Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Divergent. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer and Veronica Roth.
Writer's note: Thank you Roxhall, munzke, Goddess, and Navywife for your reviews! I'm so glad everyone loves this story. I really do like the EricxBella pairing the most in this crossover combo. Even when watching the films, I loved Eric so much, even though he was meant to be the bad guy, but Jai Parker makes it so hard to hate his characters he just so damn sexy. *drools* I've had tons of fun with this one and can't wait for everyone to get to read Not the Good Guy, which will be extra sexy, and lots of action. *winks* As always, I appreciate all of you! Don't forget to follow, favorite, and review!
Bella and Jasper entered Amity through the tunnels. Jasper knew them well. When they got there, they were greeted by Johanna Reyes as she is the Amity's leader and she was taking in Abnegation survivors and refugees as well as Dauntless ones. Jeanine had already blasted Bella and Jasper's picture everyone on the screens, and had blamed the whole ordeal in Abnegation on Bella and Jasper and other Divergents. That was three days ago.
"Bella, everything will work out." Jasper said, coming to stand behind her as she watched the sun go down on the horizon.
"Maybe." Bella murmured. "Is Four okay?" She asked.
"Yeah. He didn't want to break rank and draw attention to himself. Your dad found him in the tunnels. He wasn't sure if his intel was right about the tunnels." Jasper explained.
Bella nodded. Four was Divergent, and things started to make sense for once. "Jeanine is going to hunt us down. We're risking everyone here at Amity."
"True, but let's trust that Eric is trying to handle this." Jasper said softly and set a hand on Bella's shoulder.
Bella didn't move or say anything. The truth was, she did trust Eric, but she was still worried. The Cullen's hadn't made it to Amity, which meant either Eric didn't make it to them in time or they were in prison right now and he hadn't been able to get them out without drawing suspicion to himself. She also worried about Will and Christina. Were they even, okay?
"You're thinking too hard about something." Jasper always knew when she was too anxious or stressing about stuff.
"What Jeanine is saying about Divergents. Do you think Candor is listening?" Bella asked.
Jasper sighed. "I don't know. There's too much speculation right now, but one thing for sure is Jack Kang follows truth. I don't think he would blindly follow whatever Jeanine says. He's a smart man."
"We're fortunate Johanna believes us."
Jasper nodded. "That's because of your parents and Tris's. They know that Jeanine is behind all this. Johanna also knows that Jeanine has been vying for power for a while now. This was her final move. I bet Jeanine thought she had outsmarted everyone."
"Yeah, probably. I should have just killed her." Bella said and sighed.
"Maybe, but what would that have proved? You saw Caleb too. Were you willing to kill him too?" Jasper asked.
Bella shook her head. "He's an idiot."
"He is."
"How can he think that eradicating his home was the best move? His parents? My parents? We all grew up together and he lost his sister. I thought he was distraught over losing Tris. What does family mean if he just turned his back on it? Wasn't that Jeanine's reason for trying to keep Tris above the line and why she had Eric kill Max?"
Jasper sighed. "I don't know. Maybe Jeanine convinced him that someone Divergent killed Tris. We don't know what he's been told. He's obviously brain washed."
"Yeah." Bella agreed. "He's still an idiot."
Jasper cracked a small smile. "Well, anyone is an idiot if they think you had anything to do with what happened. People don't really know me, but you, they adore."
"That's not true." Bella said, rolling her eyes.
"It is true." Jasper said with an easy nod. "I guarantee Chris and Will are telling all the other Dauntless that you for sure, were the victim in this case."
"They love you too, you know." Bella said, and then elbowed him gently.
Jasper smiled then he put his arm around her and she leaned against him. "It's all gonna be okay. Trust me."
Bella did trust Jasper. She trusted Eric and he trusted Tori, Will, Christina. She also trusted Edward, even if he was in Erudite and she hadn't seen him since that day at the simulation final test. He wasn't with Jeanine when she found her in the sim room, so she had hope that Edward at least, wasn't a big idiot like Caleb. "We should hit the hay. Long day of farm work tomorrow." She said, with a smile, and then they retired for the night.
Eric crossed his arms as he watched Jeanine pace in her office at Erudite. "Calm down."
"It's been three days Eric. I can't be calm when I have criminals running loose in the city. They could be anywhere right now. They could be teaming up with the factionless and we still haven't found the box. We needed that box." Jeanine said, turning sharply and looked at Eric. "The Cullen's aren't talking?"
