I'm absurdly proud of myself for posting another chapter so soon. I'm pretty tired though, so I apologise for any errors in the text.
Thank you all for the awesome comments - I cherish you.
Without further ado, enjoy.
23. Home is where the heart is
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Rosalie's POV
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Rosalie toyed absently with the watch on her wrist. It looked a bit odd on her, far clunkier than the design she favoured but then again it was not hers. Bella had insisted on Rosalie carrying Charlie's old watch for the time being, for safekeeping. The time traveler did not trust her ability to hold on to it during one of her travels, not after Treblinka. In a bad attempt of humour, Kate had pointed out it was also a safety precaution, to avoid Bella asking any stray vampires for more favours. She joked they might end up with another Vampire army at their doorstep. That comment had earned the warrior a punch from an unamused Rosalie. Safe to say, Kate kept her distance from the irate blonde for the time being, opting to go over strategies with Jasper instead. In fact, aside from Esme, the rest of the family was giving her space. They seemed to think of her as a ticking time bomb and honestly, Rosalie didn't blame them. Despite Jasper's calming waves every few minutes and one of his mantra's from therapy session circling in her mind – she was only a few moments from snapping. Esme, bless her heart, was fussing over her. For some reason Rosalie didn't mind that, knowing Esme's actions were a blend of worry and powerlessness. The blonde did not have the heart to take that away from the woman. Not when she knew perfectly how that felt.
Her whole body was tense, ready to spring into action without a moment's notice. Various images of Bella being caught in all sorts of dangerous situations ran through her mind on an endless loop. They had no new leads, and she was seriously contemplating breaking the treaty to go investigate herself. Carlisle had contacted Sam Uley after the phone call with Sue Clearwater and the wolf had agreed to meet up later that day. Edward and Tanya were scouting in Seattle, hoping to find some clues to Victoria's whereabouts. Alice was in her room, trying to prompt a vision in the hopes of finding Bella. The chances were slim since Alice was unable to see around shifters but she was trying her best. Alec and Jane had headed into town, specifically to Bella's house to see if they could detect any unfamiliar vampire scents. All in all, everyone was doing their best with what little information they had. Still, Rosalie glared down at the watch, willing time to go faster.
The front door swung open and two sets of footsteps trailed inside. Rosalie looked up as Alec and Jane entered the living room, their usual aloof expressions firm in place.
"Nothing," Rosalie stated more than asked.
"Nothing," Jane confirmed with a frown. Alec mirrored his twin's expression as he settled on the couch opposite Rosalie. His sister remained standing with her arms crossed.
"This is incredibly foolish," Jane finally declared after moment. "We are wasting time when we should be investigating the scene. We need to be absolute sure if Bella is time travelling or if that bitch Victoria has her. Why can't we just go to this stupid reservation?"
Rosalie opened her mouth to answer but closed it right after. After all, she agreed. Jane must have read her expression correctly since she gestured for her brother to stand up.
"Excellent, let's go now,"
"Wait!" Carlisle rushed into the room, sparing Rosalie a disapproving look before focusing on the twins. "We cannot ignore the treaty. It's the only thing that keeps peace between our species. A war with the shifters would only add onto our problems. I think Bella should be our priority now," The doctor gained three unimpressed looks.
"Bella is our priority, which is the whole point of going out to search for her," Rosalie answered for them all and the twins nodded in unison.
"You know the situation is delicate with the shifters. They hate our kind but more importantly, they are young. These are not the reasonable wolves we signed the treaty with. They have no experience and are quick to anger. That makes them unpredictable,"
"Lack of experience and poor emotional control makes them easy opponents. We will win this fight within minutes and have time to search for Bella," Jane shot back.
"I'd rather not have blood on my hands. They are only teenagers," Carlisle sounded disappointed with Jane, who obviously couldn't care less.
"You're a doctor, you always have blood on your hands," Alec deadpanned. Rosalie tried and failed to hide her smile, which made Carlisle redirect his disapproving stare to her.
"This is no laughing matter Rosalie," her coven leader scolded.
"They're here," Jasper's voice cut off whatever sassy response Alec was about to make. Rosalie was almost disappointed, despite her relief that the mongrels had arrived. She was beginning to discover Alec's humour, which was right up her alley. Even dry, albeit rare, comments from Jane were always on point. Who knew, the Volturi's most feared guards were actually rather funny. A pleasant surprise.
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Like Rosalie had expected, the meeting had gone terribly. The shifters had been defensive and accused them of killing Leah or holding her hostage. Sam, the leader, was stony faced the entire time while Jacob Black had been spitting with rage. Sam had to cut the meeting short when Jacob had shifted, but promised to scout La Push for Victoria and her lackeys. He had also threatened war if they were lying and had harmed Leah. Everyone, even a reluctant Carlisle, were unimpressed with the group. It had taken Carlisle almost forty minutes to convince Jane it was a bad idea to storm La Push. Jane and Rosalie had agreed in low tones to give it a few more hours but if Bella hadn't returned by that point, they would go and look for her themselves, the treaty be damned.
Rosalie turned the pages of her magazine, not taking in a word. She sat stiffly on the couch in the living room with the twins, who were staring at Laurent, Irina and Tanya talking outside in the window. Irina was smiling at the french man, who was telling a story about his animal hunting prowess with a smug expression on his face. Tanya was staring at the man with a bored expression and kept glancing over to her smitten sister.
"I don't like him," Jane murmured, eyeing Laurent with suspicion. "He's asking too many questions about Bella," Rosalie privately agreed.
