rose I need you. Nothing is okay. Can you talk? Please say that you can." I didn't question how she'd known that I was upset; we had always been like that, sensing what was wrong with the other before it was obvious to anyone else.

She was my other half.

"What's wrong babe? I'm here for you; you know I'm always here..."

And so, I told her everything I knew.

.

.

Life went on.

Even when it felt like my whole universe had imploded, life still perversely seemed to continue. Conspiracy theories raced around my mind and I rarely slept peacefully anymore, my mind constantly under attack by thoughts of my parents lies and of Edward's engagement. I was adrift in a sea of indecision and I didn't know how to get rid of the turmoil my life had become. Charlie called me again and asked me if I'd spoken or heard from anyone. By anyone, I knew that he meant Carlisle. I said no and for once, I felt no remorse at my lie.

They had done far worse to me.

Charlie told me of a house they had finally decided upon in Miami of all places. I forced a little enthusiasm and Charlie sounded convinced that I'd come around eventually. I would, of course, go to school closer to the city where we'd be living so this school would be a thing of the past soon. I realised afresh that my needs and wants didn't feature into my parents' decisions at all. I was simply a movable chess piece, easily moved around and rendered soulless by their lack of interest in any of what I wanted or needed.

I felt as if I could stand in the same room as them and scream at the top of my lungs, and neither would even notice or pause for a second in their quest for what they wanted. Of course, Mother never had cared enough to ask me what I thought or what I wanted. This was nothing new for her.

My birthday had come and gone and a call from Charlie and a short stilted conversation with Rene were my only rewards. I had spoken to Rose and Alice before the day and I simply got texts from them.

There was no word from Edward or Carlisle and I felt forlorn. Didn't Carlisle know that it was my birthday? Edward did, I knew. Maybe he felt that since he'd given me my gift that was enough. The weight of the chain and pendant around my neck was comforting and I coiled it around a single finger absentmindedly as I recalled the strength of the emotions that Edward inspired in me.

Thoughts of his fiancée pushed their way into my thoughts and suddenly I felt angry. I was angry at my youth and inexperience. I wished that I were good enough, old enough to be on Edward's arm in those media pictures. I wanted him to be able to claim me as his before the entire world.

But who was I kidding? That wouldn't happen. Especially if Edward got married before I had a chance to grow up enough to be considered eligible for him.

Feeling masochistic, I Googled the name I felt my mind had been branded with; Bree Cavendish. I wasn't prepared for the anger I felt at the sight of her lovely, untroubled beauty. Her hair was as deep a brown as mine was with highlights streaking its dark length. Her face was flawless and poised, her figure tall and willowy. She was everything I felt I wasn't. Moreover, she was in her late twenties according to the articles that accompanied the pictures. A perfect age to compliment the illustrious Mr. Edward Cullen, I thought with acidic sarcasm.

Only she hadn't just spent an entire weekend alone with him or had she, my traitorous mind asked. After all, I was the fill in woman.

My hands shaking, I shut down that search, and without meaning to, typed in the name of Carlisle Whitlock.

A multitude of articles appeared with his name attached to them, I frowned as I saw the heading of the latest.

"Head of the global tech giant J&C Enterprises, Mr. Carlisle Whitlock, has announced an expansion proposal for the year 2016, which will blow most of his competition, out of the proverbial water. He has revealed that several competitors have agreed to mergers, which will prove beneficial to all concerned. This announcement comes after numerous refusals from these same companies of having anything to do with the sometimes-rumored, unethical business practices of the global giant J&C Enterprises."

And then;

"Carlisle Whitlock's name is once again a topic for hot debate amongst the LAPD, who believe that he is involved in the most recent stash of cocaine seized last week. Sources say that there is little to link Mr. Whitlock to the case, but police chief Jacob Black believes that he is at the heart of a crime syndicate, which spans the globe. He has sworn to find a lead which links the two..."

I stared at the screen in shock. Was my father a crime Lord? A mob boss? Fear and then awe swelled in my chest as I realized that Carlisle Whitlock lived very differently to Charles Swan.

They were, in fact, worlds apart. How had they ever been friends?

.

.

.

More time passed, and the days blended into one another into a uniformed hell. I hated it so much. Even Anne and I grew apart as my moodiness continued. I felt that I couldn't confide in her, so I pushed her away

Carlisle called me late one night and I hesitated when I saw his recently added number appear on my screen.

