Disclaimer: Not mine. I do own, yet another new Doctor Who shirt. Is my nerd showing?
A/N: So I totally flubbed up the first part of last chapter, which several of you were quick to point out, so thank you. I went back and corrected it asap. I was a bit surprised at the lack of reviews last chapter, but hey, what can you do? I realized it wasn't the most exciting of chapters. For those that did review, thanks a ton. I always appreciate them. As always, a big thanks to everyone who reads this little story.
Design For Life
"Beauty is skin deep. A tattoo goes all the way to the bone." ~ Author Unknown
BPOV
Wednesday morning I walked into Eclipse and was a bit surprised to see Jane there. I'd figured for sure that she'd gone underground and was on the run. Hell, that's what I would've done. If, you know, I was to assume the identity of a dead woman and realized that people might be poking around. Then again, she wasn't that smart.
I had talked to Charlie the night before and let him know that Jane hadn't shown up for two days. He'd been concerned that she realized we were on to her, although we hadn't done anything to tip her off. Charlie also informed me that he had talked to Mark and caught him up on things. Mark was a bit upset with me for going to Charlie first. I felt bad, but Charlie had more resources than Mark. According to Charlie, they'd managed to pull a few IDs and driver's licenses for Jane, but they all had aliases. She had done a good job of covering up her real identity, and that made me angry. I wanted to know who the bitch was.
"Feeling better?" I asked Jane, not really caring one or the other.
She gave me a glare before answering. "I'm fine."
I crossed my arms and gave her a smirk. "Thought perhaps I'd run you off."
I knew I was playing with fire, but I couldn't stop myself. It pissed me the fuck off that she was running around pretending to be someone she wasn't.
Jane gave me a sneer. "Whatever, Swan. You're not as tough as you think you are."
I gave a shrug. "I found it a bit odd that you called in sick for two days after I kicked your ass."
That really pissed her. She stood up and got in my face. Her eyes were wild with rage.
"You didn't kick my ass. You just better be glad that Jacob talked me out of filing charges against you."
"From what I hear, he didn't have to try to hard. Got something to hide, Volturri?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Whatever, Swan," she sneered as Seth walked in.
"Problem, ladies?"
We shook our heads and went back to work. I kept an awfully close eye on her though. At noon, I took my lunch and met with Leah and Sam at the small bistro around the corner.
"Hey, ladies!" I called out as soon as I saw them.
We hadn't gotten together in a while, all of us busy with stuff, but had finally decided to meet for lunch.
I was hugged by both women before we sat down.
"So?" Leah asked after we'd ordered drinks.
"What?"
"How are things with you and Little Cullen?"
I couldn't contain the smile that spread over my face. I hadn't told them that the L word had been uttered.
"Oh, shit! You said it! He said it! You both said it!" she squealed.
I let out a laugh. Leah was a riot.
"Yes, we did. He's my everything."
I went on to tell them about about the drama that had been following me around as well as the fact that Edward was interviewing for a job with Jared and Seth.
"He'll get the job. Jared and Paul have already decided to hire him. They're just doing the interview for appearance's sake."
I sat back in my chair. "Really? But they don't even know him."
Sam smiled. "They know Jake and Seth. The boys vouched for Edward, and that was good enough for them."
We chatted for a while longer before we each had to get back to work. I let myself in the back door of Eclipse and found Seth in the back room staring at the photos of the two men on the board.
"What's up?" I asked, closing the door.
"I'm not sure yet. But I'm telling you, Bells. This guy," he said, pointing to Alec Caius, "looks so fucking familiar. It's bugging the hell out of me."
"It'll come to you. Don't force it," I told him before heading back to work.
At quarter to two, my phone beeped, and I saw I had a text from Edward. Excusing myself, to take my break, I headed to the back to talk to him. I dialed his number and smiled when he answered.
"Hey, babe. How was the interview?"
He let out a breath. "It went really well. They offered me the job," he said, sounding surprised.
