Ch. Nine
Disclaimer – All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the creator. The director/author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun.
Author Note – I am feeling better thanks to all your prayers and well wishes so thank you my readers. I am also happy to tell you that this story is coming along wonderfully. It has been doing a lot better then I thought it would. I also want a cover for this story but I cant seem to figure out how to do one for this one. If one of my readers wish to fix one for me for this story, I will be so thankful and happy to place it on the side image for the story. Now, here is the next chapter! I hope you all enjoy!
Other Notes:
Personal Thoughts
"Eavesdropping"
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(Bella's Pov – Volturi Castle – 1:30 PM)
"Your mate is Jasper Whitlock." Caius said as the others tensed. "Alice saw this could happen and made sure when you realized just who he is, that it would be hard for you to get to him." I could feel something make itself known as I felt a pull towards the Southern part of the US.
"Who else knew about this?" I asked him as I tried to keep my cool.
Aro sighed as he shook his head. "We do not know who all knew of this as of yet but once the Cullen's arrive, we shall find every facet of the truth." I could see the truth of his words in his eyes. "You don't need to worry about anyone lying you to my dear. Not with us on your side."
Athenodora nodded but it was Sulpicia that spoke up. "My mate is correct." She took my right hand as Athenodora took my left. "If they are lying we will find out. It seems only you are able to block Aro from reading your mind."
"Not to mention if they move against you," Marcus spoke up. "They move against us as well." Caius and the other Kings and Queens nodded. "Now, we have a surprise for you set up in one of the conference rooms. It locks from the inside and is sound proof even to vampires." He motioned to Alec. "Alec will take you there and wait for you to finish."
I just raised a brow because I didn't know what to expect. "I don't like surprises." I told them honestly.
"You'll like this one." Jane spoke up as she helped me to my feet. "Come on, Bella. Your present is all ready for you." She was pulling me towards a room that connected to the large garden area.
I looked back at the others only to see Aro and Caius along with their mates, wave at me with a smile on their faces. Marcus nodded at me as if he knew my thoughts about what they could have gotten me already. I sighed as Alec opened a door that looked almost bare with the exception of a table, chair, refrigerator and a monitor. I looked between Jane and Alec only to see them smile as they ushered me into the room. The first thing I noticed was that the monitor was turned on and an image was already showing. When I got closer, I was shocked to see my father sitting there. His eyes started to water as he saw me but I was just happy to see he was alright.
"Bells?" He said with a watery smile. "Are you doing ok? They treating you good?"
I sat down with a smile. "Yeah, they're really nice." I told him then noticed that a female was sitting beside him. "Who's that?"
"I'm Irina." She said as she smiled not showing her teeth. "I am one of the Denali sisters. I am so sorry for what happened to you, Isabella. Edward shouldn't have left you like that." Irina looked rather sad.
"I think everything happens for a reason." I could see Charlie grin. "Although I have some things to talk to Alice and Eddie about when I see them."
Charlie's mouth turned into a line. "You're not the only one." His eyes were full of anger. "I also wanted to talk to you about what happened before you were taken."
"Dad..." I started but he held his hand up stopping me.
"No," He shook his head and I saw Irina take his hand. "I'm sorry that I left you at the house. It was just a shock to find that my daughter had been in danger and I knew nothing of it. I felt like I didn't do what I was suppose to do as your father. Protect you."
"There were many times I wanted to tell you what was going on but I was worried about what would happen." I said as I wiped the tears that trailed down my cheek. "The one rule of the vampire world is keep the secret from humans. They do have weapons that could kill them."
Charlie nodded as he turned to Irina. "Would you mind if I spoke to Bella alone?"
I didn't know why he wanted to talk to me alone but I saw Irina smile, kiss him on the cheek then disappear. He chuckled shaking his head and I could only guess he wasn't as use to the speed as I was. When Charlie looked back at me, I knew he wanted to speak about something rather serious. I just sat there waiting on him because I had no idea what he wanted to talk about.
"I want to ask you about the difference between being a vampire and being a hybrid." Charlie said as he crossed his arms. "I was told that males that are changed usually don't change that much but I wanted to check out both routes before I make a decision."
