DISCLAIMER: I do not own twilight or any of its characters...
WARNING: Graphic violence, Rated M not just for Lemons!
A/N: HEY GUYS! yes its me and no im not dead, although I know some of you may have thought! I am truely sorry it took so long to get this to you, but some things just cant be helped and this was one of them. This Chapter was the MOST difficult to write, with it being a pivotal chapter I took longer to write it, not to mention the countless times I started it over. I truely hope you enjoy this chapter.
(Edwards POV) Chapter Thirty Six
Darkness Falls
I stared intently at the monster Aleron held in his hands, until I was distracted by a small whimper from beside me. Bella hadn't moved an inch from where she sat cradling the woman's lifeless form in her arms. I could see from the agonized look on her face, in her eyes, that she blamed herself for this woman's death. I shook my head at her and closed my eyes tightly. As if he hadn't done enough damage already. I fought against the fury that was building in me, but I knew, in the end, I would lose to it. I wanted it. I welcomed it.
Suddenly, everything seemed to dim, I could feel my chest heaving as my nostrils flared, trying to expel the trapped air in my chest. All voices within my mind and outside it seemed to fade out, as if someone had slowly turned down the volume. I saw no one and heard nothing but the contemptible creature in front of me. He was my enemy, the lowest form of filth to ever exist, and I was going to eradicate him. The sheer joy of that thought drove my forward. Something appeared in my path, and I knocked it aside; not taking the time to care what it was. He was mine and nothing was going to stand in the way of what I had planned for him.
My hand was at his throat, fitting perfectly like two missing pieces of a puzzle. I could feel a rage coursing though me that was dazzling in its purity, freeing me from any responsibility or regret. A soft, tinkering, evil laugh fed the fire that was growing inside me, and I realized absently that it was my own laugh. The creature in my grasp had a frightened look on its face, which only added more fuel to the fire. My hand tightened around its throat, and I delighted in the subtle cracks that began to splinter up and down the stone skin of his neck.
I watched as its eyes began to veer from left to right, as if it looking for some one to help it. I laughed playfully as venom leaked from his damaged skin and began to slide between my fingers.
"You thought you could escape me?" I whispered, placing my lips only a fraction of an inch from its ear. "Wrong," I hissed, and then I took his ear between my teeth and slowly tore it from his skull. The sound of the scrap of flesh being ripped away, along with the accompanying screams, was music to my ears. I spit it to the ground and turned my attention to its other ear, once again bringing my mouth close to it
"This is only the beginning. You want games, Damien? I will show you games. I've had a whole year to think of ways to make you pay for what you've done," I said as I tore the other ear from his head and spat it on the floor. His screams filled me with unfathomable pleasure.
All my senses were alert; sounds began to filter into my mind as though some one was calling to me from underneath deep water. I let out a deep growl to warn who ever it was that they had better keep their distance; this was my kill and mine alone.
There was a flicker in my peripheral vision and something grabbed my arm
"NO," I snarled furiously, tossing the obstruction aside as I turned my attention back to the creature. Its eyes were wide with fright. Good! That's how I wanted it. Nothing would keep me from ripping him apart piece by disgusting piece. Again I tightened my grip on its throat.
Abruptly, my grip was on it was lost and I was suddenly flying through the air with something wrapped around me. We landed on the floor with a loud crack.
I was desperate to get back to where I was, to do this deed that it seemed I had been born to do. The sounds in my mind seemed to be growing in volume as I bit and snapped my teeth at what ever I could get them on. M fury was building to monumental proportions. I felt more weight being pressed upon me, keeping me pinned where I was. I growled viciously as I struggled like a mad man trying to gain footing.
"EDWARD, GET A GRIP!"
Those were the first words I could actually understand. Instantly, my breathing changed and begin to slow. I closed my eyes tightly as I began to regain control over my mind and body. I blinked several times trying to identify the figure before me, and that's when it became clear that there were two of them pinning me down.
Oh God, what had I done? I looked around quickly, assessing my surroundings. Masen hugging the doorframe with a wide-eyed look on his face. Bella was on her knees, in Charlie's arms, beneath a large hole in the wall.
"I'm sorry, Charlie I… I don't know what came over me. Are you Ok?" The look on Charlie's face was one of anger and… betrayal? His lips were pressed into a hard line as he glared at me. My brow furrowed in confusion.
I finally focused on the two figures that were still holding me down, the look on Jasper's face causing me to shrink in on myself as I viewed my actions through Jaspers thoughts. I had thought Charlie had tried to intervene, not Bella.
I had thrown Bella into the wall.
My head shot back in her direction. They released me and I quickly scrambled to my feet. Shame and dread hit me like a ton of bricks as I took a step toward her, and she turned her face from me and buried it in Charlie's chest.
"Bel…" I was cut off by Aleron sharp voice.
"Where is Damien?"
I spun around and looked at the place I had dropped him. He was no longer there; he had escaped while the others were trying to get me under control… or so I thought.
Oh, no you don't! Emmett's voice rang loud and clear in my head, andthen we all heard the words that allowed us to breathe easily.
"Leaving so soon?" Emmett sneered. "Like you said earlier why would you want to leave a perfectly good party? After all, you're the guest of honor." Suddenly, the door flew open and an object blurred past me, slamming into the adjacent wall and fell with a thud to the hardwood floor.
