Surrender- Jacob -11
When my pelvis healed and the planning finally ceased after hours and hours and hours, Ness and I were finally alone in her room. She hugged me and I could feel the stress in her shoulders. Nothing compared to what I was hiding. I felt like it was killing me. Like a terminal illness. And carrying it without her knowing made it even worse. But how could I tell her? If we ran, it was likely that eventually, we would get slaughtered. They could track us. Sneak up when we were sleeping. Ultimately that plan was always flawed. But going along with the charade, taking the opponent out, it was the best chance for a lifetime of safety. So how would she agree to go if she knew I would be sexually violated? I'd never let her be. I'd die first. And so, I knew she would feel the same. So I had to keep it in. And hope she would forgive me someday. It was all I could come up with. I couldn't think about it. It was making me feel a piercing pain in my chest. I looked at her longingly, and she returned the look. I raised my eyebrows. A question. She nodded and folded into me, pushing me back into the bed. Her light gentle touch stroked me gently and I lost myself in the pleasure of being seduced by her. She undressed me and kissed my bruises from the encounter with Jasper.
"Do you hurt?" She asked kissing my recently healed pelvis.
"No, it will likely fade today," I said. And she lay on my chest kissing my mouth. She worked her magic, bringing me to life with her hands and then her mouth. I had to stop her, or the evening was going to end early. When she finally was making love to me, on top, I felt my heart race but not in pleasure. Against my will, I finally gave head space to the prospect of being forced to have sex with strangers. Half vampires. Half vampire killers who had human blood on their breath. Would it hurt? It couldn't… Because if I didn't ejaculate, it would mean no babies. And they would take it out on her. So….I had to feel good with...not Renesmee. I had to come with other women. And betray her, even if it was against my will. I felt vomit build again, and a pounding in my ears. My breaths came in strange gasps and my heart felt like it was uncomfortably being squeezed. She didn't realize what was happening. Nor did I. Why couldn't I breathe? My eyes began to water against my will and there was a piercing pain in my throat. Oh no. I begged. No please, don't don't. But I thought of the red eyed women and having to be naked with them and have sex with them and it made me feel so sick and afraid. Tears started running and I couldn't physically stop. I couldn't breathe. Dimly, I realized I was having an anxiety attack. I gasped. Ness stopped. She looked at me carefully and her eyes went wide.
"Oh my God… Honey… What's wrong," she asked disconnecting from me and reaching for my face. I couldn't answer, physically or because I decided not to already. I gasped trying to stop and it was a sob. There was no hope for it. The anxiety attack took hold. I continued to sob, the hardest since Bella's wedding night all those years ago. And before that, when my mom died.
"Sweetheart…. Oh honey, what's wrong?" She asked wild eyed and cradling me. I shook my head, howling with misery. "It's okay baby…. Shhhh," she tried stroking my face. "It's going to be okay. We're going to be okay honey…." She said, guessing I was crying about that. I shook my head, tears racing down my face. I was so afraid. I wanted her to hold me. I didn't want this. I didn't want to accept this. It hurt so much to imagine it. It sent a fresh wave.
"Oh honey… I'm so sorry…. I'm sorry," she said kissing my cheeks, dabbing my eyes. I wasn't getting better. She could tell I was hysterical. She began to pull away and put on a T shirt. She pulled the covers up on me. Where was she going? I didn't want to be alone. I felt panicked. I reached for her and she took my hand. "Jake sweetheart, I'll be right back, love. Okay?" She comforted. I nodded weakly, throat hurting from the uncontrollable sobs, eyes burning with salt. She left and was back in five minutes. She wasn't alone. I smelled Jasper. He looked like hell, but he was composed.
He reached out to me and touched my shoulder. Instantly I felt myself begin to calm. And felt the piercing pain in my chest fade. After a few more moments my breaths slowed. I was able to stop crying, though it was hard. Ness came back and stroked my hair. Jasper let go.
"Is that better Jake?" He asked, not asking why. It was clear why, well. There were good enough likely reasons why. I nodded, sniffing. Shocked by what happened.
