AN: I love when I have both time and inspiration to write.
Gosh, I love your reviews! The ideas and comments you all send my way bring so much joy and inspiration, so thank you.
I think I made it pretty clear in the last chapter, but I just want to clarify: wolf-shifters are the only ones who can imprint, and they can only do so with other wolf-shifters. It's a way to ensure their kind and also a way to keep the different species from mixing. We will go deeper into this slowly but surely.
I also want to warn you that this book will end on a cliffhanger. Even more so than My Stubborn Mate did. I ALWAYS knew this was going to be a LOOOONG story and the decision to divide it into three came pretty early. We aren't there just yet, I wanted to give you a heads-up. I will make sure to have the first chapters of the last installment ready to post pretty quickly after I hit complete on My Headstrong Beta.
ENJOY!
My Broken Hope
"So, there was never any spell?" I ask bluntly, studying my father's features carefully as I await his answer.
"No."
His response is quick, genuine and painfully honest.
"The love we shared for one another was real, Bella, no magic necessary," he continues, ardently trying to reassure me.
Holding his gaze, I slowly nod my head in acceptance, doing what I can to hide the seed of doubt that had been growing inside of me ever since I found that damned piece of paper. Forcing a small smile to my face, I gently squeeze his hands in gratitude. His willingness to finally speak openly about his emotions and the past means the world to me.
Two things, however, have become abundantly clear through our conversation: 1) my father has no idea of the spell's true existence, and 2) informing him of my discovery will almost surely break his heart. So instead of saying anything, I send him a grateful smile before wrapping my arms around his neck, holding him tightly to me as I silently swear to somehow get to the bottom of this.
My father creates a small amount of space between us after a few short moments, his expression surprisingly suspicious.
"Did Edward, your Edward, bring this up or-?"
"No," I answer quickly.
"I'm only asking because I know the Cullen children have a close relationship to their grandparents."
Nodding my head, I pull back, returning to my previous position.
"They do," I release a sigh.
"But Edward is nothing like his grandfather, Dad. He's a good man and he-," I pause, feeling my cheeks heat slightly at what I'm about to reveal.
"He loves me."
My father's moustache moves slightly as he carefully considers what I've just told him. His fierce protectiveness makes me smile.
"Well, he better," he eventually responds, an unspoken threat lingering in the air.
I laugh and my father's serious expression cracks with the smallest hint of a smile.
"I'm very proud of you, kid."
His words make my heart swell and my throat grow thick with emotion.
"No matter what life has thrown your way, you've met it head on with such grace and elegance, Bella. You amaze me, kiddo."
I can physically feel the sincerity in his voice and the pride in his gaze.
"Thank you, Daddy," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
Our eyes hold for a moment longer, before we both look away, clearly unused to this level vulnerability and honesty.
"Now, I think it's about time I run down and pick up that mighty fine car of yours up so that we can get rid of these boxes."
My lips curl into a half-smile as I pull out the set of car keys from my back pocket.
"Dad, are you asking for permission to drive my brand new SUV?" I ask, raising one eyebrow to tease him.
"Hell, yeah!" he exclaims, his dark eyes dancing.
Handing him the car keys, I move over to close the final boxes as my father rushes out of the cottage with a wide grin on his face.
"Boys," I mutter under my breath, but am quickly distracted when my phone rings.
Picking it up quickly, I see that it's Seraphina.
"Phina, how are you?" I greet my aunt warmly, her husky and light tone flooding in my ear.
We chat loosely for a few minutes before she mentions the Grimoires.
"Would it be alright if Alec, Jane and I drop by this evening? I gave Caius a call and he was excited to have the books back in the Vault as soon as possible."
I nod my head, but quickly realize that she of course can't see me.
"Sure! Do you guys want to stay for dinner?"
I hear the door opening behind me and quickly turn to face my father, who looks incredibly pleased after taking my car for a spin.
"Aro said you have a house full of guests, sweetheart, we wouldn't want to be a bother."
