Chapter 22 – Plans
BPOV
Charlie said his goodbyes and Jacques closed my laptop. He sat quietly as I began to fall apart. My hands trembled as I covered my face. How was I going to do this? Renee always said smart people considered marriage for a long time before actually doing it and I didn't. I didn't even know I was married until Eleanor's slip-up, but I couldn't tell her that. How was my mom going to take this? Charlie's response to finding out that I was married was a bit of a surprise. He advocated that I stay in Europe longer, wanting me to have a life. He's changed a lot over the last few years. Perhaps being married to Sue really changed his outlook on a lot of things. Jacques's arm draped over my shoulders, making me lean into his side, "My love, do not concern yourself so. Your mother will be happy." I scoffed quietly, "You don't know my mother. She was two years younger than I am when she left my dad and took me with here. I was less than a year old."
The memory of my mom telling what happened played through my mind. We were sitting in her bedroom in our Arizona home, while playing Scrabble. My mom's hair was longer and a lighter color of blond. "It wasn't working for us," she explained, while assembling another word on the board. "Your father wanted to stay in Forks to care for your grandparents. He chose to stay even after they passed away, sort of his way of staying closer to them." She looked up at me, "Your turn, sweetie." I pulled the letters I had. "Believe me, I love your father, but we're better parents for you than being married to each other." My fifteen year old self smiled at her, "Ok Mom, I understand." The memory ended with me glancing at myself in the mirror, brushing back my damp hair. My face was so much younger than it was now.
You are still just as lovely. Jacques's pulled my lips to his, locking me in the circle of his arms. His kiss melted away my anxieties, Are you trying to distract me?
Possibly, he answered, or I just wanted to kiss your sweet, tender lips that are meant only for me. Jacques's tongue gliding along my lip as he held me against his chest. There was nothing in the world when Jacques kissed me. There were no murderers in the name of science out there. Do not worry about them. Mikhail and I will make sure they will pay for their crimes. I pulled away from him to look into his eyes, "Jacques, please don't go near them." I have to, my angel. They will die by my hands. I leaned against his chest, hiding my face from him. His hands brushed over my hair, "Isabella, I must ensure your safety at all costs."
Jacques's thoughts drifted to what he wanted to the men that took me. To those who endangered the life of his brother, Raven, Byron, Gregori, myself and the ones that killed his sister. Jacques couldn't deal with anyone of his family being in danger. I leaned away from him and left the couch to stand by the fireplace. The flames brushed along the wood, radiating heat. I knew what those people were capable of and I didn't want Jacques near them. My eyes watched as the flames took over the wood. I wondered idly how many had to die in the pursuit of those monsters' discoveries. My memories of them were just as vivid as when I was there. My eyes closed, wanting to shut the memories out, "Can we not talk about that tonight? I just want to be happy in the fact that I'm home again with you." Jacques watched me as I stood by the fire, "Of course, angel."
He stood from his seat, "Now," his voice was brighter, "that you're fully distracted, perhaps you should call your mother and tell her about your new husband." I looked back at him, You sneaky bastard. He chuckled, I do what I can. My body slumped to the floor. My legs turned to jelly at the mention of my mother, "Give me a minute." My stomach tightened, making my lungs seize. Jacques was silent, waiting for me to pull myself together. I can do this, I can do this. I rose to my feet, feeling Jacques's eyes on me, I thought you were braver than this, my love. My eyes settled on him, In some ways, I am. I sighed heavily, Oh well, she is on the other side of the world. Jacques gestured for me to sit on the couch with him. No matter what my mother said, be it good or bad, it was done. I was married and happy. I told myself this over and over, trying to make myself believe it.
Sitting on the couch, Jacques pressed a kiss to my temple. On the laptop, Renee's window took a while to come up. My heart was pounding in my ears as I waited. Jacques drew small circles in the palm of my hand, Be calm, chère.
Renee's face finally appeared and her expression was serious. Her mouth was a hard line and eyebrows were pulled together. "Bella," she said my name in a harsh tone. I swallowed hard, hoping to open my throat and speak, "Hey Mom." She watched me with cold eyes, "How was your little Roman holiday?" There was a sharp bite to her voice that I've never heard before. I gritted my teeth, "Good, we just got back." Renee pursed her lips tightly for a moment, "Is there anything you wish to tell me?"
