Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to S Meyer
A/N: Thank you guys so much for all the reviews... most I have gotten for any chapter.
I am so glad you all have stuck with me so far, please don't leave anytime soon.
Things are going to stay crazy for our little Bella for awhile.
I even through in a few surprises for you.
Hope you enjoy.
BPOV
"I've missed you, Angel... did you miss me?"
I could feel his warm breath beat against my neck and had to swallow the bile that rose in my throat.
"I told you I'd find you... didn't I... I told you no one was going to keep us apart."
Tears continued to pour from my eyes as I sobbed behind his hand that covered my lips.
"Shh," he breathed into my ear. "Don't cry, Angel, I'm not going to hurt you."
Another sob wracked my body as he began to lay kisses on the side of my head.
"If I take my hand away will you stop crying?" he kept his eyes locked with mine in the mirror.
I nodded frantically... eager for the chance to scream.
James must have read the hope in my eyes because he squeezed his hand over my mouth violently and growled.
"If you scream," he whispered harshly, "I won't hesitate to kill whoever walks through that door."
There was no doubt in my mind that he would do it. His eyes were cold and his face showed nothing but his promise that he would make good on that threat. His hand continued to squeeze my face until I winced, which caused him to loosen his grip a tad.
"Now... if I let go, are you going to scream?"
I shook my head.
"Promise?" his voice held a hint of playfulness... he had never looked or sounded more crazy than that very moment.
I nodded my head and waited anxiously while he leisurely let go of his grasp on my face, keeping his eyes locked with mine.
He brought his right hand slowly down my body, brushing his knuckles along the swell of my breast before wrapping both his arms around me tightly, squeezing me against him.
His lips moved to my cheek, lightly pressing against the wet flesh.
"I've dreamt about touching you every night for the past two years, Angel... you have no idea how good this feels," He moaned as he ground his erection against me again. "I finally got you back."
"H-how did you get in here?" I had finally found the use of my voice. It came out weak and hoarse but he heard me and smiled.
His lips kissed the edge of my jaw and his nose rubbed against my cheek.
"Didn't that P.I. of yours tell you who my family is?" he released a dark chuckle. "The Volturi are very resourceful, Angel... A few silencers and a quick hack into your computer system... well, it was actually pretty easy getting past your security."
He rolled his hips against mine again and I cringed when I felt his hard erection press into me again, my face twisted in disgust. James just laughed quietly and pulled back.
"Sorry," he muttered and lifted his shirt.
My eyes widened in fear when I saw that it wasn't an erection he had been pressing into me, but in fact the butt of his gun. I let out a small cry and James was quick to place his hand over my mouth again.
"Shh," he whispered in my ear. "We don't want to wake anyone up do we?"
I swallowed my cries and shook my head.
"Good," he smiled. "Can I take my hand away?"
I bit my cheek to keep from crying and nodded my head.
James stood behind me and placed both of his hands on the counter beside me, trapping me in.
"Are you going to kill me, James?" I asked shakily.
He seemed to get irritated by that question and his eyes grew dark.
"Why would you ask me that?" he growled.
I simply gazed down at the gun and then back at him.
"You think I want to kill you? I can't fucking live without you... why the hell would I kill you?"
His eyes glared at me and his voice took on a menacing tone. His breathing started to grow heavier, he looked like a crazed man, I was afraid he would snap at any moment.
"You're scaring me, James," I couldn't help but whimper.
And just like that... he stopped, just like before; he'd go from crazy lunatic to pansy in a flash. His features softened and he wrapped me in his arms.
"I'm sorry..." he planted kisses along the side of my face. "Turn around, Angel."
As much as it scared me to have to look at him in the mirror the thought of turning around and having to be face to face with him, was much more terrifying, but I knew it would only make him mad if I didn't.
It took me a few second before I slowly turned around and forced my eyes to meet his.
I used all my willpower to not flinch when he brought his hand up and cupped my cheek.
"God, I've missed you," he half moaned half whispered.
My eyes darted back and forth between his as every memory I had of James hurting me came flashing through my mind.
His hands grabbing me, slapping me... the many times he threatened to hurt my family... it all came back and even though I was scared beyond belief, I vowed not to be his victim anymore.
"I'm going to take care of you, Angel... I'm going to take you back to Italy with me."
