IT'S BEEN FOREVER. Here's the next chapter, and it's action packed and starts to wrap this story up. Let me know what you think!
I'll keep you safe
Try hard to concentrate
Hold out your hand
Can you feel the weight of it
The whole world at your fingertips
Don't be, don't be afraid
Our mistakes they were bound to be made
But I promise you I'll keep you safe
You'll be an architect
So pull up your sleeves
And build a new silhouette
In the skylines up ahead
Don't be, don't be afraid
Our mistakes they were bound to be made
But I promise you I'll keep you safe
-I'll Keep You Safe-Sleeping at Last
I'll keep you safeWeeks past by without a hitch. Jake and I grew more comfortable with each other and the new relationship fears began to wear down as the summer heat intensified. I felt the wind scrape against my exposed cheek as I laid on my towel against the sand.
"Bells?" I heard Jake's voice call. I decided on laying on the beach as an afternoon activity after my shift at the diner. I rolled over onto my back, squinting my eyes as Jake's eyes met mine.
"I'm getting my vitamin D," I said with a smile. This earned a grin from him that I loved so much. He walked over so that he was only a few inches away from me before he plopped down.
"You know it's not so sunny today," Jake said with a chuckle.
"I'm hoping the sun comes out," I argued as I sat up on my elbows. He tilted my sunglasses up so they were on my forehead. His deep brown eyes met mine as cradled my face in his hands.
"You're not working today?" Jake asked curiously. I shook my head with a lazy smile. Somehow I managed to get the dinner shift instead of the lunch shift.
"I work tonight," I murmured.
"Late?" Jake asked, as one hand traced through my hair. I could hear the tension in his voice; he didn't like when I worked late. I texted him as soon as I got home because I knew he grew worried.
"Yeah," I sighed.
"That really sucks, Bells." He murmured.
"I still have a few hours," I reminded him, trying to lighten the mood as I stretched my arms around his neck.
"C'mon, Bells, I have somewhere to bring you. You game for an adventure?" He asked, excitement in his eyes. I grasped his outstretched hand as he pulled me up. His hand easily intertwined with mine as we walked away from the beach.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked curiously as I threw on my tee shirt over my bikini top.
"It's my favorite place, it's where I go to think," he replied, turning back to me.
"I thought you did that on the beach," I said, raising an eyebrow. He smiled cheekily at me as he spun me around.
"I do, but this place is really special to me," he replied. I quirked an eyebrow as we reached the parking lot.
"We could drive there, but I have a much faster way to get there," he said.
"Are you going to phase?" I asked curiously.
He considered my suggestion for a moment.
"Naw, I can still run really fast without phasing," he said with a cheeky grin. I cocked my head in confusion.
"Come here," he said, opening his arms.
"I don't have to ride on your back do I?" I asked warily.
"No, you don't. Come here you goof," he said with a chuckle. I slowly walked over to him. As soon I was was in his arms, he picked me up bridal style.
"I got you, Bells," he promised, whispering in my ear before kissing my hair. Before I could respond, he was running. I didn't feel jolted as the trees and the woods quickly passed us. I laid my head back against his chest and took a deep breath.
Soon, we slowed down until we were almost walking.
"Jake?" I asked as we came to a hill of some sort with green grass below us. He carefully put me on the ground as he laced his fingers with mine. Ahead of me, I could see the blue sky and the clouds.
He walked us close to the edge before he opened his mouth to speak. I let out a gasp as I peered at the cliffs and the water below us. The blue waves hit the dark gray rocks with abandon.
"This is my place to think," he murmured as he turned himself in front of me.
"My mom used to take me here when I was little with Rebecca and Rachel. Sometimes she'd just bring me out here when the girls were at school," he murmured with a crooked smile on his face.
My heart ached for his loss.
"She told me this was where heaven and Earth meet, and the closest to heaven she could get here," he said with a chuckle.
"We listened to the waves here and she'd tell me sometimes in the whisper of the wind she could feel her spirit," he continued.
"After she died, I came here and sometimes I feel her. I never felt like she was there at her grave. Mom never liked graveyards. She felt her spirit was tied to nature, and when I'm here I still feel her," he mused.
