Author's note: Bon jour! I am happy that so many people like my story! Seriously, I do a happy dance every time someone favorites my story. This is my first one on this site, so I will definitely write more stories in the future if a lot more people like favorite the Demon's Seal.

Disclaimer: Not now, not ever. Renesmee ruined everything.

Chapter 4

Cold Rage

(Bella pov)

Everyone thinks that white hot fury is the worst form of wrath. That's not true. The highest level of anger is when the rage burns cold. It feels like ice is crystallizing in your veins. The vision does not develop a red haze, but everything becomes achingly clear. You are able to see with perfectly clarity. You can see the strongest and weakest part of your foe. You can easily locate the point you will attack first. If there are no corporeal weak spots, then your mind is clear enough to think of verbal ways to rip your opponent to hypothetical shreds. I have only felt this form of anger once. I remember with flawless lucidity how I attacked that seven-year old boy. He had been picking on me and had the audacity to call me an unwanted child. He proceeded to tell me how I would become an unfaithful whore like my mother when I grew up. He said that no one would ever want me. I remember picking up the small, child-sized bat, and taking it to his head. I recall how he let an agonized cry as he fell to the dirt. I dropped the bat. I pulled his head up by his hair and forced him to look into my eyes. I told him that he was a fucking disappointment and would amount to nothing, live in a rundown trailer park, and die alone with no one to mourn him. I spat on his face and glowered at his tears with icy detachment.

Oddly enough, I have no recollection of moving my arms or picking up the bat. All I did was watch from inside my head as my arms moved on their own. I heard my voice say those mean things to that poor little boy. I wanted to apologize, but the ice cold wall of rage kept me locked inside my head. I did not gain control until I walked through my front door and was ambushed by my mother. She said she got a call from elementary school about her tiny, shy daughter viciously attacked another student. I was made to go back the next day and apologize. A fraction of the frosty ire came back as I stood in front of him. Instead of an apology of my actions, degrading words fell out of my mouth. My voice told the boy that I was sorry that he would die alone with nothing to his name. When my mother yelled at me, my voice told her to shut her mouth and continued to call her an insolent harlot.

I remember that day so clearly. I thought nothing could be more humiliating than having no control over my body.

I was wrong.

Nothing is more humiliating than standing before the family I loved with all of my heart. Nothing could be more demeaning than knowing that I gave them my all, trusted them with my secrets and insecurities, only to have it thrown back in my face when they deemed me undeserving of their loyalty and love and abandoned me. They broke my tender heart and stomped it into the ground. Rocky ground. While wearing cleats. Using their vampire strength.

They were scattered I front of me, leaning against a wall or perched on a sofa, in the same room I occupied. I have dreamed of this moment. A small part of me hoped that the family I accepted as my own would return to me. I wished with all of my being that they would come back to me. I sat on the lone loveseat. My eyes kept darting from Cullen to Cullen. The fear that this was all an illusion throbbed in the back of my mind. Maybe mind has snapped.

Jasper gave me a small smile. "We are truly here, Bella. This isn't a hallucination."

Though I was excited to see them again, suspicion curdled in my stomach. Why are they here?

"How have you been, Bella dear?" Esme said softly.

I glanced at her before darting my eyes to the ground. "I've been better."

Emmett beamed at me, "No questions, Belly boo?"

"Not really." I kept my eyes on the ground. I couldn't look them in the eye. "Why are you here?"

"Well, we wanted to see you, silly!" Alice chirped from her seat beside Jasper. Said vampire was leaning against the wall. He observed me from his vantage point. "We missed you sorely, so we came back to see how you were doing."

The wisp of mistrust curled around my chest. "Really? I would have never guessed that a mere mortal like me would even pass through your dazzling, perfect minds."

"Okay… We deserved that, but we did miss you." Carlisle smiled at me. "You were in our thoughts everyday we've been away."

If you loved me so much, why did you leave? "It's nice to know I infect your thoughts."

I could see Jasper's head jerk to the side from the corner of my eye. His body went tense as he stared at me from across the room. At the same time, tendrils of anger crept through my mind. I shifted in my seat. I didn't want to be here anymore. I needed to be alone in my room. These vampires said they cared for me, but then they left me. They packed their bags and disappeared without so much as a good-bye. The only one who gave me an explanation to their move was Edward, and he told me exactly what he and his family thinks of me. I was nothing but a plaything.

I mean nothing to them than a distraction. A pet that grew tiresome.

"I feel so honored to have you all visit me." I stated in a flat tone.

Carlisle frowned for a second before grinning at me. "Things just weren't the same without you around, Bella. So we decided to come back."

Lies. "Oh? How wonderful. Now you don't have to worry about me breaking myself. You all will be here to do that." They are lying. They didn't miss me. What are they here for really?