There was no way I would let that happen.
I was going to fight back... because I knew if he got me out of the house, I would never be coming back.
I just had to wait for the perfect moment.
James brought his face close to mine, slowly dragging his knuckle along my cheek.
"I've waited for this for so long, Angel."
He cupped my cheek with one hand and brushed his lips lightly against mine. I didn't kiss him back, not the first, second or third time his lips touched mine.
He shifted closer to me his one hand still on my face, while the other one gently rubbed along my side. The cold metal touched beneath my shirt and I realized what I was going to have to do.
I just need him to drop the gun.
Keeping my eyes locked with James', I brought both my hands to his chest and slowly caressed a path up to his face.
I circled my thumbs around a few times when I reached his cheek and then brought my left hand to tangle in his hair, while my right cupped the back of his neck.
His eyes darkened and his breathing turned heavy as I pulled his head closer to mine. I could feel his intake of breath right before my lips made contact with his.
His hand moved from my face to the back of my neck and quickly deepened the kiss. I fought the urge to gag as I felt his tongue enter my mouth and disguised it with a moan.
That seemed to do the trick.
I heard the sound of something heavy land on the floor next to me before I felt both of James' hands cup the sides of my face keeping me anchored to him.
He moaned in my mouth as his tongue continued its assault against my own, I saw my chance and bit down hard on his bottom lip.
The moment my teeth sank into his flesh, my thumbs stabbed into his eyes, while my knee flew up and smashed between his legs.
James groaned and dropped to floor as I turned and ran towards the door.
As soon as I turned the knob, I felt James grab onto my ankle and pull, which caused me to fall to the ground.
His hands were trying to get a grip on my legs but I remembered what Phil had told me, and I kept kicking as hard as I could, trying to get away. Finally I managed to get a good kick to his face and he let go of my ankle with a few curse words flying from his mouth.
"Edward!" I screamed as I quickly scrambled on my hands and knees out of the bathroom. "Edward! He's here... he's in the bathroom!"
I could hear James moving around and was afraid he was grabbing for his gun, but I kept scrambling out into the hall.
It was only seconds later I heard footsteps stomping closer to me, and breathed a sigh of relief when I felt Carlisle lift me up off the floor.
"Get her in there with the girls!" Emmett shouted and rushed past us with the rest of the men.
Carlisle tucked me under his arms and guided me into the guest room where, Rosalie, Esme, Alice and Emma were huddled in the corner. Thankfully Emma was asleep.
"Bella, are you hurt... did he touch you... did he hurt you?" Carlisle was in full doctor mode while he checked me over. My entire body was shaking as I sat next to him on the bed and retold him everything that had happened.
"We were already coming to get you when two of Phil's men wouldn't respond over the radio," he said apologetically. "Emmett had just come out and joined us when Edward looked at the screen and saw one of the security men laying on the ground."
"James said it was easy to hack into the system... I don't understand, Carlisle," I said with tears in my eyes. "Why does he want me so bad... I mean... why go through all this trouble just for me?"
He pulled me into his arms as my tears fell and gently rocked me back and forth.
"He's never going to stop," my voice trailed off as my cries grew stronger.
"I'm sorry we failed you, Bella," he said quietly.
I wanted to tell him it wasn't his fault, that I was OK and that James didn't hurt me. I wanted to take away the guilt he was feeling... but all I could do was succumb to the tears that continued to fall.
I felt the bed shift and then heard Esme's voice in my ear as she wrapped her arms around me too.
"Shh, sweetheart..." She kept whispering her soothing words and gently stroked my hair, trying to comfort me.
"Carlisle, I think we should do what Alice suggested," I heard her say.
"I think you're right, dear."
"We can talk about this with Edward and Emmett when they get back in." At the mention of their name my heart rate began to speed up and I felt the blood in my body rush to my face. Before I had a chance to panic the bedroom door flew open and Edward was pulling me out of his parents' arms and into his own.
He wrapped his arms around my waist lifting me off the ground. My own wrapped around his neck and I squeezed as hard as I could.
"Fuck, baby, did he hurt you?" I could hear both anger and worry in his voice and I shook my head. He sighed in relief and gripped me tighter. "I am so fucking proud of you for fighting back."