"Thanks Uncle Jasper," Ness said fervently.
"If it happens again, please come get me," he said kindly. Then left. Ness climbed into bed.
"Jake baby, I'm so sorry honey… You poor thing," she said, cradling my head and holding me tightly. She stroked my hair continuously and kissed my dry lips softly.
"Please tell me what happened," she begged me, kissing my hair.
"I...I'm just worried… In shock...I don't quite know," I admitted, and technicality, all the statements were true. She dabbed my tears away with a wet cloth and kissed my eyelids.
"And it hit you right then?" She asked. Referring to our sex.
"Well I just thought about maybe never being able to be with you again, or something similar and I lost it. I'm sorry," I said, a few more tears leaking.
"Shhhhhh. Don't say sorry," she said kissing me softly on the temple then resting her forehead on mine. "Don't ever say sorry. If you need to cry, I want to be able to hold you," she said then kissed my lips. "And I'm right here. I've got you," she said snuggling down next to me and wrapping her arms around me. She stroked my arm as I cried a little longer. Not nearly half as bad. She whispered comforting words to me. She told me she loved me several times. It felt good. I could almost lie to myself and convince me that she was consoling me about what I was afraid of. I turned to look at her.
"Baby, I'm so sorry you're hurting," she said, gently dabbing my face. I never wanted her to let me go. I wish I could tell her what was really wrong. So she could stop me. But she couldn't.
"Ness…" I started, voice still rough. "If I ever did anything to upset you, you know, really upset you… If I was sorry, could you forgive me?" I asked, looking into her eyes desperately as mine leaked.
"Honey, where is this coming from?" She asked in alarm, wiping away the new tears.
"I just want to know," I pressed, closing my swollen eyes. She paused, and her eyes were pained.
"Is it because you don't want to go and surrender yourself? Honey, that's not an insult to me. I wish you told me how upset you were, honey. I decided for us...I feel terrible," she said, tears in her eyes. I mean, of course, I didn't want this. And I was very upset, but I couldn't let her think it was her fault.
"No," I gasped. "No it's not that. I just wanted to know," I said and had to stop talking otherwise the hysterics would return. I could feel them building. I thought she knew this too because she kissed my teary eyelids.
"Of course sweetheart. Of course I could. I love you. I'll always love you. You don't have to worry," she said and hugged me as the hysterics floated to the surface with the spike of emotion I felt at her words. "I've got you… I'm here. You're safe. I love you honey," she said gently, stroking my back and cradling the back of my head. "It's going to be okay…" she crooned. When the tears finally ran dry, I felt abruptly exhausted and haggard. My hurting swollen eyes really took a toll. "I want you to sleep…" she said laying me down on my pillow and brushing my hair back out of my swollen eyes. "Don't worry, I won't let you go." She said snuggling down to spoon me. "Sleep, baby," she whispered, stroking my arm with a feather light touch. "I've got you. You're safe," she repeated, kissing the back of my neck. I was too fragile to think anymore. I couldn't. I gave in to the oblivion of sleep.
The next morning I felt brittle, like I could break at any moment. Maybe I would. We emerged from our room, and Ness treated me carefully. My eyes were still pinched and a little swollen. I saw Edward sitting with Simon at the table and Edward looked up and met my eyes. I looked back feeling a little dead and I could see he felt compassion for me. He closed his eyes for a moment as if a thought was difficult to withstand, then dropped his gaze back to the plan sheets.
The plan was relatively simple. We would reach out to the other vampires from years before, and explain the slightly different situation. This would absolutely be an attack, no question about it. We would surrender, and Bella would tell Aro that she had perfected her shield, and found a way to permanently shield us. And he would have no way of confirming the truth of this. No matter what, the plan would be safe if our minds were safe. If they tortured us or killed any one of us, we agreed to fight, all of us, which may lead to us dying together. But we wouldn't let one of us be killed. Edward and I were the only ones who knew what would happen to me. I was careful not to think about it right now because Simon was here. Plus if I thought about it anymore, I would most surely break down again. Ness held my hand and stroked my arm gently. She could tell I was upset, because she knew me. She was trying to comfort me. I craved her touch, especially because the first thing these vampires would do, would be to separate me out and put me into some terrible holding room. I shivered. Ness held my hand tighter.
