Chapter 24 – Time to Fight

BPOV

Relief washed through me as Bryan began to hold his own throat, gasping for air. There was an outline of fingers was on his neck, squeezing down on the muscles. This would have been missed by the human eye. Bryan's attempts to move the invisible hands strangling him were unsuccessful. Keep looking at him, Bella. This wasn't the voice I wanted to hear, but it was one I trusted. I kept my eyes focused on Bryan, as I realized I was being used to stop him. A gentle hand rested on my shoulder as Byron's form solidified. He stepped in front of me, blocking me from the cruel vampire's eyes. Bryan coughed roughly and gasped for air as Byron released his hold.

Blood red eyes glared up at Byron. Bryan bared his elongated teeth; they were stain with blackened blood, "Stay out of this, old man. I've come for what is mine." Bryan moved closer and Byron matched his step. They moved in a wide circle, "There is nothing here that belongs to you." Power emanated from Byron as he walked across the roof, "Isabella is not yours as she is already claimed. There is nothing for you here but justice." Byron didn't let his guard down once, moving lithely in his pace. I stayed silent as I watched them standoff. The air was becoming charged with their animosity. An ugly smile came on Bryan's face and it was disturbing; something that will haunt my dreams.

I've never seen a once Carpathian vampire. They were so much different from the vampires I knew. The smell of death lingered on them, while the others smelled alluring and beautiful. His skin was gray, rather than white. He could not maintain looking human for long.

Bryan's burning red eyes followed Byron, "Then let us settle this like men. The winner takes Bella." My eyes narrowed from his proposition, "I am not a prize!" Bryan snarled at me, "Silence, woman!" The air thickened, almost unbreathable as it circled around us. The idea of running returned, but I knew I wouldn't. This was my home and my world now. I was a Carpathian woman and we don't run. Byron dipped his head, "You are both correct. We will settle this as men and Bella is not a prize. Once I end this, you will receive Carpathian justice. I doubt your maker told you about that." Bryan glanced at me, You must remain still and silent, woman. You will come with me.

I sneered at him, showing my own sharp teeth, "In your dreams." Bryan disappeared, as did Byron. Swirls of mist were above me, but I could feel anger and rage. The mist moved in a hateful spiral, taking the form of thick gray clouds; one was triumphing over the other. My hand rested on the stone wall, determined not to move. If Byron needed help, I was going to be here. I wasn't going to leave him like I did before. The cloud darkened and was charged with lightening. Where are you going? Byron's voice was taunting. Bryan tried to escape the fight, but Byron wasn't letting him. A face came from the cloud, then disappeared just as quickly. I stood in silence, not seeing anything, but feeling everything. My heart tried to move at a calm pace, but there was too much to deal with. A vampire was invading our home and threatening to break up our family. Why were our people the target of so much hatred?

Two men suddenly fell from the sky and I smelled blood before I saw it. Bryan had a slash across his arm and blood was seeping heavily. His gaze fell on me, What are you waiting for? Come here and defend me. Byron stepped into Bryan's line of sight, "You coward. Leave her out of this. As you would say, be a man." Red eyes looked as though they were going to spew knives at Byron. Bryan threw himself into the air, changing his form to a large owl. Byron slightly bent his knees and went after him. My eyes widened as I watched Byron change into the owl that was perched on the balcony of my room at the inn. I gasped, Byron was that owl. He saw me from since before I met Jacques. It explained how the bird looked at me, allowing me to move closer to it. The two owls clawed at one another in mid-air.

The roof door flew open and Raven ran over to my side, "What are you doing out here?" She followed my gaze, watching the two large birds fight one another. My hand found hers, "It's Bryan, Ray. He came back as a vampire." Raven gasped quietly as she watched the large birds, "No. Byron is fighting him to redeem himself to Mikhail and Jacques." My eyes closed, feeling the sudden weight. There was no need for him to do that. Was it his male pride that drove him to come to my defense? No, Raven rested her hand on mine, B, they all feel it's their duty and responsibility to protect women, even if she doesn't belong to him.

