Hey guys!Finally posting the last chapter. I'm gonna miss these guys. And you, my readers. But no fear, there will be more stories to write and post.

Stephenie Meyer bla bla bla...you know how this part goes. E and B are all hers.

Darkward is all mine though. And so are the grammar mistakes. Unfortunately.

Chapter 26

BPOV

Time is a bitch. It moves furiously fast when you need it to go slow, and procrastinates slowly as a snail when you just need it to disintegrate and end. I was devised both by Emmet and the whole police squad in order for all of us to finally take Alec Masen down, I was not to be seen in any kind of contact with Edward, for his sake or mine. It was a very sane advice. My mind knew that. It was common sense, but my body and my heart yearned for any kind of contact. To know he was okay, alive, well... as much as he could be. That he would have faith as much as I did in this plan. By now, I knew him well to know his frame of mind. He was a thinker, a dweller, his mind leaning on the dark side, rather to have hope. Faith. In us. In Emmett.

Week one was torture. By the second week and a half, I was in terrible agony to call him, if only to hear his voice, his erratic, but silent breathing. I sounded creepy, I know. But I did not care. My face was easily read like a book, (or so I was told) so I could not afford to take chances in front of Emm to even think about it.

By the third week, my resolve crumbled.

Neither a text message nor a phone call was safe enough, but since I had a burner phone, I assumed, just one short call wouldn't make that much of a difference. Right?

I was a fool, and I knew it.

After half an hour, I finally got the courage to enter the number and call him.

It rang a few times, passing almost over a minute. Just as I was about to hang up, a gravely voice answered.

"Hello?"

His voice made me gasp and sigh with relief at the same time.

He's alive.

My body instantly shook with goosebumps.

"Hello?" he added again.

I wanted to say so much but my mouth wouldn't cooperate.

Shit Bella, say something. Anything!

It was him. It was really Edward.

Moments later, he spoke again, voice mixed with anger and exasperation.

"For crying out loud! I can hear you breathing! If this is some sick joke I swear to God..."

"It's me!" I yell quickly, in hopes he won't hang up.

"Bella?"

"Yes. It's really me. I...I know I shouldn't have called...but..."

"I'm glad you did! How...How are you?"

"Me? Fine. I'm fine. I'm worried about you actually. Did I wake you up? It's pretty late, and I know you don't really sleep, but you sounded like you did tonight and...well..." I was babbling nonsense. I had to shut up.

"No, I'm okay. I mean I did but...it's good that you woke me up."

"Nightmares?" I ask with sympathy.

"Doesn't matter. You need to hang up Bella. Not...not that I want you to. But...you shouldn't have called. You're not safe."

Now he was starting to talk nonsense.

"I know that I shouldn't have, but I don't care. I had to hear your voice, just once."

"I know," he adds, saying nothing else.

"How are you?"

I can hear his smile over the phone. "You already asked that."

I smack myself over the head, grinning myself.

God, it's good to laugh again.

"I know. You're right." Looking at the time, I twitch at every second it clocks out.

It makes me sigh in frustration. "Why is time such a bitch?"

He chokes out a laugh.

"I miss your smile. And you. Will you be okay?"

"I'm not the one who you should be worried about, Bella."

"I disagree. And please don't start. We don't have the time. Just...I hate you being all alone."

"Once again...I'm fine, Bella."

"I know. I know. And still, if you told me thousand times more, I still wouldn't believe you. So...whatever Alec does or says to you, don't give in to temptation..."

"Bella..."

"Listen! Just...listen. I know I haven't left you anything to remember me by much, but whenever you get into the dark place, whenever you have the urge to give in, just remember my voice, the sound of it. Remember that I miss you. And...I...I love you. Okay?"

I hear him give out a strong exhale. "Bella...I..."

"You don't have to say it. Just...be careful." I take another look at the clock on my wall before a mournful sigh escapes my lips. "I have to go. Be safe. Love you," I add just before I'm about to hang up.