It's okay baby. I know you're having a rough time right now. I love you. She sent me with her gift. I wish I could come clean. I looked down and felt slightly faint. Simon and Edward both looked up. Edward looked upset, Simon confused. I raised a hand in an I'm-fine, gesture and stepped out.
"I'm going to call Sam," I told Ness who looked anxiously after me. The conversation with him was terrible. We always knew this wasn't over, but it was different to be living it right now. Sam was more upset about my decision to surrender than Carlisle, which was understandable. But as soon as I said Ness was going he fell silent. There was nothing he could say, and he knew it. I felt the worst because of Sam's baby. I begged him not to come, to send the packs only if he wanted, but to put his beta in charge. He didn't answer, and I knew the decision weighed on him. He told me he needed to talk to the elders and would get back to me. Really, I didn't want them to go, although it may mean sacrificing Ness and myself. I couldn't bear it. I wanted to throw up. I went back inside.
"We're going to split up tonight. They didn't ask for Rose or Emmett, they both will travel to South America to find Zafrina and company and then head to Egypt for Benjamin. I can't get in contact. I already called Siobhan and they are coming. So are Tanya and family," Edward said urgently. "Bella already bought tickets for us to go home," his eyes flashed to Jasper's face, and I had never seen him so pained or defeated looking. Alice stood next to him, looking at him with agonized eyes.
"I can't get in contact with Mary or Randall," Edward went on.
"I'll call Peter," said Jasper in a dead voice and stepped out of Alice's gaze to go outside. Bella stood and took Alice's hand. She must have looked upset, but she had moved and I couldn't see her from here.
Simon looked around anxiously and spoke, "Edward, how can I help?" he asked. Edward looked at him and Simon was so obviously new. It was terrible to include him in this.
"I'll need help with mind reading for the attack on the castle, we will have one of us on either side. Alice will see when we arrive and signal to Bella to drop her shield. She will be our inside agent."
"How are we going to break out from the inside?" Ness asked with strain in her voice. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her tight against my chest. I was so worried for her.
"Once we penetrate the building, they won't be focusing on you. They will be trying to fend us off. Join up with us to form teams. Try and break each other out of anywhere you'll be held," Edward said. I thought about the surrendering aspect. I knew what would happen roughly with me, although I hoped and prayed that we were wrong. But I knew we weren't. I didn't think they wanted much with Ness. Probably just as a punishment for Edward and Bella. Bella had already said that if they threatened her, she wouldn't cooperate. I didn't know what Aro had in store for Alice. How could he hope to control her? Well, he certainly wasn't going to have access to her thoughts. As long as Bella was alive, she would have the shield on. She had practiced for so long. She could easily cast it to cling to any one of us, even if we were out of her sight. I didn't know how the plan could go wrong really. They couldn't stop all of us from attacking at once, and they were certain they had no outside help. I couldn't help thinking about the part human vampires. How many of them would there be? Edward stood and hugged Bella gently. They had stopped planning and were packing up. I could read the old burning man look in his face. He couldn't let her go. Ness stepped out from under my arms and walked over to her parents. She hugged them and they stood in a group, hugging tightly. Jasper hadn't returned from his phone call, but I had the feeling he couldn't face being in here right now. Simon walked over to me.
"Jake, I'm so sorry for what's happening, are you okay?" He asked and I could see the anguish in his eyes.
"I'm hanging in there, but could you do me a favor Simon?" I asked heavily. He nodded quickly. "Do you mind just not reading my thoughts for a while, I'm stressed and it's a bit personal," I said looking at Ness. He could make of that what he would.
"Oh of course, I'm not listening now, don't worry," he assured me. He looked upset and I knew he was worried about Bram.
"I don't think they will hurt them, they want us in a trade," I told him kindly. He nodded, looking guilty.
