Chapter 7
It was a lot to handle
Edward POV
The next day
I rolled over in my bed, the events of yesterday playing into my head. After Bella and Alice left, I went to my office to try to get some work done. I had called Liam O'Sullivan, leader of The Irish Family, about a merger that I had been working on for some time now. It wouldn't be official until I took over but I would be glad when I could make them officially a part of the "family". They had a lot of guns and other weapons that would prove to be useful, and the beer was a plus. In return, they were having problems with some neighboring families, including the Russians, who Liam had said he had been seeing a lot of and with a lot of firepower. I told him as soon as things were in order, I would see about flying out there.
After that, I called James, to see how Bella was doing. He said she hadn't bought
but Alice was racking up "a few"items. He also told me the owner of a boutique was giving Bella some trouble but Alice had put her in her place. He also reminded me that it was one Emmett had fucked a few years ago. Like I could remember who Emmet fucked? The man used to be a huge man whore until he met Rosalie. Who I still can't understand because she is a bitch. However, I had a feeling she was going to be in my life anyway. My brother had become very smitten with her and she was Bella's best friend. Which reminded me, Emmett had been on my ass because Rosalie had been on his about Bella. Apparently she didn't believe him about Bella living with me or Bella being okay. She wanted to talk to Bella personally. I told him that wasn't a good idea right now. Emmett, who says Rose had moved to sleeping in his spare room but she was refusing to talk to him until she spoke with Bella. That ended up with her giving me an attitude. I then told Emmett that he better put that woman back into her place. He laughed and then asked again about it. I had to go into "Boss" mode and tell him "no" and that was the end of it.
I then debated on whether or not it would be a good idea to get Bella a phone. It would be more convenient to call or ask her something or let her get in touch with me. I know I could keep doing what I had been doing and call Laurent or text him about her. It would also have to be where she couldn't just call anyone and I would have to see if Jasper could disable the 911 feature. I then called Jasper and asked him to get an android cell phone, none of that Apple shit, and told him what I wanted done to it before he brought it over. He said he would get it done and bring it here before the day was over.
I decided to eat lunch at that point. Mrs. Cope had made pork chops with some steamed vegetables. I noticed she kept busy, obviously upset from earlier. After I was finished, I then called Jessica to take my plate and to clean up the dining room. She kept her head bowed the entire time. The girl had been through a lot. A few years ago we found her in a warehouse beaten and bloody. She had been raped, and had burn marks all over her. It took some time but she healed physically, though mentally I'm sure she hadn't. Being around a lot of people scared her so I offered her a job here. She does her job very well which is why I feel terrible about how I yelled earlier. I'm sure it brought back things she didn't want to think about. When we found her, talking loud terrified her, whoever hurt her had done it in the worst way. I then decided I wanted to take a swim. It was warm enough to swim in my outside pool. I had two - an outdoor and an indoor one. After grabbing a towel and changing into my trunks, I headed down to the pool. Mike, my gardener, had been trimming the bushes. He gave a quick wave and said he would see me next week. Mike only came two days a week not the same as Jessica and Mrs. Cope who came every day. All three signed agreements that they wouldn't speak to anyone outside the house about what happened here. I also had all three cars tapped so I knew what they were up to after they left. Jessica actually lives in a tiny cottage not far from my home. My father bought it for her after she healed. I didn't keep Jessica tapped for my benefit. It was mainly to protect her from anyone finding her because we never did find her attacker. I also had all three cars searched upon entering the gate, as well as having them going through a scanner to make sure there weren't any wires or weapons on them. I did have some weapons and drugs come through my home, from my boat so it was all necessary.
I jumped in the pool and enjoyed the feel of the water on my skin. It had been awhile since I just relaxed. My father had been up my ass lately about the Volturi apparently. Emmett and I had pissed Aro off with being disrespectful of his sons in my club last week. My father was bigger on the respect thing than I was and asking them to leave was "wrong. I told my father he wasn't aware of what happened, and they were asked to leave for a reason. Father didn't want to hear about it at that time so we are having a meeting in a few days to talk about it. This could also be the proof that we had been looking for, along with what Jasper found the other day.
After a quick swim, I went up to my bedroom and took a quick shower. After I had texted James to see where they were, he said they were heading to Walmart! Walmart, what the hell! Before, they had gone to eat at Carmen's restaurant. Unfortunately, they ran into the Denali Sisters. Ugh those women and Alice was going to Walmart? Hell had truly frozen over! I never thought I'd see the day when Alice Mary Cullen-Whitlock would go to Walmart! I then heard the front door open and made my way down. I knew it was Jasper because he had a key.
"I picked up a Samsung Galaxy Note, already disabled 911 and she will only be able to text or call the people programmed into her phone. I added the usual but if you want to add more than here's the code." Jasper handed me the phone "Also of course GPS installed."
"Thanks man" I said.
"Yeah, no problem." He acted like he wanted to say something else. I don't know why some of my men were so hesitant to say what they needed to.
"Out with it!"
"So, I talked to Seth." He said it so fast
"And?"
"Charlie Swan finally filed a missing person report."
"Are you serious?" I tried to hide my chuckle.
"Yeah, I found that out on my own. Seth told me his spy in Black's house said Jacob made Swan file it, missing daughter and all. He knows some of the cops here would love to see you in trouble. This would also be a better way to draw Bella out."
