Chapter 14: Harboring the Hostages

Disclaimer: All characters in this chapter are the property of S. Meyer.

Bells was still asleep beside me. I didn't want to disturb her, but man, my bladder was threatening to burst at any given moment. As gently as I could, I tried to loosen Bella's hands. I was surprised I didn't develop a blood clot! They were clenched around my biceps, like a couple of tourniquets. She stirred, moaning my name.

I whispered in her ear. "It's okay honey, I'm just gonna use the bathroom. I'll be right back, I promise."

I hurried to relieve myself, and returned to the bedroom, crawling into the bed next to her. She turned—facing me—her eyes wide open.

"I guess I wasn't dreaming, huh?"

I kept my voice low as I explained, "No . . . It all really happened. I'm sorry we couldn't tell you the plan, but we didn't want to tip off the Volturi. Anyway, you're safe now."

She was awfully quiet. "You alright?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I better go use the bathroom though."

Since the bed was pushed up against the wall, I had to sit up so she could get past me. She stayed in the bathroom for a few minutes. I heard the toilet flush and the water running in the sink. When the door opened, my wolf senses picked up the sound of her heart and breathing beginning to accelerate. A small whimper sounded. I rushed to her side as Bells rammed into the doorjamb, sliding down the frame in a heap. She was crying hysterically.

I caught her in my arms and lowered her to the floor, sitting at the same time beside her. Reaching out, I leaned her head against my neck—my arms encircling her shoulders. I didn't say a word. I just let her cry it out.

Leah had been sleeping downstairs on the couch. She swept into the room when she overheard the commotion.

"I thought I told you not to let go of her," she hissed.

"I had to use the john sometime. What was I supposed to do . . . wet the bed?"

Leah's scowl faded slightly. "Too late the damage is already done. Well, idiot are you just gonna let her sit on the cold floor all morning?"

Bella's voice seemed so small. "Please, don't fight. I can't stand it." She looked up at me with those tear filled eyes. "Jane's gone?" she choked.

"Yeah, she's being held at Cripple Creek. She's being guarded very carefully."

"And the others?"

"They're all being held at different locations."

"Are they going to come back?" A quiet sniffle escaped her lips.

"No, Carlisle is gonna work out a deal with Aro so that they will never set foot in Washington again."

Her lips quivered slightly. She loosened one arm and placed her hand on my cheek. "They didn't hurt you, did they?"

"Not a scratch on me. They didn't even put up a fight. They ruined all our fun."

She nodded at me, then looked over at my bare chest. "Oh gosh, Jake. I've got you all wet with my stupid tears."

"They'll dry . . ."

A flicker of a smile shone through her tears, as she sniffed, "I guess my brownies didn't fare too well, huh?"

I grinned at her. "Jeez, Bells all this crying over spilled brownies . . . Hey, you did save me some though, right?"

She sniffed once more, but suddenly looked remorseful, "I'm sorry . . . they were so good, and I was hungry . . ."

My face must've betrayed my disappointment, 'cuz Bells teased, "Just kidding, Jake . . . Can you help me up now?" She let out a shuddering breath.

"Anything you say, honey. Where to?" I wiggled my eyebrows at her. "You wanna get back in bed with me? I could warm ya up a bit after sitting on that cold tile floor."

"Nice try, Sunny," Leah answered for her. "I'll take it from here. Go on, get! You could use a shower. And so could we, and before you say anything . . . no, we don't need your assistance. However, we do need you to leave . . . so get lost, Jake. See ya!"

"Damn, that's the thanks I get for keeping guard duty all night long. I didn't get a wink of sleep. I had to share that teeny little bed with Bella. It was so uncomfortable, and she kept hogging all the covers. I was freezing my butt off."

Leah rolled her eyes. "Tell it to the marines. Now, scram."

Felix turned his head to Emmett and back to Jasper. "May I ask where you are taking me?"

"Sure," Emmett answered, with a big grin on his handsome face.

There was silence once again in the vehicle. It stretched for several minutes. Felix's eyebrows shot up. "Well . . . is anyone here authorized to answer my question?"

Jasper gave a conspiratory look at Emmett, and repeated Emmett's one syllable, "Sure."

"Gentlemen, I am afraid that does not constitute an informative statement."

