Chapter 21

"Sorry to interrupt you two lovebirds, but the Volturi just arrived."

I sucked in a breath. Fuck.

"Oh, and your date is looking for you."

Oh great. Double fuck.

Bella's POV

I was about to walk back inside after Emmett's interruption, still a little flustered from being in such close proximity to Edward. He had a date to go and see and I needed to compose myself. I hated that he had any effect on me, but I was glad that we seemed to be on a bit better terms now.

Before I left the balcony, I turned around and gave a quick look back out into the carpark. That was when I saw it and my mouth went dry.

"Um, guys?"

I was staring out into the carpark with wide eyes, and freaked out was an understatement. It was the same car, I was sure of it. The same one that had been following me.

"Yeah, what?" Emmett asked, walking over and standing near me. His presence didn't comfort me in that moment. All I could feel was apprehension and fear.

I raised a shaky hand and pointed out to the car, "Whose car is that?"

The boys eyes followed the line of my finger with their eyes and and I saw them studying the blue car that I had thought was tailing me for ages now. I hoped there was a reasonable explanation for all this, that maybe the Cullens had sent someone to watch over me. That thought, that had once filled me with fear, now seemed like a comfort compared with the possible alternatives.

"It's one of the Volturis, not sure which," Edward said. I gulped. Fuck fuck fuck.

Emmett seemed to know more than his brother though.

"Come on, Eddie, look at the wheels and the roof of that car. You only know one Volturi that has that bad taste in cars."

"Caius?"

"Yup!"

I didn't know who Caius was, but he was one of the Volturi, the same men that had been hounding my mother; threatening her, extorting her and forcing her to sell drugs. These were dangerous men, and for some reason they were interested in me. I felt myself starting to feel a little faint.

"Why'd you ask, Pepper?" Emmett asked me.

I struggled to find the air to breathe, let alone talk.

"They, um- him- Caius. The guy in that car has been following me for a week."

It was difficult to even say.

"What!?" Edward exclaimed. I forced myself to turn away from the car and looked at him, gripping on to the balcony as I fought to calm myself down.

Edward's nostrils were flaring and his eyes looked incredibly angry. I hoped it wasn't aimed at me, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't.

"The fuck? Pepper, what is going on!" Emmett questioned me, looking equally displeased.

"I-I don't know. I've seen that car behind me a few times over the last week. I thought I was just being paranoid, or maybe it was you guys…"

Edward started pacing, grabbing at his hair furiously. "You thought we were following you?"

I shrugged, "It was possible."

I almost said, It's what Jacob thought, but saved myself before then. I didn't want to piss off Edward more by letting him know I'd been mouthing off about the car to Jacob.

"And you're sure, you're sure it's the same car?" Edward asked me frantically. I gripped the balcony harder, a little scared of seeing Edward like this. He was unpredictable and I couldn't read him.

"Yes," I said.

"Fuck!" Edward yelled. I jumped.

"Yo, Eddie, calm down," Emmett said, holding his hands up. He looked at me concerned but I was beyond concerned looks by this point. I was terrified of what this could mean.

"No I will not fucking calm down, the Volturi have been following Isabella! What the fuck? Why are they going after her? Why is Caius going after her? He's Aro's son, the heir to the whole bloody Volturi line, and he's interested in Isabella?! Why?!"

Throughout Edward's tirade I was getting more and more worked up. At the revelation that my stalker was none other than the next leader of the Volturi mafia, I nearly fainted. I sucked in deep gulps of air and Emmett held my arm to support me. I flashed him a grateful but fake smile as I tried to calm myself down.

"Edward. You're scaring Bella."
Edward's crazed eyes landed on me and he stopped pacing. He pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed out hard. "Fuck. Sorry. I just - I don't get this."
"I don't get it either, brother. We've got to work it out. But the longer we stay here without greeting them, the more suspicious they'll get. We'll talk about this later," Emmett spoke, letting me go and gripping his brother's arm.

"You want to just leave it? Pretend that Isabella isn't being followed by them?!"

Edward sounded pained at the idea.

