An Unfortunate Slight

by AgoodWITCH

When Bella Swan, the lead singer of Infinite Fading finds herself the object of an obsessed fan's attention, her label hires Emmett McCarty to be her bodyguard. But as her stalker's actions grow more extreme can anyone keep her safe? FAGE 13 piece written for Cullenlvr83.

FAGE… The 13th.

Title: An Unfortunate Slight

Written for: Cullenlvr83

Written By: Agoodwitch

Rating: M

Summary/Prompt used: Uninvited by Alanis Morissette

If you would like to see all the stories that are a part of this exchange visit the facebook group: Fanficaholics Anon: Where Obsession Never Sleeps, or add the C2 to get all the stories direct to your inbox.

AN: Writing for this exchange has been a really fun experience! I've loved this prompt for a long time so to write for it was a blast. Tons of love to my beta, Mizzdee, Mariescullen for making my banner for this. For my long-time readers, there are a few nods to the past, so I hope you enjoy those. And there are some definite mentions of some mutual friends that I wanted to show some love.

Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer, Uninvited belongs to Alanis Morissette. No copyright infringement is intended in this piece.

Bella Swan was an awkward person. She was the first one to admit it. In her personal life, she hated being the center of attention. But put a mic in her hand and point her towards the stage and it was a different story.

Infinite Fading had been born in a dorm in Seattle during the summer session before junior year. Jasper Whitlock and his suitemates Garrett Rogers and James Holt had been dreaming of fame and fortune while catching up on their course load after partying a little too hard that spring. But they were an incomplete band as a trio. Jasper's cousin, Edward, was living two floors below them, so they called him up and asked him to join their band.

They worked for months, perfecting their sound and building up a repertoire of cover songs, but what they needed was a lead singer. Jasper and Edward didn't mind singing occasionally, but they needed someone to step up to the mic center stage.

It was that Thanksgiving and they'd all decided to stay in the city for the long weekend, celebrating with Edward's girlfriend, Bella. She was busy trying to prepare Thanksgiving dinner in their kitchen when a lull in the conversation brought on a startling revelation. Unaware that there were four sets of eyes on her, Bella sang along with her iPod. When the song ended, Jasper ran into the kitchen and begged Bella to join the band.

At first, she was hesitant, but with some convincing from Edward, she told them she would give it a try.

With the final piece of the puzzle in place, they began to work in earnest.

The early years were hard, and the road took its toll on all of them at some point or another, but nearly six years later they were still together and going strong.

The relationship between Edward and Bella had been a casualty of the years on the road, but they still cared about each other and made it work. If they'd had that level of maturity in their relationship that they did in the aftermath, they might still be together.

While each member had their fanbase, Bella was a favorite of both the young women who idolized her and the men who wanted a piece of her. The latter could sometimes cause problems, but with a band full of brother figures and an ex-boyfriend, she always felt protected.

The summer tour had just wrapped up and with their feet firmly back on the hilly sidewalks of Seattle, the five of them were making plans for their next album, and Bella's birthday.

When the day in question rolled around, Bella woke up to a large bouquet of flowers. She noted the perfect mixture of her favorite flowers: roses, orchids, lilies, and a few well-placed brown eyed susans and lavender. Bella smiled, thinking they were from Edward, as he was the only person besides Alice who knew about her loving those flowers enough to keep a bouquet in her house whenever possible, and Alice would never put them in a floral arrangement.

Bella brought in the vase and set them on her entryway table, where she would see them every time she walked in the front door. She went about her morning, fielding calls and opening a large box delivered from the company that handled the band's fan mail.

As she sifted through messages from her devoted fans she reflected on how lucky she was. She had a dream job, enough money to live quite comfortably, and friends that loved her. One of the things her father had taught her was being smart with money and to be careful of her surroundings. It was the cop part of him that always wanted his little girl safe. Days like today she missed him. She wondered if her mother even knew who she was, or if she'd ever looked back after abandoning her newborn at the Forks Police Station.

But Bella wouldn't let the day be ruled by melancholy, especially when she knew that her bandmates had rented out their favorite bar from college, Ballet Studio, for her party. The owners reminded Bella a lot of what she and Edward could have been if they'd managed to stay together.

It was the place they'd first worked out the kinks of performing, on the stage that had been graced by Mistaken for Bears, no less. The fact that their picture hung near the stage as a reminder that they cut their teeth there always made Bella smile.

After making herself lunch, she curled up with her latest book from her favorite writing duo and got lost in the city of New Orleans until it was time to get ready for the party in her honor.

She showered and got dressed, just in time for the stylist hired by her label to show up. It was crazy that she couldn't just do what she wanted with her look, but it was just one of the things she'd sacrificed along the way.

Lizzie walked in with a smile and they set up in her bathroom, ready for something wild.

"Okay, so your manager said you wanted something drastic. Are we talking shaved head or mohawk drastic, or less than a trim drastic?"

"I want a bob, a little longer than chin length."

"Okay, we can definitely do that. Did you want to donate it, since you don't dye it or anything?"

"I love that idea," Bella admitted.

With her hair done up in a few pony tails for the big cut, Lizzie got to work. Since Bella often parted her hair on the side or haphazardly thanks to all her finger combing, a nervous habit she'd picked up from Edward, Lizzie gave it a slightly jagged edge to the bottom. It meant that no matter how she styled it, it looked intentional, but not so severe that it looked like she was trying too hard.

With the length of hair gone, Bella's natural curl was more pronounced, something she loved. With her makeup done and a pair of dark wash jeans and ankle boots paired with a white tank and a leather jacket, Bella showed Lizzie out as she got into her Audi and drove into downtown Seattle.

Her new hairstyle caught some attention as she crossed the street to the bar, a few paparazzi snapping shots for tomorrow's headlines on the entertainment sites. The new look also got some notice inside the bar.

"I can't believe you chopped it all off and didn't tell me," Alice whined from beside Jasper.

"Darling, if she wants to cut her hair, she has enough people to check with, she doesn't need to clear her life choices through you," Jasper defended his bandmate. Whatever he whispered into Alice's ear after that statement shut her up.

"I like it, it gives you a little edge to fit with the new material we've been playing around with," Garrett said as he hugged Bella close.