The man had stuck close to Irina ever since he arrived, but he seemed too interested in Bella's affairs. He seemed especially invested in her powers. That was not suspicious in itself - after all Bella's powers were unique. The question themselves however raised red flags in Rosalie's mind. How far back does she travel? How often does it happen? When does it occur and where does she return? Is she often injured when she comes back? Rosalie had to use her glare frequently to make sure her family did not answer his questions. Luckily they all seemed suspicious too, or at least understood Rosalie was uncomfortable with the questioning, and gave noncommittal answers. Even Irina had looked at him weirdly at one point.
"I agree," Rosalie told Jane quietly. "We need to keep an eye on him," Jane nodded discreetly, a hint of relief in her eyes. Everything about his timing reeked of suspicion. Rosalie fiddled with the watch on her arm, tracing one of the scratches on the glass. With every fibre of her being, she hoped her mate was okay and trying to find her way home.
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Bella's POV
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"I don't know about you, but I don't want to witness any more of this shit," Bella exclaimed in a strangled voice. Leah nodded furiously beside her and grabbed her wrist and dragged her through the crowd. Some people gave them curious looks, but most seemed more interested in the ritual. They did not stop until they reached the outskirts of the city, taking shelter in what seemed like an abandoned ritual site. Bella eyed the wall drawing with interest, trying to calm her racing heart. The image of the priest holding the still beating heart in his bloody hand, next to the twitching dead body was enough to give nightmare for weeks. She distantly heard Leah retch outside. While it had been terrifying to watch, at least she wasn't a part of the ritual this time. With her luck, she did not leave that option out just yet. Leah finally returned and promptly sat down against the wall, staring dejectedly down at her hands. Bella watched as she clenched her fists and decided to sit down beside her.
"Are you…" Bella trailed off; the word 'okay' caught in her throat. Neither of them was okay. Nothing about this situation was okay.
"I had a fight with my brother before this clusterfuck happened," Leah's voice was tight. "I said some things I did not mean but because I was angry in that moment. God, the look on his face," Bella swallowed, unsure what to say. "He looked like a kicked puppy. I just… keep hurting him and my mom. Just because I can't cope with – " Leah cut herself off. Knowing Leah needed to get things off her chest, the time traveler remained silent. "What if those were last words I say to him? What if I can never say how sorry I am and how it isn't his fault I feel like this all the time?" Bella's heart broke for the girl. She knew regret intimately, how it cut so deep and left you bleeding for years. Her mind flashed back to her last moments with Charlie.
"I had a fight with me father before he died," the words left her tongue before she could rethink them. Leah shifted beside her but said nothing. Bella knew she was listening intently, so she powered through. "I don't even remember what we were arguing about. I do remember hating myself for a long time, I guess a part of me still does,"
"I'm sorry," Leah offered quietly.
"I'm sorry too," Bella said in return. "I don't exactly have the right words for you. Only that I know how regret feels like,"
"Yeah," Leah whispered to herself. Bella looked at her companion and something twisted in her chest. While she had no magic solution for Leah's predicament, she could at least try to make her feel better. After all, it was her fault for dragging the wolf into this mess. It wouldn't hurt to share her own thoughts on the topic, would it? Channeling her inner Jasper, she steeled herself.
"I've been thinking similar things actually," she cleared her throat gently, gathering Leah's attention. "I didn't leave with angry words this time but there are words unsaid," her mind conjured up the image of a smiling Rosalie. Fuck, she missed her girlfriend. "I've had enough trips to know that unfinished business and regrets are the worst thing about this whole ordeal. I guess I hadn't realised just how much until now,"
"Why only now?" Leah's voice was soft, curious.
"I was afraid," Bella admitted hesitantly. "Still am. I'm very guarded, with reason and being dependent or emotionally invested in someone scares the shit of me," judging by Leah's quiet exhale, Bella imagined it rang true for her as well. "I'm tired of being guarded though, especially when I have people to care about again. I don't know about you but when we get home, I'm going to say my piece. I think living with regret is the greatest punishment of them all," Leah said nothing for a long time.
"I also had an argument with my dad before he died. My emotions got out of control and I shifted for the first time. I didn't know what was happening so I lashed out, and he just happened to be in the way. It was an accident, but he died scared. Scared of me," her voice was small, so very vulnerable that Bella expected her to break down in tears. "Ever since I've been so angry and Seth, my brother, looks and behaves so much like him sometimes…"
"Our dads were friends, you know?" Bella said after a long pause. Leah looked at her, eyes wet. "I didn't know your dad as much as I would have liked to, but I have very fond memories. What I do remember is that he was a very patient and loving man," the other girl nodded. "I wasn't there when it happened, but I do know that he loved you very much. It's the same with Charlie, even though he left the house angry that day, I know he loved me," Bella swallowed, uncomfortable with the sharing but knew Leah needed it. "I reckon the same thing can be said about Seth, especially if he takes after your dad. He might be hurt by your anger and feel a little powerless, but he loves you,"
"Thank you," the wolf let out sincerely.
"Thank you for calling Bella's emotional support hotline. Our team has no credentials whatsoever, so we are completely unqualified to offer advice on deeply rooted trauma. Please don't sue us if our methods do not work out and remember to pay it forward," Bella quipped, feeling too raw with the heart to heart. Plus, Leah looked like she needed a break. Yes, Bella decided the latter was a more convenient excuse. Damn, she really needed to book another appointment with Jasper.
"Idiot," Leah chuckled fondly. "Come on, let's try to figure out or next move,"
"Well look at you, being proactive all of the sudden," the time traveler teased.
