Author's note: Hi again! Sorry for the delay. A few things though:
First, Shout out to Sheri who is kickass and edited all the first 9 chapters for me so quickly! Also this one as well in such a timely manner. I was not expecting to get them back so fast! So if you want to re-read the story so far maybe it will come across better.
Second, Real life has been crazy lately. It's just been hard to sit down and breathe lately you know? But anyways I haven't started on the next chapter yet. Please know I fully intend to finish this story!
Third, I'm not what you call "one who feelings get hurt so easily" but if you don't like the story then don't read it. There is no reason to leave ugly emails or reviews! I cant tell you how many stories I have read over the years and just couldn't finish it because it wasn't my cup of tea. I never left a hateful message or review I simply stopped reading it. I have said before in past chapters this is like one of the first stories I have written. I started writing a story more than 10 years ago and it was horrible. Its been deleted and I started with this one so in my opinion this is way better lol. It just doesn't take much to be nice! I can take constructive criticism and all but don't be hateful! I'm also not saying any of this stuff to get attention its just more of a PSA.
Fourth, to all the messages and reviews I have gotten that were very positive and nice. Thank you! Its awesome to be so supported and it does lift me up in many ways so again thank you!
Now on to the story!
Chapter 12
Official Part 2
Edward POV
I pulled the chair out for Bella, as we sat down to eat. She was beautiful, her hair curled, her makeup flawless, not that she wasn't already beautiful without it. Her lips plump and full with cranberry color lipstick. I wanted to kiss her lips again, the "I do kiss" wasn't enough. Her gown…there were no words to describe: elegant,or beautiful? She was beautiful and officially mine.
Yes, mine.
Not, to say that she is my property or anything. It's just everyone knows who she belongs to now. She is my wife, Mrs. Cullen. Married. I was married and it didn't bother me not one bit.
I thought when I was married, It would make me feel weak. But, it didn't. I actually felt stronger. Not to say having a wife now would put her on the radar for enemies. Especially the ones here today. Yes, I had my eyes on everybody but extra on them slimy fucks.
Aro had showed up acting like nothing had happened. It honestly messed with my head a bit. His sons, on the other hand, looked agitated and it was obvious they were looking for someone.
My money was on Benji as they had kept an eye on Alice. I didn't like them looking at
her, nor when Demetri shifted his gaze to Bella. I had to remain calm so as not to alert them. But at the end of it, they had to know we knew right? No, they were going to blame Black for everything.
I couldn't wait, in a couple of days they would be taken out. I was going to make them pay; every single one. Especially for what happened at the Spa and making Bella uncomfortable at her own wedding. She probably thinks I didn't see but I saw the uncomfortable look she had when she looked at them while she walked down the aisle. I didn't know who it was but I wouldn't put it past any of them. I would have to ask her later.
I looked back at my wife. She looked genuinely happy, not putting on a fake smile like she had been lately. My wife. Shit, I still couldn't believe I was married. The servers then brought out our food and I dug in. As I ate, I glanced around again. My father was on alert too. I could tell he made a couple of glances around the room. His eyes didn't linger though, and he went back to talking to Eleazar who he was sitting beside. My mother sat on his other side, and she was drinking like a fish. I was honestly surprised at this point that he hadn't taken the booze away from her. She was honestly embarrassing us the way she was acting. Alice had texted me earlier about mother's behavior towards Bella. I was going to have to talk to her again.
Speaking of Alice, she was the one that shocked me the most. Not about Benji per say. Alice was like me when it came to betrayal, you betray us, we're done. I was more shocked after we told her what Benji tried to do to her that she was doing okay. According to Jasper, she was fine and had cursed Benji to hell. That was all good and well but I've spent years with Alice, and I knew she was putting on the tough guy act. What Benji did was affecting her more than what she let on.
I took another bite of my pasta and looked again, while peeking at Bella in my peripheral. She was digging into her food like she hadn't eaten in days. She also seemed uncomfortable. I wanted to reach out and touch her but decided against it. I didn't want these fuckers to think I cared more about her than they already thought they knew.
I took a glance around the room again, this time my eyes landing on Emmett and Rosalie. Now, those two looked miserable. They were sitting at a table by themselves and looking in different directions. At the last wedding they were at, which was Sean Masen's, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Now, they looked like they would run if they were sitting any closer together. The day of the Spa issue, Emmett told Jasper and I both that he couldn't be without her. So, what the Hell had happened? Tough as nails Rosalie couldn't handle it? Emmett changed his mind? Whatever had happened I didn't know why I was concerned with it. Their problems were just that, their problems. I would be more concerned with their behavior if Rosalie had remembered anything the day of the Spa. According to her, Em, and the doc, she didn't remember anything after heading to the bathroom after drinking the tea. If she had, and was acting like this then I would be concerned about her running to the feds. I peeked at Bella again and she was looking at them too now. I wonder if she knew what was going on?