She was passed around all her bandmates, close friends and colleagues, well wishes shared by all.

The party was low-key for who was sitting in that bar, but that was how Bella liked it.

They ate bar food and drank cheap beer, laughing at all the memories they'd made over the years. Cities they'd seen and people they'd met. And none of that would have been possible without their frontwoman.

Furtive glances were exchanged between Bella and Edward, something that did not go unnoticed by the rest of the room. May, their producer, and Steph, their manager, exchanged a look. It appeared they might just be heading into one of their on-again periods. They'd have to call Cheryl so she could keep ahead of the gossip.

After they'd eaten dinner, Katie went to grab the cake and everyone sang happy birthday. Gifts were given and soon everyone was ready to head out.

"Bella," Edward whispered.

"Yeah?" Bella responded.

"Do you want to get out of here and have a private birthday celebration?"

Bella shook her head at his line. "You're a smooth talker, but I'm flying solo tonight."

"You can't blame a man for trying."

Bella laughed and made her way out onto the street. The paparazzi were still there, snapping some more photos before giving up for the night and moving on.

The drive home was a peaceful one and as Bella pulled into her driveway in the woods of Shoreline, WA, she was happy to be home.

Changing for bed that night, she felt confident that twenty-six would be her year.

In the weeks that followed, the band started working on their new album. Long days turned into late nights as they wrote lyrics and worked out harmonies. Jasper was great at coming up with lines that got stuck in your head and Garrett had a knack for the overall production with the different solos and such.

This was the best part, the five of them, in a room, hashing out what their sound was and how to evolve it. It was what had made them mesh in the beginning and it was still true today.

Bella enjoyed the process and it seemed every time she looked up, Edward was watching her. He'd been sending her gifts and cards since her birthday, but he hadn't asked her to come over again and she was wondering what he was waiting for. The flowers and sweet poems had softened her resolve, but he wasn't making a move.

It irked her.

After another late night, Bella stopped at her favorite Thai place and grabbed takeout. When she got back to her place, she saw a dark blue gift bag sitting on her front step. Shaking her head at Edward's game, she unlocked her door and carried it in.

"Edward?" she called.

Her security system had unique codes for entry and all the boys had one, so she knew he could be in here waiting for her. When he didn't answer she began to look around the house. Confused as to why he'd leave her a gift and not hang around to watch her open it, she pulled out her phone and called him to ask.

"Hey, Bella."

"Are you still at my house?" Bella asked.

"Still? I haven't been to your place since I dropped you off two weeks ago."

"So what, you had this gift sent by courier or something? Why not just bring it to Garrett's place?"

"B, I don't have a damn clue what you're talking about."

The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. "The gift bag, Edward. Just like the flowers and cards you've been sending since my birthday when you tried to get me to hook up with you."

"Bella? You locked up after you got inside, right?" Edward questioned.

"Yes."

"Call the cops, I'm on my way over. Whatever you've gotten, it hasn't been from me."

"Okay," Bella said as she exhaled a shaky breath.

Bella hung up with Edward and called Seattle PD. She explained the situation and they agreed to send a squad car over to check the area for any sign of the person. Bella went into her office and collected the cards she'd thought were from Edward and scrolled through her camera roll and took the pictures she'd taken of her flowers and moved them into their own folder.

Edward beat the cops there, using his code to come in. "Bella!"

"I'm in the living room," she answered.

"Are those flowers from him?" He asked, motioning to the entryway.

"Yeah, I've gotten flowers twice a week since my birthday."

"Shit. What did the cops say?"

"They're sending someone over."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Edward followed Bella over as she let in the officers. The female officer took her statement and had a tech fingerprint the vase, in case they were delivered personally, while her partner checked around the perimeter of the property and the treeline. Bella gave them the cards and sent them the photos of the other bouquets before she handed over the gift she'd received that night. The tech bagged the tissue paper and removed a negligee in navy and black.

Edward cursed behind her.

"Bella, pack some stuff, I want you to stay with me until your security company can come out and we talk to Steph. We need to take this seriously."

"Yeah, okay."

While the officers finished up, she packed a bag. When she was done, the officers were waiting in the entryway with Edward. "Since there doesn't seem to be any signs of forced entry, we'll be contacting your security company to find out all coded entries to make sure the person leaving these gifts didn't use a code. I would suggest resetting all the codes just to be safe. If we get anything from the gifts we'll let you know. Please contact us if you think of anything or if something else comes up."

Bella nodded numbly and Edward led her to the door, taking her bag and her takeout in case she got hungry later. Once her house was locked up, they got in his car and drove to his place.

While Bella lived in a house in a secluded, wooded neighborhood, Edward had a modern place with windows that were tinted so you could see in, but people outside couldn't peer in.

Edward led Bella to the master suite and gestured towards the bathroom. "Get cleaned up and we'll get some sleep. I'm going to put your food in the fridge."

"Thank you, Edward. For coming to get me."

"Always, B. I've got you," Edward responded.

By the time she was done with her shower, Edward had put in a call to her security company about reprogramming the codes, which they would do once they sent someone over to check the system and spoke to Bella. But tonight they both needed a good night's sleep.

Bella climbed in beside Edward and gripped his shirt, holding him close as they both drifted off.

When morning came, Edward called Steph while Bella dealt with her security system. They would be sending her an email with the new codes and made an appointment to install some additional sensors. When both were done with their business, they dressed and made some breakfast as they waited for the others to come over as it was Edward's day to host the jam session.

"What did Steph say?" Bella asked.

"She's getting with the record label to hire you a security guard. She'll come by when she knows more."

Bella nodded, knowing it was inevitable.

The guys all arrived within minutes of each other, but it was Jasper that asked the question first.

"So, Bella, I didn't see your car out front. Are you and Edward back to your adult sleepovers?"

"Stop being a dick, Jasper. Bella's got an overzealous fan. He's been sending her flowers and cards since her birthday," Edward growled.

"Why didn't you say anything?" James asked.

"I thought it was Edward at first, but when I called him last night he told me it wasn't him. The cops came by last night and the security company is working on beefing up the system. You'll all be getting new codes."

"Has someone called Steph or the label?" Garrett pushed.