"Well," I took a breathe as I thought about what Charlie wanted to know. "If you want to be turned into a vampire, it will take one of them to bite you and inject their venom into your body. It will take about three days for your change and when I felt the venom before Edward pulled it out, it felt like molten lava was being forced through my veins."
"And a hybrid?" Charlie asked with a nod as he understood.
I took a deep breathe. "I don't really know much about how I turned but from what I was told I was continuing to change even when I came back home from the hospital." I could see his eyes widen. "I didn't feel the burning pain of the change but I could feel my body changing every once in a while. The first thing I noticed was that the cold didn't seem to bother me as it had."
"What about the diets?" I understood that my father concerns.
I smiled at him. "While a vampire can only consume blood," I saw him nod at this. "I am able to eat food, drink blood or eat raw meat. From what the Kings said, I will be stronger then a vampire because of the fact I will still have human blood in my system."
"I was told that I would be crazed if I went the vampire route." Charlie said and I realized he was worried about hurting people.
"Aro said that we could be from a blood line that was born to be turned into vampires." Charlie's eyes widen as he leaned forward. "If that is true, I don't think you would be as crazed because of the fact you will have a small amount of time to prepare for the change, just as I did."
Charlie didn't say anything as he nodded. I could see he was thinking about what his options were but I worried about what he would choose. Aro said that the only reason they forbid vampires from removing venom was that 99% of the hybrids that were created were unable to focus even after the 'newborn' year. I leaned back in the chair and noticed out of the corner of my eye that Alec was standing, with his back towards the door, in front of it. I didn't understand the reason but I felt extremely protective of Jane and Alec. I could only assume it was because they were younger then any other vampires I had met. When Charlie cleared his throat, I turned my eyes back to him.
"Thank you for telling me this, Bells." Charlie said with a grin. "I'm glad you're being honest with me about this. I also want to tell you that I'm very proud of the fact you have shouldered this by yourself for so long."
"Dad..." I started but Charlie shook his head.
"No," He smiled as I saw a tear fall down his cheek. "I may not have told you a lot through the years I got to see you but I am so very proud of you and I love you more then anything." My heart was in my throat as I listened to him. "I've thought long and hard about what is happening and I finally decided that since my mate is a vampire, I will be turned. The only thing is, I want to make sure you're going to be alright with that."
I just smiled brightly. "I cant wait." I told him as I remembered a few things I wanted to tell him before he arrived. "I also need to tell you a few things as well."
"Go on." Charlie stiffened as his eyes narrowed at me.
"You and the others wont be the only ones here." I saw him frown not understanding. "Carlisle called a few hours ago."
"What did that bastard want?" Charlie growled pretty good for a human, suddenly Irina was beside him.
"What is going on?" She asked me with a worried expression.
I sighed as I looked between Charlie and Irina. "I just told dad that Carlisle and the others will also be arriving here." I saw Irina stiffen. "He called to inform Aro that Edward and Alice have been working to overthrow the Volturi and take the place of Rulers for the vampire race."
"I knew that little shit was to high and mighty for his own good." Charlie snarled shaking his head. "As for Carlisle, he needs to learn how to be a father instead of their friend. You can be both just remind them who is the Adult." Irina nodded in agreement.
"That's not the only thing." I said in a harsh tone as I closed my eyes. "It seemed Alice knew just how powerful I would be and wanted to make sure if I did get to where I am, that I would have a hard time getting my mate." When I did open my eyes, Irina had her mouth covered as Charlie frowned. "She tried to destroy my mate and succeeded because he is back with his Sire."
Irina lowered her hands as she blinked a few times. "Bella, are you telling us that Jasper..."
"Yes." I interrupted her. "Alice told Jasper she was his mate when in reality, I am his mate." I saw Charlie lower his head. "Jasper is now back in the South with Maria."
"Oh, Bella you need to go and get him." Irina told me in a slightly fearful tone. "Maria almost destroyed him the first time he was with her. If he's back with her then he will no doubt lose what is left of his humanity. He felt terrible for what happened on your birthday and Alice always made it worse along with Edward."
