Chapter Thirty: Confrontations and Quiet Conversations
Edward (POV)
"What happened? Why are you so different?" Charlie asked looking deeply confused. His instincts were playing havoc on his concentration. That's when he saw me, during this confusion. He saw me as the same as his daughter. A simple deduction comparing my appearance with hers, and coupled with his instincts he reacted impulsively.
Even knowing what was happening within his psyche, I was still startled by his reaction. In less than a microsecond he let go of Bella and launched himself at me. From deep in his throat a bestial and vicious roar rolled up and out in a deafening cacophony of sound. Instantly the entire house was on alert. Emmett appeared first, and quickly moved to intercept the hulking sheriff. But he was too fast and evaded his attempted interception. But it provided me enough time to prepare so I sidestepped his attack efficiently and prepared for the follow up. Yet my experience wasn't quite adequate, and I caught a wild backwards elbow to the gut. It was intense pain, but nothing compared to my recent experience with James. I managed to keep from flinching and just barely dodged his next attack.
Emmett tried again, with a stealthier approach, and managed to grab a hold of his arms. The strength imbalance was clear, and just as I started to move to help, Rosalie was there, even though I hadn't even heard her enter the room. She got up close to Charlie's face until he finally looked at her.
"Stop!" She said, and immediately his face went slack. Rosalie flared her nostrils as she looked at Bella.
"Bella he's your problem now." Rosalie said with a deep frown and then looked to Emmett. "I'm out of here, I'd rather guard the human than deal with this."
"I don't know how." Bella said looking lost and deeply upset to the point of panic.
"Idiot, you are the only one strong enough!" Rosalie hissed. "Talk to him, he should be pliable for a while." Then she was gone out the front door. Emmett tentatively let go as well, gave me a sympathetic look and then followed his wife. Bella moved in front of her father and slowly reached up and brought his face to look at hers, but his eyes refused to focus.
"Dad?" Her voice was teetering on the edge between calm and hysteria, but it produced the desired effect. He blinked and his vision cleared for a moment, but the violence in his eyes was immediately replaced by a strange sort of pain. Bella flinched as the hurt crossed his face.
"Bells, he made you like this didn't he?" He was so rabid that his words sounded more like a series of grunts and hisses rather than intelligent speech.
"No!" She paused for less than a heartbeat, but the moment felt bloated and exaggerated. "Carlisle changed me." Her matter of fact delivery and obvious control of her emotions was impressive. It was a display of strength that somehow made me love her even more. I felt a warm smile cross my face as I stared at her, and soon the rest of the world sort of fell away. The pain in my stomach had already faded, and all that was left was Bella.
"Why? Why did he make you into a monster?" Charlie's voice broke on the last word, and it came out as almost a broken whisper.
"I was dying, and in more pain than I could endure. I was in love with Edward, and so he made a choice to give me my life back. I've already struggled, accepted and forgiven that decision, and it is one that I can never repay. He risked everything and I know he must've struggled endlessly over his decision which wasn't made impulsively, he even gave me a choice. And knowing what I know now, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would've made the same choice no matter the circumstances, I think I was born to be like this." Her passion and confidence seemed to be making a difference as her father's eyes started to slow down and focus on her.
"But you hurt people, right? It doesn't take a genius to see that I was attacked by a fucking vampire! Am I a vampire now?" Charlie was confused and bewildered, lost in a new world he didn't understand, he was now staring at her. Disbelief and terror now the primary expressions on his face.
"Yes you're a vampire, and no we don't hurt people. We need blood to survive, but we feed off of animals, not people. The one that attacked you isn't like this family, and we deeply disagree with her chosen lifestyle." She seemed to struggle with the last part of that, like she was trying to explain something that she didn't really want to explain. Her sincerity finally broke his instinctual urges and he relented, falling to his knees.
"I don't understand. Bella, my god Bella. How are you real? Is this real?" He shook his head looking around and finally taking in his surroundings.
"I'm here, this is real." Bella softly, trying to help him regain some semblance of himself.
"The Cullen's I was at my house and Alice I heard wolves and then I had this long dream about being this ancient warlord that rose to power it was so weird wait how long have I been out?" He spoke without pause, a stream of consciousness.
"It's okay Dad. Let's go hunt, I'll explain everything. I think you'll like this life." He looked at her strangely and then nodded softly. She grasped his hand and then glanced at me with a relived smile.
Then they were gone, through the back door and into the forest. It was difficult to let them go alone, but she needed to be the one to bring him into this world. I stood alone, wondering what to do next.
"Is it over?" Alice said from the doorway.
"For now. That was cowardly Alice. What's wrong with you?" I said without looking at her.
"I don't know anymore. I need a distraction; I'm going to school." She started to turn to leave.
"Update Angela about all of this." She didn't say anything. "Please?"
