They survived falling in love and having four (count 'em, FOUR) children. Now, Geekward and Nerdella are parents of teenagers. Say a prayer for them for they are in for a bumpy ride. Kyra is being a brat, displaying actions akin to her uncle who is nearing the end of his life on death row. Owen is a geek, like his dad. Then there is Mia and Masen, the twins. They're still cute and adorable. Well, as cute and adorable as twelve year olds can be.
Let's not forget Alice, Jasper, Adam, and Gianna (the Whitlock's), Justin, Alex and Demetri (the Volturis), Esme and Marcus (the Volturis), Tim, Rose, Ava and Lucas (the Napletons) and our antagonist, Jacob Black. Emmett will also make a brief appearance in this story, too. But he's not causing drama. His final goodbye, as it were.
Okay, I lied. I said we'd be going to Bella, but I think I may be doing a combo chapter with Bella AND Edward. Not to mention, have that conversation with Ricky (Jiminy). Plus, we've got some impending drama coming up. When will it be?!
Perhaps a lemon will be thrown in just for good measure? Perhaps? Maybe? If it fits. ;-)
Chapter Twenty-One: Rising Action
BPOV
"Okay, so we have the family room, entertainment center, kitchen, office and bathrooms. All you need is your bedroom and some cute patio furniture," Alice listed off for Kyra. "Do you want a grill?"
My daughter had this dazed look on her face. With all we had bought, we could have paid for two years of her college tuition. Okay, not really, but it was a lot of money. Kyra, however, was done. Her head was hurting from her previous concussion and her ankle was swollen from the sprain. She was walking with a noticeable limp. "Alice, I think Kyra is on furniture overload. We can go later."
"But, there's this awesome set … "Alice whined, pointing the opposite direction of the door.
"Ali, no," I said sternly, arching a brow. "Kyra is still recovering from her ordeal with Mackenzie." And the loss of Steve. "Another time, okay? Besides, aren't you going to Esme and Marcus's for dinner with Gianna and Adam?" It was neutral ground and her children didn't feel threatened when she came over to her parents' home. Nana and Papa's house was safe.
Alice checked her watch. "Shit! I've got to go," she said. She ran over to me, hugging me tightly. "Today was fun! Love you, Bella!" She danced over to Kyra, who was sitting on the couch we'd ordered for her condo. Alice gave her a hug, kissing her cheek before leaving us in the store with Oliver.
I knew my baby girl was struggling with everything that had happened to her and was currently happening to our family. She had nightmares, screaming for Steve, Edward or me. She hated Mackenzie and Jacob, wishing them to be swallowed up whole. My daughter was terrified of her own shadow and mourning the end of her friendship with the youngest bodyguard that worked for our family. She was definitely panicking about starting college. With all that was happening, it was a rite of passage that she was unprepared for. Her look of absolute terror was a clear indication of her feelings. "You okay, Kyra?" I sat down next to her, taking her hand and rubbing her arm gently.
"Aunt Alice spent more money than God," Kyra whispered, her golden eyes wide with shock. "I mean, shouldn't she be worried about that since everything is so up in the air with her and Uncle Jasper?"
"Alice is a successful fashion designer and wealthy in her own right, Kyra," I chuckled, hugging my daughter to my side. "Besides, when we got your apartment, we all chose an aspect of your education we'd take care of. Obviously, your father and I would handle the tuition and lodging. Aunt Alice and Uncle Jasper were in agreement to help you furnish your new place. Aunt Ro and Nana are going to go shopping for clothing for you, along with incidentals for the place. You're responsible for the bills like electricity, cable, phone, and groceries. Not to mention any spending money."
"Dad did give me a credit card," Kyra blushed, patting her purse.
"And it's only for emergencies and necessities," I reiterated. Kyra nodded. "Now, let's go out for dinner. It's been too long since we've had time to chat. With Owen's accident, your dad's panic attacks, the graduation ceremony and the craziness with Mackenzie, I want to see how you're doing, Kyra."
"Are you sure? What if they're out there," Kyra hissed, her eyes darting around the furniture showroom. Her hand tightened around mine as her breathing picked up.
"Miss Kyra, you are well-protected," Oliver said deeply from his spot a few feet away. He gave her a warm smile, trying to put her at ease, but until all of this was done, she wouldn't be. However, little did she know that we had a silent tail.
