"Stripped"
Chapter 21: Game Changers
When the sun came up in the morning Damon carefully untangled himself from Bella before he quietly snuck out of the room.
"And where are you going?" Rebekah asked as soon as he shut Bella's door.
"None of your business," Damon replied.
"What because she said no you're going to find another piece of meat," Rebekah said.
Damon blurred before pinning Rebekah to the wall, "She's not a piece of meat," he growled, "Don't ever say she is."
"You really do care for her," Rebekah said, "Very well; she isn't a piece of meat."
Damon released Rebekah and put on his jacket.
"Where are you going?" Rebekah asked after rubbing her neck.
"Out," Damon said. "I'll send Tyler over to watch her."
"There's no need to," Rebekah replied, "I'll look after her."
"I can't trust you," Damon with a laugh.
"Yes you can," Rebekah said, "I won't let anything happen to her."
"You like her," Damon said with a smirk.
"She's not terrible company," Rebekah replied carefully, "Are you going to take my offer or not?"
"If I come back and she's got one scratch on her…" Damon said.
"Other than the one you gave her," Rebekah interrupted.
"Yes," Damon growled out, "Your head is going to be on a platter."
Damon headed down the stairs and out the door.
"Seems like someone's uptight," Rebekah mumbled.
"He's just overprotective," Bella said with a chuckle.
"How long have you been awake?" Rebekah asked.
"A minute," Bella said before putting on her gray sweater, "You want some tea?"
Rebekah nodded and followed Bella down the stairs. Bella put the tea on and Rebekah sat down at the breakfast bar.
"So are you alright?" Rebekah asked carefully.
"You heard," Bella said, blushing.
"I would say the walls are thin, but that would be a lie." Rebekah said, smiling.
"Damn vampire hearing," Bella said while shaking her head.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Rebekah asked. "You don't have to if you don't want to."
"No actually I think talking to you might be good. I mean it would be a lot less awkward and I have a feeling you might be less judgmental as well." Bella said while bringing over two cups of tea.
"Well I can't promise on the judgmental part, but I can try," Rebekah said before sipping the tea. "Mmmm I haven't had a good batch of tea since London, that's been over 90 years."
"All the herbs come straight from the garden," Bella said as she pointed to the greenhouse. "Okay, have you ever heard of a singer?"
"You mean a person who's blood is so tempting and enticing to vampires that they have a hard time controlling their thirst," Rebekah answered.
"Yeah," Bella said, "I'm that."
"Oh dear," Rebekah said.
"It's not like Damon hasn't fed on me before, I mean I wasn't exactly a willing donor, but…" Bella trailed off.
She told Rebekah about Damon attacking her and that being why she had left in the first place.
"And you forgave the prick," Rebekah said shocked, "I would have casted a spell to take that thing he considers a penis."
"Rebekah, don't tell me he wasn't any good," Bella said with a raise of her eyebrows.
"Alright," Rebekah said, "I had to figure out some sort of insult though." Rebekah sighed, "Why do you think he lost control?"
"Easy," Bella said, "I'm a singer and our passions were both running high which means…."
"Hormones were being produced and that made your blood even more enticing," Rebekah finished. "You know that's a dangerous thing, being that intimate with a vampire especially if you're a singer."
"I've been told that before," Bella replied and sighed.
"Are you a virgin Bella?" Rebekah asked bluntly.
"Yes," Bella replied shyly.
"Well there's another explanation," Rebekah said, "Bella blood is sweet, but a virgin's blood is like the finest wine there is. Your blood is still pure in a sense, add that to you being a singer and well, let's just say you are the rarest wine there is and if any vampire knew that about you, they'd lock you up and drain you."
"You mean a vampire like your brother," Bella guessed.
"Klaus would want to drink directly from the vein." Rebekah said grimly, "You need to be careful about spilling your blood." A confused look suddenly came over her face, "Bella why couldn't I smell your blood earlier…when you brought Klaus back I mean."
"I made sure I was downwind from you and before you ask, when Kol fed from me I had vervain and some other herbs in my system so it dulled the taste." Bella answered.
"Clever girl," Rebekah said impressed, "We definitely underestimated you."
Rebekah finished her tea and sighed.
"What's wrong?" Bella asked.
"I'm already feeling cooped up," Rebekah replied, "I'm sorry I don't like being kept inside."