"Yeah, they're gonna hire a guard for me."

"Well, until then, you don't go anywhere without one of us," Jasper told her.

Bella nodded but it was Edward that suggested they get to work.

It was that evening that their manager arrived with news for everyone.

"Okay, Bella, we've hired someone for you. His name is Emmett and he'll be by your house in the morning. You can meet him there and he'll be on site while the changes are made to your home security system. You can work out a schedule with him, but until whoever is doing this is found, you'll have him as a shadow," Steph informed her.

"Sure."

"Well, I'll let you get back to making music. Call me if anything changes."

The group watched as Steph left and tried to get back into the groove they'd been in just the day before.

The guys hung around later than they normally did, leaving just before midnight. Bella and Edward stumbled into bed not long after, her alarm set so they could go meet her bodyguard in the morning.

At seven-thirty, Bella woke up to her alarm crying and the feel of Edward's hard-on pressed into her ass. His arms were a vice grip around her waist, so she reached down to pinch his thigh.

"Fuck, woman. That is not the wakeup call I was hoping for," Edward muttered behind her as he let go and massaged where she'd pinched him.

"We need to get going. Emmett is going to be at my house soon and I'd like to know how this is going to work out."

Edward nodded and they both got ready for their day. He drove Bella over to her house and, when they got there, a mountain of a man was waiting outside.

Edward got out of the car first and approached with Bella partially behind him.

The man looked around Edward's shoulder and offered Bella a warm smile. "Ms. Swan, I'm Emmett McCarty. Your record label hired me to be your bodyguard while the police investigate the situation with your fan."

Edward scoffed. "Fan is being polite. He found out where she lived and sent gifts and cards."

"It isn't my job to decide what their intentions are, only to keep Bella safe. Now, if you have a few minutes, I'd like to go over some things and then speak to you about scheduling."

Bella turned to Edward and smiled. "Why don't you go grab us some breakfast. I'll be here when you get back."

"I'm not sure I should leave you alone with this guy. We don't even know he's who he says he is."

"Steph sent me a picture this morning. He's the real deal. Now go before you get into a pissing contest with my bodyguard."

Edward rolled his eyes and turned back to the car. Bella walked over to Emmett and smiled bashfully. "Sorry about him, he's being overprotective. I'm Bella, but you already know that."

"I can understand why he would be, but I'm here to keep you safe. As you've already figured out, I'm Emmett McCarty. Now, why don't we go inside and we'll discuss what's being done to your security system and then we can talk about scheduling and logistics."

Emmett led her inside where people were working to beef up her security system. "They're adding sensors to the windows and some along the perimeter of the house and the property. They're all relayed to the panel in the house and will send an alert to your phone."

"Is all of this really necessary?" she questioned.

"We don't know for sure, but until we do, better safe than sorry. There's been no aggression so far, but anything could set them off," Emmett explained.

"You were saying something about a schedule? Is there someone else working with you?"

"No, it is just me. I'll be close whenever you're out of the house. I'll drive you to appointments or rehearsals, but I won't always be hanging around. I'll run errands or take care of personal things while you're busy with your bandmates, but I'll pick you up and bring you back home."

"When will you sleep?" Bella asked.

"I'll sleep when you do. Now, I've gotten to know the basic layout of the house, but is there a specific guest room I can set up in?"

Bella shook her head, unable to understand how her life had gotten so complicated. "There are two on the opposite end of the house as the master suite. You can have your pick of either of them."

Emmett nodded before asking, "What is your schedule like? Do you have standing appointments? A significant other who you might stay with or who might stay the night?"

"Right now, the only thing I'm doing is meeting with the band daily. We're working on our next album, so we rotate between houses. Other than that, just regular errands, shopping with the girls, things like that. And no, I'm not seeing anyone."

"Okay. I'll need the addresses for your bandmates, as well as contact information. And if you know what days you're going where, that will be helpful."

Bella pulled up her phone and after her and Emmett exchanged numbers. She sent the contact info for her bandmates and their rotation schedule. He noted that they'd be at her place on Friday, so he would try to stay out of their way. Emmett looked up as he heard Edward walk right in, his brow furrowing.

"How many people know the code to your security system?"

"All my bandmates have their own personal codes."

Edward rounded the corner, looking between the pair. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah," she said. Bella turned to Emmett and smiled. "I need to pick up my stuff at Edward's so I'll have him drop me off tonight so you can settle in."

"I'll see you tonight, then," Emmett said.

Bella followed Edward out to his car. Edward opened the car door for her and then walked around to his door. Once they were pulling out of her driveway, Edward grumbled.

"I don't like this."

"Well, I don't like that I need someone watching over me, but it could have been worse."

"Send this clown packing, Bella. I can keep you safe," Edward murmured.

"I love that you want to, but we don't even know what's going on. This person could be an overenthusiastic fan, or they could have a gun. I need to be smart about this."

Edward didn't say anything as they continued driving. They got to James' house and he carried in their breakfast as she let them in. They were working on two separate songs, the guys finishing up accompaniment to the song they'd finally all been happy with the night before, while Jasper and Bella went into one of the guest rooms to start on another song.

"How are you doing, B, really?"

"Honestly, I feel a little numb. This person knows where I live, even if they haven't been there themselves. I've got this guy Emmett, who seems nice enough, set to follow me around for the foreseeable future. Then there's Edward."

"What's going on with lover boy?" Jasper laughed.

"He's being all protective and loving and I've missed that. We've gone around this for so long, I don't know if we're just waiting for our lives and our intentions to line up, or if it is the idea that I've got this stalker that has him stepping up again."

"What does your heart say?"

"That when I realized the gifts weren't from Edward, he was the only person I wanted there, and once he was I felt safe."

"Trust that. Now, any ideas for a song pop into that pretty little head of yours the last few days?"

"One, but it isn't ready to play with yet."

"All right. I've got a few ideas, why don't you look them over, pick one that you like, and we'll work on it."

Bella took Jasper's notebook and looked over the partially written ideas with pieces of lyrics and debated where to start.

They played around until lunch and then took a break. Bella went over to Edward's keyboard and began playing around. She couldn't play, but she was trying to come up with something to push her writing along. She picked up Edward's headphones and plugged them in, playing four notes in a steady cadence for about sixty seconds. She saved the file and emailed it to herself. Putting everything back the way she found it, she got up and ate with the others.