Steve may have put in his resignation, but he was still concerned about Kyra and our family. But his main concern was for my oldest daughter. His feelings for her ran deep. He was outside, making sure that no one was going to attack us. He was doing this because he couldn't walk away. He had called me when Edward was at work one day, asking to meet to discuss a plan for our protection. Kyra was sleeping, struggling with nightmares.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Miss Bella," Steve said, twisting his hands nervously. "I know that if Mr. Edward would know that I was here, he'd kick my ass."
"Probably, but I'm glad you came," I smiled, leading him into the kitchen. "Coffee?"
"Yes, please," he said, taking a proffered cup.
"Steve, I want to thank you for saving Kyra. I saw the video and you risked your own life to get her out of the way," I said, making my own coffee. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. I got the stitches out yesterday and I have another week of wearing the brace," he answered. "Did Kyra see my note?"
"She has, but hasn't opened it as far as I know," I replied. I looked directly into his steel blue eyes. "Do you have feelings for my daughter?"
"I shouldn't, but I do, Miss Bella," he whispered, his voice choked off. "That's why I resigned."
"You realize she's much younger than you," I chided.
"She is. But, you're also younger than Mr. Edward," he smirked.
"This is also true," I giggled. "Why did you resign?"
"My feelings for Kyra have grown over the past few months. Since she and Thomas broke up, our friendship morphed into something more than friends. I tried to maintain a professional, detached distance, but I enjoyed our time together. What made it more confusing was when she and I spoke about my high school sweetheart, Thea. I realized that the feelings that I had for Kyra were stronger than what I felt for the girl who I gave everything to until the moment she died."
"Thea died?"
"Leukemia. She was my first everything," he blushed, giving me a sheepish, boyish look. I smiled reassuringly. "Anyhow, I never opened myself up to anyone since Thea, except for Kyra. So, I pushed her away and it was because of that action that caused her to be caught in downtown Wheaton, getting almost run over by Mackenzie."
"Do you love her?" I pressed.
"Not yet, but I could see myself falling for her. Hard," Steve snorted. "Look, I can't just walk away from this. I've been a part of this family for almost a year. I want Jacob caught as badly as you do. I have to see it through. That monster deserves his punishment and I want to be a part of it. I don't expect to be paid, but I have to make sure that you and your family are safe. I'll be a silent ghost, trailing from behind. I'll stay and guard the house at night. I just …"
"I understand, Steve. And you will get paid. I'll pay you myself," I said, rubbing his arm. He nodded, turning the cup on the granite counter top. "Steve, I know you care deeply for my daughter, possibly even love her." He blushed a brilliant crimson. "Give her time. She needs to grow up some more before you can approach her. In many ways, she's matured tremendously this past year, but she's still a teenaged girl. You're a good man and if you're patient, I can see you as a member of this family."
His blush deepened, his cheeks turning almost purple. "Miss Bella, let's not get ahead of ourselves," he sputtered, but his nerves gave away the fact that he really liked that idea. "So, how should we handle this covert op?"
I smiled deviously, speaking candidly with Steve for over an hour as we came up with a plan for him to still protect our family and be near Kyra without being near her. That made no sense. With a handshake, he left just as Kyra and the rest of my surly teenagers began to wake up. He drove away in a nondescript tan sedan, parking down the street to begin his protective vigil.
As Oliver drove Kyra and me to small bistro in downtown Naperville, I saw Steve in his recently purchased black SUV. I waved at him. He just nodded, turning on his car and following us. Kyra picked at her meal, kind of opening up to me, but she was still wary of being out in public while Jacob and Mackenzie were still on the loose. I missed my carefree daughter, but she wouldn't return until this nightmare was put to an end.
After dinner, Oliver drove us home and Kyra went upstairs. She said that she wanted to look for a bedroom set and sheets online. I knew she was hiding, but after the day she had today, it was deserved. Edward was in the family room, idly flipping channels. I crossed to his seat on the couch, curling up next to him. "So, what was the damage, gorgeous?"
"I think we bought a small country," I snorted. "Your sister is deadly with a credit card."
"Always has been," Edward snickered, kissing my lips and holding me close to his body. "But, she is trying to make up for how shitty she's been lately."
"If that's the case, Alice should be spoiling her own children. Not ours," I deadpanned.
"They don't want any of it. All they want is their parents back together and their mom to be normal again," Edward sighed, leaning his cheek against my head. "How's Kyra?"
