Party Slush Punch
10 oz frozen strawberries, 7 cups water, 12 oz frozen orange juice, 2 cups tea, 12 oz frozen lemonade, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3 or more cups light rum
Mix all ingredients together and freeze. Serve when slushy; add lemon-lime soda if desired.
Chapter 14
On the Road to Forks
Previously, James, the blonde haired man, displayed his cruel and vile side by attacking the blonde Russian girl. We rejoin the story after his attack is finished and all the other girls are huddled together awaiting his next more. Their location is just south of California's border with Mexico.
The world would consider him a sick and vile man, but in his mind he was perfectly sane. James Hunter had an unreachable soul that saw black as its only light. Rancid from years of hate and greed, nothing touched his cold heart. If it was still beating in his hollow chest.
As James strode away from the sobbing woman-child lying on the bed, the sound of her crying had the effect of a fly buzzing by his head. Annoying, but soon forgotten.
He moved the curtain back and scanned the cluster of girls huddled together in silent terror. James' face was impassive as if he had just finished some everyday mind numbing task. His eyes appeared as a blaze of blue hatred and the girls cowered back, fearing his next move.
As James turned and left the courtyard through an arched doorway, relief spread across the girls' faces. After he disappeared, a heavy-set man smelling of sweat and dust entered the room, carrying a tray with small cups of water and pills. Fearing James' wrath, the girls quickly swallowed the offered agent to numb the pain from their travel weary minds. Exhaustion and fear had depleted their natural instinct to fight. They were sheep being led to the slaughter of their souls' identity. All that had been a part of them since birth no longer remained. Void. Aimless. Hopeless.
On shaky legs, the girl stood and crossed the room to where the blonde girl remained seated on the bed. Shescooped up the photo of the young baby and, like a puzzle, she tried to repair the picture by pushing the jagged edges together.
The girl's hand was shaking as she handed the torn photo to the blonde girl. One thick tear rolled down the blonde girl's cheek as she pressed what was left of a treasured memory to her chest. Without thought, sheplaced her hand on the girl's beautiful blonde hair and began stroking it. No words were needed. Strangers from different lands, joined by an unspoken misery, connected through the bond of comfort. There was no need for translation.
Watching the shadows deepen on the walls, the tension and fear in the air grew. The door flew open and James strutted into the open area. Without turning on any lights he addressed his ever present men and they started to round up the girls and herd them towards the door. As they followed each other in the darkness with their future uncertain, the girl slipped her hand through the blonde girl's fingers and was reassured a gentle squeeze.
The girls filed out into the energetic air of a city as it noisily prepared for night. A delivery van that had brightly colored vegetables painted on its side panels was parked a few doors down with its back doors swung wide open. James leaned against one of doors as the men guided the girls into the truck where they were grouped against the van's walls.
James climbed gracefully into the back, holding a bright flashlight that was cast into their fear filled faces. The doors were slammed closed and a metal lock slid into place. As the truck jerked forward James started to speak. He had a reason for being pinned in the back with them. He needed to prepare them for their arrival into America which was only precious moments away.
James handed each of the girls a small, rectangle book, the inside cover of each containing a photograph. In broken Thai and Russian, James told them that it was their new identities which were necessary for their new life in America. He smiled mockingly at each of them, his eyes lingering on the girl. She looked away, afraid to return his gaze. There was something in those cold blue eyes that frightened her to the very center of her being. A bone chilling shiver coursed through her as she felt his eyes boring into her hidden face.
James tugged on her arm and she peeked through her fallen hair to see him pointing at a picture in her book. He began to speak to the Bangkok girl in Thai. "Alif no, Alice yes," he said. His long fingers pointed from the picture back to the girl. He repeated the name, "Alice," back to her as he tried to communicate her new name to her.
James watched as the newly anointed "Alice" glanced down at the booklet in her hands. Her gaze settled on the front page photo, seeing her own image smiling in hopes of happy things to come.
Vaguely she remembered the old woman insisting that she smile as she sat on a tall metal stool. The woman instructed her to sit on the stool and assured her that a big smile would mean a larger helping of rice in her bowl. Next a blinding light flashed across her face. Quickly the woman ushered her back to wait with the other girls. Later that evening when dinner was served, she greedily seized her bowl. Dejected she stared into the bowl where the rice was dished out in its usual portion. There was nothing extra for her. Once again, she faced the truth of her captors. They had cold, lying hearts.