Sean Masen made his way towards me with a smile on his face and I stood taking Bella with me. He had his wife on his arm as well.
"Hey man!" Sean left his hand out for me to shake and I shook it back. If it had just been us we would probably be giving each other bro hugs and shit but not here. I had eyes on me and had to maintain a certain level of authority. Sean was coming to introduce his wife, as well as to show respect to the Cullen Family. He handed me an envelope and I slipped it in my pocket.
"A wedding present." He grinned then turned to Bella,"Mrs. Cullen, I'm Sean Masen and this is my wife Breanna." He put his hand out for Bella to shake. She took his hand and shook it back. His wife then came up to her. "Isabella, it's so nice to meet you but please call me Bree." The two lovebirds looked at each other with amused expressions while Bella laughed. "As long as you call me Bella." Bree then laughed too. It was weird but it seemed they bonded over their dislike of their full names.
Sean stared down at his wife lovingly and she returned the same look before she patted her stomach. Now she looked like she was minutes away from throwing up.
"Ah, yeah man sorry, we're going to have to leave. Baby Masen isn't happy at the moment."
At first I didn't know what he was talking about. Baby Masen? Until it hit me. My eyes were wide as saucers. "No shit?" I smiled at him.
He gave me a smirk back. "Hell yeah!"
"Congrats man." Honestly. I was happy for him at that moment.
"Yeah, maybe soon there will be a Baby Cullen for him or her to play with." He replied. Then the happy moment was gone. Shit. Bella must have felt it too because she suddenly went rigid beside me.
In that moment, two things became clear to me.
First, I had told Bella that we didn't have to have sex. When I told her that, I don't think I thought it all the way through. When any couple gets married, everyone expects them to start a family. I mean everyone does it right? The difference was that Bella and I weren't like any couple for example like Sean and Bree. Those two were madly in love. Although when I made this deal with Bella, I told her I would never force her or anything. I wouldn't. Hell no I would never do that with anyone. I told her if the need ever rose I would privately take care of it. But, the truth is, my feelings toward Bella have changed. I shook my head and I was still confused about it. All I know is I wouldn't want to seek anyone out for that reason.
Two, I would be expected to carry on the line. Kids and shit. I didn't even know if I wanted a child. Did Bella want children? Probably not after what she had been through. Anyways, could I even saddle my child with all this shit? I mean if he didn't want it, I would never force him or anything. Could I do to him what my father did to me? I shook my head. I would think about this later. If we didn't have any children then It would go to Emmett like it would anyway if something happened to me. But then Emmett didn't want children either. I shook my head and saw Sean give me a nod and walked out where I heard his wife throwing up.
I noticed Bella was still rigid, so I put my hand on the small of her back. "Relax." She did but her shoulders still seemed tense. We sat back down to finish eating. After we were done, Alice knowing nothing but tradition said it was time to cut the cake. The cake was huge! It had three tiers and each tier had different cakes. The top was buttercream, the second was chocolate, and the third was lemon. We threw it in each other's faces, and I had to honestly say we both enjoyed that. Being carefree was a luxury in this world.
I then noticed my mother making her way to us, and at this point, I wished she wasn't. She was drunk. It didn't take a genius to see that. It's not exactly frowned upon, a lot of these people get drunk. It was a wedding and a celebration. But the way my mother was carrying on, it was embarrassing. She almost made it to us when Emmett intercepted and took her outside. Thank God! Now I could go talk to her but I didn't want to leave Bella alone. I looked around and noticed the Blonde at the bar. Hmm? That would do for now. She could chill with Rose while I spoke with my mother.
"Come on, let's go get a drink."
Bella and I made our way to the bar. Not going to lie, Bella's eyes lit up like a fucking Christmas tree when she saw Rosalie, then they looked worried. When we reached the bar, the girls began to talk. I told Bella I would be a minute and to stay close. She nodded and I made my way outside but not before I nodded to Laurent who was sitting with James and Victoria to keep his eye out.
Emmett and my mother were pacing outside near the lake in a yelling match. Well, my mother was, Emmett just stared at her. Thank God, they were far away from everyone. I made my way down the stairs toward the area of the lake.
"I can drink whenever I fucking want to. You're not the boss of me," my mother screamed.
Emmett had his eyes closed with his finger on his nose. At that moment, he fucking looked like me when I'm tired of bullshit. "Mother, you're embarrassing yourself."
He opened his eyes and they landed on me.
"How am I embarrassing myself? You mean embarrassing you? This isn't even your damn wedding!"
"No, but it's mine."