"I can't exactly have more panic attacks or keep acting like a raging bitch. Turns out it's not very effective for this situation," Leah snarked back. Bella grinned at self-deprecating humour. That was right up her alley.
"Well, believe it or not but you are taking this all remarkably well. You've gone from trying to murder me to sharing your feelings. I call that a level up in character building," Emmett would be proud for that reference. Bella made a note to play more video games with her best friend, it had been a while. He was probably sulking at home. Maybe he even convinced Kate to play with him.
"I knew you were a dork," the wolf laughed, an embarrassed flush rising on her cheeks. "I am sorry for that by the way. The murder attempt I mean,"
"No harm, no foul," Bella shrugged, deciding to go easy on the poor girl. Especially since she was pretty sure they were friends now. Plus, someone was trying to kill her every week. Either she had grown used to it or was developing into quite the masochist. "I'm sorry you got dragged into my bullshit as well,"
"Yeah, not the greatest I'll admit," Leah smirked. "But not your fault. You seriously need to gain some control over your powers,"
"I know," Bella grumbled. "Carlisle has been helping me but between the two of us, it's not very helpful,"
"Perhaps I can offer some guidance?" a new voice exclaimed, making the other two jump in surprise.
"What the fuck? Aren't you supposed to have super hearing?" Bella scolded Leah, who looked baffled at being caught off guard.
"I do," the wolf insisted. "I have no idea how someone snuck up on us,"
"I may share some light to that as well," the unknown voice offered politely. A man appeared out of thin air, standing at a respectful distance. Both Leah and Bella shot up to their feet, wary and prepared to fight if it came to that. One important fact about the encounter startled Bella more than the fact someone had found them.
"Wait, you speak English?" she asked the stranger incredulously. The man gave her a bland smile and nodded.
"I do indeed. Imagine my surprise to hear someone else speak a language which has yet to be invented in this time and place," his voice sounded smooth, and while Bella had not traveled to Britain yet, his English accent sounded posh. In fact, everything about him spoke of higher birth. The man, which Bella was pretty sure was a vampire, looked like he just traveled from the 19th century. He wore a dark three-piece suit, crimson necktie, and polished leather shoes. He even had white gloves on and was carrying a cane. All it needed to complete the picture was a top hat. Bella was a bit disheartening to see him without it. He, like every vampire Bella had ever met, was strikingly handsome; with dark neatly coiffed hair, carefully trimmed beard with an impressive moustache that curled up at the sides. In fact, he looked like he just stepped out of a Victorian Novel. Excluding his crimson eyes, which instantly made Bella more alert. Leah was stiff as a board herself, eyeing him with no small amount of distrust.
"Ah, I see you've encountered my kind before," the man said to himself softly.
"We have," Bella responded. "I have both good and bad experiences with vampires, which one are you going to be?"
"Well, I will do my very best to belong in the former category. I'd hate to lose the first conversation I've had in days over some disagreement. I may be a vampire but I am a gentleman first and foremost," the man told them with a surprising amount of sincerity. "Thomas Bennett, at your service," he bowed theatrically. Bella and Leah exchanged the universal look of 'what the fuck'.
"I'm Bella and this is Leah," the time traveler relented when the silence became too awkward.
"Splendid. I'm delightful to meet your acquaintance," Thomas offered a charismatic grin. Bella inwardly sighed. She hated the fact that liked him already. Had Kate been right? Was she just collecting vampires at this point? She glanced over and noticed Leah staring at him with furrowed brows.
"Pardon our initial… reaction. We are wary of strangers," It wouldn't hurt to be polite.
"As one ought to be," Thomas declared solemnly. "Especially in this part of the world,"
"You got that right," Leah muttered under her breath.
"Why are you – no, how are you here?" Bella asked him, beyond confused with this meeting.
"My dear, I arrived in the same manner you did. Although I'm starting to think we took different trolleys," he laughed a bit of his own joke. Yeah, most definitely an outdated person.
"Are you cosplaying or is this how you dress normally?" Leah seemed to share that particular thought.
"Cosplaying?" A puzzled expression flickered over his handsome features. "I have no knowledge of this cosplaying, but I do enjoy the theatre quite a bit. I just saw a wonderful rendition of Hamlet the other night," his eyes grew wistful.
"Hamlet," Leah deadpanned. "So, you're just… from that time period then?" she gestured towards his outfit.
"Oh no my dearie, I'm not from Shakespeare's time. I am a proud 19th century man. We consider ourselves men and women of progression you know," he looked in fact very proud of that statement. "
"Right," Leah drawled, amused now. "How's that going for you?"
"Well… of course it would be better but there are some advancements in science. Well only this week I heard talk of a new neurologist, an Austrian fellow. They say he does revolutionary work, although I have yet to meet him. My friend Charles has and said he was a bit odd, and altogether not a very pleasant company. I tend to disagree with Charles on principle so naturally I will go meet him myself,"
"Naturally," Bella's lips quirked up. "Is the name of the doctor perhaps Sigmund Freud?"
"Why yes, that is his name," Thomas looked at her in surprise. "Do you know him?"
"Personally? No," Leah stifled a laugh in the background. "But I think you're right about him making an impact,"
"How fascinating, that gives me even more reason to meet this chap," Thomas decided with a nod. Bella did not sign up for a discussion on Freud or offer her own controversial thoughts on the man, so she quickly changed the subject.
"You said earlier that you can offer some guidance? I imagine on the things you were eavesdropping on," to his credit, the man looked sheepish at the accusation.