"Simon, none of us are upset because you're worried about Bram. We are too and for Carlisle and Esme," I said and he nodded his thanks to me. I knew Simon was a sensitive person, and often felt guilt. "I promise, I think Bram is okay," I repeated, then walked over to the hugging Cullens. I felt tears prick in my eyes but held them back. Bella reached an arm out and enfolded me into the hug. I was so worried about all of us. I didn't want anyone to die in the rescue attempt. I looked up and Edward looked at me.
Please don't die. You're going to be a major target. I don't know what we could do without you. You know Bella won't live through it. I thought painfully. His eyes pinched and he nodded. This was so hard for him, for all of us. We broke apart and started hugging each other. Rose and Emmett needed to catch their flight. They parted and something about the plan actually starting really hit me hard. The final nail on our coffins. Alice left to find Jasper and I sat with Ness on a couch. I didn't know who was holding who, or who needed more comfort among us. I felt sick in my heart. I wanted to run away and never come back. Edward patted my shoulder as he walked by with Bella. Simon was by himself and stood awkwardly. Ness gazed at him then motioned for him to sit next to her. He did and she took his hand. He sat and held it, looking miserable.
"Si, keep my dad safe, please?" She asked him. He looked upset, but nodded. I was worried about the family. Was it possible, by a miracle that we would all survive? I gently disengaged myself from Ness and stepped outside to make a call. Seth answered on the second ring.
"Hey Jake!" he said enthusiastically.
"Seth," I said and my voice was dead. He fell silent, recognizing something was wrong. "Sam is going to talk to you about an attack we are going to make on the Volturi in Italy. There are more details, but I want you to wait to hear the details from him. Just know that I'm so sorry," I said and my voice got choked. I cleared it.
"Oh my god, Jake, what's going on?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, I can't. I just have a favor to ask please," I asked. He listened. "Please don't go. Don't argue. Stay to protect Emily and the baby and my dad. Please don't argue Seth. I don't want Leah to go either. Tell her if she reaches out to you," I said.
"Jake, please, I can't not fight with you," Seth moaned.
"Brother if you love me, you'll do this. It's all I can ask you now. Again I'm sorry," I said voice breaking and I hung up and shut off my phone. I couldn't let Seth die in Volterra. I just couldn't live with that on my conscience. And I thought he would listen to me. Edward joined me.
"How are you?" he asked and I knew what he meant.
"I just can't...I can't hold it together. I need to do it before I lose my nerve. Otherwise I'll panic," I said, grasping the railing.
"Jake, I don't even know what to say. I'm just so sorry, I hope it's not what we think," he said, reaching, but we both knew the truth.
Do you have advice? I asked and I had no idea what he could possibly offer as advice for this.
"I mean...no, let me think," he said sifting through memories of thoughts. "Maybe, try not to let it get into your head. It's not cheating. It's meaningless. None of anything that happens to us matters. The only thing that matters is surviving to reunite. You can always put yourself back together again, I know this is the worst thing Jake. And I don't want you to take what I'm saying to mean what happens to you doesn't matter," he said anxiously. I knew he didn't mean it like that.
No, that's helpful. It's a mind game. I can't let anyone break my spirit. And help will be on the way quickly. I said mentally looking at him. He nodded and the others began filing out.
"They want to go to the airport even though it's a little early," Ness said walking out with Simon. I understood. It wasn't like we could live with this weighing on us easily. Edward took Bella's hand and followed us to the cars. Alice and Jasper appeared minutes later and were holding hands tightly. Jasper looked pale and Alice looked miserable. Edward drove one car with Bella and himself. I rode with Ness and Simon in Alice's car. I held Ness against my body, and my heart felt like it was a bird trapped in a cage. Jasper glanced back then a calming mist fell over us. I tried to embrace it to anesthetize myself against the horrors in my mind. Ness stroked my arm and chest and I realized I was trembling.
I love you. It's okay baby. She sent me with gentle thoughts. It's okay. God I wished it was. I buried my face into her sweet smelling hair and held more tears at bay. I was coming apart.