"She's in shell shock at the sheer amount of money that Alice spent and terrified to be out in public," I grumbled. "Any news from Detective Turner?"
"Nope. The truck that Jacob drove was found abandoned in Lockport. It was dusted for prints, but it was wiped clean," Edward explained. "I'm with Kyra and everyone else. I'm ready for this to be over. Jacob is proving himself to be a stubborn asshole, bringing down Mackenzie and that mystery person."
"Well, nothing much has changed in twenty years," I shrugged. "He always was a stubborn asshole who had one thing on his mind. Sex."
"I'm shocked he didn't try anything with you," Edward snarled.
"Jacob knew that if he tried anything, I'd kick his ass," I smirked, wrapping my arm around Edward's waist. "He tried numerous times, but I kept pushing him away. The Jacob that I knew was horny, but not yet violent."
"I beg to differ," Edward said, holding me tighter against his body. "Did you forget what happened when we were at Karambas? Those bruises on your arms?" I grimaced, forgetting about those bruises. How could I forget those? It was the first night that Edward and I spent together as a couple. The first of many nights of sleeping together in each other arms.
"Okay, you're right," I said. We sat in the family room, watching some random reality TV show. "Where's Owen? Normally, he's plopped down on the recliner."
"Adam and Lucas came over to spring him for the weekend. They're staying at Rose and Tim's, having a guy's weekend," Edward said, waggling his brows. I snorted against his chest, sitting up and smirking at him. "We have the house to ourselves."
"No, we don't," I giggled. "Kyra?"
"Kyra, right now, is probably sleeping and will stay asleep until morning," Edward said, moving his hand down my back and cupping my ass. "It's been too long, gorgeous. I need you. With everything that's been happening, I feel like we've lost us along the way."
"In a way, we did, angel," I sighed, moving to straddling his waist. "I almost feel guilty at the prospect of losing ourselves for a few hours." My fingers glided up his arms, taking purchase in his thick hair. I missed him, though. We hadn't had an opportunity to heal ourselves with our lovemaking. It was how we knew what we had was real, all-encompassing and worth it all.
"No guilt, gorgeous," Edward said, his hands gliding along my back, pulling me closer to his chest. "Mia and Masen are doing the twin thing at Rose and Tim's. Owen is out of the house with Adam and Lucas, again at Rose and Tim's. Kyra is asleep. Besides, they know that we make love. Our children are living, breathing proof that their folks get it on." His lips slid along the column of my neck, causing my panties to dampen. Like Pavlov's dog with that maneuver … "Upstairs, my love. I do want to lose myself in you. I want to hear you moan my name breathlessly. I want to taste your sweet, soft skin. I want to bury my face between your thighs, drinking your succulent essence."
"Fuck," I panted, my hands tightening on his shirt.
"I eventually want to do that, too," he chuckled darkly, patting my legs and helping me to stand. I wobbled, following Edward up the stairs to our bedroom. Once inside, he closed the door, locking it and pressing me against it. Grasping my hands, he pushed them above my head as he stared into my eyes deeply. His golden hazel irises were nearly black with desire, only a sliver of color showing in the dim light of the room. His hand moved down my arms, cupping my face. Something clicked in his eyes and he looked dangerous, feral, needy. With a rough pass of his thumb, he forced my mouth open. "You have no idea how much I need you, Bella," he rasped, his mouth covering mine and our lips crashing together. The entire length of his body was pressed to mine and I could feel how much he wanted me. I lifted my leg around his hips, grinding my center against him. He growled, picking me up easily and carrying me to the bed. "I'm in control, Mrs. Cullen," he purred seductively.
"Really?" I retorted, raising an eye brow. The stormy, sexy look in his eyes made me want to fuck him into next week. He continued to stare at me as he walked slowly to the closet, reaching into our bag of tricks, our secret stash of sex toys. He pulled out a blindfold, some leather restraints and one of the vibrating butt plugs. Ooooh, Bella is going to feel amazing tonight. Edward sauntered back to me, holding out the blindfold. I licked my lips, nodding eagerly to have my eyes taken away. I loved to look into my husband's eyes while we made love, but tonight wasn't about that. This was about release, sensuality, erotic fucking and control.