"Then let's go shopping," Bella suggested, "I mean you do need some clothes."
"What about Klaus and Kol?" Rebekah asked.
"They haven't noticed that you've been missing. Besides if we go to Richmond we should be alright." Bella said, "I'll go get ready."
Bella headed up the stairs and quickly showered, dried her hair, straightened it, and did some light make up. She choose a regular pair of jeans, a brown crochet trim peasant top, brown riding boots, and a brown duster sweater. She topped it off with the necklace Damon had given her. She gingerly touched it.
"Something special about that necklace?" Rebekah asked from the doorway.
"Very special," Bella said before looking at Rebekah from the mirror, "It belonged to my grams."
"It looks good on you," Rebekah commented, "I hope you don't mind I borrowed the red sweater in your closet."
"No that's fine," Bella said before grabbing her keys. "Are you ready?"
.*.*.*.*.*.
Damon walked into the boarding house to find Elena and Stefan in the kitchen, drinking blood; animal for Stefan, human for Elena.
"Damon what are you doing here?" Elena asked surprised, "I thought you would be with Bella."
"What are you guys doing here?" Damon countered, "I didn't expect you guys back for a few days."
"Well with Rebekah living with Bella, Elena wanted to come back early," Stefan explained.
"Well works out for me," Damon said, "Stefan can I talk to you?"
"Sure," Stefan replied.
"Alone," Damon said seriously.
"Private sibling conversation I get it," Elena said while setting her glass down, "I was gonna head home anyways." She quickly planted a chaste kiss on Stefan's lips, "I'll see you later. Bye Damon."
Damon gave a wave and Elena disappeared.
"What's wrong?" Stefan asked.
"What makes you think anything is wrong?" Damon questioned nonchalantly.
"You never want to talk to me unless something's wrong so spill it," Stefan replied.
"How did you not feed on Elena when you two had sex?" Damon said bluntly.
Stefan nearly spit out his blood, "What?" He coughed.
Damon sighed dramatically, "Fine I'll say it slower this time. How…did…you…not…"
"No, no I heard what you said," Stefan interrupted, "Did you and Bella…."
"No," Damon said, "She isn't ready and I respect that, but things did get a little hot and one of my fangs accidentally scraped her neck, drawing the tiniest bit of blood and suddenly I just…lost it."
Stefan blew out a huge breath, "Oh boy," he said, "You need to sit down."
"Why?" Damon asked while narrowing his eyes.
"Her blood did it have any vervain in it?" Stefan asked.
"No," Damon replied slowly.
"No hint of herbs or anything," Stefan continued.
"No…why?" Damon asked.
"Bella's a singer," Stefan said.
"Those aren't real," Damon scoffed.
"They are, they're extremely rare, but they're out there and Bella is the only one whose blood calls to us that strongly." Stefan said with a chuckle.
"How do you know?" Damon asked.
"When I went on my human blood binge I nearly drained her. I've never tasted something so sweet and I didn't want to stop." Stefan said. "After that she found a way to dull the calling of her blood. It doesn't completely cover it, but it masks its potency."
"Why didn't she tell me?" Damon asked a little hurt.
"It's not something she necessarily broadcast. I'm sure if you hadn't left this morning and talked with her about it she would have told you," Stefan explained, "Not even Elena or the others know. What also adds to it is that Bella's a virgin Damon. You know how good their blood taste, add that to the fact Bella's already a singer and you've got the rarest of blood out there."
"Why wouldn't she have any vervain in her system?" Damon asked, "Or herbs."
"She probably ran out of the herbs and her bracelet has vervain in the metal." Stefan said, "I gave it to her a few Christmases ago."
"I see," Damon said, "So I lost it because of those things."
"That and probably your added attraction to her," Stefan said, "We're vampires brother. Our emotions are heightened. You're gonna have to be careful with Bella now that you've tasted her blood when it's pure."
"It was the strangest thing," Damon commented, "I had never felt so primal. I wanted her…all of her."
"Well I don't know what that is like," Stefan said uncomfortably, "But I get it. You just have to be conscience of what you're doing."
Suddenly Caroline burst in and interrupted their conversation.
"We have a huge fucking problem," Caroline said while staring at them.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"You can really shop you know that," Bella said while helping Rebekah carry her bags, "I don't think all of this will fit in the car."
