***Thanks for that huge response to that last chapter. I'm flattered that I could evoke such emotions from all of you. I appreciate all the comments I received, but I feel it necessary to clear a few things up because I am very attached to this trilogy and I want you to get a glimpse inside my head.
WARNING…long a/n (probably unnecessary, too)
***Several of you were upset with Claudia because she kissed Jasper, and then got mad at Bella for kissing Edward, but in my mind the Jasper/Claudia kiss was different from the Edward/Bella kiss. Claudia kissed Jasper out of friendship, and if that didn't come through I'm sorry. I did put this exchange in there and I thought that explained it:
She gently pressed her lips to mine and softly kissed me. I arched a brow at her. "Am I losing my touch? No lust coming from you, at all."
She laughed. "I only have lust for one vampire these days."
"Well, I appreciate the love and caring emotions that I'm getting from you."
"Just don't tell anyone," she said. "It'll ruin my reputation."
Claudia has no romantic feelings for Jasper…are we clear? lol
***Some of you think that I portray Bella as weak. I agree, I don't write her as strong as she could be written, but I try hard to keep them in character and when I read the original books, I just didn't feel that she was a very strong character. In my AU she has been living a very civilized life and really hasn't had a reason to become very violent and powerful, she relies on her husband (who I don't think abuses her at all; he was just very distraught in that last chapter). We need to take into consideration that the events in these last few chapters are only hours after Cullen was taken, and I'm trying to portray all of those emotions that they would be feeling. Not only do I not have Bella out there looking for Cullen, but I haven't let Jasper go either. You have to give me time to get there. I know it's easier for me because I know where I'm headed, but trust me, I'll get us there. I have more exchanges planned between B/E, Claudia/Bella, J/E, but I have to respect my chapter flow, so it just takes me a while to get there. Be patient with me. We're not even half way there yet.
***Jasper does love his wife very much and I tried to bring that back a bit in that last chapter, but they have experienced a major trauma, so if they don't seem all lovey dovey, I think they are entitled to that.
***Thanks for putting so much thought into this story…I hope that means you like it. Okay, now on with the story…
BPOV
How could I have made such a horrible mess of things in such a short time? I hurt Jasper by kissing Edward, and that stupid kiss probably caused a rift between Edward and Claudia, and I probably ruined my friendship with Claudia, not to mention what I might have done to my relationship with Edward. I had never felt that kind of rage come over me before; I growled; actually growled. I knew I was a vampire, but I had never felt those urges before. I attacked a crossbreed to the point where Jasper and Edward had to intervene. I knew better, but not one rational thought ran through my head when the four of us were standing in that room.
A few days ago, I was in Seattle, and if I just would have stayed there like Jasper had asked me to, he would probably be on his way back to us by now. I just wanted my baby back, and until that happened, I wasn't sure how anything was going to be normal or the same ever again.
"Darlin'," Jasper said, as he took my hand and led me into the villa. "Demetri and Felix are here, and they would like to discuss the progress they are making with the search. Would you like to come in and join us?"
"Yes," I said, but I knew that they didn't have anything positive to tell us.
Jasper kissed me softly on the lips and whispered, "I love you," before we entered the house. I squeezed his hand and appreciated that reassurance. When I walked in Carlisle, Edward, Demetri and Felix were waiting for us.
"Bella," Felix said. "How are you?"
"I've been better," I responded, as I looked at Edward. I tried to apologize with my eyes. He seemed to get what I was doing, and he nodded. I knew I'd have to do it verbally at some point.
"Jasper," Demetri said. "We seem to have run into a problem regarding Maria."
"Did you think that it would be easy?" Jasper asked.
"Well, no, but in my very long experience as a tracker, I have never encountered someone who could outrun me. She hasn't even left Italy, and she has already proved elusive."
"It's only been a few hours," I reminded this rather intimidating vampire. "Do you doubt that you can find her?"