"That's freaking awesome! I'm so excited for you!" I squealed over the phone. Yes, I squealed. Sue me. I was allowed to squeal when my boyfriend got a new job.
"It's unreal. I'll start as soon as the shop is up and running. They're looking at about a month and a half, which is fine. Gives me plenty of time to let the library know. So, how is work going?"
"Staying busy. Jane showed up today, but we've kept our distance from each other for the most part," I told him.
We talked for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. I was bouncing with excitement when I headed back onto the floor. Jake gave me a grin.
"He got the job, didn't he?"
"Yep."
"Knew it."
Later that night, Jake and Seth came over to hang out. We'd been trying to get together once a week, but it didn't always work. Jake was sprawled out on the living room floor of my house, with Seth propped up against him. We were watching some Spanish film about a woman who'd gone psycho and killed her kids. I wasn't sure why were watching it.
"This movie is awful," Edward groaned.
"I agree," I told him.
"It's not that bad," Jake said.
"Yes, it is!" the three of shouted at him.
"Fine. I give up!" he cried, throwing his hands up in the air. "Pick something else then."
And that was how we ended up watching Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Great movie. One of my favorites as well as Edwards.
"Holy shit!" Seth hollered out right after Willy Wonka met the kids.
"What?" I asked.
"He's a perv!"
"What? Who's a perv?" I asked, completely confused.
"Willy Wonka. Did you ever notice that he touches each of those kids when he's introduced to them? He rubs all up on Verruca's chest when he's touching her coat."
Needless to say, the rest of the night was spent analyzing every move Mr. Wonka made. I would never be able to watch it the same again. Damn Seth for ruining it for me.
After the movie was over, we got serious and discussed Jane and the men who had been after Laurent. So far, no one had seen either of the two men, something I was very grateful about. I didn't want anyone getting hurt. It was as we were discussing things that Seth realized why Caius looked so familiar to him.
"Fucking hell!"
We all turned to Seth.
"What?" Jake asked.
"I know why that Caius guy looks so familiar."
All of our attention was focused on Seth.
"I don't know why I didn't see it earlier."
"Seth! Tell us!" I growled out.
"I think he and Jane, or whoever she is, are related. They have similar eyes and they have the same cruel smile."
Oh, fuck me. He was right. I felt as though I couldn't breath. Thoughts were running rampant through my head. All kinds of what ifs were floating about.
"Bella? Sweet girl, you need to calm down," Edward said as I tried to catch my breath.
I hadn't even realized that I'd begun to hyperventilate. All I could think was that I was working with someone who was related to a murderer. Grabbing his phone off the coffee table, Edward started pushing buttons. A few minutes later, we heard a male voice answer.
"Hunter."
"Hi, Mark. It's Edward. I hate to bother you so late, but something has come up."
"It's not a problem. What's going on?"
Edward explained Seth's theory that Jane and Alec were related. Mark assured us that he'd look into it right away. I reached over and grabbed my own phone, deciding to give Charlie a call. I told him what Seth thought, and Charlie said he'd get in touch with Mark and for us to be cautious.
"Don't go antagonizing her, Bells. She could be dangerous. Especially if she is related to Caius."
"I'll be a good girl," I told him, hearing him snort at my words.
Needless to say that turn of events kind of ruined the lightheartedness of our evening. Edward and I crawled into bed shorty after the boys left. Edward fell asleep right away, but I tossed and turned most of the night. Every time I fell asleep, I had horrible dreams about Jane and Alec.
I was huddled in a dark corner behind some crates in an old warehouse. I wasn't sure how I'd gotten there, but I knew that I was in danger.
"Come out, come out, where ever you are little girl!" a male voice taunted from across the empty room.
Peering around the edge of the crate, I saw Alec Caius standing across the way, the moonlight bouncing off the deadly knife he held in his hand. There was no way I was moving from my spot. Peering around me as best as I could in the darkness, I spotted a window a few feet away. I started crawling toward it, but stopped when I heard another voice coming from nearby. My heart was pounding so loud it was ringing in my ears. I held my breath terrified that whoever it was would hear me.