We held each other for a few minutes and then finally went to sit on the bed. I sat in his lap, my legs hanging over both of his, arms wrapped around his neck, with my face buried in his chest. We both needed the comfort only we could offer to each other.
I could hear people enter the room but I wasn't paying attention to what they were saying, I only wanted to revel in the safety of Edward's arms.
That was until I heard a very familiar voice faintly call my name.
I reluctantly lifted my head from Edwards' chest and turned towards the doorway to look for my brother.
He was standing with his shoulders slumped, both hands were fisting in the little hair that he had, and then I noticed the tears in his eyes.
I immediately jumped out of Edward's lap and ran to my brother, who lifted me off the ground easily.
"I have never been more scared than what I was when I heard you scream," his voice cracked as he began to cry.
"I'm OK," I cried back.
"I f-fucking th-thought..." a violent sob cut him off.
I hugged him tighter and whispered again that I was OK. His body was convulsing so bad from his sobbing I was scared he might start hyperventilating. So I kept chanting that I was OK and eventually he calmed enough to start speaking again.
"I fucking thought that was the last s-sound I would ever hear from y-you..." his voice broke off again. "I thought that he grabbed you and we were too late," he wailed and his arms had tightened so much I was having trouble breathing, but I would never tell him that. He needed the contact as much as I did.
"I love you, Bella... and I'm so fucking sorry I let you down... that we all let you down."
"Stop, Em... it wasn't your fault."
I didn't want him to blame himself... I didn't want anybody to blame themselves. James was a twisted bastard and for some reason I was his target.
It took a few minutes and a bunch of apologizes from both of us before we pulled away and joined the rest of the group. Edward quickly handed a sleeping Emma over to Emmett and came over to warp his arms around me.
Carlisle filled them on Alice's idea of leaving town.
"We were both thinking the same thing," Edward admitted.
"We have the cabin outside of Vancouver... it's only about a three hour drive, Edward, but no one knows where it is. We could stay there until he's caught."
"What happened to James?" I asked my voice a little shaky as I said his name.
"He jumped out the window before we could grab him. By the time we made it outside he had already made it to the car that was at the end of the driveway. Phil and his men jumped into their vehicles and started chasing after them. They're following him south right now."
"We need to leave as soon as possible," Emmett said, keeping a tight hold on my daughter.
"Girls only pack the things you need," Carlisle addressed, "And do it quickly."
Alice, me and Esme left the room to go get our things packed, while Rosalie stayed to load up her and Emmett's things.
It only took about fifteen minutes to get our suitcases packed and meet at the front door; the guys were discussing which vehicles to take.
Because Carlisle and Esme's vehicles were in the garage we decided to take both of them, figuring James didn't know what they looked like; both had gotten new ones after Emma was born.
"I want to ride with Mom and Dad," Alice said at the same time Emmett stated "I want Bella and Emma with me."
They both looked at each other and smiled.
"OK," Carlisle said and then looked at us. "I'll drive Esme, Alice and Jasper in my truck, and Emmett you drive the rest in Esme's and follow behind. Both vehicles should already have full tanks."
We grabbed our bags and headed for the cars, quickly loading up and making our way out of Seattle. By the time we pulled into the cabin, the sun had come out which gave me a better view of their "cabin".
"If this is your idea of a cabin... then mine must be what you consider a tee pee. This is gorgeous."
It was deep in the woods and was built with the same lumber you would use to give it that log-cabin feel... but it was more of a mansion than anything. Two stories, both with floor to ceiling windows spaced evenly apart. The downstairs level had a wraparound porch where a hot tub was built in and the upstairs had a balcony that was decorated with patio furniture.
Esme had designed the inside just as beautifully as the outside, very homey and comfortable.
We made our way to our rooms and quickly got settled in. I had just put the last of our clothes away and Edward was putting the suitcase in the closet when Emma woke up.
"Pan-akes, Mama." Her chubby little hand came up to rub her sleep from her eye.
"You want pancakes?" I sat down and pulled her into my lap. "Well, let's go see if Nana has stuff to make you some pancakes."
I stood and waited for Edward to join us before I walked down stairs.
Esme and Rosalie were already in the kitchen making coffee and hot chocolate when we walked in.
"Nana!" Emma squealed and started to squirm out of my arms. I smiled up at Esme and let Emma down.
"How's my favorite Emma this morning?" Esme beamed as my daughter jumped in her arms.