I looked at him expectantly.
"I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes I talk to her," he said, tears in his voice. Jake was so young when she died, I remember hearing about her death from my mom in passing.
"It's not crazy," I assured him, squeezing his hands.
"I come here when something big happens or just when I need peace. I came here when the biggest thing in my life happened," Jake said.
"Phasing?" I said, guessing. He shook his head.
"I came here when that happened, but no that's not the biggest thing that happened to me," he said, squeezing my hands. He drew me in closer as I was inches away from his lips.
He looked down at me with the same look Angela described when she first met him. The same expression that made me realize the love he had for me was not forced or coerced.
"The day I imprinted on you, I came here," he said, with such emotion I felt like falling backwards from the force of it.
"And I came here the day I realized I loved you."
My eyes fluttered with unshed tears as I peered up at him.
"When did you figure it out?" I questioned. Before he spoke, he traced my cheekbone with his finger.
"You were on the beach, painting. You had sand in your hair, paint on your hands, and I thought at that minute I'd never see you look as gorgeous as you did right there. But I was wrong, you looked up at me with those eyes and I swear the wind got knocked out of me," he explained and I pressed myself closer to his chest.
I let a few moments go by, enjoying the feeling of his warm arms around me and the wind lifting my hair. He didn't interrupt the silence, he simply pressed a kiss to my forehead.
I felt him move his head upwards before his whole body tensed. I felt a growl in his chest as I lifted my eyebrow in surprise.
"Bella, we gotta get out of here," he said, rushing out the words. Before I could protest, I felt him lift me in his arms as he began to sprint. The forest sped before us, although I did not feel the sense of calm I felt before.
Instead, a crushing feeling entered my chest as I pressed my face against his chest again. As we reached a stop, Jake held me in his arms. We stilled and I cautiously looked up at him, trying to read his face.
However, he was completely collected and only a hint of panic showed in his face.
"Bells, I need you to listen to me, okay," he said as he slowly lowered me to the ground. He looked as if he was trying to keep me calm as he traced a hand through my hair.
"I smelled a vampire when I was up there. I'm going to call Sam and we will go over to his house. You're safe, I will not let them hurt you," he promised as he stood in front of his door. I nodded, as I could feel my body shake.
He put one arm around me as he pressed the cellphone to his ear.
"Sam, we got a problem. I smelled a vamp near the cliffs. We need to get everyone together," he said, slowly and trying to stay calm. I heard his heart hammer in his chest, but his voice remained clear.
"Got it, be over in fifteen," he said before he pressed the end button.
"We're going over to Sam's house. I'm sorry our afternoon was interrupted," he sighed.
"It's okay," I assured him.
"Jesus, Bells, you're shaking," he observed as he tucked me in the corner of his arm as we walked to his Rabbit.
"I'm sorry," I muttered.
"Hey, don't apologize. We're gonna handle this," he promised as he opened the door for me. As I pressed my fingers deep into the leather upholstery, Jake pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road.
"What did the seat ever do to you, sweetheart?" He asked, trying to lighten the mood. I attempted a half smile as I removed my fingers from the upholstery. Instead I twiddled my fingers in my hand.
Jake held out his hand on the console, and I answered his unanswered question by placing my shaking hand in his firm one.
"What's going on in there?" He asked, with concern lacing his features.
"I thought after all this time she'd get bored and move on," I said, my voice cracking. Foolishly, I thought with time I thought vampires would move out of my life. The skeletons in my closet would somehow magically vanish like a romantic comedy.
However, I had a lingering fear maybe she would come back. Jake swallowed as the corners of his lips turned downward for a moment.
"They don't think rationally, Bella," he reminded me.
"I mean, I get it. Her mate was killed. I could never rationalize hurting another person because of that pain though," I said, with a shrug. Jake looked at me like I had at least three heads.
"Don't throw her a pity party, Bella. She's after blood and she doesn't have a heart like you do," he said with a grimace. I pursed my lips as I realized he was right. She didn't deserve a pity party, she was endangering a whole community. Jake's steady hand held mine before he pressed the back of my hand to his lips. Once we reached Sam's house, Jake wasted no time shutting off the engine and coming around to unlock my door.
