Eyes Wide Open

JacobxBella

Rated M

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the franchise, as it belongs to Steph Meyers

Eyes Wide Open

Chapter 30

Bella was sleeping peacefully the next morning when she was jerked awake by a sudden noise. It was a real quiet, subtle noise, but a noise that she heard, nonetheless. Opening her eyes, she listened closely as she looked around in the darkness that she saw every day. As she continued to listen, she realized the noise was coming from her window. A shock of fear ran through her body, unseeing eyes widening as she heard the window begin to slide up. Oh no! Edward was trying to sneak in again! Aro hadn't caught him like he had promised! Edward had come for her!

Just like last time, the alarm on her window went off, filling her room with the sound of the alarm. She heard a curse in a familiar voice, followed by scrambling outside the window as Shadow barked from the loud noise. Bella giggled to herself as she listened to Jacob try to hurry to get away, especially when she heard Charlie curse and head towards her bedroom. Quickly scrambling out of bed, she hurried to her window and placed her hands on it just as Charlie burst into her bedroom, brandishing his rifle once again.

"Who is it?" Charlie shouted, pointing his rifle and looking around his daughter's room, only to see her standing by the window, her hands on it. Lowering his gun, he frowned and asked, "Bella, why would you set off the alarm?"

Smiling sheepishly, Bella answered, "I wanted some fresh air and forgot about the alarm on the window."

Charlie nodded and turned off the alarm, Shadow barking once more after the loud noise finally stopped thanks to his mistress's sire. Wrapping an arm around her in a hug, Charlie said, "Well, good morning, kiddo. That sure was a wakeup call this morning. But next time, let my alarm wake me up."

Bella giggled and returned her father's hug, just as Charlie's alarm in his own room went off. Charlie left her room, telling her he was getting ready for work before leaving. She waited for five minutes and when she heard Charlie move into the bathroom and shut the door, she turned back to the open window and called out, "Jake!"

Jacob emerged from the woods and soon climbed the tree outside of her window before then climbing into her bedroom. Once he was in, he wrapped his strong arms around her and hugged her close. Kissing the top of her head, he greeted, "Hey Bells."

"Hey," she replied softly. Hugging him in return, Bella buried herself into her boyfriend's warmth and wrapped her own arms around him. Letting out a contented sigh, she said, "Sorry about the alarm. I forgot about it until you tripped it. I was afraid that it was Edward again and that Aro hadn't stopped him like he promised."

The Shifter was silent for a moment before Jacob said, "Actually, that's why I'm here. I was out on patrol before dawn when I ran into the Cullen wife."

Bella looked up at Jacob. "Esme? What did she want?"

"She wanted me to tell you that the king leech is expecting us at nine o' clock this morning at the leech mansion. He's requested an audience with us."

Chocolate brown eyes widened at hearing that. If Aro was asking for her and Jacob to show up to the Cullen mansion, had that meant he had finally stopped and captured Edward? Gosh, she really hoped it did. Looking up at Jacob's golden aura, Bella said, "Okay, I suppose we can do that. I hope the reason Aro is asking for us is the reason I hope it is."

Jacob nodded, knowing exactly what Bella was hoping for. Hell, even he was hoping that was why the creepy vampire king was asking for them. But if so, that also worried him a bit. Aro had said that once he was done with the Edward situation, he wanted to talk with Bella about her involvement with the Cullens. It made him wonder that if that was the case, what was Aro going to do once he spoke with Bella? He just knew that the leech had better not try to harm Bella, because he would have no qualms about killing Aro a second time.

But for now, Bella had to start getting ready so they could head to the Cullen mansion. It was a bit past eight, and they had under an hour to meet with Aro. Telling Bella he would meet her in her driveway in thirty minutes, he gave her a kiss before hopping back out the window and running into the woods, phasing to rush back home and get his car. As soon as he was gone, Bella looked down to where Shadow was on the floor with a sad expression and said, "Well boy, it looks like I'm finally going on my death march."

Shadow whined and moved to where his mistress was standing, pressing his head comfortingly against her leg. Bella bent down and hugged her dog, burying her face in his fur as she sought comfort from him. It really did feel like she was heading to her doom, because she could only think that her talking with Aro today was to result in her death.

Forty-five minutes later, Jacob and Bella were pulling up in front of the Cullen mansion. Shadow was with them as usual and he began to growl lowly in his throat upon seeing the house those creatures resided in. Bella stroked his fur comfortingly, whispering to him that everything was okay. Of course, she didn't really believe everything was going to be okay, but she had to believe it for herself in the hopes that nothing completely awful would happen.

Parking his car, Jacob got out and closed the door, walking around the vehicle to help Bella out as well. Once she was standing and Shadow had hopped out of the car with her, she extended her white stick and walked with it rolling across the ground, her free hand held tightly in her boyfriend's grip. He wasn't holding her hand tight enough to crush it, but tight enough to lend comfort to her, and she was squeezing back just as much for Jacob's benefit as well. She could sense he was just as nervous as she was, probably scared he was going to lose her after this meeting. As they walked up the steps of the porch, Bella closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath.