"You could never be a bother, Phina, you're family."
My father begins carrying some of the boxes out to the car.
"If you're sure."
"I am. How does six sound?" I begin, a sudden thought suddenly striking me.
"Do you know where it is?" I continue, suddenly realizing that I have yet to memorize the address of my new home.
"Yes, Edward gave me the address earlier. Six sounds great. We can't wait to see you and your new home!"
We say our goodbyes just as my father returns from his second trip with boxes. There are only a few small things left, so I make a move to pick them up at the same time that he does.
"That Seraphina?" he asks, pausing his movements.
"Yeah, she and the twins are going to come over for dinner," I explain, to which my father simply nods.
A rush of nerves washes over me and I quickly pick up most of what remains, building up a little bit of courage for what I'm about to reveal.
"I found quite a few ancient spell books in Mom's things. They belong to the Coven, so I've decided to return them," I reveal, watching my father carefully for any clues. "Seraphina is kind enough to take them off my hands."
My father simply holds my gaze, his expression revealing nothing.
"Oh, yeah, I remember those."
His voice is thoughtful and his thick brows pinch together as though he's trying to recall a faint memory.
"Renee was passionate about Coven history," he pauses. "And Pack history, for that matter. She practically lived inside the Vault when I got reacquainted with her. Caius ended up sending those Grimoires home with her, because she was the only one interested in them anyways. She even learned some old dead language so that she could read them."
He shakes his head, making it clear that her interest wasn't something he shared. He sighs.
"I know she tested a few of the minor spells here and there, but it was mostly the history she enjoyed. She always said that with each spell there was some kind of a cost, so most witches weren't interested in the contents and paid more attention to honing their own natural abilities."
My father purses his lips slightly together, before giving me a soft smile.
"Seraphina will probably be able explain more about that than I can."
Before he can leave, though, I stop him.
"If she was so interested in them, why didn't she bring them with her when you guys left?"
His brows furrowed together at my question.
"To be honest, she lost interest almost right after things got serious between us. I remember her saying that she was done giving all of her attention to an ancient past when an exciting future was happening right before her eyes. I can't say I ever missed those books and your mother never mentioned them again."
For some reason, his response doesn't sit well with me. Why would my mother suddenly lose interest in something she was that passionate about? It didn't make sense. Drawing my bottom lip through my teeth, I realize that the only way I'll hopefully find some answers is to comb through my mother's journals and her Grimoire translations. She would have to be the one to tell me.
Deciding to move both boxes up to my room so I can begin working my way through them simultaneously whenever I have the time, seems to be a good start. Nodding my head decisively, I allow myself to return to the present, trailing my eyes slowly around each and every crack and corner of my beloved little cottage. My first real home here in Forks. It takes me a long while before I feel ready to follow my father out the door.
Embry and Quil are both suspiciously quiet during our ride back to the house and there's an obvious tension between them that makes me think something must have happened just before we left the Ranch. Dealing with enough of my own stuff, I decide not to pry. Keeping my mind busy, I make a plan for what I want to get done in the next few days. "I need to move the box of my mother's translations from the garage and up to my room and then I need to…" My mind keeps churning the entire ride back to the house and I've completely zoned out until I feel the car turn down the familiar driveway. Quil expertly pulls the car up in front of the house, having practically begged for the opportunity to drive my new vehicle after he saw my father take it out for a spin earlier.
I've just begun opening my door, when several things suddenly happen at once. Quil's strong hand covers mine, slamming my door shut with surprising strength, keeping his arm as a protective shield in front of me. Icy fear spreads down my spine when a faint whiff of something, no someone, enters my nose. The scent is incredibly weak, but it's clear that it doesn't belong. My wolf immediately springs to life and I realize that both men are now more wolf than human as we all lock that fading scent to memory.
"Stay in the car, Bella," Embry's voice has a lethal edge to it that I've never experienced before. Before I can even respond, he's opened his passenger seat door, immediately phasing into his wolf, before he takes off like a flash in the direction of the garage.
