A/N: Time…it gets away from all of us. I've been reading…writing…being slightly sick. I'm okay now. Don't send an ambulance or anything. LOL
Hello and thanks to all my reviewers and subscribers!! You keep Emmett and Bella going!
DISCLAIMER: Ms. Meyer is the genius behind our favorite Vampires. Me, I'm nothing but a manipulator of the players.
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They start pairing up as they hit the dance floor. After a few songs and partner changes, the air in the room changes slightly. Bella, who is dancing with Edward and Emmett who is dancing with Esme both tense up and look toward the entrance. Standing there is a tall, thin older looking Vampire. His presence commanded attention, very stereotypical looking. He scans the room, his eyes locking on Emmett and Bella, who have since walked back to dance with each other so they can take in the situation together. The stranger walks over and takes a seat at the Non-vegetarian bar and places his order.
Bella and Emmett look at each other. "I'll be back in a little while." She says to him after kissing him. She walks off to the back office while he walks back to sit and watch the stranger.
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"A year, ten years from now, I'll remember this; not why, only that we were here like this, together."—Adrienne Rich
The stranger picks up his glass and turns to scan the room, focusing on the familial group gathered in the far corner of the club. An uninvolved observer would just think him a sole patron just taking in his surroundings, but the Cullens know differently. Emmett looks to his brother to see what he is picking up. Edward leans toward him…
"He is really just biding his time. Waiting for the opportune moment to approach you. He's not thinking specifics right now, but he's definitely a man with a purpose." Edward whispers.
Keeping his eyes squarely on the man at the bar, Emmett asks Jasper quietly, "Can you get a sense of his mood?"
"He's a bit apprehensive. I get no sense of animosity or ill will at this point. He seems a bit nervous, like he's out of his element. Like he's worried that the wrong people will see him here." Jasper relays.
"Emmett, where is Bella?" Carlisle asks.
"She needed to take care of some business. She's not far though. I can still feel her close by." Emmett looks around the crowded club to try and locate his wife. After a few quick sweeps of the room, his attention is drawn to the black haired beauty walking toward the bar across the room. Her very presence commanding the attention of everyone within sight.
Her six foot plus frame is clothed in a stereotypical little black dress, but she is anything but ordinary. Her long, straight ebony hair flows behind her like a curtain in the wind. Her crimson eyes practically glow in the dim lighting around her and it's like everything around her slows to almost a crawl as she walks up to the bar and orders herself a glass of A+. The tall stranger is immediately drawn to her and turns to her.
Back at the Cullen's table, the women are talking amongst themselves while the men are still focused on the scene at the bar. After watching the two people for a while, Edward and Jasper both look at each other and chuckle. Emmett's face shows no emotion. Carlisle asks what has amused the two brothers so.
"Our Romanian guest seems to have a thing for dark, mysterious women. His lust has spiked to a level rivaled only by our newlywed groom here." Jasper slaps Emmett on the shoulder, getting no response from his larger brother.
"He's thinking about temporarily abandoning his plans to talk to us and escorting that lovely lady to a dark corner and…" Edward stops before saying something ungentlemanly. Emmett lets out a low quiet growl, his face remaining stone still, not taking his eyes off the scene. Edward continues… "Let's see if she'll accept his offer." Edward concentrates on the beauty at the bar, a look of confusion creeping across his face.
"That's interesting. I can't read her at all. That's only happened with one other pers…wait…" He turns to the large, obviously upset man sitting to his left. "Emmett?" He whispers. "Is that…?" The others all turn to Emmett who slowly rises from his chair and starts walking toward the bar. He takes in a deep breath to still himself and steps behind the bar, taking a glass from the bartender and handing it to the vision in front of him.
"Hello." Offering his hand to the male stranger. "I'm Emmett Cullen and I'd like to personally welcome you to 'Haven'."
A slender, tapered hand takes his, shaking it slightly. "Mr. Cullen. I'm honored. My name is Ivan Lupei and this ravishing beauty is…"
The beauty in question reaches out to Emmett. "Sophia. It's a pleasure Mr. Cullen."
