Hey everyone! Exams are over! Yay! So, that means I have more time to write, but that also means time for Christmas shopping. 9 days till Christmas! So, I am officially obsessed with Kurt and Blaine from Glee, I have finally started reading Gleefics, and am obsessed with that pairing. But anyway, I know I surprised you with the last chapter, so this is a little bit of everything. I hope you like it still. I plan to get to more Clarissa things in the next chapter.

So I just want to give a shout out to Keeper of the Covenant who once again has been keeping me busy helping me with wedding plans. We have it down to a T. Things that are certain: the dress, the colors, Bella's hair, Bella's accessories, Carlisle's Tux, the groomsmen's outfits, the cake, the theme, the reception decorations.

Don't worry I will post links for the wedding stuff when we get to that chapter.

Playlist:

Fake plastic trees by Radiohead

The right man by Christina Aguilera

Secrets by Onerepublic

Eyes on fire by Blue Foundation

Pity and Fear by Death Cab For Cutie

No sunlight by Death Cab for Cutie

New Soul by Yaei Naim

More than anyone by Gavin Degraw

Bound to you by Christina Aguilera

Please read, review, and enjoy!

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Unveiled

It was snowing again, nothing new, but something seemed different today. Bella couldn't help but notice that it seemed almost too quiet. The snow seemed to hush the hustle and bustle of the busy city. They had spent the earlier part of the day with the wedding planner and she had been thrilled with that they came up with. But now something else besides her wedding, child, and secrets of her ancestor was on her mind. Carlisle was on the phone dealing with mafia business. They had a shipment coming in of valuable artifacts and Carlisle wanted the exchange port to be changed in case the Romanians were watching, for they didn't want them tracking even what they traded. The less tabs the Romanians could keep on them the better. Luckily the Cullens were on good terms with another mafia family that operated out of Brooklyn and the clan agreed to let them use their port to receive the shipment.

Currently Isabella sat in Carlisle's study with the black backpack in her hands. She knew it was about time to finally face her fears and open it. Ever so slowly she pulled at the zipper, knowing that Emmett had been through it before so that nothing inside would hurt her, and began to open the years of horror and torment. With a shaky hand she reached inside the bag and found neatly folded pieces of paper. The first, upon unfolding, she discovered to be a map, but of what she wasn't quite sure. The paper was aged and yellowed with wear. Another few pages similar to it followed, each displaying some sort of route or pathway in a town so familiar yet distant in time. She felt a heavy bit of weight at the bottom of the bag, which she retrieved again with a shaking grasp. It was a long black box smooth but faded. Knowing just what was nestled inside she pried open the lid only to want to slam it shut, but she digressed and went against her fear.

Though she knew it was all in her head, the flute seemed to mock her as it rested silently with false innocence. It seemed to taunt her; daring her to recoil and pretend it did not exist. But she would not be so weak as to let the threats of a dead man influence her, for she ever so slowly pulled the silver device from its bedding, hearing hisses in her mind as if the metal burned her. Carefully she let her fingers dance across the openings and along the scratched in details that meant nothing to her, only to him. Strange as it seemed to be holding this, her source of former torment, she found herself free of fear now that it was in her grasp and control. Meticulously she turned the instrument in her hand, searching for some sort of sign or explanation. When it was her singer, like a pipe to a snake in a basket, just the sight of it would cause her to quiver and wish for death. Now the flute was anything but intimidating, and served as the fuel to her anger. Hatred pulsed through her veins as she remembered what this object has stolen from her, conscious decisions. She could have fought him off, but now. She was subdued by the haunting melodies that only James could play, and this evil tool facilitated his wicked deeds and twisted pleasures.

"Who's the master now?" She laughed at the flute.

As she held it in her hands she smiled. Something within clicked and she triumphed over the silver weapon.

"You don't scare me anymore."

Without a thought in her head she put the flute back in its case, but did not shut it.

With the upmost grace she leaned back into the big leather chair and almost posed like she was the sexy Don that every one of her male clan members wanted to be with. She felt strong and couldn't help but smirk. She was excited about becoming a mafia wife and Carlisle's equal in the mafia world. Soon she would be just as strong as he was and have authority. Before she didn't think she would ever want that, but she wanted to be strong and dominant. It was then she realized that she wasn't afraid of what was in those journals. She needed to read them and discover the truth.

Reaching out in a dainty manner she snatched up one of the journals, pulling back the snap and pushing back the cover. The words seemed to fall off the pages in his elegant script, boggling Bella's mind with his thoughts. She began with the inside of the title page, on the back, before the first entry on lined pages began. It was a note with ink fresher than the next page.