"Pan-akes."
"You know what, I think I do have stuff to make pancakes," her finger lightly tapped the end of Emma's nose. "Do you want to help Nana make them?"
"Yay!" She clapped her little hands and bounced in Esme's arms.
While Esme was grabbing the things she needed to start breakfast I couldn't help but notice there wasn't much in the cupboards for food.
"Esme, do you have a pantry?" I asked as I continued to look through the empty cupboards.
"I do, but I'm afraid there's not a lot in there either, but don't worry the town is only fifteen minutes away, we can go get groceries later on today." She smiled kindly at me and then turned her attention back to my daughter. "If you want you can look in there and start us a list of things we'll need."
Rosalie walked over with me to where Esme had pointed and we both began to plan meals for the family.
"Papa," Emma squealed as the guys entered the dining room.
"Hello, Emma." He leaned down and picked her up from her chair. "How is my pretty princess today?"
She smiled and pointed to the table.
"Pan-akes!"
"Pancakes? Did you make Papa pancakes?"
I always loved how animated Carlisle was when he talked to her. Emma constantly had a smile on her face when she talked to him.
We were finishing up breakfast when Esme asked who wanted to go to town with her.
"I need to go," Alice smiled. "I forgot our toothbrushes and my deodorant."
"Yeah, I forgot Em's razor and our toothbrushes also," Rosalie said.
"I did too," I laughed and looked at Edward, "but I need to give Emma a bath." I looked back at Rosalie. "Will you grab two for us and one for Emma?"
She nodded.
"I'm going to go with you girls... just to be on the safe side," Jasper stated and we all agreed.
I gave the list to Esme after we cleaned the dishes and then went to start Emma's bath.
"Mama, too," she said excitedly.
I hadn't planned on getting in with her but how could I tell her no. Besides I did need to wash my body.
"OK, sweet pea," I told her and her face lit up. "How bout we take a quick shower and then a bath."
Her whole body bounced in agreement and we undressed and then stepped under the spray.
I washed and rinsed us both before starting our bath.
Edward came and sat on the floor next to us and talked while Emma was lightly splashing.
I looked over to see him gazing intently at me with a smile on his face and I cocked my head to the side.
"What?"
"You're just... really beautiful," he said sincerely causing me to blush. I smiled back and thanked him.
He leaned down and gave me a kiss.
"I love you."
"Love you," Emma and I said at the same time, causing me and Edward to laugh.
"Are you ready to get out, sweet pea?" I asked her.
"Uh huh."
I noticed Edwards' eyes roaming shamelessly over my body as I stood up, bubbles dripping slowly off my body and couldn't help but chuckle. He looked away sheepishly when he realized he was just caught checking out his very naked wife.
I turned the spray on to rinse us off and asked him to grab us some towels.
"Will you get her dressed for me, so I can dry off?" I asked as we walked into the bedroom. It was then I looked up and noticed he had already picked her clothes out and layed them on the bed. I kissed him sweetly and smiled.
"What time is it?" I was brushing Emma's hair when she started to yawn.
"Almost noon, we didn't eat breakfast until after nine." Edward reached down and picked her up after I finished. "It's already her nap time."
"I know... I forgot batteries for the monitors; do you think there's any lying around here?"
"Yeah, I'll be right back," he went to leave but I stopped him.
"No, you lie down with her, she's almost asleep already," I walked over and kissed him. "Just tell me where they are and I'll go get them."
"OK. There should be some in one of the drawers in the kitchen... if not ask Dad, he'll have some stashed somewhere."
I found them in the drawer and went back upstairs. Emma was sleeping on her back, arm reaching over her head with one of her hands fisted into Edwards' hair; I laughed softly and put the batteries in the monitor before grabbing my cell phone and snapping a picture.
"She's so beautiful," I murmured and showed the picture to Edward who smiled. I was going to lay down next to them when I heard Emmett shout from downstairs. Both Edward and I froze for a moment before he flew out of the bed and ran downstairs, me following close behind him.
"What do you mean you lost him?" Emmett shouted and my heart sank.
Edward motioned for Emmett to put ht phone on speaker so we could all hear. He looked at me briefly before nodding his head.
"Fuck... we're hurt bad... they rammed into us... fuck my ribs."
"Where are you? Is James hurt? Is he dead?"
