Chapter 32: Return to the place of nightmares and yet the beginning of dreams.
A/N: Hi my wonderful readers just wanted to answer your questions!
So, a lot of you have asked why the volturi would let the Cullen's go back to forks when they are being punished.
Well remember it's been a few months since Bella left the volturi and While the Cullen's are still under the volturi's rule, that doesn't mean they can't come back to their old home and get a few items. Also, we don't know why the Cullen's want to see Bella, it could be for revenge or truly just a visit but after they have been around the volturi we don't know how they have changed and with Bella going to them, hopefully it will eliminate a need for the Cullen's to come back. Also Remember before this chapter the volturi don't know of Bella's new transformation. So that should help ease the tension of her being human.
On with the story!
….
Jared pov:
"Stupid, stupid, stupid. This whole thing is stupid." Jared grumbled as he threw a rock across the frozen pond. In his other hand was cell phone. A cell phone that had been used to call Sam. 23 times to be exact and no answer.
Jared was beyond angry. He was furious, confused, and downright betrayed.
How could Sam just leave and not tell him especially after the lies that were told. Sam was his best friend. They had been friends before they became wolves and yet all their dreams had fallen apart. They were going to go to college, rent an apartment and find the girl of their dreams. And yet all that had gone to pieces when they phased. It wasn't that he didn't like it but phasing sometimes got in the way of his life plans.
That included now.
He may not have been able to go to college, but he still had his best friend at least he thought.
To make it worse, Paul was allowing Bella to go back to the demons in Italy. It was insane and it made the fur on Jared's wolf stand up. He wasn't as close to Bella as everyone else was, but she was still pack and knowing she was going to put her life in danger once again was plain stupid. He would never let Kim do anything that crazy. He'd lock her up and throw away the key for just thinking about it. Paul on the hand, he let Bella do whatever the heck she wanted. Truthfully, Jared was a little jealous at the way Paul and Bella looked at each other. It wasn't an imprint…it was love. Pure, and untainted love. Love made by a choice. He and Kim didn't have that. He hadn't even noticed her, never cared and then bam. He bent down to pick up a pencil, their eyes locked, and he was tied. As time went on, he learned to tolerate Kim and enjoy her company. He cared for her deeply but, Jared would never look at her the way Paul looked at Bella.
"For someone who doesn't care, you sure are angry…"
Jared didn't look up as the person approached. He already knew who it was.
"whatever man. Don't act like you care."
A snort sounded in the winter night as the snow began to fall heavier than before.
"oh, trust me, we don't care all that much, but pack is pack right?" Paul questioned.
"Why did Sam leave? And why in the world did he put you in charge! I have the most experience with this pack. Why you?" Jared asked bitterly.
"Because he asked us to. Once again, this is just temporary. Once Sam returns, we will gladly be out of your hair. Besides if Sam had chosen you do you really think you could handle all of this?" Paul asked as he waved his hand around.
After a moment of thought Jared shrugged his shoulders. As much as he didn't want to admit it Paul was right. He probably would have handled the whole situation badly and made horrible decisions out of anger and desperation. Besides from Quill and Leah's thoughts alone, it seemed that Paul was a chill guy and to the packs shock, it turns out Mr. silent was a freaking Billionaire and no one on the reservation knew it. The man was rolling in money but for the life of him, Jared didn't know how or why Paul hid it.
"yeah, I guess Your right. you know for someone who just sent there fiancée to the demon lair, you sure are calm." Jared asked genuinely.
There was silence before Paul responded.
"wife. She is our wife now. We wouldn't dare let her leave without taking our name…
….
Bella hesitated as the jet landed. Of course, Paul had his own personal jet and a limo service at the ready. Looking out the window, she saw the rolling hills of Italy, covered in snow, as the moon shone brightly.
It was better to meet the kings at night then during the day and it gave her vampire body guards a free pass to not be as careful.
"Darn it Bella. I may not be able to feel your emotions… but I can see your facial expressions, what going on with you girl?" jasper asked as he took a seat next to her.
Bella played with her giant wedding ring as she collected her thoughts. The moment she had agreed to fly to Italy, Paul had swept her off her feet and dialed multiple numbers, speaking in French the whole time. The only two people who seemed to understand him were Adeline and Addi. The latter who had also been put on guard duty. Well, more like fervently volunteered to do so. It had become quite a shock when Paul asked for their nuptials to be done earlier than expected. And when he said earlier, he meant the very next day in the presence of her father and few selected pack members. Paul had even called an elderly family member from France to do the ceremony. It was surprising what money and a mix of the supernatural could do because the elder was there within a matter of hours. And not mention her fathers revelation. As she looked at jasper, she couldn't help but be irritated and yet empathetic. Jasper always had good intentions.