"Bella!" Jane's voice called out. "I've got something of yours."
Dread washed over me. Turning around, I watched as Jane stepped into the moonlight with Edward. Oh, God! No! His wrists and legs were tied with rope, and he had bruises covering his beautiful face. Jane had a gun trained on him, and I watched helplessly as he tried to free himself from his bonds.
"Stay still, or I'll fucking shoot you!" she snarled at him.
"Run, Bella! Get out!" Edward hollered into the darkness.
Fear had paralyzed me, but I knew that I couldn't leave without him. He was my life. My everything.
"Shut up!" Jane yelled before she hit him in the head with the gun.
I watched in horror as he crumpled to the floor. I knew that I had to act fast, and I quickly scanned the area for a weapon. There was an old, rusty pipe on the floor. Crawling to it, I quietly picked it up. I had no idea how I was going to make things work, but I knew that I had to.
Slowly, keeping myself pressed against the walls, I made my way toward Jane and Alec. I knew that if they spotted me, Edward and I were as good as dead.
"Bella!" Jane called out again. "Show yourself or your pathetic little boyfriend dies."
I was almost to her. All I had to do was—
A loud shot rang out, and I watched in horror as blood began pouring from the wound in Edward's chest.
"Edward!"
"Bella! Wake up, sweet girl. Wake up," I heard Edward crooning.
I opened my eyes and saw Edward leaning over me, concern etched on his face. I threw myself at him, holding on tight, unable to stop the tears that spilled.
"It's okay, Bella. It's okay. It was just a dream," he whispered softly, rocking us gently while pressing kisses into my hair.
Finally, I pulled away, wiping the tears from my face.
"What scared you so bad?" he asked me, clasping my hands in his.
"It was horrible. We were in this warehouse, and Jane had you. She—" I stumbled over the next few words. "She shot you in the chest."
Edward held me tighter as the tears started again. The dream had really scared me. What was worse, was that it could happen. For all we knew, Jane was a hired assassin, and it was her mission to take me and my family and friends out.
By the time Friday rolled around, I was a mess. Every night I was plagued with bad dreams that always ended with Edward dying. I was starting to become paranoid. I could've sworn that I saw a car following me home Thursday and that my stuff had been rifled through at work. I was on edge and as a result, so was everyone else.
I pulled into my drive and noticed with a bit of trepidation and yet, relief, that Mark's cruiser was parked on the street. Getting out and locking my truck, I headed over to Edward's. I let myself in and found a group of people in Edward's living room. The Cullen family minus Rosalie were there as well as Jake and Seth.
"Hey, sweet girl," he murmured in my ear, pulling me into a hug.
I hugged back and gave him a peck on the lips before greeting everyone. After we were all seated, Mark stood up.
"I've called you all here because I've got some news. Bella, I've been in touch with Charlie and the two of us have learned quiet a bit. I'd prefer you all to listen to what I have to say first, and then we can get to the questions."
We all agreed.
Mark took a deep breath, opened up the file he held in his hand, and began to fill us in on what he and Charlie had learned.
"It took lots of hours and manpower, but we have finally identified the woman known as Jane Volturri. Her real name is Heidi Marcus, and she is wanted for multiple crimes across the country. Everything from identity fraud to attempted murder. She's been in and out of the system since she was twelve. She is very good at changing her appearance and identity which is why she hasn't been caught. Until now. We will be apprehending her shortly."
Mark stopped for a moment to look at us.
"What I have to tell you next is very important. Heidi Marcus is Alec Caius' half-sister. I have no doubt that her being in Port Angeles and getting a job at Eclipse was not a coincidence. From what we've gathered, with the help of the NYPD, is that she was sent here to find Laurent and the drugs he stole. Whether she killed him or not, we don't know. But—" he stressed, she is extremely dangerous."
The anger and rage that I felt for Jane/Heidi intensified. I was furious that that despicable bitch had come into our lives.