Edward turned me around, placing the blindfold over my eyes. My back was against his torso. His hardness was caught between my ass cheeks. He rolled his hips, pressing himself further into me. I moaned, wanting the barrier of our clothing to be gone. As if he read my mind, he gathered my dress in his hands as his lips caressed my ear. "There will be no part of your skin that I won't touch, Isabella. I want you to feel me forever, loving you, fucking you."
"Yes," I panted, raising my arms so I could thread my fingers into his hair.
He cupped my chin, turning my face to his as he devoured my mouth. His other hand was moving to my panties, rubbing me through the lace. My hand fell to his, gripping his wrist and wanting his long fingers inside of my leaking, wanting pussy. Edward stopped his fingers, turning me around. He removed my dress, leaving me in my bra and panties, which were drenched with my desire. With a flick of his wrist, my bra loosened and he removed it from my body. Picking me up, he lay me on the bed. "Arms up, gorgeous," he said, his voice gruff. I complied eagerly. He attached my arms to the headboard with the leather restraints. "Very nice. I've never seen a more beautiful thing than that."
"What do you have planned?" I asked, smiling in the direction of his voice.
"You'll see," he sang, stepping away. I moaned as I heard him go down the stairs. That was too far away. A few moments later, Edward came back. I could hear a light tinkling sound. I furrowed my brows behind the blindfold, curious as to what Edward had brought upstairs. The bed dipped and Edward sat down on the mattress, spreading my legs so he could fit in the cradle of my hips. His fingers ran up and down my legs, causing me to shiver in anticipation. "Hmmmm, you're so wet, my love. It's coating the tops of your thighs."
"That's because you're teasing me, Edward," I whined, arching against the bed and spreading my legs further. I knew I was wet, leaking with desperate need.
"And the teasing will continue," he purred. The tinkling sound returned and I squeaked when I felt a cold, wet sensation on my nipple. "Look at that. Your pretty pink nipple is standing at attention." He leaned forward, his lips wrapped around my nipple, flicking it with his tongue. I pulled on my restraints, wanting, needing more. I felt him smile against my skin, running the ice cube over my other nipple.
"Edward," I breathed. He laughed quietly, the ice cube being pressed down my midline of my body. He swirled it around my belly button and followed the same path with his tongue. His mouth moved to the waistband of my panties, inhaling deeply. With a low rumbling purr, he tugged on my panties and removed them from my body, leaving me bare. Edward grabbed some more ice, running it along my hips. I squirmed uncomfortably, wanting his mouth, fingers, cock … anything.
"You are so anxious, my love," Edward said. I heard some rustling and felt him move further down my body. His mouth took purchase on my inner thigh, sucking on the sensitive skin. I was writhing and squirming, desperately needing his lips on my pussy. As if he could read my mind, he ran his tongue the length of my slit.
"Oh, GOD!" I yelled, my hips bucking off the bed.
"Stay quiet, love," Edward chuckled. "The house may be nearly empty, but Kyra is still here." I nodded, biting my lip as he went back to tongue fucking my pussy. He was tasting me from the inside, bringing me higher than ever before. His tongue was magical but when he added his long-ass fingers I was thrown deeper into ecstasy. He curled his fingers inside of me. I rocked against his hand. With each thrust, a jolt of electricity sizzled through me. "You're so close, Bella. I want to feel you when you come. Come for me, baby."
"Yes, Edward," I panted, raising my head to 'look' at him. I couldn't since my eyes were covered by the blindfold, but I knew that if could see him, he'd be looking up with me with complete desire as he feasted on me. I was panting, my orgasm building with each flick of his tongue. My legs were trembling, my heart was pounding and I was so, so close. I wanted desperately to plunge my hands into his hair, but they were tethered to the headboard. I arched my back as waves of pleasure washed over me. As I was lost in the throes of passion, I felt something cold at my ass. It was vibrating and Edward slipped inside of me, triggering another orgasm.
As I was trying to catch my breath, Edward moved to my side and pushed up my blindfold. His face was glistening from my abundant desire. His eyes were twinkling and he looked hungry for me. "I hope you're ready for me, my love. But, I wanted to look into your eyes as I did this."
"What?" I asked. He smirked as he slid inside of me. I gasped, feeling so incredibly full. Despite his cocky smirk, the love shone through his eyes. "Every time … I love it when you make love to me."
