By now you've figured out that this is a Twilight story, and that means, I don't own any of the Twilight stuff. Just in case there was any doubt.

And on to the story.

James Hunter's POV

Four days I stayed away from her. I wanted to give her space to adjust to her new surroundings. The room I had decorated for her was beautiful, it was all delicate lace and flowers to match her delicate beauty. Now that she had come to me, albeit with a struggle, I knew it would only be a matter of time before she felt that spark again.

Our first visit was tense and I could see the fear still in her eyes. I barely controlled my anger when she flinched from me, but reminded myself that the payoff is worth the extra effort needed to gain her trust.

I watched her stretch out on the bed, doing her yoga or whatever. She was so concerned with keeping fit and healthy and I knew that deep down, she was doing it for me. I even let her know that I was watching to see how she would react. I actually felt happy when I saw her going through the same stretches again. I hope that she will earn freedom within her room quickly. I knew by allowing her small freedoms, she would want to earn more. Eventually, she would have the house to run as she sees fit.

I came the next day for her shower. She was shy and didn't want me to see her. She wasn't ready, but I could sense that she was close. Even under the fear, I could see that the spark was there. I could see the desire building in her eyes when she did look at me. At her request, I allowed her to shower with the curtain closed and did not dry her, though I wanted to.

I felt the blood surge to my groin as I thought of the first time I touched her skin and the way her eyes held mine. That sweet blush that covered her collar bones up to her cheeks tempted me so. I willed those thoughts away. All the girls before her had been to fill my needs only. Even Maria had been too willing to let me take her body.

Bella was different. I had to break her spirit because it had been corrupted by that… bastard. Before he came into her life, she was mine. I had to work to keep myself composed. When I thought of all the times I watched him take her body, turn her heart, I wanted to find him and kill him. And then I wanted to take her, mark her as mine for the world to see.

That line of thought would never make her mine, though. She would be marked and damaged and shut off from me. I had to handle her in a different manner than I had the others and that is why I wanted her so much more. That is why she was worth sacrificing everything.

"Now that you have finished your lunch, my Treasure, would you like to hear our story?" I sat in the folding chair I brought in from the hall and waited for her to settle back on the bed.

"I'm sure it is an interesting story, if you have the time today." She kept her body turned from me and her smile was small, but the look in her eyes was encouraging.

"My schedule has been adjusted to make time for our visits, my Treasure." I smiled, willing her to relax.

"You know, if we are going to make a fresh start of things, I was wondering if you could call me a different name. Not that I am unappreciative, but I have had too many pet names in the past."

"And what did you have in mind?" I gritted me teeth, refusing to lash out. She wasn't rejecting me, she wanted a fresh start.

"Um, well. No one has ever called me Izzy and I always kind of liked that. It just never stuck. Do you think you could call me that?" She smiled sweetly and the blush that graced her cheeks again reminded me of the first day. She wanted this and I would give it to her.

"Certainly, Izzy. Good?" I smiled again, showing her that I was fair.

"Better, thank you. Now, please tell me our story so I can know it, too." She folded her hands in her lap and waited for me to begin. Already so well behaved.

"I saw you twice before I approached you the first time."

"On campus?" she interrupted. I scowled before recovering. Remember, she wants to hear this, it's not interrupting. I cleared my throat and began again.

"No, you were moving in with that group of friends of yours." I gave her a stern look, letting her know that I would tell the story at my pace. She nodded.

"I thought you were tied to the big one with dark hair. He was the most physical with you. I thought I would have to woo you away from him." I chuckled, remembering how false that turned out to be.

"I was so interested in you, that I watched you for the rest of the day. You don't know how excited I was to see you on campus the next day. It was then that I knew you were for me. I mean, what are the chances of seeing you twice in two days!" I got excited just thinking of that day and now here she was, with me.

"A couple of days later is when we shared our first moment. You came around a corner and ran right into me, dropping a book. I could tell by the way you looked at me and blushed that you felt the energy between us when I touched your hand. I was going to speak to you, but our future was delayed by..." I let me words trail off. That was not the story I wanted to tell yet.

"Delayed by what?" She tilted her head to catch my eye. It was a start.

"That is all I will tell you of our story today. The delays are stories for a different day."

"And do you know about me before I came to Austin?" My heart raced when she smiled so sweetly at me.

"Oh, Izzy, your life began the day I first saw you." I smiled and stood to leave.

***`***

BPOV

I tried to control the utter revulsion I felt at his parting words. At his creepy body language and his awful awkward smiles. Everything about him made me want to scream in rage and fear. After I calmed myself, replayed the conversation and cataloged what I knew.