The two birds separated; one faltered and fell through the air. Raven and I backed away quickly as the birds changed. The scent of decaying was strong as it shifted. Bryan groaned as he got to his feet. There were several new wounds, bleeding out toxic blood. Raven pulled me back to the wall, Don't move a muscle. Her safeguard formed over the both of us, making us invisible to the injured vampire. He shook his head, whipping it back and forth, "Where are you?" His red eyes searched around him; either looking for me or Byron. Raven, stay under the safeguard. I'll distract him.

Her hand tightened around mine, No way! You're not sacrificing yourself this time.

Pushing against the wall, Raven lowered the guard and stepped forward, allowing only herself to be seen. Bryan was crouched as he turned toward her, spewing acid. She exhaled slowly, "What are you doing at my home?" Bryan bared his teeth at her, then took in her stance. Wind blew against her black hair, "So, you're the one he wants." Raven shook her head slowly, "And where is he? The one who made you? Why didn't he come himself?" In the true fashion of a vampire, he would never endanger himself. Bryan was only a pawn. Bryan smiled his cruel evil smile as he stepped closer to Raven. Her pain of his evil proximity shot through me, Raven, don't! Bryan drifted his eyes over the stone wall, "You're not that strong. I can still feel Bella." Raven exhaled slowly, trying to dull away her headache. I knew what she was doing and I couldn't let her do that.

Shooting down from the sky, Byron moved to stand with Raven, "We were not done or are you giving up?" Byron didn't give away my location, but he knew exactly where I was. The skies were darkening with thick clouds, covering the stars. Bryan was testing his new strength and his abilities over nature. Byron took one step toward him. Byron, please, don't do this, I pleaded. Bryan cut his eyes straight at me, even with me still behind the safeguard, Ah, there you are. Moving quickly, Bryan hurdled himself toward me, ready to break the safeguard. Byron smashed his fist full on in Bryan's chest, knocking him to the stone floor, "Leave the women out of this." Raven moved back to stand with me, protecting herself behind the safeguard. Byron dashed across the roof, continuing his fight with Bryan. The stones were grumbling to dust as they fought. Bryan swiped at Byron with talon like nails, but Byron deftly avoided him.

Raven tugged at my hand, We have to get inside.

He'll only come after me in there, I told her, I have to stay here and distract him.

Then I won't leave you.

My head turned to look at Raven, Where's Alice and Esme?

In Raven's mind, she showed me the pack of wolves that began their attack after the bear was killed. Alice plunged her arm through its chest and pulled out the enormous beating heart. She threw the organ into the fireplace and the bear's body was only a lifeless mound on the floor. Howling grew louder as large black wolves snarled its teeth at them. Alice's eyes narrowed, "Is this the best this one can do?" The attack was only a distraction to keep them away. Alice was well able to stay them off as Esme attended to Raven. Raven recalled being in Esme's arms as she attempted to soothe her, Raven, please, you must find Bella. She's gone. Raven's eyes shot open, hearing the yelps of the animals attacking. She quickly changed her form to fog and drifted out of the room, while Esme went back to helping Alice to fighting off the wolves.

Byron stood over Bryan as he lay on the floor, "This is over. You must pay for your crimes." Byron began to speak in the Carpathian language. Bryan attempted to stand, but was quickly knocked back down by Byron's swift hand. Byron was ready to give the final blow to end this. Raven lowered her safeguard, feeling that it was safer to do so. The safeguard was gone and I felt Bryan's true intentions. He hid his smile as Byron spoke. My eyes widened seeing Bryan's plan. My hand claimed Raven's wrist, pulling her closer to me. We watched in shock as Byron was pushed away and Bryan took to the sky. Bryan coursed through the air, moving towards us. His arms reached, fingers curving into claws, ready to cut at my throat, If I can't have her…..