"At the moment, Demitri is in the custody of the Seattle P.D. He was busted for speeding. He will be returned to New York shortly. As for Alec Caius, he's in the wind. He slipped the tail that was watching him. Chances are good that he's coming this way. If he shows up here, do not engage him. This is a man who has no qualms about killing whomever gets in his way."
"Do you really think he'll show up?" I asked.
"It's possible," Mark said.
"But—I guess I don't understand why he would. I mean, someone already killed Laurent. What's left?"
Mark came over and knelt down in front of me. "Bella, you have to understand that Caius knows that Laurent stole drugs from him. Those drugs haven't been recovered, and those drugs are what Caius wants."
"Well, I certainly don't have the drugs."
"We know that, but Caius doesn't. All of you need to be on alert. I mean it. If you so much as suspect something is wrong, you call me right away. This is serious. Don't go and try to play the hero."
We asked a few more questions and by the time Mark left, we were all feeling edgy. I was horribly upset that I had caused all the drama.
"Bella, sweet girl. You didn't cause this. I've told you time and time again. If it's anyone's fault, it's Laurent's."
"But if I hadn't come here, then Laurent wouldn't have followed, and none of this would be happening."
"If you hadn't come here, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to fall in love with the most wonderful person I've ever met," he told me softly.
My heart melted a little at that. And Edward was right. None of what was going on was my fault. If only I could believe that.
Saturday morning, I awoke to Edward's soft kisses. It was moments like that, that I treasured. Just the two of us curled up in bed. We spent the day lazing around, doing our best to forget the impending doom that seemed to be lurking on the horizon.
Sunday was spent at the Cullens' house. The minute we walked into the house, we were wrapped up in a big hugs by Esme.
"How are you doing?" she asked me as Edward headed inside and down to the den. I knew that he wanted to check up on Emmett. He'd been worried about his big brother.
I shrugged. "I'm holding up. I'll feel better once Caius is caught."
"Me, too," she agreed before giving me another hug. "Why don't you go relax with the kids. Brunch will be ready shortly."
I headed toward the sound of shouting coming from the den, but stopped when I saw Emmett coming out of a room down the hall. He gave me a smile, but his eyes were sad, missing their usual sparkle. I rushed over to him and gave him a hug.
"How are you holding up?" I asked him softly.
"It's hard. I miss her. I miss who she used to be. I love her so freaking much, but I can't be with someone who doesn't love me back," he told me.
I gave him a sad smile and squeezed his hands. What could I say? He was right.
As Emmett and I headed toward the den, Alice stopped me.
"Bella? Can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked, her voice hesitant.
I knew she was wanted to apologize for the shit that she had pulled. Edward had told me how she'd apologized to him and that he'd forgiven her. I, on the other hand, wasn't so ready to forgive.
I gestured with my hand for her to speak. It took a few minutes before she finally started, and I was sure my agitation was showing.
"Um ... I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I was really childish and rude, and I'm sorry. I hope that in time you can forgive me," she said, barely able to meet my gaze.
I didn't say anything for several long minutes. Let's face it. It was a crap apology, and I couldn't tell if it was sincere or not. Deciding I'd let her stew for a bit, I stood there staring at her, not saying a word. She was beginning to antsy, shifting from one foot to the other. Finally, I spoke.
"You weren't just childish and rude. You were a heinous bitch, and I didn't appreciate the way you treated Edward or me. I know that Edward has already forgiven you, but I'm not as nice, nor as forgiving. Prove to me that you really are sorry, and maybe I'll forgive you," I told her before heading downstairs.
I could tell from her face that that wasn't what she wanted to hear, but tough shit. For all I knew, her apology was just part of an act.
I headed down to the den and found Jasper and Edward in a debate about who was more badass; Wolverine or Iron Man. Emmett was sitting on the couch flipping through the channels. I flopped down next to him and listened to the debate ensue.
"No way, Jasper. You're wrong. Iron Man is way cooler," Edward argued.