After lunch, the guys shared how they'd filled out the song and they practiced it a few times and when all of them sensed that Bella wasn't feeling it, they called it an early night.

"Are we still on for your house tomorrow, B?" Garrett asked.

"Yeah, sorry I'm in a funk."

"Hey, what if we gave it a few days rest? Give us a chance to come up with some fresh ideas?" Jasper offered. "I don't have anything solid to move forward with."

The band agreed to the break and Edward led Bella to his car. They drove back to his house and once they were inside, he locked the door. Bella moved around his rooms, packing her things and when he saw her putting her toiletry bag on top and zipping it, Edward crossed the room to her. He pulled her to him and kissed her passionately.

When they had to break apart for air, her arms still clinging to his biceps, he leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, "Don't go."

"Edward-"

"Or I'll come stay with you."

"Don't make this harder for me."

"I could keep you safe."

"What if this isn't just an enthusiastic fan? What if it is a nut with a gun? I would never be able to forgive myself if you got hurt because of me."

Edward sighed. He knew he wasn't going to win this argument, so instead he picked up her bag and walked her out to his car.

"Did you want to pick up some takeout?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, I should get something for Emmett too."

Bella took out her phone and thought about texting Emmett, but realized he would probably tell her not to. So instead she pulled up the website for one of her favorite Italian restaurants and ordered a few different things. She ordered something for Edward as well and put instructions for his to be bagged separately.

They drove over to the restaurant and Edward ran in quickly to grab it and then they turned towards Bella's neighborhood.

When they pulled into her driveway, Bella was pleased to see that the security company's van was gone. Edward walked her to the front door and kissed her temple before walking back to his car.

Bella entered her house, using her new code, and found Emmett sitting in the living room.

"You're home early," he said, his brow furrowed.

"We were all kind of hitting some writer's block, so we decided to take a few days off and brainstorm."

"Okay, well the security company is done. They said they would contact everyone with their new codes tomorrow. Your old one is the only one still active until then because they verified that your code wasn't compromised."

"Thank you for being here to deal with all of that. I know it isn't exactly what your job would entail. While we were on our way home, I decided to grab dinner. I didn't know what you'd like, so I ordered a few things so we had some options."

"That was very sweet of you. I was planning on ordering some food once you were home. Also, if you wanted to order groceries, we can do a pickup service and drive over. I think we should refrain from having anything delivered for a bit. Also, the detective on the case said he would be coming by tonight around six to speak to you. I was going to call to let you know, but since you're here it shouldn't be a problem."

Bella nodded and they began to plate up their dinner. Thinking about what she'd want to cook if they were going to be home for a few days to a week, she started to add things to her list on the grocery app. Although he tried to tell her she didn't need to worry about it, Bella insisted that Emmett add some of his favorite snacks so there'd be food for him to. Bella scheduled the pickup for the next morning, since she didn't know when they'd be done with the detective.

They ate and talked a little, getting to know one another. Emmett was originally from Tennessee and had moved to Seattle for college. Bella told him about college and how that was where the band got started.

"So you were dating Edward back then?"

Bella blushed as she answered. "Yeah, we'd met in one of our Gen-Ed requirements and became friends before we started dating. I think that's why everything is still so great between us now, we were always friends first."

"Explains the glares he shot me today."

"Honestly, he's harmless. He's massively protective, but he hates violence. One of our first fights back when we were friends was over my concealed carry permit."

"You have one?"

"Yeah. I've kept up the paperwork, but I don't own a gun right now. With all the touring I didn't feel comfortable keeping a gun at home. Now that someone knows where I live, it seems like a good thing."

"Definitely. Owning a firearm is a serious responsibility," Emmett added.

"Believe me, my father made that very clear when he taught me how to handle my weapon. He was a police chief in my hometown."

"Was?" Emmett asked.

"He passed away a year ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

The doorbell startled them both and Emmett got up to answer it. He returned a minute later with a man in a suit. He had salt and pepper hair and a full beard. He immediately put me at ease because he reminded me a little of my dad.

"Miss Swan, I'm Detective Newman from Shoreline PD, I'm here to ask some follow up questions and give you some information as well."

"All right," Bella said.

"Now, what I'm looking for is a list of people or places that would have had access to your address in the last few months. Delivery services, take out restaurants. We will cross reference those with any possible suspects we may uncover."

Bella gave him a list, which was more extensive than she would have thought and answered all of the detective's questions. Once he was done with gathering information, he began to speak to Bella about what they were doing to discover the identity of her stalker.

"Well, we're checking the writing style to see if it matches anything on record both here in Washington and with the FBI due to your extensive travel. We're also waiting for forensics to give us any possible information."

"So for now, I'm just sitting tight?" Bella asked.

"Unfortunately. I wouldn't shut in, just be vigilant when you are out. You've hired a bodyguard, which is a good start. Other than that, just continue living your life and if anything comes up, please keep me updated."

"I will, Detective. I know how cases can go sometimes, my father was the chief in Forks a few hours from here so I know there isn't a quick fix for this."

Detective Newman smiled. "I'm glad you have a realistic outlook on this. Here's my card, my cellphone number is on the back."

"Thank you, Detective Newman."

Bella walked the man out and she went back to the dining room to clean up.

"Were you able to get your things today or do you need to head to your apartment?" Bella asked.

"I could use some time to pack a bag or two, but I don't want you to be stuck at my apartment while I take care of what I need to."

Bella walked towards the kitchen, carrying their plates while Emmett carried the takeout containers. "I'm in for the night, you could go now and it would be done."

"You're sure you're in for the night?" Emmett asked.

"Yeah, I'm kind of wiped. I'm just going to head to my room and work on a song idea I have."

"All right, I'll take you up on your offer. Call if you need anything while I'm out."

Bella agreed and Emmett headed out to do what he needed to. While Emmett went to pack and clean out his apartment for his extended time away, Bella went into her bedroom and began playing around with the idea she had.

She wasn't even sure she would be able to release this anytime soon given the topic, but when things got hard, Bella used her words to work it out.