Everything felt so fast. Already in no time at all it seemed, we were flying to Washington. I sat with Ness in the first class seat, just holding her against me. And appreciating the calming waves from Jasper. I just clutched her and time passed. Were we already about to touch down in Seattle? Edward turned in his seat to meet my eyes steadily. I closed mine and nuzzled Ness's face.
Hours later, though it seemed like minutes, we were driving to Forks. "Let's walk in slowly, hand in hand, obviously not aggressive," Edward said. I nodded but it was like I was hearing him from the other end of a tunnel. I felt dazed and off. Dizzy. Ness kissed the palm of my hand. I struggled to focus on her. I didn't want to pass out. We parked at the end of the trail that led to their house and got out in a line. I held Ness's hand and Bella's. Simon held Ness's. Alice and Jasper walked on his other side. We moved slowly and all I could hear was the thundering of my heart. I was starting to push back against Jasper's helpful emotion control. Ness's heart was racing also. When we drew close, Edward pitched his voice up and I knew Bella's shield was settled safely around us.
"We're coming in, don't attack." he said. When the house came into view, I saw them. There were a few dozen half vampires staring back at us with red cruel eyes. I looked at the women and swallowed back vomit. Would these be my future partners?
"No...no" came a faint cry; Carlisle on the porch. Esme looked devastated and Bram's eyes were locked on Simon's. The color drained from his face. They looked unharmed, like I said. "Edward, son, no, you shouldn't have come," he called out to us. Edward didn't reply. It was too hard, without this too. A clear Volturi vampire, the one in charge, stood next to Carlisle. This was one I didn't recognize. But they couldn't send in people Alice knew.
"Stop there," he commanded and we did. I felt like I was about to give myself up to a pit. To jump in willingly and accept my fate. Ness squeezed my hand and my heart broke out in a sprint.
"Are the one's Master Aro has asked for here and ready to surrender?" He asked with a cruel smile. I closed my eyes, then opened them. I didn't know who our spokesperson was. Bella spoke up.
"Yes we are, but only after you release my father and mother in law and Bram," Bella said, and there was a hint of steel in her voice I hadn't heard before. The vampire glared at her. Then he gestured to a sleek black vehicle.
"You'll give yourselves up and get in there, otherwise we will kill all of your family," he said. Bella nodded but then looked at Carlisle significantly. The vampire nodded and the half vampires stepped aside. Carlisle, Bram, and Esme moved to us quickly. Esme held Ness and Carlisle grasped Edward's shoulder.
"Don't do this please," he begged all of us. Edward shook his head and I could tell his gasps were vampire sobs. He held Ness who was also crying then kissed the top of her head. Then he held Bella and didn't seem able to let her go. Carlilse and Esme hugged Ness, Alice, and me and Jasper was utterly beside himself. He couldn't let Alice go.
"Baby, you'll save me," she whispered to him and kissed him. "I love you," she said looking in his eyes, and everyone was crying. I could feel it on my face too. I saw Simon clutching Bram to him in the background and then they both moved up to hug Ness gently. Bram was crying also. Everyone was. Edward clasped my shoulder, and I knew everything that was already said. Edward had to hold Jasper back when we started moving to the van. I did it as if in a trance, the only thing I registered was Ness's hand pulling mine. We sat on a large seat that was like a small couch. I sat between Bella and Ness and hugged both of them tightly. Bella held Alice's hand on the other side. When we pulled away we all cried silently to ourselves. This may be the last time we were seeing them again. The others stood stricken in the road behind us. Before we turned, I saw Edward fall to his knees. His entire family was in this car. I felt the reassuring feeling of Bella's shield on us. They drove for a long time until finally stopping and ordering us out. There was a small private jet that obviously belonged to the Volturi. We were ordered on and were allowed to sit together. Alice tried desperately to see as we flew. I just kept holding on to Bella and Ness. Ness and I were so vulnerable, not immortals. I could barely think about anything. My mind felt like it was in freefall. Did we really give ourselves up to the Volturi? The flight was apparently 12 hours. But I felt like I was stuck in one infinite moment. I couldn't sleep. I did use the bathroom once, but it was all I could manage. I couldn't talk to Ness. I had no idea what to say. I couldn't lie convincingly and keep up morale. In the final hour, I felt tears on my face again. Ness turned to look at me, then kissed them away and kissed me gently on the lips.