"Just for tonight," Emmett said.

Edward made a guttural noise and kicked out at the balcony.

"We aren't ready to make our move on them yet, you said it yourself. If you start a fight over Isabella tonight, we might not win."

Edward sighed, shaking his head as he stared with anguish out at the car.

"You know I'm right."

"Yeah I fucking know, Em. But Isabella has to go out there in a moment and probably meet the guy that's been following her. How is she going to handle that?"

I paled at the thought. Then I cleared my throat, "I'll be fine."

Edward scoffed. He turned to me. "They're dangerous."

I smiled weakly, "And as you like to remind me, so are you. And I met you guys without fainting on the spot, right? I can do this."

I was more reassuring myself than them, but it was true. I would do this because I had to do this. I would meet the people who were following me, and I would act civil.

Edward studied me, and shook his head again. "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that. Stay with Alice, they may not even know you're here."

I nodded.

He looked at me for a moment longer, then he huffed.

"Let's go, Emmett."

Emmett turned to me as they left the balcony. "Leave it a minute then come out. Find Alice and stick to her the whole night."

Edward glanced back before saying, "I'm going to assign you a guard too. He'll watch you and make sure you're safe."

I nodded, "Thanks."

Edward rolled his eyes. The pair left. I breathed out a huge breath and sunk against the balcony. How was I going to do this? How had I even ended up here? I'd stuck my neck out for a second to try and get my mother on track again, and now somehow I was being stalked by one mafia group and protected by another. I was a daughter brought up in a house centred around law enforcement, and now I was surrounded by vigilantes and crooks who broke the law on a daily basis. Edward didn't seem to follow any rules or laws beyond his own, and now I was part of his world. No wonder he tried to warn me away.

I took some deep breaths and waited a couple of minutes. I thought of Edward, somewhat unwillingly, but it was hard not to after what had just passed between us. When he'd held my face it made me feel something that's incredibly hard to describe. An intensity, a fluttering. I didn't know if I liked it or wanted to run from it. But a conclusion had been come to. We had agreed to be civil, which was more than I expected coming into this evening.

I shook my head and cleared thoughts of Edward Cullen from my head. It seemed insane to be thinking of my relationship, or non-relationship, with a man when I was faced with this horror story that was becoming my life.

If I focused on it now though, I'd lose my shit. So I instead focused on the cool stone of the balcony and closed my eyes as I calmed myself down.

After what I think had been a couple of minutes I walked back into the ballroom. Standing in the doorway next to a suited guy that was probably one of Edward's men, I scanned the room for Alice.

I saw her standing a couple of tables to my left talking to an older blonde man. I breathed a sigh of relief and walked over to her. She turned in my direction as I moved towards her and beamed at me. I smiled nervously in response.

"Hey Bella, Emmett told me you're sticking with me for the night?" Alice said, giving me a little look of concern.

"Uh yeah, that's the plan," I say, my voice still a little shaky.

"Awesome!" She smiled. Then remembering her company she gestured to the man standing beside her. The man was very attractive, reminding me of an aged Hollywood superstar. He was looking at me studiously, as if trying to figure me out. It was a little unnerving. "Oh how rude of me! This is Carlisle, my father. Edward and Emmett's too of course. Carlisle, this is-"

"I know who it is, Alice," he said bluntly.

Oh great. My reputation had preceded me apparently. And I don't think in a good way from the look on his face. I guess I was nothing but a nuisance on paper.

"It's nice to meet you, sir," I said on paper.

"Likewise," said Carlisle, though it came across as anything but sincere.

I looked at my feet, blushing from the awkward encounter. I wasn't entirely sure why he didn't like me, but I had a few guesses. It was only going to get worse if I created issues between their family and the Volturis. I would try to avoid the Cullen patriarch from now on, perhaps.

"Um, Carlisle, me and Bella are going to go get some drinks… I'll see you later."

He nodded at both of us before speaking affectionately to his daughter, "See you later, honey."