He helped me out before he placed his hands on my forearms.
"I will keep you safe, Bella, whatever it takes," he promised, his dark eyes searching mine before he left a searing kiss on my lips. Sam, Leah, Embry, and Quil were still as statues on the porch.
I walked alongside Jake, feeling the tension mount as I took the first step on the porch.
"Bella," Sam said with a nod. I let a fleeting smile pass over my lips in response. Emily greeted me as I walked in the door with a hug as Kim and Rachel sitting on the couch.
As everyone filed into the room, I sat on the couch next to Emily and Kim. The members of the pack remained standing.
"So you got a whiff of a vampire on the cliffs?" Leah asked, breaking the silence. Jake gripped the back of the chair as he nodded.
"Yeah, it was the same one I smelled a while back," Jake said with a sigh.
"The red head?" Paul asked, wanting confirmation. He responded with a curt nod.
"Do you know them, Bella?" Sam asked, turning the attention to me.
"Yes," I replied, finding my voice.
"How?" Rachel asked, crossing her arms.
"About two years ago, I was with Edward's family and we were playing baseball. Victoria and her partner, James, ran into us and he was a tracker. Edward's family tried to hide me, but James fooled me into thinking he had my mom. I met him in Phoenix and he beat me up," I said, as Jake looked emphathetically at me.
"Beat you up is an understatement," Jake said with a grimace and a growl.
"Edward and his family killed James, but Victoria wants vengeance," I said, meeting Sam's hardened gaze.
"The other blood sucker we killed?" Paul asked.
"Laurent, he was part of their coven," I answered.
"So she just wants Bella?" Rachel asked, furrowing her eyebrows together.
"Yes," I replied dryly. Jake winced before he let out a growl.
"Well, at least she's not after the rest of us," Rachel said with a shrug.
"She's a part of our family," Emily argued, turning to Rachel.
"She's family, Rachel. If there's an attack on one of us, it's all of us," Sam reminded her.
"So what do we do?" Embry asked.
"We run paroles around Bella's house like clockwork," Jake responded quickly.
"We can do shifts. Each one can have five hour shifts," Sam added.
"Is that really necessary? I don't want to take everyone away from their families," I piped up. Rachel's features softened at my words. Jake shook his head before he turned to me.
"Bells, it's necessary," Jake said, his eyes fiery.
"There's an inhuman creature with incredible strength out for blood, Bella," Leah reminded me.
"Emily, Kim, and Rachel, you will lay low for a while until we catch this one," Sam instructed.
"We will catch her," Jake said, promising me.
"If there's any other updates we'll have another meeting. We'll organize the shifts around Bella's house," Sam said, making eye contact with the rest of the pack. I looked down at my phone and realized I only had about two hours from work.
Sam and the other pack members moved into the kitchen to discuss.
"I'm sorry, Bella. They will get her," Emily said soothingly, placing a hand on my arm.
"Thanks, Emily. I'm sorry you all have to go through this," I sighed.
"Me too," Rachel said with a huff.
"Can you just hold it in?" Kim asked in almost a whisper. Rachel turned to look at her, which earned a blush from Kim.
"Sorry, Rachel. You just need a filter sometimes," Kim said with a shrug.
"I just can't believe we have to basically be on lockdown because of your rendevous with a vampire," Rachel said, rolling her eyes.
"I didn't think she'd come back and I don't need your judgement." I replied, done with her snide comments and remarks. Rachel looked at me clearly shocked at my words. It was not my fault Victoria decided to go on a rampage.
I didn't show up with a red flag and ask to be beaten or hurt by her mate.
"'Atta girl," Jake came up behind me and enveloped me in a hug. I relaxed into his arms as Rachel just huffed before walking away.
"If there's anything you need, Bella," Emily said, squeezing my hand. My eyes met hers as I squeezed her hand back in thanks.
"I should probably take you home since you have work," Jake said, whispering in my ear. I nodded before waving goodbye and thanking Sam and the rest of the pack. As we walked back to the car, Jake began to speak.
