Disclaimer: Not that it will come as a surprise to anyone reading this, but Twilight and it's characters do not belong to me, Stephanie Meyer is the only one that can make that claim. I just like to play in the wonderful universe she created.

As always, thanks to my betas Im2xshy and Kzintikiller for their invaluable support and input. I never would have posted this story if not for them. They also both write awesome fan fiction stories of their own in the Twilight universe so please look them up here on this site and check them out. You won't be disappointed.


Author's note: Thanks to everyone that left me reviews, feedback and messages of support. I really appreciate all your kind words. Another note of thanks to those that are either following or have favorited me and my stories.

Well, I have a confession to make. When I started posting this story I had about 20 chapters written which is why I've been so regular about posting. However, I've now just about caught up with myself, so that combined with the craziness that's going on in real life right now means I might not be posting as regularly. My future posts will continue to be on Saturday, but my next chapter will be in two weeks. The next chapter is off with my betas right now but I've got a lot going on next weekend so I won't be ready to post next weekend.

That being said, I SWEAR I have every intention of finishing this story. I know what I want to happen and where it's going. In fact, the latter part of the story is what I've been building toward since the beginning and I'm looking forward to showing you what I have planned. Thanks for your patience and I'm sorry for this extremely long note!

As a teaser, here are a few of the highlights that will be coming in future chapters:

1. Lemons for Edward and Bella (but no baby, which is why I threw in the part about Bella's period and oral contraceptives);

2. Danger for Bella as Victoria learns the location of where the Cullens are living and comes after her;

3. The question of Edward changing Bella will be addressed once and for all (and I think you'll be happy with how I handle it – did I mention I'm all about the happy endings?); and

4. Victoria will get what's coming to her.


Last week: Alice told Bella and Edward that she and the rest of the family (except for Carlisle) were leaving early for Alaska because Bella would be starting her period and it would be very bad because she hasn't had one for a while due to her health and emotional upheaval. There was also a tiny bit of citrus goodness between Bella and Edward or at least indications that more of that was coming.


Chapter 29

VICTORIA

"So, do you like the car?" Riley asked hopefully from the passenger seat.

I gave him my sweetest smile. "Of course, I do, baby. You picked a really good one."

And for a change I didn't really have to lie. He'd picked a high end Mercedes sedan with full leather interior, heated seats and every electronic gadget known to man, including a GPS system that would make our trip to see Laurent that much faster. We could have run to our destination in Alaska but it was so much nicer to ride in style. Going barefoot and getting sticks and leaves in your hair got old after a while.

From the one conversation I'd had with Laurent since James had been killed, I only knew the name of the city he was living nearest to but not the exact address or location of the house which was far out into the wilderness. The GPS would get us to Talkeetna, Alaska and from there, Riley and I could use our advanced sense of smell to find him and the coven of freaks he was living with. My best guess was that we would be there by sometime tomorrow. In any case, I tried to keep any plans open and fluid so I didn't raise any significant red flags with the Cullen's fortune teller. It wouldn't do for her to hone in on my plans. Whenever I thought of our trip to Alaska it was just as a random road trip and nothing more.

And the best part was that Laurent didn't even know we were coming. That was another trick I was using to throw off the fortune teller in case she was watching Laurent's actions and decisions. I wanted it to be a surprise. I liked surprises... at least when I was the one giving them.

Riley grinned me. "And it even came with a free meal."

I ran my tongue over my teeth, relishing the remaining tang of blood that lingered in my mouth from our earlier 'meal' of the former owners of the car who were currently riding in the trunk. Before Riley and I dined on the middle aged couple, I dazzled the male into telling us their pin numbers and other financial information so we were also flush with cash, assorted credit cards and a pair of cell phones that wouldn't be reported stolen for quite some time.

I was feeling so sated and pleased with myself at that moment that I didn't even have to force myself to reach over and stroked the ridge of Riley's ear just as I knew he liked. "And a delicious meal it was, but we have to be sure to take out the trash before we arrive at our destination."

Riley laughed. "What? You don't think our unsuspecting hosts will enjoy an 'eau de dead body' scent coming from the trunk?"