"Fine." She said with a sigh and was gone. I shook my head, unable to figure out how to help my sister. She seemed so utterly broken, and I already knew the reason. Her vision had cut deeply, more so than I realized initially. How could I help her when I had no solution? How could I judge her when I kept going through the same images again and again? Bella's scream in the darkness, her empty expression kneeling before the Volturi. I felt myself shudder, which was a distinctly unnatural feeling for a vampire.
I let my gaze return to the forest and the unknown. I wondered what was happening with my lover and her father. I pondered what would happen with the near future. I let myself linger in that longing and fear for a bit too long. It wasn't until there was suddenly a familiar presence beside me that I finally broke my sentinel watch. I looked over and found Mason who looked a little gloomy.
"What brings you here Mason?" He glanced at me and sighed softly.
"I wanted to talk to Carlisle, but Esme said his shift doesn't end for another few hours. To be honest I'm not sure exactly what I'm doing here." I felt my familiar lopsided grin cross my face.
"I know what you mean." I tried to remain unobtrusive most of the time, avoiding thoughts. It helped that Mason's thoughts were nearly impossible to read. Yet for some reason his mind was open, and it was hardly surprising to see Angela's face dominating them. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"
"Not at all, what's on your mind." He replied amiably, but his mind closed off instantly and I almost chuckled at his lapse of control.
"Angela." I said simply. He frowned and looked out at the endless wilderness for a few minutes. Then turned and motioned for me to sit with him.
"Honestly, I'm terrified. I've never felt like this about anyone, in fact I never thought I could feel this way about anyone. It would never have occurred to me that I would fall for a human, especially considering my past." He looked vulnerable and seemed to be genuinely seeking my insight or advice.
"It must be hard to take responsibility for your legacy. But that shouldn't be a factor in your feelings. Angela is special. When I first arrived in this town I was drawn to her too. She is kind and selfless and genuinely cares. A rare trait, unfortunately." He nodded in agreement.
"She doesn't see it that way. I don't think she believes she is worthy of being with me. How could I possibly explain the irony in those sentiments? I feel the same way, that she deserves so much more than me. Every time I imagine the future with her, all I see is a violent truth coming soon. How can I condemn someone so good to a life like ours?" He closed his eyes and shook his head in confusion.
"I know what you mean, I felt the same about Bella. But the choice was taken from me, so while I can sympathize, I can't really give you any advice." He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment.
"Where is your beloved? I assume she is with her newly turned father?" Mason asked effectively changing the subject.
"Bella is taking him for his first hunt now. We may ask you to sense him for gifts, he seems to have some form of shield like Bella, but it's different. I guess Bella's gifts came from somewhere." Mason nodded and settled his gaze out at the river behind the house.
"Do you think we'll have to stay away while Chief Swan establishes his control?" He asked, obviously referring to Angela.
"Angela's safety is always going to be a concern while she is human, but I guess it is ultimately her decision. But I'm not sure when Charlie will be able to handle Angela's presence. We could test his resolve in a few days or weeks. But we would need to be sure that she is fully protected. What I need to know Mason is how you really feel about her. If you think it is even a possibility that you don't want to be with her for eternity, you shouldn't even consider turning her." I warned, but he just chuckled sardonically.
"Wanting to be with her isn't my issue. I could look into her eyes for the remainder of my existence and feel content and blissfully happy with just that simple joy. However, there are two pressing issues with my commitment to her, and neither have anything to do with my feelings. I'm concerned about the moral issues with robbing her of a mortal life. But more pertinent, is what I feel hidden inside of her, and how that will affect who she might become when she turns. I sense a deep well of power in her that could be volatile, and I'm afraid that the fire will burn away the woman that I love." He looked genuinely concerned, as if this aspect of her inevitable turn were more concerning than the moral dilemma.
"Interesting. Do you know what that power will be?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Not so much." He said, then paused before elaborating further. "I told her that she would be gifted, but I lied a little, I said it would be wonderful. While true it will be a wondrous power, I do not know what to expect beyond the vague feeling of a willpower that rivals Rosalie."
"That's intense. We'll deal with it if… when it happens. God, our Coven is growing very large." I said with a small smirk, counting Mason and Angela we numbered ten.
"A potential threat to the Volturi, especially if they learn I have chosen to settle here." He said with a small frown. "Anyway, we need…" I stopped him holding up a finger.
"Lower your defenses for a moment." I said in answer to the question in his eyes. He nodded and I felt the walls in his mind fall.
"Victoria just appeared at the edge of my senses. She's hard to read, but I believe she's come to watch us, to gauge our powers and patterns." I sent telepathically to him. He smiled at me and nodded. We moved in separate directions and approached her as stealthily as possible. Yet somehow, she anticipated us and took off. She was fast, faster than me and far more evasive.
"I don't understand, how is she so capable now?" Mason thought towards me, keeping his mental wall down so we could communicate during the chase. I reached out toward Emmett, Rosalie, Carlisle and Esme hoping they could intercept her.
"We're on our way." Carlisle replied while I was still connected to his thoughts.
We ran far longer than we expected, her destination elusive at first. Then we crossed into more populated areas, and we realized she was heading for the city. If she made it to Seattle, she would have no problem evading us entirely.