The lean vampire glanced at the hostage, and remarked in a deep Texan accent, "Let us just say then—that sure—you may certainly ask the question. However, we do not necessarily feel it imperative to answer it."

Felix sighed and then announced, "I do believe I should be feeling most irritated by this turn of events—but inexplicably—I am as calm as the ocean after a storm."

Jasper's eyes met Emmett's as he bit down on his bottom lip to keep from laughing. It did not however stop Edward from quietly snickering in the driver's seat.

Somehow, Felix got the impression that he was the butt of an "inside" joke. But he still was enveloped in a bubble of serenity, so he cared not one iota.

The car pulled into the massive garage at the Cullen residence, and they all disembarked.

Edward politely held the entry way open. Jasper and Emmett escorted the "very relaxed" vampire through the door of the exquisite house.

Carlisle was awaiting him in the living room and greeted him warmly. "Ah, Felix Morelli. It's been a while. Welcome to our home."

"I thank you Carlisle, but under the circumstances I have no idea why. Is there some reason that I have been brought here?"

"Unfortunately, yes. We couldn't let you harm Miss Swan, she is—in all sense of the word—practically family. We know Aro's concerns, but I can assure you that she would never disclose our existence. As you are aware, she is in possession of other secrets as well. In any case, if she were to let any of this slip out, her own future—her very happiness—would be severely jeopardized. You can see that, can't you, Felix."

"Yes, I see, but I am not Aro, and he will not see."

"Exactly our point. We are risking a chance that Aro would do anything in his power to have the three of you return to Volterra. Am I right in assuming that?"

Felix looked surprised. "Am I to understand that I am being held here as a prisoner? A pawn in a hostage exchange?"

"Quick on the uptake, pardner," Jasper quipped. "The three of you for one lil'gal. I'd say Aro gets the best part of this bargain."

Looking around at his pleasant surroundings, Felix affirmed, "Well then, I cannot complain about the particulars of this prison—why it is light and airy, so far removed from the dank and gloomy intestines of Volterra."

"If only Demetri could hear the words of praise coming forth from Felix Morelli, why he would be shocked into silence. I for one have never heard him unequipped with a smart repartee. It would be most comical to observe."

Alice pranced down the staircase at that moment in time. Felix looked up and their eyes met. His lips curled up into a smile. Jasper immediately stiffened, and Edward peered at Alice and nodded.

Carlisle spoke up, "Alice, you remember Felix."

"How could I forget?" She agreed.

Felix walked forward and took her hand placing a kiss upon it. "My pleasure, Miss Alice." His head rose up as he gazed silently into her eyes.

A low growl emanated from deep within Jasper's chest. Alice removed her hand from the brawny vampire, trying to be as inconspicuous about it as possible.

Esme and Rose entered the room next.

"My word," Felix Exclaimed. "The scenery has improved exponentially. I may never return to Volterra."

"You'll return if I have to hand-carry you," Jasper muttered.

Rose flitted to stand beside Emmett; Carlisle reached his arm out to Esme.

"This is my wife, Esme, over by Emmett is Rosalie. That's our whole family."

Jasper grabbed Alice by the arm, and as he left the room, drawled, "And by damn, it's gonna stay that way, if I have anything to say about it."

Meanwhile in the cabin at Cripple Creek, Jane was seething inside. Her carefully laid trap was compromised by these dim-witted mutts. She was however, amazed by the ease of her capture. Someone somewhere, had the wherewithal to set up their strategy. They divided and conquered three of the most ingenious vampires in all of the Volturi empire. It was clever, really. She guessed and rightly so, that Felix had been sent to the Cullens since his strength would be useless on such overwhelming odds. In Jane's case, her infliction of pain could not be wielded against the wolves'; they were immune to her particular talent. And, Demitri— well that was a moot point.

The accommodations were not particularly bad—woodsy and rustic, with twig furniture, plank flooring—the pine scent could be a bit stronger though. It was raining again and the wet dog odor was enough to gag an elephant.

The one called Sam had traded off and that Quil person had just shown up. He and the other boy, Embry, were constantly joking around. It was worse than Felix and Demetri on one of their better days.

Quil was trying his darndest to get a rise out of Miss Sober Sides. "So, Jane, don't do much talking, huh?"