"I'll have Embry be close to your work tonight just to make sure. You text me when you leave work, okay?" Jake said, holding my face gingerly in his hands.
"I have my whole world in between my hands right now," he reminded me. His words caused my cheeks to flare up with blush. He opened the car door for me before darting around to the front.
Once I got home, I changed into my work uniform as I fiddled with my keys. I tried to shake off the feeling of dread and fear in my stomach as I opened my car door. I knew Jake would do everything possible to protect me, he didn't leave a doubt in my mind.
However, I was not comfortable with putting the whole reservation at risk. I pulled up to the gravel parking lot of the diner as I quickly raced inside. I pulled a few wayward strands of hair behind my ears as I clocked in.
Working was a good way to distract myself from the whole situation. Hours passed by quickly as almost mechanically I took orders, brought out food, and brought drinks to tables.
When the clock struck ten, I was nearly finished putting silverware into napkins. My manager, Melanie walked up to me.
"Make sure to sweep before you leave," she reminded me.
"Got it," I assured her.
"The boys will be in the kitchen cleaning up," she said, pointing to the kitchen. I nodded and thanked her. Once I finished sweeping, I gathered my purse and my keys and flipped the 'open' sign.
The parking lot had one singular lamp light, which dimly lit the whole lot. My keys dug into my hand as I walked with purpose to my car. I breathed a deep sigh of relief as I turned the key in the ignition.
My heart pounded in my chest as I backed out then drove out of the parking lot. Charlie was on duty, so the lights were off in the house except the porch light. I darted into my house and locked the door including turning the dead lock.
I leaned up against the door as I tried to breathe deep breaths. In the back of my mind, I knew a locked door could do little to subdue a vampire. I walked upstairs to my bedroom, turning on a few lights as I went.
I chose a tee shirt and a pair of old shorts to change into as I released my hair from a ponytail. After I completed my bedtime routine, I sent a text to Jake letting him know I was home safe.
My phone vibrated and I reached to grab it.
To: Bella
From: Jake
Glad you're home safe. I'll be there soon.
I let out a sigh of relief as I pulled my covers up around me like a cocoon. The light from the lamp illuminated the room so that I could see every corner. As I laid my head on my pillow, I kept my eyes open.
I heard distantly a howl from a wolf, which prompted my eyes to close to fall into an uneasy sleep.
"Did you think I'd let you get away that easy?" Victoria asked, her red hair contrasting against the blue sky. I felt the forest floor below me as I tried to crab walk. Her deep crimson eyes met mine as she let out a sigh.
"Oh Bella, we can have a little fun and see if you can outrun me," she teased as she stepped on my leg. I let out a scream as the pain radiated through me like I'd been electrocuted. I felt tears pool in my eyes as I pushed them back.
"Bella, sweetheart, wake up." A voice spoke soothingly.
"You smell so good, Bella. It's such a shame you won't feel that heart beat in your chest for much longer," she cackled as she let go of my leg. I tried to shift backwards with my one good leg as I felt my lips fall into a grimace.
"Go, try to run," She said, taunting me. Somehow I managed to use my good leg to get to my feet. I waddled away, feeling the pain rippling through me. It took her no time, before I felt her ice cold lips at my neck.
"Shh, it's me. You're safe," the voice said again as I felt pressure surrounding me.
"You're far too slow today, pesky human," she said before her lips closed around my neck and her teeth embedded in my neck.
"Come back to me, Bells," the voice said, this time more like a command. I wretched my eyes open and with a gasp awoke from my nightmare. I felt my stomach turn before I met Jake's gaze.
"Bella, sweetheart, you're safe." he promised before I rushed into the bathroom to empty my stomach. Without missing a beat, Jake was behind me, holding my hair. After I was finished, Jake helped me clean up as he pressed his large hand against my forehead.
"Are you sick?" he asked as he quickly lifted me in his arms and brought me to my bed.
"You don't feel too warm, but you do feel sweaty. What can I get you?" He asked, his worried eyes meeting mine. My bleary gaze met his as he shifted me in his arms so he leaned against the bathtub.
