Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight
Chapter 9: What's Left of It
Bella POV:
Liam and I have been with our division for about a month now and have been loving it. Technically the division's name is S.T.O., but no one knows what it stands for. We're pretty sure they just randomly picked three letters to cause confusion and look official. The marines we work with are great people, we learned pretty much everything from them. After we were situated and caught up on how to actually lead in the military we were on missions almost every day. We're pretty fast learners so it really didn't take that long. Perks of having a super brain. Turns out I'm a damn good pilot, something to do with my fast reflexes. So when I'm not in the ground leading squads on operations, I'm up in the air. It's actually really peaceful up there, and you know, planes go fast. I never understood the whole supernatural need for speed thing until now.
Liam is loving life just as much as I am. We've gotten to go on a few Intel operations for information on the Volturi. They've been laying real low since the word got out that the two escapees were working for the government. That cut out a lot of enemies and gave S.T.O. a big name, but also gave Commander Colt a lot of flak. He's been taking it real well though, telling the press they have no clue what we've been through and to shut the hell up. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really like that guy. That is until about ten seconds ago when he told us our next assignment, to go home.
"You're joking! After all we've done? You want us to go home and act fucking normal?" Liam was outraged. He was practically spitting in Colt's face.
"No it's not like that. Liam please?" He waited until Liam went back down into his seat across the desk. "You'll still work for us and have a few jobs to do every month, but I would like you to have closure and experience. You're great at what you do and have done fantastic jobs. But I think you can agree with me when I tell you that you don't have the best human relations skills." We both grumbled. Yeah I guess we're not the best with humans besides a few friends in our squads. It's hard to remember being human and how to act normal. "Look, all I'm asking is that you go back to your home towns, finish up your official schooling, and maybe learn from what is around you. I promise you can come back here full time once you're done. Now, go pack your things and I'll send your paperwork." He finished with authority in his voice as he got up and left the office. Well, I guess I'm going back to Forks.
It was a frenzy when I arrived. My story was simple and very believable since Charlie was taken by the Volturi the same night I was. His blood had the same mouthwatering scent as mine did and they wanted the set. Driven by the grief of losing Charlie right after being dumped by the Cullens, I had run away from home like a dramatic teenager. Then I stayed away when once again tragedy struck when my mother and step-father ended up dead. A car crash? The Volturi really went out of their way when it came to protecting our identities from the world. Everyone was trying to comfort me when I didn't need or want it. They would never know the truth. I didn't attend the funeral. How could I?
Of course I went to Jacob right away. He would know who I was considering he was there. Jake was just beyond elated that I was even alive. The only people he ever told about that night was the pack so I just had to deal with them and I was good to go. Once they let me explain as much as I could to them they welcomed me with open arms. I was part wolf after all. Jake kept blaming himself for what happened even though I told him it was not his fault at all. I don't think he'll ever get over it really, but I do have my friend back. The transition was actually running smoothly until Jake ran into my room one morning panting out of breath.
"They're back Bella. The Cullens are back."
A/N: I know I really rushed the training and stuff but you know they are really smart now and catch on quick. And I can say from first hand experience that with the right training and instructors, they can plunge you into military life and leadership fast as hell.