Chapter 23 – Vampires

BPOV

The smell of the earth was very strong. The scent of the soil filled my nostrils as I inhaled. There was no pain as I rolled my neck. Jacques's massage soothed away the soreness. My eyes opened slowly, looking above myself. Something was wrong; I wasn't in my bed. Above me there was a wooden door. I studied the panels of the door above me and realized it was the same door to the underground chamber. This was where Mikhail went to sleep in the earth. Why was in here? Did I need more healing that Jacques was letting on? My hand drifted along the warm earth, Jacques? Did he move us? My drifting hand rested on cool skin, Jacques, Jacques, wake up. My eyes adjusted to the dark, seeing the one lying next to me. The body was too small and delicate. Long raven black hair was spread out around the head; "Raven?" my voice was a whisper.

She didn't look alive. Her chest didn't move because she wasn't breathing. My eyes had adjusted in a moment, seeing the hollowed out room of earth we were settled in. The healing soil was all around us, but we were not in, but resting on it. We were in the room similar to the one I left Byron and Raven in the night Mikhail's house was invaded. I stood up quickly and pushed against the wooden door open. Dull light filled in the low room, "Jacques?" I called out. The room above the soil chamber only had a few candles burning. There was no answer from him. Why were Raven and I down there?

"Jacques!" Where was he? How come couldn't I hear his mind? The door opened, shining a bright light into the room, almost blinding me. "Oh, Bella," the woman's voice was like a baby's coo. Thank God, she's alive. Her voice registered in my mind, ringing with familiarity, "Esme?" Her caramel hair was pulled up into a bun at the top of her head. She helped me out of the lower chamber, then hugged me tightly, "Sweetheart, how are you feeling?" My arms held her tightly, feeling my memories reawaken from her embrace. Her warm smile set in her chiseled pale face; the motherly gaze that never let up once. She held the side of my face, "Bella, are you feeling better?"

Realizing that I hadn't heard Jacques since I woke up, an emptiness began gnawing at me. My mind drifted out and he wasn't there; not a whisper or a caress from him. I blinked as Esme looked at me. To her, I was calm, but my mind frantically searched for my lifemate. "I'm fine. What are you doing here? When did you arrive?" She glanced behind me down in the chamber, "A little while ago. Don't be upset, Jacques and Mikhail left with Gregori, Aidan, Emmett and Carlisle. They went to take care of that laboratory." My hand clamped down on my mouth as my throat closed in. No, Jacques, please come home! He didn't respond. Jacques! Tears welled in my eyes, thinking about the men around those people. Esme brushed the tear away with her thumb as it streamed down my cheek, "Now, I don't want you worrying. Emmett and Carlisle aren't going to let anything happen to any of them."

Behind us, Raven sighed deeply as she woke up. There was a loud gasp as Raven realized she wasn't in bed. I looked back as she leapt out of the chamber. Her eyes moved around the room, What are we doing down here? Raven hated going to ground. It scared her too much to comfortably sleep. Her eyes fell on us, then her brow pulled together, Whose she? "Raven, this is Esme." Raven bowed her head, "It's lovely to meet you. Bella and Alice has told me so much about you." Her voice was almost dazed seeing another vampire in our home. She walked over to us, "I really hate to be rude, but have you seen my husband, Mikhail?"

My hand took hers, Raven, they're gone. They went with Esme's husband and Emmett to destroy that facility. Raven's eyes widened, What?! The words reverberated through my head, They just left us? Her mind reached out for Mikhail and I hoped he would answer her. I reached out to Aidan and Gregori, but my calls were ignored. Esme wrapped her arm around mine, "Come with me. Mikhail and Jacques personally requested that I take care of both of you until they came back." Raven and I followed Esme down the hall. Raven was staring down at the floor, trying to combat the loneliness we were both feeling. To be cut off from the minds of our lifemates; it was only comparable to being separated by death. He was not there, only a void.