"Bella!" Esme gasped. At her outburst, I finally looked into their eyes. I dropped all walls and showed them the pain and betrayal that festered inside ever since the day they left. I was sure to linger on Edward's eyes before finally pinning Jasper with my gaze. The anger inside me didn't like him at all. Surprise at this anger danced around the edges of my awareness. Why would I be mad at Jasper? Of all the Cullen's, he was the only one I didn't hold… something against. Why am I angry at them? Yes, I feel unloved, but I don't hate them for it. How could I when they are so perfect and I'm so… me. The fury drove those questions away. I hated them! I want them to make up their fucking minds! They either want me or they are don't care for m! They need to shut their traps and fuck off!

"Well, this has been… dandy, but I have things to do that involve me, myself, and I." I got to my feet. I shot a glare at Carlisle. "Your concern is flattering; however, it is unnecessary and pointless."

"Bella…" Alice sped towards me, blocking my path to the door. "We came because we are worried about you. We care for you and we don't want you to get hurt."

The anger swelled in my chest. "A bit too late for that, Alice."

Alice crossed her arms and pinned me with her gaze. "You aren't leaving until…"

I could feel my face stretching into a grin as I darted around Alice's form. She looked surprised when she turned around to face me. I bent at the waist until my eyes were level with hers. I stared into her golden eyes for a moment. I broke our stand-off with a low whisper. "Watch me."

I straightened my back, turned on my heel, and sashayed to the door. I was stopped by Emmett before I reached the frame. He stood in front of me, glaring down at me. I felt on of my eyebrows shoot up. He crossed his arms in response. I tried to side step him, only for the vampire wall of muscle to move with me. I heaved a sigh and ran a hand through my hair. Maybe I should dye it black. "Is there a reason why you're holding me against my will?"

Alice reached out a hand, but I flinched away from her. Pain flickered through her eyes before she dropped her hand. "I had a vision, Bella. You were crying as you were being swallowed by shadows."

Shit.

The voice came out of nowhere. Confusion swept through me at the random voice. I had the urge to turn around to find the culprit, but I couldn't move my body. My confusion turned into alarm as the hot anger turned to cold fury. The small doubts and insecurities I had locked away came forth in my mind. My fear fed the icy fire inside my chest. I couldn't stand their lies! They tore my fragile soul apart and walked all over the broken fragments. They lied to my face every day about caring for me! The only ones who care are Z and Cerberus!

Until my worth expires… They are my friends only because I'm valuable.

What happens when I am no longer useful to them?

Does anyone truly care for me for me?

All of sudden, the anger was slowly being replaced by calm. The stunning clearness slowly dulled and my body relaxed. They just want to talk. Maybe they left for another reason entirely. They won't hurt me. I can trust them. I just need to chill out and sit down. I slowly trudged back to the loveseat and melted onto the plush cushion. Jasper moved to stand next to me while Edward sat down beside me. He wrapped an arm around me and tucked me into his side. All the each Cullen, apart from Jasper and Emmett, took a seat. They all glanced at me, as if they were waiting for me to jump up and attack.

"Bella," Esme said softly, "Let me be the first to say that we left because we were trying to protect you. If any of us had the slightest inkling as to how it would have affected you, we would have gladly stayed." So, to protect me, they left me alone in the small town of Forks with a psyco-crazy, vampire, bitch dead-set on her plan to torture, beat, burn, mutilate, maim, amputate, stand-by-while-others-take-their-turns-beating-the-ever-loving-shit-out-of-me, video-tape- others-taking-their-turns-beating-the-ever-loving-shit-out-of-me, and kill me with my only defense being emotional, shape-shifting wolves that were more liking to kill me than Victoria when they got too upset? Super. Great plan.

"This vision scared us, Bella, so we have decided that we are staying here." Carlisle beamed.

The anger returned, along with a clipped Oh hell to the fuck NO!

I shot off the seat. "You left me here, alone, to protect me?! That was the master plan?" I yelled. My voice went up an octave as I attempted to mimic them. "Hey, I have this brilliant idea! If we leave Bella here in Forks, then that will solve all her problems! Victoria will leave her alone, Bella will gain a sense of balance, and she will be completely safe. There is no way this could ever go wrong! What was that? What do you she would want a say in the course of her own life? It's not like it would hurt her if we up and left without saying good bye or giving her a bloody explanation! Nope! She'll be fine!" Tears were streaming down my face. I didn't bother wiping them away.

Esme, Alice, and Emmett stared at me with pity in their eyes. Rosalie couldn't look me in the eye, but I could see the shame in her eyes. Esme stood up and took a step in my direction. "Bella…"

Vicious, ice-cold rage crushed all other emotions. I smacked Esme's outstretched hand. "Stay away from me!" I roared. "I don't need your fucking pity!"