Alice wrapped an arm around him in a half-hug, then grabbed my arm and walked me away. It was sweet, their relationship, but seemed to emphasize that his coldness against me was personal. I sighed. This night wasn't going well.

"We need alcohol," Alice said lightheartedly, nudging us in the direction of the nearest server.

I laughed a little, "I think you might be right."

Alice got us each a glass of champagne and I took a large gulp.

Alice raised an amused eyebrow.

"I need to get through this night somehow," I said, in a faux attempt at joviality.

She looked at me, "I'm sorry you are so involved in all of this. It shouldn't have been this way."

I shrugged. There wasn't much we could do at this point.

"But we'll protect you from them, Bella. From the Volturi."

I looked down again. I didn't feel like I deserved protection from these guys, and I didn't really feel like Carlisle and Edward wanted me to have it. As much as Emmett and Alice and possibly Esme may like me, it didn't mean anything if the Boss could only (just about) tolerate me. I didn't think he would be as willing to dispense his money or people on protecting me of all people.

"Thanks," I replied half-heartedly.

"Hey girls."

I turned around to see Emmett and Edward behind us. For the third or fourth time that night, my breath caught seeing Edward in a tux. Gah. Why did he have to make my stomach clench with his mere presence? I felt like a complete fucking idiot.

I smiled quickly, "You better not make me dance again."

Emmett winked. "I don't know what you mean, my Bella, you are a wondrous dancer."

I rolled my eyes and smiled playfully, but lost some of my amusement when I saw Edward looking kinda irritated and jumpy.

"Whatever," I replied.

"How did Aro act when you spoke to him?" Alice asked.

Edward spoke up then, moving a little closer and keeping his voice low, "He was aggressively friendly. If anything, it made me more nervous. Plus he's here with Tanya.

Alice hissed. "Tanya?! That's her date? Aro fucking Volturi?"

"Yeah."

"What the fuck does that mean?"

Edward shook his head, "I don't know. But we'll talk about it later. Right now, what we want to do is get Isabella out of here before she's noticed."

That was fair enough. It wasn't like I was having the time of my life anyway. But didn't they have to be here? It was their party after all.

Emmett chipped in, "Yeah they're acting shady, and if Caius is tracking Pepper, it's best to get her out before-"

"Edwarrd!"

Oh fuck. I looked behind Edward and saw a little blonde bitch approaching. The other Denali. Not the oldest, not the nicest. The 'in between sister'; AKA the receptionist bitch that is about to rain on my Edward-tux-enjoyment parade. I swear a woman can't innocently enjoy a crime boss' sexy attire, whilst also trying not to find him attractive, without a cold-hearted wretch of an overpaid secretary putting a spanner in the works. Honestly.

"Irina."

Edward sounded pained, and I had to admit I smiled. There! He doesn't like her either. Maybe he's not the worst person ever.

Irina wormed her way into our little huddle. She looked at me and a slightly shocked look passed across her face. I guess she didn't know I'd be here tonight.

"Bella Swan," Irina said, as if speaking the name left a bad taste in her mouth.

"Don't wear it out," I replied, giving her a dose of her own fake smile.

She rolled her eyes, "That was lame."

Before I could reply she leaned against Edward and said pointedly, "Edward, aren't you going to dance with your date?"

She darted me a look, as if that would surprise or upset me. I maintained my smile completely. Like she was going to get one-up on me. I inclined my head as if to say, 'Bring it on, bitch. I can take you.'

She narrowed her eyes at me, and grabbed Edward's hand. He was looking down at her with a mixture of what looked like regret and a sense of impending doom. This was quite a satisfying moment for me.

"Edward?"

"Uh, sure, Irina. One dance sounds like - fun."

I almost snorted, and noticed Alice and Emmett holding in their own amusement.

They walked off into the dance floor and began dancing together. There was a tinge of a negative emotion in my stomach as I saw Edward place his hand on the small of her back, but I looked away and then it passed.

"God, she's awful," Alice said.

Emmett and I nodded our agreement.

Alice's face then went a little pale, as she looked out into the dance floor.

"Oh shit," She said under her breath.

