Chapter 15 – Calming

BPOV

I collapsed to my knees soon after hanging up with the guard. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer—it was just too much for me to take. Edward tried to wrap my arms around me but I pushed him away. I watched him as he paced the room, his hands occasionally pulling at his hair.

He said nothing, and his thoughts were just as silent.

When he had asked if I recognized the voices, I couldn't answer. Of course I recognized them but I couldn't fathom how they escaped my notice. More importantly, how in the hell did the pair get from the late nineteenth century to the twenty-third century?

Grandmother?

I wish I knew, Isabella.

However, I do.

Maribella?

No, my dear one, I am Sarah. The mages distrusted me and after I gave birth to Maribella, they locked me away. And they hardened the heart of my husband. He stopped coming to see me.

How are they here?

Like you, they possess the power to slip through time, but only from their own time to another. They lack the power to travel the timeline.

What do I do?

The only thing you can. Remain hidden and become the McCullough. Only then will you be able to banish them from your lands.

The funeral?

There is no reason for you not to be in attendance. You have powerful protectors; instruct them to stay close to you and Edward.

EPOV

"What's going on," Charlie asked as soon as he entered the library with everyone but Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett.

"You think I know," I answered. "What can you tell me?"

"The guard scared off whoever was trying to get to you both," Jasper said, coming in with Carlisle and Emmett.

"Bella," Carlisle said, kneeling next to her placing a hand on her shoulder. She slapped it away. He looked up towards me.

"I've tried with the same result," I said, coming to kneel on Bella's other side.

"Sweetheart," I whispered close to her ear while starting to place my hand on her back.

"I wouldn't, Edward," Jasper and Alice said at the same moment.

I stood, pinching the bridge of my nose. "What am I supposed to do?" I asked glaring at Alice.

"Let us handle it," Maidie supplied.

I watched as Maisie and Moira placed and lit blue, purple, and white candles, forming a triangle around Bella. "In this time, and in this place, make this a peaceful space," the three sisters chanted three times.

With each recitation, Bella calmed. Before they began the final recitation, Maidie motioned for me to enter the triangle. I knelt in front of Bella as they chanted the final time. It was a good thing I was there as she slumped forward suddenly; I easily caught her and cradled her to me.

I looked to Carlisle and Alice hoping one of them would be able to supply me with what I was to do now. I see nothing right now, Edward, Alice thoughts entered my mind.

Carlisle just shook his head, Give her time.

BPOV

There was no doubt in my mind what the pair were here to do. They want to kill Edward and me. And if they accomplished that before he and I were officially made Laird and Lady of the clan everything I had learned and done was for not. The rift would widened with no hopes it being mended.

"Did anyone get a look at them?" Edward asked.

No one answered his question, and I wasn't sure if it was because they hadn't or that they had. I opened my eyes slowly and I was nestled tightly against Edward's chest.

"What's going on?" I heard Dad ask again.

"There were two men looking to harm Bella," Edward said.

What! He didn't know they were after him, too.

Stop them and the coming battle will never happen, Sarah said.