I've got a plan for these two. A good plan. At least, I think it's a good plan. We'll see. Thanks for sticking with me on this one. Too many plot bunnies, not enough hours in the day…I tell ya! I do apologize for the sporadic updates for Angels and Monsters. Not enough time in the day and too many ideas floating around in my head. Ya know?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Edward wouldn't let me go. His arms were banded around me and he was torn. Jasper was the same way. It was nearly time to meet up with James and hopefully put an end to all of this bloodshed. This carnage. I was sick at prospect of seeing my sire. I prayed that the 'bond' I had with him wouldn't rear its ugly head, but Jasper assured me that since it had been so long since I was created, the bond had long since dissipated. If anything, I had more of a sire bond with Jasper than with James since it was Jasper who cared for me once I woke up from my change.
"It's time," Alice said somberly.
Edward took my face in his hands and kissed me. My arms snaked up behind his head and I returned his kiss with fervor. My shield, acting of its own volition, pushed us closer together. Taking an unnecessary breath, Edward held me close to his body. I will be within earshot, Angel. Do not do anything heroic. I can't lose you. Come back to me. Promise!
"I promise," I whispered, caressing his damp cheeks. "I love you, Edward. I will come back to you."
"And when you do, I'm stealing you away. We're going to enjoy each other, making up for lost time," he said, his eyes dark with sorrow and worry. "We'll go anywhere you want. Even Antarctica to hang out with the penguins."
"I just want you and me. The location means nothing to me," I whispered, brushing my lips with his.
"Be safe," he choked out, pressing his hand to my chest. I did the same, massaging his diamond hard skin. Take care of my heart. I'm giving it to you…
I promise, Edward. I will be back, I murmured mentally. Alice rubbed my back. "I promise…"
"I'll hold you to it," he rasped, kissing me again. I love you so much. It seems WRONG to do this. Another vision of our victory invaded our minds. Edward needed the reminder and he reluctantly let go of me. "I want that to happen. Make sure it does, Tink."
"Got it, Edward," Alice replied with a sober grin. Alice threaded her arm in mine and we walked out of my condo. Emmett and Rose were saying goodbye in the hallway. With a choked sob, Emmett joined us and we rode down the elevator to the street level. Our family was positioned around the Art Institute, to ensure that no funny business was going to happen.
With Jasper and Carlisle, the five of us walked to the Art Institute. We could smell scents of various different vampires. Most of them were new, their human blood tainting their scent. I could also smell Victoria, with her sweet, obnoxious fragrance. My nose wrinkled at her sickening scent. Poker face, Bells. We don't want them to give us shit.
"Right," I hissed. Pushing my thoughts to Alice, I just hate the way Victoria smells. It reminds me of eating too many chocolate chip cookies and then puking them up.
"Gross!" Alice giggled. But so true!
We reached the stairs of the Art Institute. Jasper was on alert, his eyes moving quickly, ever assessing any threat. Emmett was growling lowly while Carlisle was checking his phone for the time. "I wonder why James changed the location?" he asked.
"We did," Alice answered. "We wanted more control on where and when we were to be transported. He's getting his way, so he was willing." She gasped, her eyes turning blank. I saw a few glimpses. "They're nearly here."
It didn't take long before James and Victoria approached the museum from the west. Laurent hopped down behind us from the roof, chuckling. "You're right on time," Laurent sneered.
"And you look like something the cat dragged in," Alice spat. "Whatever did Irina see in you?"
"I'm well-hung," Laurent cooed, cupping his crotch. "She never complained."
"Ugh, you're disgusting," Alice shuddered. Laurent was by her side in an instant, caressing Alice's cheek.
"You won't complain either, little one," he sang, his lips barely touching her earlobe. Once his hand was away, I enfolded Alice and me within my shield. Jasper was barely hanging on by a thread. I shocked him back to reality.
Do not lose your cool, Jasper! I shouted mentally to him. Jasper nodded, but his ire was barely contained.
James arrived with Victoria, giving Laurent a scathing look. "I do apologize for my companion. It's been so long since he's tasted the pleasures of a woman," he cooed, his voice rough and gritty.