She quickly turned around and her eyes widened but then she relaxed and stared me down. "So, I'm really embarrassing you then." She put her hands on her hips and all I could think was, where the fuck was my mother? I looked at Emmett and told him to go back inside. I didn't have to voice anything, he knew why. Just dad, Em, James, Laurent, and myself knew who was behind everything. I needed him to go back and keep an eye on everything.
As Emmett left, I turned back to my mother. "Em is right mom, you are embarrassing yourself. You're embarrassing dad, me, Em, this whole family. You know how to act in public." She looked crestfallen after I said that but then she started with the tears.
"Oh!"
I hated tears. "What's wrong now?"
She looked back up at me and then wiped her tears away, then she puffed her cheeks out. " Let's see, my husband is dying, my son married someone who probably is just using him for his money, and is knocked up if this shotgun wedding is anything to go by."
I quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her to me, I didn't like what she said. Our noses were touching. "Listen and listen well, you know damn well why I had to get married fast." She knew why, she wanted dad to step down. "Bella isn't pregnant, and she is my wife. You will respect her and stop talking down to her. Stop treating her like you have been." She looked at me shocked, then her shoulders slumped. "I know dad's condition has put a lot of pressure on you but the way you're carrying on is ridiculous. I'm all for you getting drunk at home or at one of our houses when it's just us. But, I'll be damned if you do it in front of all the families. You fucking know better."
All my life, my mother had this authority about her. She was strong, and could command a room. If you want to get down to it, she was the female Carlisle. She was also a mom. She was there to hug me, kiss me and talk to me. This person in front of me, though? I didn't know who she was. Why was she carrying on like she hadn't gotten any sense? "When you've calmed yourself and you can act like my mother, you may rejoin us. Until then, stay here." I walked away but not before I heard her yell
"I'm the parent!"
I quickly replied "I know. That's my point." I left her there and knew she would be safe. I saw her guard not far away. I headed back up the stairs and made my way back to my bride.
BELLA POV
Sitting by Rose at the bar was uneventful. She was just moving her glass around and she looked like she didn't want to be here. I noticed she hadn't drank a single sip of her drink. I thought that odd but didn't comment. When I came over here, we greeted each other and she mumbled congrats again. Other than that, she hadn't spoken and she wasn't acting like my best friend right now. I had only taken a few sips of my drink, and thought enough is enough. There was no one around us, except the bartender but he was on the other end of the bar.
I leaned into Rose, as close as I could. "So what's going on with you?"
Rose looked at me then, a forced smile on her face. "Nothing, why?"
I looked around "Cut the shit!" I whispered so I didn't bring attention to myself.
Rose then turned to me in shock. "Not here, Bella." I looked around and stood up and noticed I had Laurent's attention now. Grabbing her arm, I headed to the room where we got dressed while Laurent followed. Great.
When we reached the room, I tried to close the door but Laurent wasn't having that. "I need to make sure this room is safe, Mrs. Cullen."
I nodded and was a little taken back because he called me Mrs. Cullen and I wasn't used to that. He checked everywhere, even the bathroom. When he was done he turned to me. "I'll be right outside," he said as he closed the door. Of course, he would always be following me. I sighed. Laurent wasn't so bad. I was just aggravated because there was something going on with Rose and she wasn't talking. I turned from the door and looked at Rose. She was by the window with her arms crossed looking out. I walked to her, and put my hand on her arm. She reacted by putting her hand on mine.
"What's going on Rose?" She shook her head. "Rose?" I pried then I made her look at me. "You're seriously worrying me."
She then looked at me. "How do you do it?"
I looked at her confused. "What do you mean?"
She walked away to the other side and began pacing. "How do you act like nothing happened the other day?" My stomach tied in knots. Honestly, she hadn't spoken about the other day at all, really. She was asleep for everything that happened or maybe she wasn't and didn't let on that she was awake. I mean, I remember bits and pieces, I know what I did, I shot at Benji, Jared and that other dude. I remember what almost happened to Alice. That traitor, Seth! Okay, not exactly a traitor but I'm still mad at him. That was the first big thing that I noticed. Something was up with Rose. She saw Seth this morning and just looked at him in shock. She didn't say anything and that had me in shock myself. But most of everything else that happened the other day is fuzzy.
"I don't remember much." I was honest but I couldn't tell her about Paul, shooting three people, and what happened to Alice right now. I wanted to but not here, not in such a public setting. Rose slumped her shoulders where she took a defeated stance.
"I know there's more to the story. Just could you tell me what happened to Sam? Emmett told me about Benji betraying the family. I'm not stupid Bella, I know he's dead." I looked at her and nodded. Even if Edward didn't outright say it, I knew Benji and Jared were dead.
"Yeah, although I'm not sure where Sam is." Rose glared at me.
