Stephanie Meyer owns the Twilight characters. I own what I've done with them.
Violence children. Heed that M rating.
. . . . . . . . . .
I was practically tackled when I walked into my apartment, but by the only being that was permitted to do so. I hugged my boy tightly, letting him cover my face in doggy kisses.
"Mommy missed you so much baby boy! Were you good for your uncle?"
"He's always been an oddly behaved dog," Emmett mused, pulling me up and crushing me with a hug. "Thank god you're okay. You are okay right? How did it go? I'll drive over there right now if he-"
"Hey," I said, shutting him up. "My trip was fine, went by without incident until I got the lead. I'm sorry that I told you that way, but I couldn't risk Alice's brother asking questions."
"No no, I get it, it's okay. Alec said they launched a sweep-"
"Yeah, he alerted me too. For now, it'll probably be safest to just lay low. Are you guys okay staying next door again tonight?"
"It isn't a problem, we aren't going anywhere," he said sternly, making me smile.
"Where's Rose?"
He nodded over to my security monitors, and I saw her down by the front desk. "We ordered some pizzas, she's just waiting." I shifted uncomfortably, the urge to go down there and pull her back up to the safety of my floor was painful. "She's fine, we're watching her, and you know neither of us should be seen down there until we get some news. She knows this too." Just then we saw her wave to someone, and watched as the delivery guy came into view. She was coming through the door three minutes later. She beamed when she saw me, dropping the pizzas on the counter before I pulled her into a tight hug.
"And how is my future sister-in-law doing?" I asked in a teasing voice. She laughed and smacked me.
"I'm fine, but how are you? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." I looked at them both. "We all know that Victor lacks in …restraint. If he knew I was here, I'm sure he would have tried to contact me before he let himself be seen."
"But he was so close," Rose argued.
"Yes, too close," I agreed, opening up my bags and taking out my phone and laptop before setting them up with my computers. "Anyone that knows me knows I'm a private person. If someone had gone snooping, I'd know. There haven't been any hits in the city, the FBI and local police are on high alert." I gave them both a reassuring smile, before walking over to my bookcase and taking out a leather-bound philosophy book. "We'll hear something soon."
I took my S&W out of the book and started cleaning it while the others started eating. Neither of them said anything as they ate, and as soon as I was satisfied I loaded my gun, putting the safety on before digging out my holster, strapping it on my hip and making myself a plate.
I was glad he over ordered, I ate an entire pizza.
The night was filled with video surveillance. My building, Emmett and Rose's building, the gym and the club. I had guys even staking out Alice and Jasper's apartments. Nothing suspicious happened though.
It wasn't until four the next morning that Alec called me. I was already up.
"Hey Alec, what have you got?"
"We've combed the town and all of its surrounding areas. We didn't catch him, but I just got some footage of him getting on a train and going west."
That set me on edge. "He isn't usually this sloppy. Do you think it's a trick?"
"No, I think we just got really, really close and he was doing everything that he could to get away. We practically had him cornered. I'm sorry."
"It's okay Alec. Thank you."
"We're still looking, I've got units waiting at train stations and we're still on high alert, but you guys are safe."
"Thank you Alec. I'll be changing numbers again soon, so I'll be contacting you in a few days."
"Okay. You guys stay safe," he said gently.
I didn't want to wake up Emmett and Rose, so I just sent them a text message. I was still too on edge to sleep, my stomach queasy and my nerves fried, so I rolled myself a little joint, made myself a smoothie and went up to the roof with Zeus. He curled up on the ground underneath my hammock and we watched the sun rise together.
. . . . . . . . . .
Emmett and Rose were in my kitchen making breakfast when I came back down. Emmett frowned when he saw the evidence of my lack of sleep, but thankfully said nothing.
Rose was much cheerier.
"So! Now that things are a-go again," she said, pulling me over to the couch, "Bella, I have something important to ask you."
I didn't like the sound of that. "Shoot."
"Will you be my maid of honor?"
I just gaped at her for a couple minutes, at a loss for words. "Rose, I'm flattered, no, honoured that you would ask me, but…"
"No, I know what you're going to say Bella, but I don't care. I don't need a big party or a fancy reception, the only thing that matters to me is that you're there with us."
I saw the sincerity in her eyes, and it put a big lump in my throat. She was serious.
Rose deserved a big fancy wedding, to be spoiled like a princess, and I would hate myself for taking that away from her. I crossed my arms, leaning back against the couch to think.
"Bella-"
"I'm not saying no Rose, just give me a minute to think," I said, and she beamed and waited impatiently while I thought.
We could do a reception, no, I could do a reception. It would be easy to deck out the roof, and the charity event I'd been to last spring in central park gave me ideas of covering all the trees with tiny white lights, and draping them over to give the illusion of stars. I could accommodate about a sixty people on the roof, Sam would probably jump at the chance to work such a big party, it could be the push his new security company really needed. It would take a while to do security checks on that many people, but it was possible.
"Rose, I would love to be your maid of honour," I told her, and her eyes teared up slightly. "I have two questions though, for both of you." Emmett handed us both a plate, then sat down with us on my sectional.
"Shoot," they both said.
"First, how do you feel about marrying into our "Tanner" family, just for show to the party? Your license can have our real name on it of course."
"I don't mind at all," Rose answered quickly. "But Bella, we really don't need to-"
I cut her off. "And how comfortable would you feel with letting me plan your ceremony?"
They both stared at me.
"Come now, don't all answer at the same time," I said, taking a bite of my toast.
"What do you mean by plan the ceremony?" Emmett asked.
"I don't want you guys to get married in secret because of me, you both deserve so much more," I said, and kept talking before they could interrupt. "So, if you guys are up for it, I can accommodate about sixty people on the roof, and we could use it for the ceremony. I have a safe security contractor to use, and we'd have to confiscate phones to avoid pictures of Emmett or I, and we can just say that I flew in for the wedding. If we're using our fake names, and no one can take any pictures, it should be doable."
I let them think about it while I ate my breakfast.
"Will it be safe?" Rose asked quietly, a couple minutes later.
"I'll make it safe."
"People will know where you live."