"For the rest of our lives, gorgeous," he breathed, moving sinuously in and out of me. His hands found mine, threading our fingers together. I hooked my legs around his hips, moving with him. His eyes captured mine as we shared the same body, reconnecting our souls. Feeling him inside me, it put my anxious mind at ease. This past year had been stressful to the point of illness and like my daughter, I wanted it to end. From the desperation in Edward's movements, so did he. "Bella …"
"I know, baby," I said, tightening my pussy around his hardness. He kissed me deeply, his hand snaking between us as he rubbed my clit. Pulling away, he tossed my legs above his shoulders as he pounded hard inside of me. The sounds of our grunts and moans of pleasure filled our room. I bit back a scream as another orgasm built inside of me, ready to explode from my body.
Edward was chanting my name, along with his undying love. Sweat glistened on his brow and his muscles in his chest were twitching with each pelvic thrust. His cock brushed against my sweet spot inside and I could feel myself fall closer to the edge. With a quiet yelp, my body tumbled over the precipice. Edward came down with me, his body wracked with spasms from his powerful orgasm. He thrust a few more times before he slipped out and collapsed on the bed next to me. We both were breathing heavily. Edward's arm snaked around my waist and he nuzzled my neck. I hummed, but wriggled my arms. "Oops," he chuckled, quickly releasing my hands and allowing me to fully snuggle against his sweaty body. "We soooo needed that."
"Yes, we did," I murmured, kissing his chest and up to his neck, sucking his ear between my teeth. He gently scratched my back, idly humming. We were just about asleep when Kyra screamed. Edward jumped up, ready to go save her. "Get dressed, Edward. You'll traumatize her more if she sees you naked!" I hissed.
He looked down, nodding and pulled on his jeans. I darted to the bathroom, wiping between my legs and dressing in a pair of Edward's boxers and a t-shirt. When I got into Kyra's bedroom, she was clinging to her father, sobbing hysterically. She had had nightmares ever since her accident, but never this bad. "It's okay, principessa. You're safe. Daddy's got you."
I sat down next to them, brushing out the knots in Kyra's hair. She was still inconsolable, her nightmares still plaguing her mind. She was screaming that Jacob was going to kill me, break our family apart. Not if I have anything to say about that.
Kyra eventually calmed down, falling into a fitful sleep. Edward gave me a look and he got up from Kyra's bed. "I'll be back, gorgeous," he whispered against my temple as he slipped out of the bedroom. I was confused why he left, but I shook it off, holding my daughter as she tossed and turned. I prayed that her nightmares didn't become reality.
xx STTD xx
EPOV
I picked up my phone and dialed Oliver. He had the weekend off, spending time with his daughters, but he was now the head of my security team. Johnny was protecting the house and Ricky watched over me while I was work. However, that was not cutting it. My daughter was afraid to go out and it was now attacking her subconscious. This shit with Jacob needed to fucking come to an end. He needed to be thrown in jail along with his bitch Mackenzie and whoever was in the car with them from that traffic cam photo.
"Mr. Edward, what is it? Is everything okay?" Oliver asked, his voice panicked.
"For now, yes. But, I need you to come home by tomorrow," I said curtly. "We need to come up with a plan to put an end to this crap with Jacob. The police are dragging their heels and my family is at odds with all that's going on. We'll meet in the apartment at eleven."
"Understood, Mr. Edward. Do you want some more help? I have some contacts with former cops and ex-military," Oliver said.
"Only people you can trust and no more than two," I said, my voice cold and unwavering. "I don't this to escalate to where we may be thrown in jail."
"Not with my contacts," Oliver chuckled darkly. "Former Black Ops. They know how to complete a job without as much as a sound. We'll get it done, sir."
"Thank you, Oliver. I'm sorry about calling you away from your family," I frowned, leaning back in the chair.
"With my helping your family, I'll get my family back," Oliver said with conviction. "I know that when this is done, I'll have my girls with me forever and their mother will no longer have any say in how they are raised. I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Edward. Call if anything changes."
"I will," I said, hanging up my phone. I sent a text to Johnny and Ricky. I toyed with the idea of contacting Steve, but decided not to do that. Instead, I went to the computer and did what I did best. I researched and found out as much as I could about Jacob and Mackenzie. I found out every single minute detail that they had posted on the web, Facebook, twitter, Instagram and any other digital detail I could get my paws on. I printed it all out, creating dossiers for Oliver, Johnny, Ricky and the other two guys that Oliver was bringing in. By the time I was done, the sun was rising. I groaned, having gotten no sleep.
