"Stripped"
Chapter 23: Different Paths
At six on the dot Jeremy was standing on Bella's front porch ready to go. Matt, Bella, and Jeremy all piled into Bella's Jeep Liberty and headed for Richmond.
"Hey you okay?" Matt asked as Bella drove.
"Yeah," Bella said while not looking at him.
"We've known you long enough to know when you're lying," Jeremy said, putting his head between the two fronts seat, "Spill it Swan."
Bella didn't answer.
"Does this have to do with you zoning out on us?" Matt prodded.
Bella sighed, "I've never had a premonition that I couldn't tell was a premonition." Bella said and then she told the boys what she had seen.
"Whoa," Matt said. "Maybe it's because your powers are growing."
"I don't think so," Bella said.
"You're stretching yourself too thin," Jeremy said, "Klaus and now the hunter dude, you're wearing down."
"You're probably right." Bella said, nodding.
"What you need is just some fun, stress-free night," Jeremy suggested. "Maybe even a New Year's Eve party."
Bella's head snapped towards him and a look of surprise covered her face.
"What?" She asked.
Jeremy laughed, "Rebekah and Damon weren't that quiet this morning so they started planning," he explained, "Don't worry, you're secret is safe with me." He said and leaned back into his seat.
.*.*.*.*.
The rest of the ride was actually normal. They talked about ideas that would get everyone to the boarding house and by the time they reached Richmond, they had it all planned out. Bella pulled up and parked right in front of the shop and got out.
Jeremy grabbed the talisman and the three entered the shop.
The girl from the day before came out from behind the curtains and was about to start her sales pitch when she saw it was Bella.
"Looking for Gretchen again?" she guessed.
"Yes," Bella replied.
A few minutes later Gretchen appeared.
"Two visits in two days Isabella, I feel so lucky and who have you brought with you?" Gretchen asked.
"Ms. Gretchen you remember Jeremy Gilbert and Matt Donovan." Bella said after hugging the old woman.
"My, my, my how you two boys have grown up…why I think it's been what, six years since I last saw you." Gretchen said after hugging each of them. "What can I do for you?"
"Can we talk in the back?" Bella asked.
Gretchen nodded and led them to the back. She closed the door and worry filled her face.
"What's wrong?" Gretchen asked.
"Show her," Bella said while looking at Jeremy.
Jeremy pulled out the talisman, unfolded the cloth around it and held it out to Gretchen. Gretchen took quick steps back and her back hit the bookcase.
"Where did you get that?" She asked, her voice was quiet and filled with fear.
"From a hunter yesterday," Bella said before she unwrapped her bandaged hand, "When I picked it up it burned me."
"You picked it up," Gretchen exclaimed her eyes wide with fear, "Oh no, sit down now."
"Gretchen what's wrong?" Bella asked.
"Don't ask questions just sit down," Gretchen ordered and started rifling through the cabinets, "Do you have any idea what you've gotten yourself into? Messing around with vampires is bad enough, but this…this is worse."
"Gretchen tell me," Bella pleaded.
Gretchen took Bella's hand and pulled out a knife, "This is going to hurt."
"What are you doing?" Matt asked, grabbing Gretchen's hand, "You can't cut her."
"I have to severe the brand otherwise they'll be able to track her," Gretchen growled.
"Do it," Bella said and held out her hand.
She closed her eyes and turned her head away as Gretchen took her hand. She felt the knife slice through the skin and immediately the mixture of rust and salt invaded her nose. Bella paled visibly and Jeremy held her to keep her from falling over.
"It's almost over," he whispered while squeezing her shoulder.
Gretchen took some of the sap out of the bowl and applied it to Bella's hand and whispered some words. When she wiped it clean, the brand was gone. Only the long, deep singular cut along Bella' palm remained.
"Are you alright?" Gretchen asked.
Bella nodded, "What is he doing here?"
"He's hunting your friends," Gretchen said, "And if you don't stay out of his way he'll hunt you as well." Gretchen warned and stood up, "He shouldn't though seeing as how without a witch the hunters wouldn't exist."
"What?" Bella asked.
Gretchen sighed, "Boys will you leave us."
"What?" Matt asked surprised.