"Bella!" he yells.

"Yes?" I ask.

"I love you too. Very much."

And with that, he hangs up, leaving me surprised and completely befuddled.

The rest of the night, Edward appears in my dreams, with his smile and his arms strongly around me as I lay right on his chest, perfectly happy.

For the rest of the month the only person I stay in contact is Emm. Every spare moment I have is spent at the police station or Emm's place. Carefully planning every little step.

Just as I am ready to go to sleep, exhausted beyond belief, a text message appears on my phone.

It's from an unknown person, and it takes me a moment or two to read it. I'm hesitant, and with good reason.

My heart tries to jump out from my chest when I read the words.

I can't do this anymore. I miss you. Meet me at this address tonight. - E

Those two tiny little sentences gave me all the adrenaline and strength I need. Quickly, I take the first skirt I find, a t shirt, jacket, and run. Never did I stop and consider the consequences it would bring.

That stupid, stupid, naive heart.

Slowly opening my eyelids, I blink a few times, hoping the blurry vision will somehow go away, letting me see where exactly I am. I try to remember how I ever got here but all feel is pain. In my head, my hands, stomach, legs. I try to move them but to no avail. They are tied, of course, tightly, so the more I try to move, the more pain it causes me. My vision finally clears and all I see in front of me is a space I've already been before. Then it all comes to me. I was waiting for Edward to find me at our little place, under the trees, shadows surrounding us completely from the light. As soon as I recognized the person coming towards me, my heart started to beat so quickly, it felt like it would jump out of my chest. There he was, I was sure, with his impeccable posture, hands behind his back and his grin.

Yet, the smile was not filled with joy but revenge. Frightening in his victory.

With a scream, all I remember is a hit to the head before I found myself here. At the same place I was once before when...Alec's crew kidnapped me. When I was still Anna, not Bella. That day I was more than thankful Emm found me when he did.

Now? I had no hopes of being saved. It was all on me now. Me myself and I.

But not quite.

Across from me was another person sitting unconsciously, tied up completely with no chance of stirring or waking up any time soon. He looked pale and so beaten up, I could barely recognize him. But I knew it was Edward.

I yell and yell his name, trying to move so I can try and wake him up. Even though every movement gives me excruciating pain, I don't give in. I'm so close to him, with just an inch or so I can touch him, but a rugged, smiling voice interrupts me.

"You won't be able to wake him up. He's...asleep."

"What did you do to him?" I try to shout, but my throat is too sore to cooperate.

He laughs freely and hideously.

"No matter. The real question is, what are you going to do for me?"

I frown.

"I apologize, I have not introduced myself, although I think it's quite clear you know who I am. You just need a little time to remember, after all, you did get hit pretty hard on the head. Such a waste. You should really watch out for your health. First, you get hit on the head a few months ago while running away from me, and end up in a hospital with amnesia, now, months later, you get hit;again. Such inconvenience for your pretty little head. I would shake your hand, but I see you're otherwise... tied up."

He grins at his own joke.

"I'm the infamous Alec Mason. It's very nice to see you again."

"I don't believe that."

The grin is back. "You're amusing as ever Miss Swan. I see why Edward fell for you. With your looks, your body and your smart mouth, who could resist you?"

"What is it that you want from me, Sir?" I grit out.

I just wanted to get this all over with and hopefully, find some plan to get Edward and myself out of here, but that would be extremely difficult. Stupid, stupid heart. Why did I just not listen to my brain when it was yelling for me not to leave the house alone and just call Emm for back up?

"Ahhhh. I was waiting for you to ask me. I can't decide actually. I have a few plans, but just need a few questions answered first."

"Let me guess...You want to know why and how I could fall in love with someone like Edward."

"Well...since you brought it up...not really. I knew a girl once that reminded me of you." For the first time, his smug smile was gone, his eyes getting lost inside a memory that was somehow painful, and disastrous. A second later, the vulnerability is gone, replaced with determination and darkness. I see now just how much Edward had similarities with Alec. Was Alec tortured in his childhood by his father as well?