"Hello, Bella." He greeted me, a warmth seeping across countless miles and an unseen cellular connection. I smiled despite myself. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. I expected you to call sooner." I couldn't help myself; my hurt feelings were demanding retribution.

"I've called as soon as I could. Sorry about the delay, but I've been busy."

"So I've heard."

"Have you been checking up on me Bella?" He asked and I could hear the smile in his voice.

"Yes, I have," I replied boldly.

"Good." He responded in kind. I wouldn't expect any less of my daughter."

A warm glow of acceptance shimmered through me and I found myself smiling again.

"Did you know that it was my birthday last week?" I asked pointedly.

A chuckled sounded over the line and he answered; " No, it wasn't."

"What do you mean, of course, it was my birthday. April 10th has always been my birthday."

"No, that was their daughter's birthday. Yours isn't for a few months yet, and I swear that I will throw you the biggest party known to man to celebrate your eighteenth birthday."

More shock filled me, I should perhaps be used to the sensation by now, but I wasn't.

"Carlisle, which day was I born? I won't be eighteen until next year..." I spluttered as realization came to me that my parents had lied even more than I'd first thought.

"Bella, you were born on the 13th of September 1997. Which would make you nearly eighteen years -old."

I nodded even though I knew he couldn't see; words having deserted me.

The lies, all of it was just too much.

Too much to forgive.

"Bella? Are you okay?"

I cleared my throat and forced my voice to reply. "Yes, Carlisle, I'm all right, really. I'm just wondering how they could have done this to me when even my birthday was a lie. How could they?"

A strangled sob broke through my careful demeanor and I tried my hardest to hold it in, but it was too late, it was too much.

There was a deep sigh from him, "I'm sorry sweetheart, and I'm thoughtless; once again I've rushed things. But that's just me, as you'll realize one day. Forgive me?" The endearment slipped out and it was sweet, I once again had that feeling of belonging swarm over me, making me feel warm and protected.

"Yes, I do. I'm sorry for being weak. I'm just overwhelmed ... I hate this."

"The reason I called you Bella is that my plan is ready to go into action and I need your consent before I proceed. If you're not ready, it's fine. But I need you in on this."

"Okay ... what's the plan?" I asked hesitantly. I wasn't sure I could handle any more surprises.

"I want to take you away, Bella. Away from the continental U.S. Will you let me?"

My breath froze and I gasped, possibilities going this way and that through my already-traumatized mind. "Away from here? Where? And why now?"

"Charles is going to move you again. He's trying to hide you from me, Bella, and I can't lose you again. It seems that he's gotten wind that I'm close to finding you. Little does he know. .."

"Oh God..." I moaned. "Now it all makes sense; the new house, the move, all of it. I don't know what to think ... or what to say. I'm sorry..."

"Ssshhh, Isabella. It's fine. It's natural for you to feel this way, but eventually I want you to take your rightful place as my daughter. I will not lose you again. Please understand."

"I do."

"Will you come with me?"

"When?"

"Tomorrow."

It was so soon.

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest as excitement and fear danced through me.

This would change my life forever.

I was scared and unsure, and yet I trusted Carlisle completely.

"Okay." I found myself saying. "I'll do it."

"Good. My man Demetri will be in touch shortly. I trust him implicitly. He will tell you step by step what needs to be done. Trust him. I do."

"I understand. How will he know where to find me?"

"He knows where you are Bella. He's been watching you for the past week."

"What? Like a bodyguard?" I asked my voice choked.

"His is my personal bodyguard. I wouldn't send any lesser man to take care of you. I don't leave anything to chance."

I silently digested this information. "Okay. I'll wait to hear from Demetri."

"I'll see you soon." Carlisle said ending the conversation.

"Wait, where are you taking me?" I asked suddenly curious and worried.

"You'll know when you land and not before. It's safer that way sweetheart. Trust me."

"I do."

And strangely I did.

"Goodbye, Isabella. See you soon."

"Goodbye," I whispered my voice feeling choked by tears.

The phone line went dead and I sat there in silence. I would have to say goodbye to Edward now.

My entire being rebelled against that particular farewell. Tears threatened and I brushed them away angrily. He didn't really want me, I told myself ruthlessly. Would he even care?

I sent a text message, my fingers shaking badly as I typed.

I'm leaving again.

I waited as the minutes ticked by softly before the grandfather clock in the downstairs hall called the hour with ten loud gongs. My phone lit up as a reply came through. It was from Edward.

