Bred

By MoneyTunes10

Chapter Nine

Annotation: Now for my second act of penance, another chapter in less than a week…

Air fought to get into Bella's lungs as her heart rate increased; she needed more oxygen. She needed to think…to come up with reasons as to why she remained without child. She needed to look into Mistress' eyes and not see grave disappointment that she had failed at her duties…the duties she had vowed to uphold on behalf of the Agency.

Jasper suddenly came into her line of sight…his eyes were fixated on hers as he approached. He seemed to be taking large gulps of air with his encroachment… his hands encased hers as he continued breathing slow deep breaths while she remained transfixed on the hues within his eyes. Without her knowledge, her breathing slowed to mimic his and her heart rated decreased to a leisurely pace…he had effectively calmed her.

Jasper felt Edward's jealousy lance him as he increased his proximity to Bella, the tenor of Edward's emotions caused a chuckle to escape him. He promptly released Bella and returned to his original position next to Alice all the while smiling at the fondness Edward had for this human.

Edward approached the newly calm Bella with the most reassuring smile that he could muster under the circumstances. "Please remain calm, I know it's frightening to undergo an inspection when you aren't pregnant but please trust us. We will explain everything to them. They will not remove you nor will any harm come to you."

Bella could only nod…Edward had no idea what lengths the Agency would go through to maintain their reputation. She was a pawn in their game of chess, easily sacrificed for the queen's survival and ultimate victory. His promise held no weight against their power.

Carlisle motioned to Mrs. Cope as Edward continued to mumble reassuring words to Bella. He watched the older woman take Bella towards the kitchen to fix something for dinner while he collected his family. Carlisle was unfamiliar with the details of the inspection and called Dr. Benjamin Cheney as soon as he found out that Edward was contacted. He wasn't pleased with the information he gathered from Ben. He was grateful at that moment for the power they held within the vampire and human world because this was one of the rare times that he believed they should use it to their advantage. It was up to him and his family to protect Bella; that was the oath they swore to her when they made her part of their coven…he would not fail. He shared the information he learned from Ben with his family before they discussed the impending visit. Thankfully, everyone understood the gravity of the situation and they were willing to help it go as smoothly as possible.

Bella hardly tasted the food that Mrs. Cope prepared for her and although she appreciated the gentle arm pats that Mrs. Cope gave her every now and then, she was not in the right mindset to return the reassuring gesture. She didn't finish eating before she excused herself and retired for the night.

Lying in bed did nothing but allow her mind to revert to a tumultuous cloud. She wasn't sure what exactly happened during an inspection. Yet she knew that the Agency had no qualms about retrieving a Substitute and taking her back when they felt she failed. Bella remembered the devastating looks on those girls faces when they came back…she also remembered that they were not allowed to interact with the other girls. Her mind flipped through the worst outcomes of the inspection before she fell into a nightmarish sleep.

Her body was weary when she woke up the next day; her inattention manifested itself by multiple mishaps throughout the morning. She waited near the door for Rosalie to take her to see Angela, fidgeting with her jacket as her mind wandered. She wanted to talk to Angela about her inspection; she needed some insight into all the things that could go wrong. She was startled when Edward walked towards her instead of Rosalie.

His eyes penetrated hers…savoring her…committing her to memory…all of her. "How was breakfast?" Bella frowned at his question; she didn't even remember what she just ate. Her mind hadn't focused on the plate that Mrs. Cope placed in front of her nor did she even remember what it tasted like. She shrugged before she answered, "fine?"

Edward's eyes narrowed, she probably did not eat enough but he held his tongue before grabbing her hand and heading outside.

Bella could not help but stare at their entwined hands as they ambled through the woods. This was vastly different from the walk she took with Rosalie yesterday; a small smile graced her lips when she realized that he had remained in the mansion. Hopefully he would stay even after the inspection. She was sure that was the only reason he was there; this gave her some hope that she did not damage her chances of having his child.