"I'm okay, it was just a nasty nightmare," I said, squeezing his hand. The nausea passed as I took deep breaths. He rocked us back and forth soothingly as one hand splayed across my forehead while one arm wrapped around my waist.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.
"Victoria found me," I muttered softly. Jake's arms tightened around me as an assurance he wouldn't let that happen.
"Over my dead body," he muttered, his voice steady.
"Jake..."
"No, it's not gonna happen, baby girl. You're safe with me," he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss against my forehead.
"It just felt so real," I said, shaking my head.
"Bells, I promised I'd protect you, I'll use my body if I have to," he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear.
"Jake..." I began, and he quietly turned me around so I was facing him.
"No buts or this selfless bullshit you pull," he said, shifting hair that was hiding my eyes to behind my ear.
"How are things with Jake?" Angela asked, as we sat in one of the only coffee shops in Forks. My lips easily upturned into a smile as I recounted the last few weeks. After the initial Victoria scare, things between us grew routine.
There wasn't any drama, which gave me time to focus on beginning internships with the hospital. After much time and consideration, I realized I wanted to be a nurse instead of a teacher. Over the summer, I decided to take two classes to speed up the application process and to get pre-requisites completed.
"They're great, Angela. He's the biggest cheerleader on the planet and he's so incredibly good to me," I replied. Throughout staying up late to study, Jake stayed up with me to quiz me after he finished patrol.
"He's doing what he should," Angela said, with a smirk.
"Did you finish the application for our apartment?" I asked. The next school year, Angela and I decided to live together off campus. We were both excited to live together and spend more time than we already did together.
"Yeah, I turned it in to the land lord and dropped off the security deposit," she replied, nodding her head.
"I'm really excited to live with you this year. My roommate last year was shit," Angela said with a groan.
"Angela, she wasn't totally awful," I scolded her lightly.
"She spent all her time on the computer and left her dirty clothes everywhere! She even left her dirty dishes in the common area for weeks. Plus she brought her boyfriend over all the time to bang and didn't shoot me a text to warn me so I walked in on it," Angela lamented.
I pursed my lips before I chuckled.
"Okay so she was pretty terrible. But hey, all you can go now is up," I reminded her.
"True. So how's Rachel? Is she finally starting to de-thaw?" Angela asked curiously.
"She's conversational now. I think I'll just give her time," I murmured. Rachel was no longer outright rude to me, but she wasn't exactly my biggest fan. I accepted that we may never get to the point of being friends, but we could at least be polite to each other.
"You have more patience than I do," Angela said, rolling her eyes.
"I just want Jake to be happy. She's really important to him," I said with a sigh.
"I think he sees you're making an effort, and ultimately that's what counts," she commented. Her eyes flickered to her phone before she let out a groan.
"I forgot I'm supposed to babysit the twins today," she muttered as she sorted through her purse to grab her keys.
"Go, Angela! Tell them I said hi," I said.
"I will, let me know when you get home, it looks like there's a nasty storm out there," Angela said as she pushed her chair in. Outside, there were plentiful angry purple clouds. I nodded, as I gave her a quick hug.
She quickly walked out, the bell on the door ringing behind her. I peered down at my phone to see a notification light up my phone.
To: Bella
From: Jake
Hey Bells, I'm out running patrols. Get home safe, I'll see you later tonight.
My lips turned downwards for a moment before I responded.
To: Jake
From: Bella
I will. Be safe. Love you.
I put my porcelain mug away before I waved at the owner. The rain had really began to start as I could barely see my car. I tried to cover my head with my arms as the rain beat down on the sidewalk.
I blinked a few times as I saw a flash of red as I approached my car. I shook my head to rid the image as my wet hands slid around my soaked jean pocket trying to find my keys. Finally, I whipped them out. As a moment of relief washed over me, I suddenly felt a stone, cold, arm cement around my waist.
Before I could catch my breath, a sickly sweet voice from my nightmares echoed in my ear.
"Miss me, Bella?" Victoria cackled as I felt my heart pound in my chest.
"I'll go anywhere you want, let's not do this here," I said, trying to shake the fear out of my voice.
