Thank you all for the positive encouragement. Here's the next one…
Chapter 17: A time to Heal
Caius's POV…
I watched as Carlisle busied about after cleaning up the small gash on Bella's head. He flitted over to the drawer and pulled out a suture kit. As he prepared her for stitches, he questioned me.
"Edward did this you say," he said softly, voice full of regret.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. His jealousy and hunger for his singer drove him mad. I'm only glad I got to her before he violated her.
Carlisle nodded as he begun work on her wound. I found myself hissing in empathy for her suffering. It killed me on the inside that my mate was injured. I hated Edward with every fiber of my being. Death was too good for the likes of him. I had plans to prolong his life as long as I saw fit. He will rue the day of his birth and suffer for this outrage. Carlisle finished up by taping a bandage on the injured site.
"Did you kill him?" Carlisle asked as he crossed the small distance from the bed to the medical bag on the dresser.
I shook my head. "I decided not to. He will remain my prisoner for as long as it pleases me. I sent Demetri and Alec to take him to Volterra castle. They will not be returning for battle, there is no time."
"Your decision is just, and I am so sorry this happened to you and Bella." He said sympathizing as he put away his medical tools.
"Thank you for your understanding. What matters now is her and her wellbeing. She is my whole reason for existing. I don't know what I would do if…" I choked on my words as the emotions filled my aching heart and I couldn't finish.
He walked over to me scrutinizing my face. "Caius you look more pale than usual and there are dark circles forming under your eyes. Maybe is time you hunted."
I crossed my arms then looked at my mate just laying there on the bed hurt with a bruised head. "I will hunt…when she wakes. I will not leave her. "I say with determination.
"Of course, Caius, I will go and tell the family of Edward's crime and fate." With that he left the room.
I walked over to Bella and knelt, then reach for hand and drew it to my lips. I kissed her fingertips fervently. As the third and most feared of the Kings, I learned three millenniums ago that I had to be ruthless and I knew I was valued only for my hunger for violence. I was also the ungifted one, and I had to prove myself. So naturally, I kept my walls up and feelings in check, until I had to let out my fury on someone. But not this time, nothing could stop my rush of emotions I had in my heart for her. The venom tears burned and stayed welled up in my eyes. I was alone and made no attempt to hold back my sadness. She was unconscious and I feared for her no other. She is everything to me.
I leaned down for kiss. She moaned in her sleep as she felt my lips on hers. That made me desire to be close to her, so I rose from my position and settled in beside her on the bed. I laid my head on the pillows with hers and held her hand on my chest. I winced a little because of the wounds were slow to heal. I need to feed to heal all the way. But I ignored the pain my only thought was for my mate. I would be here for her, I failed her before, and I was not going to do it again. I will be the first person she sees when she opens her eyes.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
I spent most of the night pacing back and forth from the window to the bed. Esme came in every now and then to check on how Bella was doing. She straightens her blankets, and I helped her change Bella's position, so she was not on her back too long.
''Caius, if you won't leave to hunt, at least sit, and calm yourself. You're making the hole in the floor by walking yourself ragged in your state of anxiety. '' Esme said in her motherly tone.
I sighed in exasperation as she ordered Jasper to bring in a comfortable blue recliner for me to rest in. But I took it without complaint and found it was more comfortable to be still, rather than restless.
''I think it's not very wise of you not to feed, you need to be strong for her when she wakes. Your eyes look so dark, dear. ''She said to me by the door before she left.
''Yes, I know but I can't go. I do thank you for the chair. If she should waken …''I glanced at Bella still sleeping. ''Well feeding will have to wait. ''I say firmly.
''As you wish, ''she exhaled sadly, leaving me in peace.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Just before dawn I had a visit from Alice. She entered the room tentatively and ask permission to sit by Bella. I nod to her and she gave me a small smile as she moved to the empty place on the bed. She brought with her a cold cloth and gently wiped Bella's face making her feel cool and more comfortable.
''I want you to know that I understand what you had to do with Edward. ''She looked at Bella and then stifled a sob. ''I just didn't foresee this happening because I was too focused on the newborn army. '' She said in frustration.
''Alice you can't be accountable for Edwards actions. Nor are you able to see everything. ''I say in a soft gentle tone.
A slight moan came from the other side of the bed and Alice turned to Bella and gasped.
''I think she's waking up. ''She said excitedly.
