Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight. The lucky lady.
Anyway I hope you enjoy as we delve further into the madness and also the story of Aro/Esme/Carlisle concludes. Just a small tip: as you read the flashback scene, listen to 'Leave Out All The Rest' by Linkin Park. That was playing as I wrote it and helped make it even sadder. I was crying myself.
Chapter 21
EPOV
So was this it? Was this my untimely doom? To leave my Bella and my child? To leave my family?
Here I was, chained by my arms to the ceiling. I didn't mind the standing position since I have stood for very long periods before but that wasn't what was on my mind. I felt a sudden urge to do something. I looked up through the small dungeon window in front of me, looked into the night sky and prayed. For the first time since I was changed, I prayed. I prayed that God would be there, that he could hear me and most importantly that he would look after Bella and the baby. I prayed he would keep them safe. I knew I should have courage but for now my only concern was that she was okay.
The doors were unlocked and in stepped in a figure but judging by the images in his head I knew who it was.
"At last I have you to myself the way I want you." Felix sighed contently. He stepped in front of me leaning casually against the stone wall, one leg crossed over the other.
"I thought in our previous meeting you would get through your thick skull that what you and Bella had was not meant to be. I even proved to you in the Tournament that only the worthy man would win. Do you remember what I said to you at the Tournament, Edward? I asked you in what way could you have ever beaten me? That still stands. Nothing's changed other than the fact that your death will the most delicious sight next to marrying Bella." I gulped. What?
Felix looked at me amused and chuckled
"Oh you haven't heard? Tomorrow after I delightfully rip off your head I intend to make Bella my bride. My mate forever more." The fucker.
"I never thought I would see this sight in front of me. You, here before me to do with as I please. Then there's Demetri who finally gets Alice to himself," I clenched my fists harder at the thought "Then there's Aro who can rest in peace knowing Carlisle is about to suffer and Bella awaits for me in my chamber where I intend to take her tonight. She likes it hard, did you know that?" I had to stay calm. He is only trying to provoke me. De-power me. Felix stepped forward smiling
"And what I love most is that your joy, the creature made from your disgusting fornication is to be disposed of. Therefore any trace of your 'love making' is to disappear as if it never was. How exciting huh?" Felix looked into my eyes, searching my face and nodded amused.
"Great self control, Edward. Let's see if it lasts." He takes a long, spiky whip reserved for him at the back. I know because I saw what he intended to do to me. He positioned himself behind me chuckling
"To see Edward Cullen bleed and suffer in front of me. Oh how I love my job!" The first crack came and the pain seared through my back. I gritted my teeth. CRACK! Another one. I took a deep breath trying to keep it together. CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! I felt my muscles tremble as the pain became unbearable. I had to keep strong. Once he made to over thirty whips I found myself grunting loudly. My first reactive sound. Felix delighted in it and continued, trying to break me. It came to about fifty-five or so before I started crying out in anger and pain. There! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?!?! HUH!!?!??!?! But Felix didn't stop, he still continued on as if nothing has changed. From then on I started to lose count as the pain overtook my sense of control and I was shouting out in serious pain. I faintly heard echoes in the background 'Edward! Are you okay? Edward!' My arms couldn't support me anymore. My legs were giving out on me. The chains holding my wrists were the only things holding me up now and because of that Felix finally stopped.
"WOOOO!" He called out happily "What a rush! That was the single most enjoyable punishment I have ever given. I have spilled Cullen blood and it never felt sweeter." Felix went to the table in the corner and set down the whip.
"I think that's enough to get you through tomorrow where the real fun begins. Till then, I'm off to see my mate. Have a good evening, Edward." He said almost too pleasantly. I then felt him come up behind me and whisper in my ear
"Oh and I think you should go to a doctor and get your back checked out. It doesn't look so good." He burst out loud with laughter, pleased at his own joke, then he walked out, locking the door. He got a major case of the giggles as he walked off. I felt my eyes droop as I looked out into the sky, at the stars. I groaned in pain
"Bella" Was all that could leave me lips and just in a whisper.