Hearing the door open, she looked to see an aura that was a mix of blue and red, as well as dark around the edges; it was Rosalie. Smiling slightly she greeted, "Hi Rosalie."

Rosalie nodded towards her before doing the same to Jacob. She glanced down at Shadow for a moment before turning back to the brunette. Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, she said, "Everyone is present."

"Even Edward?"

"Yes, though he's…incapacitated for now. He won't do anything to disrupt this meeting, I promise."

Taking another deep breath, Bella nodded and allowed the blonde vampire to lead her inside. Rosalie led the couple and the Lab into the family room where, like she had said, everyone was present. Carlisle and Esme were standing off to the side, Alice and Jasper seated on the sofa, Emmett on the loveseat where Rosalie joined him, and Aro sitting in an armchair, the armchair placed in a way that made him the center. Jacob took notice that he was dressed in a very dapper pinstripe shirt and shiny, pointed dress shoes. As elegant as he looked, he also looked menacing, like he was about to rip into employees during a staff meeting. And this was a meeting, so perhaps it was appropriate.

Red eyes landed on the couple as they stepped into the room and Aro smiled at them and spoke in greeting saying, "Jacob, Isabella, glad to have you join us. But of course, this meeting is strictly about Isabella and Carlisle's family, particularly how she got involved and why nothing was done about her knowing our secret."

Looking into her unseeing eyes, he leant back in his seat and said, "Begin."

Bella bit her lip, stepping a tad closer to Jacob before beginning her tale. She spoke of how she first saw the Cullen siblings at school, though for some reason was particularly drawn to Edward. She spoke of how she was partnered with him in Biology class and how after a week of him not being in school (which she later found out was because he realized she was his Singer and had to be away to regain control over himself), he came back and they became friends. She recalled how he had saved her life from Tyler's car crushing her and that was when she had first became suspicious of him and why he seemed to strange, and yet so enthralling to her. She then told Aro how she had somewhat tricked Jacob into telling her "scary stories" as to why the Cullens didn't go to First Beach and stories of the Cold Ones; she was embarrassed and ashamed to admit that in front of Jacob, much to Aro's amusement. Jacob felt a brief flash of hurt at knowing Bella had used him to figure out what Cullen was, but it went away just as quickly. Even though it was all being brought to the present now, it was in the past. Soon she spoke of how she was able to fully figure out Edward was a vampire, confronting him about it and how rather than deny it, he outright showed her his superhuman strength and agility, confirming what she already knew. Bella told Aro about how Edward had introduced her to the rest of the family and how Rosalie had reacted negatively to it, alluding to the fact that her knowing their secret would have dire consequences. She hadn't been sure of what she had meant, and Carlisle hadn't elaborated, but now she understood Rosalie's frustrations with her and her being around them, knowing their secret. Taking another breath, she spoke of how she and Edward had finally began dating after she had fallen (or believed she had fallen) in love with him. And then she finally spoke of that fateful day when they had had a run-in with those Nomadic vampires during a game of baseball and how that run-in had set in motion everything that had led to her becoming blind.

"But after becoming blind, I had taken the time to think about everything that had happened to me and I realized that I wasn't in love with Edward like I had thought, but rather strongly infatuated with him," Bella said. "I love Jacob now and want to be with him. But that's everything I have to tell you about how I got involved with the Cullens and found out their secret."

Silence followed her words, everyone taking in the series of events from the brunette's point of view. The Cullens said nothing to refute her words, knowing it was all true, though Rosalie did feel somewhat vindicated knowing that she was right about Edward sticking around Bella and letting her know their secret was going to have some form of consequences. No, she wasn't vindictive, but she did like that she was right. Jacob wrapped an arm around Bella, holding her close as if to protect her from the tense atmosphere her words had created. No one said anything, just letting her words sink in while Aro contemplated his next move.

Aro had his eyes closed as he continued to think before finally nodding and opening them. Hands folded in his lap and legs crossed, he began to speak saying, "Well, as I'm sure you know, the punishment for a human knowing about vampires existing is to either be turned into one themselves, or be put to death."

He ignored Jacob's warning growl as he continued. "Unfortunately, neither of those options have been carried out, though because it is Carlisle, I can understand why. And I wouldn't necessarily force my dear friend to make that decision. Normally, I'd do it myself or allow one of the Volturi guard to do so, but one thing is stopping me, and that is you, young Jacob."

"Me?" Jacob asked surprised.

"Yes, you. Carlisle explained to me what you are. Not quite a Child of the Moon, but a spirit Shifter, protector of your lands. And while being supernatural enemies with us Cold Ones as you call us, you have a treaty made with Carlisle and his family to keep peace, as delicate as it is. But the thing that is stopping me from making a proper decision concerning Isabella is the fact that you seem to be an Alpha wolf, and your wolf has claimed Isabella as its mate."

