Tidus' Point of View
We hadn't quite reached Italy yet, but I had a nagging feeling that it would be for the best to stop traveling for the night. I had lost track of what country we were in now. But if my memory serves me right, we are in France.
This wasn't the first time that I had traveled to France, but this was the first time that I would be visiting with a kidnapped woman.
How in the hell did I manage to get myself into this situation? Why did I choose to involve myself in Caius' plans? The question had a simple answer. Fear.
Caius has kept me by his side, secretly for years… decades. He felt that I belonged to him… Like I was some kind of expensive property. I had no one else, no family, nothing to call home, so of course I agreed to stay with him. I was a young fool. I didn't realize what that meant, I didn't realize that I was offering away my freedom. Caius basically raised me as a boy, I had idealized him, he was like a father. But I never was good enough to be his son. \
Then I learned who Caius really was. A sadistic monster. The closest thing to pure evil. I hated him. I wanted to run away and start over my life as far from him as possible. But he wouldn't grant me that luxury. Bella was the key to my freedom. If I give Bella to him, he will have a replacement. I can go free.
It sounded cowardly… and cruel, but I just can't handle another decade as Caius' right hand man. Bella was strong, and if she stays asleep, like she is now, Caius won't get much enjoyment out of her… maybe he will choose to let her go.
With a heavy sigh, I turned from the balcony of the hotel room we are staying in. It was a beautiful night. The stars hung above my head, so bright, even though the city lights below were on and just as brilliant. A peaceful canal ran along the old grey brick roads. Boats floated past, as calm as the gentle breeze that blew a few strands of hair from my face. The wind had brought the smell of the street vendors, selling their smoked meats and exotic fruits. I could hear the purr of the car engines belong and the soft music flooded up to my window from the bar across the street.
I wish that Bella could see how beautiful France is. It was unfair. And it was my fault.
Striding back into the room, I sat down on the bed opposite of Bella's. I had laid her down on the queen sized bed, closest to the door. I knew that vampires didn't get cold, but I covered her with a huge comforter. It looked more comfortable.
Her dark mahogany curls tumbled down past her shoulders, some curls falling over her breasts. Her eyes stayed shut, she didn't move, or breathe. At times I began to suspect that she was dead. But I had to keep reminding myself that she was just in some kind of coma. Her body is turned off, while her mind is running and fighting against itself.
I stretched my arms up towards the ceiling, stretching to relieve my aching muscles and shuddering when I heard the quiet cracking sound of my joints. I was exhausted. Even though I was half vampire, the wolf side of me was tired and really needed some sleep. I knew that it was a bad idea… but I was already half asleep.
Just a quick ten minute nap.
I slowly let my body sink into the bed. It wasn't too comfortable, it was still, as if I was lying on cement floors. But the pillow was very soft. That small amount of comfort was enough for me to fall asleep. I wasn't sure how long I had been sleeping, but I was woken by the bright light of the sun dancing in my window.
Groaning, I turned my back to the window, to avoid the sun getting into my eyes. I allowed myself to go back to sleep. I was still exhausted. I'm sure I haven't been sleeping that long. Ten more minutes, than Bella and I can get back on the road to Italy.
Bella's Point of View
I was trapped, it was very dark. The cold metal chains wrapped around both my wrists and my ankles. I felt a hot breath on my neck. I could hear his voice. Aro's voice. I could remember it vividly now. I could remember feeling alone, terrified and humiliated. I was pinned to a wall, naked. Cold. I was completely powerless. That was the worst part of this whole situation. I realized how weak and powerless I was. I couldn't protect any of those other women. Cathy, Monica… Jennifer. There was nothing I could do to save them, I couldn't even save myself.
I am weak. Maybe I deserve to be in this situation. I lifted my head for a moment, as I heard a pair of footsteps approaching. Demetri was now standing in front of me, with a wide brilliant smile.
His voice sounded so familiar and warm, that I instantly clung to his words. "You don't deserve to be here. You are the woman that has changed my life for the better. You made me become a father. And showed me a love that I could never deserve."