I know baby. I love you. I love you. We'll be together again. Dad is going to come for us. Don't cry honey. She thought and sent me as she kissed me. I gasped once more and struggled to get control. I had to be strong like her. She wiped away my tears gently.
"I love you more than a..anything," I said, my voice catching one more time. She kissed me again, and sent me feelings, not words. She loved me just as much. Bella patted my shoulder, she loved me too. I wish I could tell her. But maybe also no. It felt locked inside me. At least Edward knew. And he would rush. Hopefully. How would they penetrate the castle?
All to soon, they escorted us off the plane to the castle. I wanted to die or run. I swallowed back vomit. I couldn't stop shaking. Ness clutched my hand.
I love you. I love you Jake. I love you honey. She sent me.
"I love you too," I managed. She thought they wouldn't separate us. No. Not possible.
They brought us to a basement and some sort of big main room with wide wooden door. It was freezing down there. I moved like a sleepwalker. They shoved us in and we held hands. The shield was locked over us. I could feel it. Aro was there and who I also assumed was Caius. The last one wasn't there. Strange.
"Welcome dear ones to our family. We are so delighted to have you. But he looked at me with cold eyes, and I knew he didn't mean me.
"Renesmee you are so stunning. You grew up well," he crooned. She stared at him coldly. "And darling Bella, I don't think I've ever wanted an immortal more, since the lovely twins," he said looking back at her. Bella cringed and I had a feeling Jane tried to strike one of us. Probably me. The weakest link. She shook her head at Aro.
"There is no need to shield. You will never be in danger," he said, and I knew he really was speaking to her.
"Aro, things have changed, it's not possible," she said rather calmly. He stepped forward and offered her his hand. She took it and he led her forward.
"What do you mean, my lovely?" he asked her.
"After many years I have developed a permanent shield," she said. "I cannot lift it," he stared into her eyes with an unfathomable expression.
"How is that possible?" He asked.
"I worked for a long time. If you doubt it, separate us. It won't change anything," she said. He gazed at her and offered her a seat in an ornate chair. I wondered if he intended it to be hers.
"If that is the case. I would ask you to shield myself," he asked. She pursued her lips.
"For a price," she said. His eyes narrowed. "Aro, you can't force me to do anything. If you threaten us, we have chosen to die. You can't control me with any gift," she said.
"Then why would you come?" he asked. She deliberated.
"Maybe after all this time, it's the safest way for us. Although we will not consent to the werewolves being turned. It wouldn't be successful anyway," she said standing and walking back to us confidently. She was incredible. It wouldn't be successful because it was poison to me and I would die.
"I knew that already," he said smiling. "Perhaps describe what you want, I want you to stay with us. Forever," he said longingly.
"Fine," she said locking eyes with him. "Complete safety for us," she said.
"Again, you already have that. No need to ask," he said. Well… Necessary for me. If she knew what they would do, she would have protected me. Damn it.
"Okay. I obviously don't want my partner to lose me. The family wants to join us Aro. Why on Earth would you expect anyone to give up a partner?" She asked incredulously. He stared at her and he looked, guilty?
"I considered it," he said. "I thought it would result in my ruin," he admitted.
"Carlisle already was here at one time," she countered.
"True," he agreed. " I want the other ancients cloaked also," he pressed.
She glared. "Two more favors," she replied. He looked a bit overwhelmed.
"Tell me love." He said.
"The safety and inclusion of them extends to the whole family. That was your favor," she said. He nodded. "For Caius, we are never to be separated, unless on missions we agree to," she said. Caius hissed.
"That seems reasonable," Aro agreed. "I know you will not live without dear Edward," he said.
"Or my daughter and her partner. Or my parents or siblings," she continued. He nodded.
"A section of this castle will belong to the Cullens," he agreed.
"And for Marcus," she said, voice cold. "We will continue our diets. We will not feed on humans. You will bring us game that we want," she said, looking into his eyes, with a deadly expression.