Charlie raised his head and I could see anger and hatred in his eyes. "He's a vampire of course he's going to try to get to his blood source if he's not use to the animal blood." I was completely shocked that my father said that. "Irina told me a little bit about Jasper, Bells. He's an empath and not only did he feel his blood lust but everyone elses." He just shook his head as his body was stiff. "It seems to me that Edward pushed him over the edge because you were his singer. Edward may have had time to prepare for the scent but Jasper didn't. And if Jasper is as dangerous as Irina's said, he could have gotten to you if he really wanted."
"Its true." Irina said as she took Charlie's hand in hers. "Jasper was called God Of War or Ares when he was in the south. No one has ever beaten him in battle, ever, so if he really wanted you he would have gotten to you."
I didn't say anything as I thought about that night. I remember that Jasper's eyes darkened when I got the paper cut but they were a dark gold while Alice, Rosalie, Emmett and Edward's eyes were all black as night. Carlisle was the only one who didn't seem affected by the smell of my blood. I then realized the only reason Edward pushed me backwards was because his eyes locked with Alice's and then he screamed No. That is when all hell broke loose.
"You're right." I said breaking the silence. "If Jasper really wanted to get to me he would have but then again I am his mate and if that's the case, he could have been protecting me instead of trying to take a bite out of me." I looked at Charlie then Irina.
"That's sounds right." Charlie nodded as he sighed looking at Irina. "I don't know what time it is but I'm suddenly rather tired." He yawned wide as he shook his head. "I'll talk to ya later, ok kiddo?"
I just grinned and nodded. "That's fine, Dad." I blew him a kiss. "I'm just glad you found your mate. I always knew that mom wasn't the right one."
Irina mouthed 'thank you' as she turned off the computer. I sighed as I slumped against the chair. I couldn't help but agree with Charlie about being tired. I suddenly felt as if I had ran a marathon but then again I was suppose to be a hybrid yet I wanted to sleep. Shaking my head, I stood up and headed to the door opening it, causing Alec to jump. I chuckled as he ducked his head. I knew he would have blushed from embarrassment if he could but I just ruffled his hair. When I turned my attention to the table where the Kings and Queens were sitting, I noticed that Marcus and the Queens were the only ones left and Diana also joined. I walked over and sat down and looked around the table.
"Where are Aro and Caius?" I couldn't help but wonder where they were.
"They had business to attend to, Isabella." Sulpicia said as she slid a tea cup in front of me. "Here is some tea I created, do tell me what you think?"
I nodded picking the cup up and taking a small sip. I tasted the orange and black teas but I also tasted a little bit of blood in it. I moaned in happiness because I hadn't noticed how thirsty I was.
"This is amazing." I told her honestly. "Its a perfect mixture between tea and blood."
"Wonderful." Sulpicia said with a bright smile as she sipped from her own cup. "It's also a perfect mixture for vampires to drink as well. It helps us blend in a lot better with humans if we appear to 'eat'." She winked at me as Diana snorted.
"How did the talk with your father go?" Diana asked me as Jane and Alec sat to her left as Athenodora sat to her right.
I smiled taking another sip. "He's doing alright." I sighed as I placed the cup down. "I still cant help but worry for him. He's finally decided to be turned into a vampire."
"That's good, isn't it?" Alec asked with a frown on his face.
"Yes and no." I said with a sigh. "He has a job and I'm worried about how he'll deal with that once he's turned. Charlie's also worried about how he'll be after he wakes up. If he'll be crazed like a normal newborn."
Marcus looked thoughtful for a moment. "I do not believe he will be." He looked at Sulpicia and Athenodora, they both nodded curtly at him. "We didn't tell you that the Queens were of the same blood line. Only they are around 2000 years older then you."
"I thought you said their human blood line mixed with my ancestors?" I frowned not really believing they lied to me.