My heart is in my throat as I watch him disappear.
"Quil-," I whisper desperately, pushing against his strong arm as a wave of terrifying images flash through my mind. What if Embry gets hurt?
Before he can respond, we're both distracted by the sound of speeding tires racing down the driveway behind us. The vehicle comes to an almost violent stop and in the next second there is a flash of grey as an unfamiliar wolf shoots across the driveway after Embry. Jared. The next few seconds feel like hours as we wait for some kind of a sign. Finally, when the soulful song of two wolves fills the air, we receive our answer. They're both okay.
Quil immediately releases his ironclad hold and is out the door before I can even react. My fingers tremble and I struggle to get my door open. Stepping out, I hear two other doors open and slam shut behind me. Turning around, I find Alice running after Claire who is sprinting after her brother. Without even thinking, I grab her and pull her against me, a protective instinct surging up inside of me. She fights against my hold, but immediately freezes when a low growl vibrates through my chest. A stream of tears roll down her sweet cheeks, but the fight in her appears to have completely disappeared as she crumbles against me.
"I tried to hold her back, but-," Alice appears at my side as I try to comfort the terrified young girl.
"Everything's fine!"
We all look up as Quil runs back to us, immediately picking Claire up into his strong arms as though it's the most natural thing in the world.
"Em and Jare are doing a quick search to see if they can pick up a scent or any clues. Alice, can you call Jake?"
Alice's phone is dialing Jake's number before Quil has even finished his sentence. My cousin's chocolate colored eyes, flicker over to mine as an apologetic expression spreads across his face.
"I'm so sorry, Bella, but your Mom's things they-."
My stomach drops at his words and an overwhelming sense of anxiety spreads through my chest.
"The entire garage is trashed."
A shock of air falls from my lips and before I know what I'm doing I'm sprinting towards the garage, desperately hoping that Quil's wrong. That at least some of my mother's things are still intact. He isn't. The sight that meets me is even worse than I imagined. It's like a bull set loose in a china-shop, nothing remains. Every single thing is destroyed. Jesus.
My breath catches as I begin taking stock of the destruction. The Grimoires… Pulling out my phone, I quickly call the last person I spoke to.
"They're gone," I blurt out as soon as I hear the call go through.
"What?" Seraphina's voice reveals her confusion.
"The Grimoires… Phina, they're gone. Someone took them!"
Icy fear flows through my veins as another realization dawns on me. In the next second I'm sprinting towards the house, the phone still against my ear.
"Bella?! What's going on?" my Aunt's voice sounds strangely distant.
"The translations are missing as well," I manage while trying to get my fingers to cooperate enough to open the door. Unable to do anything with the phone in my hand, I abruptly hang up, hoping my aunt will understand and push it into my back pocket.
"BELLA?!"
Someone shouts my name, but I don't even react, too focused on my task. Finally, I manage to get the door open and I set off, running as fast as I can up the stairs to my room. Slamming the door open, I release a sharp breath of deep relief when my eyes immediately find the untouched box of journals next to my bed. Feeling my entire body tremble, I slowly walk over to the dresser and open the drawer where I hid my mother's jewelry box. Wrapping my fingers around it's square shape, I gently remove it, pulling it against my chest before I crumble to the floor. It's safe.
My phone blares angrily, screaming at me to pick up, but it's like my body isn't able to react to it. Sitting with my back against the dresser, I close my eyes and simply breathe.
"Bella?"
A deep, soothing voice breaks through my protective shell. Opening my eyes, I realize that Jacob is carefully studying me from a safe distance. Taking a breath, I try to move my limbs, but I'm surprised by how heavy they feel.
"Just relax. Your body is still recovering from your shock," he orders calmly, taking a few steps closer.
"I didn't want to bother you, but Edward is a mess. He needs to see you, Bells."