It felt like tears would start coming to my face, but nothing came. As touched as I was by his kind words, I couldn't convey them in the form of joyful tears. The reality of that, made me remember that I was a vampire now. I wasn't human. I wasn't that weak, fraile human girl that can't stand up for herself.
Another set of footsteps started towards me. I looked up in time to see the one person I yearned to see the most. Edward stood in front of me, dazzling and breath-takingly handsome. His topaz eyes engulfed me entirely. I was trapped in his gaze.
He was the one that freed me from this prison. And what had I done to repay his kindness? I decided to choose Demetri. How could I ever forgive myself? Why did Edward forgive me?
"Demetri is an important part of your life, I'll always respect that. You did what you did… for your son. Every choice you ever made was for Darius. And when things didn't work out, I was there… waiting." Edward spoke gently. His hand came out to my cheek, but I couldn't feel the contact.
"I should have known… Demetri was one of the men that had raped me. He violated me, just like the others. Why would I trust him? Why would I choose him over you? The very person who saved me?" I muttered, unable to keep eye contact with Edward.
"You didn't know me, I was a complete stranger to you, when we met. But Demetri, he was there from the start. He was kind to you, it's something that no one offered you during your time in the dungeon. You clung to him. Because you desperately needed someone that made you feel loved and safe. But, after finding out what kind of man he really is… you decided that you deserve better." Edward spoke up again.
I finally looked back to him, feeling a smile come to my face. Of course Edward knew exactly what to say. He made everything better. For once, my mind felt clear. I understood my feelings and emotions better than I ever did before.
I didn't choose Demetri over Edward. I choose to be with someone that made me feel human again. I didn't know that Demetri was just showing me a mask. He presented as a kind and gentle man, who would save me from the hell I was trapped in. But I soon found out that he was just as damaged and broken as I was. He couldn't bring me that happiness that I needed. He couldn't even bring happiness to himself.
So, when I finally saw the truth about Demetri, I did what I thought was best for me and Darius.
I felt an intense feeling piece into my chest. I let out a gasp of surprise as the metal chains around my wrists and ankles fell to pieces at my feet. I was free.
Quickly I went to Edward, who pulled me in for a tender embrace. I couldn't feel him. I knew that he wasn't really here. I knew in this moment that I was trapped in a vision of my own creation.
"Don't be afraid." Edward whispered into my ear, before he completely vanished from my arms.
Now I was alone, in darkness. But I wasn't afraid. Not anymore. So, when everything went completely black, and I couldn't see anything anymore, I knew that I was about to wake up.
The next thing that happened, I felt my eyes flickering open and a harsh headache start. I sat up slowly, glancing around the room. I didn't recognize where I was. It appeared to be a hotel room. It was dark outside, but the sky glistened with stars.
A soft snore, caught my attention. I took note of Tidus, asleep in the other bed, closest to the window. He looked to be in a deep sleep.
I was completely confused as to why I was here with him. The last thing that I could remember was, Tidus trying to help me control my abilities. The memories that he was telling me, must have caused my ability to activate on myself. Since I'm awake, I must have been able to make it through the trauma. I regained all my memories. But that didn't explain why I was here.
Something told me that I needed to get out of here. I needed to make my way back home. I had know idea how long I'd been in a coma. Edward and the kids would be worried. But should I really let Tidus here by himself?
Quietly, I made my way out to the balcony. I peered around the quiet city. I definitely was far from home. Quickly I jumped from the balcony and made my way through the city. I had to make my way to the closest airport. Judging by all the signs that I passed, I guessed that I must be in France. The signs were all in french, and in the background, I noticed the eiffel tower. I paused only for a moment to take a good look at it.
As much as I wanted to sight-see, I had to get back home. I dug in my pocket for my cell phone, relieved to see that it was still charged.
I instantly dialed Edward's number as I continued to run. Thankfully he answered on the first ring.
"Who is this?" His voice growled on the other end of the phone. I was completely surprised by how hostile his voice was. I had never heard him so angry.
"Edward, it's me, Bella." I said gently.