First, he had agreed to call me by the name I most hated. Izzy was the name used by the one person in school I truly despised. I didn't want any other name to come from James' mouth.

Second, as creepy as it was, by saying that my life 'began' when he saw me, he was admitting that he really knew nothing about me. That meant he didn't know about my dad, who will not rest until I'm found. He obviously knew about Jasper and I had to assume he knew everything about his life since James knew Maria. The twinge in my stomach when I thought about Maria's missing months and the knowledge that this bastard had her took more attention than I could afford until after I found my way out.

Third, he is terrible at reading physical cues. After people-watching with Jasper, I had started to learn the little signs Jasper saw in others that helped him out. I could use this to my advantage, but it would be very dangerous. One false reading, and I could find myself consummating his twisted relationship.

It was with this information and the knowledge that no one would know where to look for me, that I began to develop my plan for escape.

In the list I added what I knew of the house. I was in room with no windows, but the walls I could reach seemed solid, so I was likely in a basement. The toilet Vic took me to was not in the same place as the shower James took me to. The toilet was also without windows and was down the hall from my room. The hall was short and had two additional doors on the inside wall. The shower was up one flight of stairs and seemed to be over my room and it had a window. It also had a cabinet with a mirror, not just a mirror glued to a wall. Since James had not left me, I was not able to approach the window, but looking out that window was a short-term plan I could work, since my period was coming soon.

On what I assumed was my eight day, Vic brought me the 'supplies' I asked for - extra absorbent tampons and overnight pads. When she took me to the toilet, I flushed two of the pads down the commode and waited. Just as planned, the toilet started to back up. Since no one knew me, I was able to get away with the most obnoxious squealing hissy-fit ever seen. I was surprised Vic didn't try to kick my ass, and can only assume that James had given strict orders for no one to touch me.

Vic took me up the stairs to the bathroom James had let me use and I was able to see that it was on the ground floor and therefore an easy drop. The windows were wired for an alarm, but it was a magnetic switch, which meant that if I could find a piece of metal, I would likely be able to keep it from sounding. From there, I could see that the house was right against a wooded area. My only hope was that the woods were thick enough for me to lose any trackers. I hadn't heard dogs. I really hope James doesn't have any.

As soon as I was back in my room, James was waiting for me. And he was pissed!

"What did you do to the toilet!" He bellowed. In keeping with my plan, I cowered and started crying.

"I don't know! I flushed the commode and it just wouldn't stop running, and then there was water everywhere and I don't have any shoes and it was gonna get on my feet..." I started shaking my shoulders and sobbing. I let out all my frustration and fear come to the surface.

"That's because you flushed down pads! Are you fucking stupid or something?" He came closer. His face red and twisted with anger. Now I really was scared and had to step up my game.

"Don't yell at me. I haven't had my medicine and there was just so much blood. They only come when there's blood and I couldn't get rid of it and there's no trash can in there." I really hope he buys into the delusional bimbo persona I was working. I saw him take a deep breath to calm himself.

"Alright, just stop fucking crying. Jeezus are you fucking nuts, too? Who comes when there's blood? You know what, I don't wanna fucking know! What medicine are you supposed to be taking?" He paced the small room, muttering to himself while I worked to calm my emotions again. He really seemed to buy it.

"I just can't take being yelled at. It scares me and you said you wanted me to trust you, but I can't if you're going to yell at me. And what if they get in?" I put as much whine into my voice as I could.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I yelled. What medicine do you need." and then under his breath "dammit. What the fuck? Is she always like this?"

"I'm not a fucking idiot, either." I mumbled and pouted while I flounced on the bed.

"Look, I didn't mean to yell." He fastened the shackle, still mumbling. I could tell he was exasperated with the whole ordeal and ready to leave. Mark one for Bella, for now.

"I take Lithane." And as long as he only knows about 'Hollywood' bipolar, I can act as strange as I need to.

"Fine. I'll bring some tomorrow."

"Can I have a shower then, too?" I smiled my most sweet and innocent smile and brushed the remaining tears from my eyes.

"Whatever." He muttered and left the room.

It took a few minutes to calm back down, but once I was, I began rubbing away at the post. It would take days of work, but I figured within a matter of weeks, I could get myself free of the whole place.

I focused on remembering everything about how I first met Jasper and every day since then. I tried to remember every detail about him and that is how I fell asleep each night.

**~**

JPOV

After about an hour of the Chief chewin me up one side and down the other for not checking her 'friends' better, he was calm enough to ask me what exactly my plans were to get his daughter home. Over the next hour, I told him everything I knew and what I thought we should do. He left to take a walk and to call Sue with an update.