I couldn't help but smirk. "Well, since they're some kind of hippie freaks who drink from animals to keep from killing the so called 'precious' humans, I'm guessing they wouldn't be too pleased." I snorted. "I still don't know how my old friend stands to be around them or live like they do."

Riley shuddered a little. "I can't imagine drinking from stinking animals, that's just disgusting."

"You won't get any argument from me, lover."

Riley was thoughtful for a long moment, which was an uncommon state of mind for him. "So just how friendly were you with this Laurent guy?" he finally asked.

I could have told him the truth. I could have told him that Laurent and I were just friends and that we would only ever be friends because not only did I have no desire for him, but he had none for me. Honestly, James was really the only link between us and that was something I was counting on as I was planning on using it as leverage to get the information I wanted on the Cullens.

As for Riley, he knew next to nothing about my real history with James or Laurent and since one of my true pleasures in life was pushing his buttons, and he had a very big button where the topic of me and other men were concerned so I couldn't help but push it.

"Oh, we were very, very close once upon a time," I said silkily. Pushing his buttons was really all too easy. "We spent a lot of time together. Days, weeks, even months on end."

The first part of my statement was a lie, Laurent had always been more James' friend than mine, but the second part was true. Traveling together as nomads, we had spent a lot of time together.

"I still don't see why we need him," Riley said petulantly.

"I told you, Riley, if we find him, we'll find the information we need."

"But surely there's another way to find these Cullens and get back at them without involving this guy."

"No, there really isn't," I insisted. "When I talked to my friend last time, he told me that the people he was staying with were friends with the Cullens so I'm sure they'll know just where we can find them."

He was quiet for a long moment and I suspected he was trying to think of the right way to say something so I didn't get angry which was never a good sign.

"Look, Victoria, I know how much you want to get back at the Cullens, but why don't we just forget about them? We could start a new life somewhere else, just you and me."

Now he was pushing MY buttons and I didn't like it one bit. After all I'd done to bring him and my plans along, he was trying to back out on me and I'd be damned if I'd let him do that. I'd kill him before I just let him wimp out on me.

"How can you ask me to just FORGET the fact that they killed my dearest friend and have threatened me repeatedly?" I said letting my voice catch with just the right amount of emotion. "Don't you care about me at all?"

His expression softened with guilt. "Aw, baby, of course I care about you."

"Well, you sure as hell don't show it," I snapped. "I'm doing this for both of us, Riley, and for anyone else they've threatened. I've told you how they are. With all their powers they think they're untouchable and they'll destroy anyone who gets in their way."

Pulling the car to the shoulder, I let my lip tremble slightly and tried to sound weepy as I turned to him which was no easy feat given that I couldn't actually cry. "I just want to show them that I'm not someone to be trifled with so they'll leave me alone. I changed you because I thought you could help me stop them, but if you don't want do that, I guess I'll just have to do it alone."

I knew that would get his attention. Riley was nothing if not predictable. "No, no," he said in a clearly panicked voice. "Please don't say things like that. You don't have to do it alone. Of course, I'll help you. I just thought..." He trailed off with a sigh. "Just forget I said anything. We'll do things your way."

So easy.

Now that I'd brought him back to heel like the good dog he was, I decided to throw him a bone. One that would have the added benefit of reassuring him and making him think twice about trying to back out on me again.

"Riley, you know I want to be with you." The words were bitter on my tongue, but I think I managed to put the right amount of feeling into them to make them believable. "After we take care of this business with the Cullens, we can be together without worrying about them and we can go anywhere you want, I promise."

Like to the nearest fire pit if you don't stop getting on my nerves, I added silently as I pulled back onto the road and got back up to speed.

"That's all I want," he replied, immediately brightening at my words. "So do you really think killing this 'pet' of theirs is the best way to get them to back off? Won't it just make them madder?"

He had a point, not that I was going to admit that to him. I knew that the Cullens would never stand for me killing their 'precious' Bella. They'd be after me with a vengeance, and Riley too if I let him live that long, once the deed was done. The sentimental idiots actually cared for that stupid girl. But that didn't matter to me, the girl's death was just the opening salvo in the war I was planning to wage with the Cullens. When all was said and done, I wanted them all dead for their part in James' demise.