"We didn't want you to think of us different." Athenodora spoke up. "It was my sister and my idea to keep this and come up with the story about our ancestor running away with yours. I am sorry to say, we didn't know if we could trust you with this information." I could see remorse in her eyes. "Please do not hate us for this. We didn't want to mislead you but we needed to make sure you were trustworthy."
I sighed because I could understand. I would have done the same thing if I was in their position. Looking between them, I gave them a small smile.
"I can understand and even though I don't like it, I understand why you did what you did." I could see the Queens relax a little. "Is there anything else you've kept from me?"
"No," Sulpicia said shaking her head. "That was it."
I nodded then watched as everyone stiffen, I listened closely only to hear someone running rather quickly towards us. I was on my feet in an instant but stopped from harming the person when Felix appeared. He looked a little scared as his eyes went to Marcus then Alec and finally settling on me.
"What is it Felix?" Diana asked as Alec and Jane moved to my side.
"The Cullen's have arrived." Felix's words barely registered as I felt my anger rising as the words finally sunk in.
That bastard had finally arrived. A sadistic grin spread across my face as I rushed pass all of them and followed my nose towards my preys. Edward and Alice were going to pay!
(The Arctic Circle – 4:00 AM)
Charlotte Whitlock sighed as she waited for her mate to return. They had been traveling for at least 35 hours and finally stopped to feed only for Peter to dart off in another direction yelling back at her to wait for him. She still couldn't believe that Jasper had went back to that bitch Maria. Peter had risked his neck the first time going back for him and yet there he was back in the piece of hell he vowed never to return. Charlotte knew that the pixie vampire had something to do with it and when she saw that bitch next Alice Cullen would be in a world of pain because of some of the tricks she had thought of over the years. A sick grin spread across Charlotte's face just as Peter came into view.
"Is that smile fer me, darlin'?" Peter stopped a few feet from her and held his hands up.
Charlotte chuckled, shaking her head as she jumped off the big rock of ice. "Naw," She went over to him and kissed his cheek. "I was thinkin' 'bout when we meet that pixie again."
"Now, Char ya cant kill 'er." Peter told his mate as he held her at arms length. "I know fer a fact that the Major's gonna do it." A wide grin spread across his face.
"Has yer 'knower' told ya anythin' else?" She asked him as she took his hand and they took off running.
"Nope." Peter answered as his eyes darted around. "The reason I took off earlier, is because I thought I scented a vampire I'd smelled before."
Charlotte frowned. "Who would be this far north?"
"Garrett?" Peter shrugged as they ran over the ice field as if they were walking on clouds. "Or maybe Alistair? Hell, I wouldn't put it pass the Romanians ta show up." He snorted as he pulled his hand free as he jumped over a large gap in the ice.
"Will ya be careful, Peter!?" Charlotte snarled at him as she landed on the other side and watched her mate do a flip over the gap and land like a gymnast. "Ya can still get trapped in thee ice."
"Sorry babe." Peter smirked as he sauntered over to her then froze as his eyes slightly glazed over. "Ah Shit!" He yelled as he blinked his eyes to clear his vision. "It seems ya don't need ta attack the pixie. Isabella Swan is the Major's mate and was also the human that Edward and the Pixie fucked with."
Charlotte seemed to pale even paler then she was. "Yer shittin' me Pete."
"Nope." He shook his head as he looked in the direction of Volterra. "Not only that they just arrived in Volterra which is where Isabella is currently a guest." Peter hated his gift sometimes. "How do ya feel about swimmin'?"
"I usually love to but this water is fuckin cold." Charlotte told him but knew that it didn't effect them like it did humans but they could still tell it was cold. The water was colder then they were. "Let's get goin'. The sooner we leave, the sooner we get there." She walked over towards the freezing cold ice water.
"Wait up, Baby!" Peter called after Charlotte as she dove into the water and he followed after her. "Man, I hate this shit. My clothes are going to be ruined. I hope this Isabella can help get my brother back. He's losing himself more and more each day, when he's with that bitch." He dove in after her and swam to catch up under the water.