Mr. Jack and I were busy with mapping all the properties owned by James Hunter and plotting search grids from the campus. Since Hunter had been seen on campus enough for people to recognize the sketch, then we figured his place must be close. Now, that didn't mean that he was keeping Bella in that same place, but it was likely that he wouldn't risk driving too far with her. Or that was our hope.

With the help of the fella's, we were able to rule out any of the warehouses owned by the family and corporation. As long as they were keeping her in at a property they owned, that left four houses. Two owned by James, one owned by Victoria and one owned by 'The Family'. I was starting to think that maybe he was just cocky enough to keep her at one of his houses. Mr. Jack had his guys watching Victoria's house. The Chief along with Jake and Zach, watched the 'Family' house. Emmett, Edward and I took turns watching the house closest to campus. It was a two story house on a dead-end street surrounded by woods. It seemed the most likely of the four houses and so I wanted to be on that one. Through all this, Demetri and Felix had gotten several guys from the station to swap out shifts to watch the other house. I was never more grateful to have these people in my life.

Rosalie was pissed that I didn't want her out on the 'stakeouts' and frequently called me a sexist bastard. I just nodded and took the abuse because I knew there was no way for me to explain brute force over finesse without diggin the hole deeper.

While we were all working our various stakeouts, Mom kept us all full of coffee and food. With much complaint, Rosalie helped with those duties, though I begged her not to just for our own sanity.

During the time we asked the neighbors questions, Edward was able to flirt enough with the elderly woman who lived across the street to allow us to park in her driveway. She kept us in muffins and coffee, as well as offering us the use of her facilities.

James' routine was predictable. He seemed agitated when he came home midday. He stayed for about two hours and left almost serene. Reports back showed him always returning to the same warehouse. A warehouse that seemed to have a large store of auto parts in it. I hoped we were able to make a connection when all was said and done, though I pushed those thoughts away, not wanting any distraction from Bella.

Our break came several days into the stakeout. James came out of the house before the end of his usual two hour stay. He was screaming at another man to find out how to fix the plumbing and find out what Lithane was for because "she was bat shit crazy". That caught my attention because the only woman we had seen coming or going was Victoria. He had no reason to need information on her meds. Now, I know Bella didn't take anything but birth control, but she's a crafty girl. If she was acting crazy, she would want a cover. When I found what the drug was used for, I knew that it had to be for Bella. Maybe I just needed it to be and decided to go with it.

I called Demetri and Felix and told them of my suspicions and, of course, they could do nothing legally, because the law doesn't work with hunches. While I know that is a good thing, I was glad I had enough people willing to bend, and break, the laws to get Bella free.

Between my information and Edward's we knew enough names of the people milling around the house to get someone in the house dressed as a plumber. Everyone decided that it should be Jake or Emmett because they were the largest and most easy-going. They were worried I would lose it and kill someone. Or, and this may be worse for me, loose my Star.

After an evening of preparations, Emmett won the 'rock-paper-scissors' debate with best two-out-of-three. Jake was pissed, but helped him get ready. We gave Emmett several micro-bugs to place around the house and in the bathrooms. We all prayed that this would give us the information we needed.

**

***It's almost 3,000 words now and this would make a great cliffhanger, but I've decided to continue with the story anyway ;) ***

**

I wanted to leave everyone else on the other houses, just in case the bugs didn't reveal anything. Emmett was prepared with a costume and we rented a van from a plumber friend of Rosalie's so he would look official and if someone decided to call, his identity would be confirmed.

The Chief and Jake waited in the van while Edward and I watched from across the street. To say that I was nervous may be a slight understatement. I was scared shitless. At the best, Emmett would get the bugs planted and out with no trouble. At the worst… well, I couldn't even think about the worst.

After what seemed like hours, Emmett came out grinning, jumped in the truck and headed for the house. As he passed, he gave us the thumbs-up.

We tuned in and waited.

Victoria arrived first, as usual.

We could hear echoes of her voice berating everyone whose path crossed hers as she walked through the house. It seemed that Emmett had access to more than we had hoped.

After a moment, Victoria's voice was closer now and had a slight echo to it. And then I heard what I had been praying for.

"Just get in there and do your business. I wish he'd just get this over with. The sooner he loses interest in you, the sooner my life can go back to normal."

"I'm sorry, Vic, I know this isn't easy for you. For what it's worth, I appreciate it." I opened the door and threw up. My body was shaking with rage and relief and hope.

"I told you not to fucking talk to me."

"Sorry." Her voice was small and quiet. Dull. Lifeless. I prayed, over and over, I prayed that she would be able to come back from this. Please, God, please.