Alice was prancing around mine and Raven's study as she adjusted the curtains. Our study was so much different from Mikhail and Jacques's study. Instead of rows of books, there were paintings of meadows and waterfalls on the walls. A lightly colored leather sectional was in the room, instead of dark leather furniture that was over a century old. Sheer curtains hung at the French doors. There were pulled to the side of the doors, revealing the open courtyard. Candles were along the mantle, giving off the scent of lavender vanilla. Throw pillows were on the floor in front of the fireplace and blankets were hung on the backs of the sectional couch. Raven thought about making her own paintings to hang in the room. Our room was very, very feminine. Some of the furniture was moved into different places and the center table Raven ordered was in front of the sectional couch. There was a pale green vase of orchids on top of the table.

Alice looked up as we entered the room, "Oh, you're awake, sleepyheads." Raven gasped loudly as she saw the room. "Oh, Alice," she brushed her fingers along the antique desk that was moved into the room, "it's perfect." Alice and Esme were notorious for their architectural designs. They could mix in the modern with the old styles and it all would fit together. Esme kept her eye on me as I walked slowly into the room. Everything was lovely, but my mind shied away from it all. Sorrow was beating away at me and it was intense.

Jacques Dubrinsky, you'd better answer me. I wanted to be angry with him; I had to be. If I wasn't angry, I would be worried. Worry about his well-being and safety, as well as the others. How dare Jacques leave me after he promised he wouldn't? He let his anger cloud his better judgment. Emmett could have handled that place single-handedly, as well as Gregori. Was it necessary for him to go? My lips pursed together as I leaned against the courtyard glass doors. There was no moon tonight, but the stars were just as bright as they were every night. But tonight, the stars didn't hold my attention as they always did. The small bits of light were somehow duller. In my head, I thought of Jacques standing here with me; his strong arms around my waist, brushing his cheek through my hair. What I would give to hear him call me 'angel' right now? I sighed deeply and stepped away from the doors. I was doing nothing but torturing myself.

Esme extended her arm as I lowered myself onto the couch, She must be so worried about him. She really does love Jacques. I half-smiled at her. It's been so long since Esme and I sat together. "Esme, how have you been?" She gazed at me, "I'm much more interested in what you have been doing. Did you ever get my letter?" her voice was hopeful. I nodded and threw my arm around her neck, "Thank you so much. I wanted to write back and tell you everything from since then, but I knew I couldn't. If it weren't for the money you left me, I wouldn't have been able to come out here and meet Jacques." She breathed, "Yes," she dragged out the 's' as she spoke, "Would you care to explain to me about your mind reading abilities and why we never knew about it?"

I blinked once, feeling the tension tighten my stomach, "I'm surprised Alice didn't tell you." Alice looked from across the room, while she and Raven were discussing a painting on the wall, "Oh, I did, but she wants to hear it from you." Esme laughed lightly as she glanced at her daughter. Alice towed Raven behind herself, making recommendations on what could be. Raven was smiling, almost forgetting about Mikhail.

She looked back, I wouldn't go that far, Bella. This is a nice distraction but trust me, I'm letting him have it when he gets back.

I'll be right there with you. Jacques is in so much trouble.

Esme cleared her throat, "Bella, I'm right here and I'm waiting." My eyes turned back to hers, seeing her pale face as a picture of ease. I told her the same thing I told Emmett and Alice. "My mind reading was something I was afraid to use. It caused me so much pain, that I thought it would be better to ignore it. But, after I met you and your family and learning the truth, I thought it would be much better for me to know the minds of those around me." Esme exhaled deeply and her expression changed a bit. "Huh? You smell different." She took in a deep breathe. I told her the truth of it and she laughed thinking that a simple lotion could change me. "I don't know, honey. Perhaps the change was from your conversion."

Esme knew a lot about the Carpathian race, as she learned it from Carlisle. In the corner of her mind, she thought of the vampire that was once like us. He confronted her, surprised to see her alive. His merciless face couldn't be hidden from their sharp eyes. The red of his eyes were cruel and haunting. He looked as the true undead. His teeth were stained yellow, thinning his lips in the shape of a cruel sneer.

"Well, Esme, I must say you look well." Carlisle took her hand immediately, asking who he was. Edward stood behind them, hearing the undead's thoughts. Edward's perfect face hadn't changed, but he had his hair in a more tamed style. "Carlisle, perhaps you should see Esme home." The soulless one ran, realizing Edward heard his thoughts. Edward pursued him until he was able to end his existence. Seeing him in her mind, I wanted to know. Seeing Edward's chiseled features in Esme's mind only showed me that my memories of him weren't nearly as clear. "Esme?" "Hmm?" she replied as I was taking her away from her thoughts. "How is he? How was Edward these past years?" I still thought about Edward and what did he do to occupy his time when he wasn't with his family. Alice looked up from Raven's laptop, I was wondering when she was going to ask?