Esme dropped her hand, her eyes gathering tears that would never spill. "Bella, please…"

"You have done enough!" I snarled. "Stay the hell away from me!"

"We just want to help! We want to protect you from Victoria and whatever the hell darkened my sight." Alice stood by Esme, pleading with me with her sympathetic eyes.

Too late, little one. "I don't want your assistance! You'd ditch me when I need you the most."

My vision tunneled as I stormed to the door. I felt someone grab my arm, so I grabbed it and threw it off. I turned my head to send a final glare at the family I once considered mine. "Stay away!"

I stalked through the door and into the rain, ignoring Edward's pleas to come back. I recalled my promise to listen to his apology crossed my mind, but I just needed to get away. I climbed into the cab of my truck and started the engine. I let the cold fury chase away the unbearable ache that settled in my chest. I put the truck in drove and sped down the Cullen's unkempt driveway. I wanted to Z, but he said I could handle this by myself. He said he had faith in me. The thought of Z brought mixed feelings of affection and uncertainty. When our bargain was fulfilled, would he leave me alone?

Is it my destiny to remain alone?

(Edward pov)

I watched in agony as Bella drove away. My family stood on the porch, staring after the Chevy.

Jasper directed his thoughts to me. I didn't imagine t, Edward. There was definitely a malevolent force overwhelming Bella's emotions. I could feel it sneering at me, like it knew I could sense it and wanted to taunt me with his conquest.

I'm sorry, Edward. Alice gave me a mental hug. I smiled at this, but I'm sure it came off as a grimace. If only I could see past the darkness. I know she is there behind it, but I can't get by the shadows. She showed me her latest attempt at seeing Bella. I could see her figure inside that darkness.

Edward… Esme felt the sting of tears. Did you see the agony in her eyes? What have we done?

Belly boo… I'm sorry. So sorry…..

We should have never left.

I remember the agony… Bella is so delicate. How can she live with that pain?

Where have I seen this before, dammit!

"Garrett." Jasper called. "Where have you been?"

He strolled out from the tree line. "Researching." They're not going to like what I found so far.

I stared down at him. "What have you found?"

Garrett didn't respond. All he did was climb up the stairs. He gestured toward the door. Everyone filed through the door and into the dining (meeting) room, questions and theories running through their minds. Carlisle took his place at the head of the table. Esme sat to his right, and everyone else sat down at their usual seats. Garrett took the open seat across from Carlisle. He reached into his duffle bag and pulled out a thick file and dropped it onto the oak table. He opened the cover and pulled out various sheets, lining them up. He looked down at one sheet in particular. The hand holding the harmless paper tensed before he slide it over to Carlisle. Carlisle picked it up and scanned the data.

His eyes widened. "Demonic possession?"

Everyone's head flicked toward Garrett. He nodded his head in conformation before gesturing to the assortment of papers on the table. Everyone reached for a sheet. I could see the information settling into their minds. Information on numerous demons and their purposes flowed from their minds into mine. "This explains the mood swings, the lashing out, and why Jasper is feeling another set of emotions overwhelming Bella's." Garrett fiddled with a piece of paper. "Possessions are nasty, nasty things. Demons are hard to call forth, much less forcing them to leave their selected vessel."

"I thought demons were just a myth." Alice mumbled.

Garrett smirked. "So are vampires. Like us, demons are very real and very dangerous. I don't think there has ever been a time when a demon crossed the path of a vampire willingly."

"Why would you think that?" Jasper inquired.

"There are three main reasons. One; our minds are too strong for them to slip in unnoticed. In order to possess a human, they have to slip into their minds. They cause the mortal to distrust their loved ones and push them away. Once they are all alone, the demon offers their company and 'friendship'. The demon feeds off their pain and suffering. Once the demon is done with the mortal, it leaves, often taking the human's soul with them back to hell. Two; since our minds are so strong, they can't possess us. Besides, even if they wanted to possess a vampire, we have no heartbeat to meld with. Three; when a vampire feels threatened, they usually fight back. Their mind tricks can't work on us, but our gifts work on them. It'd be like a vampire trying to eat a human that had the ability to, I don't know, use fire. The second that human starts fighting back with his fire, we would say 'fuck it' and find another, less violent and harmful, meal to drink. Demons prefer an easy meal."

Rosalie's body tensed. Son of bitch! There is a demon for rape, too!

"What is it, Rosalie?" I asked in a soft voice.

She slammed the paper down on the table, cracking the wood. "This Draven guy sounds like a complete and total asshole! Every millennia or so, this creep selects a woman at birth and follows her throughout her life. When she reaches the age of eighteen, he begins the process of scudding her from her friends and family. When she is dependent on him alone, he impregnates her." She glared down at the harmless leaf of paper. "'The child born from this union shall be known as the antichrist.' It says that if the female refuses him, he has no problem raping her." Rosalie started calling this Draven the vilest and nastiest things that would make the hardest sailor blush.