The girl's death would simply make sure they came looking for the fight I was itching to give them. A fight that could possibly include an army of newborn vampires that I would let someone else, maybe Riley, create for me. In my travels with James, I had heard some very interesting things about the old southern vampire wars and it had given me no end of ideas. And if I let someone else create them for me the fortune teller would never see them coming.

"You have to trust me, Riley. I know how the Cullens think. They're just bullies and right now, they believe they're invincible and that there's no way we can get to them. By killing their little pet, they'll know that they're vulnerable and that we're stronger than they are even though there are only two of us," I lied through my teeth. "And like any bully, once they're challenged by a worthy opponent, they'll back down and run away."

I had just fed him a complete load of crap, but he nodded, looking at me like I'd just imparted the secrets of the universe to him. "And then we can be together?"

Once again, I had the urge to check and see if he had a vagina rather than a penis. He was letting his feelings for me smother any sense of self or misgivings he was having about what we were doing.

Then again, that worked in my favor so I who was I to complain?

I smiled at him. "Of course, baby, we'll be together always."

CHARLIE

Flipping open yet another file, I reviewed the service history of one of my deputies. While I enjoyed my position and duties as Forks' Chief of Police, the paperwork was something I always wished I could push off on someone else, which I did as often as I could. But this time it was something I had to do myself. It was time again for staff evaluations and as the boss around here it fell to me to look each of my deputies over and determine if they were eligible for a raise or promotion. With all the nighttime shifts I'd been pulling and the fact that I was the only one on duty in the office, I figured it was as good a time as any to tackle this particular job.

I didn't even look up as the phone on my desk started ringing; instead I just reached over and picked the receiver up from its cradle as I continued to scan the page.

"Forks Police Department, Chief Swan speaking," I said absently.

"Hell Chief, you were answering the phone like that when I was still wet behind the ears," the caller chuckled. "Doesn't anything ever change in that town?"

The caller's voice vaguely rang a bell, but I couldn't quite place it. "Well, you know, I'm nothing if not consistent."

The caller laughed warmly. "Yeah, I'd say that's accurate. So how are the fish biting these days? You still going out to the Quileute Res to fish?"

Clearly, the caller knew me and I mentally scrolled through the people I knew who often fished or used to often fish on the Quileute Reservation. "Well, I don't fish as much as I used to these days," I said. "Uh, can I ask who I'm speaking to?"

There was a mock gasp from the other end of the line. "Why Chief, I'm hurt. I know it's been a while, but I didn't think you'd ever forget the guy that once ran over your hat."

My shoulders immediately relaxed and I let out a laugh. "Well, as I live and breathe, Doug Anders. How the hell are you?"

He laughed. "I'm good, Chief, real good."

"How is that family of yours?"

"Mary's fine, ready to pop out child number three in about four months."

"Number three?" I exclaimed. "When I talked to you last you'd just had your first."

"Time sure does fly, doesn't it?" he asked.

"It does indeed," I agreed. "You know, Doug, you don't have to take the 'go forth and multiply' thing quite so seriously."

"Well, Mary says she likes being pregnant and I enjoy getting her that way so it's a win/win for everyone."

"I guess that's one way to look at it," I said with a laugh. "So how are things at the FBI?"

"Things at the Bureau are good. I liked the Seattle PD well enough, but with the Bureau I get into some real interesting cases. Speaking of which, I'm sorry I didn't return your call before now. I've been out in the field for the last week on assignment."

My stomach tightened slightly as we came to why I had initially called him. "It's no problem, Doug. I appreciate you getting back to me as quickly as you did."

"So what can I ,a humble FBI agent, do for Forks' Chief of Police?" he asked as I hadn't explained the reason for my call when I'd left him a message.

When I didn't answer right away, he prompted me, any lightheartedness gone from his voice. "Chief? You still there?"

I rubbed at my chin thoughtfully, trying to collect my thoughts and what I was going to say. "Yeah, I'm here. Just trying to think of where to start."

There was a pause from his end. "Well, I've always found it's best to start from the beginning," he said gently.

That's what I'd always liked about Doug; he was good at steering people to where they needed to be without being harsh. "Well, you remember my daughter Bella?"