"My cousin would disagree," Alice retorted, narrowing her eyes at James. Laurent waved his hand, muttering something under his breath in French.
"We're here and we've brought Alice and Bella, along with Emmett," Carlisle said, keeping his voice even. His mind was swirling of all of the things that could go wrong. "We've held up our end of the bargain. We need you to keep up yours."
"Now, there's the rub," James chuckled, rubbing his neck. "You don't really know if I'm going to follow through. For all we know, I'm going to take these two and finish what I've started, in more ways than two."
What's he thinking, Bells? Alice asked.
He's not. I can't get a read on him, but he could be intentionally blocking me. Jasper was able to do it, I answered, pushing my thoughts into hers. My head hurt with each thought I pushed through.
"We need assurances," Jasper choked out.
"So do we. How do we know that Emmett here is not a spy?" James asked, his eyes narrowing at Jasper.
"He's not a spy," Victoria responded, walking over to Edward's best friend, running her fingers over his bulky, muscular form. "I created him and I know he will be loyal to us. Won't you Emmett?"
"I will be loyal," Emmett growled, looking directly at Victoria.
"Why?" Victoria cooed, her fingers moving down Emmett's chest to his crotch. His mind was going haywire, not wanting Victoria to touch him like his own mate. She ran her lips along Emmett's jaw before massaging his manhood. "Answer me, Emmett. Why are you choosing to join us?"
"Because I do not want to live on the blood of animals," he moaned, playing up his lack of arousal. "I want you, Victoria."
"And you will have me," she purred, removing her hand from Emmett's crotch. "Are you convinced, James?"
James was angry that Victoria fondled Emmett in such a way. He needed to claim her. "Not yet. I need further convincing," he snarled, unzipping his own pants. "On your knees, bitch." Victoria smiled, sauntering over to James and pulling him out of his jeans. Like Alice's vision, she pleasured him until his brain was mush and he would do anything for her. With a rumbling growl, James came inside Victoria's mouth. She swallowed him, tucking him back into his pants and suckling on his earlobe. "Emmett, you can join us, but don't think you won't be tested."
"Understood," Emmett replied. Now, I know what you all were talking about with the brain bleach. Ewww!
"Well, we have what we came for," James smirked, directing his gaze to me and Alice. "Our business is finished." He nodded and Laurent wrapped his arms around Alice. James darted to my side, caressing my cheek. "Soon, my pet." Picking us up, Laurent and James took off into the night while Victoria led Emmett away. I watched every turn and twist until we reached a brownstone in Lincoln Park. There were tons of newborns lingering and the scent of human blood clung to my nostrils.
"Upstairs," he spat to Laurent. Flying up the stairs, we were thrown into a small room that held a twin-sized bed. I could smell human blood and excrement on the fabric. I wrinkled my nose. "That was too easy."
"When are we going to take what we need from them?" Laurent smirked as he appraised us.
"Not for a while," James answered, walking slowly around us. "We need to know that they're willing to do what we want." With a frustrated sigh, he growled. "Where the fuck is Victoria?"
"I'm here," she griped, tossing Emmett into the room. "Jeez, I wanted to see if Emmett wanted to play."
"You can have your fun with your playmate later," James snapped. "We need proof of your loyalty."
"We just got here," Alice growled.
"You volunteered to come. I need assurances that you will do what you're told," James argued, his eyes narrowing. "Laurent, bring them in!"
Laurent pushed in three humans. They were terrified and confused as to why they were here. James walked in front of them. "You are so lucky. You've been chosen to be the sacrificial lambs for these three lost vampires. You are giving your lives so that they can show us that they are loyal to me and to my cause."
"I will not drink from a human," Alice spat. "I refuse to give up my diet. I do not want to become a monster."
"Like me?" James asked, smiling evilly. Alice crossed her arms over her chest. "Come now, Mary Alice, don't you just want one taste?"
"No. I'd rather starve," she huffed. Shield me, Bella.
