A/N: Some of you may note that the story is advancing rather quickly, no worries because it will start to slow down when Bella visits the Cullens, its also where we diverge off of cannon a little bit. I'm so happy that people are favoriting and following this piece of work. Stick with me and I hope to see you all through the end. Enjoy and Review!
Story: Pinky Promise
Rated: T
Parings: BellaxEdward, AlicexOCxJasper (Polyamorous), CarlislexEsme, RosaliexEmmett
Summary: Bella should have asked how to pronounce Santa when she was younger, who would've thought she made a pinkie promise with the devil herself?
Chapter 3: Revelations
Nothing has been the same
Since the devil on my shoulder
Reached out its hand
And asked your angel to dance
-Jonny Ox
Lilith was hiding something. For as long as Bella knew Lilith, the brunette could tell when something was on Satan's mind. Lilith would become quiet and professional in her speech, her posture stiff and alert. So as they were sitting on Bella's bedroom floor late afternoon, specifically a week after Edward Cullen returned and spoke to her, Bella stated. "Edward Cullen isn't normal." Lilith glanced up from her assignments raising a brow.
"Oh?"
Bella frowned and responded "Yes, 'Oh'. Do you know anything about it? I know you've been taking up a strange friendship with Jasper and Alice." Bella had seen Lilith walking to her history class with the stoic Cullen and her art class with Alice who was always talking up a storm. Nevertheless when she was either with the quiet or excited Cullen, Bella would always spot a fond small smile on her face. Pointing her pencil at Lilith she continued. "Their strange and you know something."
"What makes you think I know something?" She replied, but soon looked away when Bella started to glare at her. "Bella, don't give me that look," Lilith sighed "Okay listen, if they were a danger to you I would have said something. They do not pose a threat, so you," she nodded her head towards Bella "have to figure this out for yourself."
Bella groaned in irritation. "Why can't you just tell me?" she asked. Lilith went back to her work writing responding in a snarky tone.
"Because you need to be more observant of your surroundings. See it as a lesson after that one time a succubus almost took your virginity."
Bella felt her face heat up at that admission and memory. She groaned once again this time into her hands as she muttered. "She seemed so nice and normal, how was I supposed to know she wanted to feed on my innocence?" She heard Lilith snicker at her embarrassment and blushed even harder if possible. Grabbing a pillow from the bed she was leaning on, she proceeded to throw the stuffed object at Lilith's laughing face. While seeing her friend collapse in fake pain and acting as if she was dying Bella's mind drifted back to the mysterious Edward Cullen. 'I'll figure out what they are soon enough' she thought.
"I can't read them." Those were the words that spilled from Edward Cullen's lips at their table and each one of the vampires were immediately alert.
"What?" Rosalie hissed. "Edward what do you mean you can't read them?" The blonde was now glaring at the two new incomers with disdain, if Edward couldn't predict their motives they could be a threat.
"It means, I can't read them Rosalie, both of them are silent…" As Edward trailed off his eyes widen and he looked at his smallest sister in shock. Noticing this Rosalie spoke quickly.
"What? What is it?"
Alice who was leaning against Jasper replied with a worried tone. "I can't see Lilith."
"What?" This time it was her husband who responded to Alice's statement. Alice nodded and proceeded to explain.
"I can see Bella, but at times it's blurry and hard to focus, like I'm underwater." Alice's topaz eyes glance over at the strange girl named Lilith. "But with Lilith I can't see anything a few flashes come up now and again but nothing definite."
"So they're a threat."
"Rose…"
"I don't know, but we should just keep an eye out, Bella is still Edward's mate it's inevitable." Alice shrugged.
So when history rolled around Jasper was alert and apprehensive when he saw Lilith walk towards his table. But it was strange, the feelings he could get from her were serene and calm. As if the normal reaction of being flustered or afraid by him wasn't present at all. When she sat down Jasper breathed in and was shocked to not find the familiar burning sensation in his throat that usually accompanied him throughout the day. Instead as he breathed in her scent he found that he became addicted to it. It was warm and savory, dark chocolate mixed with the bold but soothing smell of a summer's night. It was odd but not unpleasant. When stealing a glance at the girl he would find himself drawn into her features. Pitch black eyes seemed to blank out at the teacher's lecture and her hand preoccupied, rubbing the sides and back parts of her hair that were buzz cut and faded into the small short and coarse curls atop her head.
