Chapter Ten- Too Late
Edward's Point of View
Author's Note: Things may seem a bit confusing from here, on. I will be switching point of views from Bella to Edwards more frequently, so pay attention and enjoy!
I know this chapter was short. The next chapter should be ready, soon!
Reviews are, as always, appreciated! Thank you!
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I parked the car a block from the alleyway and stepped out. The road was far too narrow to force my car through. I would have to continue on foot from here. This was most likely faster, anyway.. I turned my head towards the alleyway, my eyes searching frantically.
This neighborhood itself disgusted me. Every building in sight was in one way or another, practically uninhabitable, or damaged so badly that one could not even begin to imagine someone living there. My brows pulled together in a scowl.
For the most part, the neighborhood was deserted. A few homeless people scattered the streets, each having managed to nudge themselves into a crevice that only barely sheltered them from the elements. Among a few of the deserted structures were newer, inhabited buildings. They were mostly shops with little in them. As I walked by one, the owner peered at me hopefully.
That's when I heard it.
It was faint, so faint that I was positive a human would be unable to hear it from this distance. But it was there. The sound of someone letting out a faint, muffled scream.
My head snapped up.
If my heart had been beating, it would surely have stopped in that moment. The scream belonged to Bella. I knew it.
I suddenly broke out into a fast jog, my eyes sweeping over every crevice, searching.
I ran past the girl on the corner, paying little attention to slowing my speed or trying to blend in. Her eyes grew large as she caught a quick glimpse of me before I passed her.
I didn't care, anymore. Who would she tell, anyways? There was hardly anyone around that would care or even believe her, for that matter.
I was past caring.
My thoughts were centered on two things and two things alone. Finding and saving Bella.
I could not...would not forgive myself for this.
What if I were too late?
No. I wouldn't...couldn't let myself jump to such a conclusion.
I was running now, my mind searching frantically for any hint as to where she might be. As I turned and entered the alleyway, I heard them.
"Don't be afraid...we won't hurt you if you stay still"
That voice.
It was so familiar. A silent string of profanities ran through my head for not recognizing their scent earlier. The men from Port Angeles!
But, why? Why were they so determined to finish what they started?
I growled once, a low and very audible sound rumbling from deep in my chest. Anger ripped through my body and my my hands balled into fists as I ran.
When I found them, I would not be as merciful as last time.
No, I would not show the same form of tolerance next time, either.
There would be no next time.
I rounded another corner, turning down another alley and stopped, another growl building deep within my chest. My theory was conformed even before I laid eyes upon them.
There were five large men, their clothing dirt stained and their faces all turned up in the same, hideous smile. Each one of them was more disgusting than the next, their eyes transfixed on a single form lying in a puddle against a faded brick wall.
"Please...please.." the figure begged.
Their thoughts rang in my head, each more vile then the last.
There ain't no escaping this time, sweetheart!
Pathetic!
I'm gonna enjoy this..!
My breathe caught in my throat and my eyes grew wider as one of the men moved to the side, revealing a girl lying crumpled and beaten on the cement in front of them.
No!
There, on the pavement, wet and bleeding, tears staining her cheeks...was Bella.