"We're right outside of Portland, Oregon, when we realized what was going on we turned back towards Seattle but they crashed into us..."
"What do you mean, realized... what happened?" Emmett asked aggressively.
"It wasn't James we have been following..."
"What?" All three men shouted.
"They must have done a switch up before even leaving Carlisle's place... that way we chased after a diversion, so he could follow you... shit... Get Bella out of there, Emmett now!"
Before Phil even finished talking Edward was running towards the stairs to grab Emma. He didn't even make it half way before Carlisle yelled for him.
"It's too late, son," his eyes were focused outside. "They're already here... Bella, get upstairs and hide."
I looked at my brother with panic filled eyes and he hugged me tightly.
"Go! Get Emma and hide."
"I love you, Emmett," I cried.
"I love you, sis... now go!"
I ran to Edward and he rushed me into the room, quickly snatching Emma up and leading us into a hidden space in the back of the closet.
"No matter what, Bella," he grabbed the tops of my arms after he laid Emma down and covered her up. "No matter what you hear... do NOT come out of here! Understand?" Tears poured from my eyes as I was hit with the feeling that this was goodbye. I smashed my lips to his and nodded.
"I love you," he whispered against my mouth and then shut the thin door closing us in.
I heard his footsteps rush downstairs and then more rustling before everything went completely silent. I prayed to all that was holy that Emma would stay asleep. Not only did I not want her to wake up to witness anything but I didn't want her to make any noise and alert anybody where we were. I had to place my hand over my mouth when I heard glass breaking and then people shouting.
I didn't know what exactly was happening or who was getting hurt but from the noises I knew they were fighting pretty violently.
I heard more glass breaking, things getting slammed into the walls and muffled voices.
I prayed that my family was OK... I prayed that none of them got hurt.
I knew my brother was strong and I was well aware of him and Edward's fighting skills but I still worried, I saw the gun James had on him and my heart went into overdrive when I thought of what he might do.
There was a loud smash and I heard Edward yell.
"Dad!" and seconds later "You mother fucker!" before more fighting continued.
My palms were starting to sweat and I tried as hard as I could to stop my cries from escaping as my mind went crazy with wondering if Carlisle was alright.
But then my heart stopped completely the moment I heard a gunshot.
It wasn't until I heard both their voices that I started to breathe again.
"You were always such a pussy, James," my brother laughed out but I frowned, I didn't understand why he would taunt him.
And then Edward started in, "Bringing a gun to a fist fight... fucking coward."
"What's the matter? Only the bad ass when hitting on women... pathetic fucking loser has to have his bodyguards fight his battles."
I heard someone getting hit and then a big thump land on the ground.
"Where is she?" James screamed.
"Fuck you," I heard Edward shout back.
"She's mine!"
"The fuck she is... Bella is my wife, dipshit..."
"She's coming with me, and she won't be your wife for long," James sneered before he laughed darkly.
"I'll die before I let you touch her again."
"That can be arranged."
The minute that threat left his mouth I made the decision to end this nightmare. I refused to let anyone die for me.
I looked down at my daughter as my tears fell and gave her a long lingering kiss on her cheek before whispering that I loved her.
As long as my daughter would be safe and my family would be alive, then I would go with James. IF I got away from him once I could do it again. But right now I needed to get downstairs to make sure James didn't hurt anyone.
I slowly tiptoed out of the closet and peeked out the door. I could get a clear view of things going on downstairs and covered my mouth as a gasp left my lips.
I could see the legs, of who I presumed was Carlisle, off to the side of the living room. I stared long and hard and finally exhaled when I noticed his chest rise and fall, thanking God that he was still alive.
Off to the left of the stairs three men held my brother down on his knees, two holding his arms, while one had him around the throat. He had blood coming out of his nose and the corner of one of his eyes. His lips were slightly swollen and bloody as well. But the men holding him looked just as bad, if not worse.
And straight across from them sat Edward on his knees, with two men holding his arms behind his back while James punched him over and over again. I instinctively put my arms out to go to him and then stopped myself when James began talking.
Each time James would scream "Where is she?" Edward would smile and James would hit him.
When he finally stopped Edward took a second to catch his breath and then laughed, "Fuck you."
"Tell me where she is!"
"Go fuck yourself," Emmett screamed at him.