"Yeah. That bloke is a nasty fellow, but I do believe the world doesn't have to worry about the bloody sod for a few more years." Garrett took on a fake British accent, thinking it made him sound intelligent. "The demon we need to be focused is the one residing inside of Bella."

Emmett looked up from his list of demonic names, noticing a trend. "Are all demons male?"

Garrett pondered that question before answering. "Most of them are male in nature."

So there is a male inside of Bella. Emmett grinned. That's dirty.

"Emmett!" I shouted. "Get your head out of the gutter!"

He shrugged. "Stay out of my head and you won't have to deal with my dirty thoughts."

Garrett gave me a mental shove. Focus, Eddie!

I ground my teeth together to keep myself from yelling. "My name is Edward, not Eddie!"

Garrett smirked at the snickers around the table. "That aside, we need to find out which demon has chosen Bella as their personal smorgasbord ASAP. Once we get a name, we can delve deeper into our research and find out how to get rid of the bloody sod. Yeah?"

Carlisle shook his head. "How will we discover its name without Bella? Don't we need… the victim before we can communicate with the demon?"

Garrett was about to answer when I shot out of my seat. I heard two minds coming our way. I was ready to warn the others when I heard their thoughts.

I know you can hear me, Eddie! It's just me and Charlotte.

Don't attack! Charlotte giggled. We come in peace!

"It's Peter and Charlotte." The others relaxed in their seats. Jasper smiled and got up to open the door. Moments later, Jasper and two other vampires entered the dining room. The male was tall with chestnut hair that fell past his ears and ruby red eyes. His companion had blond hair that brushed her lower back. She shared the same ruby colored orbs. Both of their outfits had tears and rips in the hems. Dirt and blood dotted the fabric.

"Howdy, ya'll! What's got all uh' ya in such a sour mood?" Peter grinned.

Char smiled warmly at everyone. "We traveled all this way only to be greeted by frowns."

Jasper gave each of them a tight hug before explaining the problem. Both were surprised by this information and thought of different ways to approach the situation. Peter flicked through different strategies, deemed them harmful or ineffective. One plan formed in his mind that had me growling.

"Not a chance!"

Peter shrugged. "We need a little more knowledge than what we have now, and I believe I know where we can get said information."

"What do you have in mind, Peter?" Jasper demanded. "Anything would be better than what we have at the moment." Everyone in the room nodded. I shoved my fingers into my hair, angry at myself.

(Aro pov)

What a pity. I signaled the guards to dispose of the pile of limbs that used to be a very talented vampire. The girl could make herself invisible! It's too bad she tried to attack Demetri. I sighed at the loss of what could have been an excellent addition to the guard. Marcus sat in his throne, staring off into space while Caius sneered at the guards picking up the vampire's remains. I was ready to dismiss the guards when our secretary ran holding cellphone in her hand.

"There is a mister Carlisle Cullen on the line for you, sir." She gave a slight bow, handing me the phone before running back to the desk in the waiting room. I held the phone close to my ear before speaking t my old friend.

"Carlisle!" I beamed into the phone. "How are you, my friend? It's been so long since we've last spoken. You must come visit me and my brothers! We would be delighted to see you."

"Hello, Aro. I would be honored to be welcomed into your home, but I'm afraid this is not a social call. I have a few inquiries about a subject I've no doubt you've studied before."

My curiosity peaked. "Ask away, old friend! I shall answer your questions to the best of me and my brother's knowledge." I exclaimed eagerly.

Carlisle inhaled before saying quietly, "Demonic possession."

I froze in surprise and interest. "Now why would you want to inquire about such a dark topic?"

"My son, Edward believes he found his mate in a young human named Bella." Carlisle explained. "However, after we took some time away from the human on a trip, we came back to her attitude being volatile and vicious. In fact, when approached by another vampire, a nomad that went by Laurent, she attacked him and ripped him apart. Our source said she burned the pieces with black fire."

My brothers and the guards stared at me. Each one of them had curiosity in their eyes. A human attack a vampire and surviving is improbable. In most cases, the only reason the human survives is because the vampire walked away, most likely laughing. A human woman attacking a vampire and killing them is impossible. Unless this human woman was able to access her very powerful vampire talent while mortal, there was no conceivable way that this Bella could defeat a vampire without supernatural assistance of demonic nature. "Are you absolutely sure, Carlisle?" I could feel anticipation bubbling in my chest. I have heard of demonic possession, but have never encountered a vessel.

"Jasper has sensed its malevolent presence. We are positive that it is a demon."

I smiled. "Bring her in."

Uh oh! We now know who Draven is. And now the Volturi have been drawn into the loop. Stay tuned for the next chapter of The Demon Seal! Suggestions would be nice!

–SPN :3