Do not be nervous, angel. She will understand. This moment showed me that Jacques and I knew little about each other, but we had eternity to learn. Squaring my shoulders, I prepared to tell Renee the truth. I wasn't a child anymore, nor was I a teenager. There was no reason to be afraid of my mother. "Yes, actually there is. Mom, while I was away with Jacques, who is Raven's brother in law, we eloped." Renee blinked once, "Well, that's nice," she said scathingly, "Just get an annulment then." My expression changed immediately. What was she talking about? "You've been away from home too long. It's time to come home, Bella."
I bit down hard on my lip and shook my head, "No, Mom, I am home. I'm staying here." Renee's expression quickly changed from impassive to angry, "No, Isabella." Her tone changed to a scolding parent, "Look, I have always been lenient with you, because you were always so responsible. But, now, I am telling you. Come home!" Even through the computer, I could feel the daggers shooting out from my mom's eyes. I huffed and my own eyes narrowed, "Mom, I am not a child and I've taken care of myself for years. How dare you try to dictate to me on how I should live my life?" Trying to think clearly, I reeled in my anger before saying something I would regret, "I know you're not happy about this, but I didn't do this to you. I did this for me. I fell in love. So, if you can't be happy with the choice I've made for my own life, then I'm sorry, but I won't change it to appease you."
Renee was speechless; actually speechless. Her breathing was hard and her face turned red. "Bella, you listen to me." Jacques put his arm over my shoulders, letting my mom see that he was here, listening to our argument. Renee blinked seeing me lean back against the couch, into Jacques's embrace. She saw the two of us together and exhaled a short breath, "So, you're the one who coerced my daughter into marriage?" "Mom!" She didn't mean that, she's just mad. Jacques merely shook his head, Allow me, sweetheart. From just a smile touch, Jacques calmed me down before I said anything else. "No, Mrs. Dwyer," he said her name in a calm voice. If she were here, Renee would already be under his spell. "I am Jacques Dubrinsky, the one who fell in love with your daughter. I came to love Bella so much, that I couldn't imagine my life without her." Renee huffed, "You don't even know her." Jacques rubbed his hand against my arm, "Well, isn't that marriage? To spend your life getting to know the one you are with until you know them better than anyone else."
On the screen, Phil walked behind Renee, placing his hands on her shoulders, "Calm down, hon. Bella is a smart girl." Phil leaned down to wave, "Hey B. Congratulations on getting married." "Hi Phil, thanks a lot." Renee looked back at him, as though she was just betrayed. I knew my mom and this wasn't something she wanted for me. I was supposed to have the life she didn't. Renee turned back to the screen, "Fine, Bella, fine. Stay married and I won't say a thing. I just hope you realize what you got yourself into." With that, she clicked off the conversation and her screen was gone.
Jacques said nothing, only let me rest against him. He sent feelings of reassurance and warmth over me, She'll come around, sweetheart. We looked at each other, staring into each other's' eyes, "Maybe, maybe not." The thought of my mother mad at me was a terrible feeling. I knew I wasn't wrong in marrying Jacques, but I wish I had a better way of handling it. Would having a wedding been better? For her to see me in a white gown and having Charlie giving me away? Is that what you want? I looked up at Jacques, "Not right now." Everything felt so much better when Jacques and I were together. That is all I want for you. What can I do to make you feel better? My lips touched the corner of his mouth, Exactly what you're doing right now. Hands held the sides of my face, locking my lips with Jacques's. My fingers pulled through the length of his hair, pressing my chest against his. I needed to feel his body against mine, to feel my lifemate with me. I needed to know he was really here and none of this was a dream.
Being a Carpathian was new to me. What made it easier was being with Jacques. I was converted to another species of living and it didn't bother me, because he was my guide and teacher. The most important part to all of this was Jacques loving me. He loved me more than anyone and anything and that is how I loved him. His voice echoed in my head, No one will ever be more important to me than you.
My head picked up from his shoulder to look at him, What about Mikhail? His lips claimed mine again, He comes after you. That is our way, my woman is my light and salvation. There is nothing more important than you. We looked into each other's eyes and I smiled, Thank goodness it's not just me. I leaned to kiss him, locking my arms around his neck. Jacques pulled me off the couch, ending our kiss, "Come along now. We still have guests upstairs." He pulled me towards the door and I made a face. I wanted to stay in our room and kiss my husband. He opened the door for me, Let's tend to your brother and sister first, then I'm all yours. I smiled at him, "Fine, but you better hold up to your promise." He smiled deviously at me, You know I will.