I dragged my body out of my office and first checked on Kyra. She was wrapped around her mother, her face in pain despite her being asleep. Bella was also troubled, idly rubbing Kyra's shoulders as she slept. I kissed both of my girls before I went into the bathroom to shower. From our romp in the bedroom and the warmth of my office, I was sweaty and I knew I was ripe. Once I was clean, I dressed in some jeans and a t-shirt. I decided to surprise Bella and Kyra with some breakfast in bed. I made Kyra's favorite, blueberry waffles with bacon and fresh fruit. Kyra woke up when I came in with the tray of food. Her golden eyes were bleary and her face puffy from crying. "Daddy?"
"I've breakfast for you and Mom," I said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. Bella stirred, groaning quietly. She threw a pillow over her head. I chuckled at her. Bella was not a morning person. Never had been. Probably never will be. I placed the tray over Kyra's lap. Bella sat up, rubbing her face and swiped some fruit from the tray before walking to the bathroom, grumbling the entire way. "Any more nightmares?"
"Some, but not as bad as the first one," Kyra said, cutting into her waffles. "I just want all of this to stop, Dad."
"You're not the only one," I said, swiping a piece of bacon.
"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, put that bacon down," Bella chided. "You may be on cholesterol medication but it doesn't give you a free pass to eat bacon."
"It's turkey bacon," I smirked, stuffing the strip into my mouth. Bella rolled her eyes, climbing back into Kyra's bed and digging into her breakfast. They finished their breakfast and Bella went to do the dishes. Kyra curled up on her bed, placing her cheek on her knees. "Are you okay, principessa?"
"No. I hate feeling like this, Dad. Out of control, afraid," she whispered. "Owen is seeing a therapist for his accident. Maybe I should do the same?"
"I think that might help with the nightmares and your anxiety," I said, taking her hand in mine. "I'll talk to Owen's therapist and see if he has an opening."
"Can I talk to a girl?" Kyra asked, wrinkling her nose. "It's not that I don't trust a male therapist, but men, in general, want to fix things and I don't want him to fix it. I want to talk it out. You know?"
"I know. I'll call Owen's therapist and ask for a female colleague that he would recommend," I said, kissing her forehead. She yawned. "Why don't you get some more sleep, Kyra?"
"All I do is sleep," she grumbled.
"Yesterday was a big day with getting your furniture for your condo," I said, pressing her back into her pillows. "And I'm certain the sleep you got last night was not restful." Kyra shook her head. "I love you and everything will be okay."
"Promise?" she asked, her eyes drooping.
Before I could answer, Kyra was back asleep. I kissed her forehead, walking downstairs to the kitchen. Bella had cleaned up the mess I'd made in the kitchen, drinking some coffee and reading the paper. She had dark circles under her eyes, looking adorably sleep rumpled. "Thank you for cleaning up, gorgeous," I said, wrapping my arms around her waist, sidling up behind her and kissing her neck.
"You cooked us breakfast. It was the …" yawn, "… least I could do."
"You should go upstairs and back to sleep, Bella. Kyra's already snoozing," I said, turning her and picking her up, placing her on the counter. She yawned again, putting her head on my shoulder. "Don't fall asleep on me, silly girl."
"Why? You're comfy," she giggled, tickling my sides.
"We're also in the kitchen," I snorted.
"True," she said, sitting back up and staring into my eyes. "When will this end, Edward?"
"I hope soon, my love," I said, knowing that with the guys, we'd figure out how to end it and put Jacob and Mackenzie's reign of terror to an end. "Come on. Let me tuck you in. I have some work to do for Whitlock Technologies before the rest of our brood come home from the city."
"Kay," she said. I helped her off the counter. Once we got upstairs, I flipped her over my shoulder and carried her to the bedroom. My wife squeaked, smacking my ass as I carried her into the bedroom. I flopped her onto the bed, kissing her sweetly. She didn't want me to go, but once she dozed off, I extricated myself from her arms and grabbed the dossiers I had prepared for the guys.
Ricky, Johnny, Oliver and his two buddies, Barry and Harper, were all up in the apartment. I handed them the dossiers and explained what I needed done. Essentially, they needed to find Jacob and Mackenzie. Barry and Harper were former military and knew how to search for missing people with a lot less information than I was providing them. Ricky, Johnny and Oliver were still going to protect our family, but Barry and Harper were going to, hopefully, find the people who had made my life a living hell for ever a year. I wanted them to make them disappear, but instead I told them to just call the police. I didn't want anyone in my family to go to jail. I also didn't want to go to jail. I had my family I had to think of.
