Disclaimer: All publicly recognized characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: I am tickled by all the positive responses! Thank you so much! As for the newcomers, I hope you enjoy the story! (Again, thanks are in order for to my reviewers, favorite(rs), and followers! Y'all push me to write!) On another note, I'd like to address one review: Randall is a very minor character. He is only present during the final book. However, I thought it'd be fun to drag him into fan-fiction. Of course, I've put my spin on his character. I want Bella to meet her match! Any who, happy reading!
The Soldier
Chapter Five: "The Deviant"
The City of Angels thrived at night. Taxis, limousines, and high-end cars littered Sunset Boulevard. Humans of all ethnic backgrounds joined as friends; each dressed in designer labels. The average sidewalks transformed into red-carpet appearances. Flashes of light blinded the sightseers, amazement glowing on their faces. Bella walked amongst the crowd. An occasional tourist snuck a photograph of her profile. Most believed the vampire was model or actress – too beautiful to be normal. She shied from the attention. The immortal had always disliked cameras.
In West Hollywood, various venues welcomed the public. Bella read the marques and chose the House of Blues. She purchased a ticket for Social Distortion. Walking into the establishment, the soldier felt at ease. The drunken crowd moshed on the main floor; their attention focused on the opening band. Unlike the high-society strutting outdoors, the patrons wore regular clothes – mostly black. Despite Bella's allure, she blended with the masses. Wearing Chuck Taylors, a pair of skinny jeans, and a wife beater, the vampire seemed to have adopted punk rock couture.
The loud music deafened the beating hearts. Bella pushed into the crowd, nodding her head to the bassline. A misguided teenager attempted to drag her into the pit. She gently redirected him to another candidate. Smiling at his antics, the soldier relaxed in the sea of warm bodies. Even as human blood spilled onto the floor, she remained casual. Only the darkening of her irises reflected the predator lurking within.
When Social Distortion came onto the stage, the crowd scrambled to the front. The mosh-pit doubled in size. The humans' vigorous movements casted Bella to the sidelines. She watched the scene in complete fascination. Mesmerized, the soldier didn't notice a set of ruby eyes observing her. Even after the encore, Bella remained oblivious.
Drawn into the main lobby, the immortal decided to buy a t-shirt. She wanted a token of her first memorable concert experience. Ironically, the emblem for Social Distortion was a skeleton drinking red substance from a martini glass. A smirk played at her lips while she purchased the cotton-blend. With mirth, Bella designated the top to become her official concert ensemble. The punk band would be represented throughout eternity, stretched across her breasts.
Returning outdoors, Bella started towards her hotel. After weeks of traveling the coast, she bit the bullet and purchased a room. The decision derived from lack of clothes and a need to shower. Feeding in the national parks created a mess. Most of her clothes sported rips and bloodstains. Alice, the meddlesome bitch, called the Hilton. She begged to send suitable attire as if Bella hadn't a fashionable bone in her body. "Fuck you," ended the conversation. If the pixie didn't back-off, Jasper would become a widower.
At the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Larrabee Street, a scent of vampire poisoned the air. Its distinct odor flipped a switch, releasing the caged predator. Bella sped towards the deviant. A muffled scream exploited his exact position. She discovered him in an alley, feeding from a local. He dropped the corpse when she appeared. A startled expression graced his bloodied face. "Isabella," the vulture breathed, "My, what a surprise." The Frenchman knew her name – a face of the past. Bella hated him; She wanted to dismember him and burn the pieces.
"Victoria will be pleased," he hummed. "She has been searching for you."
The soldier ignored the comment. Instead, she attacked with full force. Within seconds, Bella removed an arm and a piece of his shoulder. The dreadlocked vampire cursed in French. He managed to land a punch, but the action sent him off-balance. Bella charged him, separating his other arm. Venom spurted onto her shirt. The deviant tried to run; fear replaced his previous amusement. Bella growled at his cowardly behavior. "Please," the bastard begged, "I am innocent!" Again, she refused to listen. Deep down, the soldier knew him to be a monster.
"You're right," she hissed. "I am Isabella – Isabella Whitlock."
"No," he shouted, understanding the inclination.
Bella ceased the wail by biting into his neck. With a sickening crack, the Frenchman's head tumbled onto the ground. Dismembering the remainder of the dark-skinned immortal, she hunted for a lighter. Luckily, the deceased human kept a BIC within her purse. Throwing the vampire's body into the dumpster, she ignited the bastard. Plumes of purple smoke rose from the alley. Bella waited until the pieces dissolved before closing the lid.
As she walked from the scene, a soft landing bounced behind her. Bella turned around, coming face-to-face with another vampire. He appeared to be in his early twenties, standing slightly over six feet tall. Brilliant red eyes locked onto her features. His sudden approach should have caused a fight-or-flight response. However, the soldier found herself leaning into his presence. The man defied logic; he was an angel dressed like a T-Bird. His wondrous aroma hypnotized her – eucalyptus and spearmint. Bella practically swooned, struck by his masculine beauty. She opened her mouth to speak; nothing came of it.
"I know what you mean," he grinned, seductively.
The soldier closed the small distance between them. As their bodies touched, the world seemed to shift. Bella felt a plethora of emotions: happiness, love, protectiveness, respect, loyalty, and lust. Each precious feeling reserved for the handsome vampire. "Mate," she purred. He nodded, wrapping cool arms around her. The immortal vowed to never leave his side – she was his; he was hers.
"Come with me," he whispered, words ghosting across her hair. A delicious shiver traveled down her spine. Bella could only nod. She would travel the ends of the world with him – beginning with California.