Angela was expecting them this morning but she was a bit surprised that Edward was the one walking with Bella. The way he held her friend's hand also amused and delighted her; she smiled knowingly at the two of them as they walked closer to her open door. Her children were more dramatic in their greeting; Benjamin and Collin ran towards Bella with their arms spread wide.

Bella laughed as she dropped Edward's hand to give them a simultaneous hug.

While Bella was occupied with the two children, he discreetly greeted Angela and asked her to keep an eye on Bella's food intake for the day. He revealed that they had an inspection this weekend and Bella was unnerved. Angela nodded gravely…she understood.

::::

The children were playing when Bella finally blurted out her apprehension at the upcoming visit. Angela was silent before she looked at Bella with tears in her eyes, "Bella my inspection was humiliating," she took a deep breath before continuing, "but it would have been much worse if Ben wasn't there for me."

They sat on the couch facing each other before Angela started, "Ben was a single vampire male but he had the monetary means to take on a Substitute. Yes, he wasn't given priority because he did not have a mate but he was still taken seriously because of his association with the Cullens. He wanted to be a father so badly but he wanted someone good and kind…someone who could also be a nanny once he had children. Mistress recommended me immediately and that's one of the reasons he chose me. He trusted the Agency and he trusted Mistress. She also trusted him because of his impeccable reputation. But you know how it is Bella, I didn't know anything about him and I was so scared. What if he was cruel? There was only him, I would have no one else to petition for me…well…like I would if he had a mate. His word would be law and I had to abide, no matter what. I cowered before him when I got here but he was always so kind, so gentle. He even took a sabbatical from his work to concentrate on us. He never treated me like I was beneath him, even though I thought that way for a long time. Sometimes, I still think that..."

Angela's tears poured forth, "You know how hard it is Bells. That's what we're taught, Vampires are superior; they're faster, stronger, smarter. Ben tried to break me from that way of thinking for a long time but it was so hard. The worst part was how unworthy I felt because he would not touch me. I mean, I expected him to perform the implantation the first night I was here but he would rarely touch me. I was so confused and hurt because that was my purpose you know, to have his children and take care of them but he wouldn't touch me. He kept telling me about trying to get to know me." Angela gave an exasperated sigh at the memory.

"One day he got the call… they were going to perform my inspection in two days. They give as little notice as possible so there's no chance to cover up anything. He was worried and furious. He kept looking at me; it was like a war was brewing inside him the entire day…

I lost my virginity that night.

He was gentle and he explained that they would know he hadn't slept with me and there was chance they would take me away from him if he hadn't slept with me. It hurt…a lot…but I know it could have been worse. He held me after… he kept apologizing like he was the wrong party. I couldn't understand why he looked like he was on the verge of tears. He told me that he wanted to wait until I was ready…even though I protested and told him that I was ready and it was his right to take me.

Every night after that, he held me until I drifted off to sleep."

She chuckled lowly before continuing, "I can't even go to sleep now if his arms aren't around me. He was holding me too when the inspection occurred."

Her eyes darted to Bella before continuing, "There's always a vampire representative. Mine was Felix, he was huge…I mean really huge and I was so scared, I remained close to Ben the entire time. The human head of the Agency is there, he is the one who asks questions; mostly about my performance and how I'm fulfilling Ben's needs. Mistress was there too but she looked so different, so stern…not like I remembered her growing up. She was the one who…who…um…does the physical inspection."

Bella blanched, the physical inspection? "If you're a virgin, she…um…puts her fingers inside you…just to make sure that you're actually no longer a virgin. I mean Felix said that I smelled like Ben, so I must have slept with him but since I wasn't pregnant she had to check. They were all in the room…I had to lay back and open my legs, Ben was near my head, he held my hand and made me look at him the entire time. I was still sore from him so it hurt but he kept me together. I got lost looking in his eyes…I think I just tuned out at that point; I didn't even remember when they left. I only registered that I had collapsed in a heap of tears while Ben held me and took care of me. It still took a while before I got pregnant because I wasn't ovulating at the time, but being with him was so much better after the first time…"

"Oh Ang!" Bella wrapped her hands around her friend as they cried together, both for the horrific memory of being on display for a room full of strangers and Bella's upcoming visit. They comforted each other like they did when they were children.