If you're reading this, Bella, it must mean I'm dead and gone. I hold nothing against you if you celebrate my death for I am the monster that needed to be put down. But I pray that there is some sort of redemption for me, but I do not expect it. I hope that this helps, and maybe some clues will spark your mind. You know the answers. You have them memorized by heart and you don't even know how to use them. I can't remember them anymore, Bella. As you'll read back to the first night I hurt you on the next page, I was sick. I have always been a beast. I disguised myself to make you trust me. But don't shut the book because of that. I gave the memories to you because I couldn't remember them. You're the key, Bella. If you can figure out what they're after, Stephan and Vladimir, you can use it against them. You can use it against her. I hate what I did to women, Bella. I followed you through New York to make sure Carlisle is a good man, a mafia man. He can help you. He'll take care of you. You're going to learn so much about yourself and I don't want to tell you right away. You need to know about your ancestors. You'll hate me more for it when I explain, but if any of this, these maps and journals, poems and stories, then maybe I did a little bit of good. You hold the dice, Beautiful Bella. I called you so many foul things, but there is one thing you will always be, and that is Beautiful; you will always be Bella.

She was stunned to say the least. Those were not the words she had expected. She had predicted something concise, but this had been written with the remainder of his sanity before he went to his death. She needed to read it all and learn it. Something needed to spark in her mind and memory. He was honest, and on these pages was nothing but the truth for they were the thoughts that filled the confines of his mind, even the deepest and darkest corners. And so with all the confidence she had she began to read the next page, where his secrets laid.

Today is hell, not just the devil's hell, but the inferno. I envy Dante as he gets to leave and forget it all, but not only must I stay in the pits, but I have dragged an innocent with me. Maria made an ultimatum and I could not afford to refuse. I'm not well and I've been hiding it. The medication isn't working anymore. Dr. Anderson said he's trying his best to get me something that will work, but it's only getting worse. And so tonight I committed the crime that broke my heart. I hurt Bella, violated her, and hit her. I should know it will only get worse. She won't be easy to break, but I am selfish enough to care about my life over hers. But Victoria, she can't stay in hiding for much longer. If I do this for Maria, I can make sure my best friend will never be hurt again. The only problem is that Maria has seduced Victoria and made her think she doesn't want to leave. The worst is only to come, but I will write it all down, each and every word.

I never expected to fall for Bella, but I have. Now I must hurt her. Now, she lays next me unmoving. But I know she's alive and asleep. Morning will come and she will hate me. She should hate me. I am the beast. I can't believe what I have done. I should know better after I've done it to dozens of girls before, but never once have I cared for a woman like I do Bella. Maybe it's the medication. Everything stopped functioning when I was assigned to her and started dating her, and so maybe now that the drugs don't work I actually feel what I'm doing. I see her pain that I inflict. Tonight she was afraid of me, like she should be. She loves Beauty and the Beast, but I can not be redeemed like the prince. I do not have a rose in a glass that symbolizes passing time. There is no spell that will break or end my life. I have always been a monster only with a human face. I would rather be a fur-covered beast. But I digress; I am terrible at making good choices. If I knew a way to free Bella and take away her pain, as well as save Victoria, I would. Even if I my life had to be snatched up I would gladly hand it over. But as I sit beside my innocent victim I can't help but groan. Her body is covered in red bruises that will be black by morning. She won't forget what I did. I wish she could.

She found herself transfixed with the journal. She turned pages without noticing the passing of time. She was captivated by his truth. Some topics were gruesome and some made her feel sick, but they were truth.

It's bad now. Things are on the brink and I feel like the world is about to collapse. I've found a way to take away the memories from Bella. When I must break her I use a flute, a special one like a snake charmer's, only for humans. It's sick and it is not the first time I have used this. But if she can't remember what I did to her then maybe she will sleep better at night. I talk to her when I use the flute, like a real person. I tell her how sorry I am. I tell her everything, but I know she can't hear me. I'm too pathetic to say the truth when she's actually listening, but I have so much on my mind right now. I am worried for Bella. This is out of my control and we're in too deep. For the first time I can only obey. I can't play games with Maria because she's not in control of this disaster - Maria did something really stupid last night. She should have known better than to get involved with Stephen in the first place. He's part of the new American-Romanian mafia with his brother, Vladimir. They are both bastards, but who am I to talk. I mean Maria knows she's fucking the mobster and yet she still is intimate with Victoria. I don't understand this at all. What makes me laugh but dumbfounds me is that she thought Stephen was being exclusive with her. No, she was nothing but a mafia mistress. She's a toy to him and now he's getting what he wants. They're not interested in anyone else in Bella's family, only her. She's leverage. This is why Maria wanted Bella so broken and defeated, so that she could never rise to the heights, which she was meant to achieve. I didn't believe it until I saw the documents myself. Isabella Marie Swan is the great granddaughter of the famous heiress to the Cigno throne, Clarissa Cigno, of the Cullen and Volturi bloodline. The Cullens are so powerful, and the Volturi, too, that with the snap of his fingers the Don could have you dead and you don't even have time to breathe. That's the folklore anyway. Maria said she saw the father of the Current Don once when she was a little girl growing up in the Bronx. She was in central park, a rarity, and she saw young Carlisle Cullen. It's the perfect leverage that the Romanians need. But I'm not so willing to give it to them.