I looked over and past Alice and stood. I flitted around the bed. ''Are you sure? She's not moving. ''
As I lean down to look at Bella's face, I lifted her hand and gave it a slight squeeze. ''Bella, love? Can you hear me? ''
She moaned again and I saw her fingers twitch and flex. ''Darling, wake up. ''I coaxed gently.
''Caius? 'she whispered has her eyes fluttered open. She swallowed hard and clicked her tongue as it stuck to the roof of her mouth.
''I'm right here, it's right now. ''
''I need a drink, I'm so thirsty. ''She said as she licked her dry lips.
''Alice, please get her some water.''
''I'm on it,'' she said as she flitted out to complete her task.
Alice came back with Esme and Carlisle. Alice went to the other side and gave me the cup. I helped Bella to sit up and she laid her head against my chest as I supported the cup. She took small swallows.
''That's good, just a little more my love.'' She got down another sip and then let her body relax against my chest. ''Listen to me Bella. I need you to stay awake for me. Promise you will try?''
She took a shaky breath. ''I promise. ''
She smoothed a gentle touch up and down my arms that caused me to shiver. Carlisle moved to sit in front of her on the bed. He produced a small flashlight from his upper jacket pocket an exam in her eyes.
''Tell me Bella, do you feel dizzy or have a need to feel sick? ''Carlisle asked as he tested her pupils for dilation.
''No, I just feel like I need more sleep. ''She exhaled.
''You just suffered a blow to the head, try to stay awake for an hour. '' She groaned in response, ''when you fell, the impact result in you getting a small gash on bruise on your forehead. It is the only injury as far as I can tell. Does anything else hurt?''
''No, just need rest, ''she moaned as he clicked off his light and Bella blinked. ''I don't like bright lights. ''
''We'll keep them low, OK? ''Carlisle assured her gently.
''OK, good. ''Bella nodded, snuggling into me.
Esme walked over so Bella can see her. ''I will prepare you something to eat, you need your strength. ''
''No, I need more sleep. ''She said, shaking her head.
Alice sat in front of her. ''Bella stay with us for a little while longer, talk with me. ''
''I'll try, ''she gave a small smile to Alice.
''Caius has been so worried for you. He's been as restless as caged lion.'' Alice said.
''Caius, thank you for saving me.'' Bella says looking up at me.
''My sweet love, you never have to say thank you for that. ''I say gulping down the lump forming in my throat.
''Where did you go after I fell asleep last night? ''
''I couldn't handle the intense need to be with you, feeding helps, so I went to the next city to sate my desires. I just …''I stop speaking as she put her finger to my lips.
''Shh, it's alright. I understand.''
I saw her suddenly relax into my arms and closed her eyes.
''Bella, stay with us! ''Alice ordered her.
She started to awake again. ''Don't …please I need more sleep, ''Bella begged us.
''Okay, shh. Be still my love, don't get excited it's not good for you. '' I say softly to her, in hopes that she would listen.
Her face was pressed against me as she moaned some more. ''Alright, sleep. I will be by your side when you wake up. ''I say and then lay her down.
Maybe after this rest she will be able to get up and eat. I watched Bella lay in a quiet serenity then soon her hand slipped off her belly to her side. She was asleep once more. Alice went out and left us. I moved over to the other side of the bed and slipped in and pulled her close.
She responded as she said softly. ''I…Love you, Caius. ''Her voice a soft whisper that washed over me. My mind was reeling from her declaration and joy rose in my soul.
''I love you too. ''I say is my voice cracked.
Hot tears fell from her lashes and dip down on the cold skin of my chest. I reached up to wipe them away. ''Thank you, ''her voice barely audible but my vampire hearing caught it easily.
''There's no need, my Bella. I would do anything for you. Sleep now. ''I say finally as I held her through the rest of the night, waiting for her to come back to me.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bella's POV …
The morning rays fell on my face and I felt it's comforting warmth. I yawned, pulling my deep breath in and smelled a wonderful mix of earthly woodsy scent from the forest that surrounded the house. Their aroma hung in the air until a sweet smell drifted to me and I blinked as my eyes open. I turn my head to see a bouquet of roses by my bed and smiled. Caius. In the distance, the song of the birds drifted to me happily as they sang to each other. The muffled sounds of the Cullen's talking and busying around the house comfort in me. I felt that I was not alone suddenly and turn my head over to look at the window. As a ray of sunlight hit him, his skin sparkled and glowed. I squinted at the bright mesmerizing twinkles and my heart leapt inside my chest. Caius! I wanted to run to him and to throw myself into his arms, but my head hurt a bit and I did not want to risk it. So, I watched him silently as he gazed out the window.