Tears sprang forth and spilled down Alice's cheeks. Not even the one thing her mother gave her, her name and all the associated memories, would be hers any longer. She looked away, eyes watering. She was not going to give James the satisfaction of seeing her in anguish. But through the hurt and hatred she felt a cold resolve starting to bubble up deep within her soul. He could take her name, but not her soul. Looking to the heavens, she prayed again to someone or something for strength.
The van continued down the dusty road that led to America. An arrangement with Mexican border agents ensured their passage into the U.S., along with a generous cash payment. Greasing of palms wasn't anything new to him. Everyone that he dealt with was oily and slimy. None of them had a drop of virtue. Their operation sucked the life out of these innocents as they stuffed their pockets with blood money.
James secretly hoped for a separation from Aro. He just needed to find the right deal and he'd break away from him. He heard of special request by a Middle Eastern tycoon. He allegedly offered an obscene amount of money for a virgin over the age of twenty-one. James concluded that it would be worth the search for such a rare commodity. He was just tired of having the weight of the Aro's operation on his shoulders. The risks that he took were worth more in his eyes than the rewards. He put his ass on the line and expected more respect from Aro, but it never came. Because he was the middleman for the operations, he was also the face that everyone recognized. In his mind, risk and responsibility should equal more of a reward. However, every time he suggested that Aro increase his cut James was rebuffed
The van came to a stop and James watched the men open the rusty doors. He led Alice out the back of the van and quickly shut the doors behind him. He knew the other girls thought they'd be leaving because they had scooted towards the exit. He laughed to himself when he thought about their disappointment. His cruelty knew no bounds.
James found the car for his journey to Forks idling a few feet away. He smiled, satisfied that his orders were followed correctly. The tinted windows of the black sedan fell within legal limits and reflected the darkness of his soul. He didn't want prying eyes looking inside to see a passed-out young woman. He needed a safe and uneventful trip. This was the first time he had taken a girl with him beyond the drop-off point. He had promised Aro a special favor for his Assistant, or fucking partner. Natalia was a hot piece of ass and she wanted a girl to help with the mundane tasks of her life. He hoped that she would feel like giving him a special thank you in return for his efforts.
Glancing over his shoulder, James saw the border crossing that they had just driven through or more precisely bought their way through minutes ago. His ten-thousand dollar payoff would go a long way in that guard's shamble of a house.
"Players," he thought, "Some were bought, some were sold. But all fucking players."
Holding Alice's arm tightly in his hand he moved her towards the car. He could feel her trembling under this touch.
"Damn idiot. You don't know how good you're going to have it. The others will be working until their fingers bleed. But not you, you're going to be the Queen's handmaiden. Sleeping at her feet."
Alice looked at him with tearful eyes, not understanding the meaning of his words and fearing where he might be taking her. She had no idea whether it was good or bad to be separated from the other girls. A foreboding feeling crept into her heart.
Roughly James yanked open the car's door, where a shiny pair of handcuffs lay on the seat. Alice gasped at them in horror. She knew they were meant for her, and she thought of making a break and trying to run. But James grabbed the cuffs and pinned her to inside of the car door before she could react.
With quick hands James latched one opening of the cuffs to a handle in the armrest of the door. Then he secured the other end to Alice's thin wrist.
"Get in," James barked as he pushed her inside. He took pride in how well he had planned out this trip. He thought of everything down to the pills sitting on the driver's seat. Foolproof.
Before they were on the north side of San Diego, Alice was sound asleep. James had fed her some food and then gave her a sleeping pill. She seemed to welcome the escape. He fiddled with the radio and settled on a classic rock station. It was mind numbing and helped him forget about the 22 hour journey they had to Forks.
He'd carefully planned three stops along their path north. Each one timed to when Alice's sleeping pills wore off. He shrewdly chose gas stations with outside access restrooms. Fewer prying eyes and hopefully no security cameras recording their movements.
"Yeah, Natalia better show me some appreciation," James mumbled as a police cruiser passed him on his left.
He popped some speed in his mouth, shook his head and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. Cities turned into valleys. Valleys turned into mountains. Mountains turned into coastlines. Finally, the dense forest surrounding Forks appeared.
James felt his body relax and a deep exhaustion seized him. He was tempted to pop another pill, but he decided that he'd pushed his body enough.
"All I need now is a hot meal, hot shower, and a hot pussy." He hoped Natalia would be willing and they could combine the last two of his hot desires on the list. He thought of calling but was told not to make any contact with them. They never communicated with him on his missions. For all Aro knew, James was dead and rotting away somewhere on the streets of Tijuana.