"Tell me about her, Sir." I pleaded softly, hoping to thaw him out.

"Let's just say she was curious, and bold...just like you. And that...never ends well. Curiosity is never a good thing. That's how I learned never to question anything my father asked, and neither did Edward. Until you."

A sigh turns into a growl. "And now, you ruined everything!"

A table is turned over and I scream in surprise.

"Enough! You wouldn't want for me to gag you now, would you?"

I shake my head quickly.

The malicious smile is back, and so is his controlling posture, hand over his lower back.

"Ah. Someone is waking up. The time for questions are over, it seems."

I look over to see Edward opening his eyes.

"Edward!" I yell, but instead I feel the instant pain on my cheek.

"Silence!" Alec yells, and with no choice, I do what he orders.

"Such a beautiful color on you Bella, I bet the color of blood will look even prettier on you when you finally die."

"Sir," Edward finally speaks, his voice strong, despite the fear in his eyes.

"I asked for silence Edward. Shall I have it?"

Edwards says nothing.

"Answer."

"Yes Sir, you shall."

"Good. Now, let me think."

He walks around the room with an agenda, slowly but surely as he speaks with perfect clarity, voice seductive and soft.

"So, dear sweet Bella. Choose. You can make the decision to leave Edward and come live with me, as my...guest you could say, and I'll let go of Edward. He will be free, from this life and me. But you will never see him again. Or...if refused, you will be killed by none other than Edward's own hand. How? Doesn't matter. The deed will be done. Now, the choice is both yours and his to choose. I'll come back in two minutes. The time is ticking lovebirds."

"Edward, oh god, I...I don't think I can do this, what are we..."

"Shhhh, take a deep breath. Don't panic. In. Out. That's it. Now, listen to me. Remember what you said to me that day on the phone; whatever dark thoughts you have on your mind, fight them! Don't give up and let Alec win! Now, I have a small blade in my sleeve that thankfully Alec didn't find, and when I release myself from the ropes, I'll do the same for you. If I don't do it in time, I want you to take it from me and defend yourself when he comes in.

"No...Edward I can't do this. I can't kill..."

"And you won't have to. Look at me Bella! You won't have to. I won't let him hurt you. Ever. We're gonna figure it out. We have to, until Emmett finds us. Now..." but before Edward has the time to finish his sentence, Alec comes back inside.

"And time is up. What have you decided? Who will live and who will die today? I can't wait to hear it." The giddiness in his voice is revolting.

"I'll go with you," I quickly add, giving Edward some time to free himself.

A delighted grin.

"Excellent. I was hoping you would say that. But first, before we go, I'd like to...sample you in front of Edward. Let him see what he'll be missing and I'll enjoy from now on. Take a good look Edward, memorize it, because from now on my hands and my dick will be inside her, licking her, biting her, hitting her, fucking her..."

Alec suddenly kicks the chair I'm tied to, leaving me to fall back on my head, hitting it so hard all I hear is the big thump before I'm starting to lose conscience, my eyes trying to close, blocking the pain in any means necessary. I hear noises in the background but it is all just sounds I can't fathom out.

A hard slap on my face makes me open my eyes.

"Oh no, you're not going to fall unconscious on me now, not until I've screwed you properly. I want to watch the fear and helplessness in your eyes as I forcefully thrust inside you. Did you hear me?!"

"Answer me you whore!" He yells as he grabs me by the jaw. I can't do nothing but nod, so I do just that. Only that.

I can feel the contact of his dick on my pussy, ready to hurt me, putting his hand over my mouth not to hear me scream but all that stops until I feel something warm spread over my face. Blood, I realize.

The sound of gun firing is frightful as much as it is final.

I feel a heavy weight of Alec falling on my chest, making me almost suffocate before Edward lifts him up and kicks him to the floor.

