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I promised you a chapter today, and I am delivering. I hope you all enjoyed The Forbidden Alliance. There will be one more chapter after this one. Thanks so much for allowing me the chance to tell you this story. I love having the opportunity to share my words with you.

Anyway, there isn't a lot to say. I'm positive your reviews will tell me all about what you think. I hope not too many of you cuss me out. Thanks for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following. I will post the final chapter, maybe tomorrow or later this weekend. Let me know when you want it.

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"What are you talking about? How is that even possible? How have I lived most of my life believing my mother abandoned me and all the time I have spent angry at her for leaving? And at Charlie for driving her away." She'd been so wrapped up in her own misery to fathom the possibility of her mother being alive, or if she was, living a life Bella had never been a part of. "W-where is she? I—I need to be there."

Edward's heart squeezed in his chest when tears filled Bella's eyes. Just seeing the misery on her normally bright face had him wanting to torture the hell out of Winthrop. Clenching his jaw, he ran his hand through her hair to cup her jaw. "Then that's where we will be."

Bella cried as they made the journey to the hospital. She'd had a minor reprieve when they had taken the mayor into custody, knowing he would never have the chance to harm anyone else. Right then, her joy had been smothered by a whole new worry.

"My mother has literally been missing for ten years, and nobody knew. She'd been right there under everyone's nose—right there. I'm so angry. How could my father let that nasty man destroy all of our lives? My mom was locked in a cellar for Christ's sake, and nobody knew. How is that possible?"

The fact that Edward couldn't answer any of her questions pissed him off. Forgetting all about Emmett until his brother shuffled in the backseat. Taking hold of Bella's hand, he squeezed her fingers trying to offer support. "I don't know all the details yet, but we will find the answers you are looking for. As for right now, we need to concentrate on your mother. I think it will take a very long time for her to recover from something like this."

"You hear about shit like this all the time, but you never envision it happening to you. H-he probably raped her and God knows what else, Edward. For ten years—just treated her worse than an animal. How do you do something like that? Oh, fuck, he tried to marry me." Her head fell into hands as the truth of the matter sank home. Bella was so disgusted, her stomach rolling as the reality of the situation hit her. "Edward, can you pull over? I'm going to be sick."

Bella rubbed her belly as nausea rolled in her gut, throwing the door open wide as soon as the car came to a stop. She lost the contents of her belly in the overgrowth.

When Emmett shifted to help, Edward cast him a warning look, his hand leaving the back of her seat to point at his brother, telling him without words to stay in his place.

Edward left the driver's seat to check on Bella. Sweeping her hair from her face, he studied her ashen color. "Baby, are you sure you don't want to go home and lay down for a while? I'm sure the doctors will all be busy with your mom. We can come back first thing in the morning."

Bella wiped her mouth on her sleeve. "No. I want to be there for her. She's been on her own too long as it is. She needs me, even if I can't be right beside her."

"Okay." Edward tucked Bella back into the passenger seat and buckled her belt.

The silence filled the car the rest of the drive to the hospital, and the second they pulled into the lot, Bella flew into a whirlwind, ripping through the hospital until she located her mother's room.

Finding Charlie sitting near her door, Bella felt fury slamming through every cell of her body. So infuriated she could spit nails, she glared at her father. "All of this is your fault. You should've found her." Edward's arm wrapped around her waist when she raised her hand to smack him. "I hate you. I hate you so much. You should've found her sooner."

With each word Bella spoke, the knife centered in Charlie's heart sank deeper, its sharp edges twisting painfully. How could he rebuke her when everything she said was true? Truth was a bitter bitch to swallow, he decided flinching under the weight of her accusing stare. "You're right. I was such a coward and it has cost me everything—everything that meant anything. Sorry doesn't even sound like the right word."

Bella scoffed, shaking her head, leaning into the weight of her husband. "Nothing you ever do will make up for what you've let happen. Sorry isn't the right word."

Just as she whispered fiercely at him, the door to her mother's room cracked open and the doctor stepped out into the hall. "We have heavily sedated her, but if you would like to visit please keep it short. She really needs some rest right now."