"I need to speak with Bella alone…personal witch business," Gretchen said sternly.
"It's alright," Bella said.
Jeremy and Matt left and Gretchen closed the door behind them.
"You need to stay out of this fight Isabella," Gretchen said while not looking at her.
"They're my friends," Bella replied.
"If you get involved it will very likely be a choice between your friends or your life." Gretchen said before turning to face her.
"That's an easy one," Bella said without hesitation.
"This is not a game," Gretchen said, her eyes blazing, "Do you know what the hunters are?"
"If I did do you think I would have come here to ask?" Bella countered, "Gretchen tell me."
Gretchen sighed and shakily sat down, "Years ago….before even the Originals existed, there was a powerful witch named Qetsiyah. She was so powerful and she thought she knew her friends…one in particular, but she was wrong. He used her to gain immortality and power to rule. It didn't help that he chose another woman; she cursed him, turned him to stone and as a final screw you she buried the cure as they called it with him. Forever in his grasps yet out of reach. To make sure he was never found, she created the hunters. She gave them abilities, but as you know certain spells come at a price. The hunters became obsessed. They couldn't tell the difference between the innocent and the guilty. They started hurting humans to get what they wanted." Gretchen explained, "Ultimately they want the cure to lure vampires that want humanity, but in doing so they will release Silas."
"Someone has to be feeding these guys information." Bella said while trying to process everything.
"There are only five which is why they are called The Five." Gretchen chimed in, "I'm sure you know Jeremy is a potential."
"Rebekah mentioned it," Bella said.
"When a hunter dies Jeremy will take his place and after his first kill he too will become obsessed." Gretchen warned.
"I won't let that happen." Bella stated forcefully.
"If you get in their way you will die." Gretchen warned.
"They're my family Gretchen," Bella argued.
"They are vampires and werewolves and a wayward witch that has been cut off." Gretchen snapped.
"I don't care," Bella said coldly.
"They aren't your blood." Gretchen argued.
"Blood doesn't make you family. Blood just contains genetic material." Bella snapped and then took a deep breath, "I don't expect you to understand Gretchen, but I am asking you to help me."
Gretchen sighed and shook her head, "If I don't, then you'll just find a way to do so yourself and probably get yourself hurt or killed in the process."
"What can I say, I'm tenacious." Bella said with a smile.
"I'll give you what books I have," Gretchen said, "The old ones that contain everything about the hunters, but after that I don't want you to come here again. I'll have whatever you need shipped, but that's it."
Bella felt her chest constrict as Gretchen spoke. It was like a knife in her chest.
"You know I love you Isabella and I promised your grandmother I would help you and keep watch of you, but this road you are going down, I can't travel it with you." Gretchen said and stroked Bella's cheek, "This is one of those journeys you will have to take alone, but Isabella, before you travel down it, know that it is a dark road and there is danger everywhere…especially now that your powers are growing."
Bella's eyes snapped to Gretchen's in shock.
"How did you know?" Bella asked.
"I can feel it," Gretchen said, "You are powerful Isabella, you know that, but you don't realize how powerful you truly are and believe me, my dear, there are plenty of people who want you."
"I can handle it," Bella said, "I understand you can't travel with me on this one and I respect that, but I don't have time to think about the danger that lies ahead. I can't hide Gretchen, I've never been one to do that and you know it."
"No you've always been a fighter," Gretchen said, "I'll get the books."
"Thank you," Bella said as Gretchen went to open the door.
.*.*.*.*.*.
Matt and Jeremy carried about six boxes out to the Jeep and loaded them in.
"Is there anything I can do to convince you to stay out of this?" Gretchen questioned.
"No," Bella said, "Goodbye Gretchen."
"Goodbye Isabella," Gretchen said and watched as Bella got into the car.
"Everything alright?" Matt asked.
"Fine," Bella said tensely and they sped off.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"So do you want to tell me exactly what the plan is?" Rebekah asked as they shopped for party supplies.
"Buying booze for a party," Damon replied.
"No I mean about the hunter." Rebekah replied after rolling her eyes, "I know you're planning something."
"I'm going to find him and kill him," Damon said simply.
