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CMF

CULLEN-MASEN FAMILY

Chapter 25

EPOV

After the interrogations we had a major meeting of my people up, and down the coast. We had not discovered any new information,and had no idea what Caius, or the Calabrese Family had planned other than trying to mess with the women in our family. We increased security on every one of them, and had people patrolling the streets trying to obtain more valuable information to their plans.

We scheduled a meeting with the Calabrese Family that didn't really reveal anything of value, except their desire to combine forces, and run my territory together. They also wanted to bring in a 'new' drug, which I told them we had no damn interest in, expecially with the side effects and they should be concerned. Then they went into introducing us to the human trafficking side of their business, and wanted us to fund a large sum of it.

I lost it then, and when I pulled my gun on them telling them to get out of my office, and out of my territory they left, but said I would pay for not accepting their offers. I told them that threat went both ways. We could also go after 'their' women, and children. I don't believe they took us serious, as I had always expressed my disgust at harming any females.

They left, and for an extended period we didn't hear anything from any of them. We continued to do business as usual, with all my bars, and restaurants showing an increase in revenue. I wasn't taking anything for granted though. We had extensive security on all the women, and I never left Bella without protection.

Sean took Angela to a shooting range, and after a good afternoon spent teaching her the finer points of a 9mm, Sean bought her a handgun with plenty of ammunition. I had got quite a few weapons stashed throughout Bella's warehouse on every floor. I took her through explaining where they were, and showed her how to get to them without any problems.

I still had people stationed throughout the bars Caius had frequented, but there had been no developements. No one had seen any one of his men, or the family.

Bella and I went shopping picking up her dress for the Aquarium benefit, and I got a new tuxedo. I finally got totally moved into my new apartment, and got Mrs. Stanley set up with everything she would need to run my house. I also had a house keeper that came in every other day to do a thorough cleaning, and laundry. Mrs. Stanley still did the majority of the cooking, and would do some light picking up around the place.

I had set up weekly deliveries of groceries, and produce from the local market. Bella and I also went to Pike Place Market to the meat markets to pick up supplies for both of us. We alternated between apartments in which we chose to spend the night, or weekend.

We had the event coming up, and then it would be time to spend at my apartment. The aquarium had a company coming around to obtain the painting for the aquarium, plus the ones she had done for the auction. I had a few extra men stationed, and was doing an extensive research on the people working for this company, and the ones coming to pick everything up.

I would be glad when this was over, as I just had a bad feeling about to many people being around her. She had been spending an abhorant amount of time in her studio painting like a mad woman. She told me about the event coming up at the Foster White Gallery where she was expected to have about twenty paintings on display. I was accompaning her to this event, too.

Things were running along smoothly...probably to smoothly. I guess I was just looking to hard for something bad to happen. I didn't think Caius, or his family were through by a long shot. I just wish they would leave the women alone, and come after me. I could defend myself, and I don't doubt Bella, or Angela would try to protect themselves. I just had no idea what they would do to the women, and to what extent they would go to hurt them, or take them hostage.

I even went so far as to have the company that installed the new elevator in Bella's apartment come back out, and take it on down to the first floor. I then talked Bella into letting me install a panic room down there right off the elevator. She was already turning the bottom floor into additonal bedrooms, and another apartment on the other end.

I finally got her consent to build the room, and they put a rush on it telling me to give them about a week, and a half for it to be done. We were putting a set of bunk beds, a small half bathroom, a sink, refrigerator, and a small armory in the wall. It would also be equipped with a security panel needing a code to enter.

We spent a lot of time together when neither one of us was working, or even if we were to an extent. I would come bringing dinner, and sit with her in her studio while she worked. It was amazing to watch her at work, painting some of the most magnificient paintings I had ever seen. I wanted to buy them all, and build her her own art gallery exclusively. Eehhh, what can I say...I loved the woman, and would do anything for her. She was my heart, my future.

Things were going smoothly up to the night of the aquarium event. Bella was getting anxious about the debut of her painting, and the auction, which she hoped raised a good bit of money to help with future projects.

Bella and Angela were held up in her bedroom getting ready together for the night. Sean was accompaning Angela to the event, and then spending the rest of the weekend with her between their joint apartments. I do believe Sean has found his future in Angela. They get along splendidly.

