Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope your week has been great so far! Currently I'm working on Chapter Forty-Six, so I figured I'd let you guys catch up a bit. Some big things happening in this story. I hope you all are prepared! And I pray this chapter comes as a surprise and not a cheesy bad plot. Be nice if you review because I wasn't 100% sure about this decision. But I do hope you like it!

Chapter Thirty-Nine

I couldn't help my bouncing leg as we drove to my bakery. I haven't been back there in a week, but today Edward and I were going to go pack up my apartment.

Edward and I talked about it. I was a little too afraid to go back to the apartment and Edward didn't want me living there by myself. So, until my attacker is caught and behind bars, I'll be staying with Edward. It wasn't a permanent situation, but it put both of us at ease.

The dogs were staying too. Edward hired a dog walker to come by during the day and take them out for an hour to get some exercise. And Edward's associate was going to stay in the apartment during the day and keep an eye on things. I would've usually felt uncomfortable with all of this, but with my near death experience I was a little more open to all of the extra security.

We pulled into a space in front of my bakery. A lump suddenly formed in my throat, and I couldn't help but tense up as I stared down the ally of my apartment.

"If you don't want to do this today—," Edward started.

"No," I shook my head, "No. I need to do this."

"I'm right here," He gripped my hand, "I won't let anything happen to you."

I closed my eyes and nodded. Before getting out of the car, I took a deep breath. Edward had my crutches ready for me when I got out. My leg was healing fine and I was able to walk a little without my crutches, but my doctor didn't want me to push it.

We slowly walked around the building to my apartment. My breathing was shaky when we reached the stairs.

"It's okay," Edward whispered, his lips pressed against my head, "You're okay. I'm right here."

I nodded, "Let's go."

He helped me up the stairs, it took a minute, but he was patient. One of the many traits I loved about Edward.

I was shocked to see how destroyed my apartment was. Things were thrown all over the place. My furniture was tossed, and everything that could be broken, was broke. I couldn't help the flood of tears that fell down my cheeks.

"Bella, why don't we go out to lunch and I can get someone to come clean this."

"No, I need to do this." I said.

"Are you okay if I go get the boxes?"

I nodded, "Just don't be long."

While he went to go get the boxes, I started straightening up. I needed to get my clothes, and I wanted to get my personal items, like pictures, knick-knacks and what not. Edward returned and helped me move the bed back in place.

"What the hell is that stain?" I said, my nose wrinkling.

"You don't want to know," Edward, "Don't worry, the police already got the sample."

"Ugh," I shuddered, "I'm burning the bed."

"Already done," Edward dragged the mattress out of the apartment and tossed it down the stairs.

I guess it was time I got a new mattress. I had that one since I was like nine. It was a good mattress, and someone had just defiled it in such a disgusting manner.

I looked around my little apartment that once felt so safe and secure. It had been all mine, and someone ruined it. All the hours I spent cleaning and decorating. The beautiful, delicate flowers I painted on the wall. I had worked so hard to make this place home, and now it was just gone.

I couldn't stop myself from crying again. All my hard work was for nothing.

"It's okay, Bella," He whispered, wrapping his arms around me, pressing his chest tight against my back.

"I know it's going to be okay," I sniffled, "I just… all the work I put into this place. Now it's all tainted. I hate being here. It reminds me of that night. I don't know if I could ever come back here and live."

He kissed the top of my head, "I promise you it's going to be okay. I know it seems bad now, but we're going to take care of that asshole and everything will be back to normal."

I nodded and spun around in his arms, wrapping my arms around him, and squeezing tightly. I was so thankful for him.

We finished packing up the important stuff. The furniture was going to be taken out by movers and put in a secondhand shop. I was really upset that I had to sell my things, but I couldn't look at them without thinking of that night.

"Knock, knock," Chelsea said as she walked into the apartment, "Hey Bella."

"Hey Chelsea," I smiled, "How are you?"

She walked over and gave me a quick hug, "I'm fine, how are you doing? I heard about what happened."

I sighed, "Well, I've been better."

"I bet. We were all so worried about you," She said, "So, you're moving out?"

"Just for a little while." I said, "I'm moving in with my boyfriend."

"Oh," She said sadly, "Are you shutting down the bakery?"

"No, of course not," I said quickly, "I'll be back baking in a week. I just had to take a little break because of my leg, but the doctor said it's healing up just fine."

"That's good. I know everyone will be happy to see you back." She said, "Man, I really thought the neighborhood was getting better."

"What do you mean?"

"I know you had an encounter with those assholes who collect insurance from everyone. Well, a week after that incident, they stopped coming around. We all thought they freaked out because you didn't take their crap. But then this happened."

I nodded, "I'm pretty sure that's why I was attacked. But the police aren't sure yet. Edward said he hired a private investigator, so hopefully he can figure it out."

"I hope they figured out who did this. Afton has been freaking out. He wants to move, but I refuse to give up the store."

"I don't blame you. Don't give up the store. They aren't after anyone besides me."