A dark form sliced through the sky, knocking Bryan off his intended path. Bryan groaned loudly as he fell back to the roof, slamming hard into the stones. Another man stood in front of me and Raven. His long black hair was pulled into a tie at the back of his neck. "Stay away from my woman," the voice was lovely, yet dark. My heart sprinted before I realized who the man was. Bryan's body landed between two of the turret stones, clutching to stop himself from falling.

Jacques's arm was extended over Raven, while he kept his frame against mine, keeping me against the wall. My hand rested on his waist, feeling him against me. Bryan roared loudly into the air, seeing that he had another opponent. Jacques's hand rested on mine, Remain silent, my angel. He will not survive the night. I looked up at him, seeing the side of his face. I couldn't think or speak to him. Where was he all this time?

Jacques moved like the strike of a snake. Bryan avoided him easily, "I thought you would be dead." Jacques reappeared on the roof, curving his arm around Bryan's throat. His teeth inches from Bryan's throat, "You dare invade our home? Endanger the women of my family. You touch my lifemate; threaten to take her from my home, allowed her to be experimented on? You will die for your crimes." Byron appeared at Jacques's side, holding Bryan's arms. Bryan's laughter sent a chill through the night as his form melted away, escaping from Jacques and Byron's grasp. Low hissing came from nowhere. Raven gasped loudly and I turned around to see what she saw. Black snakes covered the stones, slithering away in every direction. My body froze as the largest snake came towards me. The snake was unnaturally large; almost the size of an anaconda, but it wasn't one. The black hood had two large red circles, similar to Bryan's eyes. The snake opened its mouth, with fangs as long as my arm was exposed. The snaked hissed, then hurled itself toward me. My body froze in pure fear. I had a terrifying fear of snakes.

My body was pulled out of the way, making the snake hit into the wall. I was pulled against Raven's, We have to get out of here. The snake coiled itself again, focused on me and Raven. My hand clinched hers, He wants to kill the both of us. "Bryan," Jacques spoke, distracting the snake's intentions, "Rand, the one who change you, is dead. He taught you his cowardly ways. Do not be like him and die with honor." Jacques still kept his mind hidden from me. The snake jutted out its forked tongue, tasting the air around him. "He sought revenge against me and my brother by trying to take our lifemates. He blamed us from keeping him from his true lifemate. She claimed her own life. Rand abandoned our sister and left her to be killed, so he wanted to end the rest of our family.

Raven and I didn't move, while we listened to Jacques. Rand was the one who left Noelle alone when she was found by the fanaticals; the man that was the father of her son. The enormous snake continued to watch Jacques, I don't give a damn about him. He gave me what I wanted. The red eyes of the black snake turned toward me, And I will take what I want. How could Bryan be this way? It had to be the influence of Rand, planting these thoughts and ways of thinking into his head. Jacques's anger charged the sky, "Stay away from her!" Raven tugged at my arm, trying to get us away. That was it; I have had enough. I was tired of being threatened and seeing my family in danger. This had to end. My own anger was growing, erasing every doubt I had. I was tired of all this. I was tired of my home being invaded and my family's safety being threatened. It was infuriating to be afraid of others who turned their backs on nature and those who slathered innocents. I may be a danger magnet, but it was time to put an end to this danger.

I recalled one item in house and I felt it solidify in my hand. My fingers held it tightly behind my back. Raven looked down, seeing it hidden, Don't. My will was already strong and there was no going back. I took one step forward. "Bryan, you don't want to do this," I said in a soothing tone, "This isn't you." I let my mind touch his, letting him feel my concern. I ignored everyone watching and their thoughts toward to, commanding that I stop. It felt horrid to merge my mind with a vampire, but it was necessary at the moment. I didn't let my body break rank as the snakes slithered against my feet and legs to be near Bryan. Their cold skin sent goosebumps through me. These snakes weren't real, I had to remind myself. The darkness of these things was enough to make me sick.

Bella, stop this now! My eyes stared into his. "Bryan," I said the name as though he were my lover, "is this what you really want?" The snake changed its form, back to Bryan. His face was the same as it was the first time I met him. The hideousness of what he became was pushed away. "Why are you doing this?" One step was all it took; my stomach tightened like a vice and my head pounded with a terrible headache. He was the most evil being I've ever encountered. His intentions made James seem tame.