Stunned expressions filled the room. I was frozen in place as my mouth lay slightly open and one of my brows slowly lifted in shock. I quickly brought myself out of my temporary stupor, as Charlie and Jasper collected Damien off the floor. I looked at Bella who still sat motionless on the floor with her back pressed firmly against the wall. I walked over to her and kneeled down, raising my hand to her face, when the unthinkable happened. She flinched. I recoiled my hand as if one touch may ignite my stone skin.
"Bella? Love?" I wanted so badly to reach out and touch her, comfort her, show her how sorry I was. "Bella, please? I never meant… I didn't… I would never…" I was filled with so much fear that I couldn't form a coherent sentence. What had I done? How could I possibly make her understand I would never ever harm a hair on her head? She was my life; she was the reason for my existence. Before I could say anything else, she lifted herself from the floor, I stayed kneeling on the floor before her, I couldn't bring myself to look up at her. I was afraid to look in her eyes and see the fear I so richly deserved.
I was about to look up at her when I felt her soft fingers weave though my hair. My head snapped up as she gave me a soft forgiving smile. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pressed my face into her stomach.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. I didn't know… I…" I pleaded into her.
"Shhhh, Edward, it's okay… You didn't hurt me, but… you did scare me." Her voice was laced with sadness.
I almost forgot we weren't alone, until a hideous voice invaded my mind. Don't worry about her, I know she likes it rough. My head snapped up and I could feel a feral snarl rising up in my chest. Bella fingers tightened around my face and she quickly dropped to her knees.
"Edward, don't listen to him!" she turned my head to face hers. "Edward, look at me…" her eyes were wide and intense." He's just trying to get you to lose it again. Whatever he's saying, it's a lie. Don't let him have that power over you." She looked into my eyes intently, like she was trying to read my mind. I raised my hands to her face, and lightly brushed my thumbs across her cheekbones. It seemed my touch had the same effect on her as hers had on me; more irrefutable proof that we meant to be. I leaned my face into her hand as it cradled my cheek.
Aww, isn't that touching, and I would know; there's not a spot on her I haven't touched. I closed my eyes tightly, fighting back the urge to spring at him and rip his head from his shoulders, but Bella was right; Damien was pushing me to lose control. I had to stay focused if this plan was still going to work.
I stood up slowly, not taking my eyes off of him. Bella quickly sprang up in front of me placing one of her small hands on my chest. I gently placed my hand over hers on my chest and gave her a reassuring smile before placing my hand on her cheek and kissing her forehead.
"It's okay," I whispered into her hair before I turned my attention to him once again.
"Gentlemen, let's take this discussion to a more appropriate venue, shall we?" I said, looking at Charlie and Jasper, who were presently holding Damien in place.
"Shall we head to your office?" I said, looking at him through narrowed eyes. I couldn't help the smirk the played on the corner of my lips.
What ever your plan is, it won't work. I will see you all burn, along with that little Bastard! His thoughts were filled with contempt as he glared at my son. You know what I'm saying is true; Charlie is touching me. His tone changed dramatically.
My head snapped to Charlie, then to his hand, which was firmly placed on Damien's wrist, then back to Damien. How did he know what Charlie could do? I needed answers and I needed them now.
"How do you know what Charlie can do?" I said, taking a step forward. A slow grin began to rise on his lips.
"My contact told m," he said through gritted teeth.
"Who is your contact?" I said, doing my best to keep myself in place, I wanted nothing more then to rip his tongue out.
He laughed and shook his head. My anger flared; his mind was silent. I was only getting what he wanted me to hear. Bella's voice broke me from my quandary.
"Masen, I want you to go to your room and stay there till I come for you…" I turned to see Bella kneeling in front of our son, but he wasn't looking at her. Catherine's body lay on the floor where she had fallen, and Masen's eyes were locked on her.
"Emmett?" I hissed, getting his attention, which at the moment was purely focused on Damien. His head turned to me, though his eyes stayed firmly planted on Damien.
"Emmett?" I called again, raising my voice, and his eyes finally focused on me.
"I need you and Aleron to take care of Catherine; you know what to do. Be careful with her; she was a friend to Bella and my son." I turned my attention back to Bella and Masen.
"NO! I'm not leaving, Edward; not now that we are getting some where with this piece of…" I cut him of before he could go any further.
"Emmett, we're running out of time. They'll come looking for her by morning." I walked to the door and opened it, listening carefully. There were no alarmed or suspicious thoughts within the neighbor's homes; they were all asleep. I walked back to where everyone was still standing.
"You have to go now. Please don't fight me on this, Emmett. I need you to do this. Please," I lowered my tone and softened my expression. Emmett was quick and efficient when it came to this particular kind of predicament, having dealt with our family's periodic slips over the years.
"Fine," he grumbled. "But you had better leave some of him for me," he said, throwing his thumb over his shoulder in Damien's direction. I nodded at him, and his cheerful smile returned. He walked to the dining room table, which was perfectly set, as if it were being shot for some sort of gaudy home décor magazine. Crystal goblets and fine china lined with Sterling Silver tableware, folded napkins and fresh flowers in a vase. I shook my head and stifled a laugh as I saw what he was about to do. Leave it to Emmett to find humor in a life or death situation.
"I have always wanted to do this," he said, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously. He grabbed the edge of the tablecloth and ungracefully ripped it off the table, pulling everything with it. We all ducked and dodged as glasses and plates flew in all directions.
