Disclaimer:- I own nothing.

Just a warning there is some upsetting stuff in this chapter, so just be warned.

Esme POV

We had celebrated Carlisle's birthday without much fuss. I was able to get him a personalised briefcase online. It was not what I had wanted to get but it was all I could do. That night was a bit special. We took a bath together, then made love. Then there was our first thanksgiving. It was lovely to be with Carlisle, Marcus, Grace and the children. We all stuffed ourselves silly. Now it's Christmas. Our first Christmas as a married couple. It's a bittersweet moment.

It would have been wonderful to celebrate Christmas on our own in either our own house or Carlisle's apartment, but it was not to happen.

Logan's men had tired on several occasions to capture Cauis and Aro but they kept moving around so no one could find out where they were. We had had several reminders that we where not safe.

The first time was when Carlisle went to take his MCAT exam. Harry drove him there, nobody was aloud to stay with him of course. When the exam finished Harry picked him up, drove home. As they were approaching home something hit the windshield of the car causing it to crack. Harry got out to look and found a brick with a picture round it. It was a picture of Carlisle entertaining his exam with 'watching you' written on the back. No one saw who through it.

The next time was Carlisle birthday. They sent him a birthday card hoping he enjoys his last birthday. We were all on edge these days. The mail was now checked, the children had to be taken to school in the SUV that is the only car that is fully protected. Thanksgiving went by with no problems that is why we think that Christmas is going to be bad.

Grace had done wonders on the house. It was beautiful decorated. There was a huge tree in the entrance way, the colour theme was gold and silver. There was several small trees dotted about, tinsel on the stair railing. There was mistletoe hanging in most of the archways. It was 23rd December the children were off school and loving it. We were all on tender hooks tho. Logan's men were trying. There was still no sign of my cousins but we were still hopeful. The one thing that has kept me going is Carlisle. He's been my rock. We were all sitting down eating dinner when Billy called from the security hut. Marcus was gone for a couple of minutes, when he came back he was trying to stay calm.

"Grace honey, can you the children to the playroom upstairs please." Marcus whispered something to Carlisle, then looked at me. "Esme do you think you could help Grace please."

I looked at Marcus then Carlisle. "Esme please," Carlisle asked. There was something going on.

"Yeah ok." I picked up Jane and took Dimitris hand as Grace had Alec and Felix. The playroom was next to the children's bedroom, we ushered everybody in then Grace locked the door. I never noticed it had a keypad lock. I looked at Grace and she shook her head. It's a very secure playroom. Something was not right.

Carlisle POV

When Marcus asked Grace and the children to leave during dinner in new something wasn't right. I definitely needed Esme with them. When they had gone I turned to Marcus. "What's up?"

"Problems down at the hut," was all he said

"Damm it Marcus I'm not Grace or Esme tell me." I was not in the mood to be kept out of the loop.

"Billy thinks one of Esme's cousins has just been thrown out of a car outside. He's in very bad shape, not to likely to survive. We need to go down there and find out what is going on." We both walked out the door towards the hut. What I saw was horrendous. On the floor was a body of man not very old. He had no clothes on, and the smell was terrible. He had no hair, swollen black eyes and a very broken nose, cracked and split lip. I could tell that his arms were broken in multiple places, he was missing several fingers. He had electrical burns on his arms and torso. There was blood running down his legs from I can only imagine was from his genitalia. His knee caps where shot out and his feet, well god only know what happened to them.

Billy had a blanket over him and was talking to him gently. He was trying to figure out who is was. Billy motioned me to come over and talk to him.

"Hi can you here and understand me." I asked gently. He nodded. "Can you talk." He shook his head. He was trying to talk, opening and closing his mouth but nothing was coming out. "Ok ok shhhhh. I'm going to ask some questions and I just want you to nod ok." He nodded.

"Ok is your name Jason." He shook his head

"Are you Jared." Again he shook his head.

"Are you Lyncon." Ne nodded. Ok

"Ok lyncon, help is coming. My name is Carlisle, I married Esme." He nodded his head several times. He was trying to grasp my shirt. So I took both his hands in mine. He had lost 7 fingers, but I tried to offer comfort.

"Do you know who did this to you?" He nodded.