Angela pulled away first, "Bells, Edward will never let anything bad happen to you. I saw the way he looked at you when you were hugging the kids." Bella shook her head in denial, "No one can stop the Agency, they're too powerful Ang."

Angela looked at her friend's terror-filled eyes, "I thought so too but after being with Ben, I know he would protect us from anything…even them. He started out only needing a Substitute and a nanny but sometimes you can't help who you love, Bella." Angela's meaningful look unnerved Bella. A single male vampire with a Substitute was normal but the love between Angela and Ben was dangerous…it was against the prejudices that laced their world.

Bella and Angela wiped their tear-stained faces before they continued with their daily activities. They busied themselves with the children and other household doings. Before long, Edward was at the front door to get Bella. He was there earlier than she expected, she didn't even have a chance to talk to Ben but she asked Angela to pass on her greetings to him. They shared a long hug before she left…they would not see each other until after the inspection…

The remainder of the week was stressful for everyone; the weekend was looming over their heads and Bella refused to accompany anyone during the day. Instead she remained with Mrs. Cope, helping her around the house and only leaving when she had her waxing, manicure and pedicure appointments. She was also very careful of her eating and work-out habits; she was pleased when she did look in the mirror and saw her toned body.

Rosalie's week was also stressful; she couldn't concentrate on her job and the lack of information about Angela Webber was the cherry atop her disastrous plate. She even enlisted Jasper's help and he could not find any more information. It unnerved her that the Agency could lock information about their Substitutes so tightly. Emmett was her saving grace during that time; the day before the inspection he surprised her by coming to her office and taking her to a hotel. He was always so attuned to her moods and knew that taking her away from this situation and showing her how much he loved her would help her control her emotions during the inspection. That night he made love to his wife; he worshipped her, showed her how he appreciated her, how he would not be the man he was without her. How she was his and he was hers. It was important to Emmett because since having Bella as part of his life, he could not fathom the turmoil that haunted Edward because of possibility of losing her. There was nothing he could do to change the situation, so in the meantime he would love his wife with all his being.

::::

Bella stood head bowed and eyes trained onto the Persian rug, much like she had when she first came to the Cullen home. She heard Carlisle, Esme and Edward greet the visitors at the door but she remained stoic. The thoughts Angela had shared with her had weighed her on mind during the days preceding the inspection. Edward had spent time and time again trying to calm her whenever he heard her breathing creased. He'd even taken time off work to remain at home with her. Yet here she stood, waiting for the inevitable to happen. She would be taken away, simply because she wasn't pregnant…she haven't even lost her virginity.

There were mummers as each vampire greeted the visitors. Bella remained silent…never speak until spoken to. She could hear Mistress' stilted voice which different starkly from the comforting one she grew up with. She also heard the mythical voice of a female vampire. She was used to the musical qualities that came with their voices but this one sounded almost innocent. Edward was the one to call attention to Bella, "And I'm sure you all remember the reason we're all here. This is Isabella."

Bella felt cold fingers lift her face; her eyes took in the crimson stare of a young vampire. She was beautiful, almost child-like and her blond hair was neatly styled in a bun. Bella's own appearance matched the styled look of the vampire. Alice and Rosalie took her out to have her prepared for the inspection. Her naturally wavy hair was straighten and pulled up into a tight bun. It left her delicate features exposed, elongating her neck and giving her form a posed look. She also wore a form fitting dress that showed off her body; there was nowhere to hide her lack of a growing belly.

The vampire didn't say anything; instead she traced Bella's jaw and sniffed her for a bit. "She doesn't carry any male's scent. Has she been taken?"

"No Jane, she remains pure." Edward's voice was steady.

"Now why is that Edward?" Jane's eyes shifted from Bella to Edward.