CPOV
Felix's laughs grew louder as he passed by our cells and he winked at me
"Massive ego that boy of yours has." He then walked out of the dungeon and lights dimmed. The semi-darkness was surprisingly pleasant however the quietness was too sad.
"Edward you ok?!" Jasper called out in his cell to my left. He gripped the bars and curved his head left to call down the hall. He tried again and got no response. Jasper then kicked the bars
"The fuckers! I swear they will pay! They can almost kill Edward and rape Alice and get away with that?!? They will fucking pay!" Jasper was losing control and punching the walls. His own powers were not working. It was making all of us angry. I had to get this back in order.
"JASPER! CALM THE FUCK DOWN!" Jasper turned to me, fury in his eyes.
"You will get revenge. No doubt you will. Just don't waste the energy." He sat down by the bars that separated our cells and he leaned into it, sighing. He took deep breaths, trying to calm down.
"I'm sorry. I'm really worried."
"We all are." Rose called out in the cell to my right. I ran a hand through my hair
"And all of this was because of me." This got their attention. I looked at them all. Jasper, the Rosalie and Emmett on the other side of her. I let out a cold laugh
"Aro was so intent on getting Esme back. It started all of this."
FLASHBACK
I lay in the grass with Esme and we laughed. I had never felt more exhilaration in my life. She meant so much to me. I couldn't bear the thought of knowing I spent 300 years of my life without her. Now here she was and the most beautiful vampire I had ever seen. She rolled on top of me and smiled
"I have never been happier, Carlisle. I love you so much." She kissed me and I felt my body fill with joy.
"I love you too, Esme." She rested her head on my chest and sighed
"It's a pity Edward isn't here." Edward was a newly turned vampire I had adopted with Esme. He was dying of spanish influenza in my hospital and his dying mother begged me to save his life. With Esme's guidance I did just that and I guess we can call him our son although he is only 17 physically. He is still at home confused and sad as the day he became a vampire. It does take some getting use to. I know.
"Don't worry about Edward. He will adjust in time. Luckily he has a terrific mother like you." Esme sighed and looked up at me
"I'm not really his mother. I'm more of a step-mother." Carlisle smiled
"You are his mother for all intents and purposes now that his real mother is dead." She looked down guiltily
"She is a really special woman, being able to give birth. I can never have that. However I am opening my heart to him. He has still kept his green eyes. He is a beautiful boy." I nodded and kissed her for her concern.
"We will always be a family no matter what Esme. As long as I have you to then my life has real purpose." We then began to kiss and make out for a while.
After that we began to go hunting. Esme raced me through the mountains and we saw a deer run off down a path. I winked at her
"I'll surround him. You go ahead. Distract him." She nodded and continued on after it. I took a different route that passed the cliffs and suddenly I was grabbed and slammed to the floor. Several vampire guards were holding me down and I snarled
"What is going on? Let me go!" I looked up and saw a dark-haired man stare at me grimly
"Carlisle Cullen I assume?" I stared back
"Who wants to know?" The man grinned
"Aro Volturi." I gasped. I had heard of them but never felt I needed to meet one.
"Volturi? What have I done?" Aro shrugged
"Oh it's a personal matter. Do you know a lovely young woman by the name of Esme?" I gulped
"No. Should I?" Aro sighed
"Come now Carlisle. You are wiser than this. Just tell me where she is." The guards pressed me down further
"What do you want with Esme?" He sneered
"That's none of your business. Yet." It didn't take long before Esme ran through and stopped at the sight in front of her. Her eyes were shocked and worried.
"Carlisle? Are you okay?" I groaned in pain
"Esme what is going on?" She looked at Aro in anger
"Let him go, Aro. It's me you want clearly." Aro nodded
"Indeed its you that I want. I want you to suffer for your insolence. Did you really think you could hide yourself from me? Changing your name and marrying this weak and insolent vampire? I'm surprised at you, Esme. And ashamed. I take you into my life, into my bed, I promise you the world and this is how you repay me?" As he spoke his words were darker and louder. I watched on in horror. Esme was Aro's mistress? She never told me this. Why?