Raven didn't look away from the artwork she was creating, Alice is right. Well, the men aren't here, so she could ask about Edward. Esme half-smiled, baring her teeth for a moment, "Well, up until recently, he's been quite reserved with us. It was very difficult for him." My mouth pursed, "Esme, please, please be truthful with me on this?" Her eyes widened a bit. "Is he still in love me?" Alice looked up again from her computer and the pencil slipped from Raven's fingers, How could you ask that?

I looked at her, almost upset, "Because I want to know, Raven. Is that so wrong?" She began to slowly shake her head, "And what purpose will it serve you to know whether there's a man out there who loves you? Remember Bella, you two aren't together for a reason." Raven folded her arms over her lap, making her eyes hard and serious, "There's only one man you need to be concerned about loving you." My heart sank out of my chest as I knew she was right. What should it matter to me if Edward still loved me? I knew my affections for him and they would remain that way. But, after all this time, I knew that Edward had lie me. He didn't want to be in danger by being too close to his family and what they were. Jasper could have killed me on my birthday and Edward didn't want me to have a close call like that again.

My eyes closed and tears formed under them as I remembered that day he left me. It didn't sting. Esme brushed away my tears with her thumb, "Bella, don't cry." She pulled me to rest my head in her lap. I sniffled, "I know the real reasons why he left me and I should leave it at that. I know everything, Esme and it changed nothing." Fingers pulled through my hair, "I figured you would decipher out everything. Of course you would be curious, so don't be harsh on yourself. Edward does still care about you and he was so worried when we learned what happened to you." Esme leaned closer to me, "Edward is as determined as Jacques and the others to stopping those monsters who almost killed you. He, Jasper and Rosalie are in France at this moment, destroying their facilities and looking for others."

Don't think me harsh, Bella, Raven apologized, We don't keep secrets from our lifemates and I was thinking of Jacques. I don't want him upset with you.

I bit my lip, At least one of us were. I was being selfish.

You are the furthest person from selfish I've ever met. Just take into fact that Edward is still out there, trying to keep you safe. I think that answers your question. My head nodded as it rested on Esme's leg.

Esme let me rest on her as she told me about the new house they have in Denmark. The topic of 'Edward' didn't come up again and I told her about how I found Jacques. Esme gasped as I told her everything about that day. "How could you venture out that far? You should know have to get yourself through the forest." "I got turned around as I was trying to get back to the inn. The storm was making me nervous." Alice giggled lightly, "All that time in Forks and storms still make you nervous." My eyes narrowed at her, "And don't think about throwing that pillow at me." No vision played through her mind. I blinked for a moment, feeling a bit surprised. Alice shrugged, "I just know you, Bella," she said smartly.

Raven laughed as she turned to a blank page in her book. I moved to sit up on my own and Esme was shaking her head. She tucked her legs underneath herself as we talked, "Alice told me your mother wasn't very happy when she found out you were married." My head fell to the side, "She'll be fine. But, I really, really must thank you and Carlisle for your gift." Her expression brightened, "We were happy to do it. We were so proud of you for getting into college." Her hand rested on mine, "And Alice saw you in your graduate program. Do you think you'll go back?" I shrugged, "I really haven't given it much thought in a while. I've spent that last few weeks learning about the Carpathians' laws, history and culture."

Esme listened intently as I told her about what I was learning. Raven added in more details of their history that I left out. Esme asked questions about some of our historical events and was very disturbed with the Turk Wars. So many people were killed, including Jacques and Mikhail's parents. Changing the subject, Raven began to show her artwork to Esme. Turning the pages slowly, Esme took in every detail of each picture. "You have a talent. These are beautiful." Playfully, Raven sat on my lap and I huffed from under her sudden weight. Hey, I'm not that heavy.