"Cut the bullshit!" Just like a flip of a switch Rose was back to her snarky self. Even though I had no idea where Sam was. "I have no idea. I'm being honest, I don't know if he's dead or if he was working with Benji."
I hadn't really thought about Sam when it came down to it. I knew Zafrina was okay. I had asked Edward about her, and once she was healed she was to be my personal guard. She wasn't here today because Edward didn't want her to look weak to the other families. I knew in my heart she wasn't weak but I understood his reasoning. I didn't really know what was going on, but he seemed on edge when we were around those guys that we saw at Midnight Sun.
"Bella, I don't remember anything and it bothers me." She took a breath and then started crying. "When the doctor told me I had been given the date rape drug, I haven't stopped thinking that I've been raped."
I blanched. "No, Rose, no you haven't."
"How do you know?" She screamed. I put my hands down gesturing to her to keep quiet. It was stupid, because next thing I know Laurent was asking if everything was okay. After letting him in to check the room again and leaving,
I faced Rose again. I was inches away from her face, our noses touching. I whispered to her, "I know because I woke up a few times. Benji tried to with Alice—" I made a gesture indicating what I was about to say. "He didn't get far, I woke up and made a scene."
Rose gasped but then nodded. "D-d-d o you feel like something happened?" I wouldn't know what that felt like but surely I mean wouldn't it be sore? She dried her tears and backed away some.
"No, I feel normal, but that doesn't mean anything Poor Alice." She walked to the mirror and began to redo her makeup. When she was done she turned back to me. She did a good job. You couldn't even tell she had been crying moments before.
"Emmett hasn't touched me, Bella. I'm not talking about sex, he hasn't hugged me or kissed me. He's keeping his distance and that's why I feel like something happened to me. I mean why won't he touch me? The most I've had from him today is when he escorted me down the aisle."
I had noticed Emmett's distance, but I was sure nothing had happened to Rose. "Maybe, he thinks you don't want to be touched or something. I don't know. Maybe he thinks you'll react to him badly." I couldn't offer any advice about their relationship because I wasn't an expert on relationships. I mean I don't know how Em's mind worked. Hell, I didn't even know how Edward's did and he was my husband. You would think after all I've been through, I would be running off, screaming, crying when he would touch me. But, I never did. I actually felt at ease with Edward. Even with the circumstances that got me here, it had nothing to do with Stockholm syndrome or anything like that. I really did feel safe with him. I looked at Rose again, "Touch him like hold his hand or something. See what happens." Rose smiled at me but I could tell it wasn't a true one.
"Maybe you're right, maybe if I try something..." She giggled. "Bella, I'm sorry this is your day." I was about to protest when the door opened and a worried Edward came through. He regained his composure when he saw Rose or what I like to call "The non-caring Edward look."
"Everything alright?" he said. I noticed Emmett and Laurent in the hall.
"Great," I replied with a forced smile. He hummed. I don't think he believed me but he didn't make a comment.
"We should be getting back to the reception." He held his hand out and I took it.
As per Alice, there were still activities that we had to participate in. Tossing the bouquet and garter. A group of single ladies or ladies who weren't married gathered in a group including Rose. I was instructed by Alice, to turn around and throw the flowers backwards. I had never been to a wedding, so I hadn't seen this done before. Sure, I've seen movies but it was the first time experiencing it. I threw it as hard as I could and turned to watch it land right in Rose's hands. The whole floor went into cheers and Rose gave a small smile.
Next, I was to sit in a chair while Edward took my garter off. He lifted my dress up some not too much and was met with a bunch of boos. Everyone kept egging him on and he stared at me. I looked down into those electric green eyes that literally pierced my soul. He was silently asking for permission and I nodded. He lifted it just a bit higher to my knees and then he gave me a smirk. Next thing I know, I am feeling his cheek against my calf. The slight stubble making Its way up to my thigh where the garter was. I let out a gasp as he grabbed the garter with his teeth and brought it down while everyone around us cheered him on. I started feeling flushed and again my lady bits tingled. I didn't know how I felt about that. When the garter was off, he threw it in Emmett's direction who caught it with ease. Rose smiled but Emmett looked like he was seconds away from passing out. Rose looked down and I could tell she was hurt but she put on a brave face in front of everyone.
Edward pulled my gown back down and helped me up from the chair. Edward was giving me this look. I don't know how to describe it, maybe desirable? No, that couldn't be it. He then turned away from me as some men came up to talk to him. I looked around and saw that guy from Midnight Sun, the one who wanted me to leave with him. He was rubbing Jessica's cheek and she was shaking. They were near the door that led to a balcony and no one was around them or paying attention to them. She looked scared and my stomach started rolling. It didn't take a genius to know something had happened to Jessica. I didn't know but she was obviously scared right now. I made my way over to them knowing that Laurent would be on my heels.