Putting Jacob and Mackenzie away was important, but my family would always come first. They threatened my family and they needed to pay. That payment would come in the form of jail time.
xx STTD xx
With a plan in place, things calmed down. I called Owen's therapist, asking for someone for Kyra. I got a name, making an appointment for Thursday afternoon. Bella and Alice were taking Kyra to finish getting her furniture for the condo, along with Mia and Gianna. Oliver was going with them before they went to Legacy Clinical Services for Kyra's first appointment with her therapist.
On Thursday morning, Bella was nursing her coffee and scowling. "What's wrong, gorgeous?"
"Headache," she answered, closing her eyes and looking up at me. "And I'm not ready to go deal with Alice and her shopping insanity. Unfortunately, it needs to be done. I only wish that Esme could have come with us. She is the only person I know that can reign her in when it comes to shopping."
"What do you have left to get?"
"Kyra's bedroom furniture, stuff for the patio and a kitchen set. The set we chose is too big, so we returned it," Bella said. "Then, Kyra and I are going to Naperville for her appointment with Maureen."
"What time is that?" I asked, taking a sip of Bella's coffee.
"Originally, the appointment was scheduled for one, but I moved it back to four," she said, taking her coffee back. "Make your own, Cullen."
"I happen to like yours, Cullen," I snickered, kissing her nose. She sighed, leaning her cheek against my shoulder. "Is it more than a headache, love?"
"I just feel off," she shrugged. "Yes, I have a headache, but something in my gut is telling me that there's something awful that's going to happen. I don't know. Maybe it's my imagination running away with me."
"Listen to your gut, Bella. If you don't want to go, then don't. We can buy the rest of Kyra's furniture online," I said, holding her to my body.
"We can't have her go to the therapist online," Bella quipped, her arms snaking around my body. "I'll be fine. We'll be fine. I promise you."
"Call me, okay," I said, cupping her chin and kissing her lips softly. She nodded, kissing me deeply before stepping back. "I love you, gorgeous."
"I love you more than you know, Edward," she said, grabbing her purse and calling up for Kyra. My daughter came downstairs, meeting up with her mother. I got a hug from both of them as they left the house with Oliver. I was at home with Ricky, Johnny and the rest of my children. Though, Johnny was taking Owen to physical therapy in an hour or so.
I went up to my office, checking on Masen. He was playing on the gaming console in his room. Max was snoozing on his bed, snoring loudly. "You guys okay?" I asked.
"Fine, Dad," Masen answered. "Though, can I go to the movies with some of my friends tonight? They're going to see the newest Avengers flick."
"I don't see why not, but we'll have to wait until your mom gets home. Owen is at physical therapy with Johnny and Ricky is here with us," I explained.
"Cool," Masen said, turning back to his game and growling at the screen.
"I'll be in my office if you need anything. I'll make us some lunch at one, okay?"
Masen waved at me dismissively, staring at the television screen. Max, though, his head popped up when I mentioned lunch. I rolled my eyes, going to the office to sign in to work remotely. I worked diligently, speaking with Charlie and Demitri using our video chat about several orders that had been placed. We also talked about Jasper's absence, possibly making me the face of the company now since Jasper had been gone for so long. I didn't want to oust my best friend, but the lack of his expertise and ways to sashay the clients had made the first two quarters look abysmal. Demitri had stepped in, but clients who had come to trust Jasper didn't like working with Demitri. His style of handling clients was much more akin to a used-car salesman. I trusted the man with my life, but when he was putting on a pitch, there was something that was off-putting.
After much cajoling, I agreed to step in as Jasper. A lot of the clients were fine with me, but I was still an anxious, nervous mess when it came to meeting new clients, but I'd have to squash that fear. I finished the call, turning back to some emails that had been forwarded to me from Jasper's account. I was finalizing an order on the phone for some of our new gaming consoles for a large toy store when Ricky came in, sitting down next to me. I finished the call, turning to him. "What's up?"
"Mr. Edward, I'm concerned with what you're doing with Barry and Harper," he said, his brows furrowed. "I know you want this over, but is this most efficient way to do it?"