"No one beside the three of us and Sam will know this is my building."
"Edward will find out that you're Emmett's brother."
I sighed. "Alice and Jasper are together, and I see it staying that way. She already knows, so he'll find out eventually." I looked at them both. "Though I would like to hold off on that as long as possible," I added with a bit of a smile. "Besides, he won't know anything besides that. He still won't know my real name or where I live, I can handle him."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! I'm sure!" I gave her a look. "I can see that you want this, just say yes already so I can start planning."
"Yes!" She laughed loudly, getting eggs all over her t-shirt when she leaned over to hug me.
The eggs were pretty bad, so I didn't complain.
"So, when do you guys want to do this?"
"As soon as possible!" Emmett declared, ripping Rose off of me and kissing her dramatically.
"Well, the first week of October is the best for the fall colours on my roof. It'd look gorgeous with all of the bright reds, yellows and oranges up there, and will still be fairly warm." The two of them looked at each other and nodded quickly. "Perfect. Well, get started on your guest lists and get them back to me," I said easily.
"You're really sure? You don't need to do this for us Bella."
"Rose, if you keep asking me I'll take it back," I teased, bringing my plate back to the kitchen and pouring a glass of water.
"Okay okay, but is it okay if I tell Alice tonight at the club? I'm going to ask her to be my other bride's maid."
"And I gotta ask Jasper and Garrett," Emmett added.
"Sure, but until I have the details straightened out don't say anything about the location or my involvement," I took out my phone and opened up my calendar. "What day of the week works best for you guys?"
"Friday, I guess. It would make it easier for guests."
"Okay, October fourth?"
"Sounds good," they both said excitedly.
"Okay, well you can give them that date to plan around, but for invitations, I think it would be best to do them without a paper trail, just in case. You can give out the date, and maybe we can do something like a mass text message to send the invites?"
"Oh! That sounds exciting," Rose exclaimed. "We can tell them it will be in NY, but text them all the address the day of." She was grinning like a fool, and I was happy that she didn't seem to be discouraged by all of the work-arounds this was going to take.
. . . . . . . . . .
I was exhausted. I spent most of the day on the couch, still unable to sleep, and while browsing for a movie through my Netflix I clicked on The Walking Dead, thinking it was a zombie movie.
But it was something much, much better. I binged and watched the entire first season, and when I finished I went for a run with Zeus before getting ready for work.
I'm glad I went in a little early, I had a shit-ton of e-mails to go through, and Rose had some problems with the program for the payroll that took forever to fix before I started to go through some more resumes that had been dropped off. I transferred the information onto my computer and e-mailed it to myself to go through and sort later. By the time the club opened and I went over to my spot, the endorphins from my earlier run had worn off.
I looked at my watch. Eight O'clock. Only eight hours left to go. I wasn't going to let that drag me down though. Today was a good day, Victor isn't in the area, and Rose and Emmett are getting married. I'm planning a wedding.
… And a bachelorette party! Holy fuck, how could I forget?
I was definitely going to need Alice's help with that. There was no way I'd be able to hire male strippers by myself without giving myself some sort of panic-induced heart attack.
Emmett's would be easier, if Jasper wasn't up to the task that was.
... Yeah, I'll just give Jasper a list of numbers he can contact.
And a pre-paid credit card to help out too.
Alice, her brother, and Jasper all came in at the same time. As per our agreement, I didn't ignore him when he came in, but I didn't want to lead him on either, so I settled on giving him a visible nod.
Alice just ran right over as usual, and when she told me she had missed me and gave me a hug, I really didn't mind all that much. It was kind of nice.
"I missed you too," I told her honestly. "Sorry I was out of touch for so long. Are things going well with Jasper?"
"Don't worry, I know you were working, defending my brother from his rabid fans. And things are going amazing with Jasper."
"I thought they might," I said wryly, making her laugh.
"Well, I'll let you get back to work, but we should have lunch tomorrow."
"Sounds perfect, Rose is going to want to come along. We all have a lot to talk about."
"What do you mean?"
I winked at her. "You'll find out later," I said, turning her around and shooing her away so I could get to work.
Things were quiet though, so when Rose gave me a quick look I decided to go over to their table and watch them share the news. Emmett shouted it out the second I stopped.
"We're getting married!"
Alice screamed.
"Oh my god! Seriously? When did you ask her? Why am I only hearing about this now!?" Thankfully Jasper calmed her down before she could have a seizure.
"On Monday, we just wanted to wait until you guys were all together before we told any of you."
"She knew," Hollywood said, looking at me with a curious grin.
Shit, watch your words guys, I'm not ready for this yet.
"Of course she did, I knew better than to try and pick out a ring by myself," Emmett said, smiling at me. His eyes went wide a second later when he realized what he'd just done. I tried to just play it off like it was a joke, and took a second to roll my eyes at him before leaving to peel a guy off the bar.
So once again, I spent a night on the sidelines, watching while my brother and future sister-in-law celebrated their news with their friends. Living like a ghost.
But one person saw me, was always watching, checking on me, and it made it just a little bit easier. I kind of wished I could tell him just how much it meant to me tonight, but obviously I couldn't. I tried to give him a smile instead, and my fear that it wasn't convincing was affirmed when he actually spat out his drink.
I choked on a laugh, and that one little moment got me through the rest of the slow evening, trying to hide a smile the entire time.
. . .
Finally. Four O'clock. I kind of wish I'd taken my truck, I could barely keep my eyes open.
The club was all cleared out, staff and all, but the party was still going at Rose's table. I went over and said goodbye to everyone, sparing a small smile for Hollywood before heading out. I grabbed my coat and helmet from my office, waiting until I got out of the warm stairwell before putting it on.
I was digging in my pocket for my keys when I opened up the door, and didn't see his fist until half a second before it connected with my jaw.
My reaction was instant, I gripped onto the arm that had hit me, pulling the assailant forward while connecting my knee with his groin.
He wasn't alone though, and the second the door had closed behind me and the man I hit grunted, someone grabbed onto my left shoulder, and I spun and punched him in the face at the same time that the other man jumped at me, getting a good shot to my ribs. The other man's hand slid from my shoulder to my upper arm, and tightened his grip at the same time I tried to yank my arm away from him, and the other man's knee connected with my stomach.