Flashback:
"Are you nervous kiddo?" Charlie asked as he leaned against the door to Paul's guestroom.
"…A little but I am more surprised at how well your taking this dad." Bella questioned as she brushed her now neck length hair. It had grown since she cut it.
Her father moved from the door to an empty chair. He took the brush from her hand as he looked at her. There were tears in his eyes.
"…I know so much has been going on in our lives, mainly yours that you and I have not gotten a chance to talk…but...last night, that Cullen boy…uh Jackson? Japer? Jasper. Jasper was his name. He called me. He wanted to meet with me. Now knowing how busy you and Paul were with planning this last-minute wedding, I didn't want to interrupt so …I went. I dont know why but I felt like I had to. And I am glad I did. He told me everything Bella. Everything. I know about your aunt and how she betrayed your mother. How your aunt wanted to make our lives a living hell."
Her father paused as he openly wept. His next words sent chills down Bella's spine.
"jasper. He… He took me to see your mother. She's staying in the Cullen's home. It's the last place your aunt would even think your mother would be. They also think she aunt went back to phoenix for the time being. Jasper think she's getting her affairs in order down there and then she'll come back here for you but that's not the point. The point is baby girl, I got see your mother and…in that moment, I realize she was everything I was missing. I had been so miserable without her and I couldn't understand before I knew the truth why your mother, well your aunt had been so bitter but now I know. The women I was married to during our shirt time together, she was my life and then your aunt to over and she ruined that. Bella when you're I laid eyes on your mother last night… I ...I felt a peace like never before but most of the love…the love I thought I lost had burst like dam. What I am trying to say is…Paul …is everything you deserve. The same way you two look at each other is the same way your mother and I looked at each other after all these years. You got a good thing here baby girl and I am more then proud to walk you down the aisle."
Bella's mouth went dry as she looked at her father.
"jasper took you to see mom! What…what did she look like? Is….is she ok? Did…did you two kiss?how is she?"
"calm down kiddo. She's still sick and injured. Your aunt did a number on her. Right now, she's going to stay in hiding until Its time, Bella she asked so many questions about you and she's been looking through this photo album I brought to her none stop. She misses you. Misses us. Regaining her memories, put her through the ringer. She's so angry at herself and is ready to strangle the living daylights out of your aunt but we cant rush things. We must be ready. She wanted me to tell you that she loves you, more then her own life and that she will see you soon. I couldn't stay long though, Jasper said we didn't want to draw attention to ourselves. So, rest easy. Its going to work out. Now lets get you married I- "
Her father was cut off by a knock on the door. He looked towards her first to make sure it was ok.
With approval from her, her father opened the door.
"yes?" he asked.
After a few mumbled words, her father nodded and stepped out. In place of him was a women pale skin, green eyes, and snow-white hair.
"Hello my dear. Oh, you look wonderful. Do you by any chance have any idea who I am?" The women asked her thick French accent gracing her words.
"um no mam I'm afraid I don't but if I took a guess, I would say you know Paul?" Bella suggested as she tried to regain her thoughts from her father's revelation.
The women let out a soft chuckle as she sat in the empty chair next to her.
"know him? I raised him along side my ariel. I am Emma, his aunt. I am so sorry for my daughters behavior. It was inappropriate and disgusting, she is under a heavy punishment. And don't get me started on my sister, Paul's mother. It seems like there are always bad apples in the family. Anyway, sweetheart, I am the one who is going to marrying you into our wonderful family. We are so excited to have you. You make our boy so happy. Per our tradition, the ceremony would normally take place on the Renard estate, but the elders understand the situation is delicate. They have always had a soft spot for our Paulie. Anyway, I think have talked your ear off enough, Welcome to the family mia Bella.'"
With that said, Emma stood to leave, but then quickly grabbed Bella and hugged her hard.
"oh, my dear. Your soul is so beautiful and your union to Paul is so bright. We are blessed to have you. You have no idea how...precious you are to this clan. We have prayed for you."
After a few sniffles, Emma let her go and walked out the door.
Bella however was left stunned.
This was bigger than she thought.
End flashback
"are you mad at me darlin?" jasper asked shyly.
Bella let go of her anger and allowed a small smile to play upon her face.
"not when your using that accent. Now, I admit at first, I was... but now…now I understand. My dad, needed to see my mom first and coming from me, he might have panicked and had a fit. So…. thank you, jazz. One less thing for us to worry about. I love you; you know that. You're the best brother ever."
Jasper looked taken aback.
"you...you would still call me family? After all the hurt I put you through. I was the reason we left."
"on no you don't Whitlock. We are not arguing over this. It happened, it's over, move forward."
"Whatever you desire Mrs. Renard, or should I say, Bella Renard, all powerful leader of the Renard clan. Wait till the kings get ahold of that. They'll be bowing at your feet." Jasper laughed.
