Authors note; Beta'd by Frannie, all remaining errors are mine.

Chapter Twelve.

"Bella...Bella...wake up...There is someone here to see you. Your father told me to call you."

Jane's voice penetrated through the door and into the fog of sleep surrounding my brain and I lifted my groggy head, sweeping my tangled mess of hair off my face.

"Okay, tell him I will be there. Who is it by the way?" I asked my voice hoarse with sleep.

There was a slight hesitation, "It's Charles Swan, Carlisle has requested your presence at once."

That got my attention. I sat upright so fast my head spun and I wiped at my eyes in an effort to rid myself of the sleep that still felt lodged in my eyes. Dad...I mean...Charlie, here?

Dread filled the pit of my stomach and I suddenly felt ill.

Nausea rose in my throat and I clasped a hand tightly over my mouth as I slid off the bed and ran for my bathroom.

I threw up in the toilet, holding my hair back with shaking hands. As soon as I'd finished I felt better and rinsed my mouth with warm water before brushing my teeth thoroughly.

I threw on a pair of black jeans and a loose, dark blue sweater, which hung off one shoulder and shoved my feet into a pair of low-heeled pumps of the same colour. Hastily I tied my hair up into a messy bun, swiped gloss onto my lips and applied a dash of mascara. I was surprised to see that I didn't look half as bad as I'd felt earlier. In fact, I looked really good, glowing in fact. Given the events of last night and my sickness, I was pleased to see it hadn't affected me as I'd expected.

Stomach bugs could be so nasty.

I grabbed my cell phone off the table beside my messy bed and made my way to the room Carlisle called his office. That cold lump of dread still sat in my stomach as I knocked on the door. I really did not want to face Charlie, I would hurt him so badly and I loved him still. He had been my dad for so long and, to be honest, I would always think of him as such.

I respected Carlisle, everyone did, whether out of fear or devotion, but I loved Charlie with a true and deep affection and I always would.

The bond I shared with Carlisle was dark and tinged with blind devotion, but no less real.

Our connection ran bone deep and it controlled me.

I hoped Jasper was there, the bond I had with my brother, like with Carlisle, was solid, even with literal blood on his hands I adored him.

He would help me survive in this world I'd put myself in.

He was all I had.

"Come in." Carlisle's voice said.

Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes briefly I opened the door and walked inside, my head held high. I refused to let any of them see how much this hurt me.

I first saw Carlisle, sitting behind his massive desk, superbly blond and handsome, smug, eyes hard. I went to him and kissed his cheek as I always did, before turning my attention to the room at large.

A lump formed in my throat as my eyes met those of Charlie Swan.

He hesitated as he rose to his feet, his eyes sad as they raked over me taking in details of my appearance. He was worried about me; I could see it on his face. "Bella." He nodded finally and I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat, my eyes stung with the force of holding back the tears that threatened to spill down my cheeks.

"Hi," I said, my voice sounding empty. I just didn't know what to say. I wasn't sure what I could say when sorry seemed so redundant.

I was sorry for hurting him, so sorry, more than I could ever show him.

"So you see Charles, Bella is in perfect health and she will remain so. As my daughter, she will receive only the best care."

Charlie cleared his throat as a frown appeared on his forehead. "About that, Carlisle, I'd like to see the 'proof' if I may. I've never been a man that believes in something on another man's say so. I'm sure you'll understand my reasoning."

A slow smirk passed over Carlisle's face as he regarded Charlie in silence.

"Proof that she is my daughter?" He asked at last. "Why certainly."

Reaching into the drawer beside him, he slid a thick white envelope onto the desk. Charlie slowly reached over and lifted it, a tiny frown forming between his eyes. I noticed a slight shake in his hands as he opened the envelope and lifted out a binder of papers.

I stood there frozen, my heart aching for my dad.

Even after his eternal loyalty to Rene, he was my dad in all the ways that actually counted. Somehow, none of the past hurt seemed important anymore, it all faded into insignificance as I watched Charlie Swan's pain.

My choices had caused this; they had brought me here. I had never once stopped to consider the damage I would bring about by going with Carlisle.

I'd been a thoughtless child and yet here I was, only a short time later already realizing the error of my ways as I never had before in my life.

