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Chapter 11

EmmettPOV

There was something different in the way Edward was behaving. I knew I had a few words to say to him and to Tanya since I felt for Bella and what she had gone through. I could hardly imagine my life without Rosalie. That woman plucked my heart from day one and I knew I wanted her in my life.

Since then we had been inseparable. Alice and Jasper were similar. The way they moved together you knew they were soul mates just as I knew that Rose was mine our first night together. I knew it was meant to be.

However Edward was different. He was having more trouble finding her and seemed to be in his own world till then. When I thought the right opportunity came along in Bella and I could see the bond between them that night he gave her his book then I only prayed that Edward saw it too. The idiot did the next best thing, he went and grabbed the Circus slut. Sometimes I questioned what was going on in his head. It wasn't until Carlisle and I found him downing bottles of wine in his tent that I realized he was drunk. Did Tanya take advantage of it?

I was on my way to Tanya's carriage to find out all about what that wench was up to. In doing so I encountered my own demons.

"Emmett Cullen. Always a pleasure." purred the most vile voice I could think of. I didn't turn around and give her the glory of my attention. She instead slithered her way around me and grinned at me. Her long, red and curly hair blew in the wind and her black feather scarf brushed against her cold, pale skin.

"Victoria" I acknowledged with as neutral tone as I could fathom. If Tanya were a slut then Victoria was a witch in my eyes. She did the wire walks in the show and thought that made her a star. Her sorcery in my books was that she could eat and breath the fire of the show without the help of alcohol like the rest of the fire performers.

"Where is my Emmie off to?"

"None of your business. Excuse me." I tried to go around her but she kept blocking my path with a high pitched giggle that annoyed the hell out of me.

"No, you are not excused. I want to talk." I snarled and clenched my fists.

"I have nothing to say to you. Get away from me you vile hag!" She wasn't faltered by my comment. In fact she grinned even more.

"That's not what you called me that night." She then had the audacity to wink at me.

"It was one night Victoria and you took advantage of my vulnerability and alcohol consumption. I had wash every ounce of you off my body the moment I could. It won't ever happen again." If word got round about my night with Victoria I would lose Rosalie forever.

"Oh so you haven't told dear Rosalie about us?" I was beyond fuming now

"There is no us you whore! Get out of my way before I push you so hard you'll forget your own name the moment you hit the ground." She crossed her arms

"You forgot to say the magic word and politely too." I only saw red and grabbed her neck. Her eyes darkened immediately

"Go on. Do it. I'm sure everyone will want to hear that Emmett Cullen is a murderer." I then chuckled coldly

"Don't worry Victoria no one will grieve your death and you wouldn't be wasting our earth's air with your breathing anymore. It will go to people who actually deserve to live." I shoved past, regardless of whether I hurt her or not. She wasn't worth my time and energy though she knew how to provoke me enough.

In my fury I knew I wasn't in a state to talk to Tanya however much she deserved to shouted at. I was a good guy and I wasn't going to let these leeches that Aro calls women get under my skin. So when I had calmed down and embraced my Rose, smelling her hair and listening to her heart beat, would I then be able to compose myself enough to tackle the appropriate issue.

My family's suffering was always on my mind and now this situation only added to it. When would our curse be lifted?

VictoriaPOV

I watched my Emmett stomp off and I knew I had him around my finger. I knew how to pull the strings and after having him for one luxurious night in bed I knew it would be his downfall. It would be there when I needed it since he would never tell Rosalie. Her poor, weak little heart wouldn't be able to take it.

I went back to my carriage and sat in my chair. A schnapps bottle sat on the table and I filled myself a glass before I took out my cigarette and lit the familiar tasting smoke. Some day Emmett would be mine to have every night as I pleased. I just had to be a little smarter about it. I had to find a way to separate those Cullens. They were too lovey dovey. Full of sunshine and cookies and it made me sick. This place would benefit greatly once they were apart. I would receive their fine looking carriage and make it my own little palace. Then I would get Emmett to stay with me as my little man toy. To do with as I pleased. Every night in my bed, between my legs and in my arms. He would have no choice, no power over my authority. I sighed in pleasure at the thought. The day would arrive soon enough. I could feel it.