When I approached, I could see that she was crying now and I heard him say that he wanted to fuck her again. What the hell?
"Excuse me?"
Then he turned around, and gave me a smile. "Mrs. Cullen." He greeted me but didn't act like he was going to leave. No matter what, I would get Jessica outside away from prying eyes. That's when I noticed Laurent hadn't followed me over here which was odd.
"I need to speak with Miss. Stanley a moment." The man still didn't move, he just smiled at me. I grabbed Jessica's hand and she eagerly started to come with me. We exited to the balcony but that asshole came with us. Jessica started to shake in my arms and it wasn't because of the chill in the almost night air.
Suddenly, an arm came down on mine and Jessica started to whimper more. I looked at the man like he was crazy. "Excuse me!" Never in my life had I wanted Laurent or Edward to bust through the door. Now, I really didn't like not having a guard.
"Oh, you are a fiery one aren't you." He licked his lips and I decided to spit in his face. "Bitch!" He acted like he was going to slap me when an arm quickly came down on his arm and swung him toward him. I quickly grabbed onto Jessica who was crying uncontrollably now. I didn't even hear the other man come out and when I looked at him my heart sped up. It was the man from earlier, the one who stared at me when I walked down the aisle.
"Enough, Demetri!" I saw Demetri quickly look at the other man, and smirk at him.
"I don't answer to you, Marcus." He spit on the man named Marcus and quickly made his way inside. Marcus rubbed the spit off his face and glanced at us.
"I'm sorry for that." I just nodded and petted Jessica's head. "Can I ask you a question?" I was caught surprised by that. This family was bad right? I quickly nodded just to get him away from us, I needed to get Jessica calm and it wouldn't work with this man around. "Was your mother Renee Dwyer?" What. The. Hell? How would he know who my mother was? I started to get angry but for some reason I believed his question didn't come from a place of malice.
"Yes. Can you please go now?" I wasn't trying to be rude but whatever that man had said to Jessica had literally terrified her. The man nodded and turned to exit the stairs off to the side of the balcony. I also saw tears in his eyes or that could have been my mind making things up. That's when the balcony doors opened in a hurry and Laurent came outside. When he saw me he was alarmed but relieved. Then he noticed Jessica was shaking and he looked scared again.
"Mrs. Cullen, is everything alright?" I shook my head and he pulled his gun out.
"Wait! Nothing like that." That crazy fucker was thinking we were under attack or something. I honestly didn't know what to tell Laurent. All I wanted was to get her away from that man.
Just then Jessica looked up at me. "It's okay, Mr. Graves was one of the ones that found me." I looked at her confused. Who was Mr. Graves? It took me a minute to realize she was talking about Laurent. I nodded and then looked at Laurent,
"Um, one of those guys, Demetri was talking to her…. she started shaking." Jessica then let go of me and looked at Laurent,
"He was one of them." I was confused. One of what? She then started crying again. Laurent looked pissed and nodded to her.
"Mrs. Cullen, I apologize, I thought you were with Mr. Cullen. That's why I wasn't keeping my eye out. When I noticed him alone that's when I started to look for you." I nodded it really wasn't his fault. I had walked away from Edward. Even he didn't notice since he wasn't here as well. That's when the doors opened again and Edward came out. I sighed in relief, but then I noticed he looked angry and he was staring at me.
"What happened here?" He was talking to Laurent, and I didn't like the tone of his voice.
"Miss Stanley, had a run in with Mr. Volturi." Edward looked shocked, but then quickly regained his composure.
"He was one of them, Mr. Cullen." Laurent finished and Edward looked at Jessica and I swear his angry mood diminished some.
"Take those stairs, and get her home and stay with her tonight." He told Laurent but then looked back at me. Laurent then grabbed for Jessica's hand and they quickly left. Edward's eyes hadn't left mine and for some reason I couldn't look at him.
"Bella? Why did you walk away from me? I look and you're gone. You can't do that." I wanted to come back with some smart ass remark but after what just happened I understood where he was coming from.
"Jessica was cornered by that guy, she needed help." I let out a cry. Seriously, this whole day had been so emotional and I had kept a big smile on my face for all of it. It all started with Alice and her badgering then Mrs. Cullen and her remarks, Rose and whatever the hell was going on with her and Emmett, helping Jessica get away from that man, who was a member of that family and now, Edward acting like this. I honestly couldn't take anymore today.
Edward then came to my side then. "Ssshh" He was acting what I like to call "The caring Edward" now.
"I'm sorry I just couldn't let her deal with that." I quickly dried my tears. That's when I noticed Edward looking down at my arm where I noticed a red mark in the shape of a handprint around my wrist. I hadn't noticed it, but by the looks of it Edward wasn't happy.