"God damn, fuckers all of them. This is it for me. I'm done with them after this." James's angry tone woke a groggy Alice. She rubbed her eyes and looked out the window to see the dense forest surrounding them. It was beautiful, lush, and dreamlike. It made her almost forget about the animal sitting next to her. Almost.
The car slowed as they approached the turn off for the Volturi estate. James let out a deep breath as the security guards let him clear the gate.
He'd made it. Now for a few hot things, he thought as he slowly drove up to the circle driveway. He noticed an expensive sports car parked a few feet away. As he glanced towards the house a group of strangers caught his eye. Two tall men and a petite brunette woman stood on the portico's steps preparing to enter through the open front doors. He noticed the woman turning towards his car.
Brown eyes – check. Brown hair – check. Over twenty one years old – check. Virgin – fucking impossible.
The Volturi Estate
In the last chapter, our trio of crime fighters was standing in the library of Aro Volturi. Let the mission commence…
Edward had instructed them to never turn down an offer that might be construed negatively, so they would be drinking tonight but stopping after two.
"Yes, drinks would be fine, thank you." Edward signaled to his counterparts letting the woman know that they agreed.
After the woman left, they heard heavy footsteps approaching the room. The doors to the library swung open and in marched three people. Two of them were expected, Natalia Kruel and Aro Volturi, and one of them was not.
Riley, the tall and handsome son of Aro, stood next to his father. His eyes immediately found something of interest. Bella.
Damn, who do we have here? It must be Isabella. Dinner just got really interesting. Shit, look at those legs. I wonder what color of panties she's wearing under that dress. Well, I'll just have to find that out.
After Edward heard Riley's thoughts, he glared at him though his lust-filled eyes were still transfixed on Bella.
Damn that bastard. He was supposed to be at law school. He's not going to lay a hand on what's mine. I'll fucking kill him first.
Gritting his teeth, Edward strategically moved in front of Bella blocking her from Riley's view. He took a deep cleansing breath suppressing the jealousy boiling inside him. Stepping forward he took the outstretched hand of Aro, shaking it firmly.
Game time, head on straight. Edward thought.
"Edward," Aro's voice boomed. "Welcome to my home. So glad you could join us." Aro glanced at Natalia and his son, Riley standing dutifully at his side.
"The pleasure's ours. Quite an impressive estate you have here, Aro." Edward knew that his compliment had stroked Aro's ego after seeing the smug smile on his face.
The woman returned with drinks for the party of six. She quickly passed the glasses around while they talked. Once done with her task, she retreated from the room.
"I'd like to introduce you to my team. My business assistant, Ms. Swan."
"A pleasure indeed, Ms. Swan." Aro's words slithered forth as he brought Bella's hand to his lips and lightly kissed a knuckle.
Edward was sickened by Aro's musings of where he'd rather place his lips on Bella. Fuck, I should've left her at the hotel. Gotta pull myself together, try to weed through all these depraved thoughts.
"And this is Mr. Whitlock. I mentioned his addition yesterday when we spoke on the phone. As I said, we've worked together in some capacity for years. He's agreed to help me perform the due diligence on this project."
"Welcome, Mr. Whitlock." Aro was abrupt as his gaze turned back to Bella.
"Thanks for your hospitality and, by all means, please call me Jazz. It's short for Jasper."
Natalia licked her lips, eyeing Jasper. "There's nothing short about you cowboy," she purred moving to stand beside him. Jasper smiled shyly surprised by Natalia's forwardness.
Wrapping her arm through his, Natalia continued her flirting. "Your accent. Texas, right?"
"Yes, ma'am. Born and bred Texan." Jasper gently maneuvered his way out of Natalia's grasp.
"Natalia, leave our poor guest alone," Aro scolded. "You'll have to excuse her; she's been cooped up here for a few weeks. It's time for a shopping excursion to Seattle, dear."
"Whatever you say, dear." Natalia's tone was anything but endearing.
A cough was heard coming from Riley's direction.
"Oh yes, this is my son, Riley. He's home from law school for Spring break. Probably not where he wanted to be." Aro laughed as Riley rolled his eyes. "But it's time that fun and frolicking came to an end."
Edward turned to him and shook Riley's hand, sizing him up. "So you opted out of something more tropical and decided to lounge in the forests around Forks? Surprising."