She seemed interesting to say the least, even when Jasper did not speak a word to her, at the end of class Lilith stood up and waved him goodbye with a smile on her face. When a month passed and Edward returned from his trip to Denali, Jasper took his time to introduce himself.
"I apologize for my behavior and not introducing myself early ma'am, it was rude of me." To which Lilith just chuckle softly and waved her hand nonchalantly.
"It's fine, I figured you were just shy, is all."
After that her and Jasper started walking to class together making idle talk. He found her intelligent and dare he think it, started to look forward to go to history class. His family noticed the change and when Alice did, she wanted to meet and talk to Lilith as well.
Thankfully she was in luck, the other day she overheard Lilith and Bella talking about how Lilith switched into art class for her last period. So Alice grabbed the opportunity and introduced herself to the dark skinned girl in the hallway before class. She could tell why her husband was so fascinated now, the girl before her emitted a sort of allure that made Alice pause. She was distracted by her posture, eyes glancing down as her sweatpants dipped slightly where her thumbs rested on the waistband. When Lilith called Alice out of her trance she explained how they had class together and she wanted to walk with her. Alice was surprised to say the least when she agreed, she couldn't see this Lilith so when asking her questions she was just as blind as her siblings or a human.
They walked into art class together, Alice asking simple questions. When they sat down in their seats Alice was overtaken by a vision. It was blurry and unfocused as her visions usually were as of late, but the pixie vampire could make out her family in their home and two other additions. Knowing it was Bella that was next to Edward she could just make out Lilith, her dark skin being a contrast to the rest of them and what seemed to be her sitting between her and Jasper. So when Alice was called out of her trance by Lilith she simply grinned at her new companion and said that they were going to be great friends.
Of course after school that little tidbit didn't go over well with Rosalie or Edward.
"We don't need one human coming in and ruining everything, let alone two!" Rosalie said with a growl lacing her speech. "You know what happens when we get attached? We get hurt," She spat. "not only that but Alice and Edward's abilities don't work, I don't trust them."
The Cullen Clan were sitting in their living room, seemingly in their respective places. Alice and Jasper in the love seat with Alice sitting on Jasper's lap. Edward was next to them leaning back against the seat. Emmett and Rosalie were on the other side, with Emmett sitting down and Rosalie standing up stating her opinion on the human issue. Esme was in Carlisle's arms watching her children with a worried gaze and Carlisle was silent letting his second oldest rant before taking his turn to speak.
"We shouldn't jump to conclusions just because Edward's and Alice's talents don't work on these particular humans." Carlisle said. "We should just be wary and alert and if anything is amiss we'll handle it." The tone in his voice signified the end of this discussion.
So for the next two weeks the romantic tension between Edward and Bella increased and the friendship between Alice, Jasper, and Lilith grew much to Rosalie's irritation.
"Lilith!" Alice waved the girl over to their parking spot at school, it was a cold and icy day but that didn't deter school to be let out, as Emmett's disappointed groan would let the others know his opinion on that matter. Alice watched Lilith wave to Bella stating she'll she her at lunch and jogged over to where Jasper and Alice were standing. Alice saw Lilith's eyes flicker over to Edward who was standing there watching Bella intently, before looking back at her two friends and gave them a smile.
"Good morning you two, how's your morning been?" she asked.
Jasper smiled at the human, a small one but a smile either way as he replied before Alice could open her mouth and talk a mile a minute. He heard Edward snort softly at that thought.
"Fine darling, how 'bout yourself?" If Jasper's heart was still beating it would have stalled at the smile she gave him.
"Ah, the usual, cold and wet but content." Before Lilith could continue however, yells and screams broke throughout the parking lot. Jasper saw Lilith turn around so fast he was afraid she would have whiplash. Tyler's van now spinning out of control was heading towards a wide eyed Bella. Jasper's instincts were on full alert and he stepped protectively in front of Alice when he heard a deep guttural growl come from Lilith's lips before she yelled.
"Bella! MOVE!"
Hearing Lilith's voice seemed to snap Bella out of her trance and she attempted to move out of the way, however being the klutz she is, slipped and fell on the ice. Out of the corner of his eye, Jasper saw his brother blur to stop the inevitable collision. Silence reigned over the parking lot before chaos took over. Lilith broke away from Alice and Jasper and sprinted over to the van and Bella's truck.