"Sure, of course, I do. She used to come and stay with you for vacations. Cute little thing but shy and a bit clumsy as I recall."

"That she is."

"She must be... what, about sixteen now?"

"Actually, she turned eighteen last September," I corrected.

"Wow, you're right, time sure does fly. How's she doing?"

I was quiet for a moment. "Well, Doug, that's my problem. I don't exactly know."

"Why, what do you mean? What happened to her? Is she a runaway or something?"

"No, not exactly... maybe. Aw, hell, it's complicated," I told him.

"Well, you have my full attention so just take a breath and then lay it out for me."

And so I did. I told him how she'd come to live with me and things were fine until the Cullen kid left her and she sort of went off the deep end. Then I told her how I'd sent her back to live with Renee and how Renee had put her in the hospital, then she'd disappeared and no one had been able to locate any sign of her. My grand finale was telling him about the DVD and letter I'd received from her two weeks ago.

Through it all, he listened, only asking questions when they were absolutely necessary and waiting until I'd completely finished my story.

"Wow, Chief. That's some story you've got there. Sounds like your Bella fell into some nasty business."

"Yeah, tell me about it," I said with a sigh. "Bella was always a bit clumsy, but she is a good girl and not a trouble maker. Seems like she's just had a run of bad luck over the last year."

"Well, I think that's safe to say," he agreed. "So what do you need from me, Chief?"

"I want to try and verify her story. I don't need to know where she is, but I need to know if she really is in the US Marshal's WITSEC program or if someone is just making her say that so I'll back off looking for her."

There was a definite pause from the other end. "Chief, you should be talking to someone in the US Marshal's office. This is way outside my scope."

"I tried. They wouldn't tell me if she was in the program," I told him. "All they said was that they do not discuss that information under any circumstances."

"I'm not surprised. Witness protection is one of the Marshal's most sacred duties. They take it as seriously as the Secret Service takes protecting the President."

"I know, Doug, but please, can't you do something?" I pleaded. "I have no one else to turn to."

"Chief, I would help you if I could, I swear. There's nothing I'd like better than to help you out with this. But even my FBI clearance won't give me access to the US Marshal's WITSEC files. They're very tight fisted with their records and with good reason."

Closing my eyes, I tried to hold back the frustration and the hopelessness I was feeling. Doug had been my last hope. I knew my next words were hitting a little below the belt, but I had to try.

"Is one of your kids a girl?" I said quietly.

His reply was very cautious. "Yeah, my oldest. Her name's Danielle."

"Well, that's a pretty name." I paused and chose my words carefully. "Doug, what would you do if she were the one in trouble? What lengths would you go to in order to make sure she was all right?"

Doug sighed from the other end of the phone. "Exactly what you're doing, Chief. I'd follow every lead, use every contact and call in every favor I had and probably some I didn't."

I felt a glimmer of hope reform in my chest and I pressed him. "Please Doug, I don't need to know where she is or any other details. I just need to know whether or not her story checks out and if she's in the program."

There was another very long silence on the other end and I began to wonder if he was still there. As I opened my mouth to say something in to the silence, he finally spoke.

"Okay, Chief, I'll try. I can't promise you more than that, but I'll try," he told me. "I know someone in the Marshal's office, someone that I worked with during my time at the Seattle PD. Maybe she'll be able to tell me what you want to know."

My glimmer of hope, morphed into relief. "Thank you, Doug, really. I owe you big time."

"You don't owe me a thing," he replied with a smile in his voice. "It will just be from one father to another."

TBC


Sorry this was so short, but at least you get an insight into what Victoria is planning long term and what's going on with Charlie.

In two weeks: Edward goes shopping for Bella's 'monthly supplies.' My beta requested that I write I write this chapter and I'm hoping I've done it justice and that it's funny but I haven't heard back from my betas yet so I don't know if it is or not (I'm not always the best judge of that on my own writing). Either I'll have you grinning over the image of Edward shopping in the feminine hygiene aisle or you'll be yawning and I'll have egg on my face. Luckily, there are some other things in the chapter between Bella and Edward that are important too. Oh, and the chapter is a long one. ;o) See you then!