It's Monday. Will this week ever end? I have a two-year-old Husky cross Malamute trying to sit on my lap like a kitten, the weather is cold and wet and I just want it to be the weekend so I can see my family. It's been months since I've seen them thanks to Covid and ill health. I can't wait!

It had been a strange day. It was uncomfortable talking to someone who didn't respond to me. In my line of 'work,' I was used to people being silent at times. No one wanted to speak and get their kneecaps shot out, but this was different. This time I willed her to talk, mentally begging her even, but she remained as quiet as ever.

"Would you like to watch a film?" I asked after we ate a small dinner. I'd managed to make her some vegetable soup without burning it. My mom's homemade stuff was a constant on my mind, and I couldn't wait to have it again. I missed her cooking. I might be a hard ass, but I was still a mama's boy at heart.

Her pupils dilated again, so I took that as a yes. I chose a recent film, which I knew Isabella wouldn't have seen. Of course, she'd been locked up for so long, there would be a lot for her to see.

We sat on the large couch in the den. It might have even looked like a normal evening to a stranger on the outside looking in. But we were far from normal.

I watched more of her during the film than what was happening on the screen. Though her eyes were locked on the TV in front of her, she still showed extraordinarily little emotion.

After the film had finished, I took Isabella back to her room. Making sure to show her where the bathroom was this time, I also pointed out everything I'd gotten her to use in there.

"You can help yourself to things, okay? You can have a bath or a shower as much as you want. It's all here for you to use," I explained, making sure she knew she could have what she wanted.

For the first time since getting her out of the cold place, she gave me the smallest of nods; she acknowledged me. Inside I was beaming, but I gave her a tight smile in return and left her in the room again. I was overcome with the need to hug her, to thank her for that small move, but I couldn't.

Not yet.

…

Once she was in bed and asleep, I powered up my spare phone. I called the number Jasper had given me and waited for an answer.

"Secure?" I asked when someone picked up.

"Yeah, not even the chance of God getting through." The deep voice chuckled. It was Emmett.

I let out a deep breath and asked, "Is everything set?" I was almost nervous again. This wasn't sitting well with me, at all. I couldn't wait to be back home now. I needed to expel some energy and anger.

"Yeah, if you look in the bag Alice gave Isabella, all your paperwork and the rings are in there. You'll get a text in the morning with further instructions. Shit gotta go, the boss lady is home." He chuckled again then hung up.

…

Tomorrow, or today even, was going to be a long day. It was four in the morning, and I was still wide awake. I knew I should have slept, but I couldn't. All our things were packed up and put in the new car which had been delivered late yesterday morning. I had an hour before it would be time to wake Isabella up, so I went over the details which I'd found in the bag Alice had left.

We had a total of seven planes to catch, taking us to four different countries before we would be safe and away from the bastards who'd taken Isabella out of the country. I wouldn't know more about the actual plans until we were in the air.

That was the bit I hated. My men would be there, my family. While I was in the air, sitting back and relaxing, my men would be taking down every breathing asshole who'd made my family suffer over the last five years.

I felt useless. I wasn't one to shy from a fight, but my grandfather had given the orders, and they were to be followed. No questions asked. No one went against that man, not even me. Family was everything in our world, but I'd still get into deep shit if I crossed Grandfather.

Giving up further thinking, I went to wake Isabella. I had to hold in a chuckle when she actually let out a small growl at me. I could understand how she felt, though; it was still dark outside. Making sure to dress her nice and warm, I got her fed in time for us to leave.

Once we were in the car, I relaxed minutely. Though tired and still on high alert, we were almost away from here. I'd noticed early on in the drive we were being followed, but that could only happen until we got to the airport. From there, they would lose us.

Isabella wasn't in a good mood today, but I ignored her stiff posture for now. I didn't need her getting my back up until we were at our destination. Once we got to the back entrance of the small airport, I turned to face her.

"From now on you're to be known as Marie Cullen. Here are your rings and some ID which you will need. When we get on the plane, I will give you some information that you must remember. Under no circumstances are you to talk to anyone or tell them where you've been," I stressed and slipped the two gold rings onto her tiny finger. She screwed her eyes up, but I couldn't read the emotions of her body. There was nothing and I felt like I was walking blind.

We were sat on the small jet awaiting take off when I handed her the manila envelope. It was now or never. "You are nineteen. Went to a prestigious school in L.A. and we met when I attended a convention there. Both of your parents died when you were a baby, and you were raised by your aunt. We got married in Vegas after a very short romance. That is all you need to know, for now."

I watched her read and re-read the words on the papers and scan her new ID. Isabella didn't ask how we'd gotten her picture. She handed back the envelope just before we took off, and then looked out the small window of the plane. For the next few hours, I watched her twist and play with the rings on her left hand and wondered what she was thinking.

We'd reached three of our destinations, with four to go, when I got the text to say it was all over. I let out the biggest breath I'd ever held. No major injuries. I smiled. They were all safe. I could tell Isabella the truth now. It wouldn't make her feel any better, but the truth was always good, right?

Maybe it would be better to tell her the truth when we got to where we were heading.

I would let Isabella settle in, and then I would tell her. She would know it all. Including all the pain which would come with the truth.

…

The weather was overcast when we touched down, but at least it was warmer than where we had been and there was less rain. She had been silent the whole way, except for when she'd slept a little. That's when I'd first heard her voice. It'd been quiet and muffled, but I heard it all the same. She asked for her dad and all I could do was sigh. The one thing she wanted, and I couldn't give it to her.

Gentle and light, her voice was still filled with anguish. I hated that she had been through all of this, but she was free now. Free from the people I'd bought her from.

They were the monsters in her life. Not me. That's what pained me about all this. In the short time I'd had with her, I could now see the hate in her eyes. Isabella was just waiting for me to turn on her.

But I wouldn't.

How could I when she was the most precious thing to me?

Edward is a darling and cares so much for Bella. Why? You'll find out soon ;)