"Bella?!" Lilith's voice was filled with concern as she saw Edward carry her friend out between the vehicles. People were calling emergency services but Lilith walked up to Bella and cupped her hands around her face, oblivious to Edward's confused look Lilith inquired.
"Are you alright? Are you hurt? Why didn't you move?" Bella felt Lilith's hands probe her for any sign of injury. Ignoring the other students asking the same thing she only replied to Lilith.
"Lilith I'm fine, Edward saved me…" Bella looked around for her savior only to find him gone. Confused she looked back at Lilith who had narrowed eyes and a frown on her lips. "Lilith," Bella continued as she heard the ambulance sirens draw nearer. "Lilith, Edward was next to Jasper when the accident happened." She spoke lowly so only she could hear.
"Later, Bella."
"But-"
"Later."
"Bella! Are you alright?" Charlie Swan rushed towards his daughter's hospital bed as he passed by Tyler's he frowned. "You can kiss your license goodbye."
"Dad, I'm fine."
"Hello, Mr. Swan."
Charlie eyed his daughter and then turned his head to look at Lilith, who was sitting in a chair, one leg over the other reading an Essence magazine. Nodding at Bella's friend he turned back to the situation at hand.
"Dad I'm fine, can we just go home?" Bella pleaded. Charlie shook his head.
"Not until a doctor at leasts checks you out, you never know Bells something could actually be hurt." With those words the doors to the room opened and a handsome man with the same eyes as the rest of the strange Cullens walked in holding a clipboard and pen.
"Ah I heard the chief's daughter was in my care." Lilith watched as Bella stared at Dr. Cullen, the woman could swear she could see the gears turning in Bella's head. Lilith droned out the medical talk and recap of what happened in the parking lot.
"You're a good friend to be waiting here with Miss Swan, Miss…."
"Infernus, Doctor Cullen, Lilith Infernus. And I'm afraid I have to she's my ride home." Lilith looked up from her magazine and winked at Bella who rolled her eyes with a smile. Dr. Cullen seemed to chuckle at this banter and spoke again.
"Very well, Bella you're clear to go if you start having headaches call back and let me know. You hit your head pretty hard on that fall." With that Carlisle walked out the room and Bella hopped out the bed giving a pointed look at Lilith she said.
"I'll meet you at the car."
"Bells-" But before Lilith could get another word in Bella was gone. Groaning softly snapped her literature entertainment shut and stood up. Walking by Tyler she gave him a murderous glare and if the situation wasn't serious at this point in time Lilith would've laughed at the utter terror plastered on the boy's face. Stalking down the hospital hallway with a purpose Lilith's mind wandered to Bella's insistent curiosity. She couldn't blame her, the girl has always been inquisitive since the day she met her. It also wasn't her place to tell the Cullen's secret, so Lilith was in a tough position. As she reached a glaring Bella waiting by her truck Lilith wished she could be in her domain at this moment.
In a short agreement and talk with Charlie, who still was worrying about Bella's health, Lilith would drive Bella's truck home drop it off and she then would walk to her house. So now the two females rode in an awkward and tense silence until Bella spoke up.
"So, it's 'later' as you put it."
Lilith vented a harsh breath through her nose. "I can't tell you Bella," she said "it's not my secret to tell."
"Oh, for God's sake-"
"Bella! Obviously you didn't hear me when I said its not my secret to tell!" Lilith snapped and her dark eyes turned into slits as she glared at her friend. Seeing Bella recoil in shock at her response, Lilith tightened her grip on the steering wheel and sighed.
"Look," she began "do your research and tell me what you've learned in a week's time." At this Bella looked at Lilith confusion laced on her features.
"Why a week?" She asked. Pulling into Bella's house Lilith turned off the car as she replied.
"I can't just leave hell and not check in once in awhile. It has been a month and a half since I've taken my 'vacation'," her fingers create air quotes as she says the word "I have to make sure there's at least some semblance of order, so I'll be gone for about a week."
"You're mad at me." Bella said and Lilith shook her head.
"No I'm irritated at your persistent and blatant curiosity," sighing she turned her head to face Bella. Her expression was of utter concern. "Promise me, don't do anything reckless while I'm gone...please?"