"Again you can't do that," Rebekah said annoyed.
"And again you haven't told me why," Damon replied.
"Because you'll go insane," Rebekah sighed, "If a vampire kills a hunter you will begin a descent into madness which eventually leads you to commit suicide."
"Well that sucks." Damon said through gritted teeth, "How do you know all of this?"
"My brother killed my hunter lover didn't he?" Rebekah reminded him, "I watched him go mad first hand and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty."
"How long did that go on?" Damon asked.
"About fifty years until a new hunter took Alexander's place," Rebekah replied, "That's the only way to stop the curse placed on the vampire."
"Wonderful," Damon growled as he paid for the booze. "There goes that plan."
Suddenly Rebekah's phone started ringing.
"It's Matt," she said happily.
"Oh joy," Damon said sarcastically.
"Shut up," Rebekah hissed and answered the phone, "Matt what's going on?"
"Just wanted to let you and Damon know we're back." Matt said, "Where are you guys."
"Getting stuff to contribute to the delinquency of minors," Rebekah replied.
"I'm gonna go with that means booze," Matt said with a laugh.
"You would be right," Rebekah said.
"How's Bella?" Damon asked.
Matt didn't reply.
"Donovan?" Damon warned.
"She dropped us off at Jer's and just left. She got really weird after we left Gretchen's." Matt confessed.
"What happened?" Damon pressed.
"I don't know," Matt said, "Gretchen asked us to leave the room, we did and then about 30 minutes later Bella came out, we got some boxes and then we left."
"So something went down between the two," Rebekah deduced and looked at Damon, "Go, I'll handle this."
Damon headed out of the market and headed straight for his car. He sped off towards Bella's house.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"Choice between your friends and your life."
"I can't follow you down this path."
Gretchen's words echoed in Bella's mind as she started looking through the old books and translations.
She knew the risks that were involved in her life. She had always known with great power came great risk and responsibility; her grams had instilled that in her at an early age. Now it was hitting home just what she was risking.
"I thought we were supposed to be planning a party," Damon's teasing voice said, "This looks more like you're plotting for a war."
Bella laughed, "Well the last few parties we've been to have involved bloodshed in a war against good and evil." Bella replied and turned to look at him, "Where's Rebekah?"
"Finishing the shopping," Damon said and came to sit down next to her, "What's going on?"
"Found some information on the hunters," Bella said, "I have a feeling I can safely assume that Matt or Jeremy said something."
"You seemed agitated." Damon admitted. "What happened?"
"Well from here on in I'm on my own," Bella said, "Gretchen won't be helping me anymore and I'm not supposed to go back to the store."
Damon's eyes widened, "You're kidding."
Bella shook her head, "Nope," she said sighing. "It's alright."
"No it's not," Damon said angrily, "Gretchen is supposed to be looking out for you."
"Gretchen can't get caught up in this," Bella said seriously, "Damon I understand why she won't."
"Ah yes the whole witches and vamps aren't supposed to associate," Damon said theatrically.
Bella forced a smile, "Yeah that," she said, "Look, it's okay really, we all have to make choices and do what's best for us. Besides I've got you guys, which is enough."
"Is it?" Damon asked.
"Damon you guys are my family." Bella said sincerely.
"Well I hope some of us are more than family," Damon said with a smirk as he leaned towards her.
Damon's lips touched Bella's and Bella started to get lost in the kiss.
"Damon I've got to get through these books," she said in between kisses.
"They can wait," Damon said as he pulled her up out of the chair.
He pulled her towards the couch and fell backwards as Bella fell on top of him.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"Do you think she's okay?" Elena asked.
"Damon was heading over there," Matt said, "Rebekah's heading over here."
"Hey maybe we should make dinner for Bella," Caroline suggested. "I mean she always cooks for us."
"Yeah because she can cook," Jeremy said before laughing.
"I'm sure between all of us we can pull something together." Caroline pressed.
"If nothing else we can order some pizza as backup," Bonnie whispered to Elena.
"Hello I can hear you," Caroline said, annoyed, "Vampire hearing."
"Truth hurts," Bonnie retorted. "I'm serious you guys."
Knock, knock, knock.