"Emmett, please both of you call me Emmett." He takes Sophia's hand and presses his lips into the back of it, running his finger discretely along her palm as a signal. Their eyes lock and they give each other an unperceivable nod. "And the pleasure is mine lovely lady."
"Sophia and I were just talking about the amazing establishment you have here. There's nothing like it anywhere else in the world, and I would know."
"You're quite the world traveler then Ivan?" Emmett innocently inquires.
"You could say I've been around." A sly smile creeps across his lips.
"I can imagine. Well, I will let you two get back to your evening. I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know that if there is anything you need, you just need to ask. It was lovely meeting you…both. Perhaps if it isn't too bold, maybe I could steal this vision away later for a dance, if that isn't overstepping my bounds." His eyes quickly dart over to Sophia then back to Ivan.
"Of course that is up to the lady." Ivan answers deferring to Sophia.
"I would love to dance with you whenever you would like. I will be right here enjoying my conversation with Ivan." She smiles at Emmett. Emmett fights hard to contain the growl threatening to escape from deep in his chest. He knows this is an act for the sake of information and safety, but the feelings of jealousy and worry for his mate are about to overpower him.
"Wonderful. I will let you get back to it then. I will see you soon then." And he walks back to his family before he could grab her and carry her home.
As he sits down, Jasper throws some hardcore calming vibes at Emmett. "Look brother, it's obvious she has a plan and is handling things. Right now you can't think of her as your mate. She is a member of The Circle and has a job to do. She can handle this and needs you to step up and be the leader you are meant to be."
"Yes, you're right of course. Edward, please focus on his thoughts. I'm sure her plan right now is to create a diversion. He will focus on her for now so we can get a hard reading on him before he confronts us. That's my smart girl. Giving us the upper hand. Alice?" Emmett looks in the Pixie's direction.
"Yes brother?"
"Do you see anything involving our new friend over there?"
Alice stills for a moment, looking toward Ivan and Sophia. Her brow wrinkles in confusion.
Jasper puts a reassuring hand on his wife. "What's wrong darlin'?"
"That's strange. I can't get a clear picture of either of them. I could see him fine until…until she joined him at the bar, and I don't see this woman or Bella at all right now." Alice's eyes show worry.
Carlisle speaks up now. "I'm sure that you won't be able to see Bella while she uses this particular gift. She's no longer herself, or anyone else that's real. Jasper, can you feel her at all?"
He takes a second before answering. "As a matter of fact I can't, but since she isn't herself, then I can see why."
"Ahhhh that makes sense." Alice sighs in relief.
Emmett's concern spikes again. "Then we need to take special care to keep her in our sights. One of us must always be able to see her at all times while she is in a different 'form'." They all agreed. They watch as Ivan leads Sophia out to the dance floor. Emmett looks away from the two of them to talk to Edward.
"So, what are you getting from him?"
"All he seems to be thinking about right now is her." Edward hesitates to even say it.
"Jasper, can you do anything to speed this up?" Emmett requests.
Jasper thinks a moment before sending a focused sense of duty to the tall Romanian. Instantly, Edward is hit with his thoughts.
"He's here to warn us, not threaten us but he's concerned he'll be found out and is still wavering. He is conflicted. Doesn't know if he should do what's right by telling us or if he should save himself and go back to the Romanian's and feed them as little information he can to put them off his back."
"Well…that's interesting. So apparently he isn't here to harm us. Well that's something in our favor then." Carlisle muses.
"Okay. What we really need is for him to talk to us. For that to happen it appears that we are going to have to make him feel safe to do so." Emmett clicks into leader mode. "In the meantime, Bella is going to have to keep up the charade for a while. Perhaps a few days even. We'll have to play that part by ear." His demeanor changes just a bit as he watches the pair on the dance floor start to walk back toward the bar. "Right now, I think it is time for me to dance with my wife, even if she isn't herself right now." He gets up and walks over to the pair. "Pardon me, but if it is alright, I would love that dance now. I didn't want to cut into yours." He looks at them each in turn.