Self-recriminations weighed on my heart and I stifled a sob as I watched the genuine pain darken Charlie's face.

I saw him swallow hard as his eyes scanned the first page of the document, his eyes misting over quickly. Charlie cleared his throat as he shoved the papers back into the envelope before tossing it back to Carlisle.

"It proves nothing. You're a man who can buy what he wants and for some reason you want my daughter. You wanted her enough to hunt her down and trick her into letting you into her life. As a young, impressionable teenager, she didn't possess the know-how or the wiles to realize she was being lied to. As someone who's known you most of your life, I know that you always get your own way." Charlie paused for a moment as he tried to gain control of his emotions. "Does Esme know yet?"

Charlie's eyes were now wet as he wiped at them angrily with the sleeve of his jacket. I was heart sore as I watched him; I'd never seen Dad so upset.

He was crying.

I'd never seen him cry before.

The door opened at that moment and Jasper came in, straight to my side. He knew I was hurting and that I could do nothing about it. His face was devoid of emotion, but I knew how sensitive he was. He empathised with others on a level even he didn't seem to understand.

Carlisle's voice brought me back to the moment. "No, not yet."

Charlie snorted. "I can't wait. Esme won't like this any more than I do..."

Carlisle rose suddenly from his chair, as fast as a snake's strike. "Don't you dare tell me what Esme will or won't like...you bastard! She is my wife! Not yours. Never yours. Isabella is my daughter and my family is none of your concern. Now get out! I want you out of my house and off my land. You are not welcome here anymore."

I was shocked; I'd never seen Carlisle lose his cool like that before.

Charlie didn't look scared, merely amused. As he turned to leave, his eyes fell on me and his sadness returned.

"Love you Bells," He said softly. "Always have and always will. If you ever need me, you know where to find me."

Charlie turned back to Carlisle, his face somewhat contrite, "Can I speak to Bella alone? I want to say goodbye."

"Get out!" Carlisle ordered, his voice once again calm, but deadly. "I won't allow you to fill her head with your lies. Isabella is none of your concern now. Just be glad I don't press charges on you for kidnapping, or worse yet, deal with you in my own way. Know now that the only thing that stops me is a pleasant memory of the friend you used to be to me."

Charlie turned to leave once again, his shoulders stiff, posture proud.

Jasper's hand reached out to mine and I grabbed it and held onto it hard. "Goodbye," I whispered. "Dad."

Charlie left quietly. The door closing after him with a click of finality.

Carlisle stared at me before ushering us all out with a flick of his hand.

It wasn't wise to linger when he issued a silent order.

I'd learned this.

Jasper went with me as I walked down the corridor towards the garden.

"Are you okay, Mia?"

I shook my head, my voice failing me. I just held his hand tighter.

After several moments, my mind was made up. In this world I'd chosen I held no power to change my fate. I wanted to change that, even in some small way.

"Jasper, will you teach me?"

A frown formed between his eyes as he swung me around to face him. "Teach you what exactly?"

I swallowed hard. "How to be a true member of this family. I know...what you do and I want to learn."

"What we do? Bella, we only protect what's ours. We are not monsters."

"I saw, heard, what you and Father did to that man last night...who was he?"

I watched Jasper's face change as my words sunk in. He sighed as he decided that it was pointless to lie. "He was an informer, a spy. His name was Thomas Cooper. He used to work for us and then he left and took sensitive information to our biggest competition...he sold us out. So we took care of him."

I listened, my stomach turning as I recalled that man's screams. What had they done to him?

"Was it necessary to torture him?"

"It was his reward for being disloyal. It's our way. Mia, I don't think that you have the stomach for this. I'm just saying...I've been trying to talk father out of training you, I don't think you're ready. If you'll ever be. Although I'm all for the idea."

"Father wants to train me? Why?"

Jasper looked down before replying as if he were weighing up the options. "Bella, by right you're the eldest. This family doesn't abide by old laws. When Father dies, this all goes to you. You are the principessa." Jasper chuckled at the lost expression on my face. "The princess Mia."

I gasped my mind reeling.

I was the heir? To what exactly? A mafia family?

Jasper slung an arm around my shoulders and pulled me with him towards the pond, which sat in the center of the massive lawn. Swans floated serenely around on the still, glass-like water and the wind teased the tall tops of the trees surrounding it.