"Great idea, Bella. Let's go for a walk," she said, her arms forming a cage around me as she began sprinting through the forest. I thanked whatever higher power that she didn't get Angela or Emily, Rachel, or Kim.
I knew Jake and the pack would find me. There was a sinking feeling in my stomach that they would be too late. I closed my eyes, wondering if we'd make it to the destination or not.
I made a promise to myself I wouldn't let her see me cry; she wouldn't get that privilege or luxury. Her entire plan rested on making me suffer. She would kill me to collect her revenge.
I didn't want to think what this would do to Charlie, Renee, or Jake. I finally felt like I was mending my relationship with Charlie and Renee, and now that relationship would end, death shielding its victory.
I didn't want to go down with my tail between my legs. I wanted to fight, if possible I wanted to give Jake and the pack time. The more I struggled, the more time I could award them.
All the sudden, she came to a complete stop. I opened my eyes and saw the cliffs. Of course she would prefer to watch me drown, slowly and painfully in the unforgiving rip current of the cold ocean.
She let go of me, which shocked me.
"So where's your Edward?" She asked, her red hair forming perfect ringlets behind her in the wind.
"He's gone, he left," I responded.
"He left you? A pitiful human? Not earning your keep, hmm?" She asked, calculatively.
"He almost two years ago," I murmured.
"You're a hard girl to track. You left Forks," she murmured, pacing around me like she was stalking her prey.
"Yes," I replied.
"After he left you?" She asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Yes," I answered as emotionless as possible.
"And now you run with wolves? Really, Bella, I'm surprised. I would've thought you'd leave the supernatural world behind," she observed.
"Leave them out of it," I said with as much venom as I could. Before I could blink she rapidly grabbed me forceably and pushed my body against the hard ground. The impact made my head spin as her finger nail etched into my forehead. I could feel the warmth of blood trickle down my head. As she pressed one arm down against my rib cage, I felt my ribs crack in response. I thrashed against her, trying to ease my way out of her grip.
Thrashing around only intensified the pain in my shoulder and she pressed her foot into my ankle which earned a moan of pain from me.
"Why do you fight?" She asked as I took a labored breath.
"I need to fight, or else you win too easily," I muttered.
"You're human, I could kill you in a flick of my wrist," She murmured as she pressed her hand against my throat. I could feel my head swim and black spots evade my vision.
"But killing you quickly would be too easy for you," she laughed. I could feel myself begin to lose blood quickly as I fought to keep my eyes open. I could feel my ankle throb and my lungs protest from lack of oxygen.
Just a little longer, hold on for a few more minutes.
"If I'm not with Edward anymore, why do you want me?" I asked weakly.
"That's a reasonable question. You're still the reason my James is dead, no Edward or not," she replied curtly as she let go of my neck for a moment. I fought for a breath as I began to feel my head feel fuzzy.
Faintly, I heard a chorus of growls surround us. My eyes opened as I peered around to see six wolves surround Victoria. Jake's brown fur and brown eyes met mine. His eyes reflected anger and a deep pain.
"The wolves showed up, hmm? Are these your protectors now, Bella?" She questioned.
"Yes, and they're going to kick your ass," I said as strongly as I could. She leaned my limp body against her own as a shield from them as she moved closer to the edge.
"Too bad you won't be around to see it. My work is done," she said with a chuckle as she clawed at my stomach. I felt blood permeate from my wounded side as she flung me over the cliff.
Even with a perfectly healthy and functioning body, I couldn't fight the riptide and current in the rough water. Now that I was injured, I easily fell into the freezing cold water. I could feel my lungs collect water like a sponge as I sank down deeper.
Before I totally lost consciousness, I felt a warm hard rod hoist me from the depths of the water.
JPOV
As we were out on patrol, approaching Sam's house, I felt a feeling of dread flow through my body. As iI phased back, I sent a text out to Bella, urging her to be safe and that I would be there soon.
The feeling of dread morphed into my heart clenching and the wind being knocked out of me. Sam looked at me questioningly.
"Something is wrong," I managed to get out. I felt sick to my stomach as I pulled out my cellphone to call Bella. Her phone went immediately to voicemail, and I felt my heart drop in my stomach.