At the mention of Edward's name, I feel a small surge of energy rush through me. Wiping my face, I'm surprised by how wet my face is. I hadn't even noticed I'd been crying. Jake sends me a sad, but compassionate smile before he pulls out his phone. In no time at all, Edward's face fills his screen and I feel my heart leap in my chest at the sight of him.
"Bella?!"
The worry in his tone and deep distress on his handsome face, touches something deep inside of me and I quickly reach out to take my cousin's phone.
"I'm here," I assure him, watching how his emerald eyes flash electric green before returning to their normal color.
Edward's hair is a mess, a result of his nervous habit, making him perhaps even more handsome than usual.
"Jesus, Bella. I almost had a heart attack when Seraphina called."
Tears burn in my eyes and I slowly move my mother's jewelry box from its place near my chest and down to my lap, so that I can hold the phone with both hands. Jake has silently retreated, giving Edward and I some privacy.
"I'm okay. The perpetrators had left before we arrived."
He nods seriously, his vibrant eyes openly taking in every inch of my face.
"Yeah, Jake filled me in. Baby, I'm so sorry about your Mom's things."
Tears well up in my eyes before I can stop them and the desperate yearning I see on Edward's face only makes me long for him even more. Right now I'd give just about anything to have him beside me. To feel the safety of his arms as they wrap around me. I bite back a sob and harshly wipe away some of my tears. I need to be stronger than this. Taking a shaky breath I get to my feet and walk over to the box filled with my mother's journals, extremely grateful that I decided to bring this inside today.
"I still have her journals and an old jewelry box," I reveal.
"I just don't understand why someone would do such a thing and why now? My Mom's things have been safely stored and untouched here in Forks for years."
"Aro's been asking the same question."
Edward releases a tired sigh.
"I'll try to rent a car as soon as possible so that I can start driving home."
His words make my heart flutter with excitement.
"Have you found anything about the bear traps?"
The disappointment and frustration on his face give me the answers I need.
"Edward-," I begin.
"Aro and Jasper can continue on this stupid scavenger hunt alone. I need to be with you," he bites out, bitterness seeping into his tone.
"No, Edward."
"Bella, just the thought of someone hurting you," his voice breaks and I can clearly see his jaws clenched tightly together.
"Honey, I'm fine. No one is going to hurt me. You made sure of that. I'm surrounded by family and friends who would kill to protect me."
I take a breath.
"And we both know that Aro and Jasper need you to figure this out. Our future depends on it, Edward."
Every single feature on his handsome face reveals that he wants to argue.
"You know as well as I do that I'm right."
He exhales harshly, but doesn't say anything.
"Promise me that you won't go anywhere without a guard."
"I promise."
"And that you'll video-call me several times a day, because Bella, I need to see you."
I smile.
"I promise."
He slowly nods his head in silent acceptance.
My attention is drawn by the noise of yet another car pulling up. Glancing down through my window, I see that it's Seraphina and the twins. Biting my lip, I realize that I probably need to hang up and leave my safe little sanctuary.
Edward releases a deep sigh.
"You need to go?" he asks, deep reluctance in his tone.
"Yeah, Phina and the twins just showed up."
He nods.
"You sure you're okay?"
His obvious concern for me makes my heart flutter.
"I'm sure," I say as convincingly as I can.
"Call me," he orders and I can't help but smile.
Sending him a kiss, we both reluctantly hang up the phone. Picking up my mother's jewelry box from where I left it on the bed, I make a split decision and begin searching for a new hiding spot for it. An idea strikes me and I'm pleased when I find a ledge on the inside of the fireplace. With it still being late August, I couldn't imagine having use for the fireplace for at least a few more months, so the box (and the spell) should be safe there until I could figure out what I wanted to do with it. Stopping by the bathroom, I wash my hands and face before tiredly walking down the stairs, ready to meet the destruction left behind by whoever it was who decided to step onto my new home and destroy my mother's things.
As soon as I step out onto the porch, I'm surrounded by Jane, Alec and Seraphina who immediately pull me into a tight embrace. They all look equally upset.