"What the fuck Is this?" Edward held my arm up so I could look at it. Like I hadn't already been looking at it.
I tried not to let out a sob. "He, the man named Demetri, grabbed me after Jessica and I came out here. I spit in his face and I was sure he was going to slap me until another man, who he called Marcus, stopped him." I watched so many different emotions going through Edward's face but the one he stopped on was pissed.
"He fucking touched you? Motherfucker!" Edward then started to pace back and forth before coming back to me. "Touch my wife?" he yelled. At this point, I was surprised that no one had come out to see what was going on. Next thing I know, he grabbed my arm and pulled me to him, our noses touching, eyes staring at each other intensely and he kissed me. Not the kiss from earlier, this kiss was demanding and possessive. When he let go, he closed his eyes. "Bella." He didn't finish his sentence, he just kept looking into my eyes. He then sighed, and the words that came out of his mouth were not the words I think he really wanted to say, "Come on, we need to get back." We quickly left the balcony.
EDWARD POV
After rice had been thrown and sparklers lit, Bella and I had gotten in the back of the limo and headed home. I had put a fake smile on for all that shit we just did but I was LIVID. Who the fuck did Demetri think he was? Putting his hands on my wife? It was obvious he had a hard-on for her, especially after Benji's confession. He was doing it too freely and that in itself had my mind thinking of different things. Why did he approach Jessica in the open if he was in fact one of the men that raped her? Why did he put his hands on Bella? Granted, Laurent and I weren't there but he was acting like he wasn't going to have to face consequences for his actions. He was just adding to the growing list of justice he was going to have to face.
Earlier, when Aro approached me and Bella had wandered off, I let her. I knew Laurent would see her and follow. Apparently, he hadn't, if Demetri got that close. Granted she had been with me, but still. I would definitely have to have a talk with him about that. Aro on the other hand congratulated me on my marriage and said he was looking forward with me becoming the leader of the family. The thing about all that is he seemed sincere. What a mindfuck and a half! Either Aro was lying or he seriously didn't know what the fuck his sons are up to or he was kissing my ass because of what had happened at the last meeting. My father saved me from any further communication when he came up and started talking to Aro and I started looking for Bella.
Speaking of Bella, she hadn't uttered a word since we got in the limo. She also seemed to take what happened earlier fine but now she was chewing on her lip and her gaze stayed on the window looking out at the passing lights. It was obvious something was on her mind. There were many things I wanted to ask her, but for some reason I couldn't, the words were caught in my throat. She was beautiful, she truly was and I felt like some pussy being mesmerized by her beauty.
"Bella?" She quickly looked at me. "Hmm?" She replied. I turned towards her, wanting so bad to kiss her again. Earlier, I shouldn't have kissed her like that, but damnit I felt like I had to claim her or some shit. Knowing Demetri put his hands on her and touched her. I quickly punched the seat which made Bella jump. "I'm sorry." Her eyes were frightened but she then relaxed. "It's okay," she said in a quiet voice.
"Bella, why would you go to him if you were afraid? I saw you look at him when you was walking down the aisle. He made you uncomfortable." Confusion flickered on her face, then realization.
"Jessica was shaking, Edward, I had to help no matter how I felt in the moment, I couldn't just stand there." I nodded. The little time I've known Bella, I have seen how caring she has been. It was a double edge sword, being my wife and all, she had to know she couldn't just go up to someone I specifically told her to avoid. It was dangerous.
"You should have told Laurent or I and we would have gotten her." The Jessica shit to me was a double edged sword. A huge part of me was glad for Bella intervening. On the other hand, she let him see her weakness. Jessica still wasn't comfortable around men or crowds, which was surprising she had come today. I know she wanted to according to Laurent but kept changing her mind. I was surprised that she did come. Now, I bet she was regretting even coming in the first place. When that happened to Jessica, she didn't know who it was that did it to her. All she knew, it was three men who were wearing masks. She said she could only see their eyes and they raped her repeatedly. Now that she had confirmed one was Demetri, I put money on the other two being Felix and Alec. I had heard rumors on how specifically Demetri and Felix liked there sex, which is a huge reason I didn't let Bella go with him that night at Midnight Sun. Thinking of how close she was to him made my skin crawl.
Bella nodded and then turned towards the window again. I shook my head, I hated this. She did the right thing but she had to know she couldn't just do it on her own.
"You did the right thing. Just.." I trailed off. I never had been good with words.
"Not by myself." She finished for me.
"Pretty much." I then smiled, and not a fake one like I have had on my face for the last hour or so, a genuine one. She smiled back and it was a real one.