"No, of course not, Bella," he said. "But, it usually doesn't take me this long to pick up some direction, and she is traveling with a rather large coven, so I don't see how they could stay so well hidden. It's as if they anticipate my every move."
"Are you saying that you have a traitor in your midst?" Carlisle asked.
Demetri looked uncomfortable, so Edward answered for him.
"They don't want to believe that, Carlisle, but it is entirely possible. Demetri believes that the few times that he was about to close in on her this afternoon, she was warned."
"Is this true, Felix?" Jasper asked.
"Look, we don't want to believe that, and that's why we haven't spoken to the brothers about it, but yes, it does seem as if someone on the inside is helping her." Felix admitted.
"Edward," Demetri said. "I was hoping that you could listen in on the Guard, and see if any of them could be assisting her."
"It is possible that she may have gotten to one of them," Carlisle said.
"I can observe them tonight," Edward said.
"We are holding a strategic meeting at the castle tonight," Felix said. "Can you sit in on it?"
"Yes," Edward said. "I'll do whatever I have to do to get Cullen back to us." He looked at me and Jasper.
"Why would someone help her steal Cullen?" I asked.
"She may have offered them something," Jasper said, as he took my hand in his. "She's very manipulative, and knows how to get what she wants."
"We're not giving up, Jasper," Felix assured him. "We just need to regroup and see if Edward can find anything out."
"I won't give up until we find her," Demetri said, and I could tell by his tone that he wasn't lying. Maria was a challenge for him, and he wasn't about to lose this battle. Thank goodness he was on our side.
"Whatever my family can do to assist you," Carlisle said. "Please ask us. We can't just sit around here and do nothing."
"My team needed to hunt," Demetri said. "And then after we meet tonight we will start back up. I want at least two of your family with us at all times, so that you can pick up Cullen's scent, and one of you should be with us when we find him."
"Maria is mine," Jasper said, and a chill ran up my spine when I realized what he meant.
"If you're not with us when we find her, and if she doesn't put up a fight," Demetri said. "I will bring her to you, and you can do as you see fit. Aro has approved that already."
"Jasper," Carlisle said. "You're upset right now, and I would like for you to think very hard about what you are considering."
"Carlisle, she took my son, and I have no idea what she is doing to him," Jasper clenched his jaw and gripped my hand harder. "She will pay for this, and it will be at my hands."
"Let's focus on getting Cullen back," Edward said. "That's the priority."
"I agree," Jasper said. "But, I'll deal with her after."
Demetri and Felix headed for the door. "We're going to hunt and then meet you at the castle, Edward." Demetri said, as he nodded his head at Jasper.
"I'm sorry that we don't have something more concrete," Felix said. "But, we will get Cullen back." They quickly walked out of the house.
Jasper began pacing the room, and I didn't have to be an empath to know what he was feeling. I walked up and placed my hand on his shoulder. He turned and smiled at me, before turning his attention to Carlisle.
"Carlisle," Jasper said. "I'm going out next. Please don't stop me."
"Fine, Jasper," he responded. "If you feel you can handle it, I won't stand in your way."
"I want to come too," I said, fully expecting Jasper to turn me down.
"Of course," he said, as he cupped my chin in his hand. "Don't be so surprised at my response. Cullen will want you as soon as we find him."
"I'm going to go check on Claudia," Edward said. "Before I go meet with the Guard."
"Edward," I said. "I'm sorry for what I did to Claudia."
"I know Bella," he said. "We have an eternity to discuss this, and now is not the time."
"I just want you to know that I'm sorry." I said.
"I accept your apology, but I can't speak for Claudia," he said.
"I know," I said. "I'll apologize to her, too."
"Jasper," Edward said. "I think Bella needs to hunt before she joins the search party."
"I'm fine." I said, but it was too late because Jasper was already staring into my black eyes.
"When was the last time you hunted?" He asked.