"That's Rebekah," Matt said before he headed for the door with Jeremy.
"Maybe Rebekah can help us," Tyler suggested.
"Shut up," Caroline growled.
"Maybe Rebekah can help us with what?" Rebekah asked after coming in with Matt, Jeremy and Liz Forbes.
"Cook dinner," Elena said, "For Bella."
"Well I do know how to make a few things," Rebekah said coyly, "Mind if I look around to see what you have?"
"Mom what's wrong?" Caroline asked.
Liz Forbes looked at her daughter, "There are some new people that just moved to town. I don't know much about them, but I'm probably just being paranoid." Liz explained.
"Can't be too careful now Liz," Stefan said seriously.
"What are their names?" Elena asked while helping Rebekah grab some dishes.
"Cullen I think," Liz said.
Suddenly the dishes Elena and Rebekah had been holding crashed to the floor and shattered. Matt's jaw clenched and you could see his muscles tense. Bonnie's eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared. Caroline's face turned and she hissed. Tyler slammed his hands on the counter. Stefan's eyes turned very dark and he looked ready to kill. Jeremy clenched and unclenched his fist.
"Did I miss something?" Liz asked after looking around the room.
"Cullen is the last name of Bella's ex," Matt explained.
"And as of a few days ago they were looking for Bella." Rebekah growled.
"It can't be them," Elena said, "Can it?"
"Were there seven of them?" Liz asked nervously.
"Mom…" Caroline trailed.
"I think we need to get to Bella's," Liz said, "They moved in a few houses down from her."
"Shit," Elena said and blurred out of the house.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"You make things very hard," Bella murmured as she and Damon kissed.
"So do you," Damon replied as he nipped at her neck.
Bella slapped his arm playfully and he stopped to look up at her.
"What?" Damon asked innocently.
"So do you…" Bella said in a sarcastic voice, "Really Damon? I mean that's something the stupid jocks at the school would say."
"It's the truth," Damon defended, "Wanna take a feel?"
"Okay now I'm done," Bella tried to get up, but Damon was laying on top of her, "Damon…"
"Oh come on, it's not that bad." Damon was smirking.
"Actually it really is and asking if I want to have a feel is even worse," Bella said annoyed, "Get off me."
"Make me," Damon challenged.
Suddenly Damon was floating above Bella and she was smirking.
"Alright I give to the almighty power of you Bella," Damon said while laughing, "Your power is great."
Bella's eyebrows furrowed, "Power isn't always what it's cracked up to be," Bella murmured and she sat Damon down as she stood up.
"With great power comes great responsibility," Damon mocked, "Yeah I've heard that before."
"But I don't think you get it," Bella replied. "You think it's a game but it's not."
"Whoa hey I was just joking," Damon said with all playfulness gone from his voice, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Bella said and headed back to the books.
"Hey, you don't want me to shut you out, at least give me the same curtsy." Damon said as he grabbed her arm to turn her to him, "What is wrong?" he asked slowly.
Bella sighed, "Something is just off and just tugging at me," Bella said, "It's like a darkness creeping up."
"Hey," Damon stood up and cupped her face, "I won't let anything happen to you."
"It's not me I'm worried about," Bella countered, "It's you and the others."
"You don't need to worry about us." Damon said in hopes of calming her.
"Yes I do," Bella said frustrated, "I left and look what happened."
"Bella don't think about that," Damon said, "Look, how about we focus on the party."
Before Bella could answer the doorbell rang.
"Don't say anything, I'll get that and you can go get a cup of tea. You look like you could use one." Damon said before he headed for the door.
"I need something a lot stronger than tea," Bella mumbled and Damon chuckled.
Damon opened the door and saw a big, muscled, short dark hair, brown eye guy standing in front of him.
"Can I help you?" Damon asked crossing his arms.
"Yeah," The guy said, "My family and I just moved to town and we kind of just wanted to introduce ourselves…I'm Emmett."
Damon's jaw tensed and his body went rigid.
"Emmett…" Damon trailed.
"Cullen," Emmett replied.
Damon begrudgingly stuck out his hand and shook Emmett's, "Nice to meet you Emmett. What brings you to Mystic Falls?"