Maybe not to Mikhail. She glared back at me, Whatever. This was Raven trying to cheer me up and it worked, but it was also to cheer herself up. The evening went on peacefully, but I couldn't ignore this gnawing feeling. Part of my mind still searched for Jacques. His absence was creating an emptiness within me and it made no sense. It felt like a black hole was growing bigger, threatening to pull in everything that I was. I could hear the normal, steady beating of my heart, but it still felt off. My heart shouldn't be beating if Jacques wasn't here. Ugh, where could he be? To everyone, I was listening as Alice, Raven and Esme spoke to each other, but inside, I was in turmoil.

Leave the room. A voice came but I didn't recognize it. Bella, come to me. I won't leave you lonely. The others chattered lightly while I was hearing voices. They cannot hear me. Only you can. Come to me. Raven looked at me, "Hey, you okay?" My eyes met hers. Tell her you're fine. You just want to step out of the room, the voice demanded.

The words sent a shiver down my spine. Raven and I communicated on a private wave of thinking. Mikhail and Jacques didn't sense this connection and they were our lifemates. I let her hear the thoughts that were coming to me. Who is that? "I'm fine, Raven," I said aloud for the intruder's benefit. I don't know. He came out of nowhere.

Alice slowly turned her head towards us, taking in the worried expressions on mine and Raven's faces. What's up? I shook my head slowly and place one finger to my lips, shushing her. My finger tapped my ear, indicating that someone is listening. Alice got up and closed the door, "And Bella wouldn't stop squirming as I did her makeup." She continued the conversation as if nothing was wrong. Esme's eyes were scanning the room. Her eyes were like a predator's, searching for any danger. "Well, remember, Bella wasn't used to putting on makeup. It was actually cute. Raven, honey, you should have seen her." Esme inhaled deeply and in her mind she detected a stench. It was sickening, much like the smell of death. The rotting smell was getting stronger. Raven rose from my lap and began creating a safeguard over the courtyard door. She covered her nose with her other hand, trying to block out the choking smell as she worked. Death was strong within this one. What did he want with me?

Bella, please. I will take you away from this. You won't have to hide in the mountains, away from people.

My hand swept passed the fireplace, igniting a strong blaze. Who are you?

There was a chilling laugh, You will see. Come to me now.

Raven slowly shook her head. I nodded in response, I don't talk to strangers. Good night.

The voice laughed smugly, Bella, it is me, Bryan. I have come for you.

A sudden loud pounding came from behind the courtyard doors, making myself and Raven jump and turn. An animal was beating at the glass doors, but it wasn't getting past the safeguards. The large animal rammed its head against the door, making them shutter. Alice and Esme stood with me and Raven, watching the large brute outside. Behind the broken glass panels, I could see its muzzle was pulled back from its teeth, showing a sheen of blood along them; a large black bear. Where was Emmett when you needed him?

Isabella! The harsh voice pounded on my mind. Get out here now!

Raven took my hand in hers, Not this time. Raven wasn't letting me give myself up this time. She suddenly winced, holding the side of her head. The bear got past her safeguard and now it was beating at mine. "Raven, Bella, just stay behind us," Alice and Esme were prepared to fight off the corrupted animal. Alice's brow was puckered, "There's something wrong with it." The foul scent of the bear was choking the room. It snarled as it beat at my safeguard. "There's a vampire near," I said, "I think he changed the bear." Esme exhaled slowly, "Well, he's not getting far." Her voice was low as she waited for the animal to get through.

My brain throbbed with every blow of the bear against my safeguard. Bryan's presence grew stronger, making me feel sick. He was controlling the animal's actions. He was determined to get into our home. Hit it again, he roared. The bear stood on its hind legs, making its body dominate the doorframe. The animal let out a roar, fueled by Bryan's rage and it shook the room. The doors were destroyed and left as a broken pile of wood and glass on the floor. Paws pushed out long claws and raked them against the invisible wall. My heart pounded wildly seeing the bear trying to break in.

Raven was rubbing her temples, trying to dull away her headache. She was feeling the evil of the vampire. I watched as Alice and Esme were ready to fight. The last assault broke through my safeguard. My head throbbed as the wall was broken down. The bear roared in triumph, only to be cut off as Alice leapt on its back. Her small body was lost among the fur on its massive back. Esme had her arms around its neck, cutting off its air. "Don't drink its blood!" I yelled to them. The blood was tainted with evil. No telling what it would have done to them.