Jasper rolled his eyes. "Dude, no he's not. Wolverine is badass. He's got foot long razor claws forged out of hardcore metal. He's got an awesome I-don't-give-a-fuck attitude, and he'll take on anybody, anytime, anywhere. That makes him way more badass than Iron Man."
Edward just stared at Jasper in disbelief as was I. I had no idea that Jasper was into comic book characters. I turned to Emmett.
"Did you know about this?"
"About what?" he asked.
"Jasper's love of Wolverine."
He gave a snort. "He has a man crush on him."
I let out my own snort at that. I kinda had to agree with Jasper, though. Wolverine was pretty badass. Edward, however, was not to be swayed.
"No way! Iron man is way more badass," Edward argued, and I felt heat pool in my belly at him saying the word badass. "Iron Man may not have metal claws, but he's still powerful. His power is his intelligence. Instead of letting his kidnappers turn him into a weapon of mass destruction, he built a suit to save his life. Heck, he's so badass that he doesn't care if all the criminals in the world know who he is."
It was freaking hot the way Edward was getting so worked up. It made me want to drag him upstairs to one of the bedrooms and have my wicked way with him. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes bright, and his voice filled with so much passion.
"Stop drooling," Emmett snickered having busted me staring at Edward.
"I can't help it. He's so fucking hot when he's worked up."
Emmett made a face. "Ewww. That was way more than I wanted to know."
"What was way more than you wanted to know?" Jasper asked, turning his attention to us.
"Bella was talking about how hot Eddie is when he's worked up."
Jasper gave me a look of disgust, while Edward shot me a cocky smirk. Hmmm, that smirk was sexy as hell.
Edward stalked over to me and sat down, pulling me into his lap.
"You think I'm hot, huh?" he whispered in my ear, a little bit of disbelief making itself present.
I turned to face him, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips.
"Always. But seeing you get all worked up was really hot. I especially enjoyed hearing you say badass."
His lips crashed down on mine in a fierce kiss, that I gladly returned.
"Knock it off, you two!" Emmett growled from his spot on the couch.
We pulled apart, and I watched, fascinated, as a blush made its way up Edward's cheeks. He buried his face in my hair, and I let out a snicker. It was so cute the way he got embarrassed.
"Aw, is Eddie embarrassed?" Emmett teased.
"Don't call me Eddie!"
I rolled my eyes. I didn't know why Edward responded. He knew that Emmett said it to annoy him.
After brunch, we decided to hang around and just enjoy being with the family. We ended up playing Monopoly, and it was a riot. Who would've known that Carlisle was a Monopoly guru? He was a fierce competitor and an excellent negotiator. Before I realized it, I'd given him Park Place and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why or what I'd gotten in return.
"He's a sly devil, that one," Esme told me.
"I'll say. He's ruthless."
"Yes, he is. Just one of the things I love about him," she told me, gazing at Carlisle and giving a little sigh.
I loved how sweet and romantic they were with one another. I hoped that my relationship with Edward would always be like that. Even when we were old and gray. Not that Carlisle or Esme were old or gray.
After loosing spectacularly to Carlisle, we said goodbye and headed home. It was getting to the point where it seemed ridiculous for us to have two houses. I had a mortgage on mine, while Esme and Carlisle owned Edward's. I wanted to ask him to move in with me. My house was slightly bigger than his, and while I loved his house, I loved mine more.
"What are you thinking about?" Edward asked me as we drove home.
Turning sideways in my seat so I could face him, I thought about how to go about asking him. The worst that happened was that he said no. Although, I really hoped that he wouldn't.
"Would you move in with me?" I asked, figuring it was best to just get it out there. "It just seems dumb to have two houses considering that we're rarely ever apart. It's not that I don't like your house, I do. I just love mine a little bit more, plus it's bigger, and I have a mortgage, and —"
"I'd love to."
"Half your stuff is over at my—wait. What?"
"I'd love to move in with you," he said, giving me that wonderful smile of his.