"Jake, what is it?" Leah asked, her eyebrows furrowing.
"It's Bella," I rushed out.
"Let's go," Sam urged, as we all began to phase. What if I was too late? What if Bella was already gone? I couldn't feel my feet moving anymore and I smelled Bella's scent along with a sickeningly sweet smell from my nightmares.
A leech had her. A leech, the very creature I spent every single moment protecting her from and now she was by herself. What if we didn't get there in time? How could I survive the loss of her? She is my whole reason for existing, the world loses its color without her.
We'll get her, Jake.
"We'll take this bloodsucker down" Paul affirmed.
We reached the cliffs and I wanted to hit my knees. Bella was fighting for breath as Victoria stood above her. Bella's blood hung thick in the air.
I could hear Bella's words.
"They're going to kick your ass." Bella said, her voice strained.
'Atta girl. Paul said.
Surround her, she's by herself. We can take her down easily.
There wasn't a doubt in my mind we could take her down, I was more worried about the girl fighting for her breath, her life, and mine. She held on this long, endured a beating already.
"Too bad you won't be around to see it," Victoria cackled as she held Bella up as a shield. Bella's eyes met mine as her face held peace. I wondered why at a moment like this she met my gaze with such peace, but then it hit me. She already accepted death, but I couldn't.
Victoria's fingernails tore Bella's side as she threw Bella behind her into the water. I let out a growl as we attacked. We got to her easily, she didn't put up a fight. Her mission was already successful, she wanted Bella dead. I dove into the water, finding Bella's body quickly. I was already phased as I dove us up to the surface. Her breathing was shallow as I called her name against the roar of the waves.
"Bella," I yelled as I swam us to shore. Her body was unresponsive in my arms, which made me swim faster. It felt like hours later that I finally reached the beach. I wrapped my shirt around her side, trying to stop the bleeding.
She was too pale.
"Bella, sweetheart," I called, as I leaned over her. I swept her wet hair off her face as I leaned down to listen to her breathing. With a panic, I realized she wasn't. I began to work over her, doing compressions. My heart pounded in my chest as I worked over her lifeless body.
"You can't do this to me, Bella. We just found each other," I pleaded with her. We had our whole life in front of us, our story wasn't meant to end like this.
"Taking yourself away from Renee, from Charlie, from Angela, from me would be the most selfish thing you could do!" I yelled as I continued to pound on her chest.
"You're supposed to walk down the aisle to me, yell at me when I lose my wedding ring, be on the rocking chair beside me, Bella," I said, bartering with her. After ten minutes, I finally let my hands rest as I laid my head down to her chest and sobbed. The gaping hole in my chest only grew wider at this point. I remembered the Third Wife's legend at this moment, and knew why Bella did what she did. She wanted to save everyone around her, but she didn't count on the fact that her soul and my soul were tied. There was no life after her for me.
I beat my hands against the sand. She held on for me and I couldn't save her. She was dead, her beautiful eyes wouldn't open again because of me. She was going to be a nurse, change the world, and that was stolen from her.
How was I going to tell Charlie? How could I bear not to see her laugh?
A moment later, I heard Bella take a staggered breath, water coming out of her lungs.
"Bella, baby?" I asked, quickly setting her up in my arms.
Her bleary eyes met mine.
"Stay with me, Bella, I'm gonna get you help. You're gonna be fine," I promised her as I raced through the rain pressing her against my chest in attempt to warm her up. I thanked whatever deity there was that Bella was breathing. I barely saw the trees dart past me as I raced to Sue's house.
"Sue!" I yelled as I pounded on the door. She opened the door a minute later with a stoic expression, Sam had already called her.
"Bring her in," she murmured. She motioned to the bed already set up for her. With care she gently rolled up Bella's top before cleaning her wound. I began my vigil beside her, watching as Sue worked over Bella's lifeless body.
I'm back and the original chapter had over 10,000 words! So I broke it up over two chapters. The next chapter is a rough one for J and B. I'll be posting that before Christmas.
Let me know your thoughts and happy holidays!
Princessinblues