"Before we left for Italy." I admitted.
"You have to feed, Bella," he said. "Cullen needs you strong."
"No," I couldn't hunt, not until I knew he was safe, warm and fed. "I'm fine."
"Carlisle?" Jasper pleaded with him to help.
"Bella," Carlisle said. "Jasper and Edward are right. What good is it going to do Cullen, if you don't hunt?"
"I have my reasons," I said. "Please let it go."
Edward rolled his eyes, "You're so stubborn." He looked at Jasper, and I knew that Jasper was probably telling Edward that he would get me to hunt. "I need to go. I'll call you when I find something out."
"Edward," Carlisle said. "Be careful with the Guard. If they suspect what you are doing, they may not react well."
"I'll be fine," he said, and then headed out the door.
"Bella," Carlisle said. "Please try to take care of yourself." He kissed my head. "I love you, and I don't want anything to happen to you."
A sob escaped my chest, and I put my hand over my mouth. I couldn't handle this anymore. Jasper started rubbing small circles on my back, as he pushed waves of calm in my direction. "I love you, too." I whispered to Carlisle.
I leaned into Jasper. I knew physically I could stand, but emotionally I had nothing left. "Jasper," I said. "Can you take me into the bedroom?"
Before I knew it, he scooped me up, and carried me into the bedroom and gently placed me on the bed.
"Sweetheart," he said, as he sat next to me. "Your emotions are all over the place. They surged out of control back there."
"Everything just seemed to hit me all at once, and now I know this sounds strange, but I have the sensation of being tired." I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair. "I'm wired and I feel like I can't focus."
He sat behind me and pulled my back against his chest. "This has been an extremely devastating day. Your body is going to react in strange ways."
"My mind won't shut down, and I can't stop thinking about what she is doing to him and how scared he must be."
"Shh," he pressed his lips to my hair. "She won't hurt him."
"I know I can't sleep, but I need my head to be quiet for a little bit. Is there any way that your power could help me?" I felt horrible for asking, because he couldn't escape his thoughts.
"Physically your body can't sleep, but I can get you pretty close. Is that what you want?"
"Just for a little while, but you'll hold me?" I asked, terrified that he might leave again.
"Of course," he said, as he stroked my hair. "Close your eyes." I felt him slump down into the pillows, pulling me closer to his chest. I cuddled in next to him.
"It's just like when I was human," I said, and I could feel the lethargic vibes he was emitting.
"Those were some of my favorite times," he said.
"When I was asleep?" I asked.
"Well, of course I wanted you to be awake, but I also enjoyed just holding you and watching you breathe, and listening to your steady heartbeat. I would get intoxicated by your scent. It was very relaxing for me. I wasn't used to having downtime like that every night, and I looked forward to it. I used the time to dream about making you mine forever, and spending eternity with you. I wanted to make you happy forever."
I continued to keep my eyes closed, as I focused on his soft, soothing voice. "You do make me happy." He sent out some calming and peaceful vibes, and I swore I was going to fall asleep. He was extremely powerful.
"I know I'm not always the best husband, Bella, but I just want to keep you safe and secure." He started to rub my neck and shoulders, and I slipped deeper and deeper into a relaxed state. "I don't mean to do it, but you'll always be that fragile human to me. I know you're a strong, capable vampire, but for me, I need to take care of you and protect you. I hurt you and I'm sorry."
"Stop it, Jasper," He had me so relaxed that I could barely form a sentence. "You are the best husband, and the most amazing father. Cullen knows how much you love him, because he can feel it. I hurt you today too, but neither of us meant it. We were reacting to a horrific situation. We realized what we did wrong, and now we'll work together to get him back." I knew my words should have gotten me excited and worked up, but Jasper was doing too good of a job keeping me sedated. "I want you to protect and take care of me, but I also want you to know that I can do the same for you."