"I could have a few things mailed to us," Rebekah offered.
"I don't think it will all fit in the closet even," Bella added. "You want to grab some lunch real quick?"
"I'm not hungry," Rebekah said.
"But I am," Bella replied before shutting the trunk of the car. "Come on, we can have a couple of cocktails."
"Alcohol and shopping," Rebekah laughed, "You've found my weakness."
"I just need to stop in this shop over here on the corner," Bella said.
"I'll go get us reservations," Rebekah said.
Both of them split up and Bella headed into the shop on the corner.
"Welcome to Madame Alessandria's house of secrets, do you need a love potion perhaps." The woman said from behind the counter.
"No thank you, besides there is no such thing," Bella replied, "I'm looking for Gretchen."
"Is that Isabella Swan's voice I hear?" An old woman said before coming out from behind the curtain. "Why my child you have grown up."
"Hello Ms. Gretchen," Bella said before walking over to hug the old woman, "How are you?"
"Still kicking," Gretchen replied, "You still hanging around the bloodsuckers?"
"And werewolves," Bella added with a laugh, "But yes I am."
"Well come back, I'll get you what you need," Gretchen said before taking her hand.
Immediately Gretchen tensed and pulled up Bella's sweater sleeve.
"Oh child," she said with disappointment when she saw the scar.
"I know," Bella replied.
"Come back here and we can talk," Gretchen said. "Now tell me everything."
Gretchen had been Bella's Gram's oldest friend as well as Miss Shelia's. All three had grown up learning magic together. Gretchen had left Mystic Falls to open the shop in Richmond, but whenever herbs for spells were needed, Bella's grams and Miss Shelia always drove to her.
"What's your grams say?" Gretchen asked once Bella had told her everything leading up to now. "Messing with Originals only brings trouble and hunny, you have a tendency to do that well enough on your own."
"She's not so bad Ms Gretchen," Bella replied, "She's just hurt."
"She's old, she drinks blood, and she can't be trusted," Gretchen replied before she sighed, "There's no use in trying to convince you otherwise, you've got a stubborn spirit. What do you all need?"
Bella handed Gretchen the list and within fifteen minutes Gretchen had everything ready.
"Here you go sweet girl," Gretchen said before handing Bella the bags, "Be careful darling."
"I will," Bella said before hugging Gretchen, "And I promise I won't stay away too long."
"You read my mind," the woman said with a smile.
Bella headed to the car to put the bags in and once she had done so, a wave of nausea came over her. She leaned against the car and closed her eyes; suddenly her mind was bombarded with images of Rebekah in an alley. A talk dark skinned man with cold eyes threw vervain water on her and stuck her with a stake.
Bella didn't bother to lock the car instead she ran to the alley she had seen and once she was close, she followed the scream that came from Rebekah.
"Filthy vampire," the man said while standing over Rebekah.
"Leave her alone," Bella yelled and used, throwing him into a wall.
She rushed over and helped Rebekah up and when they turned to exit the alley, the man was right there blocking their path.
"A vampire and a witch; I get a two for one special," he said while smirking.
Bella got ready to use, but suddenly the man pulled out a talisman of some sort and started chanting. Bella felt pressure building up in her head and then it turned to pain…agonizing pain. She opened her eyes, but the pain and pressure made it to where she couldn't focus. Finally she pulled herself together and focused on the man using. She tried to throw him into the wall again but this time, it was like it reflected back. Bella was thrown full force into the wall behind her, knocking her out.
As the man approached, Rebekah quickly rammed into him knocking him into the wall and out as well.
"Bella," Rebekah said while walking over.
Immediately she smelled Bella's blood and her fangs descended.
"Crap," Rebekah said after swallowing hard.
In a swift movement she bit her wrist and held it to Bella's mouth. Finally Bella started to come to and she started gagging.
"Are you going to throw up?" Rebekah asked while removing her wrist.
Bella shook her head, but she was pale.
"I'll be okay," Bella said while trying to stand up, "Are you alright?"
"Just a little vervain," Rebekah said, "How did you find me?"
"Vision," Bella said and walked over the man's slumped form. "Who are you?"
Bella started looking around him and saw the talisman he had held and used against her. She reached down to pick it up, but the moment her flesh wrapped around it Bella felt excruciating pain and the smell of burning flesh. She dropped it and moved back to reveal her hand had been severely burned.