"And, you'll never leave us?" He pressed, "and lend your powers to us?" He asked.
Bella looked to us and we all nodded.
"Even the werewolf?" He asked and I knew exactly what he meant. My powers included my sperm. I nodded, not speaking. "Young Bella, you will need to prove loyalty," he said. "All of you," he said.
"I will not shield you until you deliver my family," she said. "But yes, we can help. we want protection. We realize this is our best course. If we are permitted to not hunt humans," she said.
"I believe we have a deal," he said. "You will remain together. You will not be confined. I only ask to take young Jacob to demonstrate loyalty first, I'd like to borrow him for a few days," he said smiling. Bella looked at me. I nodded, swallowing vomit. It was the only way to protect everyone.
"I expect a contract for us to sign. Breaking of the contact will result in violence," Bella said. "And I expect Jake's safety during any of the times you need him to be included," she said squeezing my hand. "And he has agreed to stay. Not his brothers or sisters. He does not decide the fate of the whole pack," she added, with ice.
"We will deliver the contract by then end of this week. We want an official to draft it. Is that acceptable?" He asked. No coincidence on that timeline.
"If you mistreat or separate us this week, then no," she said. She should have included sexual assault. Good Lord.
"You have my word," he said smiling. "Jacob, young werewolf, a lovely creature, will you join me?" He asked, gesturing to the door. I bit back tears. I kissed Ness hard and hugged her, my only lifeline.
"I love you baby," I said, shaky. She whispered it back.
"I'll be with you soon honey," she said kissing my hand.
I hugged the others, then left with the ancients. They led me to a room with a small desk and a chair. I sat, knowing what was coming.
"Jacob, I wanted to explain what we are extremely interested in," Aro said, voice gentle. Dangerous. I felt so sick.
"We'd love to learn about the phasing," he said smiling. I nodded, expecting this.
"What we want is to honor you. We want your legacy to live with us in our family. We don't want to take your current family. It's wrong. We don't want prisoners," he said, and I bit back a growl.
"We want your future generations to live with us in harmony. We want you to father this generation. And it won't take much time. After generation one we will have what is needed for future generations. You will be the alpha, the leader of your loving family. Your own pack," I looked at him feeling the deepest hatred I ever felt in my life. He sensed it. "Recall the contract. We want your assistance with your genetic gift," he said. A subtle threat.
"What about Ness, my partner?" I asked.
"You will be returned to her. And you may have your family with her also," he said smiling. "I assume you want to. We will also honor your marriage. I know this will likely be coming. You are the last unmarried couple," he said. I felt disgusted.
"What will you do with her?" I asked, suspicious.
"Really I want to talk to her, and introduce her to the other part vampires. She is the first. I'd like her to be the leader. She is lovely," he said.
"Are you going to use our children, or do they have the choice to leave the guard if they want?" I asked. He looked alarmed.
"Of course friend," he said.
"We will expect that in the contract," I said bitterly. He gave me a fleeting glare and then smiled.
"That's easy. Yes," he agreed.
"Why are you going along with all of this?" I asked suspiciously.
"They won't agree to be mine any other way. They will choose to die, it would be a terrible waste. These are not unacceptable terms," he said.
"Fine," I said. "I would be honored to provide the next generation as long as my personal family with Ness is not part of this," I said coldly. He smiled and I knew in that moment we understood each other perfectly, that he had power over me and I was a prisoner. And I would do it whenever he told me I would. They didn't care about me phasing at all.
"I'll show you where you will be this week. I expect you to stay there as well. We will bring you the sustenance you need," he said and stood up. I followed him and felt terrible. Used and terrible. How many women? How many? I clenched my fists.
He led me to a room that was essentially in a dungeon and had many beds and very dim lighting. A f****** sex chamber.
He smiled evilly and shut the door behind me and I heard it lock. I pounded my fists against the door screaming my head off and I knew he couldn't hear me or he didn't care. I sunk down on my knees and gave in to the tears that had been pressing against my eyes all day. And I was alone with this painful future.