"He waited over a month to file one?" I laughed. "What's he going to say about it taking so long?"
"I'm sure he'll spin it. "I thought she was with a friend or I haven't heard from her in a while" either or something like that."
"I'm not worried, Bella doesn't want to go back. If it comes to the police, Bella will say she's been with me."
"Are you sure Edward? What if she tells the cops she's being kept against her will here? Although I know you have her here because of Paul, but I really don't understand why she is still here and what if they question her about any of your illegal activity?"
I became enraged. That shit was none of his business. He thought being my brother-in-law, he could say whatever, but Jasper did have a point, she could do that, and then she would be right back in Black's hands. We had some of these cops in our pockets but not all of them. I also firmly believe Bella would rather be here than with her father or Black anyway after that night she agreed to marry me. I can remember her words, "dying would be so much better than going back to my father or Jacob."
"I'm sure if the cops are pointed to where she is and she is taken in, because let's face it those idiots wouldn't look for her here, I will send Jenks and we will get this taken care of. As to why she is still here, she is my girlfriend. We have gotten to know one another while she's been here and that's that." Jasper looked stunned but otherwise kept his mouth shut. I'm sure he didn't believe me but soon she would be my wife and it wouldn't matter. I also wasn't worried. Bella didn't want to be anywhere near that son of a bitch Black. Especially with the way she would shake every time Black was mentioned, I really needed to find out what that asshole did to her.
"Maybe not here Edward, but Seth has located Jacob twice since yesterday. He was seen once outside the building where your penthouse is and outside the building of Cullen Enterprises. After that I gave security of both buildings his picture, he isn't allowed inside the buildings."
"Why was I not told Jacob was seen?" What the fuck?
"I'm sorry Edward, but you've got me looking into The Volturi, what's going on with The Irish, making sure the family's security is up to date and the Black's. Honestly it's a lot. Not to mention my personal life and how that's going."
I was enraged again! My face was red with anger when I looked at Jasper. I guess he realized he messed up because he started apologizing. "If you can't handle your job, then I'll find someone else. Your personal life has nothing to do with this "life". Get it together or start looking elsewhere!"
"You're right Edward, I'm sorry, I'm going to head out. Alice texted me not too long ago and said she would be home shortly."
"Have a good night. Tell Seth to contact me from now on about anything involving Black or Swan." I needed to know first from now on. Seth was slowly earning my trust, everything he had said about them had proven to be true.
After Jasper left, I headed back to my bedroom and picked up the ring that I had bought this morning before going to Midnight Sun. It was big enough to let everyone know that Bella was a Mob wife but elegant and it had that old fashioned taste to it. I spent about half a million on it after seeing her love for books and writing. It screamed Bella and I wanted her to wear something she would actually want to wear. I didn't think those huge flashy rings like my sisters were her style. Her ring was similar to my mother's but more expensive and stylish.
I heard the front door open and heard footsteps. I made my way out of the room and noticed Bella. She was smiling! She didn't have that frown that has been on her face all week. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. She then noticed me and I asked how her shopping trip was. The whole time, I just wanted to take her and kiss her. When she went up to her room, I realized I was hard and had to rub one out in the shower. I haven't masturbated since I was a teen!
I rolled back over to the other side of the bed and rose up, the thoughts of yesterday leaving my mind. I needed to get ready. I actually slept in this morning. Another thing I don't usually do. It was going on 10:00 a.m. I had a feeling Emmett and Rosalie were coming today since I told Bella to call Rose last night. Also my phone had been going off for a while now while I had been thinking. This girl was making me lose my focus and I couldn't have that. What was Bella Swan doing to me?
I began getting ready, deciding to dress down by putting on jeans and a blue button down. I checked my phone to see numerous texts and missed calls from Emmett, Alice, my mother and my father.
8:45 a.m. Yo! I've been trying to call you! –Emmett
8:55 a.m. I guess you're ignoring my calls. I know that you're up! Since when do you have a girlfriend?-father
9:05 a.m. I'm hurt Edward. I would have liked to have met her before Alice, I'm still your mother after all! -Mom
9:12 a.m. Yo! Seriously pick up the phone! Bella called Rosie last night, I guess we're coming over for brunch? –Emmett
9:32 a.m. I'm sorry Edward, mom came over last night and I slipped by telling her I spent the day with Bella. I'm sorry! Don't be mad. - Alice
9:55 a.m. We're on our way, hope you're not dead. -Emmett
Ugh Alice, I knew she would let it slip. It's not that I care they knew, I just wished mom didn't have to hear it from Alice's mouth. She'll get all dramatic and hurt that she didn't know first. I texted mom back saying she would meet her soon. Then there was dear old dad. I didn't even text that fucker back as I had nothing to say to him at the moment. Then I told Emmett we would be waiting for him.
I walked down the stairs heading to the kitchen. The first thing I saw was her back as she was sitting at the kitchen table. She looked like she was cutting what looked like fruit. Mrs. Cope was going back and forth from the oven to the stove shaking her head. I guess she wasn't happy with the certain turn of events.
"Good morning, Mr. Cullen," Mrs. Cope said. This made Bella quickly turn around towards me.
"Good morning, ladies."
"Ms. Swan tells me we are having brunch?" She said it like a question. "Also that your brother and his girlfriend are coming as well?" She didn't sound happy.