"I hate you Aro. I never liked being with you. The very thought of you touching me made me sick. I only did it to protect my father. I chose to come with your men if they spared him. If it meant going into your bed to save him then I would do it. Then when I heard of his passing I knew I had nothing to keep me with you anymore. I wanted out." She hissed with tears in her eyes. She looked down at me and her face softened
"I then met this man and I found myself in love. I wanted to be with him. He is everything to me. My eternal mate. You won't ever have that Aro because you're sadistic and full of pain. You're going to get what's coming to you in time. I assure you." Aro scoffed
"I guess your story just proves how much of a pathetic and stupid whore you really are." I was filled with rage that I tried to rise up and kill him
"Don't you ever say that!" I shouted. The guards kept me down firmly. Aro looked down at me and grinned
"And for your insults and wounds Esme, I have figured out the ultimate prize. I will spare your life at the expense of watching you roam this world alone and without your mate. Carlisle dies right here and now." She gasped
"No!" Aro shrugged
"It's the only offer I give." She fell to her knees in front of me and the guards lifted me to my knees. She hugged me
"Please spare him, Aro. Take me with you. I'll go back." He chuckled at this
"To what end? That you leave me again? Plot some way of killing me? I don't think so. Say goodbye to him, Esme. You have lost all sympathy from me. You're dead in my eyes as he will be." She sobbed uncontrollably and kissed me all over
"Be strong." I whispered in her ear. She shook her head and cupped my face
"I love you so much. Remember that. This is for the best." I nodded. I had accepted my fate. She kissed me deeply and then pecked my lips. Twice. She then got up and walked away. Aro turned to me and nodded to the guards
"Do what you have to do." He then smiled at Esme but it faded quickly. I looked and saw Esme standing on the edge of the cliff, sobbing uncontrollably
"If I can't have him Aro then I refuse to live. I'm dead in your eyes remember? It seems your plan backfired." She turned to me one last time and I gasped
"Esme no!" She winked and mouthed 'I love you' and she closed her eyes and fell backwards.
"NOOOO!!!" I cried out. I pushed at the guards and they released me. I rushed over to the cliffs and looked down to see her shattered under the rocks. My heart broke and I cried out in anguish
"ESME!!!" I sobbed forever and crumbled into a fetal position. Aro sighed
"Goodbye Esme." He motioned for his men to start leaving
"It seems you are the one that has to roam for eternity without his mate and not her. That's your punishment Carlisle. The price you pay. Till we meet again." Aro then walked off with the men and I just lay there and sobbed. My heart, though dead, was ripping into pieces more and more. My love. My life. Esme....
Images of us laughing, kissing, telling our vows, making love gently, her eyes looking into mine lovingly, watching her sleep in my arms, stroking her long soft golden hair. It all ran in my head as I cried for my lost mate.
END OF FLASHBACK
"I swore revenge from that day on. Now here it is. Except it's his. Not mine. At my own ignorance and want to kill Aro has only cost my children their lives." I felt myself breaking down for the first time since Esme's death
"It's all because of Esme. I did it for her. I miss her so much." I started crying now. I had failed her. I had failed us.
The doors burst open and we looked up realizing what was about to happen next.
BPOV
I was tied to Felix's bed in a silky white nightdress. Pervert. I realized my heart had removed all tears to shed when I was in front of that man. Felix came in quietly, shutting the door and smiled at my position on the bed.
"A pleasant sight indeed." He walked over casually and sat down next to me on the bed. I struggled against the restraints and spat at him
"If you've hurt Edward so help me I will kill you when you aren't expecting it." He didn't seem faltered. He just stroked my leg and I couldn't move it away because of the bloody chains.
"I don't know what you ever saw in him. He really is weak. It's just his ego that makes him appear strong and courageous. All I did tonight was break his ego. Nothing else." He spoke gently. This side of Felix I hated. It was his satisfied and victorious side. He acted like nothing else mattered now that he got what he wanted. Everything was going according to plan. Yet there was unpredictability about him. He could get rough and violent any second. Well when this is all over I'll die knowing I sent him to hell where he belonged. His hand moved up to between my legs, moving the fabric up as well and I clenched my legs together. It didn't help. He rubbed me, watching my reactions. I wouldn't give him any of this easily.