There are three more shots fired straight into Alec's chest before he picks me up, and slowly unties me. The gun is left near Alec's body, pool of blood spreading as I hug him strongly, letting out a strangled cry as he soothes me with his words and hands on my back, telling me everything is gonna be alright.

Soon enough, the police arrives, Emm as well, to take us to the hospital for a check up.

Both of us had mostly cuts and bruises,so we were released short after, but were told strictly from the doctor to be checked up every few hours because of my head injury. We were both given food and shelter, including a room each, but I had to see him, had to talk to him, thank him for saving my life, once again.

With a single knock, he opened the door in only his towel, his hair wet from the shower. I had no time to ogle him or do anything but put my arms around him once more, strongly, thankfully.

When police took us away for questioning, then the hospital, both of us separated, telling our own story about the kidnap of Edward and myself to each police officer, taking hours upon hours. Or so it seemed to me. Time dragged and all I wanted to was go to sleep and forget about all the tragedy that happened. But once I finally put my head on the pillow, I knew I couldn't sleep alone tonight.

After Edward invited me in, and he went to put something to wear, I waited for him on his bed. It looked so comfortable, I decided to lay down for just a moment until he comes back.

Second time I opened my eyes, it was morning, and Edward was lying right next to me, face to face, chest to chest. Heart to heart.

"Good morning Isabella," he added, hand under pillow, just looking at me, observing. Admiring. Remembering.

I smile sleepily. "Morning. Did you sleep well? Or even sleep?"

"I actually did. I always do when I'm with you."

"I'm glad."

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"No. But I will be. Edward, I have to thank you. For saving my life. Again. You killed Alec. For me...your own flesh and blood."

"I had no choice Bella. When I saw what he was going to do to you, I became so...so paralyzed. There was so much fear and pain my body and my heart could not apprehend. I promised to protect you, and that's what I did and will do, as long as I'll live. I'll always choose you over anybody," he says, dragging his fingers along my head. I'm about to open my mouth to speak but he quickly changes the subject.

"Does it hurt still?" he asks.

"The head? No. I mean, it's still sensitive, but... it's fine."

"And you? Are you okay?" I ask, as I do the same with my fingers, remembering his curves and scratches. His penetrating eyes, his jaw, his lips. The way his Adam's apple move every time I touch him.

"This?" he points out to his face. "It's nothing. I used to get in much worse shape."

There is no point in asking, for now, so I deflect and decide to take a deep breath before continuing.

"You know that, if it had been the other way, if you were in my shoes and I in yours, I would have done the same thing. I know that...what I said back then..."

"Bella..."

"No, just...listen. I would have done the same thing. If he had attacked you, I would have killed him, just as you did for me. Never doubt that."

He moves closer, kissing my forehead slowly before saying, "I don't."

A smile. "Good."

Another kiss, this time on the neck. „I wish we could just stay in this bed forever, like this, just you and me, everything else be damned."

"We can. We can do anything we want now. We can go out, find some diner and have some breakfast, or just stay here and order room service, just eat and watch TV."

He frowns. "TV is boring, I'd rather just lay here and watch you."

I smile, blushing a bit. "When did you become such a charmer, Mr. Masen?"

He frowns. "Don't call me that. I'm not Masen. Or Cullen. I'm...nobody."

"No, you're not." I touch his cheek gently, letting him look me directly in the eyes. "Do you want to know who you are? You're Edward, and you're all mine. Finally."

I finish the sentence with a slow kiss, once, twice. We end up just kissing and exploring each other all over again, and when both our stomach start to rumble, we order room service and just end up doing absolutely nothing for the rest of the day. Ignoring the world altogether, if just for today.

We know the future will be full of good days and disastrous ones, but for now, we are in our own little bubble, free and alive and most importantly; together.

The end? Hopefully not yet. Epilogue will be posted as soon as possible. Thinking of posting a few outtakes as well.

Thanks for reading. ;)