Edward's hand caressed Bella's side. "When will she be fit for transport? I need to know so I can have a room made up for her."

The doctor nodded. "She should be released tomorrow afternoon. We'd like to run a few tests and see how she is able to mentally comprehend all the changes happening."

After filling them in, he quietly headed down the hallway. As soon as he turned a corner, Bella turned her attention to Edward. Considering they hadn't discussed what would happen next, Bella's eyes went wide in surprise. "Would you really let her come home with us?"

"Someone once told me nothing was more important than family—even when she didn't have much to base her opinion on. Of course, I would let her come home with us, she's family." The corner of his mouth lifted when excitement lit her eyes. His fingers feathered down her cheek, tracing the line of her jaw, he continued, "I would do anything for you."

Rising up on tiptoes, she pressed a kiss to his chin. "You are such a wonderful man, Edward Cullen. Now let's go see my mom."

As quietly as they could, they entered the room and crept closer to the bed. Bella burst into racking sobs as she wandered to stand next to her mother. Her skin was white—too pale from lack of vitamin D, her nails dirty, and her wrist bruised from shackles.

Bella would've crumbled to her knees if it hadn't been for the support of Edward's arm around her waist. "Mama," she cried, taking hold of her hand. "God, I'm so sorry, mama. I wish we'd known. I wish we'd have found you sooner. I'm so sorry."

The sedative Renee had been given kept her from responding, her lashes fluttering slightly. Edward held Bella tight as she stroked her mother's hair for the next ten minutes. His heart broke while she told her mom how much she loved and missed her.

Finally, the doctor reappeared, telling them visiting was over for the day, and ushered them out of the room. Bella glared at her father before leaving the room, finding Emmett leaning against the wall.

He looked as miserable as she felt. Nervously she licked her lips as she studied him. "Are you okay?"

A half-smile played across his lips as his arms folded across his chest. "I should be the one asking you that. You've been through a lot lately. How are you holding up?"

Bella shrugged, "About as well as can be expected. I won't rest easy until my mom comes home."

"I would offer you a hug, but my brother would break my nose." Even as he spoke, he shifted closer, his gaze darting to the room where Edward was talking to Charlie. "I just want you to know, I understand your devotion to my brother. I've never seen him so attentive to someone else's needs before. For what it's worth, I am happy you found each other, even if it means I've lost."

Bella smiled in response, rubbing his forearm, as she leaned in closer. "You know there is a woman out there somewhere who will sweep you right off your feet. She will come when you least expect it. When that day happens, you will be so happy nothing happened between us."

Emmett's mouth dropped open as if he would say more, yet Edward stepping out into the hallway dried the words on his tongue. Instead of talking to Bella, he turned his attention to his brother. "You guys better head home pretty quickly, it looks like a storm is brewing."

Edward pulled Bella to his side as he glanced toward the window. Then it dawned on him what Emmett said. "What do you mean we should hurry home? Where are you going?"

"I had Alice pack me a bag, and James is coming to the bridge. I just need you to take me to meet him. He'll deliver my truck. I think it's time I go and figure out my own life." Shifting awkwardly under Edward's watchful eye, he continued, "You have everything under control here and as you have repeatedly told me, you don't need me. I figure I will head to Kansas City for a while, and see what I can get into. Maybe start a business or something."

For the first time in a very long time, Edward felt a wealth of respect building for his brother. Reaching toward him, Edward gripped his shoulder, squeezing gently. "You definitely deserve to go find what is meant for you. You were never cut out for this life. We'll drive you to the bridge."

By the time they stepped out of the hospital the wind was blowing hard, and large drops of rain fell from the blackening sky. Large white clouds rolled angrily as a zip of lightning lit a fiery trail across the heavens. As they hurried to the car an onslaught of rain poured down upon them.

Ten minutes later Emmett and Edward stood on the bridge. Leaning against the railing, Emmett faced his brother. "I will call you when I get wherever the hell I'm going. Kansas City is my destination, but you never know."