"Oops. Guess I could use a little practice huh? I hope that did set you back too much," he said, smiling at Damien as he passed and lightly slapped his cheek a couple of times. "Can he even hear me?" he said, pausing and tilting his head to peer at the ragged wounds where Damien's ears had been.
"Emmett…" I sighed.
"What?" He shrugged, then turned back to Damien. "I. WILL. BE. BACK. SOON!" He yelled into the side of Damien's head. Charlie and Jasper rolled their eyes simultaneously. He carefully wrapped Catherine's body up in the tablecloth and carried her out the door, with Aleron close behind. I glanced over at Bella, who was turned away with her eyes closed tightly, Masen's head resting against her shoulder.
"Bella, why don't you go with Masen to his room and keep him company, love, I would hate for him to get bored and come back down looking for some company?" My eyes showed my true intent, and she understood immediately, giving me a quick nod before throwing her arm around my neck and pulled my forehead to meet hers.
"I love you," she whispered tenderly as her breath gently feathered my skin, filling me with all the serenity she could give me.
"I love you, too," I whispered with the same sincerity, closing my eyes briefly. I knew what I was about to do and it was going to take every bit of self-control I could muster.
She's a real pistol in the bedroom; hope you can handle her. If you like I can give you a few pointers. My eyes snapped open at Damien's revolting thoughts.
I kissed Bella on the forehead before doing the same to Masen, and nodded my head toward the stairs. Bella took one last look at Damien, then turned for the stairs. To my surprise, she put Masen on the bottom step, telling him to head up to his room and she would be there in just a minute. When he reached the top step and turned the corner, she turned around, the look in her eyes unreadable.
"I cant let you hurt him, Edward."
"What?" My voice barely registering above a whisper.
"Bella?" Jasper's voice masked none of his confusion.
"Bella? What the hell are you talking about?" Charlie said, doing his best to stay where he was, His thoughts were to take her in his arms and shake some reason into her.
"What can I say; once she's had the real thing, why go back to the imitation?" Damien said with one brow raised and a smirk on his lips. It took only three strides for me to come within inches of him, but I was stopped abruptly by Bella. She was between us in a flash, placing her hand on my chest pushed me back with her shield. She placed her other hand gently on Damien's chest.
I thought I was going to be sick. How could she touch him? It felt as if my chest was caving in. She removed her hand from me but kept me in place with her shield, her eyes focused on Damien. She must have done the same to Jasper and Charlie, as their thoughts were as frantic as mine.
What is going on? Jasper's gaze stayed fixed on Bella.
Edward, you have to stop her! Charlie finally screamed.
She raised her free hand and softly stroked Damien's cheek. I turned my head from the sight and closed my eyes tightly, no longer able to watch this. I heard him begin to speak but she cut him off.
"We have been through so much together, my love; I couldn't let them hurt you," Bella's voice was dripping with sympathy. I had lost her. I had taken too long to find to her. If it hadn't been for Bella's shield holding me in place, I'm sure my legs would have buckled. I immediately regretted that I had doubted Bella again because the next word out of her mouth caused my eyes to snap open.
"…Yet!"
I felt my body slacken and knew Bella had released me; I turned to face them but didn't move. Bella's hand curled into a fist and she cocked it back. With the remnants of her newborn strength, she flung it forward, making contact with his jaw. The resounding crack as her hand made contact with his stone face echoed through the room like thunder.
"That was for my son." She hissed, before doing it once again.
"That was for Catherine!" Her voice grew louder.
"And this is for me," she snarled, grabbing hold of his shoulders, before bringing her knee up to strike him between the legs with such force that she actually cracked the drywall behind him. His eyes bugged out and he hunched forward, gulping unnecessary air into his lungs.
Not being able to stop myself, I swiftly swept her up in my arm and kissed her passionately. My chest was swelling with so much love and pride I thought I might explode.
Edward, do you think you could have her release us… Jaspers voice broke though.
"Love, I think Jasper and Charlie would like to rejoin the party."
"OH… Sorry!" she said, biting her bottom lip as she released her hold on Jasper and Charlie.
"Well, if you're quite done, love?" I said, gesturing to the whimpering creature
"Of course… have fun." Bella Smirked, and continued toward the stairs.
"Ungrateful Bitch! I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget when I get out of this!" Damien said, spitting venom at her.
I approached Damien quickly, but stopped a few feet from him. I could feel my anger quickly building again, but I needed to remain in control. I could not let myself lose it again; we needed answers and if I lost it again I was sure I would finish him before he had the chance to speak. I took a deep calming breath before turning back to face him.
"Damien? " I said with a smirk, as I made my way closer to him. "I hear you're a man who knows his history. Me, too." His eyes narrowed as he returned my gaze. I could feel the excitement build in my chest as I prepared for my next question.
"Do you know what they do to people in my country who touch things that don't belong to them?" I said, and I was granted the satisfying grimace of fear that flashed across his features. Then, with lightning speed, I grabbed his right hand and snapped it off at the wrist. He shrieked in pain. I quickly covered his mouth with my free hand and smiled menacingly at him. Waving his dismembered hand in front of him, I took a step back, tossing it behind me.
"I'll take you apart piece by piece if I must, but you will tell me what I want to know." I felt the Monster inside begin to stir again, relishing the pain I had just inflicted. I should have taken him to his office since it was sound proof, but my patience was wearing thin and I wanted the info now. We were wasting time as it was. As I considered what to remove next, the silence in his mind broke for a fraction of a second. Won't be long now. My head tilted slightly as I tried to listen for more but he went quiet once again.