Ivan looks at Sophia who nods her head. Ivan bows his head slightly to Emmett. "Enjoy."
Emmett offers Sophia his arm. She tucks her hand into the crook of his elbow and he leads her to the middle of the floor. A slow, beautiful symphony plays around them.
"This gift of yours…" Emmett whispers to her.
"Yes?"
"Can you adjust one part of the disguise at will?"
"Yes love I can."
"Please let me see your eyes." His voice is full of longing.
While he watches, her eyes change from their current crimson back to the liquid gold that Emmett loves so much.
"Thank you baby." He turns their bodies so they are at an angle that almost hides their faces from Ivan. "I can't tell you how hard it is not to pull your body into mine and kiss you. This is killing me Bella."
"I know it is. It's hard on me too. He keeps…" she stops mid thought to keep Emmett from losing his temper. "Remember what I'm doing this for. It is necessary. You have to stay calm and lead us."
"I know. I just don't like some creepy old guy's hands on you." He smiles tentatively down at her. "I love you."
"I love you too. Now, is Edward getting anything from him?"
Emmett quickly tells her what Ivan has been thinking. "So, somehow, we need to convince him to do the right thing. He needs to give us the information he has on the Romanians so we can get a heads up on them."
"Yes he does." She thinks a moment. "I will somehow get him to talk about his dealings in Romania. Maybe he'll get a since of guilt and come to his senses."
"Baby, I need you to get him to want to talk soon. I don't know how long I can take him thinking he has a chance with you. I can't watch him try and touch you."
"I know it's hard, but it won't be for too long." Her eyes try to touch him lovingly since her hands cannot.
"Oh, Alice can't see you or Ivan when you are around him in this form. So, do not leave our sight. Make sure you are within eyesight of one of us at all times. Please be safe baby." He fights the urge to kiss her. Instead he stares into her eyes to see them slowly change back to the crimson her disguise demands.
The song ends and Emmett reluctantly walks Sophia back over to her seat next to Ivan. "Thank you for the dance ma'am." He slowly releases her hand.
"You're a lovely dancer Emmett. Maybe we can dance again if ever we are here at the same time again." She tries to look him in the eye but he finds it difficult to while they are so red.
"I would love that Sophia. I'm sure we will run into one another again, here. My family and I like to come in often. I try to convince myself it is for work, but honestly, we just like being here." The three Vampires laugh.
Ivan orders himself and Sophia another 'drink'. "Emmett, would you like to join us for a drink? I notice you are 'on the wagon', but you're more than welcome to join us."
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to intrude on your date." Sophia snorts silently.
"Oh, no. As much as I would love to take this lovely woman out a date, we just met here tonight and are just keeping each other company."
"Yes Emmett, please join us." She pleads.
"Alright. I will join you. Let me just go to the other bar and get myself a drink and tell my family where I am. I'll be right back." He walks over to talk to Edward quickly.
"What's he thinking?"
"He's leaning on telling us everything. Right now, he wants to just get to know you a bit and see if he can get a feel if we're worth taking the risk on. It really is a coup that he asked you to join him. This will speed things up considerably. I know you want to get Bella away from him." Edward puts his hand on Emmett's shoulder.
"You're doing great Emmett. No one can tell just how jealous you are right now. Oh and by the way, there was no blue bubble while you were dancing. I assume it's because of the disguise." Jasper informs him.
"That's good. I didn't even think about that. We lucked out there."
"Yes you did. Now, get back over there and get to know our new friend."
Emmett gets his 'drink' and goes back to the other bar with Ivan and Sophia.
"I see a free table over there. Why don't we move over there? It's more conducive to decent conversation that way." Emmett offers. They move to the table.
Ivan notices Emmett's wedding band. "So Emmett, where is Mrs. Cullen tonight?"