I looked at her confused, about to ask what she had seen when I heard the voice from behind of me.

"Bel-la!"

I felt a shiver pass down my back. I span around. The man from the coffee shop was standing in front of me. What was he doing here?

"Uh, hi," I said nervously. I had a horrible premonition of who this was.

He reached for my hand and lifted it to his mouth. His cold eyes met mine as he placed a soft kiss on my skin. My heart thumped in my chest.

"I don't think we had time to be properly introduced before. My name is Caius Volturi."

That was when I almost fainted for the second time that night. I don't think I would have made it through without Emmett's hand gripping my arm a little to keep me steady.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," I said, in as composed a manner as I could manage.

"You two know each other?"

That was Emmett, in an attempt at being casual. It was clear to me that it was false, but hopefully less clear to Caius.

Caius raised a perfect blonde eyebrow at me as if waiting for me to answer.

"Uh yes," I replied honestly, "He bought me coffee this morning."

It was hard to believe it was only this morning that I'd met this man, this man who I now knew to be my mafia stalker.

"Oh, that's weird. Saw something in our Bella?" Emmett said, this time succeeding at sounding more casual. There was however, a clear warning in the word 'our'. He was extending his protection over me, and I was grateful for it.

"Your Bella?"

Caius appraised Emmett in a sort of challenge. Caius was just as tall as Emmett, though not as broad. Alice and I were being towered over by the two men who were second-in-command to the largest mobs in the state. I felt like a deer in the headlights, except this time the car definitely would not have time to stop.

"Yes," Alice spoke confidently. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. The backup from the both of them grounded me again.

"Well then," Caius said with a sick smile. It reminded me of a clown - painfully gleeful but with seemingly no reason or end. He was enjoying this confrontation, I realised. Not just participating, but actively relishing it. "Do you mind if I steal your Bella for one dance?"

I breathed in and out to try and keep myself steady. Alice squeezed my hand again.

"That would be fine," I said with a tight small smile. I squeezed Alice's hand once more and flashed them both what I hoped was a reassuring look. Then I let go of Alice's hand and offered my hand to Caius to take.

Caius grinned again. "Lovely."

He wrapped my arm around his and walked me into the middle of the dancefloor. He turned me and I stood shakily in front of him. My hand was placed on his shoulder and he gave me a predatory look before pulling me into him from the small of my back. I felt so uncomfortable it hurt.

I wanted to push him away and run away. I didn't feel safe, I didn't feel like I could do this. There was barely a fist's width between us and I couldn't breathe with the tension in my body.

"May I say, Bella, that you look simply ravishing tonight."

"Thank you."

I glanced up into Caius's eyes as he took my hand and started guiding me around. I saw nothing there to reassure me. There was pleasure, but it seemed directed at me, rather than about being with me. This was reinforced by the dancing.

It was nothing like dancing with Emmett.

I got the impression that he liked when I made mistakes. He didn't lead very strongly or lift me into the dance, he seemed to get pleasure from me messing up the steps. I lost my footing and almost tripped and it only seemed to make him smile. It was as if he got off on my vulnerability and it was one of the most unsettling experiences of my life to date.

"So how did you meet the Cullens?" Caius asked.

"What?" I looked up from my feet, surprised by the conversation.

"How did you meet the Cullens?"

"Oh. I, um, work as Emmett's PA and we became friends," I hesitantly explained. It wasn't untrue, after all.

Caius gave me a smile. It was placatory, as if he was talking to a child. "Yes but, how did you become Emmett's PA?"

"It's really not an interesting story."

"I beg to differ, Isabella Swan. Everything about you seems very interesting indeed."

I breathed out and looked back at my feet. I tried not to focus on the fact he used my full name. He shouldn't know that about me given his cover story of us meeting at the coffee shop. It seemed like a way of gloating and bringing up that he knew far more about me than he should. I wanted to throw up.

"Mind if I cut in?"

I tensed, stopping our farce of a dance. It was Edward. I didn't want to look up, but I glanced quickly to Edward in a warning. Caius was dangerous. I could feel it inside me. Everything in me was begging me to run, to get away from this man. I didn't want Edward here, in danger from him.