Our arms stayed around each other. Our body movements were in sync with one another. Leaning against his chest, I realize that my heart was beating in perfect time with his. Jacques rubbed my back, That is how you know we are meant to be. Our bodies match perfectly.
Oh, it had nothing to do with you giving me your blood, which synchronized my body with yours?
He shrugged, Well, there's that. Laughter burst out of me and Jacques responded with a smile.
In the study, Emmett was sitting at Mikhail's desk, working on Raven's laptop and speaking on his phone, "No, Rose, she's fine." Rosalie's voice came over the phone and I heard her loud and clear, "Thank God. I can't believe that happened." Alice and Raven were sitting together, speaking with Mikhail. Alice looked at me, Well, she took it better than I thought. I nodded, "Me too, kinda." Jacques held me to his side as he spoke with Aidan. There was another lab in the next country and they wanted to take care of it. Emmett was off the phone, "I can handle it." The Carpathians were adverse to accepting help from a vampire, but Aidan grew to trust Emmett, "We may be in need of your assistance." In Emmett's mind, he wanted to do all he could to keep those people away from me or any innocent person that could be mistaken for a vampire.
Gregori was gone, away surveying the laboratory already. His mind was cut off from everyone but Mikhail. They focused on studying the structure and learning its layout. Jacques began to read the list of information Alice brought. He had me sit in the arm chair, only holding my hand; intertwining his fingers with mine. The names of the butchers ran through his mind as he committed them to memory. A hue of red distorted his vision as he read; Jacques was ready for blood and vengeance. Raven looked over to me, quickly tilting her head to the French doors. You think he'll let me? My eyes glanced up at Jacques. She pursed her lips for a moment, You're home and they're all here. What's the harm? My fingers began to pull out of Jacques's, but he tightened his hold, Where are you going?
My eyes widen as I look at him, The courtyard with Raven.
Jacques looked at me, then to the doors. He was about to insist that I stay inside, but I squeezed his hand, Jacques, I whined, you're right here. I'm right here. You'll see and hear me the whole time. My eyes sadden, Please? The last thing he wanted was for me to be away from him. He leaned down and kissed my cheek, Be careful, angel. I rolled my eyes at him, I'll try not to trip. I walked towards the doors with Raven.
The courtyard was just as beautiful as it was every night. Raven couldn't help but think about being happy when she learned that I was being brought home. Trust me, Raven, no one is happier than I am. Her smile faltered for a moment as she remembered hearing me scream. "Raven, stop, it wasn't your fault." The cold air blew through the courtyard, rustling the trees behind the high walls, almost calling to me. Bella, don't even think about going over that wall, Jacques's voice came as a demand. I looked back at the double doors, seeing him speaking with Emmett and Aidan.
Raven glanced too, "I'm guessing you're grounded." I laughed at her use of term, "You can say that. I had to whine just so I could come out to play." She laughed and it danced with the wind, I'm going to have to agree with him on that. Raven straightened her back as I turned to look at her, "You are not allowed to leave our home without an escort." I gawked at Raven. She rested her hands on her hips while I stared at her. Raven was the princess of our people and her word was as important as Mikhail's. She was very serious in what she just said. "You have no idea how serious I am. Until this matter is resolved, you can't so much as walk out the front door without one of us with you." I gasped out loud, feeling utter and complete betrayal. "I agree with Raven," Alice's voice carried from inside. My head whipped back, "Stay out of this!"
Everyone was unanimous in this; I wasn't allowed to leave our home. Well, two can play at that game. Since learning this, I saw Mikhail as the Crown Prince of our people, while Jacques was the Prince. I was married to the Prince's brother. Either way, both Raven and I were princesses. My word, though not as important as her, still held some merit. My eyes narrowed as I turned back to Raven and she was smiling confidently at me. "Well, if I can't leave, then, I don't think any Carpathian woman should leave unescorted." Her smile disappeared immediately, "I mean you and I are very important, as we are the leaders of the Carpathian women. The truth is Raven, they were looking for you, not me." Raven's blue eyes hardened into sapphires, Oh, that's low. Mikhail's speculative tone was next to come from the room, "Bella is right. They were seeking Raven, not her." Raven looked behind herself, hearing his speculations, "Oh come on. I was only kidding." I scoffed quietly, "Hey, you started it. I just finished it. Looks like we're both grounded."
