A.N. Thanks for all the reviews I love reading them.
By the way I have been nominated in the Favourite Newbie Author category in the TwiFic Fandom Awards. I am thrilled just to be nominated. Thanks to whoever did it. It's a great feeling to think you like what I write that much.
Also thanks to Fakin'it for her research into the legal side of the story.
The car made its way slowly toward the house and parked outside. A man got out and walked toward the house. His heart beating erratically as most human hearts did when approaching the vampire's house. Esme went to answer the door as was usual. She was the public face of the family. The one, apart from Carlisle, most likely to put people at ease.
"I have a delivery for Mr Edward Cullen. It needs to be signed for." The courier said hesitantly as he approached Esme.
Esme smiled warmly and thanked him. She stayed on the porch watching him drive away again before going back inside.
As she walked back into the house they could all see the concern on her face.
"It's from a lawyer in New York." She stated sadly.
Rose smirked knowingly to herself. Jasper winked at her. They knew. Edward was going to throw a fit.
Carlisle looked at the package with dread. He had been shocked by Edwards appearance and behaviour. Destroying Isle Esme in a fit of petulant rage was inexcusable. Not for the first time Carlisle questioned whether he had turned Edward too young. He had never had the chance to grow up, but then again he had never needed to. He had been pampered and spoiled from birth as a human and Carlisle knew both he and Esme were guilty of the same since his re-birth. But Carlisle felt Edward was special and his first companion. He was deserving of a little spoiling. Carlisle now realised that a little had gone far too far but could not feel too guilty about it.
At first Carlisle had gone along with Edward in his treatment of Bella because he genuinely believed Edward had loved her and that he would not take it too far or allow it to go on too long. Carlisle now realised he had been wrong in that as well. He had not understood Edwards deep seated dislike of what he was. Carlisle knew Edward believed he had no soul and was loathe to turn Bella and damn hers. What Carlisle had not realised was Edwards need to control everything. Was this due to him having no control over his existence or a more arrogant need and personality flaw? Sadly Carlisle was leaning toward arrogant. He was seeing the real Edward and it was intensely disappointing, Carlisle knew he too was at in the wrong for indulging Edward as he had and poor Bella was suffering as a result.
He was sure Edward had been shocked when Carlisle refused him, after all it was a first. He was also well aware of Jaspers attempt at emotional manipulation, but he hadn't needed it Carlisle knew he needed to finally stand up to Edwards demands and be firm with him. Jasper was right though on one thing though, it was time Edward grew up. He had some hard lessons to learn, well they all did. Edward would need all of Carlisle's support and love to get over the control issues he had and to convince him that he was wrong in his treatment of Bella. Edward had to understand Bella must be turned. Edward would have to do that to have any chance of winning back Bella and her love. There was however no doubt in Carlisle's mind that the two were meant to be together.
The atmosphere in the house was one of trepidation and anticipation as they waited for Edward and Emmett to return. Carlisle and Esme were dreading Edwards reaction to what they suspected was in the package. Having heard about Isle Esme they expected a similar display. Rosalie and Jasper were looking forward to watching the fireworks. They too expected Edward to 'lose it'. Jasper was betting the destruction of the surrounding trees would be high. Rose thought he would behave better with Carlisle and Esme watching. Not wanting to tarnish his pristine image further. Both wondered what Emmett's opinion would be. As Emmett and Edward came into view of the house Carlisle went outside to meet them.
"This has arrived for you Edward." He said carefully.
Edward took the envelope and opened it. He scanned the thoughts of the family. They were all thinking neutral thoughts, except Emmett who was simply curious, this immediately made him suspicious. Looking at their faces Carlisle and Esme looked apprehensive while Rosalie and Jasper looked smug. What did they know?
The contents of the envelope were clearly legal documents from Stevens and Hall law firm in New York. He initially wondered if someone had left him a bequest, after all he knew how he effected people. But then he read the page. The wording was legal but the intention unmistakeable. As he read he could feel himself losing control, his fury rose with every word. Bella had been granted an annulment on grounds that consent to the marriage was given under force and duress. She had actually gone to a lawyer, she had blatantly and publically defied him. She also attested that the marriage was unconsummated, thereby insulting him. How dare she! Edward threw the papers at Carlisle and with an explosion of roars he launched himself into the trees.
The sounds that were heard from him were of furious destruction. They could hear trees being uprooted and rocks shattered as well as screams of indignation. Jasper and Emmett stood side by side listening and laughing. They were laying bets on how many trees and rocks would be destroyed before it ended, and whether Carlisle or Esme would attempt to stop him. Or if Edward was lying on the ground kicking his legs and screaming to get his own way like a kid in a supermarket. Certainly sounded like it. In truth they were betting on everything and they found it hilarious.