"Hey, Bella," Edward said as he came into the apartment, "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

"I should get going," Chelsea said, "Feel better Bella. Call if you need anything."

"See ya Chelsea." I said, "What's up?"

"I have to go attend an urgent meeting across town. I don't want to leave you here by yourself. Are you okay going to my parent's house and hanging with my mother?"

"Sure," I said, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, just some business to take care of."

I had gotten everything I wanted. I wouldn't have to come back to get anything else. Now Edward's associate was free to move in. The moving company was coming tomorrow, and they'd be taking the rest of the stuff to the Goodwill.

Edward drove me to his parent's house, helping me in before giving me a quick kiss and heading off.

"Bella," Esme said as she walked over and hugged me, "How are you feeling hon?"

"I'm good." I shrugged.

"Well come on in. Rosalie and Alice are in the kitchen. I just finished lunch."

Edward's POV

I was trying to control my nerves as I drove across town to the meeting. Aro had finally gotten back to us and set up this meeting. My father, Emmett and Jasper were already there, along with a few other associates.

I had a feeling Aro had been behind Bella's attack. My anger was already hard to control, but I knew seeing Aro, it would take exceptional control to contain it.

The meeting was outside of town. Outside of our territory which made me worry. You only met someone outside of your zone when they were planning on taking it. If Aro thought he was taking New York, he had another thing coming. I had a bullet with his name written on it.

The meeting was inside of what seemed to be an abandoned office building. This was so unlike Aro. He preferred fancy restaurants or upscale buildings. Of course, Aro pulling any of this shit was out of the ordinary.

Everyone was waiting outside for me to arrive. I nodded to them and we walked into the building. I was right about it being abandoned. The floor was just dirt, and the walls were covered in graffiti.

There was a table in the middle of the room with one chair. I immediately sat down, refusing to give Aro the respect of shaking his hand.

A man walked into the room and sat down in the chair across from me. My jaw nearly hit the floor. Everyone behind me seemed to lose their shit as well. I knew I had to keep my composure, but this was just too shocking.

"Good to see you again, Eddie." James said, smiling sadistically.

"How…How are you still alive? I put a bullet in your head."

He laughed, "Naw, you put a bullet in my brother's head. Scary how much we looked alike huh?"

I just glared at him, biting the tip of my tongue, and keeping my hand still. I wanted to blow his brains out.

"I can see it on your face that you're confused, so let me give you a little clarification," He said, "Your little techy over there didn't do a good enough background check. My brother and I worked for you, for years and you never noticed. Some leader you are."

I clenched my fist, "Let's cut the bullshit. What do you want?"

"Oh just a few things," He shrugged nonchalantly, "New York for starters. The Cullen family to disappear. And that little bitch who shot me. Not too much."

"And why do you think I would give you any of that?"

He looked to one of his associates who dropped an envelope down onto the table. James opened it and pulled out a stack of large photos. With a swipe of his hand he had spread the photos out so I could see.

There was one of Bella grocery shopping, another of her reading a book, one of her locking up the bakery, one of us together intimately, and one of her getting out of her bathtub. I felt a surge of fiery heat rush through my veins. Knowing that these motherfuckers have seen her like this was almost too much to bear.

"Bet you're wondering how I got these pictures?" James smiled.

"I don't really give a fuck. But I can tell you, that you won't ever get that close to her again."

"Yeah right," He snorted, "Let me guess, she's at the main house now? With all the other ladies?"

When I didn't say anything, he chuckled.

"Thought so," He said, "See, for years I've watched you. I've studied your ways, your techniques, your habits. I've learned a lot."

"Who are you working for?" I demanded, "You're not smart enough to pull any of this shit. It's Aro isn't it?"

"I wouldn't work for that pansy," He said, "My associate has decided to keep his identity a secret. For now."

"I will find out James," I said, "These last several years may have been quiet, but you've seen me in action. You know what I can do."

"And you think I'm scared?"

"Why are you doing all of this? Because she shot you in the ass? Because she embarrassed you? You're pathetic."

"Oh that's only part of it. I intend to get my revenge on her very soon," He licked his teeth, "But this goes a little deeper than that."

"Care to enlighten me?"

"Despite our differences, you'd say I was a great associate, the best, would you not?" He didn't wait for a response, "I served your family loyally for years. And when the time came to appoint your number two, you went for that idiot instead of me. For years I had to watch as you drove this organization into the dirt."

"So you're still angry that I didn't appoint you," I snorted, "You're pathetic."

"And soon you'll be eating dirt," He chuckled, "Along with your little girlfriend. Oh I'm going to do marvelous things when I get ahold of her."

"If you think you're getting anywhere near her you got another thing coming," I stood, "You want a war, you've got it. Mark my words, the last thing you're going to see is a bullet."

Surprise! James was still alive! Was it lame to make him have a twin brother? Lordy I hope not. I hope you all like it anyways! Who do you think James is working for? The next chapter will be up on Sunday! Enjoy the rest of your week!