"Not very courteous of me I admit. I apologise for such a social blunder. My friend insists I am too curious for my own good. It's disheartening to agree with anything he says, but in this particular case, it might be true,"
"Apology accepted," Leah made a dismissive gesture. "So what's with the beef between you and Charles?" Bella gave her a sardonic look. They were literally stranded thousands of years back in time and Leah wanted hot gossip from the Victorian era.
"Beef?" Thomas asked in a puzzled tone. "We rarely eat beef together, for he has a delicate stomach you see. Remarkably the only thing he can properly digest is – "
"She means animosity," Bella cut him off, not in the mood for learning meal plans from some random Victorian dude. She just wanted to go home.
"Ah, well there is no animosity, truly. We just happened to enjoy disagreeing with one another,"
"Sounds fun," Leah offered dryly. "You two must be so fun at parties,"
"We are," Thomas said sincerely, throwing her off.
"I'll have to take your word for it,"
"Very well but do promise me to never take his word for it," Leah laughed at that, which made Thomas grin.
"We're getting sidetracked. I'm sorry if I sound annoyed Thomas, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with this situation," that much was true. Bella was incredibly curious about Thomas and his world. Alas, priorities.
"But of course. From what I could hear is that you are in a bit of a dilemma. Is this the first time you've traveled?"
"I wish," Bella scowled at the thought. "I've lost count,"
"Oh," Thomas looked taken a back. "Well, then I'd say this is a bit of an emergency. We can't have you tumbling through time without an escape plan,"
"Ain't that the truth," Leah muttered, unaffected by the glare Bella shot her for that remark.
"It's remarkable you are standing in front of me unscathed then. There is a lot of danger in this world, even for a vampire – much more for a human," Thomas gave Bella an impressed look. "I imagine you have tussled with death quite often,"
"That was morbid. Don't be a downer Thomas," Leah looked queasy and not appreciative of the reminder of the precarious situation they were in.
"A downer?" the man frowned thoughtfully. "Not an expression I am familiar with I'm afraid,"
"It means to be a killjoy," Bella offered helpfully.
"Ah, very well," Thomas nodded seriously, and Bella noticed Leah's urge to roll her eyes.
"So you have control of your powers?" Bella wondered. "And you actually use it?"
"Yes to both. I used it more in my younger years but now I tend to travel back to ancient civilization to acquire material to entertain at dinner parties. Additionally, I take great pleasure in correcting my friends when they try to lord their schooling over me," Thomas looked absurdly proud of himself. Leah and Bella just stared at him. That was one reason, Bella supposed. She couldn't picture traveling for entertainment value though, she mostly associated travels with death experiences and horror. To each their own.
"So how do I get back?"
"First thing to consider, you must have an anchor," Thomas mused, stroking his beard in an absent minded gesture. "This is the most important part,"
"An anchor?"
"Why yes, something or someone who ties you to your time. Otherwise, you would be lost in the sea of time, never settling anywhere more than once,"
"Well, Carlisle thinks it might be my mate,"
"How romantic," Leah mumbled with a sarcastic smile. Bella kicked her in the shin.
"You have a mate? A vampire then? Wait, Carlisle?" the man took a double take.
"Yes to the first two. And Carlisle Cullen. He's the leader of my mate's clan," Bella explained, wondering if they knew each other. Judging by Thomas' look of realisation, he at least knew who Carlisle was.
"How fascinating,"
"You know him?" Leah attempted to sound bored but failed. Bella suppressed a smile. For someone who claimed to hate 'bloodsuckers', Leah had been asking a lot of questions.
"I know of him," Thomas answered with a nod. "I've been rather reclusive in my vampire years. I tend to avoid the politics of it all,"
"Politics?" Bella asked in interest. While Caius was literally a king, politics in his case seemed to be given, she did not associate other Vampires she knew with the term. An image of Emmett or Kate running for office entered her mind and she stifled a laugh.
"Yes, the ongoing turf war between the Egyptians and the Romanians of course," Thomas replied. "The Volturi too naturally," Bella frowned thoughtfully. She had no idea who the Egyptians or the Romanians were, but she did believe the Volturi had to fight to hold power. "Most coven support one or the other and when you are loyal to none, offence is taken. So instead, I try to avoid that sort of thing," That made sense.
"Who do your bl-," Leah cleared her throat. "Who do your vampires support?" Bella was almost proud of her for correcting herself. Then again, it could be because of their company. But then again, Leah had been surprising her for the entirety of their trip so maybe she was changing her mind about vampires. Odder things had happened.
"I don't know. Probably the Volturi," Bella shrugged. "Although I've never really heard them talk politics. Mostly they just attend high school,"
"Seriously?" Leah was not impressed. "They have eternal lives and spend it by going to high school,"
"Yeah I don't get it either. Something about humanity," Bella made a dismissive gesture.
"Yes Carlisle Cullen used to live in Volterra so him supporting the Volturi adds up," Thomas chimed in. "High school?" he added hesitantly.
"School for young adults, from ages 14 to 18,"
"I see. Well then, I find it rather peculiar that his coven chooses to waste their time in such fashion,"
"Same dude, same," Leah nodded in agreement. Thomas seemed puzzled by the address but understood the intent.
"So he lived with the Volturi. I wonder what he did to piss off Caius?" Bella murmured to herself, remembering Caius' distaste for the doctor.
"He offended one of the Kings?" Thomas wondered curiously. "And lived to tell the tale?" the latter question did not strike confidence in the Volturi's rule. But then again, Bella did not know much about Vampire power dynamics.