In a lot less time than everyone thought, Carlisle disappeared into the trees to try to talk Edward down. The others sat down and passed the annulment papers round for perusal.
"Wow. Annulment. I never knew Bella had it in her. That's got to sting Edward, making it public knowledge he isn't man enough to bed her. At least we know where she landed." Emmett said laughing. "Good for her."
"That must have taken some guts." Jasper said thoughtfully. "She had to know it would infuriate him, or perhaps that was the idea, certainly sends him a clear message. This is dated three days ago. I very much doubt she is still in New York."
"Not if she has any sense" Rosalie answered "She will be long gone and I hope she stays that way."
"What do you mean?" Jasper asked
"Look Jasper. While I agree Edward should never find her, I won't help you or anyone else track her down either. She has a chance at a normal human life now and I say let her live it." Rosalie said quietly. "I will do everything I can to stop Edward, and if he does find her I won't let him control her again, But I won't help you. I won't try to stop you, but I won't help you. I would just ask that you leave her alone."
"The Volturi expect her to be turned, it would be dangerous for us all if she isn't." Jasper argued.
"Be that as it may. I would prefer we leave her alone. She has made her choice, we should respect that and allow her the chance to live."
"I don't think that will be possible Rosie" Emmett said. "She may not have chosen Edward, but she did know what she was doing when she went to Volterra. I think she'll be back, given time. She probably just needs space from dick head out there. And he needs to pull his head out of his ass and grow the fuck up."
They looked up to hear growls coming from Edward as he and Carlisle returned.
"Truth hurt does it Eddie?" Jasper snarled. "Finished re-modelling the forest with you little temper tantrum? Did you throw a strop on Isle Esme too? Do you have any idea the danger you put us all in with your self-indulgent dramatics? People down there think there was some freak storm that destroyed the island while the sun shone and boats sailed safely. You idiot! The Volturi are already watching you closely because of your reluctance to turn Bella. You draw too much attention to yourself."
"Bella is my wife! I will decide if she is to be turned, not you or the Volturi or anyone else." Edward roared at Jasper all the while looking at Carlisle for support. Carlisle said nothing.
"Was your wife Eddie! Not any more, that little bit of paper over there says so." Jasper replied with a smirk. "You are not even man enough to get her without using mind control, did you really think you would be man enough to keep her when it stopped working?"
"It did not stop working!" Edward yelled petulantly. "I must have gotten overly confident and stopped concentrating so it lapsed, it is not a mistake I will make again"
There was a blur of blond hair and a loud crash. They looked toward the house to see Rosalie had Edward pinned to the wall of the front room, having crashed through the window. She was screaming in his face.
"You will not try it again you sadistic piece of shit. You will leave her alone. She. Does. Not. Want. You." Each word was punctuated with a kick or a punch. "She would rather run away, alone and afraid no doubt, than be with you."
Carlisle put his hand gently on Rosalie's arm. "Edward you must realise. We will not allow you to attempt to control Bella again. If you want her you will have to try to win her love. You cannot do that through abuse."
Edward looked shaken, not so much be Rose's attack but by Carlisle's steely tone and resolute thoughts. He would brook no further discussion. Edward would be expected to toe the line. Edward couldn't believe how everyone seemed to be against him. He realised he would have to be careful. He would need Carlisle's help to find Bella but once he had her he had no intention of allowing anyone to dictate his behaviour toward her. He would take her and keep her isolated. He would be proven right. Bella would be happy and content with him and he would have a wonderful few years. He would keep Bella for her lifetime, he would care for her and adore her. She would remain the pure angel she was when they met and would make his life complete.
"I need to speak to Bella's father. To see if he has heard from her" Edward said slowly. He would play nice for now. He quickly tidied himself up and headed out. Unbeknown to Edward, Jasper was following. He too wanted to know if Bella had been in touch with her father. He also wanted to make sure Edward stayed calm, he had a feeling Charlie would make every effort to wind Edward up.
Charlie was at the station when Edward Cullen walked in bold as brass. He couldn't believe the boy had the gall to show his face.
"Good afternoon Chief Swan," Edward began.
Charlie just smirked. "It was until you showed up. What do you want?"
Edward was taken aback by Charlie's attitude. He had always known Charlie didn't like him much but for him to be so openly rude was new. He looked around the office. There were several photo's most of Bella and some of Charlie, Billy Black and Harry Clearwater fishing. There were none from the wedding. Bella looked so happy in the pictures, Edward was not in any of them. It gave him a small twinge of conscience. Would she ever smile like that for him?