"The cops haven't done anything," I said, arching a brow. "Three times those lunatics have gotten close to my family. One where Jacob was tailing my daughter, the second when Jacob t-boned my son's car and the last time when Mackenzie nearly ran over my daughter and your son. This shit needs to stop. My son can barely walk, my daughter is afraid of her own shadow and we're all tired of putting our lives on hold because of those assholes."
"I don't want to see you get in trouble, Mr. Edward," Ricky said.
"That's why we're going to let the police handle it. Once they're found," I said. "I just feel like the cops are sitting on their asses while Jacob, Mackenzie and that mystery person are out free. So, I took things into my own hands in looking for them. You haven't seen your wife, your children or you crumble because of everything that had happened, Ricky."
"I have seen my own son blame himself for what happened to Mr. Owen and Miss Kyra," Ricky said stonily. "He also walked away from this job since you said you don't trust him."
"Would you? If you were in my shoes, would you trust him?" I asked, my temper flaring. "I'm at my wit's end, Ricky. My family is in danger and I'm trying my hardest to make it stop. Jacob wants my wife because he's a mad man and he's looped in a high school child because she's pliable and desperate. If you're upset because Steve quit, then, that's something you need to take up with him. If you can't handle the fact that I don't trust him, then I don't know what to say."
"I guess we're at an impasse, Mr. Edward," Ricky sighed, scrubbing his face. "I respect you and I understand why you are so protective of your family. I also feel like you were too quick to judge my son in his actions. He nearly lost his life in saving Miss Kyra's. He worked his ass off for you and your family, only to be turned away."
"I didn't fire him. Steve resigned," I pointed out. "Now, I have to get back to work." I turned around, dismissing Ricky though I felt like an asshole for how I was acting. Ricky was a friend and I respected him. I had been too hasty in my decision with Steve, but I couldn't let him back into our lives. Could I?
Owen came back around two in the afternoon and went directly into his room, exhausted from his physical therapy session. Johnny poked his head into my office, saying that he was going to conference call Barry and Harper, hopefully finding out some new information. Or any information. Even Barry and Harper had a hard time trying to find Jacob and his little minions. They proved to be quite evasive.
Shortly after Owen returned, Bella called and said that they had gotten everything they needed and were going to pick up some late lunch before heading to Kyra's appointment with Maureen. I told her I loved her and to be safe before turning back to my work. An hour later, my phone rang again. This time, it was Steve's phone number.
What the hell?
"What do you want?" I growled.
"Mr. Edward, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm calling because I've been following Miss Bella and Miss Kyra since that day. Miss Bella has known about it," he blurted out.
"Should I have you arrested for stalking?" I asked.
"No, please don't. Reason being is that I'm following Jacob, Mackenzie and Casey in a white van. Somehow, they subdued Oliver and forced Miss Bella, Miss Kyra, Miss Alice and Miss Gianna into the van. They're on the highway, heading west toward Rockford," Steve said, his voice trembling.
"What?!" I screamed, shooting up from my chair. "What highway? Did you call the cops?"
"I called the cops and they are moving to intercept them, but since we're on the highway, it's in the state police's hands," Steve explained. "Shit! They're getting off the highway."
"Where?" I demanded, my heart stammering.
"Dekalb, Mr. Edward," Steve said. "I'll stay on them for as long as I can. I'm sorry, sir."
"Don't be sorry, Steve. Just stay with them. Make sure that my family stays safe," I sobbed. "I'll get there as soon as I can."
"I'll try, Mr. Edward," Steve vowed.
I hung up the phone, calling for all of my security team, including Barry and Harper. I also called the police, telling them what Steve told me and giving them Steve's cell phone number so they could track him using the GPS device. I was an anxious mess, worried about what was going to happen to my wife, daughter, sister and niece. What was the endgame?
Whatever it was, it was happening now and I was going to save my family.
With Steve's help.
A/N: What do you think will happen? Why did they go to Dekalb? Lots of unanswered questions, but we're to that point. And sorry for the cliffie. I do have some pervy pic teasers on my tumblr (link for that is in my profile).
Up next will be the big moment. It'll be in Bella and Alice's point of view, maybe with a side of Kyra. Leave me some lovin … I need it, desperately, since RL is not being kind to me. All I want is a hug and for someone to ask how I'm doing and not vent about their crap. Is that so much to ask? Apparently, to my family, it is. Sorry about the rant, but I'm just feeling raw and empty. Hugs, prayers and love would be appreciated. Thank you!