"What was that?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him, he returned the same look but said nothing. I glanced over at Charlie who was looking at Damien with hate filled eyes. "He said 'It wont be long now'."
"What are you talking about?" Charlie broke in.
"Plan B…" He hissed, shaking his head so fast it was a blur. He suddenly looked from left to right, then lunged toward Charlie, sinking his teeth into his shoulder and kicking me across the room. Despite his attempt, Charlie held his ground but was quickly losing his grip, I flew toward them and took Damien from Charlie, who then slumped his body back against the wall for support while clutching his shoulder to him.
I was so distracted by Damien's attempt to escape I didn't hear her until it was too late. Maybe that had been his plan all along. A sharp gasp from the entrance brought us all to attention.
"What the hell is going on here?" A small brunette yelled as she quickly made her way over to us. It's hard to take a vampire by surprise, especially one who can read minds, but this small girl did it. In that split second, everything changed. Taking advantage of our state of shock, Damien wriggled out of our grasp. Before any of us had time to blink, Damien was free and standing behind this woman, much the same as he had Catherine.
"Bridget?" Our heads snapped toward the bottom of the stairs where Bella was now standing. "What are you doing here?" The fear was evident in her voice.
"Damien called me earlier. He said he needed my help with something." Her words were smug. If only she knew just what she walked into. It was more then likely that she wasn't getting out of this house alive; she was just another piece to play a part in his game.
"Just turn around and leave while you still can…" Bella said, finishing the last word in a voice that sounded pleading. An ear-piercing scream brought us all to attention, and probably half the neighborhood as well. We all focused on the petite woman in Damien's arms, who was now visibly shaking.
"Is that real?" she said, pointing a shaking finger toward the severed hand that was lying on the floor.
"Damien Just let her go, we can do this with out anyone else getting hurt!" Bella said, taking a step toward him. Damien didn't bother shielding his thoughts from me. 'She is quite the little negotiator, isn't she?' My eyes cut to him as he faced Bella, his eyes slowly moving in my direction.
"He would never hurt me; It's you he can't stand!" Bridget hissed, narrowing her eyes at Bella. Damien's laughter filled the room.
"Mommy?" My frozen heart dropped in my chest. Masen stood completely still and wide-eyed as he took in the scene before him.
"Masen, go back up stairs!" It came out much harsher than I meant it to, and he flinched back.
"NO… " Damien snapped. "Masen, come here, son." He said nodding his head back a couple of times.
"NO!.." I growled "Masen, stay where you are! Do not EVER address him as your son." I said through gritted teeth.
"Son, do you remember Bridget? Of course you do. Well, if you don't come here, something bad is going to happen to her and you don't want that, do you?" He said gently, pulling her hair to the side exposing her neck, and gently placing a kiss on it. I looked at Bella who now looked panicked as her eyes traveled from Damien to Masen then to me.
"Damien?" Bridget whispered.
"Yes?" he said before licking her jugular and tugging her hair so that more of her neck was exposed. She winced, and a small grunt fell from her lips as he applied pressure.
"What are you doing? You're hurting me." Bridget said squirming now.
"Sssshhhhhhh" he said, placing his hand over her mouth. "Now is when you should be very, very quiet."
His quiet warning sent her heart rate skyrocketing. A blanket of calm covered the room, and I turned my head to Jasper, who was solely focused on the women. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Masen move toward Damien I instantly flew to him, pulling him into my arms. His thoughts flooded my mind. Let me go, please… I was stunned at what I was hearing, and I shook my head vigorously. Please. I'm not scared.
"Edward, for someone who supposedly respects humans, you are playing a dangerous hand. You don't want to be responsible for yet another senseless death, do you? Put him down!" Damien's voice was cold and calculating as he once again yanked her head roughly to the side, causing her to gasp loudly. I felt my chest rumble as a growl bubbled up quickly.
I looked around the room. Jasper's face was unreadable as he stared intently at me; his mind was void of any thought. Rage was clear on Charlie's face; his thoughts were murderous. Edward, he will not get the chance to hurt him, I promise you that! Bella's eyes were trained on our son, fear flowing freely in her eyes.
"The clock is ticking, Edward…" Damien's voice only served to fuel my anger even further.
"Edward, let him go," Bella said, lowering her head as she spoke, but never took her eyes off me. Masen was still pleading with me to let him go. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes tightly. Every thing in me told me not to, that this was a mistake, but I had doubted Bella enough and had to trust that she knew what she was doing. I pressed my lips firmly to the side of his head before lowering him to the floor and releasing him.
"Good boy; one of the smartest things you've done all night," Damien laughed lightly. "Come here, son."
This time, the growl came from Jasper as he took a step forward, causing Damien to retaliate with another sharp yank of the girl's head. I didn't realize what had happened until it was too late. He stopped dead in his tracks. My head snapped to the woman, who was now bleeding. Damien had made a small cut behind her ear from gripping her so tightly and Jasper was doing his best to resist but was losing his battle. I knew he was battling with everything in him to stay where he was but I could feel the blood lust growing within him.
"Charlie, get Jasper!" I hissed loudly, Jaspers head snapped in my direction his; eyes were almost completely black. Charlie stepped forward, placing his arms around Jasper. I could see his breathing had picked up rapidly.
"Hmmm, this is interesting. I thought you Cullen's had better control then this?" Amusement filled every word he spoke.