"And Isabella, you can feast on two of these delectable treats," James sang, pushing one of the men towards me. He looked a bit like Edward, but a bit older. "I know you just recently changed your eating habits. It won't be that bad to go back to your old diet. Golden eyes don't fit you. Nor does immortality. If only I had finished you off."
"I'm glad you didn't," I smirked. "And I'll have to decline your offer of a snack. Human blood is a bit too rich for me now. I'm partial to moose and mountain lion."
"I'll do it," Emmett muttered, looking at the three victims warily. "You don't trust me, but if drinking from these people will prove to you that I'm loyal, then I will."
"Whatever will we do with Isabella and Mary Alice? How will they pledge their loyalty?" James asked, glaring at Alice and me.
"You will get some mail tomorrow," Alice said, her eyes glazed over. "It's a warning, James. You need to train your newborns to be more discreet or you will have the Volturi breathing down your backs."
"Unlikely. I already know that the Volturi is turning a blind eye to my endeavor," James scoffed. With a low growl, he turned on his heel. "Emmett, I hope you enjoy your meal. You best convince your comrades in arms to follow suit or their usefulness will not be needed." James glared at Victoria, grabbing her arm and dragging her out of the room. His thoughts were of claiming her and pissed off that she smelled like Emmett. From Emmett's mind, I knew they didn't do anything, but she was baiting James. She was growing tired of his games.
"It's impolite to watch someone eat," Alice said, appraising Laurent. "Why don't you go and find some newborn to fuck?"
"You have a smart mouth, Alice," Laurent retorted angrily. "You're going to get yourself into trouble." With a parting glare, he stomped out of the room and closed the door. It was a titanium door, virtually impenetrable, even by vampiric standards. With the door closed, the sounds of the frightened human's heartbeats reverberated in our ears.
Emmett sat down on the tiny bed, eyeing the humans warily. I don't want this, Emmett hissed mentally. I do not want to take their lives. I don't want to lose my humanity.
"You won't, Emmett," Alice murmured, walking over to him. "It's best to do it quickly."
"What about you and Bella?" Emmett asked, looking at both of us and again at the humans who were huddled in a corner, terrified. "Won't you go into bloodlust?"
"I'll shield us both. Be humane, Emmett," I whispered, taking Alice into my arms. Break their necks first.
Emmett nodded, turning to the humans. He stood taller, becoming the predator, the monster inside. I heard him snap the necks of the humans, apologizing mentally for taking their lives. He drained them all quickly, leaving them in a heap in the corner of the dingy, dirty bedroom. Alice and I didn't smell the humans, but I could hear Emmett's despair. He hated that he had to do this, but he didn't want his sisters to endure it.
I wonder how long it will take them to come get the corpses, Emmett thought, sitting down on the floor, his hands thrust in his hair. He cried silently. Alice gave me a look, asking me to keep her shielded. I nodded as she wrapped her arms around Emmett. He lost it, clutching at Alice's shirt. She whispered in his ear, explaining that because he was so upset that his humanity was still intact.
It was six hours later a pair of newborns came to gather the corpses. James walked in, nodding in approval. "Good job, Emmett. Did the girls enjoy the humans, too?"
"No. Just me," Emmett said, looking James in the eyes. "Have I proved my worth?"
"A step in the right direction," James answered. "Come with me. I need a bodyguard and you are just the right size for such a dangerous endeavor. You're strong and you'd be willing to protect me."
"Whatever it takes," Emmett answered. This dude is fucked up, Bella. James just smirked, taking Emmett by the arm and closing the titanium door.
"When is the communication from the Volturi coming, Alice?" I asked, keeping my voice barely above a whisper.
Late this afternoon. It's sunny this morning, but it should cloud up by this afternoon. Felix and Demitri are the delivery boys. They are the most intimidating of all of the Guard. Physically, that is. They are imposing and large, dwarfing Emmett. Though, they are the most benign. Neither have an offensive gift. Demitri is an amazing tracker, but Felix is just strong and cunning.
"What will happen? Will James blame us? You did warn him," I said, looking at my sister.