If they kept going in a straight line then they would be able to cut a few hours off their travel time. Peter couldn't believe that the little slip of a human Isabella Swan was the major's mate. He still remembered when Jasper called him and told him about her given him the slip at the hotel as she ran off to the ballet studio. Peter had to give her credit because it wasn't easy to give the Major the slip. All he could think of was that she had some kind of gift. It was then his gift filled him in on just what kind of gift she had. If his eyes could bulge, they would have because he had never heard of a vampire being able to kill their enemy with their gift, other then the two fire starters he had encountered. What got him though was the ability for this girls shield to actually cut a limb off a vampire.
He knew just how hard it was to tear a vampire apart so this girls' shield was extremely powerful. Peter just prayed she didn't view him and his mate as threats. All he wanted was to get his brother out of the hell he escaped from once before. If all else failed, he could always ask the Kings to do something about that bitch. Peter would do almost anything to save Jasper from Hell, and himself. He could also feel he was missing something but his gift wasn't giving him anything else. Every so often he would catch a glimpse of Charlotte and the pull didn't hurt thus he knew she was close by. He also went to the surface to make sure they were going in the right direction. Like Charlotte said, the sooner they could leave, the sooner they could get there and get the answers and help they needed.
(Bella's Pov – Volturi Castle – 3:00 PM)
As soon as I hit the hallway, I was assaulted by a stench I knew anywhere. I felt a red haze wash over my vision as I darted down the hallway faster then I thought possible. I was able to find the direction they were going as soon as I came to another hallway. I smirked because they were heading to the throne room. When the sound of footfalls sounded in my ears, I darted towards the throne room. I could hear the whispers of Rosalie and Emmett first but it was when I heard Carlisle scoff at how the Kings lived, did I make myself known. Emmett was the first one who noticed me yet before he could say anything, I shielded him as well as his mate. Carlisle and Esme were next because I spotted Edward and Alice huddled by the wall, shaking.
"Hello Edward, Alice." Edward's eyes were wide and Alice gasped. "Its nice to see you again." I snarled as I started forward but suddenly stopped when the red haze disappeared from my vision. It was then I heard Aro behind me.
"Now Isabella," His tone sounded like a father scolding his child as Alec appeared beside me. "This is not the way to greet our guest."
I snarled as I turned my eyes to Aro. "Fuck 'em." I saw Carlisle, Esme, Emmett and Rosalie stare at me with wide shocked eyes. "They didn't give a shit about me," I saw Emmett open his mouth but Rosalie grabbed his arm and shook her head. "Or my mate Jasper."
"Ashper isth not your mathe!" Alice screamed at me. "He'th mine!"
I snarled at her as the shield she was in started to shrink, the red haze slowly coming back. "What did you say?" I hissed as Alec tried to get past my shield but I kept pushing it back up to keep him out. "Aro told me what you did to him and for that you deserve to die but I wont kill you. I'll only destroy your body. Let's see how you like being only a head, ya little pixie bitch!"
In a split second, Alice could no longer move or say anything because her head fell to the ground as her body turned to ash. Esme cried out as her hands covered her mouth but Rosalie smirked. Carlisle tried to hide Esme away from the gruesome scene before them. His eyes held distaste for what I had just done but I couldn't care less. She deserved that and more. Aro did want her visions and now he could have them, without the bitchy vampire that went with them.
"You are going to burn her after a few years correct?" Carlisle asked breaking through my thoughts.
"Why?" I asked him innocently as I blinked a few times. "Aro wanted her gift and now he has it yet he doesn't have to deal with the bitch of a vampire that went with the gift." I heard Jane chuckle as well as Caius.
"That's a terrible thing to say, Bella." Esme said in a shocked tone. "I don't believe Alice should be spared but to do something so cruel is horrific. You use to be such a wonderful girl, what happened?"
I was about to open my mouth but it seemed Rosalie had something to say. "I think that's a perfect idea." I was kinda shocked as I turned to look at her. Alec was standing beside me but wasn't trying to use his gift any longer. "Alice did try to kill Bella and Edward was just as bad. True they were my siblings but then again they weren't. I didn't have any brothers or sisters growing up and I don't know. It's just Emmett and I."