He ran his fingers through my hair, massaging my scalp and the nape of my neck. We stayed like this for an hour, occasionally talking, but mostly just holding one another.
"Jasper," I said, as I inched even closer to him. "It's all going to work out. I just know it is."
He leaned down and kissed my lips. "As long as we have one another, nothing will tear us apart." He crushed his mouth against mine, and I felt all of his fear and anxiety wash away. I believed him when he said that nothing could break us apart.
EPOV
I walked into my room and found Claudia sleeping in the center of the bed. She wasn't under the covers and she hadn't even changed out of her clothes. She was probably too exhausted. I had to go meet with the Guard in a few minutes, but I wanted to make sure she was okay. I lay down beside her and gently stroked her swollen cheek. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled at me.
"I'm sorry to wake you," I said, as I gently kissed her lips. "I have to go back out, but I just wanted to see you."
"It's okay," she smiled. "I'm glad you woke me."
"We need to talk about what happened tonight." I needed to make sure she understood that I didn't betray her. She needed to know that she was the only one for me.
"I shouldn't have attacked Bella like that. It wasn't fair, especially since her child was taken."
"She shouldn't have hit you," I said.
"She was distraught, but what I said, I meant. She isn't fair to you or Jasper."
"Bella was confused, and she felt abandoned by Jasper. I don't want to make excuses for her, but I need to know that you know how much I love you."
"I know you do," she said. "And, you proved that tonight when you protected me against Bella. I know that you will always love her, but what you did for me tonight showed me just how much I mean to you."
I stroked her hair and stared into those beautiful eyes. I saw how much she loved me, and I would never hurt her. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I need to tell you that I kissed Jasper tonight, but I only did it as a friend. He was very upset, and I wouldn't even have mentioned it, but in the interest of full disclosure and all, I felt you should know."
"I know," I said. "I saw the whole thing in his head."
"Why were you in his head?"
"When the two of you walked into the villa holding hands, I was curious. I saw his breakdown in the conference room, and how you helped him. You were a really good friend to him, and you helped him through a really tough time. You're a very special woman, Claudia, and you should stop doubting that."
"I'm special because of you." she sat up, and I could see the discomfort in her face. "You've changed me, Edward, and I'll never be able to repay you for that."
"I just want you to be happy," I said, as I rubbed her back. "Are you in pain?"
"My shoulder hurts. You're a lot harder than you look."
"You slammed into me when Bella hit you," I remembered. "Why didn't you say something?"
"It didn't bother me then. I guess I stiffened up after I fell asleep. Do you think that I could go see Carlisle?"
"I could look at it for you. It's probably just bruised."
"Don't you have some place to be?" she asked.
"I have to meet with the Guard, and try to read their thoughts. One of them may be helping Maria."
"Why would they do that?"
"We don't know, but Felix and Demetri believe that someone is helping her elude the Volturi."
"Demetri actually admitted that? His loyalties lie with Aro and that Guard. Why would he think that?"
"He didn't want to at first, but there is no other explanation for him. He knows that he is the best tracker ever, so for him not to be able to find her and Cullen, he knows that she is getting some help." I knew I needed to go, but I would stay here with her if she needed me. "I could draw you a bath, and you could soak a bit."
"No," she said. "I want you to help get Cullen back. Is Carlisle still at the villa?"
"Yes," I said. "Jasper and Bella are going to go out and search for Cullen. Carlisle is staying at the villa for a few hours until someone relieves him, and then he'll join the search. We're trying to keep someone at the villa, in case Maria decides to contact us there."
"I'm going to go see him. Do you think he'll mind?" She asked, and I could tell she was insecure about Carlisle's feelings for her.
"Claudia," I said. "He adores you and would do anything to help you." I knew she wanted to go see him for something other than her shoulder, but I couldn't get inside her head if she didn't want me there. I always tried to respect our agreement.
She climbed off the bed and slipped on her shoes. "I'll meet you back here later."