"Was it Cauis?" He nodded and shook his head. I was confused.

"Yes it was but no." He shook his head.

"Was Aro there". He nodded his head violently. Thought so he was the sadistic one.

"Was there anybody else?" He nodded. He then took one of his hands out of mine and showed me his 3 fingers that were left.

"There were three others there." He nodded.

"Did you know them." A shake of his head.

"Was Jared or Jason there." He let out a silent cry and nodded his head.

"I have to ask, are they alive." He shrugged his shoulders. He then started to grab my hand again, so I gave it to him. He then grabbed my wedding band.

"What the matter, I'm sorry I don't know." I was trying to stay calm, for his sake. Then Marcus said something that put a chill down my spine.

"Is it Esme, your trying to say." He vigorously nodded.

"What, what about Esme?" I was trying not to shake him. He couldn't get any words out he just shook his head, tears where running down his face. It was then the paramedics came in.

"Please out of the way." One said as he pushed past. "My god what happened to him."

"We don't know, a car drove past and kicked him out." Billy explained. Marcus pulled me back out of the way, while they worked.

"I need to get back into the house." I said to Marcus.

"They are safe, they are in a panic room. No one can get them." Marcus was trying to reassure me. The paramedics got Lyncon set to travel, then they were off. I was still in shock, I think. It was Billy that snapped me out of it.

"Carlisle! Are you all right?"

"Yeah sorry. What's going to happen now." I kept looking at the main house.

"I will contact Logan and tell him what's going on. Security is going to be stepped up 10 fold. I hate to say it, but it could come down to them trying to take Esme."

"I won't let that happen!" I shouted. Marcus put his hands on my shoulders. "I know you won't and we will make sure she is safe."

"I'm going up to see Esme and talk to her," as I turned to leave Marcus grabbed my arm.

"I think you should wash up first and change your shirt," I looked down at my hands and shirt, they were covered in blood. I nodded. As I made it up to the house, each step became harder. I managed to get into our room and to the shower. I just let the hot water fall over me. I kept thinking at what that young man went through. God to think there are two more out there possibly having the same treatment. God help them.

Once I was clean and dry I went to find Esme, Grace and the children. I had never realised that the playroom was a panic room. I had to use the phone outside the room for Grace to open the door. The children were non the wiser. Grace look at me and nodded I looked at Esme she knew something is going on. I held out my hand for her to take.

"Carlisle is everything alright?" She took my hand, but there was concern in her eyes.

"Come with me sweetheart, we need to talk." Esme just followed me back into our room. I pulled her to the bed, sat down, Esme followed.

"Lyncon has been found." Esme gasped. "He was left outside the security hut, he was pretty badly hurt." The tears in Esme eyes were just starting to fall. "I'm afraid I don't think he will make it." She buried her head in my shoulder and cried. This was getting all to familia. Me telling her bad news.

Grace POV

When Carlisle came to get Esme I knew something was wrong, he had showered and changed his clothes. The children were playing thankfully, Felix was asleep in his cot at the back of the room. I was very anti getting this room done, but with everything that has been going on, I'm very please we did. I love Esme and Carlisle to bits but this is getting to close to my children.

"Hey love everybody ok," Marcus knelt down and whispered to me. He to had changed his clothes. I nodded. We had been married long enough for him to know that something is wrong. "What's wrong Gracie." I didn't have to say anything I just looked at the children.

"You think I would let anything happen to you or the kids." He sat down next to me and pulled me between his legs. He put his chin on my shoulder. "I would die before I let anything happen to any of you."

"Please don't say that Marc, I leant my cheek against his. It's just that with what is going on it's too close to home. I've never had to worry before, but this is getting too much. The children don't know what is going on thank god. I love them both to bits, It sounds horrible, they must be going through hell."

"Hey. I know you are just looking out for your babies. Do you want me to ask them to leave."

"Marc that's not fair putting that on me," I tried to move but he had me in a firm grip.

"You were the one that brought it up."

"Now I feel bad. I don't want them to leave but I'm scared for the children, what happens if something happen to them."

"DONT" Marcus said. "Daddy why are you mad at mommy," Alec come over and sat on my lap.