"No." Eric said and that was the truth. He advised them not to talk. He told them they would be tortured and there was nothing he could do about it, but he told them that he was trying to figure out a way to get them free and with the others, with Bella. His heart ached for Bella. He wanted to just go to her and abandon this whole damned quest, but he couldn't. He knew that if he didn't stay the course, that Jeanine would just get uglier and uglier. He needed to protect Bella, at all costs.
Jeanine was visibly irritated. "Did we tear the houses apart?"
"Caius and Maria are still in Abnegation with a team looking for it."
"I want it brought here immediately when they find it." Jeanine barked out.
"Yes ma'am." Eric said with a nod.
Jeanine studied Eric. "How did you not see Bella being Divergent? Or Jasper?"
"You saw their simulations. They knew before coming here I assume."
"Means someone on the inside. How many Dauntless remained?" Jeanine asked.
"Just the men that were in the loop. Most Dauntless fled to Candor." Eric explained.
Jeanine seemed to be thinking now. "The mole is somewhere in there. What about Tori Wu?"
"I spoke to her already. She had no clue what Bella or Jasper was. She's back in Dauntless now." Eric lied.
Jeanine sighed. "Then it's Abnegation. They're harboring the Divergents, teaching them how to sail under the radar."
"It's possible." Eric said and his palm pilot rang, and he answered. "What." He said simply.
"We found the box." Caius's voice sounded in Eric's ear.
Eric swallowed. He hadn't had time to get back to the house to try and take it before the search for it began. "Good. Bring it to Erudite." He said and hung up.
"They found it." Jeanine said, her eyes wide.
Eric nodded. "Caius is bringing it here now."
"At least something is going right today." Jeanine said as she approached Eric, studying him more. "Are you sure… you and Caius, that's a real thing?"
Eric raised a brow. "Jeanine, my sex life is not up for discussion."
"I've seen you with women before." Jeanine pointed out.
"Well, let's say I've changed my mind about women." Eric said, still standing his ground. It creeped him out that Jeanine was still trying to get in his pants.
Jeanine sighed. "Such a waste." She muttered.
It didn't take long for Caius to bring the box to Erudite. He met Jeanine and Eric in her office. The box was pentagon in shape and was about four inches wide at the base forming the perfect angles, but was tall, a little more than 13 inches. It had each faction symbol on a side.
"How do we open it?" Eric asked the obvious question, as they studied the box.
"Caleb might know." Jeanine said then grabbed her tablet and alerted Caleb to come to her to run some tests on the box.
Caleb arrived a short while later and inspected the box. He set it on a pad then a holographic image popped up and he studied it. "Hmm. You need someone, likely Divergent, to open it."
"You're kidding." Jeanine said. "Well, isn't that just dandy." She muttered, irritated.
"Seems like the box opens after all five simulations are completed." Caleb explained further.
Eric shook his head. "Does it have to be a particular Divergent?"
"I don't know. I assume any Divergent can open it." Caleb said, looking up at Eric.
Jeanine nodded. "Good. Eric, take a team, I want you to go faction to faction looking for Divergents. Bring them back here, so we can get this thing open. Oh and bring the new device Edward created to find Divergents." She said, and Caleb handed Eric something that looked like a temperature scanner. He took it and inspected it briefly before he looked back up at Jeanine.
Eric nodded. "Yes ma'am." He said and turned and looked at Caius. "Get Maria and Tomas." He said and then he left Jeanine's office and Erudite altogether. He didn't like this witch hunt that Jeanine was going on now. He hoped that Bella was safe at Amity. He knew he would have to bust in there eventually, but he was going to start in other places first.
[Four Days Later]
Bella hauled buckets of water to the greenhouse, sweat pouring off her as the heat beat down above. It was hot outside, and it was because it was summertime in the city. There were children playing, running around playing tag and Jasper and Four were playing with them. Seeing Jasper smile again made her happy. After Tris, she wasn't sure if he would ever smile again. They were getting used to life there in Amity, but Bella knew that it couldn't last forever. They had to figure out where to go from here. They couldn't let Jeanine get away for her attempt at genocide, so she would work on taking her out, so the city could rest again.
She got to the greenhouse and set the buckets of water down. She felt the lightheadedness wash over her and she swayed a little.
Emmett Cullen, Edward's older brother, was one of the Abnegation that made it to refuge in Amity. He was taller than Edward was, broad-shouldered, with dark blonde hair and swirling navy eyes. He saw her sway and he reached out to keep her from toppling over. "Easy. You should make sure you're drinking plenty."