"We have to get out of here," Rebekah said, "Oh my god that's bad…here."
Once again Rebekah bit her wrist and held it to Bella's mouth. Bella swallowed thickly and started to drink even though her stomach churned, but she felt no relief and stopped drinking.
"It's not healing," Bella said while trying not to puke, "Rebekah see if you can pick it up."
Rebekah picked it up with no problem.
"Come on," Rebekah said as she helped Bella to the car.
"Who the hell was that?" Bella asked.
"The hunter," Rebekah said as she sped away from the curb, "We are in serious shit now."
.*.*.*.*.*.
"Ouch," Tyler said as Stefan pulled out another vervain soaked wooden bullet.
"Go over it again," Damon said, "Slowly."
"He showed up at Carol's house," Caroline started, "He shook Tyler's hand."
"His gloves were soaked in vervain," Tyler added as he cringed while another bullet came out.
"Next thing we knew he had emptied his gun into Tyler's chest and that's when we ran." Caroline said.
"You said you've seen him before," Damon said while looking over to Jeremy and Matt.
"Yeah at the Grill," Jeremy said, "He's covered in tattoos."
"He didn't have any tattoos," Matt said, "I mean I didn't see any."
"Has anyone got a hold of Bella?" Bonnie asked.
"No," Elena said, "She's not at her house and she left her phone there too."
"Guys," Liz called out while coming into the house.
"In the living room mom," Caroline called back.
Liz came in and hugged her daughter, "Are you kids okay?"
"We're fine," Caroline replied.
"Good thing I'm a hybrid," Tyler said while breathing heavy.
"Last one Tyler," Stefan said, "This one is going to hurt."
Tyler bit down as Stefan pulled the final bullet out and he started to examine it.
"Hey Bonnie," Stefan called, "Ever seen anything like this?" He asked while holding the bullet out to her.
Bonnie inspected it closely, "These aren't any witch markings that I've ever seen."
Bonnie reached out to touch the bullet, but a scream stopped her.
"Bonnie don't," Bella yelled and used flinging the bullet away from Bonnie.
"Bella," Damon said before blurring over, "Are you alright," he reached to grab her hand, but Bella shied away.
Gingerly he took her hand and looked over it.
"What happened?" Damon growled as his body grew tense, "What did she do?"
"Rebekah didn't do anything," Bella said and turned her head, "Come on in."
"What is she doing here?" Caroline hissed as Rebekah walked in.
"Caroline stop it," Bella ordered, "If it wasn't for her I'd probably be dead by now, she saved my life so be nice."
"Fine," Caroline huffed, "But I'm not happy about it."
"Believe me I'm not very happy about being around any of you either." Rebekah said, "You need to get that looked at."
"You know I feel like a damn mob doctor when you guys call," Meredith said while coming into the room, "Who's the patient?"
"I'm all good now Meredith, but Bella looks hurt," Tyler said while putting on a clean shirt.
Meredith walked over and inspected Bella's hand.
"What happened?" She asked after getting out her bag.
"Cursed talisman," Bella guessed.
"It was a witch repellent talisman," Rebekah spoke up, "Hunters use it to fight witches."
"You know about hunters," Elena said while narrowing her eyes.
"You could say that," Rebekah replied tensely.
"Rebekah," Bella said softly, "Honesty remember."
Rebekah sighed, "A very long time ago I fell in love with a hunter. I know of their weapons to some degree."
"Damon care to be a willing donor?" Meredith asked.
Damon started rolling up his sleeve, but Bella stopped him.
"It won't work," Bella said, "Rebekah already tried."
"They used to never be that strong." Rebekah added while taking out the talisman, "Back in 1200s they had talismans like that, but I was able to heal the witches burned. They've gotten stronger somehow."
"What can they do?" Bonnie asked.
"Give you one hell of a headache and bounce whatever you throw at them back on you." Bella said grimly.
"What do you mean?" Bonnie asked confused.
"I mean he started chanting and holding that thing then my head felt like it was going to combust. I tried throwing him into the wall, but all it did was bounce back and throw me into the wall." Bella said before wincing while Meredith doctored her burn.
"You're gonna have to watch this," Meredith said, "I don't want it getting infected."