"I was wondering if you have heard from Bella? We had a row and she took off. I am very worried about her. I want to talk to her, to see if we can't sort this out." Edward said with confidence.
"Listen you slimy, worthless, asshole. I have seen men like you my whole life. You think you are so perfect. You are controlling, obsessive and abusive. You go near my daughter again and I will kill you. She doesn't want you, she has had your so called marriage annulled." Charlie said with venom. His thoughts were even more vitriolic. "You spineless coward," He thought, "As if pushing a girl into marriage, when she was too young and not ready wasn't despicable enough. She thought she loved you, she would have done anything for you and you weren't even man enough to finish the job. You pussy."
Edward shrank away, Charlie's threats didn't bother him. It was the fact he had seem right through him. Edward had clearly underestimated this man. For a brief moment Edward saw himself through another's eyes and didn't like it. But then the moment was gone and he was furious at being judged by someone beneath him. This man was trying to keep him from Bella. The moment of conscience passed, he didn't much care if she were happy or not just as long as she was obedient. He had to have her back to save face now, to prove he was right.
Edward tried to calm himself. "Do you know where Bella is?" he asked again.
"No. She won't tell me so that you can't find out. And no even if I did know I wouldn't tell you." Charlie sneered. "Now get out of my sight."
"Please Chief Swan, When you hear from her again, please ask her to call me. I need to speak to her." Edward tried to get into Charlie's head. Memories of a phone call drifted through his mind.
"I know you would never tell Edward anything, but he is a really sneaky bastard and trust me he will find out anything you know. I will call you as often as you need. But I will call you. I will be safe, trust me."
Edward realisedBella was determined to not be found. How dare she call him that. She seemed to have changed almost overnight. Edward was forced to question where it had all gone so wrong.
"No." was Chief Swans response as he pushed Edward out of his office and firmly closed the door in his face.
Jasper couldn't help the smile that lit up his face at Edward being so discomforted. Hearing Charlie Swan tell him what he though was fantastic. Jasper could only imagine the thoughts running through Charlie's head. It also gave Jasper an idea. Pulling out his mobile he dialled a number.
"Hi Pete, how's it goin? How's that lovely wife of yours?"
"How's it goin' yourself? Things were just fine thanks, at least till you called. I take it you want something." Peter said in a laughing tone. He was always like this. It made Jasper feel good, comfortable.
"What no small talk?" Jasper asked laughing. "Straight to business as usual, ok. I need you to hack into a phone line for me. Chief of Police in Forks. I need to know if his daughter calls him and where she is calling from. Can you do it?"
"Sure I can do it" Peter responded "But why am I? Who is she and does the poison pixie know you are chasing another woman?"
"Fuck off" Jasper replied. "She is Edward's ex. She needs to be turned. Eddie refused and she's run away from him. I need to find her before he does."
"The perpetual virgin has an ex? Fuck that's too funny! Did he drug her to get her to agree to fuck him? Is that why she ran? Came to and realised what she'd done"
"Not drug no but something like it, he 'enthralled' her, the sick fuck." Jasper responded "He refused to fuck her as well. I would have run if I'd been her."
"That's crazy! How long did he have her under?" Peter asked his voice full of concern.
"Months." Was Jaspers solemn answer.
"Well Fuck! That's one sick, crazy bastard." Peter paused thoughtfully "Ok I'll get back to you when I have something. You want tracers on her ID's as well just in case?"
"Please, though I doubt she'll be stupid enough to use them. But she will contact her dad sometime. I know she will"
"What's Alice say on all this?"
"Alice is history." Jasper answered without a trace of regret. "She was helping him, Carlisle and Esme too, but they have been persuaded it was wrong. Her visions are all screwed up anyway, so she's not seeing much. She left before he got back from, get this, his honeymoon. Arsehole threw a fit when Bella mentioned sex apparently! Can you believe it?"
They both laughed heartily. "What a fucking pussy! You sure he's not gay?" Peter exclaimed "Glad the pixie is history too. I'll get back to you soon ok."
"Ok Pete, thanks. See ya!" Jasper said hanging up, at least he knew he could trust Peter. He listened in carefully as Charlie slammed the door in Edwards face.
"What's the matter Eddie? The father in law not your biggest fan?" He teasingly thought to his brother.
As Edward left the police station he heard Jasper's thoughts. He walked slowly toward him in furious steps. But then at the last moment turned abruptly and sprinted toward the reservation. He had heard the thought of one of the wolves. Bella had been in touch with the reservation.