His hand covered my scream when my shoulder dislocated, and when I bit him his arm went tight around my neck. I swung at him with my right arm, but it had little effect before he was able to pin it by my side.
Leftie was being fucking useless right now. God damn it.
As I tried to quickly settle my breath, to calm down and think, the other man started laughing and I finally saw his face.
Fucking hell.
"Surprised? I'm glad," James said pleasantly, pulling a knife out of his pocket and flipping it open.
"I'm going to fucking kill you, and whoever your lackey is." I sneered at him. "Well, at least you're a quick learner, knowing you'd need backup to sneak up on a girl in an alley at four in the morning."
The pissed off look on his face was worth the shot to my jaw.
Keep them talking, wait for your chance.
James stepped forward and when he was close enough I took it, using the second man's hold on me to support myself as lifted off the ground and swung at him with my legs. I got a good shot to his ribs, but nothing else, the guy kept his hold on me.
"Oh, you're going to fucking regret that," he spat, stepping forward and taunting me with that fucking knife. He walked forward again, dodging me while I flailed my legs and slid his hands over me.
No, you're going to get through this. He can't keep this fucking hold.
I'm going to fucking kill him.
Both of them.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you," he cooed. "I just want to play. I'm not going to be gentle though, this is going to fucking hurt, and I'm going to take my fucking time. You deserve every fucking second of it."
I spat in his face.
He ripped through my blouse with the knife, and I started thrashing around as hard as I could, trying to make him drop me. James was watching me with and amused smile, trailing the tip of his knife slowly down my torso. I saw a flash of doubt pass over his face when my struggling made the knife cut deeper into my stomach. I could feel the blood running down my skin, but I didn't stop. I'd rather be gutted like a fish than feel him touching me.
It's going to be okay, it's going to be okay…
Then something caught the corner of my eye, someone barreling down the alley, grabbing a bottle in one swift movement from the ground.
And Edward broke it over James' head before he even noticed he was there, knocking him out.
Goon number two's hold faltered.
My turn. I twisted, and he dropped me, but I was expecting it and landed easily, turning and tackling him to the ground. I rolled him onto his back with a hard kick to the ribs, and my vision was hazy and red as I went for his face.
Realizing I only had one arm to hurt him with just urged me on, and I hit him, and hit him, and just kept hitting him. James' hand touching me, Victor's hands… I'd kill every last fucking one of them.
But someone peeled me off of him. No! "Let me go! I'm going to fucking kill them!" I yelled, thrashing around and trying to escape the strong arms that were wrapped around me in a vice-like hug.
"I know you are! I'm trying to keep you out of prison! Shut the fuck up and look at me B!"
I knew he was there, but I couldn't see him, all I saw was Victor, all I felt were his hands, the pain that just got worse when he just kept going, tearing, and they almost…
"B? Can you hear me? Are you alright?"
I need to kill them, they deserve to die, they can't hurt anyone else, it will all be my fault…
A gentle touch smoothing over my bottom lip was what finally pulled me out of it, like a light going off. Suddenly, Hollywood was holding me, so close, too fucking close, looking down at me with terrified, angry and concerned eyes, one of his hands cupping the side of my face, the other one wrapped around me and holding me.
What the fuck?
I pushed him away, hard, with my one good arm as I tried to organize my thoughts. I looked down at the two unconscious men, feeling the anger roll through me in furious waves. I recognized the second one, his lackey, as this guy Laurent that had come to the club a few times with him.
No, I wouldn't kill them. There was only one person who I'd become an official murderer for, and these insects weren't even in his league.
I'd call Paul. He'd recognize James and deal with him. There were other ways I could destroy James, there were fates worse than death.
First things first, I needed to fix my fucking arm. It's not the first time I'd dislocated it, but it had never felt quite like this before. It was sitting really odd, but I should be able to just pop it back in place. It'll catch.
Resigned, and pissed, I turned to my rescuer. He was just staring at me.
I really didn't want to set it myself, and as much as I didn't want to ask him for help either, I knew it was the smarter thing to do.
"Take my arm."
"What?"
"Take my fucking arm. Put both of your hands on my wrist, tight." I didn't have patience right now, I was a hair away from the edge of taking James' knife and lodging it into his throat.
"I don't think I can-"
Ugh! Fuck, I don't need his help. Besides, I don't want him fucking touching me anyways. Thinking quickly, I went over to my bike, gently set my arm on the seat, and slowly knelt down to the ground to imitate someone lifting it while ignoring Mr. Squeamish's protests. He had his chance to help.
Fuck, fuckfuckfuck, holy fucking shit that hurt. I moved it, and was tempted to cry out in frustration alone when I realized it hadn't set right. I could move it though, and that was good enough for now. I grabbed some zip-ties from my side bag, and tied up their hands before picking up my dropped coat and fishing out my phone to call Paul.
Fuck, I was bleeding all over the place. Probably needed fucking stitches. Fuck!
"Hey, I need you by the club. Now."
"What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"These two assholes attacked some girl in the alley beside my building, found them when I was grabbing the bike. They're unconscious, I need you to come get them."
"Are you hurt?" I didn't answer that. "Fuck. I'll be right there, and I'll take care of them. You hear me? I'll take care of them."
"Thanks."
"Should I bring a paramedic with me? Do you need any medical attention?"
"No, I'm leaving, they're out cold though."
"I'll be there myself in ten to take care of it."
"Thanks man."
I hung up then before he could ask another question about my well-being. Three was way past my limit, I wasn't letting another fucking person touch me. I caught Edward's movement quickly, my body and mind both still on high alert, and watched as he kicked over the guy he had knocked out.
His face darkened drastically, his fists clenching when he quickly recognized James. I saw his mind spinning, realizing what this had been all about.
"Don't say a fucking word to Alice."
I saw that he understood when he looked over at me. Alice had many strengths, but she was a fragile soul. If she knew that James had come back for revenge on me, for bringing him down for her, she'd blame herself. I couldn't let that happen. I picked up my helmet, jacket, bag and keys from the ground, not at all enjoying the burning sensation on my stomach or how dizzy I felt.