"The markings on the bullet and the talisman are the same," Stefan said after studying them both. "Bella do you know of any books on hunters?"
"No," Bella said after shaking her head, "But Gretchen might. I saw her today I can go back tomorrow."
"Not without me," Damon said.
"Gretchen is not going to let you into the store," Bella said.
"I'll go with her," Jeremy said. "I mean maybe I can help since I can see his tattoos."
"You can," Rebekah said surprised then looked at Bella, "You have to keep him away from the hunter."
"Why?" Elena asked becoming worried.
"If Jeremy can see his tattoos it means Jeremy is a potential." Rebekah replied. "If that hunter finds that out, he'll use him to his advantage."
"He already knows I can see them," Jeremy said, "I told him at the bar he had nice ink."
"What are you going to do?" Matt asked.
"Nothing," Bella said, "For now we watch."
"You need to watch out for Klaus as well," Rebekah said. "If he finds out where the hunter is, he'll take him and then he'll come for Jeremy since he can see the tattoos and he can draw them."
"What's so important about the tattoos?" Stefan asked.
"Once the tattoos are complete they show the map to the cure," Rebekah said.
"How are the tattoos acquired?" Bella asked.
"By killing supernatural creatures," Rebekah replied grimly, "The more he kills, the more the tattoos appear but there's a problem."
"What's that?" Elena asked.
"The more he kills, the more his hatred for the species appears and the less he cares about how he gets his kills," Rebekah responded. "He'll go to any lengths to expose and destroy any supernatural being."
The entire room was silent.
"Bella," Liz said finally speaking up, "Not to add to our problems but Klaus and Kol are looking for you."
"Guess I need to give them my answer," Bella said before standing up and looking to Jeremy, "You said this hunter was at the Grill."
"Yeah," Jeremy replied.
"Well I haven't eaten, ten to one Klaus will be there and maybe the hunter, might as well kill two birds with one stone." Bella said before she looked to Rebekah, "Want to come with us?"
"Bella what are you thinking?" Liz asked.
"I'm going to give Klaus his answer and I'm going to warn the hunter." Bella said simply, "This is our town, no one else's; no one is going to push us around or destroy us." Bella stood up, "And on that note I want to make something very clear to all of you. Rebekah saved my life today, she could have run, but she didn't instead she stayed and took care of me just like anyone of you would have done," Bella looked to Rebekah, "In my books she's earned my trust and I have every intention of protecting her like I protect you." Bella declared before she looked back to the others, "I know the history between everyone isn't exactly wonderful, but now that's in the past. We have the hunter, Klaus, and who knows what else against us, we need to stand together. So can all of you put the past behind you and start new?"
Once again the room was silent.
"Yes," Elena said quietly at first before she looked to Rebekah, "You always said things that happen, happen for a reason. The universe obviously wanted this to happen to me. I can let go of what happened and move forward."
Stefan placed his hand on Elena's shoulder, "Me too."
Slowly one by one everyone agreed; the only three who hadn't spoken up were Damon, Caroline, and Rebekah. Tyler nudged Caroline who rolled her eyes.
"Fine," Caroline said with a huff and crossing her arms, "I can let go of what happened if certain people can keep their grimy Original fangs off my boyfriend."
"New start," Damon said after sipping his whiskey, "Stand together sounds like a bunch of sixties flower power crap." He sighed before he finished his drink and said, "But then again the sixties were one of my more favorite time periods so what the hell. I'm in."
Bella's eyes fell to Rebekah who stood up.
"I can't promise I won't be a bitch at times," Rebekah started and Caroline rolled her eyes, "But I can promise I won't betray your trust Isabella."
"That means not betraying them," Bella said while pointing to everyone.
"Consider them safe," Rebekah replied.
"That's good enough for me," Bella said with a smile, "So who needs a drink?"
Everyone's hands flew up.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"Isabella this is Klaus again," Klaus said on the answering machine, "I've been waiting patiently for your answer and now my patience is wearing thin. I want an answer by tonight. Otherwise you will force me to take drastic actions to get your attention."
Klaus hung up and Kol chuckled.
"Something funny brother?" Klaus asked annoyed.
"I've never seen you so bent out of shape over a woman," Kol replied, "Not even Tatia."
"She's getting on my nerves," Klaus said through gritted teeth.