"What would I inherit? A crime family? What else? And why for the love of god could you not inherit instead, being a man and having lived here all your life makes you a far better candidate than I do."

Jasper chuckled as he stopped and turned to me once more. "You'd inherit much more than just the family, which in itself is a huge responsibility. You would also inherit a dozen businesses worldwide and more than ten thousand employees, a few of which are family too. I would only inherit if you died and that Sis is something I have no wish to do. I like my life as it is and when Father is no longer running this family, I will have more freedom than ever before. I want you to run our family, and I want you to do it well. I am going to do everything in my considerable power to help and train you to be the best you can be. With me backing you, no one will ever overthrow you."

I stared dumbfounded at my brother's cheeky smile as everything fell into place. He wanted us to rule together. While he wouldn't be the head of the family, he would still have tremendous power as my right-hand man and still have the freedom he craved so badly. The question was, what did he wish to do with that freedom?

Out of the mess I'd made of my life up until now, I now realised that I might have found my destiny. But could I do it? Could I be ruthless enough to run this family the same way, if not better than my father had?

I didn't want to fail. Being under someone's control for the rest of my life held no appeal and yet being head of this family would liberate me from the chains, which would otherwise bind me.

No one left the mafia. I was smart enough to know this for myself and I had been born into it without even realising it. There was so hope of me simply walking away.

It was as if I was destined to be the principessa of this family.

The boss.

No one would be able to tell me what to do or whom to love.

I would be free to be with Edward or any person I chose to be with. No one would tell me not to.

A sensation of euphoria swept through me and I found myself grinning widely at Jasper. "When do we begin?"

.

.

.

.

Later that night, after having spent most of the day with Jasper plotting and planning my training, I lay across my bed feeling terrified as well as determined. It didn't matter if I was scared.

I had to force myself to stop being squeamish. Blood was just blood right? It was just a liquid.

A liquid that came out of people.

I had to do this.

For myself and for Edward.

Edward.

A tremor shimmered through my center at the mere thought of his name.

I missed him so much, even as I tried to deny it, or as angry as I pretended to be. The truth was that I ached to be with him again. Last night at the ball I'd felt alive like I never was except when we were together.

Fighting with him was as arousing as it was when we had sex.

He said he would fight for me. I wondered what that meant? Did he mean to leave his fiancé? Would he go up against my father? Or would he take a more subtle approach?

My still tender stomach fluttered with excitement at the thought of Edward wanting me enough to fight for me.

I needed to see him again.

Curling up on my side and dragging the soft cashmere afghan across my body, I switched off the bedside lamp and thought of Edward.

Drifting off to sleep I was awoken by my bedside phone ringing. Half asleep, I lifted it to my ear. "Hello?" I asked slightly irritated with the unknown person for disturbing my dreams.

There was a slight pause and then, "Bella." The sound of that familiar voice, husky and deep, sent shock waves straight through me. I sat up so fast my head swam.

"Edward?" I whispered, half sure that this was all a dream.

"I had to speak to you. Switch on the light, I need to see you." Befuddled by sleep, it took a moment for those words to sink in.

"You're watching me? Where are you?" I stood on shaky legs and went to the window without turning on the light as he'd asked me to do. "So, you're spying on me now?" I couldn't keep the asperity out of my voice, it just came. How dare he watch me like some peeping tom.

"Bella, calm down. Yes, I'm watching you but only to make sure you're alone. I needed to speak to you."

The sound of his voice sent tingles down my spine and I squeezed my eyes shut as need swamped me. "What do we have to speak about? Your upcoming marriage perhaps? Or maybe my parentage? Face it, Edward, there is nothing else to discuss between us." I said feeling tired. "You had me, we had fun and now it's over."

"Is that how you want it to end? I want you, Bella. I want to see you again."

"As long as you are about to be married, we have nothing to discuss, I've decided that I want more than a sordid affair."

There was a short pause as I heard his deep intake of air, before he replied, his voice deeper than before. "Then we are on the same page. I have decided I want more too. Bella...I can't get you out of my mind...," it sounded as if that admission was torn from him and it hurt. I smiled.