I met her at the door and pulled her into a kiss. "Be careful." I said.
"I'm just going to the villa," she assured me, but I knew something wasn't right.
"Claudia," I said, as I held her face between my hands. "You know that whatever it is you have to tell Carlisle, you can tell me."
"Edward," she said. "Please let me go see him."
"I love you." I said.
"I love you, too." She turned and walked out of our room. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to get into her head. She was hiding something, but I had to let her come to me on her own. I just hoped that Carlisle could convince her to tell me what was wrong.
APOV
"Felix," I said. "I don't think that your traitor is in the Guard."
"Did you have a vision, Alice?"
"I see Edward reading their thoughts, and he is frustrated because none of them seem to be admitting to being the one who is helping Maria. You won't get that answer tonight."
"Are you sure?" he asked, and I could see how disappointed he was.
"Were you hoping that you had a traitor?" I asked.
"Of course not," he said. "But, if it's not the Guard who is helping her, then who?"
"I can't see that. Is it possible that she's just that good? She can out smart you?"
"Anything is possible," he said, and he sounded so defeated. I knew how he felt. I wished I could have a vision to show us where Cullen was, but I had been trying for hours, and I just couldn't see him. Whoever was helping them must be changing their mind a lot, and making last minute decisions as to where they were going to hide next.
We went on a quick hunt, and headed back to our room for a quick shower and change of clothes. I had just finished getting dressed, when Felix came out of the bathroom. He was still wet from the shower and his towel was slung low around his hips. He was an exquisite man. His body was perfectly sculpted; his skin stretched tight over his muscles, revealing just how amazing his chest and stomach actually were. I loved feeling his strong, toned arms around my tiny frame. He always made me feel so loved and safe. When I first arrived in Italy, I felt so insecure and out of sorts, but Felix helped me through that transition. Our attraction was immediate, but our love grew slowly over the years. I was afraid to trust my instincts, especially after my relationship with Jasper had failed, and Felix was unsure because he had never been in love before, but together we found our way.
I walked over to him, and ran my hands up his chest and over his shoulders. He tilted my chin and stared into my eyes. "We'll find him, Alice," he said. "The Volturi never fails. Maria may be cunning, but she's not smart enough to outrun us. She's going to slip up because she has made this personal. She wants Jasper, and she won't leave Italy until she has him. That buys us a lot of time."
"I just feel so helpless. Cullen has no idea what's going on, and he's probably wondering where we all are."
"Cullen is smart," Felix reminded me. "He'll figure out something isn't right, and I'm certain he can feel the love and support that he has from each one of us. All he has to do is hang tight until we get there."
"Whereever there is," Why couldn't I just see where he was?
"I won't let you down," he kissed me softly. "I'll find him."
I slowly ran my hands back down his chest and to the edge of his towel. I looked up at him and asked for silent permission.
He looked questioningly at me, probably expecting this to be the last thing I would want at a time like this. "Alice, we don't have to do this now. I would understand if we didn't do this until Cullen was found."
"You're very sweet, Felix, but being connected to you is exactly what I need. You're what keeps me centered. I simply need you."
"Angel girl, I would do anything for you," he said, as I pulled the towel from his body and ghosted my hand over his erection. He groaned out in pleasure as he lifted me up and carried me over to the bed. He slowly undressed me, placing kisses on every part of my body.
I knew we didn't have much time, because he had to get to that meeting, but Felix always knew what I needed. There was nothing urgent or rough about this encounter. He loved me gradually and tenderly. We filled each other's need. I was helpless over the loss of Cullen, and Felix was desperate to find him. I knew that we were both thinking how close we came to getting out of Volterra and away from this life, but now because of Maria, all of the Cullen's were stuck here, and I couldn't help think that that was exactly what the plan had been all along.
***I wasn't sure what the reaction was going to be to a full blown A/F lemon, so I kept it PG (for the most part). I could always revisit them later.