"Daddy isn't mad at mommy sweetheart, he didn't mean to raise his voice did you." I turn my head so I'm looking at Marcus.

"No honey, I'm sorry." And with that Alec was happy, I just wish everything was that quick to solve.

Esme POV

Once I had calmed down a bit I went to get something to drink that's when I walked pass the playroom and heard Grace talking to Marcus. It must be terrifying for her, worried about the children. I hadn't thought about what impact it was having on Grace and the children. I needed to stop this now. Before anybody else got hurt. I would do whatever is needed to get this sorted, even my life. Little did I know that I wouldn't need to go anywhere.

Carlisle POV

Dinner was very tense tonight, not only where we on edge about what happened, tension were high between the adults too. All of a sudden the alarms started to sound in the house, the lights went out. The children started to scream.

"Daddy, mommy why have the light on out." Dimitri cried.

"I'm scared mommy," Alec was crying, so was Jane.

"Hey it's just the lights gone out that's all." Marcus was trying to sound calm. "Why don't you all go upstairs and play. Grace, Esme go with them. Now please." They both took the children, then it was just the two of us. We made our way to the gun safe, armed ourselves, went back into the kitchen. Marcus tried to contact Billy but no answer. This was not looking good. The two of us verses god know how many.

The house phone rang, Marcus put it on speaker. "Yeah."

"Marcus, you know who I want I will come in and take her." Cauis spat.

"Fuck of Cauis you won't have her," I shouted.

"Oh Carlisle, you know how this is going to work." Cauis was goading me.

"Come up here and try to take her Cauis, or will you send in your men." I hoped I was calling his bluff.

"I'm coming in alright." The line then went dead. I looked at Marcus unsure as what to do. It was then we heard glass break upstairs. I took off running to see what had happened. What I found turned by blood cold. Cauis was there with Esme.

"Cauis no!" I cried, pointing the gun at him. He had Esme in front of him, gun pointed to her head, his other hand was clutching her breast, he had smirk on his face. "I'm walking out of here with her Carlisle."

I looked at Esme she was crying and wincing. I was a good shot but if I hit her I would never forgive myself. "Why Cauis, why. Her parents are still alive so you can't have the business." I'm stalling here.

"Oh I know they are alive I'm hoping they will come out after they know there presious daughter is in danger." He pull her back towards the window. I looked at Esme, she was looking straight at me. I didn't know what she was going to do. Then everything happened at once. Esme drove her elbow back into Cauis ribs, then stamped on his foot. She then twisted out of his arms. I was just about to shoot Cauis but then a shot went off.

"ESME!" I ran over to her. She was standing over Cauis with the gun in her hand, I turned to look at Cauis and saw he was dead. Esme shot him right between the eyes. She was trembling.

"It's ok sweetheart, give me the gun." I placed my hand on the weapon and eased it out of her hand. I placed Cauis gun and my own on the floor then gathered Esme up in my arms as she shook and cried uncontrollably. Marcus came running in then, saw what had happened, "you ok" he mouthed I nodded my head. I picked up Esme and took her back to our room, sat on the bed.

"I killed him," Esme sobbed

"I know sweetheart but you hade to, it's alright." I just held her.

"I was going to go with him." I grabbed her shoulders and looked at her in horror.

"What, why, why would you do that." I was shaking her trying to make sense of what was going on.

"Grace was talking to Marcus and they were going to ask us to leave as she didn't feel safe with us here and because of the children." She broke down then. I wanted to kill my sister in law, but I could also see her point of view. But thinking of Esme going with Cauis freely it made my blood boil.

"Charlie's here," Marcus said from the door. Esme then freak then.

"It was self defence, I swear it was." I cradled her in my arms.

"Sssshhhhhh I know it was and Charlie will know it too."

"But how will he know, he wasn't there."

"Because I'm a fine officer of the law and I know who is telling the truth and who is lying." Charlie said from the door way. He made his way over to us. He sat on the chair near the bed. "Look I don't know what happened, so I need you to talk me through it."

Esme sat up. She still had hold of me. "When Marcus told us to go upstairs I made sure Grace and the children were in the playroom, I shut the door and went looking to see if I could find whoever it was."