When we reached the house, I helped Bella out of the limo and we headed into the house. We weren't going on a honeymoon at the moment. Not with everything going on. Bella headed to our bedroom, and I turned and locked up the house. I had some guards at the gate but other than that we were alone. Earlier this week, I put the house in Bella's name, if anything should happen to me. I loved this place but Bella needed a safe place to live. I also got rid of anything illegal such as my speedboat that was near my dock where I had shipments brought in. I ended up buying a small warehouse a few miles away from here on the water where I would put those. The only illegal activity here now was in my office, where I had many documents secured. However I was more than confident no one would find them. Bella was set no matter what. I also had to remember that the cops would also being paid a visit soon because of that stupid missing person report. Why they hadn't yet was beyond me. But, I'm sure they would hear of our marriage and then they would follow up on it.
I made my way to the bedroom, and closed the door where I saw Bella jump. I didn't understand why she was jumping. She knew I was here, unless the only thing I could think of was she didn't hear me come in.
"You alright?"
She nodded. "I was thinking about something, didn't hear you."
I nodded back. I figured but to hear her say it made me want to shake my head. What if she was thinking something out in public and something happened? I decided not to comment. She was at home where it's safe and I just decided to let it go. I began to undress, I took my tux off and started to unbutton my shirt when I noticed Bella staring at me.
"What?" Bella shook her head nervously and that's when I noticed her. She was still dressed in her gown, she had taken the veil off but not the gown. Why hadn't she gotten ready yet? She had been up here for a few minutes before I came up.
She came up to me and turned around. "Could you get the zipper?"
Oh! That's why she was still dressed but it didn't explain her nervousness. Why was she acting so weird?
"Yeah."
She moved her hair to the side while I went at the zipper. God, she smelled wonderful. I wanted to touch her, but with the way she was acting. I chose not to. Her whole back was bare while I pulled the zipper down. I stepped back and she let her hair go while she held the dress to herself.
"Thanks." She then headed to the bathroom. I quickly got out of my clothes, and put on some loose shorts that I had been wearing to bed the past few days. I didn't think Bella would be comfortable with me wearing boxers like I usually do when I go to bed. I got in on my side and pulled the covers up to my waist. I checked my phone noticing I had one from Laurent. He said Jessica was safe and he had to give her some meds to calm her down but she was asleep. He also apologized for not being there with Bella. I told him we would talk about that later. I would definitely talk to him about that shit later. Bella then came out of the bathroom her face clean of any makeup and she was in a nightgown. She was still so beautiful.
Bella went for the bed but seemed hesitant? I couldn't for the life of me figure out why she was hesitant. She seemed fine the past few nights that we had shared this bed. She got in and brought the covers up to her chest and turned away from me. I turned the light off, and laid there. I leaned over and kissed her cheek while she stiffened by me. What the hell? I rose up and noticed Bella hadn't moved. What was her problem? Was she scared? I'm sure she was because of that fuck but why was she acting like she was scared of me? That's when it hit me why she seemed like she wanted to run. Why tonight was different than the past few nights. Tonight was our wedding night. Everyone knew what happened on the wedding night. The thing that got me was I told Bella I would never force her, that I wasn't even expecting it.
"Relax." She stiffened again, "I told you, remember?"
She then relaxed. "I'm sorry, it's just the whole "it being our wedding night" thing. It made me all..." She didn't have to finish that sentence. I knew what she meant.
"Sshhh, relax and go to sleep." It didn't take long till I heard her snores.
TWO DAYS LATER
Here I was sitting at the table surrounded by all the families except one. We were waiting on The Volturi but they had yet to show. They were late and judging by my father's face and a few others they were pissed by the lack of respect shown. I was also agitated because them being late had me wondering what the hell they were up to. I may have been wrong the other day when I said Aro may not have known what his sons were up to. He probably figured it out, judging by the way today had turned out. We had taken precautions today though. We usually don't allow guns in these meetings, today was an exception. We knew after we had shown the other families the evidence, things could get ugly which is why only my father, brother, and I had them. I had also taken precautions with Bella as well. I had made sure my house was tightened with security. I also had Laurent with me today, since shit could pop off. I left James in charge with Bella. I trusted James and Seth was there as well. Jasper, Alice, Rose, and Mom as well as Mom's and Alice's bodyguard were there. Mom wanted to stay home but Aro knew where dad lived so my place was safer since not many knew where I lived. In case they did know where I lived, James knew about the secret underground bunker I had just in case. I haven't heard anything so all was well at home.
The past two days it's just been Bella and I. We didn't leave the house but I did spend time with my wife. We talked about a lot of things. Her wanting to go back to school, how she wants to get the brand removed. That one didn't really shock me but her wanting other people to see it did. She even made a comment, If we could keep it on the down low, just have one doctor do it, and she said she would use my resources.