I opened my eyes to see my brother enter. His grin was huge like he was up to something.

"Good afternoon little sister. Been plotting?" I took a big puff and met his grin

"You could say that dearest James." James sat down opposite me and snatched some schnapps for himself. I offered him a cigarette which he happily lit and we sat there in a moment's silence enjoying our simple pleasures.

Once he had a few puffs he focussed back on me

"So where do you stand with Emmett?" I giggled in a low tone

"I found out just how much I provoke him. It'll make him do dangerous things dear brother. And then slowly the Cullens will be pulled apart. We will snatch it all from them." He nodded

"I like the sound of that. It's a mighty fine carriage they have."

"Hands off! It's mine!" I hissed at him. He just laughed

"Of course sister. You always were the more extravagant one. Champagne. Chandeliers. Royal ballgowns. Waiters. The whole lot. If I didn't know any better I would think you were royalty in another life." I twirled my glass and grumbled

"I will be royalty. Just you wait." James just shook his head in amusement. After a moment I went back in. It was his turn.

"And you, James? How are you doing with your little Bella?" He hmphed a little and took a puff

"She will be mine. No doubt about that, Vic. I just need the opportune time. That boy Riley just goes after her instinctually. That doesn't work well for him. Emmett must have given him the black eye that night. No, I need to plan it better. Look for whatever angle I can then strike and when I do little sister, the Cullens will not be able to do a damn thing about it." I smirked proudly at my big brother

"And being in Aro's favor can have its uses too" He smirked back
"Indeed it does. These secrets of ours, like your night with Emmett will be a great chance to get rid of those Cullens and there are plenty more. Just keep piling them up. Then Aro will be very interested to hear of them." I nodded. We were on the same page like any good brother and sister pair were.

"Things are looking up for us, James. Just be patient for a little bit longer." We clinked glasses and celebrated our brilliant scheme.

BPOV

The show was a great success that night. I especially loved watching Demetri with Jemima tonight since I now knew what I knew about them. They were actually very cute since the illusions was a little bit broken. Gerry and Paul were their usual selves to my amusement and when the enemies came on, my smile dropped and I watched where I could. When the family came on I cried a little bit as I watched Edward do his thing. He was so graceful on stage and had an awe about him.

I had to push it aside and just focus on my time with Jacob.

After the show I did just that. I got into my dress and checked my makeup as Alice and Esme watched on sadly

"You look beautiful Bella." Alice complimented quietly. I thanked her and made my way out of the carriage. At the door stood Edward who was just about to come inside. He looked me over and sighed

"You look...stunning, Bella." He murmured with his head bent low. I cleared my throat as I walked past him

"Thank you, Edward. Good night." I stopped and looked down at his clenched fist. Then up at his eyes which looked away. He went up into the carriage and I turned to see Jake approaching. He grinned at waved at me. I waved back. He took my hand and kissed it gently

"You are a vision Bella." I smiled shyly at him and he offered me his arm
"Shall we go to dinner?" I nodded and took his arm. We walked in the night to his carriage which was about five away from the Cullens. He lead me inside and to my surprise I saw one table in the centre covered with candles and flowers. Two seats were placed opposite each other and there was soft music playing in the background.

"Jacob, this is amazing!" He pulled out a chair for me before he sat down on the other side. Then suddenly the music came into the foreground and one of the guys entered from behind a door playing a violin. I smiled and listened to the talented man playing. Jake chuckled

"Embry is a juggler but he also plays the violin. The decorations are courtesy of Leah and Emily." It was so sweet. His friends were doing this for him. It made my heart melt. Then another guy came out with a napkin over his arm like a waiter. He came over and smiled at us

"Good evening Miss Bella. Jacob. I'm Sam and I will be your waiter this evening. What would the lady like to drink?" I asked for a glass of wine which Sam went and got for me. He then gave Jake a glass of brandy.