Much to Edward's relief, Riley's mind finally switched from thinking about Bella's fine ass and focused on answering the question.
"I actually have an interview with a law firm this week. But I'm still hoping to have a little fun while I'm here." Riley looked towards Bella. Edward watched Riley's eyes grow dark and his mind refocus on his new hope for "fun," Bella's curvy body.
"Good luck on your interview," Edward stated with little emotion, but his thoughts contained his true feelings. Better keep your dirty hands off her. So ain't going to happen, boy. She's off limits and out of your league.
Trouble was brewing. Jasper could feel it. He prayed that they had the dueling pistols hidden away under lock and key. Edward was not himself and Jasper fought back a smile. He was happy to see this day come even if it meant that his lifelong friend felt completely miserable and out of sorts.
Jasper saw that, for the first time, Edward cared deeply about a woman. He'd waited and hoped for the day when the sting from Cupid's arrow hit the consummate player's heart.
Seeing the need to step into the fray, Jasper decided to engage Riley in a conversation that might distract him from Bella. The veins in Edward's neck pulsed and Jasper knew that a man in love could only take so much. Yes, love. He wagered that Edward had no idea of his own heart's condition, but all the signs of love were there. Just the fact that Edward hadn't had sex in over a week was evidence enough. Jasper also needed some distance from Natalia. Her gaze had turned into a game of eye fucking and he didn't want Aro's feathers ruffled. It was time to play the peacemaker, Jasper's specialty.
"Hey, Riley. I have several attorneys in my family. What area of law are you specializing in?" Jasper moved closer to his subject as he tried to connect with him.
Edward gave him a look of utter relief. Jasper smiled and just nodded his head. A silent communication passed between them, the kind of understanding that occurs only after years of friendship.
"How long have you worked for Edward, Ms. Swan?" Aro asked the question then sipped his drink. His eyes never leaving Bella's face.
"Actually, I'm fairly new to this position." Bella decided that she needed to quickly change the subject. "I'm grateful to be working for Mr. Cullen. My job led me to this beautiful place. I've never seen such a lush forest. It's so beautiful here."
"Lush and beautiful?" Aro questioned as he moved closer to Bella. "I guess you're right. Those words do sum up our surroundings."
Suddenly Aro stood mere inches in front of Bella. She felt his hot breath against her cheek and he moved his lips closer to her ear. A cold shiver ran down her spine as Aro whispered into her ear. "There's something about you. I'm completely fascinated."
Walking a tightrope, Bella needed to chose her next words carefully. Truthfully, she wanted to slap Aro across his oily, pock-marked face, but their mission would suffer from any type of hostile reaction on her part. So she decided to try and beat him at his own game.
Taking a long sip of her strong drink, she smiled coyly back at him. She glanced Edward's way and he appeared to be restraining himself. Bella wondered if Aro's flirting was getting under sweet Edward's skin. Interesting. She wasn't sure what to think of his behavior.
Giving Aro her full attention, Bella looked at him through her lashes. "Well, Mr. Volturi. Aren't you the charmer?" Bella hooked her arm through his, mimicking the actions of Natalia just minutes ago. Slyly winking at Edward, she continued. "You remind me so much of my favorite uncle. His relentless teasing frustrated me to no end."
"Dear Ms. Swan. Me, frustrate a beautiful woman like you?" Aro pulled Bella closer to his side and quietly continued. "Never."
"You just made my point." Ignoring the inappropriateness of Aro's comments and stealing a glance at Edward, Bella began to giggle when she saw Edward's face. He stared back at her completely flabbergasted, wondering who the hell this woman was standing up to Aro and gently squeezing his balls, figuratively speaking.
Bella did an inner fist pump as she reveled in Edward's stunned countenance. Yep. I think I've impressed Edward Cullen. I can't believe how quickly a man forgets being kneed in the groin.
Tipping his glass towards Bella, Edward smiled knowingly at her. She had Aro in the palm of her hands. He was standing next to her like a panting dog hoping that she'd give him a pet on the head.
Unfortunately, Edward read his thoughts and knew what head Aro really wanted to have petted. Sick fucker. She's half his age and his lover's just feet away.
The woman who had brought their drinks earlier entered the room and timidly walked to Aro's side. She spoke softly to him but Bella couldn't understand her broken English. Aro appeared to comprehend what she said and nodded his head at her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is ready. Please follow me to the dining room." Aro placed his hands on the small of Bella's back and gently guided her out of the room into the massive entry adorned with antique tapestries and elaborate oil paintings.