Bella dropped the journal in shock. All she could do was stand up and holler for Carlisle.

"Carlisle! Carlisle, come here! You need to see this! I need you to read it and see if I've got mad! James, he- he- Carlisle!"

She heard his footsteps pounding on the stairwell.

"Isabella!" He called out, sounding more panicked than ever.

She felt weak all of a sudden. She heard another pair of steps behind her, even heavier than his. It could only be Felix on his tail. Just when she felt like she was about to lose balance as he shouted her name over and over, he burst into the room with not only Felix but Da Vinci as well. She stumbled and Carlisle flew to her side, catching her with his good arm and pulling her close.

"Isabella." He pleaded as he held her to his chest.

He guided her to the chair and helped her sit down.

"What was it, Love?" Carlisle asked as he crouched before her, with his hands holding hers.

"In the journal, Carlisle. I can't- just…"

He nodded and lifted the journal. Da Vinci came to the rescue, pushing his way past Carlisle and resting his head on Isabella's knee. With the hand that was not being held by Carlisle she stroked his fur. He was such a good and loyal dog.

He scanned the page taking in the words in complete shock.

"Oh, Isabella." Carlisle murmured as he closed the book and wrapped her in his embrace.

She shook a little bit but she refused to cry. She knew by now that she was too strong to cry over this.

"Everything is going to be ok." He whispered as he stroked her chocolate curls.

"How did they know?" Bella's voice had not even the slightest trace of emotion in it.

If anything she was angry.

With a brave face she met the eyes of her lover.

"I don't understand how they got those documents, Doll Face. Emmett said there wasn't anything of the sort in the bag when he looked through it."

"I want to know how they knew. I want to know what those documents are!"

Carlisle couldn't help but admit that she was ravishing when angry. He felt a tad guilty for lusting after her when she was furious about a very serious matter. As if she could read his mind she forced him to his feet as she got on her own, and crushed her lips against his, enticing him in an aggressive and passionate kiss. Felix had to look away and wait this out with Da Vinci by his side. Carlisle pushed his love against the desk, earning a moan from her. He loved this heated response.

When the kiss ended they were both panting and out of breathe. Felix finally turned around to find his two friends quite disheveled.

"Bella Cigno." Felix said with a smirk.

She cocked her head to the side and then pecked Carlisle on the cheek. Cheerfully she crossed the distance to give Felix a friendly hug. Carlisle was pleased that the pair had become fast friends. It made things easier, given that he was around her all the time; that they got along so well. Sometimes Carlisle was even jealous when she and Felix had their little inside jokes. But he couldn't help but smile proudly. And then, stealing his breath away like she always seemed to do, she turned on her heel and walked towards her lover.

"Everything is just fine, Carlisle." She whispered with the sweetest musical tone in her voice.

He took her in his embrace, hugging her close to his body as he rubbed her back and kissed her chocolate curls, and nodded in reply.

"Everything is just fine." He agreed. "Isabella Cigno."

She smirked in reply. Everything was wonderful.

…

Bella had to go back to work, feeling it was all right for Carlisle to return as well as long as someone kept an eye on him to make sure he didn't hurt himself.

"Bella." Riley practically sang.

"Yes, Riley." She laughed with a roll of her eyes.

He had arrived just a tad late to work, but she didn't mind. The man was glowing and she knew something was up.

"Sorry, I'm late. I lost track of time." Riley explained.

She closed her laptop and rested her elbows on her desk, with her face in her hands. Playfully she smirked at his cluelessness.

"Funny, Dean was a bit late responding to me this morning about an urgent matter. I don't know what colors pearls should go in the centerpieces, black or white. So little time." She cocked her brow. "So many questions." She sat back in her chair and folded her hands in her lap. "You see, Carlisle and I are quite torn on this matter and we didn't want to go to the wedding planner just yet. And I needed him, and I had no idea where he was. Do you have a clue, Riley?"

Riley sat down on the edge of her desk with a smirk, ignoring Felix's chuckles and Da Vinci's snores.

"Dean crashed at my apartment last night." His voice wavered on "crashed".

Bella knew he meant slept over.

"I see. So you both were occupied."

"I had to make breakfast and he distracted me." He explained.

"Dean is quite distracting or should I say he's good at being distracted."

"I'm not in trouble am I? Or if I am don't get mad at Dean."

"I'm not upset, Riley. I was just teasing. I understand these things. I haven't been to my own office in ages with all that has been going on."

"How's the little one?"