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
I couldn't have contained my excitement if I tried. It was a good thing we were stopped at a red light because I threw myself at him, and hugged him as hard as I could. Holy shit! My boyfriend was moving in with me. I did a little dance in my seat after I released him from my hug. I could hardly wait.
He let out a laugh at my exuberance. "So, when do you want me to start moving in my stuff?"
"Right away! Hell, half your stuff is over there now. Although, I don't know what you want to do about your furniture."
"Most of the furniture was already in the house. We can just leave it. There are a few select pieces that I want, but the rest can stay there."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. Unless you want to move that awful purple couch into my house, and we'll bring my couch to yours?"
"Ha! Fat chance. I love my couch!"
We pulled into his drive, and got out, and that was when I noticed another bouquet of flowers on my front porch. Edward immediately called Mark, who was quick to come over and get them.
"Well, chances are good that Heidi didn't deliver them. We have her locked up. I'll do some more digging and let you know what I find," he told us before leaving.
We were immensely relieved to hear that Heidi was locked up. It made me feel a lot safer knowing that she wasn't out and about.
The beginning of the week came and went quickly. I had told Jake and Seth about Edward moving in, and they offered their help if we needed it. So far, we hadn't. We were throwing stuff in garbage bags or boxes and carrying them over to my place. Monday evening, Edward had called his folks and let them know that he was moving in with me. Esme was thrilled.
Tuesday evening we had just sorted all of Edward's books and put them on the huge bookshelf that we had bought, when the doorbell rang. I headed downstairs and found Mark on the other side of the door.
"Hi, Mark."
"Evening Bella. I got some information about those flowers."
I told him to take a seat and asked if he wanted anything to drink.
"I'm good. Is Edward around? I want you both to hear this."
"Sure. Let me get him."
A few minutes later, Edward and I were seated on the couch waiting for Mark to begin.
"Turns out the ribbon that the bouquet was tied with, had a small inscription on the underside of it. It read Bud and Bloom which is the name of a flower shop in Port Angeles. I sent my deputy down there today and guess who works there? Lauren Hale."
My mouth fell open. "You're telling me that Lauren sent me those flowers?"
"Yes. She sent them hoping that they would scare you. Apparently, she is quite jealous of your relationship with Edward."
"What an idiot," Edward said.
I wholeheartedly agreed. But then again, look at Rosalie. Neither of them were too smart.
"So what's going to happen to her?" I asked.
Mark let out a sigh. "Unfortunately, nothing. Sending someone flowers isn't a crime, no matter what the meaning behind the flowers is. My deputy did have a nice chat with her though, and I'm confident you won't be getting any more flowers from her."
I was a relieved to know that at least one mystery had been solved.
"Have you learned anything from Heidi?" I asked because I was dying to know what she'd told them.
Mark shook his head. "Not a lot. She's good at keeping quiet. We've provoked her a few times, so she let some things slip when she was angry, but then she lawyered up. Until her attorney arrives from New York we can't touch her."
I shook my head in disgust. It was stupid to hope that the bitch would just up and confess.
"Did she mention the whereabouts of her brother?" Edward asked.
Again, Mark shook his head. "No, but Seattle P.D. let me know that Demitri is cutting a deal and wants to talk. I'm heading there tomorrow to find out what he knows."
"Will you let us know what you find out?" I asked.
"Yes. I'd rather tell all of you at once, so why don't we meet here tomorrow around seven, and I'll go over everything then."
We agreed and said goodbye to Mark.
"I hope that Demitri tells them what they want to know," Edward said softly.
"Me, too."
I was in a hurry for tomorrow night to arrive. Hopefully, we'd have a better idea of what was going on after Mark got back.
Edward and I got ready for bed and for the first time in a week, I actually got a decent nights sleep.
a/n: Well, well. Look at that. We learned a few things in this chapter. We learned who Jane is, who sent the flowers, and who Edward thinks the most badass comic book character is. If you had to choose between Wolverine or Iron Man, who would you choose? Personally, I'm a Wolverine fan. Let me know what you thought of the chapter!