I knew I must look horrible, my shirt ripped open, bleeding, and I don't even want to know what my face looked like, but I didn't falter under his gaze. Fidgeting or wrapping my arms around myself like I so desperately wanted to would look so weak. I quickly turned around to go clean myself up in my office.
He immediately followed.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm not leaving you alone."
"Listen Gladiator, I don't need you to-"
"I doubt even you could beat me up right now B. I'm not leaving you. Deal with it," he said, cutting me off and staring me down seriously.
He was right, as much as I detested admitting it.
And he just saved your ass, and you haven't even thanked him.
I turned around, opened the door, and didn't stop him as he followed me inside. Taking a quick look down at the mess that was my stomach, I grabbed an unopened bottle of vodka from the bar before walking over to my office. My door closed on its own after he walked in after me, and I put the bottle down on my desk and dug out my first aid kit while he sat down on my couch as I sat in my chair.
"Are you okay?"
Of course not. "Yes."
I chose to just pretend he wasn't there, apparently he wasn't going anywhere and it wasn't like I was ashamed of my body. I took great care of myself, I worked out, but I can safely say no one has ever seen me with my shirt off.
No, that wasn't true. There was Rory, but he was gay and an artist with a tattoo gun. It was completely different, but it made it easier when I pulled my ruined shirt off.
Enjoy the show while it lasts, you'll never see this again, I thought as I pulled off my belt. I was not going to cry in front of him. No fucking way.
I hated vodka, but I took a deep swig of it, concentrating on the burn it left in my throat as I bit onto my belt and poured it over my stomach.
Damn it. That was deep, but I could get away without actual stitches, thank god. I slid on some sterile gloves and finished cleaning the wound and surrounding area, applied some adhesive, temporary stitches, and then tried to get myself to stop fucking bleeding so I could use the damn surgical cement to seal it.
"B, just let me take you to the hospital, this can't be-"
"I don't do hospitals, no fucking doctor is touching me." He looked away and was silent, and I managed to apply the shit properly with my trembling hands, two coats, and put a bandage over it when it dried anyways, just in case. I pulled out a clean t-shirt from my desk after cleaning myself off. He was still looking away, and I changed my pants too without getting up from my desk. He looked when I stood up, ready to get the fuck out of here, but I wobbled right by the couch and he went to help. I sat down on my own instead, barely noticing the sting it caused on my stomach over the dizziness in my head. Okay, I can't drive right now.
"Please let me take you to the hospital," he said quietly, his voice thick. The concern in his voice put a weight on my chest. I just couldn't handle a doctor after everything that had happened in the past few days. I couldn't.
"No. There's nothing they can do that I didn't already do. I'm not letting some fucking stranger touch me." Shit, my voice sounded too weak.
I was so weak today. How could I have let two amateurs jump me outside of my own damn building? If he hadn't come…
"How are you feeling?"
I could barely hear him, and used the last bit of my energy to look over at him and say what I needed to.
"Thank you. Not only for helping, but… if you hadn't stopped me, I would have killed them."
He gave me a gentle smile. I really liked his smile… "Don't mention it." I tried to smile back at him, but I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer, and finally gave into the exhaustion.
. . . …. . . .
I didn't know where I was at first. It felt like the ground was moving, going over bumps…
Driving…
Suddenly I knew exactly where I was. I was in a van. I was in his van.
And then it came to a stop.
No, no no no, wake up! Wake up now!
The door flew open, and there he was, standing over me. I couldn't move, the tape was on my arms. I could hardly breathe, crying with the duct tape on my mouth.
I tried to push myself away with my legs, and he just laughed, grabbing onto my ankle and pulling me towards him.
Please please please wake up. This isn't real, it isn't real.
"We've had to wait for so long, but we can be together now Isabella. Finally…"
I screamed, but barely made a sound against the thick tape as he ran his hands along my body, playing with my dress and touching me everywhere. Then there was the sharp, burning pain, and it just got worse and worse as he kept on going. His hand was gripping my throat, I couldn't breathe, there wasn't any air… why couldn't I just die already…
WAKE UP!
. . . …. . . .
I was in the dark again, and his hand was on me, shaking me, but my hands were free now, and I gripped onto his wrist, twisting it in a painful direction.
And Edward fell to his knees with a painful hiss.
Edward.
Shit!
"Oh fuck! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"No no, it's okay. I was kind of expecting you to do that, if I was being honest with myself." He gave me an easy smile, not a trace of anger in his face as he rubbed at his wrist. "Sorry, but you were talking in your sleep. It seemed like you wanted to wake up."
Oh no, oh shit, I can't believe I passed out in front of him. It was then that I realized I had been lying on the couch, and his large coat was draped over me.
He put his coat on me… covered me up.
He didn't do anything to me?
… He didn't do anything to me.
I felt my face heat up, and looked away.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, just pissed off." I was, but I was shaken too. It was so much harder dealing with the nightmares without Zeus there to hold when I woke up.
Zeus! I jumped to my feet, but the room was dark.
"Fuck! What time is it?"
"Almost seven."
"Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck. I gotta go."
"Hey! Wait, what's wrong?"
"My boy has been by himself all night, he's going to be freaking out, I have to get home." I felt horrible running out on him like this after everything he'd done for me, but Zeus needed me, he'd been alone almost twelve hours. "Sorry, but I can't leave you here by yourself."
"No no, that's cool. Let's go."
I pulled on my coat and bag as we walked down the stairwell. The bag hurt like a bitch on my shoulder, but it wasn't anything I couldn't tolerate. Until I tried to lift my arm with the bag's weight on it.
I knew I couldn't drive my bike like this, and that fact almost made me burst into fucking tears.
"Are you sure you're okay to get home by yourself? You dislocated your fucking arm this morning."
"Yeah, I'm good."
"I don't believe you."
That had to be one of the wisest things I'd ever heard him say.
"You okay getting a ride?" He was probably in more danger on his own than I was.
"Yeah, could you just do me a favor though?"
That was a dangerous request. "Maybe."
"Can you just…. Text me or something later? And let me know you're okay?"