That made me smirk.
If my wife didn't know who I was before she did now. She knew I had money and could get people to do things for me. I told her we would see but I didn't want her to be in pain. She was taken aback by that. Why I don't know but what the fuck? Did she think I wanted her to be in pain? I don't think she has fully thought it through. It's in her fucking skin! It would hurt like a bitch and probably would take more than one doctor's visit.
I also found out my wife can fucking cook. Mrs. Cope wasn't due back to the house for a couple of days as well as Jessica so we were left to our own devices. It didn't bug Bella though, the girl could cook. She could also clean and even got me in on that as well. Yea, Edward Cullen cleaned.
She also understands me a bit better, I believe. She didn't give me any shit about today leaving her with two guards especially Seth whom she hasn't said words to.
I heard my father cough, and quickly looked at him. He was starting to look rough around the edges, but if you didn't know him that well you couldn't tell.
"May I have your attention?" My father began and then everyone went quiet. Like I said my father can control a room
"Not sure why we haven't been graced with The Volturi's presence but after today, friends, they will no longer be a part of the families."
Eleazar and Garrett looked at each other confused.
"Why, old friend? I understand today with them being late is a huge lack of respect to any of us. But what could warrant them being out of the family?" I swear Eleazar should just suck my father's dick he was such a suck up.
"Before I show you, friends. I would like to change over the power of the Cullen Family to my son."
That shit was shocking, I thought he would show the others the evidence before he did this. But I nodded at him, he was letting me lead since I was the one that got half of the evidence to begin with.
I stood up and faced my father, with a hand raised. "Do you, Edward Cullen, promise to lead The Cullen Family and all the other families to do what's right? Do you plan to lead with authority, to lead to a better path for all? Do you promise to uphold all the values that come with this life and to put this family at the top with your own? "
"I do." There was no hesitation. I wanted this.
"Then let it be known, Edward Cullen is now Don of the Cullen Family and Leader of the Families." He then pricked my hand and blood came out and he leaned it over and placed it over the gold cup.
He then handed me a tissue, and turned to the room, "any objections?"
The room shouted "no". I smiled. I was finally Don.
Now, it was Emmett's turn, I turned towards Em. " Do you, Emmett Cullen, promise to help lead when your boss calls on it? Help guide your boss, help the Cullen Family and the other families? Do you promise to protect your boss and uphold all values and put this family at the top with your own?"
"I do." Emmett said although it wasn't said with such conviction as mine. I don't think anyone noticed it but me though.
I then pricked Emmett's hand and placed his hand over the cup and let the blood flow down into the cup. The blood of brothers joining together and becoming one.
We were about to sit down and get to business, when Eleazar spoke up. "What about your consigliere?"
I smiled at him." Due to recent events, which everyone is about to find out, I haven't decided on one yet. But after today, you will understand why."
Yes definitely after they see Benji's video they would understand. I haven't decided since I have one in mind but I have trust issues.
"This is most highly unorthodox!" Eleazar looked at my father but my father had sat down.
"I'm Don now, Eleazar. Not my father." Eleazar's head went back and forth between my father and I.
"Yes, I know..." he started.
"Eleazar!" This time it was Sean who cut him off. "The Boss was about to speak on the matter at hand. Please don't interrupt again." I smirked at Sean before I looked at the room again.
"Now, do I have everyone's attention?" I looked around and I felt the power. I was in charge of that whole room and it felt amazing.
We had a TV in the room and so I placed a DVD in the player and Felix's ugly mug filled the screen. Everyone watched as Felix and a bunch of Volturi soldiers snuck out of the warehouse before lighting it on fire. Then it changed to Jared and Benji where they laid out their plan and their confessions. After the tape was done I glanced around the room and noticed all faces were filled with shock and disgust. But no one said anything.
"We had to take care of the traitors within our family. But when it comes to another family who is a part of the Four Families, that is for all of us to decide. So let's take a vote."
"The Cullen Family decides that Aro and his sons should die." I said, knowing we don't kill women but I wanted it known that those four were responsible just in case they brought his daughter into it.
"The Masen Family seconds it," Sean said
"The Denali Family thirds it." Eleazar spoke.
"Emmett pass that paper around, everyone needs to sign it. If you are met with any member of the Volturi family, you are to notify me right away or my underboss. Their punishment will be ours since they greatly harmed members of our family." Everyone knew who I meant - Bella, Alice, and Rose.
After the paper was signed, the door burst open and Laurent came in. I knew something was up since he knew not to come into this room.
"Sorry for the interruption, Boss, you need to see this." He held out his phone. There on a breaking news source was Aro Volturi laying on the ground with cops and what looked like paramedics all around him.
He was dead. Aro was dead.