His comment was met with a scowl and utter silence.

"Hell, I'm just trying to be friendly here. You know a little conversation every now and then could make things a lot more pleasant. A smile couldn't hurt any either, although in your case, your face might crack if you made an attempt."

"I do not converse with dogs. It is beneath my dignity. Besides, I need to breathe to let the air vibrate my vocal cords, which I choose not to do. Breathing in these noxious fumes of wet dog stench are nauseating at best."

"So if you do not mind, I will hold my breath for the remainder of my incarceration. You two can amuse yourselves with your inane jocularity. Excuse me if I do not join in."

"Tut, tut, I think we've been soundly insulted," joked Embry.

Quil—ever anxious to get in the last word—quipped, "Too bad we can't perform that little trick; you don't exactly smell like a bed of roses either, sister!"

"Amen, brother." Embry joined Quil in a high five, and they continued their ridiculous banter throughout the night.

Jane almost wished she was human again, so she could sleep and effectively block out their constant—and extremely annoying chatter. The fact that they laughed at their own unfunny jokes, also "drove her up the wall"! How could anyone possibly be that cheerful?

The scowl on her face was becoming a permanent fixture. To while away the tedious hours, she resigned herself to counting the chinks between the logs which made up the room.1-2-3-4 . . .

Choice expletives filled the air outside the run-down shed at Beggar's Pass. Add in some grunts and loud groans and—well, you get the picture.

The door swung open abruptly and Jared and Paul French walked a smirking Demitri into the front room.

"You know, you're really starting to get on my nerves, 'Me-Tree'." Paul yanked the vampire by the scruff of his neck and shoved him down onto a wooden chair. "Now stay there! No more funny stuff outa you!"

Paul turned to an equally exasperated Jared and began his overdue diatribe. "Dammit! I'm pissed. This is the fourth time we've had to drag his sickly-sweet butt back here," he complained.

"He's sitting not 3 feet away from you, Paul. He can hear every word you're saying."

"You think I give a hill of beans about that? I don't care if they can hear me clear to Volterra! I'm getting tired of being on edge every freakin' minute. When Seth gets here, I'm gonna have him call Sam on his cell and tell him to get Collin or Brady out here. This is nuts! It's bad enough we have to babysit this leech, without having to run after him every time he makes a break for it."

"Actually, that's a good idea," Jared answered. "You're getting a bit grumpier than usual. Seth can "spell" you, so you can get some rest, and Brady—or Collin—can patrol outside the cabin in case 'Demento', here, gets itchy again."

"My dear fellows, I have already informed you that it is my honor-bound duty to flee from captivity. I have also informed you—several times in fact—that the name is Demetri—capital D-e-m-i-t-r-i—Demitri! Not 'Me-Tree', or Demitasse, or Demento, it is—and for all practical purposes ever shall be—Demitri."

"I shall also like to point out that the fabric of my clothing is being severely mistreated by the careless manner in which you have chosen to return me to this ridiculous excuse for a cabin. Please be more considerate, as I am very particular about my appearance."

"How would you like me to change your appearance?" Paul fumed between clenched teeth.

Good thing Jared's reflexes were in tip-top condition because he had to grab Paul as he dove at Demitri, ready to strangle him. Paul was almost "foaming" at the mouth.

Demitri cocked an eyebrow, "My word, Master Etcity, I do believe you could benefit from a course in anger management."

Jared had to stifle a chuckle. His dark eyes danced with amusement. "He's gotcha there, Paul . . ."

"Shut up, both of you!" Paul countered. He ambled over to a window, opening it. "I need a breath of fresh air. The stench in here is making me sick to my stomach."

"I couldn't agree more." The vampire gave Paul a triumphant smile.

Paul ground his teeth in frustration and closed the window sharply. The glass rattled at the force that was exerted. He turned around, narrowed his eyes, and glared at the troublesome leech. How he would love to sink his teeth into "Me-Tree's" jugular and rip his freakin' head off. If only Sam would give the word . . .

A/N: Geesh, Jasper has a temper when it comes to anyone cuttin' in on his woman. Jane is a pouting little "pretty", and boy, Paul is . . . Paul! Reviews anyone? As Demitri would say, "I would certainly be extremely grateful." Hint, hint!