"How do you know that?"

"Because I can smell the possessiveness coming off you in waves and sense the strong power emanating from inside you. Therefore, if I were to make a decision of either disposing of Isabella or turning her into a vampire as punishment for knowing our secret, then that would destroy the delicate balance that you wolves have with Carlisle and his family. Not only that, but that would also be bringing upon the wrath of an angry Alpha, which I have no plans on doing. Caius would have no qualms about it, but I do. So, the decision I have made is to not do anything to Isabella, other than tell her to not become involved in the world of vampires ever again."

Bella let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and sagged in relief against Jacob.

"Though, I do have one request to make, Isabella," Aro said looking at the blind girl.

Blinking, Bella said, "Yes?"

"I am aware most high schoolers and college students travel during their spring break. When yours rolls around, come to Volterra; I will have a surprise for you."

Bella frowned. "A surprise?"

Aro smirked. "Call it a late Christmas gift for this coming Christmas season."

"I…I can do that. I don't know what I'll tell Charlie, but I can do that."

Jacob looked over towards Carlisle. "And where is your son if King Leech has really taken care of him?"

A pained expression came over Carlisle's, Esme's, and Alice's faces. Before Carlisle could answer, Rosalie spoke saying, "He's in that suitcase over there."

Shocked looks came over Bella's and Jacob's faces and Bella gasped as Jacob turned his head to see the suitcase that Blondie was talking about. So…Edward's body was in that suitcase? His…dismembered body? As he that thought crossed his mind, Bella had asked if Edward was really in said suitcase. To this, Aro answers that Edward had refused to leave her alone and thus faced the wrath of the Volturi guard. He then says that he has no plans to completely dispose of Edward, but will be taking him with him back to Italy for the time being, as well as stating that Carlisle will return to the Volturi for the next one-hundred years for allowing such nonsense to happen. Aro also stated that the Cullen family was welcome to come as well, though the only one's that seemed like they would was Esme for Carlisle, and Alice for Edward; Jasper would go as well just to be with Alice.

Standing from his seated position, Aro walked towards Jacob and Bella, ignoring Shadow's growls and barks towards him. Stopping in front of Bella, he smiled down at her and said, "It was lovely to meet you, Isabella Swan. Let us hope that after our meeting during your spring break, we will never have to see each other ever again."

"I think that would be best," Bella replied, causing Aro to chuckle.

Aro nodded to Jacob before turning to speak with Carlisle once more. As soon as he did, Rosalie moved to stand in front of her. Smiling softly at the brunette, she said, "So, seems like everything turned out fine from despite Edward's craziness, and you're finally free of him. How do you feel?"

Bella couldn't really respond to the question, at least not verbally. Instead, tears of relief filled her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Leaning into Jacob and hugging him close, she answered through her tears, "Like I've finally closed a horrible chapter in my life."

Jacob held his Imprint close, kissing the top of her head before saying, "It's finally over, honey. You're finally free of Cullen."

He told Rosalie that they were leaving and Rosalie walked them out of the mansion before piling into his car. Shadow hopped in the backseat and waited for his mistress and her mate to get into the car as well. It wasn't long before Jacob was pulling out of the Cullen driveway and driving back into Forks, a giant weight lifted off both his and Bella's chests. Smiling he grabbed hold of Bella's hand and kissed it before saying, "I think we should celebrate."

"How?" Bella asked, wiping her tears away. She was so happy that Aro had kept his promise and handled her Edward situation. And while he had spared Edward's life—something she found she was relieved about—she was glad that Edward was going to finally leave her alone, and for the next one-hundred years! A thought did cross her mind that he may try to get back to her, but she then realized that so long as he was in Volterra under the very watchful eye of the Volturi guard and Aro, there was no way he would be able to get away. Yes, she was very relieved and happy that she no longer had to worry about Edward, though she did wonder what Aro wanted her to go to Italy for during her spring break. Hopefully it wasn't anything crazy or scary.

"I was thinking a little get-together on the Res. We'll just have it under the guise of a back-to-school party, but we'll know what it's really for."

Smiling, Bella replied, "Yeah, that sounds good. Let's do that."

Jacob grinned and gave Bella's hand a squeeze and loving kiss before turning his attention back to the road. Bella hummed softly to herself, not able to keep the smile off her face. Finally, finally, her life could go on instead of being held in suspension. She could live life to the fullest with no fear and finally just be.

Author's Note: What do you know? Jacob is the one to save Bella's life without lifting a finger, lol. And I think Aro was pretty reasonable, what say you all? This story is coming to a close pretty soon, probably within the next two or three chapters. Also, there will be a time jump in the next chapter, so be prepared for that. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and stay tuned for the next one. XOXO, SehunsBae37.