"I'm not fucking around anymore... tell me where she is before I put a bullet in your head."
"She's my wife, James and no matter what you do to me... she'll always be my wife."
"You think you're so much better than me because you got her to marry you?" James snorted. "It doesn't mean shit... she's mine and always will be... in fact she gave me the one thing she could never give anyone else."
I held my breath and winced when I realized what James was talking about.
Edward growled and stared daggers at James, while he just laughed and carried on.
"That's right lover boy... I popped her sweet little cherry," he leaned towards Edward and pulled his hair, "... me and me alone."
"Fuck you!" Edward spat out.
"And let's not forget whose child she carried... you can play house all you want but that's my blood running inside her."
Edward tried hard to get at James but it was my brother that yelled.
"I'm going to fucking kill you James, you better pray these fucking goons of yours don't let go of me."
"Where is she?" James yelled at them both but they refused to answer him.
I could see James chest rise and fall quickly, his jaw was clenched tightly and he began to pace between both of them.
"Tell me where she is!" He yelled and then lifted the gun up in the air and struck it down harshly against Emmett's head, almost knocking him out and my brother grunted.
"Where is she?" he walked over to Edward and hit him again. His eyes were crazed and spit flew from his mouth as he kept screaming at him. "She's mine! Now tell me where she is!"
"Go to hell," Edward wheezed out after James stopped hitting him.
He screamed and walked over to my brother.
"You're pissing me off!"
James brought the gun up in the air and cocked it back, then slowly lowered it to my brothers' head.
Before he had the chance to pull the trigger I rushed down the stairs and stopped next to Emmett.
"Bella, no!" Edward and Emmett screamed.
Tears streamed down my face as I stood in front of a crazed looking James and begged him not to kill Emmett.
"Please... don't hurt him anymore... I'm here... just... please don't kill my brother," I sobbed uncontrollably.
"There's my Angel," he whispered and lowered his gun.
"Please don't kill them, James... please," I begged him as he started walking closer to me. I couldn't stop my body from shaking as he stuck his hand out and enlaced our fingers together, pulling on my hand slightly so I would go to him.
He brought his face down to mine and inhaled deeply.
"Are you ready to go, Angel?"
"Bella, no!" Edward screamed and started to struggle against the men who held him.
I looked at him with shame written on my face.
"I'm so sorry, Edward."
"I told you not to come down... I told you to stay put," his voice was low and heartbreaking.
"I won't let anyone die for me," I admitted sadly and went to take a step towards him but James pulled me back to his side.
"Huh uh, Angel... don't fucking think about it," he hissed. "Whatever you had with him is over... you're mine and we're leaving."
Tears poured down my face as I turned to look at my brother who was trying as hard as he could to get free. I mouthed "I'm sorry" before James turned me back to face him.
"You know," James started and brushed some hair behind my ear. "It wasn't very nice of you running away from me earlier, Bella. I told you that you were mine... that you belonged to me," his eyes grew darker and he glared at me. "I think I may just have to punish you for kicking me."
I swallowed thickly.
"Don't you fucking touch her!" Emmett yelled.
"I'm going to kill you, James," Edward shouted as James gripped my upper arms and started to squeeze, causing me to wince. One man came out from behind me and placed a piece of duct tape over Edward's mouth and then walked over and did the same to Emmett.
"How many times do I have to tell you, you're mine?" He gave my body a powerful shake. "Huh? How many fucking times do I need to remind you that we belong together?"
"Ow," I couldn't help but cry out as he gripped tighter and shook me harder.
"That's enough, Marcus!" I heard a man order him. "You do not get to hurt her, ever!"
"She's mine," he said through clenched teeth and I bit my lip to stop from crying out as he shook me again.
"I said enough!" the man shouted again but this time James listened and released my arms from his clutches. A small sob left my lips and then he began to soothing stroke where he had grabbed me.
"I'm sorry, Angel... please forgive me." It was more of a command then a request, but he wasn't looking at me anyway, his eyes were focused to the man standing off to the side in the shadows.
"That's better," the man said. "We treat our women like the goddesses that they are... I better not ever see you grab her like that again."
"I apologize," James mumbled and looked down at me. "Are you OK?"