"Masen!" Damien shouted. Masen's head shot up. "Bring me my hand."
Masen looked to the floor where it lay twitching. He walked slowly forward, picking it up as if it were going to bite him. He looked at it for a moment before looking at me, then back to Damien.
"Bring it here, boy! Quickly." His patience was waning and an impatient vampire was a reckless and dangerous creature.
Masen walked forward hesitantly, Damien stuck out his crippled arm. "Place it on! And hold it" he demanded. I watched as he did as he was told, the stone tissue began to mold together almost immediately. Damien grimaced and hissed as it started to heal. Time seemed to stand still as we remained frozen in place. I knew Emmett and Aleron would be returning soon, I just needed to stall a little longer.
Bella stood between Damien and I. She was fidgeting with the cuffs of her shirt holding them tightly in the palms of her hands, while biting her bottom lip. Her focus was only on Masen as he stood there holding that piece of garbage together. I just needed to gain control of the situation again.
"Damien, you're really hurting me baby. Lets just get out of here." Bridget pleaded trying to turn and face him.
"Always so eager. You know, I like you. There should be more people like you in the world. You are confident, self-assured, and a nasty little vixen. It's a shame you will die some day; you will be missed. Maybe we can remedy that…" I watched as a smile began to spread across his face.
"What are you…" She was abruptly cut off as his teeth sank deep into the flesh of her throat. The scent of her free flowing blood filled the room instantly. A deep guttural snarl came from across the room as Jasper lunged forward, his blood lust overtaking him completely.
I flew across the room, trying to help Charlie control him, but as I leapt, I was hit by something hard and soft at the same time. Caught off guard, I stumbled as I tried to regain my footing.
It was Bridget. He had thrown her away from him, and was now holding Masen and Bella securely in his arms. His hand had almost healed; I could still see the visible seam from where I had removed it.
"See? I never lose, but to show you I can be a generous man I'll let you choose. Will it be beautiful Bella or will it be the fruit of your loins? Which one can you live with out forever? Personally, I would choose the Girl; there are many more miles left on these tires," he said, letting his hand trace down the front of Bella's body, stopping on her breast.
It took all my strength not to storm him and remove his head with my teeth I laid Bridget's writhing body slowly on the floor in front of me and stood next to her. Jasper was still struggling in Charlie's arms, his blood lust growing stronger as each drop seeped into the crimson pool slowly growing beneath her.
Bella was visibly shaking now, but not from fear. Her eyes were almost black as pitch; fury had replaced all traces of trepidation. I knew this look well, as I had been wearing it only a few minutes ago. I looked back to Jasper and Charlie, then to the broken girl in front of me.
I knew what I had to do, but wasn't sure if it was the right choice. The girl was in severe pain and I don't think she could answer a simple question coherently She deserved a choice. It would be so easy; just a flick of my wrist and she would be gone, no more pain, no more suffering, and no damnation. But it wasn't my choice to make.
I closed my eyes and lowered my head, the smell of her blood was sweet but could never compare to how Bella's affected me. I ran my tongue gently over the bite Damien had inflicted, sealing in the venom and stopping the bleeding completely. Jasper had stopped his breathing all together, but the blood lust was still warring within him. I turned my attention back to Bella who was still shaking.
"Bella?' I called, trying to gain her attention. Now was not the time for her to lose control, there was too much at stake here.
Her head snapped in my direction and her eyes narrowed. I noticed her shaking was getting worse, much as it had when she was trying desperately to gain control of her gifts. Damien must have sensed it, as well. I watched as he slid his hand back up to her neck, pulling her closer to him.
"Be careful your next decision, Marie, lest you forget the little one still has a heart beat. We don't know what will happen if he is hurt; will he heal as we do? Or will he die? I promise you; if you make a move against me, we will the answer to that. So calm yourself before I do something you will regret." His tone had no hint of a bluff in it.
"So you think I'm going to choose between them? Is that what you think is going to happen here?" I said, taking a small step forward.
"You're right," Damien snorted. "I'm no good at this compassion and sentiment crap. I'm more of a eye for an eye sort of man."
Suddenly, his head shot up. I had heard it too, but was hoping he had become too distracted with his self-descriptive monologue to notice the sound of swiftly approaching footsteps. I knew it had to be Emmett and Aleron, and was able to breathe a little easier, knowing we would have this situation back under control in moments.
"I see we are about to be interrupted, so I'll cut this short. Marie, it's been swell having you around, but I don't think it's going to work out for us, darling. But I can't leave you without a little parting gift, something for you to remember me by."
Before I had time to blink, to think, to react, he bit down on Bella's throat. A number of sounds filled the room; her scream; the shredding of her skin; Masen's panicked cries, and the door flying open.
It all happened in a matter of a few seconds, although it seemed an eternity. I watched as he spit something to his side, my mind seemed unresponsive to any coherent thought. I just stood there and watched as he began to fade from our sight, as Bella fell slowly to her knees, her eyes glassy and blank. She looked at me and seemed to blink so slowly it was as though she was simply tired, I saw noticed a quick blur of movement from in my peripheral then her body was suddenly flying through the air from a sudden kick Damien had landed to her chest.
I snapped out of it when I saw what she was headed for, I caught her mid air, just before her body would have landed squarely atop the burning logs in the fire place. Another thunderous crash filled the room, I looked up to see Emmett's large form crumble to the floor from where his body had hit the far wall.