"Yeah, he lived. Caius seemed more annoyed with him than homicidal. Mostly kept making jokes at his expense," Bella shrugged.
"You've met the Volturi?" Thomas asked cautiously. Bella didn't blame him, especially if he avoided them like the plague.
"Yeah, Caius and I are sort of… friends I guess?" Bella shrugged, she didn't understand their relationship completely.
"Hold up, Vampire royalty?" Leah asked in surprise. "There are kings? You're friends with a fucking king?"
"Not sure if 'friends' is the correct word to be honest, I mostly amuse him," Bella shifted her attention to the vampire. "Don't worry, I won't tell him about you," Thomas breathed out in relief.
"Thank you," he bowed his head in a graceful movement.
"You're the weirdest human ever Bella," Leah informed her, looking oddly impressed.
"Thanks," the time traveler responded dryly. "It's something I strive to be,"
"Being odd is not a bad thing," Thomas said with a slight smile.
"You would know," Leah muttered, yelping when Bella elbowed her hard in the stomach. "Jesus, tough crowd,"
"Be nice," Bella hissed.
"Speaking of being nice, are you willing to be a real trooper and help us get back Tommy boy?" Leah asked the vampire hopefully.
"I have never been a soldier," Thomas stated gravely. Leah blinked.
"It's an expression," she explained slowly. "I'm not saying you're a soldier,"
"He's fucking with you," Bella pointed out with an eye roll.
"Don't be such a downer Leah," The time traveler laughed at Leah's sputter while Thomas grinned in mischief.
"Touché," the shifter offered finally, a reluctant smile marring her features.
"Well, to get back on topic. While I do not possess imagination like my dear friend Charles, although don't tell him I said that, I can enlighten you on some aspects on the matter,"
"Wow, you and Charlie boy are truly frenemies," Leah observed with a small grin. Thomas gave her a blank look. "It means you are friends even with that rivalry whole going on,"
"Ah frenemies. Friends and enemies. How clever," Thomas exclaimed with enthusiasm. "I must tell Charles, he's a writer you see. He loves expanding his vocabulary. It tends to get a bit annoying to tell you the truth,"
"What's his surname?" Bella asked curiously. There were a lot of Charles in the Victorian Era but perhaps she's heard of him, she did love books after all. She wondered what Rosalie's favourite book was. She'd have to ask her when she got back.
"Dickens," the vampire answered promptly. "Do you know him as well?"
"Charles Dickens is your friend?" Bella muttered faintly.
"Frenemy," Leah corrected, although she too looked a bit surprised. "Yeah he's kind of famous in our time,"
"Oh," Thomas frowned thoughtfully. "He must not find out. He's got an ego of the size of London already," both girls snorted at that. "In which century do you two belong?"
"21st century," Leah shrugged.
"Fascinating," Thomas' eyes gleamed. His attention shifted to Bella, who tried her best to not look as impatient as she felt. "If you already have an anchor, this will go down a lot smoother than I expected," the man shifted to their original focus, sensing her mood.
"So I just focus on Rosalie?"
"Your mate is a woman. How queer," Thomas mused to himself. That sent Leah into a laughing fit.
"Literally dude, super queer," Bella rolled her eyes at the shifter.
"Yeah, I hope that's not a problem," she crossed her arms, already defensive.
"Not at all, there are some cases in high society. Although it is all very hush hush," Thomas explained with a small wink. "But yes, you should focus on this Rosalie. Not only the image of her but your feelings towards her. My anchor is my home, London,"
"A city can be an anchor?" Leah inquired curiously.
"An anchor is your home. Whether it is a place or a person. It is unique to every traveler,"
"That implies there are more than just the two of us," Bella pointed out.
"Alas, not my secret to share," Thomas smiled apologetically. That was a clear affirmative in Bella's books. She could ponder on that later.
"So I focus on Rosalie because she's my home?" she asked instead, a bit embarrassed by the wording. At least Emmett or Kate wasn't here to give her shit about it. Leah thankfully had shown some maturity and might not make a childish comment.
"Aw how sweet," Leah mocked. Never mind.
"Shut it,"
"Yes," Thomas eyed the two in amusement. "I, myself, think of how the city makes me feel. How I belong there and how I yearn to return. It's simplified explanation certainly, however you must find out what is true for you,"
"Okay, I can do that," Bella breathed out. It was a comforting thought to know there was some method to this madness.
"Most excellent," the vampire smiled. "I suggest you try it rather sooner than later. It is almost nightfall and I happen to know for a fact that some locals will visit this site at the stroke of midnight,"
"Good thinking," Leah complimented, looking around nervously. "I'm not into this sacrificing shit,"
"You are so vulgar," Thomas laughed in delight. "Reminds me of when Charles and I took a trip to the pub in the lower parts of London. Under disguise, I assure you," he added the last part as if he was afraid they might judge him for it.
"Hah!" Bella pointed at Leah. "You remind him of dock workers,"
"Fuck you,"
"Not helping your argument genius,"
"Eat shit,"
"So uncouth!" Thomas laughed as he took out a pocket watch from his breast pocket. "Additionally, I recommend you bring an object of personal value with you when you travel. It will help to bring focus to the bond. Mayhap something owned by your partner?"
"I'll keep that in mind," Bella nodded, confident in that Rosalie would lend her something.
"Well, no time to waste dear Bella," It was very lovely to meet you two, the highlight of my week. I will remember you fondly. This will undoubtably be a dinnertime story next week when I dine with Charles. Abridged version naturally; the wonderful encounter with the dour dock worker and the downtrodden downer," he flashed Leah a teasing grin, who shot him a rude gesture. He only laughed. "Who knows, maybe we'll meet again,"
"No offence Tommy boy but I'm never travelling again," Leah shivered.