His tone changed completely. "Bella, love, where are you? Are you alright? Where is Tidus?"
"I'm perfectly fine. Um… I just woke up… I think I'm in Paris. When I woke up, Tidus was asleep in the hotel room that he must have taken us to. What's going on?"
"Listen closely, this was all just a trap. Tidus kidnapped you. With Casey's help. They are trying to deliver you to Caius in Italy." Edward spoke slowly and cautiously "You need to go somewhere safe, so I can come and get you."
His words sent fear tumbling inside me. I quickened my pace as I finally made it to the airport. I searched for the next flight out of France. I needed to get some distance from Tidus.
"What? I can't believe it… I mean… I really thought Casey was… our friend." I sighed. "What did she do? How did she help Tidus kidnap me?"
"She had to distract all of us… while Tidus took you away. She… poisoned Avery." His voice went quieter.
I could tell he wasn't telling me the whole story. He was withholding something.
"Is she alright? I mean Carlisle must have saved her… right?" I spoke as I collected my plane ticket, and made my way to the gate.
It was quiet on the other end of the phone. I could only hear a quiet sigh.
"Edward." I breathed, letting my eyes close tightly.
His silence spoke to me. It said that I really didn't want to hear what he was about to say.
"She didn't make it… she passed away."
No… not Avery…. She was so… innocent. She just had a baby. She was finally starting to feel safe and happy. How could this be happening?
I was surprised that I was more angry than sad. This felt personal. Avery was my friend. And she so desperately wanted me to accept her relationship with Demetri. She just wanted all of us to be friends. Not only for our kids, but for ourselves. She wanted us to be adults. Now she was gone. She would never get to see her child grow up.
My dead heart pained, in a way that I didn't know I would still be able to feel. I would never forgive Casey. In fact. It would be me, that would end her life.
"Bella, please… say something." Edward spoke quietly.
"This ends, today." I said, a frown coming to my face. "We are going to kill Caius today."
"Yes, it's time. We have a plan, but first, I need to see you. Where can I meet you?" Edward sounded concerned.
"The next flight leaving France is Switzerland. That's where I'll be flying to." I said quietly.
"Okay, once you land in Switzerland, check into a hotel, don't use your real name. I'll call you once I land in Switzerland as well." He said. "I love you, stay safe."
"I love you too." I said, and hung up.
Anxiety was rolling around in my stomach as I waited for the plane. Tidus could show up at any moment. If he did… What was I going to do if he showed up here? He couldn't do anything in front of all these people. But I guess that would depend on how desperately he wanted to take me. He could do the same thing that Caius did to that entire high school full of kids.
I didn't know Tidus well… but he was only half vampire. If it came to a fight… I think that I could take him.
Rosalie's Point of View
I couldn't believe that this was happening. I couldn't believe that I had trusted Casey… no… more than trusted… I thought of her as a daughter. I wanted to help her. But now, she showed her true colors. We were all fooled. So now, this precious infant would never see his mother.
Elijah was asleep in my arms, he had fallen asleep drinking from his bottle. It was a mixture of breast milk, that Avery had pumped prior and blood from the left over blood transfusions of Avery's delivery. She had wanted to offer all of herself, to her son. The day that all her blood and milk were used up… would be a sad day. It would be the last thing she ever did for her son.
Avery had confided in me that if anything ever was to happen to her, she would want Demetri to care for the baby as the full guardian. However, she asked that I help him, as the baby's godmother. It was an honor… one that I would take very seriously. From this day on, I would be this child's mother. I would care for him and teach him everything he would ever need to know. But I would be sure I tell him everything about his real mother. He would know Avery.
It's the least I could do for her. Maybe her future would have been different… if I hadn't shut her off… and decided to end our relationship. I was just… so angry and upset with everyone. I took it out on her… and now she was dead.
Pain shot in my chest as I wrestled with my guilt.
At the moment, I brought Elijah in to see his father. Demetri still hasn't woken up from Bella's ability. He laid completely still, not breathing. There was no sign of life. I sat at the side of his bed, I didn't know what I was waiting for. There was no way that Demetri would be waking up any time soon. I had lost hope of that happening. Maybe it would be better without him. Who knows how he would react to the news of Avery passing away. Maybe it would cause him to slip back into being the angry jackass he was before.