She got the file she'd sent herself set on her iPod and began to play it on repeat. She let the melancholy of the notes and her mood wash over her as she picked up her pen.

Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me

Letting her mind drift to the person who might be sending her these gifts, she thought about what she would say if she was confronted by them. How would she appeal to their feeling of entitlement while also setting a boundary.

Like any hot-blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave
But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited

Bella thought how this person might take it before writing the next line.

An unfortunate slight

Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm

Bella stopped here for a moment, not knowing how to convey the next part, about how she was seeking protection from someone who might enjoy that she felt the need. Oddly, it reminded her of a story her father used to tell her, about how when times called for it, people would band together and help their own.

Must be somewhat heartening
To watch shepherd need shepherd
But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Thinking about how she would seem alluring to someone who had only watched her from afar, she wrote the next part.

Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced love like mine before

Going back to the reprimand, she changed the phrasing slightly

But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Bella paused again, knowing this was the end of the song, she needed to think of how to end it and then it came to her. She'd told Edward she was worried this person could be armed, could mean her or someone else harm if they felt threatened, so she imagined it. This faceless man pulling a gun and her needing to diffuse the situation.

I don't think you unworthy
I need a moment to deliberate

Staring at her notebook, she paused the track and let out a heavy sigh. She needed a second opinion before she threw this out. Reaching for her phone, there was only one person to call.

"Bella, everything okay?" Jasper asked after the first ring.

"Yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I've just been working on the idea I told you about and I think I may be done, but I want you to look at it before anyone else does."

"Has Edward seen it?" Jasper questioned.

"No, and I don't want him to. I kind of want to keep this one close to the chest until this whole thing with this stalker or whatever is handled. That's what the song's about," Bella admitted.

"Now I'm intrigued," Jasper admitted.

Bella explained further, "I've got lyrics, and I played a few notes almost to keep time and give it a mood, but I don't even know how I want to arrange the vocals yet. Can I send it to you?"

"Sure. If I come up with something, do you mind if I get the guys to record their parts at my home studio so we can hear it all together."

"Okay, we've written that way before so they won't get too suspicious. I just don't want to worry Edward, Jas."

"And this'll do it?"

"Yeah."

Jasper sighed. "Okay, send me what you've got and I'll work on it."

"Thank you."

Bella hung up and took a photo of the lyrics, making sure they were legible before she sent that and the piano file.

Feeling drained, Bella turned off the lights and closed her bedroom door.

Emmett got back to Bella's house and was a little sad to see the lights off and her door closed. He'd been hoping to get to know her a little better, but that would have to wait for another day. Having a bit of time to himself, he did a quick walk of the perimeter and then locked up for the night.

Over the next two days, Bella and Emmett got what they needed at the store and just hung around the house. There were awkward moments as they were both strangers, but they handled it well.

Jasper had gotten back to Bella and told her he'd loved the song. He wanted to work on it with the guys when they got back together. Bella told him she was okay with it, but she wanted to keep it to themselves for a while still.

That night, Bella started feeling rundown, so she went to sleep early.

The following morning, Bella still felt off and was concerned she was coming down with something. Emmett offered to run to the pharmacy and pick up some Theraflu and whatever else she wanted.

For three days Bella was in hell. She called the guys and told them she needed a few more days before she could meet up with them again.

Edward offered to come over and take care of her but she told him to stay home.

"There has to be something you need," he pleaded.

"Edward, I just need this stupid flu to run its course. With us just getting off the road, you know this always happens to me. Emmett picked up a few things."

"So he's allowed to take care of you and I'm not?"

"Edward, he's already here. Please don't fight with me about this. I'm too tired."

Feeling bad for pestering her, Edward conceded and wished her a good night.

The following afternoon, Edward showed up with a quart of soup from one of her favorite restaurants.

Emmett answered the door and was a little surprised to see Edward there. "Did Bella tell you she's not feeling well?"

"Yeah, but I thought she'd like some soup from this place the band always goes. I got it for her after we finished eating."

"Oh, well, why don't you come in and say 'hi'. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."

Emmett stepped aside and let Edward in. Edward was surprised by it, but wasn't about to argue. He went directly to Bella's bedroom and knocked on the door, when he heard her tired response, he opened the door.

"What are you doing here?"

"I brought you some Chinese chicken noodle soup."

Bella opened her eyes to look at Edward. "Thank you."

"How you feeling, B?"

"Now I'm just tired, the rest of my symptoms have passed."

"That's good. I was worried when you wouldn't let me come by. I'm glad Emmett let me in," Edward admitted.

"He probably needed the break. Emmett's been taking pretty good care of me, he's a funny guy."

"I'm glad you're getting along. Guess that's important to make all of this work."

"Yeah," Bella yawned.

"Okay, well I'm going to leave you to get some rest, I hope you're feeling better soon."

"Me too, I'm over this."

Edward kissed Bella's forehead and got up to leave. Edward walked out of the bedroom to find Emmett sitting on the couch in the living room.

"How's she feeling?" Emmett asked.

"She says the flu is finally done, she just needs to regain her strength."

"That's good. I'm sure she'll feel better once she's able to get back to working with you guys."

"Thanks for taking care of her," Edward said.

"It has definitely been a different type of job, but it gave us a chance to get to know one another better, so it makes the job easier."

"Well, have a good night, Emmett."

"You too, Edward."

Edward left, slightly mollified and went back home.

The next day, he got a call from Jasper.

"Hey, Bella is working on a song and I wrote an arrangement so can you come over to record it?"

"Yeah. Have the others recorded their parts?"

"They did. I kept playing with your part. It was what Bella had started with, so I was trying to figure out how to grow it from there."

"Okay, I'll be over at like ten o'clock."

"That works for me."

Edward got ready and headed over to Jasper's. Alice let him in, asking how Bella was doing.

"She's finally starting to feel better, now she just needs to get some rest."

"I'm glad, she called me the other day and she sounded really out of it. Her bodyguard didn't know me, so when I showed up he'd just been checking out something in the backyard and scared the shit out of me."

"Did you get to see her, she didn't mention it."

"No, she was passed out, so I just headed home," Alice admitted.

"Well, I'd better see what Jasper has for me to record."