"I guess if that is what Bella said." Mrs. Cope turned back around but not before I heard her say, "Well I never."
"Is there a problem, Mrs. Cope?" I knew what her problem was. I told Shelly when she became my cook, she would be in charge of the staff which was just Jessica and Mike. She would buy the groceries and plan the menus. I guess this gave her a sense that she was the lady of the house. So anything that wasn't to her schedule wasn't to her liking. Mrs. Cope always made three meals and snacks in between. I'm sure she had never heard of brunch.
"No, Mr. Cullen" She then turned back around, and Bella let out a snort while she went back to cutting up fruit. It made me smile seeing her somewhat carefree. I then grabbed a cup of coffee and took a seat at the table with her. She stopped cutting and took a glance at me then started back cutting.
"So, brunch?"
"Yeah, I know. Rose isn't an early bird, and you said to tell her to come today so I didn't think you had plans." Her face then went from relaxed to scared like she made a mistake. "Or I can call her and tell her to come later?"
"No, what you did was fine." I really needed to find out what this woman was doing to me. I wasn't annoyed at all that she had disrupted my feeding times, I was shockingly okay with it. Even Mrs. Cope seemed surprised.
Bella smiled again, and went back to cutting up the fruit. It didn't even bother me that she was doing that either.
"I'll have Jessica help me bring this to the dining room," Mrs. Cope said as she began lifting plates of food and putting them on trays.
"No, I have Jessica setting up the sun room table for brunch. We will be eating in there." Bella said without even looking up. I was surprised we were eating there. I never really went in the sun room since I moved in. I just had a table placed in there along with some chairs and a chaise lounge.
Mrs. Cope seemed shocked, but gathered the tray and carried it out of the room.
Bella put the fruit in a bowl and sat it aside. She then looked at me. "If you don't want to eat there, we don't have to. I've just been spending time there this week. I really like it. I fell asleep there the other day reading." She said unsure of herself. I've noticed she bites her lip when she's nervous. I could tell she had made strides since yesterday. She seemed more confident. Maybe getting out with Alice did her some good or maybe telling her she was in charge of the house helped as well. I also remember Laurent texting me one day this week freaking the fuck out because he couldn't find her. He knew she hadn't left the house. I was about to head home when he found her in the sun room asleep.
"Bella, its fine, it'll be different but I can manage." The front door opened then, and Emmett came in followed by Rosalie who was looking around furiously. Then her eyes landed on Bella and her face softened. She stood there staring in disbelief, I glanced at Bella and she was in tears. They stared at each other like they were in love or something. I then decided that maybe they needed a moment alone, and grabbed the bowl and took it with me to the sun room gesturing to Emmett to come with me. It took that big oaf a while but he finally took the hint and we headed to the sun room.
BELLA POV
I couldn't believe that she was standing here in the same room as me. She didn't believe it was me that called last night. It took a while to convince her it was me. After that she started bawling her eyes out, yes my tough best friend was crying. She kept saying she thought I was dead or had been kidnapped. She said she didn't believe Em that I was with Edward, and safe. I asked her to come over so we could talk. We quit staring at each other, and ran to each other and hugged. It felt like we were back home chilling in her bedroom, listening to music, a simpler time. We then took a seat at the table and just looked at each other neither one of us wanting to break the ice.
.
"You better say something before I start yelling!" I guess she was ready to hash this out. The missing each other part done.
"I'm just glad to see you Rose." Honestly I was.
"Me too, Bella, but do you know how worried I've been? After those pricks came on to us, Em and me argued for a while. Next thing I know Em is saying we have to leave. I tell him I can't leave without you. He tells me now! I go thinking you will be brought to Em's house. Then Em tells me you're with Edward and of course that had me freaking out even more. Then he gets all mad about me asking so much of you, so I told him I was done. I even started packing but I couldn't leave of course, so I've been sleeping in the guest room ever since. Today was the first time I've even talked to him. You've been here this entire time, and for some reason I thought they were lying to me." She was clearly upset. Although she may have been worried, she wasn't entirely innocent.
"I understand you were scared, those guys were awful, but you left me there. After knowing I was running from Jacob, you LEFT ME THERE with a stranger. While you went and banged your boyfriend, you brought me there and then left me!" I finished, trying not to start crying again.
Rose's expression went from shock to grief. "You're right, I did leave you, but I couldn't say what I wanted to in public. That's why I went with Emmett to the office to hash it out plus Edward made us leave and as much I wanted to tell him to shove it, I couldn't, not there, not in front of everyone. I knew you being with Edward for a little time you would be okay, then one thing led to another… Bella I'm sorry, I truly am, I'm not sure why you're in Edward Cullen's house. I'm sure it has to do with those slimeballs." Again, I got that feeling that Rose knew something more than I did. With the way she said something about those "slimeballs" indicated they were people she was truly afraid of.
"It's okay, Rose, I know, and the reason I'm here has nothing to do with them." Maybe telling her "I knew" would let me on the secret of just who those people were. I knew who Edward was, I knew he was someone you didn't want to mess with, she had to know I knew that now.
"Why are you here, Bella?" Rose asked. She truly didn't know why I was here but she knew things I didn't know either.
"She's here, because she is to become my wife." A voice said from the side door. Edward.