Bella rolled her eyes, as their entourage let out chuckles of their own.
"whatever, now lets go over the plan." Bella said a little annoyed. She wasn't used to the new title in her name. While she knew how important Paul's family was, she didn't realize just how prominent and powerful they were and now she was one of them.
"ok. Just as we planned you and Addi will phase and hide in my and peters coat. As soon as we get into the throne room, you both will phase back and reveal yourselves and we will go from there sound good?"
All heads nodded.
It was Go time.
….
Bella closed her eyes as she laid against jaspers cold chest.
Even though she couldn't hear. She could still see the halls of the volturi castle in her mind. Without hesitation the flashbacks from her first encountered hit her hard.
Flashback:
Bella hung on to Edward and Alice as they followed the red eyed, burly vampires into the dark caverns of the unknown. After what felt like forever, they were led to a narrow hallway, lit by torches on the wall.
"Bet the human pees herself once the master get a hold of her." The blond female known as jane sneered. Knowing full well, Bella could hear her.
The other vampire next to jane, Demetri sneered and made a comment that she couldn't hear.
Bella continued to cling to Edward as they came closer to the throne room doors.
Suddenly, Edward and Alice froze as Edward hissed.
"No, are you out of your minds! Absolutely not!"
Immediately, Demetri and jane turned. Black eyes and wicked smiles.
"you kept your pet human. The masters are not pleased. She will see the consequences."
"no!" Edward yelled as he pulled Bella back. His grip bruising her arms.
All around her were hisses and snarls and Bella screamed as Edward and Alice were sudden on the ground withering in pain.
"Demetri! Grab her and take her to the masters. The Cullen's will learn from their disrespect! And get Alec while you're in there. "jane screeched a look of evil and joy on her face.
And just when Bella thought things couldn't get any worse. It did.
The throne room doors opened, her stomach lurched and her voiced went raw from the screams.
On the ground, covered in blood, and screaming were people. Humans. Being drained from a handful of vampires. But the worse part of it was the bodies piling up and some bodies parts in a corner.
She struggled in Demetri's grip, but it was no use. He was not letting her go.
To her horror, as man was being ripped apart before her eyes. He was being held by the throat while two vampires ripped off his arms and legs.
The scream would haunt her dreams.
Suddenly, everything was silent, and words were being spoken.
"Ahhh! It seems, Isabella is alive after all! But where may I ask is young Edward? And young Alice?"
A vampire with long black hair and bright red eyes asked.
"They are being punished by jane, my lord." Demetri answered.
"hmm. I see. Felix go see after jane and tell her to hurry."
"yes, lord Aro." An unseen vampire answered.
Bella trembled as the vampire crept towards her, a creepy smile on his face. His hands reached out to touch hers and Bella saw black.
It was when Bella felt familiar cold hands on her face that her eyes opened. Crouched in front of her was Edward. His hands gingerly holding her face. Dark circles and a tortured look plagued his face.
"ahh, young Bella is awake. Humans are so frail."
The vampire whom she now knew was Aro had look of subtle anger on his face.
"now that she is awake. We can stop stalling. Young Edward, come."
Edward stared at Bella once more before he went to Aro. A sense of dread filled Bella's gut.
She looked around to spot Alice and when she did, the dread was worse. Alice stood against a wall; her shoulders slumped.
"fool!"
All eyes turned to see Aro, who had slapped Edward so hard his face cracked.
"Alice. Here! Now!" Aro barked his anger, rising by the moment.
Alice hesitated but some prompting from Demetri, had her before the enraged vampire.
Aro was Quick to grab Alice's hand and after a few seconds Alice was violently thrown against a wall.
"VIPERS! YOU LOT!" Aro bellowed.
Bella let out a small shriek.
It was then all eyes turned to her. Some pitch black and some dark red.
Aro was just about to approach her when a man about a few feet taller than Aro, stopped him. The man had blonde hair. Platinum blonde. It reminded her of Draco Malfoy's father just a vampire version.
The vampire said something too fast for her to hear but as soon as the words left his mouth Aro was snapping his fingers.
"Felix! Demetri take young Isabella and get her on the next flight to forks Washington. Young Cullen's. You two will be staying."
End Pov:
That day had been the last time she saw Edward and Alice. Bella took a deep breath as she heard the soft murmurings of those around them and before she knew she could smell the lingering scent of blood.
They were in the throne room.
"Mr. Whitlock? And guest? It is surprising to see you both so suddenly! Is Maria taken care of?"
Bella felt Jasper bow and respond.
"yes, sir she is. We have taken down her army by thousands, now we are just cleaning up. But that is not what we are here to discuss with you…"
It was now or never. Today would change all of their lives and if they didn't come back alive, at least they died trying.