"Rose, it's safe to come out now." I heard the thick jamacian accent of Jada from the other room.
The sound of her voice annoyed me. It wasn't that I hated her. But just the fact that she had swooped in and stole Emmett's heart so completely… it made me feel jealous. Sure she was pretty, but she didn't hold a candle to my beauty. I don't know what Emmett could possibly see in her.
"I'll be out in a minute." I called back coldly.
Charlie had mentioned that he was going to call in some reinforcements. Apparently the old chief knew some friends that could help us protect the children… just in case of an attack. With all our strongest fighters on their way to Italy, we were in danger.
I was warned that I wouldn't be too happy with this situation. But at this point, it didn't matter who it was… as long as they could keep these kids safe.
I gathered my breath and attempted a fake smile, as I walked out of Demetri's room. However, the moment that I smelled the disgusted scent of soil and forest, I felt myself freeze at the doorway.
Right before my eyes, I spotted a large group of men and one woman. I instantly knew… this was the La Push pack of dogs.
No. Nope. I don't think so. This wasn't happening. There is no way that these mutts were here actually… to help.
"What the hell is going on here?" I demanded, marching over to where Charlie was standing next to a frail man, in a wheelchair.
The man flinched at my closeness and instantly wheeled himself further away from me. His face was full of fear, but he held up a mask on his face, with a tough expression. He wanted to appear brave and unphased by my presence, but he was truly terrified.
"Now, calm down Rose. They are good friends of mine." Charlie said, folding his arms across his chest. "They are here to help."
"Do your friends know that you are a vampire… that we are sworn enemies?" I asked, slowly rocking Elijah in my arms, as he began to wake up.
One of the men stepped forward, his bare chest and grisly muscles were impressive, but the smell of him was enough to distract me from his good looks.
"We know Charlie, we have kept contact with him, throughout his transformation. We are caught up to speed on the situation. The Cullen's aren't our enemy for today. There is a bigger threat to humans at the moment. So… for today. We are putting our treaty on hold. For long enough to help."
I was about to speak up, but was interrupted by Rene flying into the room with a large plate of lunch meat sandwiches, hotdogs and burgers. She had a huge smile on her face as she presented the plate to the group of men.
"Lunch is ready guys, eat up." She smiled from ear to ear.
Instantly the group all went to grab some food. The only ones that didn't move, was the man in the wheelchair, and the man that had spoken up first.
He was clearly the leader of this pack.
The man in the wheelchair, kept his eyes on one of the guys in the group. He watched him with concern. "Jake," I heard him mutter under his breath.
The boy must have heard him. He turned around, taking a huge bite out of the burger in his hands. "Yeah dad, you want something?"
The man in the wheelchair shook his head. "Never mind,"
So, the man in the wheelchair was that boy's father. I guess that explains why he was here… it's not like this man could do anything to help us.
The one that caught my attention the most however, is the girl. She didn't move, she didn't even look in the direction of the food. She just stood there… like a statue. I didn't even notice that her eyes were focused on Elijah.
The leader moved to gently shake the girl's shoulder. "Leah? Are you alright?"
She shrugged off his touch as she slowly moved in my direction, she still didn't look away from Elijah.
I glared at her, backing away. "You better call off your dog."
This wolf girl was a few inches away from getting hit. If she hurts this baby, I would kill her myself… make myself a nice coat out of her fur.
Elijah looked towards the wolf girl now, a smile coming to his face. He opened his mouth just for a moment, letting out a gentle coo. The sound seemed to put a spell over the wolf. She paused, still staring.
"Shit," She hissed under her breath. Instantly she turned roughly away and marched away from us. She ran to the door and slammed it shut as she went running into the woods.
"What the hell was that?" I asked, turning to the leader.
His face finally showed emotion, his hands balled into fists at his side. He didn't make eye contact. "It appears… that Leah… may have imprinted… on that baby."
What do you think so far?