"What would we like to eat?" Jake cleared his throat

"Two veal cannellonis." Sam nodded and took off behind the door. Jake then lifted his glass

"Here is to tonight. More importantly here is to you. A woman completely out of my league accepting a date with me." We clinked glasses and I smiled at him

"I'm the one who is honored Jake." Then suddenly from the back I heard a guy shout

"What the hell is Veal? Is that like squirrel or something?" Jake gave a death glare toward the door and I just giggled

"Maybe another choice?" I suggested teasingly. He just shook his head and muttered under his breath

"Stupid Seth." He looked at me embarrassed

"We decided on the menu this morning but Seth never listened I guess." I shook my head

"It's fine Jake. Your company is all that matters regardless of what we eat." He took my hand shook his head

"This is why I'm amazed by you. You see goodness in everything." I reached for my glass and took a sip

"No not everything Jake. I have enemies too."

"Who doesn't" He retorted.

"Yes but these people are like vultures. They are waiting for me to show a sign of weakness and then they'll strike. Particularly the men." Jake took a deep breath and through the candlelight I saw his eyes gently searching mine

"I promise nothing will happen to you. None of us will. You are safe." I nodded

"I know but it doesn't help the insecurity going in the back of my mind." He nodded in understanding. Sam came in a moment later and placed a delicious meal in front of us. He looked at Jake and grumbled

"We are lucky to have Emily in the kitchen and that she paid attention because Seth is useless." Jake motioned his head to me and Sam went back to his waiter facade

"My apologies Miss Swan." I just giggled at the pair of them. Jake just dropped his head into his hands and sighed deeply.

"Jake it's fine. Really. This is all great but it wasn't necessary. Sam, you don't have to be this. Be yourself please." He nodded and walked away. Jake just laughed quietly

"Oh Bella what am I going to do with you? You surprise me all the time." His eyes then lit up and he stood.

"Let's dance." I nodded and took his head. He held me close as we swayed gently. I rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes. I felt safe in his arms and a warmth I didn't feel with Edward. Then his face came into my head. The way his eyes showed his distraught. It was too late. I don't think I can forgive him now. I didn't want to break Jake's heart now. He also meant a lot to me. Yet my skin was on fire and my heart beat faster when I thought of Edward. It was so confusing. No matter how sad Edward made me he came into my mind again and again. It was tearing me apart to choose between them. Then I remembered what separated them was Edward had Tanya and Jake had no one. Edward chose Tanya over me. That gave me Jake. That's why I chose him. Jake would always choose me so therefore he was the better man. Then I felt Jake place a gentle kiss on my forehead making me look up. He searched my eyes before leaning down and placed a kiss on my lips. I didn't know what to do so I let him take the lead. He brushed his lips with mine gently and wrapped his arms around my waist. My arms naturally wrapped around his neck and we kissed for a few moments. I got tingles, warm, fuzzy tingles but my head thought of Edward kissing me. I mentally hit myself and opened my eyes to be sure that it was Jake kissing me. He was. It cleared Edward out of my head instantly though there was a strange feeling of...disappointment?

Jake pulled away and smiled down at me. He stroked my cheek with the back of his head and he took a deep breath

"Wow" I nodded

"I know. Wow." He lead me back to the table and we finished our food along with a lovely slice of chocolate cake. Then at the end of dinner he escorted me back to the carriage. I said goodnight and went back into the room. Everyone was asleep except for Edward. I noticed he was looking outside the carriage at the stars with just a flicker of candlelight beside his bed. I walked off and changed into my nightgown. I came back to my bed and looked at Edward's book beside me. He was still looking outside and I turned my back to him. What could I say to him?

Yet I couldn't seem to sleep. I waited till I heard him blow out the lights and get into bed. There was a silence between us. We were the only ones awake and yet neither of us had anything to say. Well how do I tell Edward about Jake? Surely he knew about our date. Esme or Alice would have told him.

So now what? "Hi Edward, oh by the way Jake and I kissed." If I wanted to be that cruel and get him back then I would have said it. Unlike him, I had a heart. So this time I didn't want to say it no matter if it was on the tip of my tongue.

I tried to sleep that night but it didn't work out. My mind was only on one thing. Edward. I couldn't stop it and I couldn't understand.

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NEXT CHAPTER: One of our characters gives a shocking revelation but who?