"My little princess is as happy as could be." Bella began to rub her small baby bump. "Zafrina said I won't blow up like a whale. My frame is so thin she thinks I'll be a cute little beach ball."

"You're lucky you can carry a baby."

"There's always adoption.'

"I know, but we're talking it slow."

She nodded in agreement.

"Good. It's best not to rush."

"Dean told me you found some things of your ancestors."

"Yes, my dad is mailing them and should be here by the end of the week. It's a bit of a big deal."

"You know, you could do a cover on vintage fashion. I'm sure our ancestors wore all sorts of pretty things. We could bring back old glamour."

"Riley!" She squealed. "God, you are a genius! After my two issue ideas are launched we are so doing that!"

She burst out of her chair and started yelling for Jessica. Riley would do well in the future. She would be leaving this position in good hands.

…

The lights were already on like they always were in the auditorium. She was glad to be alone. It had been building for a while, ever since Cameron kissed her. This feeling of unity and love made her bubble with joy but at the same time it scarred her more than anything. She didn't know what she would do if Cameron ever left her. She didn't want to be dependent on him, but with Cameron she felt so at safe and at home. Giving in the urge to sing about it, she looked around the auditorium once more to make sure she was truly alone. There wasn't anyone in the balcony or anywhere. And so she relaxed and let the music flow from her.

"Sweet love, sweet love

Trapped in your love

I've opened up, unsure I can trust

My heart and I were buried in dust

Free me, free us."

She wasn't even aware that Cameron, letting that pull they had on one another, carry him to her. He silently walked down the aisle knowing his girlfriend wouldn't notice him while lost in such a heart-felt song. He had heard her voice in the song and hoped he could take the sorrow from her voice.

"You're all I need when I'm holding you tight

If you walk away I will suffer tonight."

He whispered, knowing she wouldn't hear, "I'll never leave."

"I've found a man I can trust

And boy, I believe in us

I am terrified to love for the first time

Can you see that I'm bound in chains

I finally found my way."

Her voice softened a bit and she stared right at him through the stage lights but did not see him. But she was singing right to him, into his soul.

"I am bound to you

I am bound to you."

Her eyes were so soft now, but the next lines made her distance but he knew she would conquer the darkness.

"So much, so young

I've faced on my own

Walls built up became my home."

Cameron noticed Peter walk in, taking a stand at the center of the isle. He knew to be quiet. The man seemed to be in awe of the young girl. There was darkness played out across her face, and truth depth of meaning, but she would crest. He looked down to find Cameron, the team leader and love interest of the newest member, gawking at the young singer as well. What neither of them were aware of was that Beth stood in the balcony, slipping in between the times of the two males' entrances, through the balcony entrance on the next floor. Nor were any of them aware, until Beth looked down, that Danielle was sitting in one of the chairs, maybe there before the others, she didn't know, watching Cameron gawk at Spencer with jealousy. Beth hated to admit it but Spencer was a powerful singer. There was a lot of pain hidden in her eyes, and the look on her face wasn't just getting into the song. She knew Spencer felt the emotions she showed. That was the scariest part, the truth.

"I'm strong and I'm sure there's a fire in us

Sweet love, so pure.

I catch my breath with just one beating heart

And I brace myself, please don't tear this apart."

Spencer stamped the ground and through her hands down in frustration and begging when she threw her head back. Then she righted her head and clasped her hands together over her heart as she poured out her soul earnestly.

"I found a man I can trust

And boy, I believe in us

I am terrified to love for the first time

Can't you see that I'm bound in chains

I finally found my way

I am bound to you

I am bound to-."

Her eyes sparkled with confidence and she sang with pride. She was one with the music, only her voice, but one with the words. Cameron was in complete awe of her. To him it was like watching a goddess, or a childhood idle perform magic. Spencer was magic. She was perfection.

Suddenly the moment's here

I embrace my fears

All that I have been carrying all these years

Do I risk it all

Come this far just to fall, fall.

Oh, I can trust

And boy, I believe in us

I am terrified to love for the first time

Can you see that I'm bound in chains

And finally found my way

I am bound to you.

I am,

Ooh, I am

I'm bound to you."

`Cameron came forth from the light with a large smile on his face. He clambered onto the stage, and captured his girlfriend in an embrace before she could even comprehend.

"You heard?" She gaped as Peter burst into applause.

"You're voice is beautiful, Spencer. You're beautiful. I'm not going anywhere. I want you to know that you're stuck with me."

She couldn't help but smile and she turned to look at Peter.

"Bravo, Spencer. That's what I've been waiting for to come out of you. That's what we need to win, pure honest voices with songs from the heart. You've got a story to tell and you didn't tell it with just words, but with your voice. That's what we need to know and hear to win. Bravo!"

She couldn't help but blush. Cameron kissed her sweetly on the lips and then murmured to her.

"I am bound to you."