"Really? I'm not too young anymore?" I hated that I sounded needy and young.

A soft laugh sounded across the connection and my stomach fluttered with awareness. "I don't care about your age anymore; I don't think I ever did."

"Edward, my father will never let me see you. In fact, he has forbidden it."

"That wouldn't stop me if you want me to come to you." My heart thudded and then stopped.

"How will you come to me? Edward, I'm surrounded by security...There is no way..."

"Just answer me, Bella. Do you want to see me?"

I shut my eyes tightly, my breathing far too fast. "Yes, I do." I breathed in deeply. "When did you know that you felt something for me?"

Edward laughed softly before replying seriously. "Before our getaway. Do you still have the necklace I gave you?"

"Yes, I have." I fingered it now; it never left my neck although I didn't want him to know that.

"Find out what it means. The design is symbolic Bella."

I lifted it, stared at the interconnected ovals, and stroked a finger over the diamonds.

"I have to go now. Goodbye, Bella."

"Edward when will I see you?"

"Soon." There was a click and then the line went dead.

I stared at the receiver wondering if I'd imagined the whole thing. How had Edward found my number? This was my private line and few people knew the number except a select few.

Edward was undoubtedly resourceful. I grinned suddenly feeling giddy.

He had called! He hadn't forgotten me. Maybe there was hope after all.

.

.

.

.

.

The next morning I was due to go shopping with Jane, riding with Alec and shooting practice with my brother.

Waking early, I bounded out of bed only to be filled with nausea, which sent me running to the bathroom once again.

Once the violent heaves had stopped, I rinsed my mouth and felt completely fine again.

I frowned at my reflection as I brushed my teeth thoroughly; this was a very strange stomach bug. I had better go and see a doctor.

But not yet, it could wait until tomorrow.

I had too much to do today.

I dressed quickly, throwing together another casually smart outfit consisting of designer jeans and a jersey top in a pale blue. I did my hair and makeup with little fuss. I left my hair down today, long and free.

My father was adamant that he didn't want me finding a real job. So since my graduation I had decided to work towards taking over the family business when it became necessary. It would take all my time and energy to learn the rules of the Costa Nostra as well as their hierarchy. That was beside learning how to handle various weapons. I would, of course, have a full array of bodyguards at all times, but I wanted to be able to defend myself if need be.

I wondered idly if Edward would ever get to see me with the constant surveillance I had.

I went downstairs slowly, completely lost in thought.

As I reached the landing, I froze. Standing in the hall below was my mirror image, older and more sophisticated, but still me. It was uncanny, like seeing one's self, years in the future.

Esme was home.

My stomach flipped in nervous excitement and then fear followed fast on its heels.

Rene had never wanted me, so why should this lovely creature who was supposed to be my real mother? I was obviously flawed and not worthy of a mother's time or devotion, I told myself sternly. It was better not to get my hopes up, only to have them dashed.

Esme was speaking to a housekeeper and several gardeners were carrying items of furniture around the hall at her command when she spied me motionless on the bottom step.

The expression on her face softened and she dismissed the staff with a gentle wave of her hand. They obeyed instantly sending me soft smiles as they left quietly.

"Hello, Isabella," She said softly as she walked uncertainly towards me.

I didn't know what to say, I was speechless. To my horror, tears welled up in my eyes and tumbled down my cheeks before I could stop them. All at once, I was unsure and dreadfully hopeful.

Her face crumpled slightly as she stared at me, her hand outstretched toward me. "Oh, Bella! Don't cry sweetheart!" She exclaimed as she suddenly closed the distance between us and wrapped me in her arms as she hugged me tightly. I couldn't ever remember feeling so loved in my whole life. It was overwhelming and the tears kept coming even though I tried to stop them. I found myself hugging this stranger back tightly. But she wasn't a stranger to my heart. Her hair smelled of roses and lilies and I loved her. Irrationally and without reason, she was instantly familiar to me; there was no doubt that she was my mother.

.

.

.

.

Authors Note, at the beginning of this story I know that everyone assumed that Bella would be Edward's 'Dirty Little Secret' but nothing could be further from the truth. The dirty secret is, in fact, Bella's parentage and the mysterious circumstances, which broke apart a friendship between Carlisle, Charlie and Edward.