Fog began to fill the room, clouding Alice and Esme's struggle with the bear. The fog swirled and moved like it was being controlled. The fog moved like it was searching. The coolness reached myself and Raven as we stood back, away from the roaring bear. My heart lurched as Raven began to scream. Her body collapsed to the floor, holding her head. I reached down to check on her, but my hands were stopped mid-air. My fingers were against something invisible, keeping me away from my sister. Looking around the room, I saw nothing. The fog was even thicker around me. My body whirled, only seeing the dense fog hiding everything, not even letting a sound reach me. There was no roar of the bear fighting for its life and Raven's screams were gone, along with Esme and Alice's snarls. My eyes watched the fog, hoping to see anything. Everything was lost in the white clouds.

Jacques? I tried for him again, but no answer. There was movement through the fog; a man coming toward me. He extended his arm, "Come. Let's leave." Bryan smiled the same way he did before. He didn't look different as the undead did. My heart slammed in my chest and beads of sweat fell down my neck. The air was still and unbreatheable. I stepped back, away from his hand, "Bryan, what have you done?" He moved closer and his hand circled my wrist. I jerked my hand from his clammy and cold touch. "Don't touch me!" His face was impassive as he looked at me, "Bella, I don't want to hurt you. Let's go before the others find us." The fog was thinning away, revealing the night sky. We weren't in the study, but on the roof. Bryan's hold was strong on my wrist, but I still struggled against him. He pulled me into his chest, "Why are you doing this?" I asked quickly. Bryan was preparing to launch us into the sky. I wasn't going to be taken from my home again. I promised Jacques I would keep myself safe.

Bryan's features were beginning to change before my eyes. His skin became paler, but he still had more color than Alice. His eyes were red and the scent of him was making me sick. "You won't believe this, but the one who headed the lab in Kiev was a vampire. I went to him, being one of the few who knew and asked for his help. When I saw what they were doing to you, I wanted to kill them all. He changed me, but I first have to help him." My wrists continued to twist in his hold, but he didn't notice. "I help him get the leader's woman and he will let me have you." I gasped loudly. All of this mayhem so Raven and I would be taken away. Why did this vampire allow this kind of thing to happen to his own people? They were soulless monsters that thrived in destruction. Was the vampire there when I was being experimented on? He must have known I wasn't the one he wanted? That's why I was left to die.

"Bryan, this won't work." He smiled and the sight was appalling. His arms held me tightly against his frame. The felt wrong; horrible. "Do not worry. I will claim you as my lifemate and you will do what I say." My head shook wildly, "Bryan, let me go. I already have a lifemate and he'll kill you." He only laughed darkly, "You and I will be long gone and he'll never find us. Your former lifemate will think you're dead and will greet the sun." My fists pounded against Bryan's chest. He wanted Jacques to die and I wanted Bryan to die. "You just signed your own death warrant," I threatened. My eyes hardened, "Jacques is going to end you and I'm going to watch." Bryan leaned closer to me, sending waves of fear through me. One hand claimed my face. His bone-like fingers held my face painfully tight, "Don't fight me, my lifemate." He pressed his lips to mine. My stomach tightened suddenly as pain shot from my brain, down my spine and through my entire body. Every nerve within me instantly felt dead as another man took this intimate gesture from me. The taste of Bryan made me want to die. I moved my mouth from his and coughed. His putrid breath lingered on my tongue.

Thoroughly mad, I slapped him once and the pain stung my own palm. Bryan's hand slammed my shoulder, knocking me to the floor, "You ungrateful brat." The pain in my shoulder shot down my arm, making it feel paralyzed. Bryan's shadow moved closer to me, I turned my back on my life to come for you and you do this! I looked back at him. His fingers were curved into claws and his lips were pulled back from his teeth. His long incisors were yellow, One taste of my blood and you'll be mine. I scrambled to my feet, "Bryan, stop!" His mind was hectic. The idea of holding me down and claiming my body against my will was at the forefront of his mind.

He stalked me until my back was against one of the turret stones; his gaze was exactly like James. I thought about jumping off the building; anything to escape the deranged vampire watching me.