Dr. Greene, the human Director of the Agency looked from Jane to Edward. The visit was to ensure that one of its most prestigious customers, the Cullens, were pleased with their purchase. He was confused and perturbed at the events of Tanya and Edward's separation which had reached him through the grapevines. He had perused Bella's file and she was a fine specimen, the best they had. He would be more than happy to take Bella back if the Cullens no longer required her services…simply put, she was too valuable.

Jane's voice interrupted his musing, "Her genes are exquisite for a human; we thought she would be with child by now. It has been enough time since you've acquired her."

Carlisle walked toward the small vampire, he didn't understand why Aro sent Jane, one of his personal guards for this particular inspections. He knew the Volturi were responsible for the creation and the success of the Agency but he also knew that they were making a political statement by sending Jane.

"I'm sure you have learned about the separation of my son and his former wife. We were simply taking time to discuss if he wanted to become a single parent or not."

Dr. Greene turned to Carlisle, "It was unfortunate to hear about the demise of Edward's marriage but I was also under the impression that there was another couple interested in children within your coven. This was the only reason we did not have an immediate inspection upon receiving word that there was a separation between the interested parties."

"We wanted to give our brother ample time to get through the disintegration of his marriage and to take his time deciding if he wanted to be a single father before we stole his Substitute. We could always get another if he decided to follow through with his plan." Rosalie's disdainful eyes were trained on Dr. Greene.

The family had discussed the best explanation. They hoped that their visitors would fall for their lie; they needed them to feel sympathetic towards Edward. They needed them to believe that he had been grieving the loss of his wife and needed time to deal with that before being a father. The world they lived in prevented them from explaining that Bella was the one who needed time.

"Why did you divorce your wife Edward?" Jane had a slight smile on her face as she narrowed her eyes at Edward.

"I would rather not discus such personal matters. What's important is that I've decided that I do want to be a single father and wish for you to honor our contract."

Bella's breath hitched when she heard those words from Edward. He wanted a baby! He wanted a baby with her!

"In fact, after our family vacation I expect that Isabella will be pregnant."

"And when is this vacation to occur?" Jane's voice was still full of distrust.

"Within the next two weeks!" Alice's voice was peppered with excitement. Edward was transfixed by the vision that captured the both of them…Bella laughing and falling over in the snow while Edward tried to teach her to ski.

He shook his head to clear the scene.

Dr. Greene was relieved, he was afraid of the implications that Bella could not live up to the Agency's standards and produce a child. He had the unfortunate task of distancing the Agency from the debacles that were produced when some vampires used the Black Market to procure Substitutes.

The women from the Black Market were sub par. Sometimes these humans were barren, or their genes were defective and they never carried a hybrid to full term. Worst of all the women sometimes died during childbirth because they did not have adequate care. That gave the underground anti-vampire groups enough ammunition to recruit more members. He had to protect the Agency's reputation and distance themselves from these occurrences. This was why inspections were so important.

Now that he knew Edward still wanted Bella he could breathe easier, Aro would be pleased. "Well that's wonderful news; we want to know as soon as conception occurs."

"Yes Edward, we would like to hear from you before you hear from us. We are not too keen on giving second chances." Jane's sneer seemed out of place on her beautiful face. Yet her words were true, the Agency was not known for giving second chances, they were precise, they were perfect and they knew how to sweep any mess under the rug.

Dr. Greene did not pay attention to Jane's threat…that was her arena; he just wanted to make sure the Cullens were satisfied. Also, hearing that Rosalie and Emmett may be in need of another Substitute made dollar signs swim in his head. "There's no need for a physical inspection as this time I suppose, since you've confirmed that she remains pure. Yet I need to remind you that the sooner she is taken by you, the better it will be."

Bella was on fire…she wanted to scream, to jump… to do something. Not only was she not going to have a physical inspection but she was going to be pregnant soon. She could almost sing with joy. She didn't even hear the rest of the conversation; she was smiling at the thought of having a baby…

She didn't notice the tense way Edward's jaw was locked as he listened to Jane's thoughts or the scowl that was permanently on Alice's face as she got shifting visions based on Edward's tumultuous thoughts.

Annotation: Next chapter is the trip and some baby-making action...