That was sweet, but I couldn't let him play caretaker, as hot of a nurse as he'd make.
Shit, I really needed to sleep.
"I'm fine Batman, don't worry about me."
"If you don't call me, I'm coming by the club to check on you tonight."
I bit back my smile. Was that supposed to be a threat?
"Well, I guess I'll see you tonight then."
. . . . . . . . . .
After getting home, calming down Zeus and getting him outside, cleaning his mess and taking four showers, I only had three hours to sleep before I had to go meet Alice and Rose for lunch. Too tired to even drive my truck, I called for a car and quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a cute purple shirt before leaving. I couldn't cover up my swollen lip, but I'd done a good job with my jaw, and put on my biggest pair of glasses to cover up my bruised eyes.
And my hair looked horrible, I could barely lift my arm to do anything with it. I knew I needed to get it fixed, but I just couldn't go to the hospital. Not just because I didn't want anyone to touch me, but hospitals asked too many questions. I wouldn't risk it, I was seeing Rory on Thursday. I'd be fine until then.
At least one thing was working on my side today, and it was Collin that came and picked me up. He hopped out of the car and ran to get my door for me. I was equal parts flattered and annoyed, but I wasn't going to take it out on him.
"Morning Bree! Or afternoon I guess."
"Hey Collin." He closed my door and dashed over to his.
"So, who are we picking up before the restaurant?"
"No one, it's just me today."
"Oh." He looked at me through the rear view mirror and smiled.
"Jeeze, don't look so disappointed," I teased, tempted to just curl back up in a ball and go to sleep.
"I'm not disappointed in the slightest, this is just the first time you've called me without a party," he pointed out. It was true, but he didn't say anything else about it and made his way expertly to the restaurant. "What time would you like me back?"
I don't want you to leave me here at all, just take me back home. "Two hours should be long enough," I prayed.
"Okay, I won't be far though. Just give me a call if you want me back earlier."
I smiled at him. "You're a lifesaver Collin." I took out my wallet and slipped him a fifty.
"No, you can pay after I take you back-"
"This isn't for fare. Go buy yourself lunch, I'll see you in a bit," I said with a wink, and made my way into the restaurant.
I was the first one there, but was pleased that Rose had reserved my favourite table. I got myself situated in my seat, and it was damn near impossible not to order a drink. I knew Bree Tanner was technically twenty-three, but I felt like I was lying ordering alcohol. I'd really be twenty-one in another three weeks…
No, fuck it, I really need a drink.
"Rye and coke please, a double." I could use the caffeine too.
"Of course, could I see some identification first though?" The sever asked shyly. I handed over Bree's ID before she smiled at me and went to get my drink.
I knocked it back the second it was on the table, and didn't even have to ask her to bring me another.
"Rough day?" she asked, setting my new glass down.
I fought the urge to sigh. Sometimes it's damn hard being polite to people without giving them the wrong idea. I was too tired to even give her a stern look though, and leaned back in my chair.
"You have no idea," I answered, and she gave me a sad smile before attending to one of her other tables.
I didn't have to wait long for Rose, she walked through the doors a minute later and made a b-line to our table.
I should have seen it coming, she was obviously in a great mood. She came right up and gave me a tight hug.
And I couldn't stop myself from pulling in a sharp breath before I started trembling.
"Hey, what's-" Her eyes went wide as she looked at me, and yanked off my glasses before she gasped. "What the hell! What-"
"SHH!" I said, yanking my glasses back and putting them back on. "A little louder maybe? I don't think the cooks heard you," I hissed.
"What the fuck happened to you?" She whispered, pulling up her chair, her eyes scared and furious.
"Just a little scuffle. I'm fine, really."
"Bullshit."
We sat in silence for a minute.
"What happened Bella?"
"I don't want to talk about it," I said sternly, nodding my head as Alice walked in.
"No, we can do this another time, let's just-"
"Rose… please," I whispered. She just stared at me sadly while Alice came in and took her seat.
"This is so exciting! I can't believe you're getting married!" Alice sang with a laugh. "So when's the big day going to be?"
"October fourth," Rose answered, finally looking away from me and facing her cousin. Her expression wasn't convincing, but Alice was too excited to really notice.
"Have you booked your place yet? All the good locations are usually booked pretty far in advance, but I know a few people-"
"Yeah, the place is already taken care of," I said, forcing myself into the conversation.
Alice leaned in conspiratively. "So, how is all of this going to work? Will you be able to come? Will you wear a disguise? Fake identities?"
I chuckled. "There are a few work-arounds we'll have to take. Emmett and I will be using our fake names, there will be really high security so no unwanted photographs are taken, we're going to tell anyone who asks that I've flown in from out of town. We're also not going to send out the address of the party until the day of to shorten the chances of unwanted people finding it."
"Unwanted people? You mean…" Her voice paled, and I reassured her quickly.
"No no, I was talking more about press. Rose's friends are high profile, along with her, Emmett, you, and especially your brother. If they caught wind of that guest list they'd be dying to get in." She frowned. "Hey, none of that. You. Are. Coming. You all are. My future sister-in-law deserves a kick ass wedding, and you are not backing out." She frowned, and I unfortunately had to pull out the big guns earlier than I wanted to. "Come on Alice, you can't say you aren't excited to wear matching dresses with me, are you?"
She choked on her drink, and gaped at me.
Fuck my life. I could see the wheels turning, and Rose jumped in to help.
"So, since B is pretty much planning my wedding for me, Alice, I have a really big favour to ask you."
"Of course I'll make your dress!" She exclaimed before Rose even said the words. "But, I get to make the bridesmaid's dresses too."
"That would be wonderful," Rose said, smiling at me teasingly. The expression quickly faded though, turning to one of concern again.
"So, what's everyone getting to eat? I'm starving," I lied cheerfully. I ordered one extremely overpriced salad. My jaw was throbbing, and I doubted I'd be able to chew something more challenging.
It was a long lunch, and it wasn't long after I started eating that Alice seemed to realize there was something wrong. She kept asking over and over again, but there was nothing I could do. I just couldn't make myself eat, the pain was making me sick, and I had just no more energy. I could have cried in relief when my phone rang, and I saw it was Collin.