"Emmett, I really hope you find what you are looking for. This life has its obvious perks but it's not for everyone. You have to be one cold son of a bitch, and I never thought you had it in you." Edward offered Emmett his hand and grasped it firmly. "Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything."

Emmett chuckled sheepishly, holding his arms wide. "We're brothers, man! Give me a fucking hug." They stared at one another for a long quiet moment before Edward finally laughed and stepped into his brother. Emmett gave him a bear hug, holding him tightly for a long minute.

Time stood still as they held one another. Rain poured from the heavens above while the river rushed underneath the bridge. Edward wasn't sure what it was but he felt like this was more than just a simple goodbye. Taking a deep breath, he gave his brother a final squeeze before backing away.

Just as Edward stepped back a shot rang out, and before he realized what was happening Emmett pitched forward, his startled eyes going wide as a dark stain bloomed across his chest. Too stunned to react immediately, Edward watched in horror as his big brother tipped toward the railing and lost his footing.

He heard a woman screaming as he flew into action, grabbing Emmett's shirt, the sleeve tearing in his grasp.

Vaguely Edward heard another shot ring out simultaneously, yet frantically he grabbed for Emmett. Emmett's weight was too much for him to hold alone as gravity fought him. A roar erupted from his throat as he lost his grip on Emmett's shirt, and his brother plummeted to the murky depths below with a resonating splash.

"No," Edward shouted, pacing on the bridge. Bella's frantic cries penetrated the fog that overwhelmed him. He started to climb the rail, intent on jumping over after Emmett when he felt someone grabbing at his jacket. Fighting their hold he turned to find James's stricken face. "Let me fucking go. I need to find my brother."

"Can't do that, boss. The river is too strong," James shook his head, determined to keep Edward a hold. "Come on, man. We have to get help. You're drowning won't bring him back."

Helplessly Edward struggled to see through the pouring rain at the swirling black river. Between nightfall and the raging storm, he couldn't see shit. He was still staring at the whirling current, Bella's cries breaking his heart all the more. Tears pricked his eyes as he stared helplessly at the railing. "What the fuck happened?"

"The mayor's lackey. He shot Emmett and I shot him. Got his right in the fucking heart, boss," James explained, casting fleeting glances toward the river as if he expected Emmett to reappear. "I had Laurent call the fire department, the cops, they should …"

The bawl of sirens cut off his explanation. Flashing red and yellow lights spun around the area highlighting the darkened bridge as the truck came flying toward them. As soon as it came to a stop, Edward ran to the cab. "My brother was shot and fell over the railing. I lost my grip, couldn't hold him."

For the next two hours, the fire department scoured the area looking for Emmett's body. Bella held her husband's hand, trying to offer him comfort, and realizing no matter what she did at this precise moment, nothing would make it better.

She was stroking his back, noticing the sheen of tears glistening in his eyes when the fire chief came towards them. Rain dropped from the hard hat he wore, and he squinted past the water. "Mr. Cullen, if he fell from here the current likely carried him further down the river. There is no sign of him around this portion and it's very dark and dangerous to be sending men down there at the moment. We will be scouring the water down a ways but … the likelihood of survival is minimal."

When the chief walked away Edward went still beneath Bella's comforting caress. "James!" He turned to find his right-hand man standing to the side, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. "Head home and get four stacks and pay whoever you have to. I want the mayor tonight. He will pay for everything he's ever done, and for causing the death of my brother."

Cautiously, Bella looked to her husband, wiping the steady flow of tears from her eyes. "What are you planning to do?"

Edward's temples ticked, and every breath felt like work as he stared down at his wife. Licking his lips, he shifted awkwardly. He was a mafia king and Bella had to know his position wasn't exactly pretty, yet he had no desire to explain the horrors of his work. "I need to take you home. You should be with my mom and sister. Help comfort them, they are going to need it."

"Will you be in danger, Edward?" She was on the brink of panic, her tone evident. "I don't want you around that creep. He destroys people. Look what he is responsible for. It could have been you."