"But why would you do that Esme?" Charlie mentioned. I then looked at Marcus.

"I overheard Grace telling Marcus that she didn't feel safe with us being here, so I wanted to help." I looked up at Marcus and the look on his face, he looked so ashamed and upset. It was when I was looking out the window that Cauis broke in. I didn't get a chance to do anything as Carlisle came in. Cauis started to touch me. It was the look of hurt in Carlisle's face that made me snap, so I elbowed him in the ribs, stamped on his foot. I was then able to turn round and grab his gun. I just pulled the trigger." Charlie was nodding along.

"Ok well I will need you to make a statement, not now but in a few days. I will have the coroner collect the body. I don't think there is any need for crime scene. It is pretty straight forward."

"I do have one thing Charlie, would you be able to take me and Esme to the four seasons please."

"What, no. What you heard." I cut Marcus off

"I know what my wife told me Marcus. I will not stay in a house that we are not wanted. I understand that Grace wants to keep the kids safe, so that is why we are leaving."

"Carlisle can I have a word outside please." Marcus gestured to just outside the door.

I turned to Esme, "please don't leave me."

"Of course not my love. Sorry Marcus." He just nodded and left.

"If that is what you want I will take you to the hotel. I will wait downstairs."

"Thank you Charlie." I turned to Esme. "I know your not ok, but I don't think we should stay here."

"Carlisle she was just trying to look out for her babies, would we do any different?" I looked into her eyes. Yes I knew she was right but I was just so angry at the moment.

"Do you want to stay then?"

"I don't know. It was awkward at dinner and I know it's going to be like that from now on. I think it will do us all good to give each other some space."

"If that's what you want my love. Let's get out stuff and we can go if only for a few days. Are you alright if I go talk to Marcus. I promise I won't be gone long." She nodded. Esme didn't leave the bed she just curled up on my side.

I didn't want to leave her but I needed to talk to Marcus. I found him talking to Grace in the playroom they were keeping the children in there until everything was sorted.

Marcus can I have a word please. Both turned to look at me, Marcus just got up and walked outside the room with me. "Before you say anything Esme and myself are going to the four seasons for a few days. Esme feels she needs her own space and I think it will be good for both of you to have us out of your hair for a while."

Marcus nodded then he started. "I want to say I'm sorry for what Esme heard, Grace is feeing scared and after what happened you must understand." Yeah I could.

"Grace and the kids are going to her parents for a bit until all this is sorted. Graces parents haven't seen the kids in a while so it's a good excuse."

"Ok well we are going to pack up and we can meet up after Christmas. I think we are going to house hunt as well so we may not be back. We both thank you for yours and Graces hospitality these past months." Neither of us spoke about what Grace and him talked about. He knew how I felt. "I think that is the best for all involved."

"I'm going to stay here until Christmas Eve then travel up to be with Grace and the kids. I don't know how long we will be gone for we may be back before New Years I don't know. But I will keep you updated."

"Ok I hope you all have a good Christmas Marcus." I turned to leave but he put is hand on my shoulder, I turned to face him.

"You know Grace was scared don't you, she loves you both, but she's a mother first. Please tell me you understand where she was coming from."

"I do get it. I really do." I then walked off back to Esme. I found her as I left her curled up on my side of the bed asleep. I left her to sleep, I started to pack what little we had. I packed up her Christmas present, I hope she liked it. Once I had packed everything up I took it downstairs to where Charlie was waiting. "That's everything I'm not sure if Esme has anything but I don't think it will be much. We will be down in a minute. Thanks you again Charlie."

"Not a problem Carlisle. I'll be in the cruiser waiting". I nodded walking back up to Esme. I knelt down next to her, brushed hair away from her face.

"Esme sweetheart, it's time to go, come on my love." She turned to face me, very bleary eyed. "I have backed everything, unless there is anything you need to get." She just nodded, turned over and picked something out of the bedside cabinet. She was a bit wobbly so I took her elbow and guided her round to where ever she needed to go, but all she picked up was her handbag and purse then headed to the door. We walked downstairs, Marcus went to hug Esme but she shook her head. I saw hurt in Marcus's eyes. I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders. We got into the cruiser then we were off. Esme didn't talk the whole way to the hotel just staired our the window. Once we arrived at the hotel Charlie helped me inside with the luggage, we got checked in, I ordered room service then and went up to our room. Once inside Esme went straight to bed curling into a ball. I got everything out of the luggage that we needed, went into the bathroom to run Esme a bath.