Rose's face changed into many expressions, but the one that it settled on was doubt.
"That's rich, Bella wouldn't marry you. Look don't lie, tell me the truth."
"It's true Rose." I just said it. Because soon, it wouldn't be a lie.
"You? Anyone else I believe, but you? " she laughed, "I just can't believe it."
I heard that cold tone speak. "Believe what you want Blondie, it's true."
"I doubt it, Assward. Bella, what has he got on you?" Edward's nose flared, he wasn't happy at all. Rose was disrespecting him, something I've done many times since I've been here. However, Rose being the one doing it, I started to fear for her life. I knew she was tough but Edward could be very scary.
"Hey! Whats going on in here?" Emmett came in the room then. He was met with silence and Edward and Rose in the middle of a staring match.
"Bella?" I guess he knew those two weren't going to answer him. I then saw Mrs. Cope make her way into the room and then that's when I knew what Edward meant by not disrespecting him in front of his staff. Mrs. Cope could gossip and tell someone and then it would make Edward appear weak.
"Why don't we go into the sun room? There's food in there, and finish this conversation?" It was also secluded and you could only get in one way.
Rose broke the stare and looked at me then at Emmett before she walked to the
room, I followed behind knowing both men would follow.
Once we reached the sun room, I took a seat at the end of the other side of the table. Rose took a seat on my right but she looked upset. I understood why she was. I knew I couldn't really tell her why I was here, what I saw even If she was aware of what Edward did because it had become obvious to me she knew. Then the men filed in. Edward, looking calmer than just a few moments ago, Emmett, still looking confused, was upset when he looked at Rosalie. You could tell it bothered him that she was hurt. He loved her, that much was apparent, and I wondered if I would ever have that. I then looked at Edward who took a seat across from me on the other end of the table. No, I probably wouldn't. It made me tear up but I quickly looked away and got a hold of myself. Emmett took a seat across from Rose, still looking at her. Edward began digging in, and I honestly didn't know what to say.
"Look, the short version is Jacob Black is looking for Bella. He hasn't stopped since you guys picked her up. He was spotted twice yesterday outside Cullen Enterprises and the building that houses my penthouse and Emmett's." I gasped, Jacob was looking for me and I took it he knew I was with Edward. I remember that night at the club when Paul said Jacob would be interested to know that I was talking to Edward. I guess he knew for sure I was with Edward now.
"That bastard has been around my place?" I don't know what surprised me more Emmett not knowing or Edward's face for Emmett not knowing
"So, you basically haven't been keeping an eye out?" Edward was not happy. "What
about you Rosalie?" Edward looked at Rose. She then shook her head.
"Trust me, I would have noticed Jacob Black if I had seen him. I've been either in my room all day or I'm in school." Rose wasn't finished. "Anyways its Jacob fucking Black, we have known him since we were kids. I told Bella if I saw him or that sperm donor of hers, I would tell them to "stick it where the sun don't shine!"" I wanted to smile at her words again, but she honestly didn't know how scary Jacob was, or what he had done to me. I shuddered and that caught the attention of all three. I ignored their stares and started eating my chicken salad and fruit.
Rose looked guilty, but Edward on the other hand started talking again. "That's nice and all Rosalie, but Jacob Black isn't who you think he is." Rose looked at Edward and had this most intriguing stare like she wanted to say more but wouldn't because I was in the room? I wish I could be let in on the big secret or whatever this was.
"Oh please, he's nothing compared to those douchebags from last week and their family." She said but instantly regretted it as soon as it came out of her mouth, Emmett didn't look happy and was staring at Edward who was very angry.
He looked at Emmett "You told her? She knows who they are? God, you guys aren't even married! She could talk! You're so stupid!"
"Hey asshole! I wouldn't do that!" Rose said she looked like she wanted to kill Edward
"Hey Bitch! You don't talk to me like that!" In a flash it looked like Rose regretted talking to him like that.
"Edward! Rose!" Emmett said. "Rose, you can't talk to him like that! You know this and you promised me you wouldn't say anything about last week." He then looked at
Edward, "Bro, you can't call my girl names."
"I'm about to kill you for running your mouth, you should care less about what I called her!" Edward roared
"I didn't tell her anything you might be thinking, she was curious about those bastards and all I told her they were apart of another family. She knew Felix knew her because they had been introduced to each other but that's it."
"Yeah, look I don't pretend to be dumb but I'm aware of what you and Em do somewhat, and who you will be, and that there are other families out there. I didn't embarrass this family in front of them especially when those guys just wanted to fuck us. I understand things work different in that family than this one and it would have been different if I was Emmett's wife but don't act like I'm stupid or pretend I am. I know that that family is way more dangerous than whatever Jacob Black is doing even if they're supposed to be on our side." Rose finished but Edward still didn't look happy.
He actually looked more enraged. Emmett sighed. I guess Rose said more than what she should have.
"Rose, what the fuck?" Now Emmett didn't look happy
"Look, I'm not leaving Em or is Em leaving me. If he does, then I would never say anything because when it comes down to it, I don't know anything more than what everyone else already knows or thinks. They know about the Cullen Family but can we cut through all this bullshit? You're dangerous, you could kill me, that I know but I don't believe for one second Bella would marry you just because of Jacob Black so don't lie to me. It has to be more than that." Rose finished and began eating again. Edward's face flashed with so many emotions, I didn't know what it would land on. All I know was I was scared for Rose at the moment.