And with that he was gone, taking Masen with him.
"Edward…" Bella's voice was weak and cracked as she said my name; I placed my hand over the large hole in the side of her neck. My eyes searched wildly around the room for the piece Damien had ripped from her but I couldn't see it. I could feel the Venom leaking from the wound profusely; she was growing weaker, even though only a few seconds had past.
"SOMEONE FIND THE PIECE, DAMN IT!" I yelled as I tried to hold the venom in her body. They all began scouring the room frantically, throwing chairs and end tables in their rush.
"Edward!" The urgency In Bella voice startled me. "You have to go after him NOW!" Bella's voice gained in strength.
"Edward, if he gets away we are all dead, and all of this will have been for nothing," Aleron said, taking a step forward. Charlie had released Jasper, who was now sitting against the wall with his knees pulled up, and resting his palms on his forehead. His thoughts were only of how weak and pathetic he felt.
I looked at Bella's broken body and my rage came flooding back. I cradled her body to mine, lifted her quickly and in the blink of an eye I was standing in front of Emmett. Leaning forward, I gently kissed Bella's temple, placed her in his arms and turned to leave. I didn't dare take a second glance because I knew if I did, I wouldn't be able to leave her.
"I'm trusting you with my life, Emmett" All the times I had asked my family to do the same and they failed sprang to the forefront of my mind. I silently prayed he would not fail as the others had, although Bella was not as fragile as she once was, it was times like this I knew my protective fears were not unwarranted.
"Ed…" Emmett began to object but I cut him off.
"Emmett, we don't have time to argue; just do as I ask!" I snapped. "Jasper… " I called out as I headed for the open door, but stopped when I got no response. I turned my head to see he was still in the same position on the floor. "JASPER!" I barked loudly, getting his attention this time. "Snap out of it, Jasper. I need you, Masen needs you."
He was on his feet in a flash. "Charlie, lets go." He was at my side before I even finished my sentence.
"What about the girl?" Charlie asked, looking sad and worried.
"Aleron?" I said, turning to face him as he stood by Emmett, his eyes fixed on Bella. He swiftly turned his attention to me. "Let her make her decision, I trust you can handle her. If she chooses to let the change happen take her to Damien's office. Her screams won't be heard while in there. Call Carlisle, he'll give you further instructions. If she chooses not to change, make it as quick and painless as possible." He gave me one quick nod and walked to where Bridget lay, moaning and writhing.
Before we flew out the door, I chanced one last glance at Bella. It broke me to leave her like this, but at the same time, it steeled my resolve. I knew this had to end now, no matter the cost.
As we entered the night air, I caught faint echoes of a thought, like the lightest of whispering, but that didn't matter, I knew who it was immediately. The only problem was that I was having difficulty pin-pointing the direction it was coming from. I'm sure it was an effect from Damien's cloak. My head flew from left to right in a blur, Panic began to overshadow my anger.
"Jasper, head that way." I pointed to the left. "Charlie, you head that direction. If you see or hear anything, call me. Remember, he has Masen. Do not make any moves without one of us with you. I'll head through the park." They both nodded.
"Edward, we will catch him," Jasper said, pressing his lips into a hard line. Confidence was flowing from him in waves as he nodded one last time. Then he disappeared.
"He's right, son, Now go!" Charlie said, giving me a shove on the shoulder and a stern look before vanishing into the dark.
I flew off with out a second thought toward the park Bella and Masen frequented. It was the direction I got the strongest thought pattern that I could hone in on. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, but doubt began to sink in that I was going the right direction. The thoughts weren't getting any stronger; if anything, they were fading. My pain and rage pressed me on, pushing my muscles further then I ever had before. I was running so hard and so fast that when a screaming thought entered my mind, it almost caused me stumble.
'LOOK OUT!
I suddenly heard a soft whistle of wind. I turned my head in the direction just in time to avoid being slammed with a broken tree trunk. I instantly took a defensive crouch, looking around wildly, waiting for the next assault to be hurled at me. Nothing came; it was quiet… too quiet.
I knew I wasn't going to be able to see him, so I had to rely on my other senses. I closed my eyes and listed very carefully. Every creature must have sensed our presence, as there wasn't a sound to be heard; even the crickets where silent. That only served to help me, because what ever noise I heard, I knew it had to be them.
Here… the little voice filled my mind, and my head shot to the left. We were surrounded by trees on all sides, but as I sat staring in the direction the thought was coming from, I heard another sound that made my un-beating heart fall into my stomach… It was water, and lots of it. We were near the ocean if he got to the water before I got to him I would never catch him.
Bring your eyes up about twenty feet. Do you see how the branch is bowing from our weight?'
I raised my eyes slowly, keeping my head where it was. Damien must have noticed my gaze, because the branch lifted a split second before I landed on it, as though what was holding it there was gone. I heard small twigs break on the ground below, and I immediately took off after him. Time was running out. I needed… no, I HAD to catch him.
I could hear the waves crashing upon the rocks in the distance, and suddenly the trees gave way. Up ahead, I saw what looked like a old lighthouse. I listened for the sound of their bodies hitting the water but none came, nor could I hear their footsteps any longer. Thedoor to the lighthouse was slightly ajar.
Be careful, the voice warned. I think he had this planed, can you smell that?' I lifted my nose to the air, taking in the scents around me. The salt water permeated everything around, making any other scent more difficult to differentiate. I concentrated and caught a slightly sweet yet metallic scent. "Kerosene?" I whispered.