"She is taking care of some family business. I am hoping she'll get to join me before our evening is over. I'd love for you to meet her too." He steals a glance at Sophia. "So Ivan, tell us a little bit about yourself."
An hour or so later, Ivan and Emmett have told generic versions of their backgrounds, and Sophia tells her made up story.
"I have had a lovely time tonight gentlemen, but I have a prior commitment I need to attend to." Sophia stands to go. Both men stand as well.
"It was a pleasure meeting you Sophia. I wish my Bella could have had the chance to meet you." Emmett shakes her hand.
"Perhaps another night. Goodnight Emmett." Sophia turns to Ivan.
"Please allow me to walk you to the door Sophia. I'll be right back Emmett. I would like to continue our conversation, man to man."
"I'll be right here." He replies, remembering that he is a potential ally and has no clue that he is escorting HIS wife to the door. He watches their retreating back walk toward the door. They stand there talking for a couple of minutes then Ivan kisses the back of her hand and she walk out through the door. Emmett concentrates on his deep breaths while Ivan comes back and rejoins him at the table.
"What an amazing creature she is. I look forward to spending more time with her, soon." Ivan says with a bit of a sparkle in his eyes.
As if on cue, Jasper walks up to the two men. "I am sorry to interrupt but they need you at the other bar for a minor emergency."
"I'm sure it's nothing but I should go check on it. I will be right back Ivan."
"Of course. Please go take care of your business." Ivan says lightly.
Emmett and Jasper walk back over to the vegetarian bar. Emmett walks behind it and tries to look like he is doing something bar related.
"I could tell you needed to walk away for a minute. Remember, he thinks she is just a lovely woman without any ties. He has no clue that she is really your Bella, your wife. He is not being malicious or trying to steal the virtue of a woman with a husband." Jasper quietly gives his brother a pep talk.
"My head knows all that. I KNOW!" Emmett's voice becoming dangerously loud and menacing. Taking in a deep breath to once again steady himself. He closes his eyes. "My heart is killing me. My jealousy is threatening to rear its ugly head and rip that innocent man apart. Damn it what kind of leader does that make me?"
"Look…Emmett LOOK AT ME. What you are feeling is completely normal. What is important here is that you continue to keep your emotions in check and finish the task at hand. Bella is okay and will never let things get too far. She is completely in control I promise you." Jasper admonishes his brother.
"I'm fine. Just let me get this over with. I'm going to want to leave soon." Emmett walks back over to Ivan and sits down.
They chat for a little while longer until Emmett feels a familiar hand on his shoulder. Both men stand to greet Bella. Emmett pulls her into a tight hug. "I'm so happy you're here." He whispers into her ear.
"Where else would I be my love?" She giggles in response.
He releases her and turns to the table. "Ivan, this is my wife, Bella. Bella, this is Ivan." Ivan gives a slight bow.
"Mrs. Cullen. I am very happy that I was able to meet you tonight. Your presence just confirmed something for me."
"Please, call me Bella. Sit gentlemen." She says.
Emmett holds her chair for her as she sits. "I'm curious Ivan. What did I just confirm for you?" She asks.
Ivan looks from Bella to Emmett. "First I must apologize to you Emmett. I have not been completely forthcoming with you tonight. I know who you are."
"Yes? Then you must know that I know who you are too." Emmett offers.
"I'm sure you do. I need to assure you at this point that I am not here to cause any harm you or your family."
"So then why are you here?" Emmett looks at him suspiciously now. His pent up emotions starting to bubble up again.
"Emmett, please calm down. Let Ivan tell us." She turns to their guest. "Please go on Ivan."
"Lovely Bella. The tales of your beauty and compassion have spread through our kind like wildfire. I hope I can get to know you further." He looks at Emmett, seeing his impatience. "I have information for you that will not only help you in your obvious upcoming battle, but information that will save the peaceful future of Vampires throughout the world."
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A/N: DUN DUN DUN!! He he he. Can you believe I actually posted a story completely free of any citrus. Wow. Now I am jonesing for one.
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