My hero.
"I'm really sorry guys, but I have a business meeting I need to get to," I lied. Alice frowned, and when I turned around to wave bye to Rose Alice hugged me, sending pain radiating through my shoulder and burning the gash on my stomach. I couldn't handle another second, pushing her away from me and grasping at my shoulder while I tried to breathe. Sweat beaded up on my forehead and the room spun around me.
"Hey! I'm sorry, what's wrong with your arm? Are you-"
"God! I said I'm fine, will you two just drop it already?" I spat, dropping money down onto the table and storming off without a backward glance.
Don't pass out, don't pass out, don't pass out…
"Bree? Are you okay?"
"Fine," I whispered back. I didn't argue as he helped me climb into the car.
"Do you want to go to a hospital or something?" He asked, climbing into the front and turning around to look at me.
"No, I just need to go home," I said, closing my eyes. The car started moving, and fifteen minutes later he pulled over. I paid Collin, leaving him a considerable tip after his heroics today, then made my way down the block to my building, went in through the parking garage and took the service elevator up to my floor. My phone buzzed when I walked in.
You're not working tonight. You might not tell me what's wrong, but you're hurt and you obviously can't work tonight. I already called Jake.
Rose, I'll be fine to come in. It's nothing, really.
I hired a doctor to come in tonight. If you want to go inside you'll have to let him look at you first.
Fuck.
Well, I'll talk to you another day then.
I chucked my phone across the room, listening to it shatter into a hundred pieces when it connected with the wall.
Zeus whimpered, and I immediately felt horrible.
"I'm sorry baby," I whispered, scratching his ears. My eyes started watering, and I rolled a fat joint before going up to my roof with my boy and passing out.
. . . . . . . . . .
"Bella? Bells!" Emmett's voice belted out.
"Ugh, what? Why are you yelling?"
"Why am I yelling? Why the fuck aren't you answering a single one of your goddamn phones! I thought you were-" His eyes went wide as I tried to get up. A hammock is not easy to get out of with only one arm. "Fuck, Bella, why didn't you just call me?"
"What?" I was still kind of out of it, and it was really dark outside. "What time is it?"
"Why didn't you call me after James?"
That got my attention, and my head whipped around at his words.
"Edward told me."
That fucker…
"You've really done a number on that guy you know, I'd go easy on him."
Huh? "What?"
"That guy's fucking crazy about you. He freaked out when you weren't there, dragged me outside to talk to him… He looked damn close to crying, begging me to make sure you were okay. He was terrified."
That stopped any comebacks I might have had in their tracks. I had forgotten that he said he'd be coming to check up on me at the club. Fuck…
He ratted me out to Emmett, but I was the one that felt guilty.
"Tell me what happened."
"You're not going to like it," I said after a couple minutes of silence.
"I need to know Bella."
I nodded, and told him about them jumping me when I opened the door to the alley, trying to fight them off, my shoulder, the knife, what he said…
And Edward barreling in like a bat out of hell and saving my ass.
I was shaking and crying by the time I finished, while Emmett held me, telling me everything was going to be okay. When I calmed down again he made me a drink, and checked out my stomach, my ribs, my jaw and my shoulder.
"Your shoulder seems pretty fucked."
"Yeah, it's not sitting properly. I'm seeing Rory on Thursday, he can fix it for me."
"Are you sure you can wait that long? It could make it worse, or what if you have permanent damage?"
"It's sore, but a few days won't make much of a difference. I swear. A few weeks maybe, but not a few days."
"Your ribs-"
"They're fine Em, it's just bad bruising," I lied. Pretty sure I at least had a small fracture, but I had healed from much worse on my own before.
"You should just go to the damn hospital Bella, I know you're-"
"No Emmett," I said vehemently. "Doctors make mistakes too. You know that, you know that I know that. I'll wait to see someone I trust."
His face fell. "Sorry."
"It's okay. I just really can't deal with a hospital right now. Besides, you know how risky it can be trying to go to a hospital as Bree, and I sure as hell can't go as myself."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I get it Em. I do, really."
He nodded, slumping back on the couch dejectedly. This is why I didn't tell him about things like this, unless it was an emergency. My brother loved me so much, just like I did him. We were all the family each other had left, even though now we had Rose. I knew how painful it was for him to see me get hurt, and I knew what memories it was probably bringing back to him right now.
"Hey, I forgot to tell you, I technically had lunch with Mac the other day," I said with a smile. He raised an eyebrow at me.
"Mac?..." Then his eyebrows went wide. "Marcus Volturi?"
"Yup. Alice's brother's doing another movie with him it looks like."
He laughed loudly. "How was he? He recognized you, right?"
"Yeah, he seemed pretty surprised, I guess my company really threw him for one too. He didn't let a single thing slip, but unfortunately I couldn't really talk to him, you know?"
"Yeah-"
"Oh, shit! I forgot! He wrote me a note…" I jumped up from my spot on the couch, and went and dug through a pile of miscellaneous crap that had built up on my counter until I found that piece of folded up paper. I opened it up with a smile.
I can't tell you how happy I felt, seeing you today. I had been thinking of you on the way to the meeting, thinking of our mutual friend. I've been following his case, so I'm keeping this safe, but it would be wonderful for a chance to catch up sometime. Call any time, say hi to your brother for me, and please, take care.
Love, Mac
I smiled brightly before handing the note to Em to read, and he grinned too, but it quickly faded.
"What?"
"Are you going to tell Edward?"
"No. Are you?" He looked down, and I put a gentle hand on his arm. "Hey, if you need to… I get it. I can't imagine how hard it is being friends with someone who's played you in a movie, and not have them even know it."
I did get it, but I didn't like it. I didn't want him to know, I didn't want him to look at me the way people always did when they found out what had happened.
He laughed darkly. "I bet you can imagine it, actually."
. . . "That's besides the point," I said with a small smile. He laughed again, this one a little more genuine. "But if you need to, I get it. It's okay. Just make sure you give me a heads up first, okay? That wouldn't be a fun surprise conversation at work."