Alice led Edward to the basement where he went down to meet up with Jas. At the piano, Jasper had everything set for him, so he sat down and looked over the sheet music.

"Let me play around with this a bit before you start recording," Edward said and Jasper shot him a thumbs up through the glass.

Edward looked it over and played it a few times, getting a feel for it before signaling he was ready. He played it through over a dozen times before Jasper called him in to listen.

"That last one was perfect."

Edward looked at him confused. "You're going to use the whole track just as it is?"

"Trust me, when you hear it, you'll understand."

Jasper went over to replay the track and Edward understood what he meant. The music was hypnotic and melancholy at first and slowly built up to a crescendo. Edward listened to it twice, mesmerized by it.

"Has she recorded the lyrics yet?"

"No. She sent them to me and I came up with this, but she hasn't even heard it yet."

"Can I see them?"

"She asked me to keep them to myself, she isn't sure of it yet."

"Fine, but I want to be here when she records it."

"If she's cool with it, then so am I."

Edward left, wishing he knew more about the song, but he wasn't going to push.

It was a few more days before Bella was feeling better, but when she was, the band dove back into the work.

They were working on the sixth song for the album, and Bella was excited to be back with the guys. It took a few more days, but they finally had a session at her house and Emmett took the opportunity to run some errands while they had the full house.

He'd been hanging around when they jammed at the other bandmates' houses, but Bella told him they'd be fine for a little while.

When he was gone, the mail arrived, and Garrett noticed a thick envelope amongst the junk and bills.

"Bella, where do you want me to sit this?" he asked.

"Bring it here, I'll go through it while James finishes making his world famous grilled cheese sandwiches," Bella answered with a laugh.

"You know, you fuckers all tease me, but you'll be fighting over the last one," James groused.

When the pile hit the counter, Bella picked up the envelope and reached inside. What she found there shocked her.

There were a dozen pictures going back to when they got back from tour. Bella's birthday party, shopping with the girls, pictures of her and Edward inside his house, shots of her changing one morning, and two of her in bed from when she was sick that week. Bella screamed and the guys rushed to her.

"Shit," Jasper swore as he saw the pictures.

"We need to get you out of here," Garrett said.

"Where should she go? This bastard is following her," James argued.

"Bella," Edward asked from beside her. "What do you want to do? Beside calling the detective, because that should definitely be the first thing."

"Okay," Bella whispered.

She pulled out her phone and called Detective Newman, who told her he'd be right there.

Bella was shaking as she stared down at the pictures. When the detective arrived, Garrett let him in and led him to the kitchen.

"Okay, do you know when these pictures were taken? If we can figure out a timeline, we might be able to figure some things out about who is doing this."

Bella went through the pictures as he bagged them so they could be fingerprinted and gave him the dates or approximate dates. As they got to the ones of her sleeping while she was sick, the detective clicked his pen closed.

"So from your best guess, it has been nearly two weeks since the last photos were taken, and not long after Emmett was hired. While these were obviously sent to let you know this person's been following you, having a bodyguard living with you may have been the smartest move. Now, it is your choice whether you stay somewhere else for the time being, but I'd keep Emmett close either way. If you'd like, we can have officers park outside to keep an eye out, but that is your call."

"No, I think I'd rather just stick with Emmett. I'm worried about what having a cop outside would force them to do," Bella admitted.

"All right. Now, who touched these pictures besides you."

"I touched the envelope," Garrett told him.

"We're going to need your fingerprints so we can eliminate yours from what we might find."

"My fingerprints are already on file with Seattle PD," Garrett said.

"Really?"

"Yes, my ex-girlfriend called the cops on me when I was in college because she thought I vandalized her car, but it wasn't me. Should still be on file, though."

"Walk with me and I'll take down your information," Detective Newman said. "Miss Swan, try and be calm. We'll find this person."

Garrett walked with the detective while the guys looked to Bella.

James was the first to speak. "Do you want to go back to my place? We can-"

"Bella?" Emmett bellowed from the front door.

"I'm in here," she called back. "I think we should just call it a day. I'm not going to get anything productive done."

The guys nodded, while Edward leaned in to kiss her temple. "Call me if you need to get away from here."

"I will."

The guys walked past Emmett as he looked at Bella. "What happened?"

"This creepy fucker has pictures of me. Out for my birthday and with the girls, even some of me at Edward's and then pictures through my window while I was sick. The only good thing the detective noted was that only one of those instances was since you've been around, and it has been a while, so I'm hoping that's a good thing."

"Did you want to get out of here? We can get a place to stay in Seattle, or if you want to go somewhere they might not think to look right away, get away from where they're comfortable following you?"

"No. I'm not being run out of my home. Detective Newman is sure they'll find him and he's hoping that it'll be soon. The package wasn't mailed, it didn't have a stamp on it, so I'm hoping they'll figure something out."

"Okay, then we'll be vigilant and keep close to home."

"Yeah, sure." But Bella wasn't sure of anything.

All they were able to find out was that the mailman had seen the envelope leaning against the door and assumed it hadn't been put through the slot all the way. He'd been on vacation earlier that week, so he hadn't known who delivered the mail the previous day.

Bella was tense, and Emmett was coddling her, which was slowly driving her crazy, only she didn't know how to tell him.

The band keep working, but Bella still hadn't recorded her song, and one evening about two weeks after the photos had appeared, she decided it was time.

The guys had been listening to the eight other tracks they'd recorded. Bella, having finished the vocals she'd been unable to do while she was sick, turned to Jasper.

"I'm ready for my song now."

"Yes," James hollered.

"You sure?" Edward asked. He knew Bella had been keeping this one close to the vest, and they'd already put in nearly a full day.

"I am."

Bella got up and walked into the studio, centering herself. The first few times they ran the song from start to finish, before Jasper went on to pick it apart to get better cuts. He loved producing this album almost as much as he did being on it, and he could see himself taking on other artists and working on producing more as he got more comfortable with it.

While the others listened to Bella's performance, Edward watched her closely, seeing how much this song meant to her, and how much it was taking out of her.

When Jasper declared they were done, Edward didn't even wait for Bella to call Emmett, he led her out to his car and drove her home himself.

Emmett's car wasn't there, but she'd texted him to say she was on her way home, so she didn't expect him to be long.