"It is an acquired taste," Thomas nodded. Bella shot him a look. Was it though?
"If this works before I have the chance to say it – thank you in advance and it was very nice to meet you," Bella said politely, taking Thomas' outstretched hand. Thomas bent down and kissed it in a chivalrous manner, doing the same for Leah, who oddly enough blushed. Deciding to tease her about it later, Bella closed her eyes and mentally conjured up the image of her mate.
"Before we leave, how did you sneak past us? I have a heightened sense of smell," Leah whispered, trying her best to not break Bella's concentration.
"You are a shifter, correct?"
"Yes," Leah sounded very guarded all the sudden. Bella didn't blame her for that, after all Thomas had not revealed his knowledge on such things. It was not that far-fetched, after all it seemed like he had been traveling for a while. Enough to know tricks to get back home. Bella shook her head and tried to refocus on the task.
"Do not fret, I have no quarrels with your kind. Why, only last week I met a wonderful panther in the Amazon rainforest. Rather a remarkable man. A gal-sneaker, for sure but a great conversationalist,"
"What the hell is a Gal-Sneaker?"
"A man devoted to seduction. I'm surprised you are unfamiliar with it. It is quite a common phrase,"
"Uh, hate to break it to you dude but no one says that anymore,"
Trying to ignore the peanut gallery, Bella concentrated on Rosalie's smile. Random flashes of various moments between them followed; their first date, meetings in the parking lot of Forks High, cuddling in bed, the blonde beating Emmett's high score in Call of Duty wearing a proud grin, her mate's adorable stuttering as she gave her lessons on the stars, her soft and loving expression as she declared her love to Bella. Her heart fluttered at the reminder.
"You haven't answered my question,"
"I apologise. The answer is not as riveting as you are undoubtably expecting. I have an acquaintance who is a biologist. He made a formula for me which masks my natural scent. Purely for scientific reasons in his case I assure you, I however benefited greatly,"
"Seriously? It's that simple. You think I could get ahold of one of those?"
"I doubt Darwin is around in your time, but he will probably leave some recipes behind,"
"Wait, Darwin. Charles Darwin?!"
"Yes, his name is also Charles. Do you know him?"
"Seriously dude. Are you going collecting famous people named Charles?"
"Can you two pipe it down, I'm trying to concentrate," Bella snapped. Seriously, how did they expect her to focus with all that noise?
"Sorry,"
"My apologies,"
"Just, please be quiet," Bella shot them one last glare for good measure before closing her eyes, her attention shifting towards emotions this time. How even when she sometimes behaved a god damn mess around her, she still felt safe with her. How she had never felt more cherished and cared for. The notion that she had someone back home who loved her despite all her faults. Bella grasped Leah's hand, focusing intently on the idea to get back to Forks. She needed to go home, to safety, to Rosalie. A familiar tugging sensation spread through her stomach and for the first time during that process, she grinned.
"It's happening!" she declared happily.
"Farewell new friends. I hope-" Thomas only just got a few words in before everything went black.
.
She woke up in the Cullen's backyard with a groaning Leah on the ground beside her. She shot to her feet at once, lending the other girl a helping hand. The two stared at one another for a few seconds. A moment of utter disbelief before pure elation pushed through.
"I did it!" Bella finally cried in triumph and Leah let out a whoop in excitement.
"Thank fucking god. Good job Bella," the wolf smiled happily. "No offence but I never want to do that again,"
"No offence taken," Bella laughed, a little deliriously. "I'd be perfectly happy to avoid it myself,"
"Sucks to be you, huh?" Leah voiced with a sympathetic wince. "This time stuff is hardcore. I say this with love but your life's pretty bad,"
"I have a few things worth having," her eyes lit up. "Speaking of which…"
"Bella!" a blur of movement and Bella was buried in a familiar embrace.
"Rose," she choked out, beyond happy to see her mate. The familiar scent instantly calmed her down and for the first time in days, she felt pure and utter relief.
"Hi," Rosalie whispered in her ear, sounding remarkably shy all the sudden. Bella's heart fluttered.
"Hi yourself," Bella whispered back, charmed by the bashfulness. It reminded her of when they first started dating. While she was beyond happy that they were more comfortable around one another, a shy Rosalie was undoubtably an adorable one. "I've missed you," she murmured, smiling when Rose squeezed her tighter. Bella's heart picked up as she silently observed the other woman. Somehow Rosalie managed to get more beautiful which seemed, unfathomable to Bella, since Rosalie was possibly the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Bella!" three different voices cut in the tender moment, reluctantly breaking the couple apart. To their credit, Alice, Emmett and Kate all seemed to regret it as soon as they noticed their unfortunate timing.
"Sorry sport, I'm glad you're back," Kate said with a sincere smile.
"Sport? Did you turn into a grandpa when no one was looking?" Emmett snorted.
"Well she is incredibly old," Bella quipped, laughing when Kate shot her a rude gesture for the remark. She leaned into Rosalie, who instantly wrapped one arm around her.
"I don't know why I missed you, you're so mean,"
"Please don't even, you love me," Bella sassed back. Rosalie's other hand found hers, squeezing it gently. The tension in Bella's shoulders leaked way, contentment finding its place. She was home.
"Rose, Irina is on the phone and wants to talk to you," Esme's voice rang out. "Also, welcome back Bella. We've all missed you," Bella shot the matriarch a warm smile.