Before Emmett could reply Elena came up behind him and threw him off the porch. Her face was in full vampire mode and she was pissed.
"You and your family get the hell out of here," She hissed.
"What the hell?" Emmett asked.
Suddenly Elena was thrown off the porch by a blonde.
"Don't you touch my husband," Rosalie growled.
Damon whipped Rosalie around to face him and he kicked her in the stomach, causing her to fly across the yard.
Before anyone knew it, Caroline, Tyler, Stefan, and Rebekah had showed up as had Jasper, Alice, Edward, Carlisle and Esme.
Carlisle and Esme had tried to reason, but Caroline had attacked Esme and now there was no reasoning.
"Hey Damon do you think you could go to the store…." Bella started to say as she came out but she froze at the sight before her.
In her front yard, in the middle of the day, was apparently a vampire death match… the 2013 edition. Liz, Matt, and Jeremy pulled up and were stunned.
"Bella do something," Matt yelled.
Suddenly the vampires found themselves thrown on opposite sides of the yard and they couldn't move.
"What the fuck," Bella said as she came down the steps.
The Cullen's eyes snapped to her, but she ignored them.
"Guys are you alright?" Bella asked while heading for Damon and the others.
Edward quickly blurred and pulled her back behind him.
"Bella stay away from them," Edward said and he stood in front of her protectively.
"Get the hell away from her," Damon growled.
"Stop," Bella pushed pass Edward and ran to Damon, who was bleeding, "You're hurt."
"A scratch," Damon said while his eyes were still trained on Edward.
"Bella do you have any idea what he is," Edward yelled, "Get away from him."
Bella ignored him and pulled Damon's jacket back. In his side was a tree branch.
"Who did this?" Bella asked dangerously calm.
No one answered.
"I Said Who Did This?" Bella yelled, whipping around to face the Cullens.
"The blonde," Caroline growled.
Bella narrowed her eyes, "Rosalie?"
"He was attacking Edward," Rosalie hissed. "I don't know about you, but I protect…"
Rosalie never finished her sentence. She suddenly found herself being thrown into the tree before branches wrapped around her.
"Rose," Emmett said shocked.
"Bella?" Alice said, her voice frightened as she leaned into Jasper.
"Rebekah take everyone inside and get Damon cleaned up." Bella said calmly while her eyes were still on Rosalie.
"I'm not going anywhere," Damon replied.
Bella turned around, "Please or do I have to cut my wrist right here in front of them and force you to feed?"
"Come on," Rebekah said as she grabbed Damon's arm.
"I'll be watching," Damon said while glaring at Edward.
Everyone went inside Bella's house and she turned to face the Cullen's.
"Bella, are you doing that to Rosalie?" Alice asked.
"She shouldn't have attacked Damon." Bella replied while crossing her arms, "What are you doing here?"
"What are you?" Rosalie yelled.
"No," Bella shook her head, "None of you get to ask me a damn thing. This is my town and I will ask the questions."
"Bella please let her go," Emmett asked.
Bella narrowed her eyes at Rosalie, "You better be glad I have some kindness for your husband otherwise I'd be having those branches rip you apart." Bella said.
The branches released Rosalie and she dropped to the ground.
"What are you doing here?" Bella asked.
"You came looking for us," Alice said, "We caught your scent."
"I knew that was a bad idea," Bella mumbled.
"Love, why did you run from us?" Edward asked. "What is wrong with you?"
"Why did I run from you?" Bella asked. "You have the audacity to call me Love and ask why I ran from you. Let's get a few things straight. One, I'm not your love. If you love someone you don't leave them broken in the middle of the damn woods and two, I didn't run from you. I went there to tell you exactly how I felt about you."
"Why didn't you?" Jasper asked.
"OH I did," Bella said, "You were just frozen and couldn't hear me." Bella snapped, "I was letting you go Edward, not trying to bring you back."
"Still haven't answered the second part of the question," Rosalie hissed.
"Nothing is wrong with me you bleach blonde bimbo," Bella snapped, "I'm a witch."
"You got that right." Rosalie growled.
"No I mean an actual witch," Bella rolled her eyes, "Spells, potions, powers… the whole package."