"Oh now brother you know you can't lie to me," Kol said after putting down his glass. "I think she's done the same thing to you as she did to me."
"What might that be?" Klaus growled.
"She's bewitched you," Kol said, "There's something about her, more than her power, that intrigues you and you can't put your finger on it." Kol stood up and slapped Klaus on the back, "She's put a spell on both of us and I think the only question now is which of us she will choose."
"Easy choice there brother," Klaus said with a smirk, "It will be me."
"Keep telling yourself that Niklaus," Kol said before he walked into the library for more alcohol.
Suddenly Klaus' phone rang.
"Hello," Klaus said.
"She's back," one of his hybrids said, "She's at the Grill."
Klaus hung up and smirked.
"So she's back," Kol said while walking in as he put on his jacket. "Shall we see who can win her over?"
"Don't be such a sore loser this time Kol," Klaus said, putting on his jacket as well.
.*.*.*.*.*.
Within ten minutes they were at the Grill and they immediately spotted Bella with Damon whose arm was wrapped around her.
"They're here," Damon growled.
"So," Bella said with a shrug.
"Bella," Klaus called as he crossed the room, "Glad to see you've returned. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas."
"It was lovely," Bella replied while not looking at them.
"Damon if you don't mind the lovely lady and myself have some business to discuss." Klaus said while reaching for Bella.
Damon caught his hand and turned around, "Don't touch her," he growled.
"Actually we don't because my answer is no," Bella said before turning to face him.
"Are you certain about that little dove?" Kol asked. "You know what that means."
"Who said we'd want the cure," Damon said while staring directly at Klaus and smirking.
"You told them," Klaus said; his jaw tense.
"I decided that I needed to stop keeping things from them," Bella said smiling, "I mean trust is important."
"You know we can make you," Kol said.
"How?" Bella asked, "I'll know about it before you even have a chance to raise a finger. Besides I don't need your help finding the cure…I already have another partner in crime."
"Oh and who might that be," Klaus said before yanking his hand from Damon's grip.
"Me," Rebekah's voice said from behind her brothers.
Kol and Klaus turned around slowly and were shocked to find Rebekah standing behind them, her arms crossed and she was smirking.
"Miss me brothers?" She asked before she moved next to Bella.
"You can't be here," Klaus said becoming angry.
"Oh but I can and I am," Rebekah replied. "I warned you not to underestimate her."
"I saw your coffin," Kol argued.
"Illusions aren't that hard to conjure," Bella said before sipping on her martini. "I warned you about leaving town, you chose not to and now I don't need your help with the cure."
"Rebekah we're family," Kol said seriously.
"Well Kol you helped put me back in that god awful coffin, for all I care you can rot in hell." Rebekah sneered, "I'm playing for a different team now…one that actually appreciates me and I can trust. By trust I mean I can turn my back on them without worrying about a dagger…for the most part anyways, not that the thought doesn't cross their minds."
"Oh it does," Caroline said from two tables away.
"You have no idea what you've done little girl," Klaus said while his whole body radiated with anger, "You will pay for this."
"You'll have to go through me," Damon said while getting in his face.
"Myself as well," Rebekah added.
"Klaus I did warn you," Bella said with a shake of her head, "You had your chance to tuck tail and run, but you chose to stay. Little advice from now on…don't write checks with your mouth that you can't cash with your ass. Shall we head back to the table?"
Rebekah, Bella and Damon headed back and sat down at the booth with everyone.
"What now brother?" Kol asked, "She's one upped us again."
"We'll discuss it, but not here," Klaus growled and headed for the door.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"I have never seen Klaus so lost for words," Rebekah said happily, "Oh over a thousand years and I've never felt so alive."
"What now?" Matt asked worriedly, "We've crossed Klaus; he won't let this go unpunished."
"He's right," Bonnie added, "And he always collects his payment and that payment gets paid in blood."
"I know," Bella said, "But for now Klaus is the least of our problems." Bella's eyes were trained on the door, "He is our main one."
Everyone turned to see the Hunter that had attacked Tyler, Bella, and Rebekah.
"He's looking over here," Matt said awkwardly.
"Bella what are you doing?" Caroline asked after seeing Bella stand up.
"Going to have a chat." Bella said before she walked over, followed closely by Damon.
"There's the little witch," the hunter said while smirking, "How's the hand?"