I'm sorry I've been swamped. Where are you going this time?

I typed furiously, anger making my fingers faster.

I can't tell you where I'm going. I don't know when I'll see you again.

Almost at once a reply came.

Why can't you tell me? Are you telling me that we're over?

I stared at the words, tears now falling freely as I typed.

I'm just a distraction for you from your real life, Edward. You don't need me. So I guess I am telling you goodbye.

A moment passed and then two before the next message came, flooring me with its honesty.

Bella, I wish you were older and someone else's daughter, then it would all be different.

The message was filled with more feeling than most he'd sent me.

Little did he know that I was someone else's daughter.

Bree is good enough, isn't she? I'm no one. Goodbye Edward. I replied.

A second past and then my phone began to ring.

Edward's number repeatedly flashed at me, matching my frantic heartbeat. I hesitated before answering.

Did I want to speak to him?

I held it to my ear without a word and waited. His surprisingly unsteady breaths filled my ears as he spoke without greeting.

"How do you know about her?" He asked. At my silence he continued, "She's nothing to me - a business arrangement, nothing more. You ... you're mine, Bella. Fuck ... I want you more than I should. I don't believe in love, I never have. However, you've bewitched me, Bella. I think of nothing but you and it's driving me insane."

My heart beats threatened to slip my chest open, Edwards words giving me hope I shouldn't have.

"How can she mean nothing when you're marrying her Edward? Doesn't that count as something in your book? She will be your wife; she will carry your name and your children. I am the one who's nothing. A distraction has no meaning. I don't belong to you..." I breathed softly.

"Bella, that was before you. I haven't thought of her that way for months. Not since you and I started. I told you no one else could compare ... and I meant it."

"Compare to what?"

He sighed deeply and replied; "Nothing can compare to you."

Joy flooded me at those words.

Need.

Want.

And then hopelessness.

"I need you ...," I whispered pressing my cheek impossibly closer to the screen. "I don't want to go, but I have to. You'll know soon enough."

"What are you talking about Bella? Is something wrong?"

"No, I'm okay...I can't. .. Find me, Edward." I said as I ended the call and switched off my phone.

It was all I could give him.

If Edward wanted me, then he'd find me.

Somehow, I knew that Carlisle wouldn't approve of my relationship with Edward, any more than Charlie would have.

In fact probably less.

Edwards possessive words went around my head repeatedly as a thrill shot through me.

"You're mine."

Had he meant it?

Could he possibly want me enough to find me?

I could only hope that he would.

Edward meant everything to me, even more than discovering my newfound family.

But until he came for me, this was my reality.

Carlisle, and a brother called Jasper.

.

.

.

When it happened, it came with such swift ferocity I was once again reminded of my new father's true power and influence.

Mrs. Cope called me into reception, and once there I was told to sign out and go outside to meet a very important visitor. There was no worry about my fearful face this time, nor were there any questions. I got the feeling that Carlisle had only been biding his time on his last visit so as not to upset me before he knew what my reaction would be to this complicated mess.

But now that he knew I was accepting his offer and him, his true colors were showing.

"Goodbye, Mrs. Cope," I said softly smiling at the kindly lady. She looked confused at my farewell, seeing as I was only going outside for a few minutes. Nevertheless, I suspected I'd probably never see her again.

"Goodbye, Bella dear. See you in a few minutes."

I nodded and left the warmth of the front office.

Outside, parked on the gravel driveway, was a black car with tinted windows. Its expensive paint job glinting at me dully under the near, nonexistent sun. A door opened and a gigantic man stepped out, dressed in a suit. He was elegant and lumbering at the same time.

"Miss Whitlock. I'm Demetri. Your father says we must be underway immediately. Are you ready?" I felt my heart leap at this man's casual use of my given name. It sounded strange, and yet so right.

I glanced back at the school and then at the car.

My new life waited.

I felt a pang as I thought of Charlie, but I knew that his first duty had always been to Rene and not to me. All of this mess was his fault. I loved him as my father, but he never had been mine. I'd call him one day and explain how this had all happened. Maybe he'd understand and perhaps forgive me.

Demetri stood aside and opened the door to the car with a small flourish. "Miss."

I took his offered hand and climbed inside.

A/N; a new life for Bella. Will Edward find her? Will she find what she has always been looking for with the Whitlocks?