"Oh, Bella, I am so sorry!"
"It's fine," I stop, shaking my head.
"I mean it isn't fine, but I'll be okay. I'm just glad no one got hurt."
Seraphina brushes a hand along my cheek.
"Me too, sweetheart."
Jane keeps her arm wrapped around my waist, while Alec moves to stand closer to his mother as Jake appears. Reaching my hand out, I give him his phone and send him a grateful smile.
"Nessie and Alice have started cleaning some of the mess in the garage. Embry and Jared still aren't back and Quil is distracting Claire by making some dinner," he says, filling me in.
I squeeze Jane's shoulder reassuringly, realizing that Jake's commanding presence must be a little alarming. He must see my reaction, because he makes sure to both soften his expression and tone when he continues.
"Whoever did this didn't leave much of a scent for us to trace, but we'll have to wait for Em and Jare to say for sure."
I nod.
"They took the Grimoires and my mother's translations. I didn't see a trace of them in the garage," I reveal, my eyes flickering between Jake and my aunt.
"Who else knew they were here?" Jake asks.
Seraphina and I share a look.
"Edward, Esme and Aro," I begin.
"I spoke to Caius about them, but I never mentioned where they were," Seraphina shoots in.
A look of suspicion spreads across Jake's face. Reaching for my aunt's hand, I squeeze it reassuringly, silently showing Jake that I trust this woman and support her.
"I don't think whoever did this was a shifter, Bella. The scent was too weak for that."
"We can't automatically assume it was a witch either, Jake," I pause, sending Seraphina a look of understanding.
"None of us expected this to happen. The books have been locked away in a storage unit for years without ever being touched."
"Nevertheless, whoever came here must have known that you were out. They didn't just steal some of your mother's things, Bella. They completely demolished everything else and they spent quite a bit of time doing it. This was an attack."
His strong words cause an uneasy feeling to swell up inside of me.
"We'll need to talk to Caius," Jake says seriously, addressing Seraphina.
She simply nods in acceptance.
"If they came here to steal the Grimoires, we'll need to speak to Caius regardless. He's the only one who might be able to figure out what they're after."
I feel my wolf rise to her feet as we both turn our attention to my cousin. Baring her teeth she shows her strength radiating it through me.
"Have you told Carlisle about this?" I ask, boldly holding his gaze.
As Carlisle's second hand man now that Edward was out of town, he should feel obligated to inform his Alpha about this. However, I couldn't let that happen. When he eventually flinches and bows his head ever so slightly in submission, I feel a surge of power build up inside me. Trying not to think too much about it, I focus my attention on anxiously awaiting his response.
"No," he shakes his head.
"Edward asked me not to. Besides," he takes a breath.
"I don't think the current Pack Alpha will have much success talking to members of the Coven. You, however, might be just the one to bridge the gap between the witches and the wolves and get some answers. We'll keep this in the family for now. We, Swans, stick together and support one another, Bella, never doubt that."
Nodding my agreement, I turn my attention to Seraphina.
"Can you arrange a meeting with Caius? We need to know why they stole those books."
Strong determination fills my aunt's features.
"He won't come here. This is Pack land and Caius has a uhm… healthy fear of wolves."
Alec snorts at his mother's response.
"He's scared shitless," my young cousin shoots in and my aunt automatically whacks the back of his head at his poor choice in words. Jane snickers.
"I can ask him to come by the house, or we can go to the Vault."
Considering our options, I look at the time.
"Will there be many people at the Coven library at this hour?"
Seraphina shakes her head.
"None, even the librarian will have left for the day. Caius will be the only one there and perhaps Royce."
Clenching my jaw, I nod my head.
"Then I think it's best if we go to the Vault. I don't want to wait."
Everyone bobs their heads in agreement.
"No one else can know," I warn, sending a serious look to both Jane and Alec. My two young cousins have become involved in this now and we can't risk them spilling the beans about this to anyone.
"We need answers."