"Yeah, I know. I have been. Just the heat getting to me I suppose." Bella said with a smile.
Emmett smiled at her. He was always so nice when they were growing up. Bella had a small crush on him when she was much younger and it was because of his charm. Emmett was a very caring and charming man, even though he had been two years older than her and Edward, she still thought that Emmett would make a great match one day, but now, she saw an older brother, one that she never had. "Still, you should take it easy. You've been working extra hard.
"I have to. I have to get back to my home."
"Abnegation?" Emmett asked.
"No. Dauntless Em. I'm Dauntless remember? Don't let Amity clothing fool you." Bella said with a smile.
Emmett nodded, smiling wide. "Yeah, you're pretty badass. You stopped a lot of people from getting killed."
"I wish I could have saved more. I know some were killed before I managed to infiltrate."
"You can't save everyone. You can't carry the whole world on your shoulders alone." Emmett pointed out.
Bella sighed. "I can try, can't I?"
"Of course you can try, but that's why you have big strong people like me, to help back you up." He said with a wink.
"Thanks," Bella smiled. "I really do appreciate your support."
"Don't mention it." Emmett said, his eyes twinkling at her a little. He studied her a few moments and then reached a hand up and brushed a strand of her hair back out of her face.
Bella smiled, but took a step back. "Em, uh… I'm seeing someone."
Emmett nodded. "That's good." He murmured. "He takes care of you?"
"Yes."
"He's not here?"
"No. He can't be here." Bella said. "But I appreciate your gestures." She said. "I should go and get more water." She said, motioning her thumb over her shoulder.
Emmett smiled. "Of course." He said. "Don't work too hard."
"I'll try not to." Bella said and walked out of the greenhouse. She saw Four rushing up and the look on his face made Bella frown. "What's wrong?"
"We've spotted Dauntless vehicles headed this way. We need to hide." He said quickly grabbing her arm and they ran towards the main building where Johanna was.
"Johanna, how close are they?" Bella asked, rushing her words out.
Johanna looked at Bella. Johanna was a peaceful woman despite coming from Dauntless once upon a time. Her dark skin matched her eyes, but the colorful garments made her radiate like a sun. "Not much time is left. Get up in the loft. I'll make sure they don't go inside. Go now." She urged and motioned at Jasper when he ran up. "Get inside with the others. Hurry."
Bella, Four and Jasper went up top in the loft of the main building and they remained quiet as Dauntless vehicles approached. Bella peaked out the window, hiding herself as she did.
Eric got out of the passenger side and scowled at Maria. "Keep it on the road, I said." He barked at her.
"Sorry, silly me." Maria said, non-caring that she just barreled through a fence.
"Eric, so nice of you to come and visit." Johanna said with a smooth smile.
"Johanna." Eric said. There were other Dauntless that got out of the other vehicles and were dressed in typical Dauntless tactical gear.
Johanna kept a peaceful smile on her face. "You know you could have just come through the main gate."
"I know." Eric said. "My apologies." He said and glanced around. "It's getting cramped here."
"Well, we take in our fellow neighbors in their time of need." Johanna said. "What do I owe this pleasure?"
Eric nodded. "We're searching for Divergents. You wouldn't mind if we take a look around?"
"Of course. Go right ahead." Johanna said, motioning with her hand.
Eric nodded and looked around. "Have your people gather in small groups. This shouldn't take long."
"You're testing to see if there are Divergents?" Johanna asked.
Eric looked at her. "Jeanine's orders."
"And you're taking orders from Jeanine now?"
Eric looked at Maria and gave a nod before looking back at Johanna. Maria moved with other Dauntless, with devices that were used to scan each person to determine if they were Divergent or not. He stood there with Johanna. "Perhaps we can talk inside." He said, motioning to the building that Bella was currently hiding in.
Johanna swallowed. "Of course. Jacob, please help these fine soldiers finish their task and fetch them water if they need. It is hot out today." She said and Jacob Black, an Amity boy, nodded his agreement, while she went inside with Eric out of the beating sun. "What is it you needed to talk to me about?"
"I saw the Priors and the Swans here. Are they okay?" Eric asked, his voice passive.
Bella crept to the edge and Four put a hand on her arm, and she shook him off. She peaked over the side. "Eric." She whispered.
Eric glanced up and nodded, but looked back at Johanna. "Stay." Was all he said and Johanna frowned, not understanding.
"I'm not sure I understand."
Eric cleared his throat. "I'm searching for Divergents to open a box that Jeanine has located. The devices my men are carrying will tell us if anyone here is Divergent. I'm instructed to bring back all, Divergents to Erudite headquarters."