Raven stormed off, across the courtyard. I try to contain my laughter, Oh, Raven, come back. We were having so much fun. She went through another door, leading to the hall of portraits, muttering to herself. "She may have meant it as a joke, but Raven has a point. We cannot leave them unprotected for a moment." Mikhail took what Raven said very seriously. I went back into the study, shutting the door behind myself, "So, Raven and I are really grounded?" "Let us handle these laboratories near our home and neighboring countries," Jacques answered, "It won't take long. Emmett has offered to help us." Those people didn't stand a chance when Emmett was unleashed on them.
Emmett smiled, "I gave a few to Jasper and Edward. They're going to do more research and find more locations." My breathing became shaky, "Well, at least what I did wasn't in vain. Something good did come out of it." Alice watched me as I stood by the door. She began to shake her head, "Jacques, please forgive me for saying this, but Bell has a point." Jacques didn't say anything, he only dipped his head, If only it came at someone else's expense. The pain that surged through him was like my own. He wasn't up to forgiving anyone for letting this happen. Don't start that again, I said to him. He crossed the room to take my hand in his and raised it to his lips. Remember, I'm standing right here, I said. Jacques smiled against my hand and kissed my hair, "Maybe so, Alice. The next task is to take care of these places. Emmett, have you decided on which sight you'll be looking into next?"
Emmett was looking over the forms; his marble brow puckered together as he read. "Well, there's one in London. I can take care of it in a few days. But this one," he turned one sheet of paper towards us. On it was a map, "I can handle it tomorrow night. Ally Cat, do you think you can stay with Bell and Raven?" Alice groaned loudly through her teeth, "I hate that nickname." It was a name he rarely used and I still laughed whenever I heard it. Alice didn't look at me, she only held one finger up, "Don't you dare smile." My lips pursed together, "No problem."
Jacques made plans with the others, while Alice, Raven and I played cards. It took Mikhail a moment to calm Raven down. She was upset that she and I would be confined to our home. Always under the watchful eyes of the men, Raven and I had to get used to the idea of being home for a while. Gregori was back now, informing them of what he found. "They had a man there, believing he was a vampire, because he was dressed all in black." I tuned out what they were talking about. Gregori had to kill someone to get the innocent man free. "I win again," Alice chirped. She closed the cards in her hand and laid them down. Raven scoffed, "Can't you turn off the visions?" Alice laughed, "Nope."
I watched as Alice and Raven spoke nicely to each other. Alice didn't have many friends in her lifetime. She was mostly limited to interacting with her family, much like Raven. She had to limit her interactions with people because of her psychic abilities. If one person touched her, Raven was in pain from their proximity. To have friends for Alice and Raven, they were able to be themselves. I was happy to be a friend and sister to the both of them. Alice and Raven laughed and continued to play cards.
A vision came to Alice's mind; Emmett and Gregori were staring down eight men with double-barrel shot guns. Emmett was fine, but Gregori was injured. I gasped loudly and turned to face Gregori. Jacques was the first to look at me. My eyes were fixed on Gregori, worried about how badly injured he would be. My breathing quickened, worrying about someone else getting hurt. "Bella, what is it?" Alice blinked slowly, replaying the vision in her mind, memorizing every detail, down to the faces of the shooters. Everyone waited for Alice to finish with her visions. "Gregori, I don't think you should go. That's what scared Bella." Jacques's arm curved around my waist. Alice moved over to the desk, standing with the others, pointing out the weak points in the enemy's base.
My heart raced in my chest. What if it was Jacques that was hurt, or worse, killed? He couldn't go with them. Jacques's arm tightened around me, "You need to rest." I looked at the clock; it was still a few hours before the sun came up. No, I protested.
He didn't listen. Do not argue, your body is still weak. I can feel it. Alice didn't look up as Jacques pulled me out of the room. Normally, she would protest along with me, but not now. She was focused on ensuring everyone's safety. Part of Jacques's mind was hidden from me. Raven watched Mikhail as he planned with the others. She blinked several times, then turned away from them. Her blue eyes met mine, Bella, how can we keep them home?
