Chapter Eleven

Bella

It seemed like I was living a nightmare, after thinking things were getting better they had crashed again with the knowledge that my mother was dead, a freak accident while trying to protect herself. Even though I knew it was a kinder fate than the Romanians had in mind for her it was still an agonizing blow.

Had they managed to snatch Charlie? Would he be held hostage for my cooperation? I couldn't even think about that, about choosing sides, even if my gift were any better than a party trick, and no one even knew that yet. I had been numb with shock until now but suddenly everything hit me at once, my fear, Alice's death, Renee's death and the fact I was being hunted by the most powerful vampires in the world, and back with the Cullen family, including Edward, someone I had fervently hoped I would never see again.

"Stop, please."

Peter glanced over at me as there came a loud hammering from the back and he pulled up sharply,

"What the fuck is going on?"

My door was pulled open and strong arms carried me over to the grass verge where I hunched over as I was violently sick. I felt too ill to be embarrassed and even when my stomach was empty I still continued to retch. I felt miserable and wiped my mouth with a tissue handed me by my saviour, Jasper of course, who else? Then I turned into his arms lay my head on his chest and began to sob uncontrollably. I have no idea how long it was before I could get control of myself again but Jasper stood patiently holding me, stroking my hair until I was able to straighten up, my eyes red and sore and my nose running. The tissues he had handed me were just a soggy scrunched up mess in my hand and I was grateful when another hand appeared over his shoulder with fresh ones.

"Are you OK Bella?"

It was Esme's voice and sounded gentle and concerned but I couldn't answer her, I knew if I opened my mouth I would start crying again so I just nodded.

"It might be better if Bella rode with me in the fresh air, Esme."

"Of course, I'll ask Charlotte to swap places. I'm so sorry Bella, we should have been more thoughtful, you've had a dreadful time lately but we'll be somewhere safe soon and you can rest."

I nodded again, relieved when Jasper lifted me off my feet and carried me back to the truck, my legs were so weak and wobbly I didn't think I would have made it under my own steam.

Other strong arms took me from him then he jumped up and I was terrified I might open my eyes and find myself in Edward's embrace but I heard Carlisle whisper my name and touch my forehead before I was handed back to Jasper. Safe in his arms, mentally and physically exhausted, I fell into a doze despite the bumpy road. Voices carried on a conversation around me, mainly guessing what the Romanians planned to do next and how safe would we be in the swamps but Jasper was silent and I was more conscious of his nearness than anything else. From time to time I still wept but silently now, thinking of Renee and how brave she had been to try fighting back, I just hoped I would be equally as brave if I had to face the Romanians.

As the day wore on the temperature began to drop and I was aware of a blanket draped over me and then finally the truck stopped, we had gone as far as we could in the vehicle, the rest of the way would be on foot. The very thought of wading through swamps or fighting my way through the vegetation exhausted me and then I heard Edward's voice,

"I'll take her if you like. After all, you'll need your hands free if we run into the enemy."

Before I could cry out or try to refuse I heard Peter's unfamiliar though much welcomed southern drawl, cut in,

"I don't think that's a good idea do you Eddy boy? She's already tried to rearrange your features once. I'll take her Major if she's happy with that."

I opened my eyes to see him looking at me and when our eyes met he winked conspiratorially so I nodded and he lifted me up although I missed the comforting feel of Jasper's body close to mine.

"Right. Now, I usually charge for transporting damsels in distress but just this once I'll make an exception. I warn you though, I'm a huge coward and if we encounter any wildlife with teeth bigger than mine I'll throw you to it and run. Got that?"

I managed a weak smile and nodded although I heard Esme's low exclamation of concern. I didn't want to be treated like I was glass, even if I was fragile right now.

"Right Princess, hold on tight for the ride of a lifetime."

I was grateful for his light humoured words although I then heard Edward tutting behind us and whispering that now wasn't the time for such levity,

"Can't you see how upset Bella is Peter?"

"Yeah, but it was either tell a few jokes to lighten the atmosphere or throw you in the swamp and I knew you wouldn't want that so shut the fuck up before I change my mind."

Edward fell silent then and I was glad he stayed behind us because it gave me a clear view of Jasper who along with Carlisle was beating a path for us through vegetation along a track that only they could see. He turned to check on us from time to time and each time my heart stuttered in time with the pounding in my head. I felt terrible but there was nothing for it but to keep quiet and hope we would be somewhere I could lay down soon.

After about half an hour we came out on the bank of a creek which twisted away into the distance in both directions and realised our way ahead meant travelling across it.

On the far bank was something that I took for a log until it moved silently, slithering into the water.

"Right, if that fucker so much as grins at me you are going in Bella, just remember that."

I giggled weakly at his joke but again Edward showed his disapproval and for a moment I really wished Peter would make good on his threat and throw Edward in with the alligators. Instead, he waded into the water after swinging me onto his shoulders.

"I'll try not to get you too wet, The Major forgot the luxury yacht so I'm afraid it's time for a paddle."

I wondered how much further it was and looked around to see the others following us, uncaring of the cold muddy water or the stench of rotting vegetation but Esme smiled encouragingly.

"Don't worry Bella, it's not much further. Charlotte and I have your things so they won't get wet."

True enough both Esme and Charlotte were weighed down with rucksacks and waterproof bags which they held high above the water which luckily wasn't as deep as I had feared. Of course, the men needed their hands free, just in case our hiding place wasn't as secret as they hoped.

Twenty minutes later we were back on drier ground on a small islet which was covered in twisted trees and bushes. Pushing through these we came upon an old wooden shack with, of all things, a satellite dish set up outside and with it a figure, a young man I had never seen before.

"Darius! I mighta fucking known you'd make yourself at home. Can I get cable on that thing?"

Peter put me down gently on my feet and once he was sure I wasn't going to fall over he went to greet the stranger followed by Carlisle and Charlotte while Edward hovered close by hoping I might need his help but Jasper walked between the two of us and took my hand,

"Come and meet Darius, he's going to be our eyes and ears for the foreseeable future, our communications expert."

I took his hand and went over to say hello when all I really wanted to do was lie down and close my eyes until the thumping in my skull gave up and my stomach stopped doing somersaults.