"Want me to come inside?"

"No, I just want to curl up in bed."

"Okay, I'll wait until you're inside, then I'll head out."

Bella was exhausted as she pushed open the door. She fumbled the code a minute before keying in the right code. She was ready to go to bed when she walked into her bedroom and was shocked alert. Lying on her bed was a bra and panty set similar to the negligee she'd received the night she'd first realized it wasn't Edward sending her the gifts.

Bella reached for her phone, her eyes focused on the open window across from her bed as she pressed herself against the wall beside her door. She dialed Edward, knowing he was still nearby and would turn around in a heartbeat.

"Hey, Bella-"

"Edward, I need you to come back here and get me. Someone's been in here."

"Call the cop handling your case and tell him to get a hold of Emmett. I'll be back there in two minutes."

Bella hung up and dialed Detective Newman. "Detective Newman."

"Detective, this is Bella Swan. Someone's been inside my house. They laid out a bra and panty set that I don't own and the bedroom window is open without setting off the alarm."

"Is Emmett with you?"

"No, I'm alone, but I'm having a friend who just dropped me off come back for me."

"All right, I'll contact Emmett and have him meet me there with some techs. I need you to lock up without touching any more than you have to."

"Okay, I can do that."

"Hopefully this guy screwed up and we can catch him," Detective Newman attempted to reassure her.

A horn honked outside and Bella jumped. "I have to go, my friend is here."

"Stay on the phone with me until you're in the car," the detective implored.

Bella ran out of the house, relieved to see it was really Edward. She locked the house up and then ran to get in the car. Once she was buckled in, she told Detective Newman and he let her go.

"What did the detective say?" Edward asked as he peeled out of her driveway.

"He'll contact Emmett to meet him and his team here. I told him that you were nearby and he told me to go with you."

"You're staying with me tonight. If we need to, we'll call Alice and ask her to pick you up some clothes."

"No, I'll just wash this stuff I'm wearing. I don't want to deal with anyone. I just want to get to your house and lock all the doors."

"Okay. Whatever you want." Edward turned onto the main road and gunned it in the direction of his house.

It was a twenty five minute drive, but the distance didn't seem to make Bella feel much better. She was losing control of so many things and she couldn't stand it. When Edward pulled into his garage, he waited until the large door closed behind them before unlocking the car. Bella flew out of the vehicle and Edward had to jog to catch her as she punched in the alarm code to his house.

Edward didn't know what Bella needed, so he just locked up behind them and followed her as she wandered towards the bedroom. He stood in the doorway as she looked around for a minute and then began to speak.

"My life feels like it is spinning out of control."

"Hey," Edward said as he approached her. "You're in control here. Whatever you need. Whatever you want. I'll make sure you get it. Are you hungry, or tired?"

"No, there's only one thing I want right now, and that's you. All along, you've always been there for me and I need to feel connected to someone that feels safe."

"I'm yours, Baby. You're in charge tonight."

Bella ran her hands down his chest and grabbed the hem of his t-shirt and pulled it up and off of him. Edward fished his wallet out of his back pocket before Bella went to unbuckle his belt. She pulled the belt free and then moved onto the buttons on his jeans.

She shoved his jeans and boxers down a smirk taking over her face.

"Like what you see?"

"I always have, Edward. We just let things get in the way."

Edward lifted her chin up to meet his eyes. "None of that right now. Just feel tonight."

"Lie down."

Bella watched as Edward took the condom out of his wallet and moved to the center of his bed. He rolled the condom over his length and laid down like she asked, meeting her eyes. Bella slipped her jacket off and then reached for her shirt, pulling it over her head as she toed off her flats. She moved slowly as she undid the button and then pulled the zipper down, loving the sound of his groan as she shimmied out of the material. Standing in only her bra and panties, she felt powerful with Edward's hungry glare tracing over every inch of her. She unhooked her bra and peeled it off before slipping her underwear down her legs. She crawled up his body and straddled his thighs.

"God, you're beautiful, Bella."

Bella smiled and rose up, lining herself up over Edward's erection. She guided him to her entrance and slowly sank down onto his length. They both moaned as he filled her, the memory of their last time paled in comparison.

Bella ran her hands back up his chest where he laid under her and rose over him, setting a slow pace at first.

"That's it, Baby, ride me."

Bella gave into the sensations, his hands on her hips, the feel of him inside her, his eyes on her as she moved. Edward's muttered and groaned words let her know she still knew how to drive him crazy, and as she felt her climax growing all of the anxiety and worry of the last few weeks faded away.

The keening sound that came from her startled Edward. He roared out his own orgasm, but when he opened his eyes to look up at Bella to see her crying in earnest.

He sat up quickly, pulling her into his chest. She sobbed, uncontrollably as he held her tight. When her cries subsided, he slipped out of her and went to the bathroom to clean up quickly. Bella was outside the bathroom door when he opened the door and she slipped past him to take a few moments to herself. Edward turned up the heat a bit and got back into bed in only his boxers and waited for her to come back out.

Bella emerged and saw Edward sitting in bed. She picked up her underwear and his shirt and dressed before climbing back into bed. Bella moved into Edward's arms and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Bella," Edward breathed. "You've been so stressed recently. I know in the beginning you joined this band for me and the guys, but I want you to know, if you choose to walk away, I'll support it. I'll do it with you. You know I've been offered other opportunities in Hollywood as a composer and I would make that move to lower your profile."

"But what about the guys? We've already worked so hard to get to this point, and our new song, you know they'll want that to be a single."

"That's because it is an amazing song, but it is born out of your pain with everything going on. I just worry that it is going to drive this guy to do something dangerous and I don't like it."

"He's been in my house, E. And those pictures he's sent and the gifts...I don't see how it can get worse unless he shows up with a gun and kills me."

"Don't talk like that. I'd never survive losing you. Maybe we should get you a gun. You've had a concealed carry permit, even though you don't own a gun right now."

"You hate guns. Besides, Emmett thinks it's a bad idea. He's worried if I have a gun then it gives this stalker access to a weapon if they didn't already have one."

"I'm tired of hearing about Emmett. Where was he tonight when this guy was in your house? Has he called to give you any updates?"