"No, I'm not going to say anything. He'll find out soon with the wedding, anyways."
"Hah. I bet that will be an interesting surprise for him." I gave Em a teasing look. "Definitely a surprise, we look nothing alike. I did get all the good looks in our genes, after all," I said, with a toss of my hair. He doubled over laughing, and I soon followed. Emmett's real laugh was incredibly contagious.
"Hah, you wish baby sis." His brow furrowed. "Although, I'd probably have to disagree with Cullen."
"Emmett-"
"What's the deal with him Bells? I got Jasper, he's an awesome guy and like my best friend now, but Edward? Why do you put up with him? Why did you take that job?"
I sighed. "Emmett, it's nothing, really. He's a pretty decent guy I guess. I don't hate him."
Emmett's eyes went wide, and I gave him a pissed off look.
"And I want to keep an eye on him. I don't trust him not to go snooping or fuck up, he's too curious." I gave him a look, reminding him exactly why that was. Emmett's little slips.
He sighed. "You're right. I'm watching him too."
I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Yeah, Em, I know you are."
He stayed over for a few hours, and we talked some more about the wedding while watching both of The Boondock Saints movies. I was always disappointed watching the second one, but I did love me some Norman Reedus, especially with that Irish accent. Em had the great idea of getting Zeus to be the ring bearer, and I assured him it could be easily done. I was thrilled with the idea of my boy being in the wedding. I didn't want to leave him alone in the apartment all night.
He left a bit after three to grab Rose from work and take her home, after I assured him about a thousand times that I was going to be fine and wouldn't die alone in my apartment. After permitting him to chauffeur me to work until my shoulder was sorted out. I still felt dead on my feet, but too irritated to sleep, and took a shower before starting on season two of The Walking Dead.
I got halfway through the first episode when an alert went off on my computer. I went over, and opened it quickly when I saw it was one of my trackers. Someone was talking about me.
My stomach sank, and I fell into my seat when I saw who it was.
Edward.
The e-mail was addressed to a man name Aro, and I recognized the name from the background check I'd done on him as his family lawyer. He gave him a description of me, where I worked, the nickname that was the only thing he knew me by, thank god. He wanted him to get into my company's database and get my name, and to do a background check on me and get my criminal record.
I copied the e-mail, and then crashed not only this Aro's account, but Edward's as well just out of spite.
I printed the e-mail, and read it three more times. My heart broke a little more with each pass.
He'd been good, and I'd been wrong. It'd been so wrong. This is what happens, I should have known better. This is why I live the way I do. I'd been so, so wrong thinking he'd be any different.
Emmett said he was worried about me, that he was so concerned about me that he'd almost cried.
Probably just a ploy, trying to get more information on me. The man had an Oscar for fuck sake's, he knew how to act.
And I'd started to believe it. So had Emmett…
And that thought completely flipped my mood. My sadness turned into boiling rage.
If this had gone through, he would have gotten my name. He would have found out Emmett and I shared a name. If this Aro was good enough, he could have found out they were covers, and if someone did a search on my real name…
He could have gotten my brother killed. Victor would use anyone I knew, including Rose, Jasper and his own fucking sister.
He could have gotten my entire family killed.
Ignoring the pain, I flew to my dresser and pulled on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, grabbed my keys and that damned fucking e-mail, and went down the main lobby. I hailed the first cab I saw, not even fucking caring, and gave him the address.
I walked around the side of the building, shaking my head when I saw there weren't any cameras over the back door. I used the wire on my key chain to open the lock, and made my way up the stairs to the fourth floor, then took the elevator the rest of the way to the fortieth floor.
No one would be able to pull this off in my building. Fucking amateurs. I rapped on the door hard. I didn't even listen to what he mumbled when he opened the door, lunging forward and punching him in the face. He stumbled backwards, and I slid into his apartment when my fist connected with his stomach, sending him down.
This man almost fucking endangered my family.
I pounced, pinning his arms to the floor with my knees and slapping him in the face.
"What the fuck is wrong with you!" He didn't answer and I slapped him again. "Why the fuck were you trying to access my criminal records Edward!"
His eyes went wide in surprise. That was the look of a man who had been caught red handed. "How did you-"
"I got an alert when you sent this." I shoved my evidence in his face. "At first I thought it was some sort of mistake, but that was my own fucking fault for letting my guard down around you, isn't it? You fucking prick." My anger boiled over, and I raised my hand to slap him again but… Looking down at him, the fight just seemed to drain out of me, and I dropped my hand.
I hadn't realized until that moment how desperately I had wanted to trust him. He had seemed like he had genuinely cared, and I…
I had let myself get attached. I was a fucking idiot, and the pain of his betrayal made it hard to breathe.
"You know, I was actually starting to think you were a decent guy. What the fuck is your problem! Why can't you just leave me alone!"
Then I just sort of stopped, looking down at him. His lip was bleeding, he wasn't struggling to get away from me, he was just looking back at me the way he always did. Like he actually fucking cared…
Lies…
I felt my eyes start to water, and suddenly I needed to get the hell out of here before I killed him, or worse, he saw me cry.
He lunged forward, kicking shut the door before I could get out. "Wait-" he gasped. Fuck, I had gotten him hard in the ribs, what was wrong with me? I couldn't think, I needed Zeus, I needed Emmett, I needed to get out of here because it hurt too goddamn much being this close to him.
"Don't make me kick you while you're down." I was livid, but I'd come to the conclusion that I didn't want to hospitalize him, and needed to leave before that changed. He sat up against the door and pushed himself up, still blocking my exit. His expression changed from one of worry to one of determination.
"You're hiding something, you're all fucking hiding something. I'm sick of the secrets, and I'm not going to let you drag my family into whatever warrant's you're running from."
No, he was not going to use Rose as a scapegoat, we both know why he did what he did. "Your family? Rose?"
"Yeah."
"You've been gone for five fucking years, you don't know Rose. She may be your blood, but she's my family. I protect her, not you." He's the one that almost endangered her tonight. I live the way I do to protect them. I'd jump in front of a fucking bullet for her, but I doubt he could say the same. He didn't know her.
"Protect her from what?"
Exactly.