His arms were crossed, and he slouched in the chair with his head turned away. He looked a little off and drained to me, so I started to set up an alarm. I could see him better at this angle, and his profile looked so worn from worry. I didn't believe it was possible for a vampire to look so tired and ill, but he did.
''Caius? ''I called.
Caius jerked and snapped his head in my direction. ''Bella? ''
Many emotions flit over Caius's features and then settled on relief. He flew from his chair into my arms. He took unneeded breaths and struggled to prevent sobbing. My chest rose and fell as my heartbeat went out of control. This was the moment, I knew, I truly knew without a doubt that I loved him. I buried my face into his neck and drank in his scent. A comforting wave rushed through me, oh …how I missed him. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I felt the emotion so strong. He pulled back and his arms dropped from round me.
''Bella, I apologize. Did I hurt …''he stopped and put his hand to my cheek. ''My love, are you crying? ''
''Yes Caius. ''I say as my lips trembled.
His arms gathered me to him again. ''You need not fear any longer. You are safe here with me. ''
He nuzzled my neck. I could feel the shuddering breath as he exhaled, expressing his grief and relief at the same time. When he released me, he placed his hands on both sides of my face and then looked steadily into my eyes.
''When Edward took you, I never felt so frightening all my existence. I just don't know how you will forgive me for leaving you to deal with my selfish needs. ''
''Stop it. You did not leave me intentionally and there was nothing to forgive. ''I say hoping he would forgive himself.
He swallowed hard. ''But I should have been there to protect you. What kind of mate leaves the woman that he loves? ''
''I beg you, you did me no wrong! '' I look down to fidget with the sheets. ''I saw the way your eyes turn black. You need to go and feed. '' I said and look up to see his face fall.
His muscles in his jaw clenched and he went and stood by the window. He seemed to struggle as his breath hissed through his teeth harshly. As he labored his knuckles cracked as he formed a fist, repeatedly. He did not say anything as he stared out the window. I knew why. He blamed himself and I saw his pride damaged by not being there for me. He thought his actions showed him weak, but I saw him in love with me and as devoted as ever.
Just then, Esme came in with tray of food. Caius spun on his heel and walked over to her. ''Please let me take that and thank you. ''He said dismissing her.
He came to my side of the bed, then move the flowers over and placed the tray there for me. I gazed curiously at his face and saw his eyes. They had an unmistakable look of a vampire struggling to control his hunger as they turned dark. He fidgeted with the arrangement of my tray.
''Caius? ''I watched him pause and raise his head to look at me slowly.
''Don't you lie to me. Are you in need of a hunt? ''
''Don't worry about me. You need to eat. ''He continued to fiddle with the tray.
''Will you stop that and look at me.'' I say getting even more concerned.
''Bella, I'm fine really. I hunted last night remember. ''
I place my hand on his chest and he winced. ''Wait, are you hurt? ''
''No, I'm not hurt, I …''but he cringed again when I slightly touched his chest again.
''Liar now let me see that. ''I ordered and pulled his shirt up enough to expose imprint over his ribs the exact size of Edward shoe.
''Not hurt huh. ''
''Bella is nothing. I will be fine. ''
''Your body is damaged badly. ''
''No, is only a Flesh wound. '' He said downplaying it.
''Nope that's it I had it! I'm not eating until you go feed. ''I said crossing my arms over my chest stubbornly.
''I am not the one that's been out for a day and needs her strength. ''He said as he took a cracker and hold it close to my pursed lips.
''No! ''I said as I turn my head.
''You will, or I will force you if I must. ''He threatened.
I turn my head to him and gasped. ''You wouldn't dare Caius!''
''I'll show you how I dare. '' He slid a piece of cracker between my protesting lips, but I spit it out.
''Bella.'' He growled.
''I refuse to eat a single morsel until you feed, go now!" I say to him firmly.
''You're an obstinate little mate." he huffed giving in.
I watch how his lips spread into a grin. "I will go but I won't be long, OK?"
I yawned at him and then took my tray and place it in front of me.
''Good, I want most of that food eaten when I return. ''I know it and he seemed satisfied as I took a bite a cracker and cheese, then he flitted out. I smiled I do have some power over him. I laughed wholeheartedly at the thought and he's all mine.