I further showed my building trust in Paul, and asked him to be part of our security detail tonight. I took him with me when I bought my tuxedo, and outfitted him in one, plus a few suits. I told him his climbing the ranks of the family required him to dress a bit more formal at times, but his jeans would totally work most of it. I think Paul is going to be alright,and from what I learned from Emmett, and Jasper he surpassed their teachings of torture methods. He had quite a liking for the knives, and was looking to build a collection.

They also told me how he talked about the 'Boss', and his understanding his need to get his revenge for Seth. He was also hoping to climb the ladder in the family, and become a good soldier, or whatever for us. I was very pleased to hear this, and knew I would keep an eye out for Paul a good position to put him in. I also told them to continue to train him in methods to get information from prisoners.

I was pacing the floors of her living room, and Sean was sitting at the bar in the kitchen just watching me, and laughing. He told me to come have a drink, and calm down. That they were almost ready. He poured me a drink of some very smooth scotch, and when I looked I couldn't believe it was Chivas Regal. I had never tried it, but I found it very good. I needed to buy some for my apartment, and see if they were carrying it in my bars and restaurants.

Just as I went to take another sip I turned, and out walked a beautiful goddess. Bella looked absolutely beautiful. She was wearing a black satin floor length gown with very thin straps, and suede black heels. She was damn gorgeous. I walked up to her taking her hands, and giving her a slight twirl admiring how the gown hugged her curves, and that delectable ass.

"Damn baby, you are gorgeous. I'm going to be fighting off the attention of many a man tonight. I do believe it needs one little thing though. Turn around," and I pull a jewelry case out of my pocket. I pull the necklace out putting it around Bella's neck, fastening it to her gorgeous heck, and giving her a kiss.

She reaches up, and walks over to a mirror, "Oh Edward, it's beautiful...but I can't..."

"Yes, you can. That belonged to my mother Elizabeth, and I know without a doubt she would want you to have it. Now, are we ready to go?" trying to change the subject. I lean over getting her shawl, and handing her her clutch walking over to the elevator. I lean down whispering in her ear that she is so gorgeous tonight. I then kiss her on the cheek.

We go down to the garage, and we have a limousine waiting on us, plus there are two other cars escorting us to the event as our security. I have Jasper and Emmett in this vehicle, Cal, and Paul in the one in front, Felix, and Ant behind us. I told you, I was not taking any chances on my Bella being hurt.

We arrived at the Aquarium, and the place is lit up like the fourth. Lights every where, people pouring into the building, walking around outside, and I already notice quite a few of our men working the crowds.

We pull up, and Sean gets out helping Angela, giving her a kiss on the hand. I get out reaching back to help Bella get out, drawing her into my arms kissing her cheek. We walk towards the building, and are met by quite a few city delegates. The mayor and his wife, along with the director, and his wife of the aquarium. They greet Bella as a dignitary complimenting on her painting, and the others she gave for the auction. They can't get over how generous she is being, and then they compliment me on the donation I made for the cause.

I then told them the night was not over, and there were quite a few paintings I was hoping to bid on. We walked inside, and I got us a couple glasses of champagne. It was alright, just sub-par. I asked Bella if it was alright, or would she like something else. She wanted to try a glass of white wine, so I walked over to a bar to get her one and me a scotch.

The party was in full swing. Sean and Angela were staying kind of close. The girls would chat when we had people approach, and I was watching the crowd for anyone causing problems. We did hire a couple of women bodyguards to kind of give them a break from only men, and they would also be able to follow them into the ladies room. I hired Jane Woods, an expert in martial arts, and knives. Then, I hired Heidi Seear who was an expert in knives, and guns. They were also excellent fighters.

Heidi stepped over to tell me they were taking them to the ladies room, and would be back as quickly as possible. I nodded to let her know I heard her, and I watched them walk over to one of the closer ladies rooms. I was still sweeping the room, and asked Sean how things were going, and if he had heard anything.

He said it was very calm, and had not spotted anyone suspicious. He no more than got that out of his mouth, when I looked across the room seeing Aro, and Marcus Calabrese. I didn't see Caius, but that didn't mean he wasn't there. I eased my way over towards the room Bella, and Angela went into waiting for them to come out. Paul came up to my side asking if I needed help.