"I see." Johanna said. "And this box, is there a purpose?"
"I'm not at liberty to discuss the finer details. However, there are fugitives wanted in association with the attempted assassination of Abnegation and Jeanine herself." Eric said. "They are supposed to be brought to justice; however, the city is quite large."
Johanna nodded. "You speak of Bella Swan and Jasper Whitlock, yes?"
Eric nodded. "Yes. They are the two in question. I suggest if they are in hiding, to remain that way or they will be brought before Jeanine and used as subjects to open the special box."
Bella rolled her eyes. "Eric." She whispered harshly.
Eric sighed. "Bella, I can see you, move out of sight." He said in a low tone.
Bella leaned back some. "Are you okay?" She whispered again.
"No." Eric said, keeping his eyes on Johanna. "Do you mind if I check the loft?"
Johanna's brows were creased and she was confused as to what Bella and Eric were to each other or why Eric wasn't really looking for Bella. "Sure." She said with a nod.
Eric sighed and climbed the stairs to the loft. "Are you crazy?" He said harshly.
"A little." Bella said. "I haven't seen you since this started."
"I know, there's a reason for it. I need you to stay out of sight and shut the fuck up." Eric said, his tone still low. He hadn't spared Four a glance at all.
"I want to do more."
"There's nothing you can do right now." Eric said. "If Maria or Tomas see you or Jasper, they will drag you in. I can't protect you once we're in Erudite."
Bella shook her head. "But- "
Eric stepped forward, his hands framing her face. "Trust me."
Bella's dark eyes focused on his. "But you're in danger too."
"Only if I'm caught with you." Eric said softly. "Baby... I love you. I told you that you have to let me do my job. Tori is in Candor. I'll send word to her. She'll get you, Jasper and Four out of the city."
"But the box."
"I don't care about the box. I care about you. Only you." Eric said, his steel eyes serious. "Please, for once just listen to me."
Bella bit her lip and tears actually welled up in her eyes. "I'm scared."
"I'm scared too…" Eric said and then leaned in and kissed her softly. He wasn't sure when he would be able to hold her again or kiss her and he didn't want to leave, but he had to. He pulled away, dropping his hands and looked at Jasper. "You got her?"
Jasper took a step forward, setting a hand on Bella's shoulder. "Always do."
Eric fist bumped Jasper. "Don't let her out of your sight. I swear to god if I see either of you at Erudite, I'm going to lose it."
"I got it brother, go on." Jasper said with a nod. "I'll protect her with my life, you know that."
Eric nodded and then looked at Four, who was looking confused and shocked. "Close your mouth, Tobias." He said and turned his back. "I mean it Bella." He said, and then he walked down the stairs. He looked at Johanna. "Doesn't appear to have anything hidden in here." He said, looking around. Maria and Tomas were lining up the Divergents that they managed to find with the device. He sighed. "It's going to get bad." He said, and glanced back at Johanna. "Jeanine will threaten an all out war."
"I see." Johanna said. "We're people of peace here Eric, but if something threatens this home, my home. I'm not going to be very peaceful."
Eric nodded. "I don't expect you to be. Jeanine will likely order me to pick up the Priors and Swans once she finds out they're here. I suggest they be moved."
"Noted." Johanna said with a nod. "You're different."
"Love changes a person, Johanna. I want her protected at all costs. She's, my life." Eric said his steel eyes not leaving Johanna's dark ones.
"I see that." Johanna offered a kind smile. "I'll see to it they're protected."
"Thank you." Eric said and then he left, going outside. "Anything?" He asked, calling out to Maria.
Maria looked over at Eric. "We've got 7."
"Load them up." Eric said and looked around the Amity village. It was mostly farmers here. He saw some Dauntless refugees but mostly were Abnegation. "Let's roll out. It's too fucking hot here." He muttered, his Eric charm shining through. He had to be a tight ass if he wanted to stay in the position, he was in.
Maria and Tomas with the help of a few other Dauntless soldiers, loaded up the Divergent before getting back in their vehicles and driving away.
Bella watched as Eric left, leaving her behind again. Tears broke to the surface and she hadn't realized she sobbed until Jasper's arms came around her.
"Shhh, Bells. Listen, Eric will be fine. I know it hurts right now, but you gotta trust him." Jasper said softly.
"I'm going to pass out." Bella suddenly said then she did, blackness overtook her and Jasper caught her full weight against him so she wouldn't sag to the floor.