"Look, be it as it may, Jacob Black is the reason why Bella is marrying me and another reason but that is none of your business." Edward barely forced out those words. Edward was angry. "And that's using your statement of cutting through the bullshit." He ended and began eating again.
Rose then turned to me "So you're marrying him because Jacob Black is following you?"
"No, I'm marrying him because Jacob won't leave me alone until he marries me and fucks me!" I yelled frustrated because I was the only one who at the table that didn't know what was going on apparently.
Everyone dropped their forks. I guess they weren't expecting me to say that. I was
aggravated Rose knew stuff. No one would tell me who this other family was and no one would tell me about Jacob.
"Look you don't have to tell me much, but obviously there's something going on and everyone here is in on it but me," I finished. I just wanted to understand what Rose was going on about another family, I wanted to know.
"Bro, look you might as well tell her about the families, they'll be at your wedding." Emmett then laughed like there was a hidden joke I didn't know about.
"Fine, but what I say stays in this room and I will only say what pertains to the subject at hand. Agreed?" He looked at me and Rose. I nodded because I wasn't going to say anything, Rose shook her head that she understood.
"There are other families besides ours. The Cullen Family is the unofficial leader of the four allied families. The others being The Masen's, The Denali's, and The Volturi. There is a certain way we do things, marriage being one of them. We are all in agreement that if a future leader is to marry then it must be done in the presence of the families. However, The Volturi, the men you both ran into the other night, believe if there isn't a ring on the lady then she's a free body which is why they approached you two. Yes, they knew Rosalie was with Emmett but in their minds she was free game. Asking them to leave made it worse, but it was to cause trouble for me, something I can't go into. Obviously it was to start problems within the family. Long story short, my father, the current Don is loyal to The Volturi. However, me and Em are not and vow to change that once I become Don. They have been doing shady things for a while, but my father doesn't think it means anything. Anyway, I'm getting off track. He then focused his attention on me. "Rose is right Bella, Jacob Black doesn't compare to the Volturi, yes there are other families out there, bad ones, some evil ones, and others like Black's who are trying to make it big."
I remember that night he proposed marriage he told me about Black being a small crime family.
"Are you saying Jacob Black is the leader of a family like this one?" Rose said. I guess that's why earlier she didn't seem concerned about Jacob but now she looked a little scared.
"Yes, but he isn't anything I'm afraid of, however he can cause me problems or he's trying to anyway in other ways."
"What are you talking about?"
"Bella. He wants Bella. He isn't following her for no reason, he wants her because of what she can give him."
"What are you saying? Is this what Bella had to say earlier?" Rose asked.
"Yes, apparently, in the Black Family you have to marry a virgin. Black knows she is. He doesn't have time to look for another one, and that's why I believe Charlie has gotten involved."
"My father?" I had a feeling of what Edward would say next would make sense. My father really hadn't been a father any of my life, but this past year he had become cruel.
"Yes, Chief Swan filed a missing person report on Bella."
"I've been gone a month!"
"I know, Jacob is having trouble finding you, which is why I think he is trying to get the cops involved. What I don't know is if he owns any cops here which in turn could cause problems for Bella and I"
"If he did?" I asked. For some reason I got a sickening feeling in my stomach.
"Then they could return you to your father."
"But she's 21!" Rose said
"There are many things they could do, but if the cop was bought off, it wouldn't stop him from returning her to Black or her father."
"NO! I will not go back." I started freaking out, there was no way I could go back to him. No way!
"Shh, sweetie, don't worry." Rose then comforted me then looked at Edward.
"This is why your marrying her? To protect her?"
"Among other things yes"
"Why do you have to marry her? Jacob knows she is with you right? He could assume she isn't a virgin anymore."
"No, Rosalie, marriage would be the only way to convince him of that." Edward said.
"Oh, I get it, Fine I'll do whatever I need to. But you have to protect her from that dog"
"I will, but now I bring up my next issue. Everyone I know, knows I don't do relationships, but I needed it to look like Bella and I are in love, and have been dating for some time. Bella met Alice yesterday and she is convinced that we have been together for a while. Only a few know the true story and that includes you, Rose."
What he didn't mention was a few knew what really happened, Paul dying and all.
"Anything for Bella." Rose said and looked at me with a smile.
After brunch, Emmett and Rose took their leave, I hugged Rose goodbye and she told me she would call me soon, Edward walked them to the car while I walked to the garden, surprised I didn't have anyone following me. I took a seat at the bench and just thought of everything that had been said. It was a lot. I know I had come to terms with what Edward would be once he married me. He hadn't said it but I figured it out when he was talking about becoming Don that things were going to change. He said he never did relationships', obviously that was true and I knew this was to keep me safe or was it? Did I just happen to be at the wrong place at the right time for him? Honestly I felt like a pawn in everyone's game, Jacob's, Edward's, my father's. Did no one want me for me? Truly me? Did I even have a chance of love, children, anything with Edward? I knew my odds were better with Edward that's for sure. I heard footsteps coming closer to me, and I knew who it was. They took a seat next to me. We sat beside each other, neither one of us saying anything for what seemed like hours. I had to ask him something worried he lie, but I needed it confirmed.