Edward had no desire to scare her any more than she already was, but she needed to understand the severity of the issue. Cupping her cheeks, he forced her to look at him. "That bullet was meant for me. I have little doubt about that. None of us will ever be safe if he continues to breathe. I plan on making sure he draws his final breath. I don't want you to see that."

While Bella would never voice it aloud, she too wouldn't rest easy until Winthrop was dead. Of course, knowing his blood would be on her husband's hands made her a tad restless. Keeping her worry to herself, she lifted on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. "You be careful. We've had enough loss tonight. I can't worry about you not coming home."

Two and half hours later, Edward was awaiting the arrival of James, Laurent, and their guest, the mayor. He stared out into the pouring rain, feeling the loss of his brother deeper than he ever imagined.

It was humorlessly funny how shit worked out. He finally found sanctuary and comfort from his new wife, only to lose his brother. Regret welled in his chest, making the loss all that more powerful. If he could've changed his relationship with Emmett, he would without a second thought.

Emmett had never been happy here. He should have set him free long ago, given him a chance to find happiness in whatever he chose. Even though Edward hadn't chosen to become mafia lord, he'd been far better suited than Emmett.

Kicking a loose rock, Edward cursed under his breath, ready to see this all to an undeniable end. Looking at his tools lined up, he fingered the flaying knife.

Blood Eagle.

The mayor would end with one of the most painful deaths known to man. The beauty about it all was, Winthrop would feel every last bit of the pain until eventually dying.

He was contemplating the ritual when the sound of a truck approaching caught his attention. The moment was upon him. Glancing at the poles the prick would be strapped to, Edward headed to the front of the barn. Satisfaction roared to life when James dropped from the cab and released the tailgate.

None too gently, James yanked him from the back, letting his knees slam into the gravel. "Hope you have tough skin—oh wait … in a minute it won't matter how tough your skin is. You won't have any."

"James, don't play with the man. He was once an important official," Laurent taunted, yanking him up by the back of his shirt. With a flash of white teeth, he forced Winthrop to face him. Spitting in his face, he shook him hard enough to rattle his bones. "You cost me a friend tonight. No death would compensate for what you have cost me. I can promise you a lot of pain, however. You will feel every single thing you've ever done to anyone."

Winthrop's eyes were wide with fear. "I-I didn't put a hit on anyone. Xavier acted on his own. I didn't tell him to do it."

"Sure you did," Edward stated meaningfully, strolling towards his men. "You hit the wrong target though, and now you will pay for my brother's life, for Bella's mom's life that you destroyed over the last decade, and however many others you've tormented along the way."

Winthrop's teeth were chattering, his clothes soaked through by the time they strapped him to the posts. "I'm not going to waste anyone's time by naming all the wrongs you have committed. You know very well what has led you to this point." Edward smacked the elderly man's cheek as if they were old comrades. Shifting closer, he grinned, "Remember what I promised you in the church? I promise you will feel every slice, every bone break, and the placing of your lungs on your shoulders."

Edward stepped back, heading for his tools splayed far enough apart. Showing Winthrop the blade, he slowly came forward ignoring the pleas falling endlessly from his lips as he stripped him from his shirt, leaving his back on full display. "I will do my best to keep you as coherent as possible throughout this process."

With those final words, Edward went to work, roaring with every slice of the blade and with every crack of bone, until his goal was accomplished and the man's back was splayed open from his tailbone to his neck.

While the mayor's screams rent the air, the satisfaction was short-lived. Nothing. Nothing he did now or ever would bring his brother back. The mayor's blood splattered across his face as he separated his ribs one by one, and in a daze, he spread them wide. His lungs were still filling with oxygen as Edward dug them out and placed them over his shoulders.

When Winthrop drew his final breath, Edward wiped the blood from his face and hands. Turning his attention to James and Laurent standing poised near the entrance, his voice was filled with gravel as he said, "Take him down to the hog farm on the edge of town. Shouldn't take them long to devour his carcass."

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