'Yes, and judging from the cans around us… a lot of it.' I took a step back, deliberating my next move. How long had he known we were here? Had he known before he had even left? My mind raced over every event that had occurred since we had arrived. I quickly pulled my phone from my pocket and sent a text message to Jasper, giving him my location. I didn't bother telling Charlie, as I knew Jasper would handle that part.
I stuffed my phone back into my pocket and took a slow unnecessary breath. I knew what I had to do and had it not been for the life he was now holding in his hands, I would have stormed the building as soon as I had arrived. I just needed to stall him long enough for the others to arrive, I did my best to stow my anger deep down, knowing it would make him act more irrationally.
I walked at a human speed toward the door, making as much noise as I could so that he would have no doubt that I was coming for him. When my hand touched doorframe, I heard his voice beckoning me to him.
"For a moment there, I thought I would have to come out and get you," he scoffed.
I pulled the door open wide letting the moonlight stream in further. It was dark, but I could still see where he was clearly. My anger began to fight its way out as I saw him crouched on his toes next to Masen, who stood perfectly still to the side of him.
I surveyed the room as I took a few steps forward. He was right; there were several silver cans laying about the room, and the smell of the kerosene was overpowering. Although I couldn't see it, I could feel how the boards beneath my feet felt soft, most likely from kerosene being poured on them. I stopped half way and furrowed my brow, looking from him to the floor then back to him.
"Did you think I was made yesterday, Edward? I knew you were here the day you arrived. Granted, I did think maybe it was only going to be you, but I'm not foolish. I expected you'd bring someone with you, but knowing how much you like to play the hero, I didn't think you would have wanted to share the limelight of this brilliant rescue with anyone. Just proves you cant trust anyone these days." He smirked while shaking his head slowly.
"Let him go and we'll finish this, coward. Stop hiding behind the innocent; I'm right here," I said, slowly raising my hand in the air.
"Always in a rush, Edward. You need to take time to smell the roses once in a while. What fun is a victory if you can't savor it, even if just for a moment." He ran his hands roughly through Masen's hair, causing him to wince. "Junior here is going to learn all about that, he'll make James look like a teddy bear under my masterful tutelage. And don't worry I will tell him all about his pathetic father, if he has to learn from mistakes, why not start at the source?" He said, placing an arm around my son's waist and lifted him so that his head almost rested on his shoulder.
"Please, don't do this…" Masen's voice was barely audible.
"Come now; Death comes to us all. Ask your father about that. Do you know how many innocent people he has murdered? Just for the sake of killing? How many women like your mother he has drained the life out of? I do…"
"You know nothing," I snarled through clenched teeth, my muscles so tight I thought they may snap.
"Oh, don't I?" He laughed. "It's a pity I don't have time to tell you, but then again, it makes things so much more satisfying knowing you die never truly knowing who it was that gave me all my delicious info on the Cullen family dirt."
I wanted so badly to rip him apart that my body was vibrating with need.
"You are under the misapprehension that I am going to be the one who dies here today. What was your brilliant plan, Damien; that you would set this building on fire? And I would what? Stand here and do nothing?" I scoffed as I took a step forward.
"Actually, that's exactly what you are going to do," he said, placing Mason on a makeshift crate next to him before pulling out a small glass from behind it. To my surprise and horror, I watched as he poured the contents of the glass over Masen's head and shoulders, drenching him thoroughly.
I took another step forward, but froze when I smelt what it was he had poured over my son's head, the glass was filled with Kerosene. He was going to burn him alive.
"Stop… please," I gasped, raising my hands in surrender, my mind feverishly searching for a way out of this. Where the hell were Jasper and Charlie?
"Oh, now I see I have your attention. To your left is a crate like as the one MY protégé is currently standing on. Behind it, you will find another glass. Take it and douse yourself, near the glass, you will also find a lighter. I'm guessing you know where I'm going with this?" He sneered as if becoming suddenly bored. "We don't have much longer till your clan arrives and I have run out of patience. I will give you to the count of 10 to make your choice. After that, I'll make it for you." He pulled a rectangular object from his pocket.
I watched as Masen's eye widened with fear. He looked quickly from Damien to me.
Panic shot through me as I contemplated my next move. "One, two, three, you better hurry, Cullen, Four…" On five, he flipped the lighter open. I flew to the crate, picking up the glass quickly.
I stared at it for a moment when a thought entered my mind. The others are near, but I don't know if they will make it in time. Don't do this. Take Bella and the others and go home. My head shot up and I shook my head. She needs you, they need you! Go!
"Six, Seven…" My eyes snapped back to Damien, and I slowly raised the glass to my chest and poured the contents over me.
"Good boy… eight." He said triumphantly, gesturing to the lighter that lay within my reach. I bent down and picked it up and stared at it as if it were a foreign object, I could feel my breathing pick up.
"Nine…" he said, striking the lighter. NOW! Masen's thought shouted out, and just as my head snapped up, I saw Masen grab the arm that Damien was holding the lighter with and land a fierce bite on his wrist.
"AAARRGGGG!" Damien screamed, throwing Masen across the room where he slammed into the far wall. I seized my chance at once and sprang at Damien, who was still reeling from Masen's attack. We collided with a crack as our stone bodies smashed together. My rage had come back full force as I grappled him around his neck.
"Are you alright?" I asked, not taking my eyes off Damien.
"Yeah, I'm ok. Fool always did talk too much for his own good."