Bella bit her lip at this request but nodded making Lilith relax her shoulders which were tense in apprehension.
"Alright then," Lilith muttered. "I'll see you in a week, if anyone asks I've had a family emergency with my 'aunt' in Seattle." With that Lilith snapped her fingers and gone were the sweats and flannel replaced by a red business suit and black tie. Giving Bella a wink and another snap of her fingers Lilith was gone.
For the following week, Bella couldn't shake the fact that she pushed Lilith away somehow. Knowing Lilith a week could turn into a month depending on what work she had to do or meetings she had to attend. However Bella kept herself busy, she went to the Quileute reservation with her group of friends and talked to Jacob a companion she hasn't seen in years. Jacob told her of the Quileute legends when she asked about the Cullens. Bella learned how they were the supposed 'Cold Ones' which made the brunette even more suspicious of the Cullen's origins.
What made the week even more strange is when Alice and Jasper Cullen walked up to her in the hallway asking where Lilith was and if she was alright.
"Oh, yes!" Bella exclaimed "She uh, had a family emergency and is visiting her aunt in Seattle for a bit. Not sure when she'll be back" Bella shrugged
At this news Bella noticed how Alice seemed to deflate and Jasper's hand that was rested on the petite girl rubbed circles on her shoulder in a reassuring manner. Looking up at Jasper with a smile and eyes darting back to focus on Bella she replied.
"Well, if you're in contact with her, please let her know that we hope she's okay!" With that the couple walked away from a very confused Bella making her think how close those three had become in the past weeks.
Jessica and Angela invited Bella to Port Angeles after school, which was perfect for Bella who need to visit a bookstore to gather a piece of informative literature important to her research. When the weekend finally rolled around and still no sign of Lilith, Bella was a little apprehensive about the trip. By the time Angela and Jessica were trying on dresses in the shop Bella's nervous feeling was dulled. So Bella told her two friend's she would meet them at the restaurant while she went to the bookstore.
Satisfied with her purchase Bella exited the shop with a groan, now noticing it was dark and she was late with her meet up with the girls. Walking with a purpose down the quiet streets she didn't notice the leery men until they spoke up.
"Hey little lady~"
'Crap' Bella thought. She walked faster, ignoring the jeers and praying that the restaurant was close by. Turning into a back alley hoping to elude them Bella was muttering and cursing all the demon names she knew hoping to get some attention. With no luck Bella froze in fear as the men surrounded her.
"Aw, come on don't you want to play with us?" The lead man, encouraged his friends as they laughed and jeered at Bella. Steeling herself for bloodshed, she took a deep breath about to call for her hellhound until she was interrupted by the sound of screeching tires. The group turned towards the sound and Bella could've fainted in relief seeing Edward Cullen step out the silver Volvo with a hateful glare gracing his beautiful features.
"Get in." He growled and Bella did not hesitate. Once in the safety confinement of the car and Edward speeding off Bella thanked him. If Bella hadn't shown up, Anubis would have and instead of drunken men running away they would've been mangled to bloody pieces beyond repair. Her hound was a violent beast from hell, meant to kill not to cripple. Sighing at this thought she looked at Edward his jaw was tense and he was gripping the steering wheel so hard she was afraid it might crack in his hands.
"Talk to me."
Bella blinked. "What?"
"Talk to me Bella, I need a distraction. You have no idea what they were thinking." He hissed. Bella leaned back in her seat thinking of what to say.
"How did you know where I was? Were you- were you following me?"
Edward at least had the nerve to look sheepish, amber eyes focused on the road in front of him. With that Bella asked more questions, trying to ebb and coax an answer from the boy. When they reached the restaurant and found out that Jessica and Angela already ate, Edward offered to buy her dinner as an apology. While eating her food Bella gained more information on Edward's apparent telepathic abilities and how she and Lilith are utterly silent to him. While driving back to her place, Bella's mind was reeling with information and when she thanked Edward and ran to her room after saying goodnight to Charlie, she closed her door and slid down the wall.
Groaning in her hands she heard Anubis whine in concern. Looking up to stare at her dog Bella bit out.
"Well this is great Anubis. The one boy I'm interested in is a vampire."
Anubis woofed.