"If you knew her, you wouldn't be asking. Now get the hell out of my way before I knock you out."
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"You're not leaving me."
Those four words were so much more painful than they should have been. I couldn't do this, I just couldn't do this anymore. I panicked, and just tried to push him out of my way, and a horrible pain radiated through my shoulder. I screamed, the room spun, and everything went black.
. . . . . . . . . .
I hurt everywhere, and I moaned when my stomach rolled. What the hell… I clutched at my shoulder, rolling onto my side to take the pressure off of it. I opened my eyes slowly against the harsh light, and Emmett was leaning over me, worry etched into his face. What the hell?...
Then I looked over, and saw Edward's pale, horrified face watching me. Everything came crashing back. He grabbed my shoulder, I must have passed out.
I didn't even think, I just lunged for him, but Emmett was faster and pinned me to the floor.
"Let me go Emmett! I'm going to fucking kill him!"
"Calm down! We'll all take turns kicking Edward's ass once you tell me what the fuck is going on!" He turned my face to look at him, and kept eye contact until I actually saw him. He waited for my anger to fade, and loosened his hold when he saw that it had passed and I was once again there.
I let out a tired sigh, and looked over to the side. It only took me a second to locate the paper sitting on the floor. I nodded to it.
"Read that, and you'll know."
He deliberated for a few seconds, but I was done, and just stayed there.
I saw the disbelief, the hurt, the betrayal, and then the anger pass across his face. After the conversation we'd had only hours ago I knew it would be hard for him too, to come to the same conclusion. But this wasn't something I could hide from him. Lines were crossed, and it needed to be handled. When he finished reading, he looked over at him.
"Why would you do this? I thought you fucking cared about her?"
I laughed, and hated that I had to lean so much on the wall to get myself up. That was the punch line here, wasn't it? He'd had us all fooled into thinking he cared about someone he really knew nothing about.
He puffed up, and tried to come off as confident. "I'm sick of all the secrecy."
Emmett apparently didn't give a shit, and turned to me. "Did it get through?"
"No, I crashed his account then cleared the trail. No one read it but me."
"Are you sure? I'm not taking a fucking chance, not again."
"I'm sure Emmett." I gave him a look, letting him know that I wasn't downplaying it. I wouldn't joke about something this important. I had come here for a completely different reason. "I just don't know what to do with this asshole."
Emmett's reaction was instant, and fear rose in my throat as he spun, lifting Edward up and throwing him up against the wall like the large man weighed nothing at all. "Do you have any idea how much fucking danger you almost put her in?" He growled, shoving him into the wall again.
"Emmett…" I'd already done a lot of damage, too much. What was wrong with me… I couldn't fucking think straight.
"No! He's not going to drop this, and I am not going to let that asshole find you again," he yelled at me, and I flinched away from the conviction and anger in his voice. I lowered my head, leaning against the wall.
I was tough, but my big brother taught me everything I knew about fighting and had over a hundred pounds on me. I couldn't do anything if he had decided to do this.
"What are you talking about?" His voice didn't sound so confident anymore. I didn't want to listen to this, I didn't know what Em would say, but I didn't want to see Edward's reaction to it.
"My sister is in fucking witness protection you asshole, that's why she can't tell anyone her fucking name. What you did, you could have gotten her fucking killed! Now, you're going to back the fuck off, you won't even fucking look at her again, let alone talk about her. You won't step a foot into my gym or club, you got that?"
"Your… sister?"
"Yes, my fucking baby sister you asshole. Fuck!" I flinched when I heard Emmett's fist go through the wall, but thankfully it hadn't connected with Edward's head. I needed to get my brother out of here, and started pulling on his arm to get his attention back to me.
I saw him snap out of it immediately when he looked down at me, his fear and concern for me showing through his eyes.
He deserved so much better than this, than having me for a sister. I've taken everything from him, but he still loves me that much. He was trembling now, warring with himself trying to figure out what to do.
"Come on Em, let's go. This is a waste of time. I'll make us some steaks for breakfast," I told him gently, still trying to tug him away from Edward. He seemed to calm slightly, and when I let go of him he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. I gave him an encouraging smile, and he returned it after a moment as I pulled him in the direction of the door.
I shot Edward one look before I left, warning him to heed Emmett's warning seriously. Emmett didn't let go of me until he opened the door to his F-150 and gave me a hand up.
"Are you okay?" He asked quietly, once he closed his door behind him.
"Yeah. I'm sorry, I should have called you, but I just sort of snapped, I wasn't thinking…" I sighed. "I'm so sorry Emmett," I said, the tears finally escaping. "I'm so so sorry, this is all my fault, I should have known better, been more careful, I should have-"
"Shh," he said, pulling me into his arms. He held me, and let me just cry and get it out. "This isn't your fault. None of us asked for this, it's just the hand the universe dealt us."
"I've ruined your life Emmett. You'd be better off if I'd-"
"Don't you even fucking finish that sentence," he hissed, covering my mouth, and most of my face really, with his big hand. "Bells, you're more than my family, my only family, you're my best fucking friend. I know this is hard, why you might think the way you do, but you are wrong. Can't you see the amazing life you've built us, even with everything that's going on? You built me one of the most successful businesses in NY, you built us somewhere safe to live in the open, you introduced me to the woman of my dreams. I should be taking care of you, you're my baby sister, but I can't deny that you're the one that's always taken care of me. I love you kiddo."
"I love you too," I whispered back. "And you know that's not true right?"
"What's not?"
I smiled at him. "You take care of me Emmett. You always have, and most of the time I don't think you realize you're even doing it."
"I obviously haven't been doing a good job," he muttered. I smacked him.
"Hey, if it's not my fault, it isn't yours either Emmett."
"But-"
"No. Don't. We've done this already; it wasn't your fault." I did up my seat-belt. "Now, onward to the market! I was serious about those steaks."
He smiled back at me, and started up the car.
I stared at the window, trying not to break down completely in front of him as everything I'd done raced through my mind in a loop, cutting me deeper and deeper with each pass.
. . . . . . . . . .
Violence is never the answer, but everyone has a breaking point and it's human nature to make mistakes. Please leave a review!