"Jasper, she will. We'll get her. She's alive." I hadn't realized my supplication was vocalized, but nodded to Edward.

"Well, we have to, because I've put away too many people to go to jail for murder. Y'know." Edward smiled, acknowledging my effort to ease the tension. I called everyone to let them know we found Bella and it was time to get her out.

With great effort, Edward was able to keep me in the car when James pulled up. He continued to tell me the plans we had to get her out later tonight. He reminded me that we knew each schedule well enough to get it done. We listened as the next bug picked up a new conversation.

"Alright Izzy, I have been very patient with you and your meds are working. It's time for you to trust me enough to leave the curtain open and I will be drying you today." James voice came over harsh and his words set the rage aflame again. Izzy? What the fuck was that. Edward threatened to cuff me to the car if I couldn't calm.

"She hates that name, Jasper. Hates it." I relaxed, slightly. I hate it too.

"Thank you for being so patient, James, really. I just, uh. I'm still on my period that's just too gross. And what if they come?" Her voice sounded so different, almost a little unstable.

"That's pretty fucking clever." Edward whispered to me. Confidence in Bella shone through.

"I don't care if you're on your period, Izzy. And how many times do I have to tell you? No one is coming!" Whatever Bella had been doing to keep James away was wearing on his nerves.

"Don't say that." She whispered. "They can hear you and might come just to make you mad. They would be able to smell my blood on your hands if you touch me. I can't risk it. All this effort to get comfortable with you would be wasted!" Her voice go louder and louder by the end, sounding almost hysterical. Edward was actually chuckling.

"Alright, Izzy. Calm down, calm down. You really are fucking nuts, you know that? We'll wait until after your period. But not a day longer." I could hear him sitting down. The shower turned on and the curtain closed. After nearly an hour, the water turned off and the curtain pulled open.

"You'll thank me when they let you live, James. You'll thank me." Bella sounded smug and still nuts.

"Um, I need to use the toilet. Can I have a few minutes?" She was using her charming voice and James was falling for it. I was thankful he seemed so oblivious to being played.

"Make it quick. And don't flush any more pads, please." With that, both Edward and I burst into laughter. Until we heard loud brushing sounds across the bug and then Bella's voice.

"I know you can hear me, I heard Emmett. Good job sending him, he is so loud. I'm in the basement in a room below this first-floor bathroom. I can see the woods at what I think is the back. I'm marking the window with a big soap 'X'. I'm fine, for now. I love you, Jasper. Hurry." The toilet flushed and she was gone.

Edward and I had both phones going while we drove back to the house. Everyone was on board and knew what to do. And, even though she was pissed about it, Rosalie agreed to be the distraction. No man in his right mind would refuse to help a beautiful stranded woman, and especially not Rosalie.

At nine, we pulled up and parked at the end of the road. Everyone poured out the back of the van and watched as Rosalie disabled her car and sashayed to the front door.

Somehow during her sweet-talking, she managed to stay in the house while two men went to work on her car. Emmett and I went into the house, taking the direct route in. We were going to lay low until after Rosalie left. Jake and Zack ran around the house to find the marked window. My gut was telling me this was too easy.

**~**

BPOV

I couldn't believe it when I heard Emmett's voice. I mean, I really didn't believe it was him. He must have said his name five times before it registered. Knowing that I was being watched, I didn't dare make a sound, but I listed. I listed to every move he made. He went to the toilet near my room and then to the bathroom overhead. I heard him stomping very close to where I thought the sink was.

After a very nervous shower, I convinced James to leave the bathroom so I could use the toilet. I touched and looked over every inch of that sink until I finally found it. The little device stuck to the backside of the bowl. After I gave them as much information as I could and marked the window, I went back to my room.

I worked in earnest to get that wooden piece thin enough that I could break it with a kick. Even though they knew where I was, I just couldn't wait for them to come and get me. What legal proof did they have that I was in this house, wherever it was. I couldn't imagine Charlie or Jasper waiting for the law to catch up, but I just wasn't willing to take that chance.

I started to wonder if I had imagined the whole thing. Then I wondered if it was a trap. What if James put that there to test me?

Everything changed when the light came streaming into my room. A hand clamped over my mouth and held me tight. After a deep breath, I stopped struggling and leaned into the body.

"I've got ya, Darlin. We're gettin you outta here tonight. I need you to be quiet." Jasper's voice, his smell, his everything wrapped around me.

"I love you, Bella. Hold on."

And there it is. Is Jasper right? Is it too easy? Or is James just that cocky? I didn't give you the cliff hanger that I could have... let me know what you think!