"Don't struggle. It really won't work." He murmured gently removing his hand and moving up my body again
"It doesn't mean I can't stop trying." I hissed back. He chuckled a little, stroking my stomach
"You will bear me a strong son, Isabella. We failed twice before but third time's a charm they say." This time when I spat at him, I hit his face directly. Bullseye! Bet he didn't expect that one.
"I'd rather die then carry anything that resembles you." He wiped the spit off his face cooly
"We shall see." Was all he said before he got up and walked over to the closet.
"I bought a present for you in Forks. I thought it would seem appropriate." He pulled out a long silk dress on a hanger out to show me. My wedding dress!
"Beautiful isn't it? Tomorrow you will wear this during the execution and the wedding. I can't wait to see the look on Edward's face." He gasped suddenly and then he grinned wickedly
"Come to think of it I would love to see his reaction to the marriage as well. Yes. I think that will work. The ultimate suffering. Tomorrow, I want Edward to watch me marry you and die knowing you are officially mine now. Why didn't I think of it before? I'll speak to Aro about this after." He winked and put the dress back inside.
Suddenly screams were coming from the room next to me. Then I realized that Demetri's room was next door to Felix's. That must mean...Alice!
"ALICE!!" I cried out struggling. They can hurt me but when they hurt Alice then they've crossed the line.
"ALICE NO!!" Felix just smiled and came over to sit next to me again
"It looks like Demetri finally gets what he wanted. Can't blame him. She's a pretty little thing but nothing compares to you." I whimpered. I had to think of something.
"Please Felix. Make Demetri stop. I promise that if you call Demetri off I will willing submit to you tonight." He lifted an eyebrow as he stroked one of my breasts
"You would do that for me?" I nodded immediately.
"Let Alice be with the others. Please." He leaned in closer and whispered
"So I'm suppose to deny Demetri what he's been trying so hard to get?" He tapped my nose playfully
"Nah. Let him have his way with her. I have you regardless my dear." He then crushed his lips onto mine moving his hand back down. No amount of struggling could push him off but that doesn't mean I would give into him. Never.
APOV
Demetri thrust one last time and clenched his eyes shut, grunting loudly. I sobbed under him but the restraints that kept me to the bed wouldn't allow me to go anywhere and he cut off my screams with his hand over my mouth. He came down from his high, relaxed and chuckling. He removed the hand over my mouth to grab my face, keeping me from looking away and he kissed my cheek sloppily.
"Jasper is one lucky guy." He sighed and kissed down my neck and shoulder tenderly to contrast the rough and lusty sex.
"I should have brought him here to watch this but I felt that for the first time I can have you alone and all to myself. You can please a man Alice there's no doubt. I haven't felt this way in a very long time." He then brought his head up to look me in the eyes. His cold, blue eyes pierced through me
"I was going to have you spared and keep you as my own mate and I am very tempted especially now after an orgasm like that but frankly darling seeing you continuously turn me down despite my flirting, my compliments and running off with Jasper means I have to sacrifice you. But having you for one night is something I'll treasure and is well worth it." He kissed my lips moaning lightly. He then winked
"I'm in the mood for round two, how about you?"
Here we go again. Images of Jasper flooded through me again. It's what got me through tonight.
The door suddenly flung open and I praised the interruption even if it was brief. Demetri looked up towards the door at first annoyed then confused
"What is it? What's happened?"
I think I might leave it there. I can't give away what happens till next time it's just too juicy.
Hope this chapter was good. Just a sad view of long night of suffering but it had to be shown. And there also concludes the Esme story. Hoped you liked it and were satisfied.
Reviews! Reviews! Reviews! Can I make it to the 100 mark by the time I've finished? I estimate maybe 2-4 more chapters to go so help me out. Keep reviewing please.