"What do you mean, Rose?" Carlisle said with a frown, his eyes darting to me then back to Rosalie. "Are you telling me you wish to leave the Cullen family?"
Rosalie turned her eyes to Emmett who nodded. "I'm sorry Carlisle." Rosalie said turning back to him. "I do want to thank you for giving me this life but I don't think I can pretend to be your daughter anymore."
"Let them stay." I said to Aro as I looked directly at him. "I think it would be good to have them reeducated about the way of vampires."
"What do you say, brother?" Aro sighed turning his eyes to Caius.
Caius raised a brow as he turned to Emmett and Rosalie. He looked them up and down for a few minutes then zipped around them only to return to Aro's side. I could see the shocked looks on their faces but I thought it was funny as hell. I was able to keep my laughing to a minimal giggle.
"I believe Carlisle and Esme will be your responsibility, since he is your fledgling." Caius said with a grin. "As for young Edward, he will be shown to his room in the dungeon."
I heard Edward swallow and turned to see him start to shake. I was sure if he still had body functions he would have pissed himself. I grinned as Caius walked over and took it upon himself to show Edward to his 'room'. I found it endearing that Caius was doing that for me because I would have but I don't think Edward would have made it to the dungeon. I heard Esme whimper as Edward disappeared from view. I turned to Aro and found him looking at Carlisle.
"I'll show Rosalie and Emmett to their rooms." I told him as I motioned for them to follow me. "I'll leave Carlisle and Esme in your care." I could see Esme's disappointment. "And as for the fact I changed, shit happens and when a family you care for abandons you, you tend to toughen up." I spat as I turned and left with Rosalie and Emmett behind me.
Aro said nothing as Alec followed after me. I would show Rosalie and Emmett to their rooms but that was it. While I understood Rosalie was a bitch because she was worried for her family, Emmett had been like a bigger brother and he still left without a good bye or kiss my ass. I could feel that Emmett wanted to say something but he kept his mouth shut as we headed down one of the many hallways. It wasn't until I stopped in front of a door that Emmett decided to say something.
"Bella?" He stood in front of me with Rosalie by his side. "I just wanted to say how sorry I am for what happened." Emmett was holding onto Rosalie's hand. "We had known that Edward has fallen for a human before but we really thought you were his mate because Alice told us she had seen it." Rosalie nodded beside him. "Do you think you could forgive me?"
Alec elbowed me in my side as I looked between Rosalie and Emmett. "I can but it will take some time." I sighed as I shifted from one foot to the other. "I understand that Rosalie may not have liked me but you were like my big brother, Emmett." I looked up at him to see his eyes shining with venom. "Once everything is over, we'll see how things progress."
"Bella," Rosalie said in a small voice. "While I acted like I didn't like you, I was envious of you because you were still able to live the life I wanted. The only reason I acted like a bitch is because I felt something was wrong. I fell I should have done something before your birthday to prevent what happened."
"That's in the past." I told her with a small smile. "Rest up and then we can talk more. Charlie and his mate along with some others will be here shortly."
Without another word, I turned and headed to my own room. Alec disappeared but I could only guess he headed to the kitchen to find me something to eat. My stomach was growling which told me I needed blood and food. I couldn't help but wonder just how I was suppose to get my mate back. If Jasper was in the South of his own free will, then it would be hard to change his mind. The only thing I could think of was to go there myself and rip that bitch Maria apart with my bare hands. Maybe then he would realize I was his mate.
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Author Note – Well Alice got her punishment right off the bat but it seems Edward will be given a few minutes to dwell on just what he did. LOL! Peter and Charlotte are also on their way which means that not only will Charlie, Irina, Billy, Jacob, Leah, Eleazar and Carmen be there but two others are going to show. Just what will Peter's gift tell him when he arrived in Volterra? What will happen to Carlisle and Esme? Did they really think Alice was going to be burned? Of course she's going to be punished, she did try to harm someone in the Volturi family. Smirks, now til the next chapter, keep reading and reviewing... Also what do you think Charlie will do when he sees Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, Rosalie and Edward?
~*Dragon*~