From above, Byron was ready to strike. Bryan hissed, feeling Byron's presence. You tramp. You tried to trick me. Byron and Jacques moved quickly, but Bryan evaded them both. Byron was knocked to the edge of the roof. Bryan tightened his hands around Byron's throat, bending his body over the turret stone's edge. Jacques went to aid Byron, ready to pull Bryan away. Bella, run! Jacques gave the order to t6he point of him forcing my compliance. Bryan tightened his fingers around Byron's throat. Below, the sounds of animals roaring vibrated through the walls. Bryan called more of his monstrous minions to stay off the Alice and Esme. He knew that if they came, he would fall. The horde of snakes hissed at mine and Raven's feet. They snapped at us in their attempt to keep us away. That is it, I have had enough!

Bryan leapt away from Byron and Jacques. He stood in the center of his black snakes, "So much for your justice." He drifted to over where I stood. Cold fingers curved around my wrist, pulling to stand among the snakes. They hissed at me as I was pulled into their circle. Jacques roared to the skies, "Release my lifemate!" Bryan pulled me into his embrace, "She is mine now. I was taught me how to erase her memory." I gasped quietly, "Bryan, please," his dead eyes looked at me. He smiled showing his rotting teeth as he leaned closer to me, "Do not worry, you will only know me." My lip trembled. The thought of his sweet aunt entered my mind. She will be devastated by the loss of her nephew, but he needed to be released.

Raven knew what I wanted to do. She moved as close as she could, not wanting the snakes to touch her, "Bryan, don't take my sister." He turned his head, toward her and hissed. "Stay out of this, you witch." Anger exploded out of me. No one speaks to Raven like that! The elegant dagger in my hand plunged into Bryan's chest. Its jeweled handle was covered in his blood. The three large green stones were stained by the deep red liquid was closer to black, as it spewed from the wound. The curved blade cut through the sinews and bones that protected Bryan's heart. Bryan's hand held my throat, attempting to choke me. I twisted the blade in his chest quickly, Just die!

Blood spattered on my dress as the undead's body fell to the floor. The snakes melted away, becoming one with the black blood. I breathed heavily, not wanting to think of what I had just done. I pulled the knife from his chest, taking his blackened heart with it. The organ was still thumping, pushing out more noxious blood. Bryan reached out to me, while writhing in pain. Raising my body off the floor, I floated away from the blood to the edge of the roof. If any of it touched me, it would make me severely ill. No one spoke as the body was ignited in flames. With the dagger still in my hand, I threw it into the flames, letting it burn with the body. I began to tremble from shock and disbelief in what I just did. I've committed murder.

Byron stepped over the flames and with one fluid motion of his hand, he pushed the flames and pulled out the dagger. The flames burned away the blood, leaving the dagger clean.

My hands rested on the turret stone, looking down to the trees. My nails scrapped against the smooth stone as I tried to hold myself together. I'm a killer…. A killer! Jacques stood behind me, resting his hand on my shoulder. I brushed his hand away quickly. *Sívamet? Tears stung my eyes as I turned to look at him. His dark eyes became worried. He reached out to touch me again, but I stepped back. Bella, it is all right. You are safe. He stepped closer to me. My hands pushed against his chest, You left me. His expression changed to remorse, feeling my anger with him. Jacques left me alone, after promising me he wouldn't. He continued to come toward me. My hands push against his chest again with more force, No, you broke your promise. I can't trust you. Jacques's eyes closed each time I hit him.

Tears streamed down my face as Jacques got his hands around me. I wanted him to feel the pain I felt when I realized he was gone; of when I thought he was in danger. Jacques pulled me into his chest, hugging me tightly. Lips pressed a kiss to my forehead, My brave, sweet angel, please forgive me. His arms were strong around me again. My frame trembled from my cries. It didn't scare me that I just killed a man or seeing a wild bear break into my home. It scared me that Jacques was going to be hurt and we were going to be parted again.