"The only reason your marrying me is to become Don, isn't it?" I could barely say it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to know his answer. He looked at me and then I looked at him, his eyes searching mine.
"No" he said "that's not the only reason" he said it barely a whisper.
"I think I deserve an honest answer." I hated his cryptic answers. I guess he also
didn't like what I had to say because his eyes flashed with anger.
"I think I gave you one."
"No, what is the other reason and spare the "protecting me" crap!" He quickly jumped up and grabbed me when he did. We were staring at each other, he was angry but I had a right to know."
"To protect you Princess. I thought I made that clear." He let me go and I turned away
He then came up behind me, I hated how my body wanted him to touch me, to comfort me it was crazy.
"Bella, I told you that night what I wanted, leaving out the part of me becoming Don, the only thing that has changed is you knowing now." I refused to turn around, tears had formed in my eyes, and I hated that he got this reaction out of me. I also would not let him know how he was affecting me.
"You're right." With that final statement I walked towards the house not looking back.
EDWARD POV
The meeting between the families got pushed up so we were on our way to a private building my father owned to meet. I was actually glad to get out of my house. It had been two days since that meal with Rose and Em and Bella hadn't talked to me since, I hadn't tried to talk to her either. I don't know what it is about this chick that made me feel like I do, it's like she gives me mood swings. Sometimes she makes me want to push her through a wall and other times she makes me feel things I've never felt before and that honestly scares me a little. No matter what though, I have to keep the objective in mind, marry Bella to become Don. In return she gets protected and Black will leave her alone. Speaking of Black, Seth or Jasper hadn't heard or seen him since he was spotted and I don't know why that bothered me. I told both of them to keep digging.
Emmett and I pulled up to the building. The meeting between families only consisted of The boss, the underboss, and the consigliere. Emmett was only allowed because he was my future underboss, and my father told me to make sure he showed up with me today. I had a feeling other than Aro voicing his concerns about his sons' disrespect in my club, my father was going to announce his retirement officially. Em and I also spoke about the dirt Jasper found on Aro, which was going to be kept under wraps until I became Don, right after I made the Cullen Family the "official" leader of the families.
We made our way in and was met with a guard who took our guns and phones and checked for wires, a requirement my father made for these meetings. It was for any of us that would get trigger happy and to make sure we didn't have a rat. We walked down the hall and I was met with my father's personal guard, Bernard, who was blocking the door to the meeting room. Usually Laurent would stand out here with him but I had him on Bella today. He wasn't happy. I could tell when I told him he wouldn't be coming with me. Right now I needed him on Bella at least until I could find her a guard I trusted. Which hadn't happened yet but I had Jasper looking. I was confident no one could break the security to my home but Laurent staying behind was a precaution. Bernard gave me a head nod and opened the door, Emmett and I walked in and saw the stare of my father, Carlisle Cullen. As always he sat at the head of the table, this time, though, he couldn't keep his stare off of me. I took a seat to his left and stared right back, not saying anything. I knew the families were about to show up and if they came in with my father and I in a screaming match it would look bad. His consigliere, Caius, sat beside him on the other side, staring at a wall. I never liked him, however he and my father grew up together, so he was considered an uncle. Emmett had to stand by my side, since the meeting was just for the main members, Emmett would not be able to speak. My father or I would have to speak on his behalf since he wasn't a main member.
Eleazar then made his way in with Garrett his underboss and Charles his consigliere.
"Carlisle, old friend!" That suave Italian fucker shook my father's hand and they both hugged.
"Eleazar, it's good to see you."
Seeing my father stand, you could tell the cancer had already affected him. There was a shake in his hand. If I hadn't known how truly powerful my father was and wasn't trained to notice weakness, I wouldn't have paid attention. I think my father realized it as well, because he put his hand in his pocket, as he continued to talk to Eleazar. That was the main thing my father taught us when we joined this thing, never let anyone see your weakness. I glanced at Emmett, who in turn looked at me with the same look. He noticed it as well. I then noticed Eleazar coming towards me to greet me.
"Edward!"
"Eleazar"
"My Tanya said she met someone the other day while she was out with her sister, apparently she's you-."
"Eleazar anything personal will have to be talked about at a later time." My father had cut him off, which was odd but then I noticed The Volturi Family had entered. Hmmm something strange was going on here. Why would my father care if Eleazar revealed who Tanya saw? I know what he was going to say, Tanya had told him about Bella, and she was probably unhappy.
"Of course, old friend." Eleazar then took his seat. Aro approached my father, with Demetri and Marcus, his underboss and consigliere. Marcus was Aro's younger brother, and probably the only normal one in the family. He wasn't married nor had he any children. He was also way more mature than Aro or Aro's children. He was also very quiet and you could never trust the quiet ones. I always felt if Marcus could lead, things would be very different. That would never happen because Aro and Demetri would have to die for him to even have a chance. Then he could lose his title anyway if Aro stepped down. Demetri would become Boss and if Demetri didn't keep Marcus on then he would have to wait until whoever was appointed died plus the rest of the Volturi siblings except Jane. The Volturi didn't believe women could lead, and wouldn't lead in their family. However, the rest of us didn't believe that way.