He said he saw Aro, and Marcus but had not seen Caius as of yet. I told him to follow me over to the ladies room to wait on the women. We walked up, and Paul tapped on the room trying to get someone's attention. Heidi opened the door, and everyone came out. I pulled Bella into my arms, and we walked back into the main room.

I asked Paul to stay close to our group in case of trouble. They were making a small speech about the painting Bella done for the Aquarium titled Sealife by The Swan. It was definitely beautiful. She had done it vertical, and I was thinking it was one of those huge horizontal canvases she has. It's still very beautiful, and everyone is enjoying it. After the unveiling of the painting, they then talk about the auction, and the different items up for bidding on. They mention there are at last count five more paintings by The Swan for anyone to bid on. All proceeds to go to the Aquarium.

We circle through the items, and I bid on quite a few of them. A couple of the paintings, and there are some other things. I notice Bella is clinging more to me. I didn't notice her braces in the car, and I'm thinking it's about time for us to leave.

I get Paul to see to the car being brought around, and I go to round everyone up. Sean and Angela head out front, and I gather Bella close. Cal and Ant are coming up behind us as we head for the car. I'm surprised Aro, or Marcus didn't approach us. THAT makes me leery. I noticed they were watching us, but never came over. I guess they took me at my word. We shall see.

Bella is curled up next to me, and just about asleep. She looked so beautiful tonight, and I was so very proud of her. She has made quite a name for herself, and she continues to enjoy what she is doing. We arrive at the warehouse, and Cal, Paul, Felix, and Ant go through checking everything out. One of them calls Eric, and Damian in the surveillance rooms making sure they have not seen anything.

They still go through everything checking things out. Cal and Paul go upstairs, while Felix and Ant go through the bottom floor. They run into our other men patrolling the area, and they assure us everything is alright.

I pick up Bella carrying her into the elevator, and up to her top floor. We stop on the second floor letting Sean and Angela off to go to her apartment. We go on up, and I take her into her bedroom. I wake her enough we get her out of her clothes, and into some pajamas. She goes to the bathroom while I undress slipping on some pajama pants. I then take my turn in the bathroom, coming out to go get us some water. I walk into the kitchen finding Cal in the guest bedroom, and Paul on the couch with a pillow, and blanket. I ask them if it's locked down, and they assure me it is.

I head to bed climbing in, pulling Bella close, and drift off to sleep.

CPOV

Well, if they thought it would be that easy to stop my plans, they are sadly mistaken. I will get their attention as soon as I talk with my uncles, and I get my hands on that woman of Edward's. I will give them a spell of thinking things are alright, and we've stopped with our plans. Then, all hell will break loose on them. I plan to build an army of men to take them all on. I don't care how much security they have on her. I will come up with a way to get my hands on her, and then she and him will pay.

I need to try to plant a mole inside to get some insider information. Surely there is someone who I can offer something of value to get their help. I call our attorney, Alfred Trask to do some digging into the employees, and associates of their family to see who would be an easy pinch. He ask for a few days, and possibly a week because of the volume of employees they have to find someone amendable.

My uncles were unable to convince them of the benefits of combining our businesses. Fine! Perhaps they need a more drastic incentive to cooperate...or else.

My uncles didn't have any success in their meeting with the Cullen-Masen Family. They should have taken me with them, but then they may have tried to take me a captive. Not going to happen. If what I did to that boy wasn't enough, they want to keep pushing me. Fine, I'll show them just how much, and how easy it is to envade their territory. I put my underboss into action, and capos to work calling in forces. I need to start constructing an army to put them in their place.

Alec Bright, my Underboss has a bunch of men coming in for a meeting, and to put them into place watching the CMFamily. I want to know every move they make.

I look up, and in walks Scott Masters, the young man who was able to walk right up to Edward's woman. He is a master at what he calls his 'ninja' talents. He can come up on someone before they know it. Apparently he is able to after he told me how he walked up on Miss Bella. I need to talk to him about getting to her again...and taking her captive.

Let's see just how good his talents are.

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Alright, another chapter and we got some things building up now. Caius is going to lay low for a bit then he's coming out with guns a blazing. Eehhh, let's just see how things turn out.

Please let me know what ya'll think.

Also check out group page for a few new pics.

Thanks muches...