"Connor right," Bella said, ignoring his comment, "I've heard a lot about you. Let's cut the bullshit shall we; this is our town not yours, so get the hell out."
"Not going that easily," Connor replied, "I'm not some wannabe vampire killer you can scare off with your tricks. You've seen what I can do."
"And you've only seen part of what I can do," Bella said, "When I set my mind to something, I tend to be unstoppable."
"Whose this?" Connor asked while sizing up Damon. "Guard dog?"
"Who are you a wannabe Van Helsing?" Damon countered, "Listen to her."
"You don't know who you're playing with little girl." Connor said, "I understand you witches are meant to keep the balance so here's the deal; let me kill the vamps and wolves and I'll leave you alone."
"First off it's you who doesn't know who you're playing with and secondly, I'm not a little girl." Bella said while getting in Connor's face, "Those vampires and werewolves, well their my friends and I'll protect them whatever comes their way."
"You really wanna go against me." Connor chuckled.
"I think I can handle it," Bella replied, "Last chance to tuck tail and run."
"I have a feeling this is going to get very interesting," Connor said before backing away, "I'll be seeing you soon little witch."
"I'm counting on it," Bella replied while watching him.
Connor looked towards Jeremy, "Tell the kid I'll be seeing him soon too."
"No you won't," Bella said as Connor walked out the door.
"That was interesting," Damon said, "Explain to me why everyone keeps asking if I'm your guard dog?"
"Because you constantly bow up and bare your teeth," Rebekah commented from across the room.
Suddenly Elena and the others busted out laughing.
"What did I miss?" Bella asked.
"Nothing," Damon said after rolling his eyes, "Come on, let's get you something to eat."
"Don't do that," Bella said teasingly, "It makes you less attractive."
.*.*.*.*.*.
Meanwhile:
"Have you found anything?" Alice asked as they rifled through the Forks High school records.
"Nothing yet," Rosalie replied, "I can't believe we've been reduced to breaking and entering for a human no less. If the Volturi catch us…."
"Just quit your whining and find the records," Alice hissed, "There's a reason she was looking for us. What if it was because of Victoria?"
"What about her?" Rosalie asked.
"I've been catching glimpses, nothing concrete, but she's up to something." Alice replied.
"But what makes you think it has to do with Bella?" Rosalie questioned.
"Jasper says James and Victoria were mates," Alice said before she looked at Rosalie, "If someone had killed Emmett over Bella what would you do?"
They were silent for a while until Alice squealed.
"I've got it!" Alice exclaimed while holding the paper triumphantly up in the air.
"Good now let's get out of here." Rosalie said before slamming the file cabinet shut.
They jumped out of the window and ran back to their house.
"Did you find anything?" Edward asked as soon as they got inside.
"Of course we did," Alice said happily. "Turns out Bella left a couple weeks after we did." Alice said while handing him the file, "She headed to somewhere in Virginia."
"Mystic Falls," Edward said.
"Well we can't go there," Jasper said, "Virginia is mainly sunny."
"Well obviously she needed us for something," Edward said frantically.
"Everyone calm down," Carlisle said, "We need to think about this rationally."
"Carlisle she could be in danger," Edward argued.
"I'll make a few calls," Carlisle said, "But for now we stay put."
A/N: Hey guys so I know I've been gone for a while and I have a reason for that. My grandfather, who wasn't just my paw-paw, but also the only father I ever really had passed away February 11 and we buried him Valentine's day. It's been extremely hard because everything happened so fast and then I had to dive right back into school. I have just been in a fog and I haven't had the inspiration to write. I've had this chapter written for a while, but just couldn't find it in me to post it. That being said I'm not sure when I'll be posting the next chapter. It's not even written and I hope you all understand. I have gotten some emails kind of berating me about not posting, but there's the reason.
Thank you though to all of you that have stuck by the story and I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Thank you also to my beta Dark~Supernatural~Angel for all her hard work and support you've given me. I know we haven't really talked much lately and I'm sorry for that, but I'm starting to come back to my normal self to a degree so if you need me pm me lol. Thank you AllyDLV for all the support and encouraging words you've sent me. Also thanks to the lovelies in Bambi's Beloveds you guys are amazing as well and I really appreciate all the support and love you guys have given me.
Well I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and please review. Hopefully I'll be seeing all of you soon. Thank you again also for your continued support.