Once it was ready, I scooped her up, took her to the bathroom and gently stared to undress her, she was just staring into nothingness. I think it was shock. Esme just let me undress her, but when I got to her underwear she started to shake. I took both hands in mine.

"Hey sweetheart, it's only me, no one else is here or can hurt you." It looked like she was looking through me. I needed her to see me, register me. I took one of her hand and placed it on my face. I kissed her palm. I kept kissing her palm and whispering to her that she ok safe. It took about 5 minutes but Esme started to come too. "Hi my love, you ready for a bath."

"Yes, will you join me." She looked so scared and small.

"Of course I will." I kissed her lips. I pulled my shirt off and my trousers, then there was a knock at the door. "I will be right back." I kissed her forehead. I grabbed a robe, through it on then answered the door. After I had taken in the room service I returned to the bathroom, to find Esme in the bath already. She smiled at me and held out her hand to me. I dropped the robe and my boxers and climbed in behind her. I felt her relax against me. "Thank you for doing this for me."

"Your my wife, my love I would do anything for you." I grabbed her shower puff put some soap onto it and started to wash her. I started at her shoulders and worked my way down to her fingers. I did the other side but when I started to was her chest she hissed.

"What's wrong?" I looked down at her and that's when I saw the deep bruises that were starting to appear and the fingernail indentations. "On Esme, I'm so sorry." I gently washed her chest trying not to hurt her.

"It just stings a bit that's all." She leaned her head back onto my shoulder. "I feel safe here, loved." She took hold on my hands and brought them up to her chest and just held them there. "This is nice."

"Let me wash you love" I kissed her cheek.

"Ok." She sat forward. I grabbed a cup I had found and her shampoo and conditioner. As I poured cup after cup of water on her hair to wet it, I could here her humming.

"What's the song I don't recognise it." I put shampoo on my hands and started to massage her scalp.

"Oh that's feels nice, it's just a song I've had in my head for a few days, I can't get rid of it. Are you sure you don't want to be a hairdresser and a doctor, they feel amazing."

I had to laugh at that. "No I don't think I would be any good at hairdressing, this is about as much as I can do."

"Well it's marvellous, very relaxing."

"Good that's what I want. Right I'm going to rinse so close your eyes."

"Mmmmmhhhhhhh," was all I got. As I was rinsed all the shampoo out of her hair, I thought about what would have happened if I lost her. My life would have ended. Esme is my life now. My world without her in it is not life at all.

"Carlisle are you alright, you stopped."

"Oh sorry love I was thinking."

"About?"

"What my life is like now compared to what is it was like, and what would happen if anything happened to you."

"Nothing is going to happen to me. I'm here and I'm safe, thanks to you." Esme turned to face me.

"Ok." I nodded, grabbed the conditioner and put a load in her hair and massaged that in.

"Oh you can wash my hair anytime honey. I'm nearly asleep here."

"I'm glad your relaxing. There is food out there, thought me might like something, so I ordered sandwiches, chips and pudding."

"Pudding yes I could eat pudding."

"Ok then, let me rinse this out then we can eat." I rinsed out the conditioner from Esme's hair, I was just about to say about getting out but Esme had other ideas. She stood up and then sat down again straddling me.

"Now it's my turn." She said as she kissed me. Esme took the cup from me, filled it up and started to wet my hair. I put my head down onto her chest so it was easier for her, but It had some benefits as well. She used her nails to scrape my scalp and massage the shampoo in. As she rinsed off I had started to gently caress she ass. She would sigh and moan every now and then. It was the most beautiful sound. I kissed the tops of her breast as she started the conditioner. Once she deemed me all done I helped her out of the bath, as I followed after, wrapping ourselves in the towel dressing gowns. We sat on the bed just nippling the food, playing footsie with each other. It was a beautiful end to a very stressful day. When we had enough, we decided to have an early night, so we climbed into bed and cuddled, as we both drifted off to sleep.

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