I wanted to tell him no... That I was scared and hurt and hated him... but I didn't, the look in his eyes conveyed his unspoken threat if I were to get him in trouble again. So, I nodded my head like the good little submissive that he wanted and prayed we would leave before Emma woke up.
"Where are my manners?" The man spoke softly and then slowly stepped out from the shadows.
I knew the moment I saw his face who he was.
James was the spitting image of him, except Aro had dark hair.
He walked slowly too me with an outstretched hand.
"Forgive me, Isabella," I cautiously placed my hand in his. "I hate to meet you under these circumstances but I am delighted to finally see you in person... My name is Aro."
"Hi," I croaked out as he brought my hand to his lips.
"You are absolutely breathtaking, Isabella," he smiled kindly to me. And even though the scene around us was horrifying, the kindness in his eyes eased my fears momentarily. I saw love and adoration in them... nothing like the hate and disdain I saw in James'.
"Thank you," I whispered to his compliment.
"I apologize for Marcus' behavior earlier towards you... he was not raised by my family, and I blame that for his slip up. But please believe me" he paused and took both my hands into his never breaking eye contact, "I do not condone violence towards our women." He finally broke away from my gaze to lock his eyes with James. "And any man in this family will respect and worship their wives to the upmost, or they will be dealt with."
A released a shaky breath and nodded my head in understanding and appreciation.
I hated the thought of being around James but knowing Aro would not allow him to hurt me, definitely made me feel better.
"Now dear," he released my hands and anxiously clapped his own together. "Speaking of family," he started and gazed around the room before looking back at me, "Where is this grandchild of mine?"
My eyes widened and I looked at Edward as my mouth went dry. My throat grew thick and I stopped breathing. I had thought for sure they wanted nothing to do with her, and before I could say anything to Aro, James beat me to it.
"What granddaughter?" he seethed viciously.
Aro furrowed his brow at me and then turned towards James.
"Didn't I hear you correctly when you were talking with Edward? You said it was your child that she carried... well that makes me a grandfather."
I heard James huff before he glared at Edward.
"She's his, not mine... I don't want the little brat."
As much as I wanted to stab him in the face for talking about her that way, I was relieved. At least I knew she wouldn't be coming with us... or so I thought.
"Is it or is it not your blood that runs through her body?" he asked slowly.
James nodded and then spat, "yea... but she has his fucking name... she doesn't even know me."
"Well," Aro stated casually, "We'll just have to rectify that."
"No, please," I turned toward Aro. "I'm coming with you... but leave her here... she doesn't know you guys. She needs to stay here with her family."
"My dear," he said sweetly and cupped my cheek with one of his hands, "we are her family. She has Volturi blood running through her veins, which makes her a princess at Volturi Manner – it makes you both Volturi princesses."
"I'm begging you, Aro, please, leave her alone... let her stay here with my family."
Aro continued to wipe the tears as they fell onto my cheeks and then slowly leaned in to kiss my forehead.
"She will get to know us and she'll love it there. She'll be treated as royalty – both of you will be. I won't let anyone hurt either one of you, don't you believe me?" He spoke as if it was a surprise that I would doubt him.
"I don't even know you, Aro," I whispered, hoping he wouldn't get mad at my honesty.
He smiled kindly at me.
"I know... and I'm sorry this happened to be our first encounter, but I do promise you, dear, that no harm will come to you or my granddaughter in my home."
"Please, Aro... please, leave her here," I sobbed and he gently pulled me into his arms.
"I cannot do that, Isabella," he said softly while stroking me hair. "I'm sorry that this upsets you, so."
He pulled back and brought his hands up to wipe my face. "Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing a woman cry, especially knowing that I caused those tears... but I cannot leave a member of my family to be raised by others, and as her mother you shouldn't want to be without her. You will see in time that you two are going to be safe with me."
I knew there was nothing I could do to change his mind.
Everything about him since the moment I heard his voice let me know he was more or less on my side, so I had no other choice but to trust him.
"Will you promise me something?" I asked quietly.
"Of course, Isabella," he smiled down at me.
"Will you promise that no more harm will come to my family?"
He hesitated for a minute and looked over my head at my brother and then at Edward and sighed.
"I will promise you this, Isabella... if they do not interfere with you and..."
"Emma," I said softly.
"Emma, leaving with us then yes, I promise we will not cause them anymore harm."
"Fuck that," James growled.