His finger was feather light as he brushed a tear from my cheekbone. My hair was brushed back as he leaned his forehead against mine. The corpse was nothing more than ash as the flames died. My eyes opened, watching the flames become red as they smoldered on the ashes. I looked around, seeing that we were alone. "Where's Raven?" Byron took her inside. Jacques held me against his chest. His mouth was locked on mine. His kiss pushed away ever worry, each concern and thought of the night. With Bryan's death, his minions died. Bryan corrupted animals and they died for nothing. I looked down, trying to listen for the voices inside.

Raven was with Alice, looking over the room. Byron was getting rid of the bodies. Esme insisted on helping him, but he wouldn't allow it, "You've done enough for tonight."

Do not think of it. Jacques brushed his hand along my cheek. "We are together. Can you forgive me for leaving you with Raven? Mikhail and I decided that we should see this place for ourselves. It was best to keep the both of you safe." His other hand rested on my neck, "We were able to learn a great deal, with Dr. Cullen's help." Carlisle? Is he here? To see another member of the Cullen family would make me feel better. Jacques brushed his lips through my hair, "He is." Fingers combed through my hair and emotions of security and love emanated from Jacques. My head leaned against his chest, listening to his soothing heartbeat. I leaned my head back to inhale the scent of his breath. I got what I wanted; Jacques's arms holding me, his voice calling me 'angel' and he was safe again. Jacques's thoughts were laughing, Is that all you wished for?

Don't pretend it didn't bother you either to be away from me. I saw right through his brave front. Jacques was as worried for me as I was for him, It did, then to hear his thoughts of claiming you. Anger rippled through his mind. Jacques recalled the memory of me speaking with Bryan when he was human, then the memory of Bryan standing over me in the laboratory, then to see him as the undead, threatening his wife and sister in law.

You have no idea how it pained me to be away from you. So soon after your return, but I insisted on going. I looked at him and his eyes were sincere as he spoke, Calm, my sweet. I wanted to ensure your safety and gain knowledge myself of these so-called scientists. It pained me, but it was something I had to do.

I shook my head, Just after you said that only you can truly ensure my safety? There was no smile in his mind. His eyes closed and pressed his lips to mine; hard and dominating. Jacques exhaled slowly, "You are right. I keep making mistakes in regards to your safety." I pressed my lips to his lightly, "We all make mistakes." He rested his hands on my waist, You are much too forgiving. I laughed once, "I'm not finished." Jacques needed to know that none of these things were his fault. How could they not be? My head fell backwards to look into his eyes, "Jacques, was it your fault that I didn't look away from the sun before it stung my eyes?" I should have told you what it does to one as young as you. I shook my head, "You could have told me and I probably would have done the same thing. And it wasn't your fault that I let myself be taken." His eyes rose to look into mine, I should have been there. My hand rested on his cheek, "You can't be in two places at once. All these things, the ones you can't control or prevent, they're life. You can't control everything. All you can do is control how you react to them."

Jacques pulled me into a tight hug, imprinting my body against his. His mind was silent as we held each other. Jacques would drive himself insane worrying about all the things he couldn't protect me from. I would, if I truly thought about all the things that could endanger you. My face rested on his chest, Would you want me to do the same thing? Perhaps I should try to keep you here. He laughed a genuine laugh, I was thinking that for you.

My shoulder nudged him, "Look, I'm not going to spend the rest of my life in a plastic bubble. I will do what I can to maintain my safety and you must do the same." I leaned away from him, "That's the best either of us can do." Jacques had the ability to bend my will to his, to do what he wanted for the rest of my life. I never thought of it before, but he could make me his puppet if he felt it would be best. My will may never be my own again. This was something to worried about, but I didn't; I trust Jacques. As silly as it seemed to anyone else who knew us, they would think me foolish to trust him this much after only a short amount of time.

Jacques pressed a kiss to my temple, "Come on. Let's get inside. Carlisle wishes to see you."

Carpathian Language

*sívamet: my love or my heart

Shee-vaw-meht