"Where's your pointy nose and warts?" Rosalie asked, "Or your broomstick."
"Warts and pointy noses are fairytales, kind of like vampires being repelled to garlic, holy water, and crosses."
"Do you fly on a broom though?" Emmett asked.
"Really?" Rosalie said, "Of all that's been said that's what you're wondering about?"
"Only during Halloween," Bella replied with a smirk.
"Bella we came to protect you," Edward said, "Obviously you need it because you have powers and let's face it, you aren't exactly the most focused person."
Bella looked at him and her jaw dropped.
"You did not just say that," Bella said, "You know what I'm not having this conversation with any of you. Get the hell out of my town."
"We aren't going anywhere without you," Edward said.
Suddenly the front door slammed open and Damon came out. He walked down the stairs and straight to Bella's side. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.
"She doesn't need you," He growled, "She is perfectly fine without you."
"Who are you?" Edward asked, getting in Damon's face.
Damon smirked, "Damon Salvatore…Bella's boyfriend."
"Oh no," Alice said.
Bella was quickly pushed aside as Edward came at Damon. She waited to hit the ground, but instead of hitting it, she was caught by two arms.
"Hello dear witch," Kol said and righted her.
"I must say Bella," Klaus said after joining them, "You just have all the vampires vying for you."
"I don't have time for this," Bella said and headed for Damon and Edward, who were fighting.
Klaus grabbed her arm, "No," he said, "Can't have you being injured. I need to speak with you." Klaus looked to Kol, "Go separate those two…leave Damon unharmed."
"That's no fun," Kol said with a pout, but he did as he was asked.
Kol grabbed Edward, who was on top of Damon, and flung him across the yard.
"Up you go mate," Kol said as he helped Damon up.
Damon's face was bloody and swollen. Edward's was cracked.
"That's enough showing off for one evening don't you think, Carlisle?" Klaus asked.
"Niklaus," Carlisle said, "I didn't know you were here."
"Well not many do," Klaus said, "I came here to speak to Isabella. Are you bothering her?"
"Who the hell are you?" Edward growled.
"Be quiet," Carlisle hissed, "We just merely came to talk…things got out of hand."
"I would say so," Klaus said, "Take your family and get out of here Carlisle. I highly doubt Isabella wants to explain to her neighbors, who are on their way home, exactly what is going on here and I don't think you want your first impression on this town to be that you stalk young girls. The town's a bit superstitious if you get my meaning. Don't want rumors flying around about a bunch of vampires being rounded up yet again do we?"
"No," Carlisle said, "Come let's go."
"Carlisle," Edward said, shocked.
"I said let's go." Carlisle said sternly.
Slowly Carlisle's family followed him and they disappeared.
"Damon," Bella ran over to him, "Oh my god."
"I'll be fine," Damon said and he cupped her cheek, "Are you alright?"
"What are you doing here?" Rebekah asked her brothers after coming outside.
"Came to chat with Isabella and I find you all in the middle of a war with Cold Ones," Klaus said, "I must say, my dear, your taste in men is atrocious."
"Rebekah, help Damon inside." Bella said before she turned to Kol and Klaus, "What do you two want?"
"Well my dear we seem to have a common enemy," Klaus said, "The hunters, of course, and now seemingly Cold Ones."
"They aren't a threat," Bella stated.
"You could have fooled me," Kol remarked. "Bella we just merely want to talk about a truce."
"A truce?" Bella asked while narrowing her eyes.
"Say tonight at the Grill or tomorrow," Klaus said, "Whenever is convenient for you of course."
"Why should I?" Bella asked.
"Well we did just save your little boy toy," Kol pointed out.
Bella was quiet for a few moments.
"I'll call you tonight on when we can meet," Bella said, "But this doesn't mean we have a truce. It means I'm willing to speak about one, you understand?"
"Of course," Klaus said, "You better go inside, Damon's not healing all that well."
Bella turned and ran inside.
"What's wrong?" She asked coming over to him.
"He hasn't fed," Stefan said, "I'll head to the hospital."
"You can't, it's on lockdown." Liz stated.
"Then we go to the next town over," Elena said, "We're running low at the house anyways."