Edward watched Riley maneuver his way to Bella's free side. Observing the two Volturis sandwiching Bella between them wasn't a pleasant sight for Edward. This night was not going down as he planned. Both men acted like they were smitten with Bella, as if she'd cast a strange spell on them. Strangely, Edward sympathized with the Volturis. What was it about her? he wondered. She was the most puzzling damn woman he'd ever met.
Aro led them to a room worthy of a Vanderbilt mansion. Opulent, gilded and completely over the top, Bella's wide eyes couldn't hide her surprise at the room's beauty. The arched windows were encased in billowing layers of red silk and framed with gold molding. The expansive dining table was stained dark making it almost appear to be black. A large crystal chandelier was perched directly above the table. The lights were dimmed and it gave the room an eerie gothic feel.
"Aro this room is simply beautiful," Bella commented, looking toward the ceiling and examining the paintings on it. "And the ceiling was hand painted? It's incredible."
"It's so satisfying to know that you find beauty in this room, Ms. Swan. But personally, I feel that nothing in here compares to you, my dear."
"Not again, Mr. Volturi. I'm going to start calling you, 'uncle."" Looking into his beady eyes, Bella smiled teasingly at him and awaited his response.
Aro laughed at Bella's disarming humor. As he walked to the dining room table, the others followed him. "Please be seated." His words sounded more like a command than a request.
Riley pulled a chair out for Bella and took the seat next to her. Edward and Jasper were relegated to seats that were across from them. Aro sat at the head of the table, with Natalia seated at the opposite end.
The woman from earlier poured red wine into all the long stem crystal glasses and a placed a mixed green salad at each setting. Aro turned to Edward and they started discussing the property and reason, in Aro's mind, for their visit to Forks.
"Edward, in our calls you've mentioned looking at other seaside properties. I'm curious to know what other areas you've investigated." Aro's lips slowly wrapped around his fork as he waited for Edward's response.
"As you know finding an undeveloped coastline anywhere in United States is practically unheard of. Until I stumbled upon your property, I was leaning towards some land on the coast in Georgia. But there's always the worry of hurricanes."
"Well, the only thing you have to worry about here with our property is the lack of sunshine. It's a great place for those with sun allergies. However, the scenery is still wonderful. What's a little mist and fog?"
"We're looking forward to viewing the property tomorrow. I understand that we are supposed to have sunny weather too." Edward's gaze quickly shifted to Riley as he read his lust-filled thoughts of Bella entangled underneath him. Edward's stare was piercing and Riley quickly turned to Bella to escape the intensity.
"Ms. Swan, do you mind if I call you, Isabella? My father told me that was your name." Riley searched Bella's eyes and shifted back to Edward, who was gazing intensely at Bella. Riley suspected that Edward's interest in Bella was more than just professional. It seemed possessive, as if she was marked and belonged to him. Riley loved a challenge and believed he found one.
"Of course. But I prefer Bella," she replied, looking between Riley and Edward, and somewhat confused by the annoyed scowl on Edward's face. She wasn't sure what his problem was but he was rather close to offending their host's son. Not a very smart move on his part. Since they were still getting to know each other, she worried that any offense taken would be dangerous to their mission.
"Bella." Riley let Bella's name roll off his tongue. "That is a beautiful name and fitting for such a beautiful woman."
Change topic. Change topic. Bella silently chanted. "You're too kind, really." Moving to what she hoped would be safer territory, Bella continued. "So you're on spring break right now?"
"Yes, I'm spending it in the soggy city of Forks. I've been thinking about heading to Port Angeles later tonight. I need a change of scenery."
Riley turned toward Edward and spoke in a condescending tone. "Mr. Cullen, if you can spare Bella for the rest of the evening. I'd like to show her around the area after dinner, perhaps have a drink in Port Angeles?"
Dazed, Edward, glanced at Bella, who had sheepish grin on her face. Believing that Bella wanted to go with Riley, he felt devastated, like he was punched in the gut. He watched Riley slide closer to Bella.
Enjoying Edward's obvious distress, Riley continued. "Mr. Cullen, do you have a problem with Bella accompanying me tonight? I promise to have her in bed at a reasonable hour."
Clenching his fists and struggling to maintain his composure, Edward turned to Bella. "Perhaps you should ask Ms. Swan."
A/N: We would liked to thank our Special Agents…..Betas Elizabethan and Aquariumjenn