"I'll be right back," Rosalie promised in a gentle tone, pressing a soft kiss on her temple. Bella's heart stuttered at the action, feeling absurdly in love with the woman. She was highly aware of the lovestruck expression she wore as she turned towards Leah, who had been observing the exchange. She braced herself for a teasing comment.
"I'm glad you have someone," Leah murmured sincerely, which surprised Bella. For someone who declared eternal hatred towards vampires, this was a huge development.
"Thank you. I'm sure you'll find someone too," Bella paused. "Someone a lot better than Sam fucking Uley," Leah let out small chuckle and nodded. Rosalie was eyeing Leah with interest, undoubtably listening to their conversation while speaking with Irina. Rosalie was a very accomplished multitasker. "Come on, let me introduced you to the rest of the bloodsuckers," she took Leah's arm, noting with great interest when Leah seemed embarrassed with the wording.
"Yeah, maybe I'll stop calling them that. After all, Thomas is a pretty solid dude, vampire or not. Rosalie seems cool too," Leah cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact. Bella couldn't help but to smile widely. Personal growth, thy name is Leah.
"Good on you," the time traveler patted her arm, chucking as it earned her an eye-roll.
"Whatever,"
"Aristotle! Did you bring home a stray?" Emmett's hulking figure blurred out the door.
"Don't be rude. Emmett, this is Leah – a new friend," she figured it was safe to call them friends at this point, after all they witnessed a human sacrifice together. Bella backtracked at the thought, glad that she did not say that out loud. That did not sound like a good foundation for friendship. Maybe she needed sleep more than she realised.
"I'm her best friend," Emmett introduced himself with a serious nod. Leah eyed his outstretched hand, only hesitating for a moment before taking it.
"Don't mislead the girl. I'm the best friend," Kate appeared out of thin air. "Nice to see you again Bella boo. And hello there, newest addition," the warrior pushed Emmett away, grabbing Leah's hand with enthusiasm. The shifter eyed the two warily and gave one firm shake before snatching her hand back.
"You're only best friend number two, Bella said so herself," Emmett turned to Kate with a scowl.
"Please, don't even," Kate crossed her arms. The two immediately started bickering over who was a better friend, oblivious to Bella's fond smile.
"You guys are weird," Leah declared, smiling when the two vampires gasped dramatically.
"And you're really hot, did you know that?" Kate shot back without hesitation, eyes roaming the shifter's body. Leah froze in surprise, obviously taken a-back by the brazen comment.
"She'll grow on you, I promise," Bella told her seriously. "Sort of like a fungus,"
"Hey! How dare you?" The Denali cried out in outrage. "I'm a fucking delight," she turned towards Leah. "Don't trust her words, I am certain she hit her head during one of her travels,"
"She must have since she befriended you," Emmett smirked. Kate punched him in the throat. Both Bella and Leah winced but Emmett only rubbed the spot with a pout.
"Come on," Rosalie murmured to Bella, tugging her gently towards the house. Leah shot Bella a panicked look, rolling her eyes when she only received an encouraging look in return.
"They're pretty awesome, you'll be fine with them - I promise," Bella decided to throw them a bone, stifling laughter when the two cousins practically preened at her words.
.
Rosalie drew Bella close in as soon as they stepped inside her bedroom, burying her face in the time traveler's shoulder. Bella sighed with pleasure, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
"You're going to be the first human to give a vampire a heart attack," Rosalie murmured petulantly after some time. Bella chuckled and squeezed her waist gently.
"Never a boring moment though,"
"I can deal with boring," Rosalie said earnestly. Bella exhaled shakily with a small nod of her own. Poor Rosalie, stuck in a perpetual state of worry for Bella's safety. Hopefully that particular problem was finally solved.
"Luckily I think I found a way to control my powers," she shared quietly.
"How?" Rosalie drew back just enough to meet her eyes.
"Leah and I met a guy, an odd fellow but I kind of liked him. He has similar powers," Bella began to explain, sending a silent thank you to Thomas. "He's the reason we managed to get back," If Thomas had not found them in the moment he did, who knows what would have happened. The memory of the priest holding the beating human heart found her again. She shivered.
"Don't sell yourself short darling, you always find your way back," Rosalie insisted, kissing her softly. Bella smiled dreamily in response, blushing when the blonde smirked.
"Perhaps, but he most definitely made things easier. On that note, err… So it turns out that you're my anchor, like Carlisle theorised," Bella knew she was bright red by now. Sometimes it was completely unfair that she was the only one who could blush in this relationship. At least in colour, Rosalie had her tells. "Apparently it helps to have an object on my person at all times in case I travel, something of personal value to you," she fidgeted under adoring topaz eyes.
"You're cute," Rosalie declared, stealing a kiss. "I actually have something," Bella watched her walk over to her vanity table, pulling out an intricate looking wooden box from one of the drawers. She hesitated for a moment, before taking out a necklace. Rosalie returned to her spot on the bed and held it up to give Bella a better view. It was beautiful in its simplicity, a small rose decked with diamonds on a silver chain. It seemed oddly familiar too.
"This is the only thing that remains from my human life," Rosalie's voice trembled a bit.
"Rose, no. Baby I can't take this," Bella shook her head. She was notorious for losing things after all. She could barely be trusted with her own house keys, let alone such an important object.