But Edward wasn't looking at me. He was staring at Caius with so much fiery anger that I almost flinched away from it. It was a direct challenge. Over me? Surely not. Something else must have happened to make Edward this angry. Or maybe it was a prestige thing, perhaps Caius had done something bad by dancing with someone that was working for the Cullens? That could be it.

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

"Not at all," Caius replied smoothly.

I looked up then. What? He was letting me go? Just like that?

Caius released me. My body remained as stiff as before.

"Until the next time, my sweet Bella," Caius whispered in my ear as he walked away.

"Is he really gone?" I whispered. That short minute of a dance had felt like a lifetime of terror.

Edward touched the small of my back and started dancing with me slowly.

"Yes," He spoke into my hair. "Breathe, Isabella."

I relaxed into him and sucked in a deep breath. He was right; I hadn't breathed in ages. I was so on edge and I wanted to cry. But now I felt way more safe, and with that huge weight off me I instinctively buried my head against Edward's chest. He breathed in quickly in surprise. I realised then who I was leaning into, and was about to move, but then his hand came up and stroked my hair.

It actually felt nice. And this was Edward. Who knew?

"I'm going to get you out of here," Edward said.

I raised my head, a little reluctantly, and stared at him in the eyes. He still looked angry when his eyes met mine, but I was almost certain it wasn't aimed at me.

"Can we go now, please?" I asked.

"Yes."

He took my hand and led me to the door. I kept my head down.

"Edward? Edward?! Are you leaving?"

Fucking hell. Give me a break.

I raised my eyes to see Irina trotting up to us. She looked frantic and then exceptionally angry when she saw me.

"Yes, I have work to do," Edward said quickly: dismissively. It would have been a victory if I wasn't about to lose my shit.

"And her?" Irina said, looking pointedly at me. I blushed, I imagined what it could look like. As if.

"Isabella isn't feeling well and I thought I'd drop her home," Edward responded.

Irina looked me up and down, "Yes, she does look awful."

"We should go," Edward said angrily.

"I do hope you feel better Bella," Irina sneered.

Then she walked as if to go past me and 'happened' to spill half her champagne down my dress. Bitch.

"What the fuck?" Edward said.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Irina replied with a fake apologetic look.

I bit my tongue from retaliating and spat out, "Accidents happen."

She looked between the two of us, Edward and I, and murmured, "Yes, they do."

Then she sauntered away.

"Jesus Christ that girl!"

I shook my head, "Just leave it."

Edward looked down at me with astonishment.

"I hate her too, just not tonight please. I need to get out of here."

His eyes softened and he nodded.

Edward escorted me out of the building and into his car. It was a different one to the car he picked me up in for the hospital before. Typical. The relief at being sat down in a car of a guy I didn't think was going to kill me was amazing. The tension in my muscles faded away.

"Where to?" Edward asked.

"Um, I'm booked in to the same hotel as you guys," I said awkwardly. I guess he didn't know about that part either.

"Of course," Edward said quietly.

He started to drive. I started to well up a little bit but I suppressed it down. I would not cry in front of Edward Cullen, even if I had just experienced the night from hell. That could wait until I was safe in my hotel room.

We were maybe a third of the way to the hotel when Edward got a phone call. He quickly scanned the caller ID then pulled over immediately on the shoulder.

"It's Jasper. He's on a job," he explained to me.

I nodded as if I understood.

He pressed accept and listened to the phone.

After a few seconds he raked his fingers through his hair, and took a breath.

"Slow the fuck down, Jasper. Tell me what's going on."

He narrowed his eyes as he listened.

"Aro's men are there?"

I gulped in a breath. I'd only met one of Aro's men but the thought of any of them put me immediately ill at ease again.

Edward glanced at me.

"I've got Isabella with me."

Edward now looked a little panicked.

"Okay, call Emmett and Carlisle and tell them to get the fuck down there now."

He looked at me again.

"I'm on my way."

TLoU

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