Aro shook my father's hand, while Marcus gave me a head nod. Demetri, that slimy fuck, just took a seat and gave me a suspicious smile. I took a quick glance at my father, and he wasn't happy at Demetri's lack of manners. Aro then turned to me and fought to hide a smile and then took his seat. Then they both noticed Emmett in the room. Their faces were not giving anything away but they were confused and looked a little pissed at his presence. I tried to hide the smirk that was on my face as I took a glance at Emmett who was looking at the door, The Masen Family had arrived.
Sean Masen and I had actually attended college together and were good friends, however since his marriage I hadn't seen him around. We weren't into the same things anymore I guess.
"Edward!" He came up and gave me a hand shake although if it had been just us we would probably gave each other a bro hug or some shit.
"Hey man how's it going?"
"Very well."
I told him we could catch up later as my father looked ready to start. He actually looked annoyed if I was honest.
We all took our seats while my father waited until he had everyone's attention. Everyone looked at him including me, ready for this shit to be over with.
"Thank you everyone for meeting today. I know I had this meeting set for next week, but there have been some things come up that I thought should be brought to your attention." My father said in his cool, calm voice, which had me questioning what this meeting was about. He said he called it because Aro was upset at how Demetri and Felix were treated at the club.
"First, I would like to acknowledge The Cullen Family has always been the "unofficial leader" of all families. You have all looked up to me as your leader, and I think I've lived up to that for the past thirty years. So today I would like to make The Cullen Family the official leader of the families."
What the fuck? What was the old man doing? I knew all of this sounded suspicious, something was up. What the fuck! I took a glance at Emmett, he was surprised as well. I didn't know who or what I was more pissed at, him doing this while he was still Don or because now I wouldn't be able to once I became Don.
"Carlislie, my friend, we have always looked to you for guidance. Your father was a brilliant leader and he changed it where we all could have a say in matters." Eleazar said.
"You misunderstand, my friend, it will still be like it is, we will still agree on matters or we may disagree, however if something needs a final say The Cullen Family is to be the one to decide."
"Then let me be the first to say then, yes old friend, I first acknowledge you as our rightful leader," Eleazar said.
There were a number of cheers from Eleazar's family, as well as Caius who had joined. I still didn't know what the old man's game was but I was going to find out.
"Carlisle, my friend, do you think this is wise? Yes, we come to you, we believe you to be the unofficial leader, but your father made it the way it is today. Why change it? We know you as the leader, why make things different? I thought we were here for another matter at hand."
That slimeball wanted to say no so bad, but if he disagreed out loud he may not be taken seriously in a few moments, whenever his real issue was at hand.
"Yes, Aro, but times are changing, and I felt that it should be official," my father said, straight to the point.
"Fine, old friend, it is what you wish." Demetri looked at his father in shock. Aro gave him a glare back as to tell him to be calm. I looked at my father and he seemed like he saw that as well but gave his attention back to the families, looking at Sean.
"Sean? What about you?"
"Yes, Carlisle, you have proved to be a good leader so yes I state today, Carlisle Cullen is the leader of the Families." Everyone cheered but my father held his hand up. Everyone quieted down and again he had everyone's attention.
"No, Sean, The Cullen Family will be the official leader of the families." Sean looked at him confused. I had a million things going through my head but I still didn't know which hand my father was going to play.
"Is everyone in agreement?" My father glanced around the room. Everyone shook their heads yes. He then looked at Caius. "Write it down and pass it around so each head of the family can sign." Caius wrote it down and passed it while each Don signed. Then father went on talking. "Another reason why this meeting was pushed up, Aro has a pressing matter that needs to be spoken about, but before I let him I have one more thing to add."
Aro was trying his hardest to keep calm, but I could see his anger and it was winning.
"As you know, I have been under the weather lately, and had my son stepping in for me."
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed everyone take a glance at me. I kept my attention on my father.
"I have cancer, and I thought with all of us together, I would announce I'm stepping down, and Edward will be taking my place soon."
A whole lot of gasps and yelling occurred then. There was a bunch of "oh no's" and "we were scammed."
"My friend, Carlisle, is this why you wanted the Cullen Family to become the official leader? Don't you think it seems wrong that you went about it this way?" Aro exclaimed.
"Aro, becoming official has been on my mind for a while now. I thought I would make it official before I stepped down."
"Right before you named Edward as the next Don."
"Yes, it happened that way, and I do not like that tone you are using Aro."
The room became slient, everyone looking at Aro and my father. All I could think was, did my father actually do something for me? Why now? Why not let me handle it? I then glanced back and realized Aro knew he had everyone staring at him.
"Right, old friend. My apologies." He then looked at Demetri, who was red in the face with anger.
"Does anyone else have a problem with Edward becoming Don of the Cullen Family?" My father asked.
Eleazar quickly shook his head no while Sean looked at me and smirked. I smirked right back knowing he knew I wanted this.
"None at all, Carlisle."
"Very well, this will be my last meeting before the ceremony to exchange powers, so I will let Aro speak about why he wanted a meeting, and then we can go from there." My father sat down and we all gave our attention to Aro.
Aro became calm and collected again. Demetri on the other hand did not look calm. Aro stood up and began speaking.
"Carlisle and you other families. I have come with a problem that I would like to get out on the table. My sons Demetri and Felix ventured to a club almost two weeks ago. They were roughed up and told to leave while they were there with their girlfriend and her friend."
Emmett came off the wall and came towards Aro, I held my hand back at him.