"I must insist," Rosalie's voice grew firmer, eyes pleading. "I don't wear it as much as I used to, but it means a great deal to me. A link to my humanity. I think it's only fitting you wear it now. I don't need it anymore, not when I have you,"
"You and your sweet words," Bella tried to mask how touched she felt, but judging by Rosalie's smile, the blonde saw right through her. "Very well Miss Charmer – as long as you wear keep wearing my watch," The blonde gave her a surprised look. "I know it's not something you'd normally wear but I trust you with it," there was a lot more to it but Bella couldn't get the words out. Most of all, you make me feel safe, she thought privately.
"I'd be honoured," Rosalie whispered, leaning in for another kiss. Bella met her halfway, sinking into the kiss with a quiet sigh. Rosalie instantly deepened the kiss, one hand coming up to capture her cheek. Bella melted into her girlfriend, heart hammering against her chest in excitement. Fuck everything else, she could do this for an eternity.
.
"Does this mean we can go to see that Janis Joplin concert you wanted?" Kate asked curiously with an excited gleam in her eyes.
"We can even get you savages to fuck, although I will probably drop you off because I'm not staying for that shit," Bella smirk deepened when Irina barked out a laugh.
"You're so mean," Kate pouted. Taking pity on the vampire, Bella sighed.
"Yes, we can go to Woodstock," Kate whooped happily at that.
"How are you whipped by Rosalie and Kate?" Tanya wondered with a grin.
"Excuse you! I'm not whipped by Kate," Bella frowned. "Or Rosalie," she added hesitantly.
"Are you sure about that babe?" Rosalie walked into the room, cocking one eyebrow. She wore her usual mechanic attire, old jeans, and an oil-stained tank top. Bella's brain halted at the sight. Why the fuck was her mate so sexy? There was no way she could ever build any resistance against that. She was definitely issuing a make-out session later in the garage.
"Maybe a little," the time traveler amended sheepishly, eyeing her girlfriend's form admiringly.
"Dear lord, get a room," Kate rolled her eyes. "Just don't start fucking in front of me,"
"They haven't had sex yet," Alice piped up helpfully, oblivious to the couples mortified twin expressions. Why on earth would she share that?
"Oh my," Kate smirked. "Taking it slow are we? I have no idea why you haven't tapped that yet. I would," she gestured towards Rosalie, who was scowling at her cousin.
"Why are you talking like a frat boy? Stop disrespect my mate," Bella shot out defensively. Rosalie shot her a brilliant smile and the time traveler had to fight down the urge to blush.
"Definitely whipped," Emmett observed thoughtfully. Kate high-fived him.
"Bella, Leah is here!" Esme's voice came out like a lifeline, which Bella instantly clung to.
"Will you look at that? I'm needed elsewhere," she rushed over to peck Rosalie on the cheek before hurrying out the door, leaving Kate's evil cackles behind. She met Leah outside on the porch, feeling heartened by the calm air radiating from the other girl.
"Hey," she smiled at the shifter, who returned it instantly. "How did it go?"
"Better than I expected," Leah shrugged sheepishly. "They both forgave me and I in return promised to try to keep my anger in check,"
"That's great Leah," the time traveler's grin widened. "Go you!"
"And your unfinished business? How's that going?" Leah wondered.
"Working on it," Bella mumbled. Luckily, she was spared more questions when Jasper appeared in the tree line, most likely returning from a hunt. He gave the two a cordial smile as Bella waved him over. Alice appeared a second later, latching onto her husband's arm.
"You must the therapist," Leah eyed Jasper with interest. "Does Bella get family discount?"
"No, I work charity cases for free," Jasper smiled serenely, making Leah laugh.
"Are you bullying me?" Bella pointed at him. "That's abuse of power right there,"
"You're so dramatic," Jasper rolled his eyes. "We'll work on that during our next session,"
"Did you get sassier when I travelled?" Bella turned to Alice. "I feel like he got sassier,"
"No, he's always been sassy. He's from the south," Alice grinned, shooting her husband a lovestruck look. Bella hid a smile, happy that her friend found someone to love. Of course that sentiment did not escape Jasper and he shot her a warm smile.
"Do you take on new patients?" Leah cut in awkwardly. Bella flashed her an encouraging smile. She felt proud of her new friend, knowing how hard it was to take that step. Jasper turned thoughtful, eyeing the fidgeting shifter.
"I'd be happy to," he finally decided. Leah exhaled shakily in relief while Alice and Bella exchanged grins. "How about you come over tomorrow?" Leah hesitated. "Don't worry, we'll have our session away from the house. I take client confidentiality very seriously,"
"Yeah, okay,"
"Have you guys seen Laurent?" Irina popped out of nowhere. Bella was honestly surprised how she was getting used to that trait in vampires.
"No," Thank God, Bella added privately. She seriously disliked that guy, even more so after Rosalie shared her distrust of him. Irina did not answer, only stared at Leah in surprise. Bella glanced at the shifter, who had paled considerably and was staring right back at the Denali sister. Then she began to shake. Bella eyed the pair in confusion, wondering what was going on.
"Oh my god," Alice murmured in shock. "How did I not see that coming?"
"What?" Bella asked warily, a bit unnerved by the silent Leah and Irina. Their eyes remained locked, portraying various emotions. Leah seemed terrified and hopeful at the same time, while Irina displayed confusion and dread.
"Leah just imprinted on Irina," the seer explained in a low tone.
"Say what?"
.
.
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To be continued...
So finally we're getting somewhere! I'm very curious on your thoughts on this chapter, especially since we have a lot happening. I know this chapter was mostly Bella's POV but I promise we get more of Rosalie's thoughts next chapter.
Bella finally has some sense of what the fuck she's doing, better later than never yeah? What did you think about Thomas? Also, Leah should be protected at all cost.
