Chapter 21 – Emmett? Really?

BPOV

After spending three nights at the Cullen's, I was glad to be home. I had spent the last two days and nights—given what happened during Truth or Dare—not talking to anyone. Instead of joining in as they watched movies or played games, I immersed myself in working on my book and a new song. Alice had tried unsuccessfully to get me to join in the fun and Edward just brought up meals for me.

Before I was permitted to leave, I had to promise Alice that I would invite everyone over soon. I wasn't sure as to when, but I guaranteed her I would after I turned in my first six chapters.

I thanked Jasper for not saying anything about my half lie, and for some strange reason, he didn't know what I was talking about. I was still trying to figure that one out. If Jasper hadn't sense anything off about what I said, then Edward wasn't aware either.

Now I was home. Moments after I walked in the front door, I heard Grandfather and someone else—Finlay—arguing with Sarah.

"What was I supposed to do, my laird?" Sarah yelled.

"Do what I hired you to do, Sarah. Protect my granddaughter." I walked in the living room silently, and no one noticed me. Grandfather had his hands on his hips, staring at Sarah.

"You should have called Cullen Security when the problems began. Called me or Charlie, told Isabella what was going on—anything besides what you did by staying silent and doing nothing," Finlay yelled at his daughter. "You're to pack your bags. You're returning to Scotland with me. Obviously, I was wrong in recommending you for this position. You're clearly not ready."

"No," I said forcefully, and everyone turned to look at me. "Demote her, fire her, relieve her from her duties, but don't send her away."

"The decision has been made, Isabella," Grandfather told me. "Sarah is to go back to Scotland for more training. It's not to be permanent. She may return in time," he paused and turned to look at the door. "I want you to meet your new head of security and bodyguard."

I turned just in time to see Emmett walk into the room. I looked between Grandfather and Emmett; I didn't know what to say.

"Bella, I know what you must be thinking," Emmett said, walking toward me. "Consider your other option."

I glared at him. Emmett was my other option. What was my first option? It hit me before he said the name—Edward.

"Your grandfather and Jasper thought I would be a better choice," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I shrugged his hand off and walked out of the room. Climbing the stairs, I heard Grandfather say, "Give her some time to get use to the idea, Emmett. She'll come around."

"I hope so," Emmett replied.

I entered my bedroom, slamming the door behind me and throwing myself on my bed. After ten minutes, I decided that lying around would do me no good. I didn't like the idea of having Emmett around, but like he said, it was far better than the alternative. I got up and changed into my workout clothes.

Emmett was outside the door, hand raised ready to knock, when I opened it. "Can we talk?"

I motioned for him to follow as I made my way to the exercise room; a nice run on the treadmill might relieve some of the tension I was experiencing.

"This was my idea, to protect you, no one else's. Edward wanted the job, but we—Jasper, your grandfather, and me—talked him out of it."

"Thank you," I said. "I don't like this arrangement one bit and don't think I ever will. Now, I want to be left alone. After my workout and shower, I want to go to the base. Whatever security measures you feel are needed or need to be arranged, make sure they're done when I'm ready to leave, which should be in about an hour and a half."

"I'm on it," he said, leaving me as I began a slow jog.

Two hours later, I was in a somewhat better mood. I entered the living room to find Emmett waiting for me.

"Here," he said, handing me a beautiful gold bracelet inlaid with opals and diamonds. "Please put it on."

"Can I ask why? This looks expensive," I said, slipping it on my wrist.

"It is expensive because it contains a tracking device," he said, explaining how it worked.

"I'm impressed," I said as we walked out the door to the waiting town car.

"I would like you to sit behind the driver," he said, opening the door for me. "So, why are we going to the base?"

"I have a standing reservation for a simulation room," I said, looking out the tinted window. "There are a few new songs I've been working on, and there are some talented ensigns—who I think humor me—that help me get the timing and instruments correct. Kind of like your family did in high school."

"I take it I'll be staying outside of the simulation room."

"Yes," I responded as we pulled past the security checkpoint. "I'll share the songs when they're ready."

"You better," he said with a laugh, getting out. I waited until he opened the door. "Lead the way."

EmPOV

I followed Bella to the simulation deck, and after she disappeared into on of the room, I pulled out my phone and called Edward. "Bella didn't take the news well."

"Just as Alice said she would," he replied with an exaggerated sigh. "Where are you currently? Did you give her the bracelet?"

"Yes, I gave it to her before we left for the base. She's wearing it. I even explained how it worked. She was very impressed."

"Good. So why are you two at the base?"

I told him exactly what Bella had told me. "I think it is something more, though—a way of getting out of the house."

"You might be right. Just keep her safe."

"I already gave you my word that I would. I just wish she would have let me stay with her."

"Me, too. Just stay close. You know Alice will call if she sees anything."

We talked a few more minutes before I ended the call, promising to keep him updated. I sat down at a table outside the room Bella was in and pulled out the detailed plans of her house. Overlaying the security plan, I looked for any weaknesses. I shook my head; I saw none, even with the improvement put in over the last two days it would be impossible to penetrate the a vampire would have trouble.

Three hours later, Bella walked out with several ensigns.

"You really know how to rock, Bella," one of them said.

"I can't wait—" another started and Bella cut him off.

"Don't speak of it, Jeremy. You don't want bad luck later. Be at the auditorium at four Friday," she said before walking over to where I sat, waving her hand in dismissal.

"What's going on Friday?" I asked, giving her a questioning look.

"A celebration for me," she said, sitting across from me. "You haven't heard about it?"

"Nope," I said. "Can't say I have as of yet."

"The whole town was invited. I put Charlie in charge of the invites. You guys were on the list."

"Then I'm sure we got the invite, but with all that has happened Alice must have forgotten to tell us," I said. "I want to see the auditorium."

"Then let's go," she said, getting up. "I really don't want you backstage. Star Command Security will have it covered. You should enjoy whatever is planned."

"I'll see what Alice has to say before I agree to that," I said as we entered the auditorium.

"Okay."

"Wait," I said, putting a hand on her arm. "No argument."

"No, you should check or you wouldn't be doing your job. Now, please do whatever you need to here," she said, sitting in the back row. "I really need to get back home and back to work."

After I took a quick look around we left. Once we were back at Bella's house, I called Alice. She saw no problem with me fulfilling Bella's request. I then called Edward to update him, asking if he would do a thorough walk-through and get the plans of the auditorium from Charlie.