"We'll come," Caroline said while grabbing Tyler's hand.
"Rebekah," Bella said, "Will you please take Jeremy, Matt, Bonnie, and Liz home? With the Cullen's here, I don't want them to be on their own."
"Will you be alright?" Rebekah asked.
Bella nodded.
Everyone left and Bella watched from the window. As soon as they were gone, she shut the curtains and said a few words before she returned to Damon, who was laying on the couch.
"I forgot what a bitch Cold One venom was," Damon said with a wince.
"It's going to be okay." Bella said as she started pulling up her hair into a ponytail.
"I heard what Klaus wants," Damon said, "You aren't going alone."
"I don't plan on it," Bella said; she rolled up her sleeve next.
She examined his wounds and the bites.
"You're going to go into shock," Bella said before she went into the kitchen.
"Stefan will be here soon with the blood bags." Damon said before he coughed.
"He won't make it in time," Bella came back in, "You'll go into shock then a coma for a while unless we get you fed now. Can you sit up?"
Damon nodded and slowly he sat up, hissing while doing so. Bella sat next to him and pulled her sweater off.
"Come on," Bella said and tilted her head to the side.
"No," Damon said, "Besides you've got that mixture in your system."
"No I don't," Bella said and moved closer, "Come on."
"I'm not feeding from you," Damon said as he moved away.
"Damon this isn't up for discussion. Each second you waste, you get closer to shock so shut up and bite me." Bella said annoyed.
"No," Damon replied through gritted teeth.
"So what, I'm not good enough like all those other bimbos?" Bella asked.
"Low blow," Damon growled.
"Damon," Bella stood up, "Quit being a pain and just feed from me."
"I won't hurt you again," Damon said shakily.
"Okay I don't have time to coax you into doing this so I guess we'll do it the hard way," Bella said, sitting down again.
She grabbed the knife on the table and dragged the sharp blade along the side of her neck. She immediately felt nauseated at the smell of rust and salt. Bella looked and saw Damon's eyes trained on the blood that was starting to flow from the wound.
Suddenly Damon's face changed and he grabbed her. He pulled her to him and bit down into her neck.
Bella winced at the pain and tensed, but soon she forced herself to relax, knowing that if she resisted it would hurt worse.
Damon bit down harder and Bella held back the scream. Instead she placed her hand on the back of his head and ran her fingers through his dark locks.
"Just hold onto my voice," Bella whispered. "It's going to be okay. I trust you. Don't fight, just feed."
Damon bit down harder.
"Easy," Bella said, feeling woozy. "You're hurting me a bit."
Damon's bite loosened a bit and he let his grip on her go. Instead of grasping her, he was holding her gently against him.
Everything around Bella started to become out of focus and it felt like she was going deaf.
"Damon," Bella said, "I think I'm going to pass out."
Damon continued to feed gently.
"Damon," Bella said calmly, but she felt her head getting heavy, "Please."
She felt his teeth retract and she looked at him, his mouth covered with blood. He looked as if he was in a daze, his eyes glossy and that was the last thing Bella saw before everything faded to black.
A/N: Hey everyone how are you guys? I know I've been gone for a while just life has been really kicking my butt. Wedding planning, my grandma is getting worse, school, work, etc. I apologize for the long wait and I hope you guys can forgive me.
I want to say thank you to all my readers you guys are amazing and so understanding and I really appreciate the support and kind words you all have left in the reviews and the messages. You guys are just really amazing.
Thank you to the lovely people in Bambi's Beloveds the facebook group I'm apart of you all are so wonderful and encouraging. You guys are some of the funniest, loving, supportive, and all around amazing people I have the pleasure of knowing.
Thank you to my wonderful beta and friend Dark~Supernatural~Angel you are such a saving grace and a fantastic friend I don't know what I would do without you although I disappear on you from time to time. You are so patient and understanding and just a really great person.
Thank you also to my friend AllyDLV for her support as well and congratulations my dear on getting accepted into the school of your dreams!
Review my dears! I'm hoping if everything goes as planned I will have another chapter up around Thanksgiving or a little bit after. Thank you again my wonderful readers.
Much love,
Emeraldphoenix23