"Marcus," Aro snapped. "I think it would be in your best interest to wait in the car... now!"
James sighed and slammed the door as he left.
"I'm sorry about that... I think it's time we left, Isabella," he looked at me and wiped the tear that rolled down my cheek. "Grab some things for my granddaughter to play with...it's a long flight. As for clothes and what not..." his hands flew dismissively in the air, "You'll be taken care of when we get there."
I realized that it was truly happening, in just a few moments I would be leaving my family, not knowing if I would ever see them again. My eyes darted back and forth between my brother and Edward as I cried.
Aro wrapped an arm around my shoulder and whispered, "I'll give you a few minutes to say goodbye but then it's time to go."
I nodded my head in understanding and flew towards Emmett.
I immediately threw my arms around his neck, squeezing him tight enough for the both of us, considering Aro's men were not going to release his arms.
"I am so sorry, brother... but I couldn't let you die for me. I love you... and please don't be mad at me." I kissed his cheek, and then whispered so softly no one else could hear. "I have the bear with the tracking device in my bag."
I leaned back and cupped his face, hating the tears that rolled down his cheeks and over the grey tape on his face. "I love you... and don't forget."
He nodded his head and leaned his body into me the best he could. I hugged him one last time and made my way over to Edward.
I got on my knees in front of him and ripped the tape from his mouth, quickly attaching my lips to his. As I deepened the kiss I could hear the men talking in the back ground.
"Aro, stop her, she is no longer his mate... she belongs to James."
"Let her say goodbye. Whether James likes it or not, that is still her husband... for the time being."
I zoned them out after that and tried to lose myself in the kiss. My hands found their way into his hair and fisted tightly trying to savor the feel of him as much as I could.
"I fucking love you, Bella," he cried against my lips.
"I love you, too... only you. I don't know what's going to be expected of me over there but just remember that it's always been you."
He closed his eyes as my words sunk in and it killed me to see the painful expression on his features.
I wasn't sure what James expected me to do.
I didn't know how long I would be able to hold him off with his kisses and touches, or if I would be forced to have sex with him... I just didn't know.
"I love you, Edward." I slammed my mouth back down on his and hugged him with all my might. I kissed his cheeks and then brought my lips to his ear. "Come get us, soon."
I pulled back and cupped his face.
"You won't be able to say goodbye to Emma... she's still sleeping and I think it'd be best if she didn't see you guys this way. Please understand."
"I do, love," he sobbed lightly. "I love you and I'll see you again."
"I know," I whispered back and then left to go get my daughter.
I grabbed a small bag of her toys and clothes and threw some of my own in the bag.
I snuck a small note for Edward under the pillow before I opened the closet and grabbed Emma. She was sound asleep and I was careful, not to wake her as I walked downstairs and looked around.
"I love you, guys... and I'm so sorry... so very, very sorry," I cried quietly.
Aro walked over and put his arm around my shoulder.
"Come now, Isabella."
I gave the most important men in my life one final look right before Aro walked me outside.
"You promised you let them go."
"I said no harm would come to them and I meant it. But we couldn't very well let them go-."
I cut him off and stopped walking.
"You promised, Aro... you promised if they didn't int-," he put his hand over my mouth.
"Shh, I will keep my promise ... they are just getting a mild sedative, like that older gentleman, to prevent them from attacking my men."
I looked at him skeptically.
"I promised, Isabella... and once we're off the ground I'll even let you call to make sure they are awake and fine... Does that sound reasonable?" He offered gently and I nodded.
Not one minute later did his men join us outside and we all loaded up in the two vehicles.
To my horror James sat in the back of the one I would be riding in, and glared at Emma as I sat next to him.
"Marcus, if you cannot make them feel welcome, go ride in the other vehicle," Aro growled. "She is your blood and I will not have you regarding your child with such repulsion."
"Sorry," James said apologetically. "I always wanted a child with, Bella, I just need time to forget about him and the way he treated her as his own," he sneered.
"I understand, but just remember that's your blood in her."
I tried to tune them out and held onto Emma tighter.
It was going to be a long trip to Italy and I prayed that it wouldn't take the boys long to find my note and come and get us.
I just hoped Aro could protect us from James until then.
A/N: tell me what you think, please!
I am really wanting to know what you guys want to see happen.
Thanks again for giving my story a chance!