"This club was Edward's and he and his brother there were the ones that roughed up my boys."
"Edward and Emmett? Are you sure?" Eleazar looked at Aro.
"Yes, Felix was talking to Demetri's girlfriend's friend and Emmett pushed him away while Edward held a gun to his head. Everyone knows you don't do this to other families. Putting a gun to my son's head calls for a judgement in character for Edward. You have picked him to lead but how,if he gets angry so easily, does this happen? "
Whoa, wait a minute, Demetri's girlfriend? I looked at Emmett and he seemed confused, we thought for sure they were talking about Rosalie. But Demetri was talking to Bella that night making her uncomfortable. This motherfucker was reaching, I knew better.
'As you can see this is wrong, my boys were doing nothing but having fun and were
ambushed by them" Aro finished.
Before My father could speak, I asked to.
"Father, if I may?" My father shook his head for me to continue.
"Aro, I don't know what story your children are telling you, but I'm not stupid I would never pull a gun out in my club and we never touched them. They were confronted because they were messing with our girlfriends." This whole story was ludicrous and childish but my blood boiled Demetri claiming Bella as his. What the fuck?
"You acted like you didn't even know her!" Demetri spat at me.
"So you lied to your father?" Carlisle said.
"Wha.. what? I didn't lie. She was my girlfriend until these two jerks showed up."
"She never knew you before that night, asshole, don't go making accusations."
"Yes, she was, she lied to you if she said she never been with me before."
"Asshole!"
"Quiet!" my father yelled he then gave each of us a look, before looking at Aro again.
"Aro, the girls, what were their names?"
"Bella and Rosalie." Aro said and I swore under my breath. I wondered how they got Bella's name but smirked because Aro just realized his mistake.
"Rosalie? Hmm, as in Rosalie, the one that is currently with my son Emmett?" Boom! Got them!
"Rosalie? I don't believe that is her name." Aro said
"Now old friend, don't lie. I'll give you one more chance unless it's your son lying to you." He then turned his attention to Emmett. Emmett shook his head, and brought something to my father that looked like some pictures. He looked at it and grinned.
"Now, old friend, when you came to me about this, I told you I would hear you out. I never had a problem with you but as I have always said, you have to have proof if you bring an accusation forward." He turned the pictures over for all of us to see. They were from that night at the club. They looked like stills from the video camera, which meant Emmett took these from the club, which meant he went behind my back. Then he turned over some other pictures of Emmett and Rosalie together from Sunday dinners to just personal ones they had taken at the park or wherever.
"As you can see, this person is in fact my son's girlfriend Rosalie, then another picture was turned over. It was at Sean's wedding, Aro was clearly looking at Emmett and Rosalie in the background.
"You knew, Aro, who she belongs to."
"I'm sorry. I should have gotten more proof, but it was the other girl that was with my Demetri"
"Hmm, so you did, but you did lie about not knowing her as the friend and her name, which makes me believe you are lying about this one as well. Actually I know that you or your sons lied because she was seen with Edward. Also I'm aware that your family does things different when it comes to women saying they have to have a ring on it to be claimed. That works in your family, in mine it doesn't." And Aro knew he had been beat by the other families. If you didn't believe him, you could see the looks on their faces. I knew one more thing, one thing that would nail his coffin shut.
"My apologies, you are right, I should have obtained other information. It was my sons, Carlisle, you must understand."
"I do, friend which is why I'm offering you one more chance. Something I do not do. You or your sons mess up one more time and I don't care how small you're out.
"Yes, yes friend, I understand"
."But father!"
"Hush, Demetri!"
I couldn't hide my grin. As soon as I became Don they would be out, because I had the dirt that would make everyone see that they were in fact traitors. After another hour had passed, everyone began to leave. Sean told me we needed to catch up before he went back out to Chicago. He wanted to hear about my girlfriend. He gave me this look because he knew better about me. He'll be shocked when he finds out she is going to be my wife. Everyone was gone until it was just me, Em and dad. I looked at Emmett.
"You went behind my back, getting those images from my club."
"Edward, it was an order. It may be your club but I'm still Don and my orders come before your's."
He was right but it didn't make this feeling of betrayal go away.
"I expected a thank you," he said towards me.
"Thank you?" what the fuck!
"You would have never gotten everyone to agree with you about The Cullen Family becoming the leader."
"How do you know that?" How did he know that was something I had been planning on doing.
"Edward, come on, you know I've always been able to read you."
"I'm not saying thank you and you didn't know if I could have done it."
"I guess we'll never know." He left the room after that comment, and I looked at Emmett.
"I'm sorry, I know you didn't want dad to get his hands on anything at the club, but this was about Rosalie."
The main reason why I didn't want dad to know about anything at the club, was because of what went down and I'm not talking about the Volturi brothers.
"I'm angry."
"I understand, I would have never said anything about what happened, but Rose told me what they said to her, so I had to do this."
"Wait, you didn't do this for him?"
"No, for Rose and you, I can't get back at them for what they said right now so in my way this was it."
"We will soon Em, don't worry"
I knew what my future consisted of, father had given me the family, and made us the leader. I would make it stronger and get rid of the Volturi scum. But first, I would make something that was unofficial "official" and that was putting that ring I bought on Bella's finger.
I was ready. Ready to become Don.
