So any ideas where James is going with this? And does anything he said have any truth to it? Read to find out!
Bella's POV
A shiver ran down my spine. Vile rose in my throat and I forced it back down as I tried to focus on other things that were less disturbing. It didn't make sense to me how I could possibly be the cause of the 'maturity' of the newborn's thirst; the Cullen's said I was a shield, but not a physical one. But my mind couldn't focus on that for long. It was something James had said: 'the reservoirs that are stored in the other van.' And Charlie! He was making a portable kitchen out of my friends and Charlie; he wasn't going to change them as I so naively believed earlier. They were going to be sucked dried, for me.
That was the most disturbing comment in the world, and I had to find a response to that! I tried in vain to find something to say that could free us all; but there was nothing to break all of our bonds. One of my only options was to have them get out of it by death-which really didn't sound like a good route. The second option seemed like the best; everyone gets free but me; and it would be simple. All I would have to do is do and be whatever he wants me to be, but only if he lets them go. I could be guaranteed freedom after the change if I pay attention and somehow find someone to teach me to fight.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, trying to keep my heart at a normal beat. I decided then and there that no matter what happens, I will be the one to finish James and Victoria even if it kills me. They have overstepped my boundary and now I have the ball in my court. They will wish they were never turned once I'm done with them, but first, I have to get them to trust me, which is going to be the worst part.
Before I could form my response perfectly, Victoria slammed on the brakes throwing Charlie and I forward. Astonished I looked up to find her glaring directly at me; it was then that I realized that James already had a mate, so why did he need me except for his sick pleasure; which would mean that as soon as he loses interest we all die.
The car began to slowly inch forward on what I could hear and feel to be a bumpy gravel road; I had to make a decision on how to execute my plan soon.
We stopped shortly later at an abandoned house right outside of the city of Surprise Arizona. We were all 'assisted' into the house, even the vampire hostages. The only one left in the car was Elizabeth, who was still screaming in one of the vans because of the venom. I guess even a sadomasochistic vampire like James had his limits. Limits I was determined to manipulate.
Inside there was a piece of wood that resembled a table, splinters of wood that were once chairs, and bugs everywhere. Disgusted, Lauren and Jessica refused to sit down, while Jacob just sat on the board of wood which cracked under his weight, causing a few snickers to escape from a few of us. His laughs were heard as well as he repositioned himself now completely on the floor.
Jake offered me a seat on his lap; since no other places were present, I took him up on his offer despite the look Charlie was throwing at Jake and the awkwardness that was sure to be present. But I couldn't focus on that as when I sat down, I began to sweat even more profusely due to Jake's body heat.
"Jake, do you feel alright? You're burning up!" Instead of a response as would be normal, he just kind of smiled, it not reaching his eyes.
After that we all were silent, lost in thought; about what I have no idea. All I know is that all I was able to focus on was my plan, which wasn't much of a plan. I would promise to do what James wanted me to do, as long as my friends were set free, and I wouldn't try to escape. I had faith that Renee, Phil, Spencer, or Elizabeth would find a way to help me dispose of the vulgar thing that was once supposedly humane.
Suddenly, I was yanked up from Jake's lap and had my hands covered by a cold hand as simultaneously others shrieked in panic and surprise before their screams were muffled. A deep chorus of laughter was heard surrounding our group, some laughs like tinkles as others sounded more like harsh intakes of breath or wheezes.
The hands were removed from our faces and as our eyes readjusted, I discerned about twenty vampires, smiles on their faces; they all looked familiar in some way, but I only was able to recognize one with surety, which was Elizabeth. My eyes roamed the crowd once, looking for the familiar faces of my 'inmates.' I found Spencer, a smirk plastered on his face as he looked at Elizabeth and the other vampires; but that light-heartedness was quickly changed into one of reproach as we made eye contact. I felt as if he could sense what I intended to do to save those I cared about: and also those I didn't really care about.
Thankfully, the now even smaller house was so full mobility and hearing was out of the question. There was a buzz between all the vampires, even though they were more than able to answer 'quietly.' Belting was heard from a short fifty year old who was almost bald but a blond man with a random cowboy hat made out of black masking tape. He seemed to know something that I didn't know.
Jake was able to make his way back to me through the crowd and whispered about said person: "Boy that guy reeks of chemicals, even more than your teacher Mr. Banner ever did. When was the last time he ever had a bath?"
"Jake, what do you mean 'he reeks'? Wait, what color are his eyes?" Before Jake could even respond, the man as if he heard us, made his way over to us, his light blue eyes full of amusement.
Before he reached us, Victoria attacked him, her eyes pitch black with rage. As she reached him, he dodged out of her way and grabbed for her throat as he sidestepped, pinning his now apparent fangs at her skin.
"Don't ever think about touching me again you insolent fool; just because you have to become subservient to get some and think I'm just some pathetic human-"he looked up at me briefly, then continued "no offense- I am a lot more rock steady than you think I am. And you should know by now not to go for obvious kills. You're apiece crap on the wall so suck it!"
I stared in awe at the vampire who then began his way back towards us as if he had just greeted an old friend. I was excited to have this guy around, if only for interesting company. My eyes caught on Spencer and Liz laughing together in the background, mischief apparent in their eyes. I'd have to ask them about it later as now I was curious about this vampire coven and where they came from.
As he reached us I understood what Jake meant by smelling like chemicals, this guy smelt like he showers in that crap. I didn't know what I was going to say to him, and thankfully I didn't have to start the conversation as he started speaking first.
"So it looks as if I can be of assistance to you; you are after all found in quite a sticky situation, especially with this place packed like sardines and this time, I'm not joking." Flabbergasted, I looked at the smirking old man, remembering being told the same thing not three weeks ago.
Flashback
It was roughly three weeks ago on one of the occasional sunny days when the Cullen's were forced to stay home. I was on my way to my third hour English class when I passed the science department and of course because it's me, my feet found their way to a science experiment, which happened to be very sticky. I found it impossible to get my feet unstuck, and no one stopped to help. Who the heck leaves a science experiment in a crowded hallway where people get pushed around? The warning bell came and went, followed by the late bell, and I was still stuck in the hall.
Thankfully, someone approached and I didn't realize it was Liz until she laughed at me and my luck.
"So it looks as if I can be of assistance to you; you are after all found in quite a sticky situation, especially with this place packed like sardines."
Sarcasm of course was coated thick in that comment, but what surprised me was that she was actually able to help me. I've never known anyone who has rubbing alcohol in their bag for school, but apparently she's prepared for anything.
End of Flashback
Hoped you enjoyed! Hope you enjoyed the surprise in Surprise Arizona! What do you think is going on with these random vampires showing up? Any ideas about the blood thirst? Review please!