"Lilith?" Damien hissed
"None other…" I smirked at the sarcasm in her voice. She had already abandoned her Masen disguise, and was brushing debris off her clothes as she picked herself up from the floor.
"Should have known…" he spat, with disdain dripping from every word.
She approached slowly and crouched before him, taking his jaw in her hand. "Yes, you should have," she said, releasing his jaw and giving his cheek a quick slap before getting up and walking to the door. "They'll be here any second."
I turned my attention back to the matter at hand.
I could hear their thoughts as they neared. He better not have started without me. Jasper's voice rang the loudest in my head, followed by Charlie. I hope he left his mouth in working order.
As they entered the door, Lilith quickly filled them in as I held Damien firmly in place with my hand on his throat and my knee pressed into his chest. Jasper was at my side in a flash, and I released my hold on Damien's throat to grab his other arm. He used the momentary release to try to escape, but he was so panicked that his thoughts were unguarded, so I knew what his intentions were before he made his move. I let him leap in the air before I quickly caught him mid and slammed his body back down, causing the floor beneath him to buckle.
"So, Damien, you like choices? Here's one for you. You have five seconds to choose which leg you lose first… One, two, three, four, five" I said, waving my fingers quickly in front of his face, "Sorry, too late. My choice!" I quickly grabbed his left leg, resting my foot on his right for leverage.
I twisted and yanked, making the removal a slow and painful process. His screams were music to my ears.
"You know, he looks disproportionate," Jasper said when I finished, stretching his neck as if he was trying to get a better look. I smirked, knowing full well where he was going with this.
"You're right, Jazz. Let me fix that…" I grabbed his other leg and winked at him, this time using his chest for foot support. I yanked and twisted till his leg came free from his body, throwing it with the other across the room. His screams fell on deaf ears; there would be no sympathy, no pity, no pardon, and no mercy.
I had already removed his left arm, and was reaching for his right when a hand shot out, stopping me. I growled instinctively before the voice brought me back to the present.
"Edward," Charlie said, coming down on one knee beside me and gently placing his hand on my shoulder. "We still need the answers…"
I stood up slowly and took a step back, trying to get myself under control. He was right. We still needed answers, and if I didn't stop there would be nothing left of him to question.
"Take your time; his running days are over," I smiled.
"Who is your contact? Who else did you tell about my grandson?" Charlie commanded, pulling Damien into an upright position and forcefully slamming him into the wall.
Damien growled and hissed through clenched teeth, he shook his head as if possessed. He was fighting Charlie's gift with every last bit of strength he had.
But I had already grown impatient. Crossing the distance I had put between us in the blink of an eye, I grabbed hold of his arm and snapped it off. Damien's agonized howls filled the empty space. Charlie looked at me with surprised eyes as I grabbed Damien's head and stared into his eyes.
"Listen, you shit. Make no mistake; you're going to die. The only choice you have left is how it goes. Between Jasper, Charlie and me, we'll know if you lie to us. Now, you tell us who your last contact is, and we'll finish you quick, which is better than you deserve."
"But if you make us work for it, we'll still get the same answers, and you get to find out if its possible for a vampire to starve to death, locked in a box for the rest of time. Of course, even starvation may be too good for you, so maybe I'll come back every few years and pour some rat blood in your mouth, just to keep you around a little longer."
Damien's mind echoed with horror at the prospect. Even Charlie was silent for a moment before he regained his composure and asked the same questions again.
Damien's mind was silent for a moment, and then one name entered my mind. My first instinct was to think maybe I had misunderstood him, but then he repeated it again
Impossible!
The name his mind called out left me breathless. "NO! You're lying!" I hissed, lunging for him again, but Charlie stopped me before I could get my hands on him.
"Am I?" Damien snarled. "You know I'm speaking the truth and that's what scares the hell out of you; how close I've been to you the whole time."
I stared at him for a moment, shock, denial, and rage drove me forward. I quickly dispatched him from Charlie's hands, and held him with one hand by his throat. Not giving it a second thought, I dug my fingers into Damien's cheekbones and tore his jaw off. A quick yank, and his tongue joined them on the floor.
A series of gasps and frenzied thoughts, were not enough to rob me of the pleasure of what I had just done. Had I not needed him for what was to come, the rest of the night would have continued in much the same way.
"Lilith, start a fire, then call and have your plane fueled and ready to leave within the hour." She nodded and headed out the door.
"Edward, who is it? Who is his contact?" Jasper and Charlie both asked at the same time.
"We don't have time to waste. If it really is who he says it is, I fear things are only going to get worse from here," I said, throwing his limbs into a pile and scouring the room for any fragments.
"Are we going home?" Jasper said, standing in front of me blocking me from doing anything but focusing on him.
"No. We have one more stop to make…" I didn't know how infallible Charlie's gift was, dread filled me at the thought that Damien might be lying, but fear flooded me at the thought that he wasn't…
A/N: So there you have it another Chapter Closer to the End... I hope I did not disapoint... Please leave me a review and let me kow what you thought? It would mean alot to knkow my sleepless nights are not in vain.. LOL
A special thanks goes out to My OCD Beta crmcneill who makes this story readable! Thank you..
And another Special thanks goes out to those readers, who took enough time to harass me to get this posted, Much love to ya (Ya you 'Li-K')
The song for this chapter is : CRAWL by Breaking Benjamin: Check out the song and lyrics on my Profile
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