After the rest of the family caught up, I tried to direct our attack. Focusing in on her mind. She wasn't an open book, she thought evasively constantly changing tactics as she ran. Eventually she decided on a course, although somehow her plans remained frustratingly obscure. I had no idea how she was able to conceal as much from my gift, or how she had managed to book a plane ticket without any of us hearing.
"She's headed to the airport." I broadcasted to everyone, and Mason nearly growled in frustration.
"That makes no sense, she's a nomad." Esme responded, her feelings of confusion coming through with her thoughts.
"A sophisticated one. She must have some form of gift, but I am not sensing anything strange from her." Mason interjected, answering one question but raising several more.
"She seems of have some kind of preternatural danger sense." I replied, making a guess. "Damn, she's to far in. We have to slow down."
We crossed into areas with cameras and more people, and Rosalie… commandeered a car for us. We attempted to follow Victoria's mental signature, but eventually had to break off the chase and head towards the airport in the hopes that we could cut her off her planned escape. When we arrived, I found it nearly impossible to pick her out of the crowd and looked desperately through every mind as quickly as I could. Eventually I found her, her presence moving quickly away from us. The only thing I could glean from her mind was a single name.
"Maria." I said out loud.
"Jasper's Maria?" Esme said with a gasp.
"Yeah, Victoria and Maria go way back. She's headed south somewhere." I said with a frown, sensing almost a familial connection conjured by Victoria's mental image of Maria.
"Well, that gives us a lead at least. We find Jasper." Emmett said with a big grin. "Then we knock him across the face."
"Emmett, you're not helping." Rosalie scolded.
"Let's hope he knows where Maria lives." Carlisle said sounding upset. "Mason, I'm sorry we couldn't get to her."
"No, but I have to get back to Forks, I have a date with Angela this evening." He said shaking his head. "I would've followed her."
"We know. Does anyone have a clue where to start looking for Jasper?" Carlisle asked looking a touch lost.
"He had been spending time with Peter and Charlotte, I assume he joined up with them." Rosalie replied, as she turned off on the freeway heading back towards Forks.
"Well, it's a start. I know they prefer the Canadian wilds. I hope Jasper still checks his voice mail." Carlisle said with a notable sigh. "Edward, I want you and Emmett to try and track Victoria south. Rosalie, Esme and I will try and find Jasper. Let's not tell Alice for now, I don't know how she will take things."
"Not well, she's hurting." I said thinking about her reaction from earlier.
"Mason, are you confidant you can protect Angela alone?" Carlisle asked, and Mason nodded his head.
"Nothing is more important to me." He said forlornly and turned to look out the window. Rosalie stopped so Emmett and I could get out and head to the airport, their goodbye a little too intimate for my taste. South was such a general direction, but I knew the first place to start; Mexico.
As I sat in the airport waiting for the next flight to Mexico City, I picked up my cell and took a deep breath before dialing. It rang twice before she answered.
"Edward?" Bella asked hopefully.
"Yes." I couldn't figure out how to tell her. Everything was too much to process.
"Where are you? The house is empty." She sounded upset.
"I'm headed to Mexico, chasing Victoria with Emmett. Carlisle, Rose and Esme should be home shortly. Mason is going to look after Angela. I have no idea when I'm going to be back." I almost didn't want her to respond, I knew a dismissal of any kind would break me.
"Great timing. I'll be here when you return, and maybe we can start, for real this time." She sounded hopeful, and I couldn't hold back a sigh of relief.
"I love you Isabella Swan." I said with my heart in my throat.
"I love you Edward Cullen." She said back easily. It was enough to encourage me to finally ask the question I had been wanting to ask since I realized how much I loved her.
"I... There's something I want to ask you when I get back." I hesitated it was the wrong time to ask, and I knew it.
"Ask me now." She insisted, breaking down my resolve.
"Not over the phone, it's..." I tried to back out, wondering if she already knew what I wanted to say.
"Just say it." She said firmly, and I felt my will fold.
"Bella, will you marry me?" I said the words, and had no idea what to expect. She remained silent for several long seconds before responding.
"Edward... can I think about it?" I couldn't quite gauge her tone, but at least it wasn't a no.
"Of course. I should've waited." I said immediately, feeling a need to apologize for being so block-headed.
"No, I'm glad you asked. I just need some time." She sounded sincere, whatever was in her tone before my apology was gone.
"Take as long as you need." I said, as my flight was called. "I have to go, I'll call when we land."
"I love you, I hope that's enough for now." She hit on exactly what I needed to hear, and I found myself almost buoyant as we lined up to board the plane.
"I love you too." I said ending the call, unable to say goodbye.
Author's Note: I put some thought into a comment from cfp33pfc and I agreed that in Chapter 24, Mason took James down far too easily creating an impression that he was practically a superman. Today I made a relatively small edit (two additional paragraphs) to that chapter which extends that fight. I believe it brings Mason's power more in line to what I was originally intending.
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