I looked at her, Well, I was just cut up. Maybe you could break your leg. Mikhail would never leave your side. She bit down on her lip, You think?
Raven, I scolded, I was joking. I know you're worried about them. So am I.
I just don't want to risk losing another member of my family.
I know, Raven. We'll come up with something to keep them with us.
At the top of the stairs to our bedchambers, Jacques took me into his arms. He looked at me, "Forgive me for taking you away from the others. You were exerting yourself too much this night. You still require healing sleep." My lips pursed together, That and I know you just wanted me for yourself. The door opened to the lowlight setting of the room. The curtains were darker, almost black as they were cast in shadows. The couches were nearly invisible as the fire burned. Jacques let me on my feet and closed the door.
My body still felt somewhat rigid from my ordeal. Rolling my neck, I tried to stretch out the stiff muscles. My eye twitched from the stiffness. I was in more pain than I realized. Jacques pulled his fingers through my hair, pulling it into a ponytail. Then, he took my hand, "Come." I sat on the edge of the bed and my dress was pulled away. Warm hands caressed the skin of my neck, then fingers began to tenderly massage the stiff muscles. I moaned as the skin of my neck was tugged at and kneaded, That feels so much better. My eyelashes fluttered as Jacques moved his hands to rub my back. He leaned closer to my ear, "Lay on your stomach." I looked at him from the corner of my eye. He leaned closer to kiss the corner of my mouth, "Trust me."
My eyes were fixed on his as I lowered myself onto the bed. The silky sheets caressed my skin as I laid down. Jacques moved, resting his weight on my lower back, making me sink into the mattress. Peeking out of my eyelashes, his knee was on one side of my body. I felt the other on my other side. He resumed to deeply rubbing along my shoulders and back. My eyes closed again, reveling in the feel of the soreness being rubbed away. He pulled away the rest of my dress, letting it drop to the floor.
Jacques leaned closer to me, his bare chest brushed against my back. He inhaled deeply at my neck after brushing my hair to one side. His breath blew against my skin, leaving goosebumps. A trail of soft kisses was left going down my spine. Jacques adjusted his weight, allowing me to turn over, my body feeling more relaxed. "Thank you. That feels a lot better." He leaned down to kiss me, "Now, you need your rest." My arms went around his chest, "Can I ask you something first?" He watched me for a moment, "Of course." His hands brushed the side of my face, waiting for my question. It was something I thought about while I was being held captive. Something I held onto to keep me sane. I bit my lip and looked away from his eyes. What is it?
I looked back, finding the words I wanted to say. "Before you met me, what was it like for you?" He blinked once. The question seemed absurd, but it was something I wanted to know. I wanted to know what Jacques endured before we met. My cheek brushed his, "I mean to say it, what was it like to live without emotion?" Jacques held me against his chest and rolled us. I laid on his chest as he deliberated his answer.
"Honestly, it was just living in a constant cloud of indifference." His black eyes hardened at the word of 'indifference' before he continued. "That was how it was for Mikhail when I was born. I loved my brother, but he showed no emotion toward me. He could tell you better than I can how it was when I was a child." I smiled at him, I have to make a note of that.
He ignored my thought, "As I grew older, things began to slip away." I moved to lie next to him, my head resting on his arm. His palm rested on the side of my face as he spoke. "After time, when I laughed, it became something I had to do, not something I felt. Laughter was forced out of habit. I didn't feel sadness when members of my family and friends died." My eyes closed, trying to imagine what that must have felt like.
Jacques pulled my body against his, locking his leg around both of mine. "Don't think about it, angel. No woman of mine should feel that. You brought emotions back to me, among so many other things. What I can say is in that time was that I loved my brother. Despite the indifference, I knew I loved my brother, sister and parents. But you," his thumb brushed my cheekbone, "you brought everything back."
I smiled at him again, "And you gave me everything. I know I love Raven and I love having her as a friend and sister, the same about Alice, but I know that I don't need them." My fingers combed through his dark mane, "Not as long as I have you." He breathed in against my neck, And your precious girl-time?
I laughed once, thinking about mine and Raven's time together. It's fun, but I have much more fun with you. I meant that in a different way. My mouth found his. "Good night, my angel. Stay and sleep with me." My head rested on his chest, As long as I can listen to your heart while I sleep, I will stay. It's the only place I know I belong.