"I don't know, my phone is off."

"Good, leave it off, we'll deal with it in the morning."

Bella snuggled in closer to him. "Thank you for being willing to walk away with me."

"Anything for you, Bella."

They fell asleep and when she woke up in the morning, Edward was gone. She was surprised until she saw the note on the pillow beside her.

Bella,

I ran out to grab breakfast, hopefully, I'll be home before you wake up.

Love,

Edward.

Bella smiled to herself and sat the note on the nightstand and got out of bed. What startled her was the pounding knock on the front door. Bella threw on her clothes quickly and grabbed her purse, reaching for her phone inside and turning it on. The messages blew up and she moved to the front door, she saw Emmett through the side window. She opened the door and was met by his angry expression.

"Do you have any idea how worried everyone has been? Detective Newman needs you down at the station to make a statement."

"Okay, I'm sorry. Edward came and got me and once I was out of there we just crashed."

Emmett led her to the SUV and opened the back door for her. She climbed in and he closed her in before getting in the driver's side and pulling off. He was silent as they drove out onto the highway. Emmett sped down the 5 and Bella gripped the door handle like that would slow down the car.

"Emmett, slow down, we'll get there in enough time to talk to Detective Newman."

"I can smell him on you. He doesn't appreciate you and yet you give it up for him," he spat angrily.

Bella was shocked. "Emmett, I don't understand."

"Yes you do. I know you fucked him last night." Bella gasped, she'd never heard Emmett like this. Her teddy bear of a bodyguard was a grizzly bear in disguise and he'd just shown his teeth. Bella tried to interrupt but the words died in her throat as he continued. "You blew me off and I'd be so much better for you. My gifts frightened you at first, so I thought if you got to know me and saw that I was a good person you'd accept it. But not with him around. I almost took him out of the picture, but I knew you'd feel guilty and I'd lose you to a corpse."

"Emmett, stop talking like this, just slow down and we can talk about this, you're scaring me." Bella's mind was reeling. It had been Emmett all along. And her label had hired him. She'd welcomed him into her home and her life. He could have done something to her a million times. Bella thought back to her illness in the beginning and wondered if he'd slipped her something. That was frightening. But it also explained the pictures and how he'd managed to take them. She'd been so out of it, she hadn't realized he was gone for long periods of time.

"You're not even listening," he roared. "Well, if I can't have you, no one can."

Bella watched as Emmett merged onto the exit ramp going close to one hundred miles per hour. Instead of turning with the ramp he kept going straight and ran into the concrete guardrail, flipping the car ass over head as it fell to the street below. The SUV landed awkwardly, with the front of the car taking the impact and then continuing to tumble so it came to a stop on the roof.

Bella could hear the commotion of people rushing to their aid, but from what she could see of Emmett, it didn't look good. She heard the screaming and sirens but before help got there, she succumbed to the darkness.

Meanwhile, Edward got back to an empty house. He called Bella but her phone still went to voicemail. Edward tried calling the guys and no one knew where Bella was, and he tried to call Emmett, but that went to voicemail too.

Edward didn't know what to do, but something didn't feel right. He felt so uneasy that he almost got in the car to drive around and try to find her, but he didn't know where to start.

Just as he was about to get in his car, his phone rang. "Edward, where are you?"

"I'm at home, Steph, what's wrong?" The fear in her voice worried him.

"There's been an accident, they're taking Bella to Harborview. It's bad."

"Is she going to make it?" Edward asked, sick to his stomach at the thought of her ceasing to exist. He couldn't live in a world without her in it.

"I don't know, I wish I could tell you more."

Edward got into his car and rushed over there, he was thankful that she'd been taken to the hospital his father worked at because he might be able to get some information out of his old man, if nothing else.

When he arrived the press was already being held off by security and an administrator brought Edward up to the conference room where they waited for word.

Emmett had been pronounced dead at the scene, and there had been reports of erratic driving but no other vehicle being involved.

It was seven long hours before Bella was out of surgery, but even that didn't mean she was out of the woods.

The press had pushed the sales of their single "End of Time", which had been released that morning, to the top spot on iTunes, as well as being one of the most played songs on Spotify. It was a blessing and a curse, because Bella wasn't awake to share in the success.

Detective Newman asked Edward about the events of the night prior to the accident and about the relationship between Bella and Emmett. He seemed concerned about Emmett's behavior when they'd talked and had been doing a little digging into him after leaving Bella's house the previous night.

It was that digging that uncovered a briar's patch of crazy. Emmett McCarty wasn't a bodyguard, at least not anymore. He'd been fired by his previous employer and the company he listed as his current firm didn't exist. When pressured, Riley, the person who'd vetted him for the label admitted that they were cousins and when he'd applied he hadn't done any digging because they were family.

Further investigation revealed that he had a closet filled with pictures and mementos of Bella in his apartment and receipts for the items bought with cash along with a camera capable of taking the pictures Bella had received just prior to the last gift. He also had a restraining order against him in Tennessee, but it was when he was a minor, so the record had been sealed. His ex-girlfriend, Rosalie King, had filed it when he hadn't taken their break-up well.

It was clear from the evidence that Emmett had made up this threat to get close to her, but what they needed to know was if he'd confessed to being the original stalker or if he was using the situation to get closer to her separate from the original threat.

That information came not long after Bella woke up. With Edward by her side, she told Detective Newman what Emmett had said during that fateful drive and they were able to close the case now that they were sure that their suspect was dead.

With the two of them finally alone, Bella turned to Edward and squeezed his hand. "If I told you I'm done, would you really walk away?"

"I would. We can write together or I can compose and you can do whatever you want. We just need to tell the guys and break it to the label."

It was hard to relay their desire to quit to their friends, but they understood. The label itself was fine with them releasing their final album of only nine songs, but doing a second recording of a few featuring a young female vocalist singing lead on them. It was the last album in their contract, and the five of them agreed it would be their last as a band.

Jane Volt did a small tour with her boyfriend, Alec, taking Edward's spot behind the keyboards and Infinite Fading did exactly that.

Each member found new outlets for their talent, and though they grew apart in distance, they remained close friends. They'd seen the world together, and in the end, they were all grateful that they hadn't lost one of their own to the dangers of fame.