He will blame the Cullens. I can see James 'interrogating' us, quite brutally, asking us about the letter from the Volturi. You protect me, Alice grimaced. Her eyes closed and visions of James whipping me with a chain filled her mind. I didn't flinch since I had my shield around me, unable to feel the pain of James' torture. He goes at it for nearly two days, frustrated that you won't cry out.
"It's pretty safe to assume that he does more than just that," I muttered, wrinkling my nose. Alice nodded and I was sickened what he did next. He forced me into a room with another man who looked like Edward, smelling just as enticing. James nicked him with his nail and shut the door, the scent of human blood filling the tiny room. His scent permeated my shield and I attacked the poor man. "What do we do?"
If you drink from that man, you will not be able to go back to the vegetarian existence. His blood is unbearably sweet and potent. Nothing can change your need to protect me, Bella. You have to give James the satisfaction of seeing you in pain, Alice frowned. And you can't fake it, either. James will know.
"Great," I muttered, leaning back against the wall.
"Can you hear any voices outside of this room, Bella?" Alice asked. "Mental or otherwise?"
I narrowed my eyes, trying to hone in on anything. There was nothing. No voices, no heartbeats, no sound. It was like the room had been soundproofed and vampproofed as well. "I can't. Do you think they can hear us?"
"See us, definitely," Alice said, jutting her chin to a security camera in the corner. I scowled at it, jumping up and quickly breaking it with a flick of my wrist. "Or not."
"I am not James' plaything. He cannot use me or you for his entertainment," I snapped. "You can still see decided futures, right?"
"Yeah. The only time that I couldn't do that was when we lived in Forks. There was a nearby tribe, the Quiluetes, who were shapeshifters. I couldn't see them since their shapeshifting capabilities jammed my brain," Alice shrugged. "I also can't see zombies."
"Did you just say zombies?" I squeaked, looking at her.
"There aren't many. Essentially, they're humans that were bitten by vampires, but they couldn't take the venom. Instead of transitioning them into vampires, they changed into zombies. It's a rare condition. Only one human out of ten thousand experiences that," Alice explained. "They don't live very long because they just roam around and moan. They can easily be killed with a gunshot to the head."
"You learn something new every day," I deadpanned.
xx A&M xx
"Demitri and Felix should be here soon," Alice murmured. "They're on Lake Shore Drive."
"God, what I wouldn't give to be able to hear," I hissed, pressing my ear against the titanium door. Nothing. There was absolutely nothing. "What is this material? It's like titanium, but not." I ran my fingers along the door, trying to discern its makeup. "And how did they create this room?"
"My guess is that this brownstone had a panic room," Alice replied, gesturing to the space we were in. "They converted it easily." Alice gasped, smiling widely. "Demitri and Felix are here. James is not happy." We watched as the vision unfolded. Demitri and Felix, dressed in their charcoal grey Volturi robes, handing James a sealed envelope. With a gallant bow, they left with one order. Comply. Sneering, they left, getting back into the waiting limousine.
"Shit! He's coming!" Alice squeaked.
Even with Alice's warning, James still thought that he was untouchable. The door opened and James scowled at both of us. "The Volturi?" he growled.
"I warned you," Alice snapped.
With a snarl, James backhanded my sister, sending her flying across the room. "You didn't warn me about this!" He flung the parchment toward me. I captured it, reading the heavy hand of Caius.
James,
It has been brought to our attention that you are creating a bit of a problem in Chicago. This CANNOT continue. Your foolish behavior is risking exposure of our entire race. We can't be discovered, James. It would send the humans into a panic. Your foolish thinking of us ruling the planet is the thinking of a deranged, megalomaniac.
You have two weeks to cease and desist all activity in Chicago or we will come and stop it for you. If you stop the creation of new vampires, your life will not be the price. Though, if this does continue, your life will be forfeit, along with anyone else in your employ.
You have been warned.
The Volturi
"I warned you that you would be getting mail," Alice said, springing to her feet. "You chose to ignore it."
"Who ratted me out?" James asked, his voice deadly. "Was it you?" He grabbed Alice by the throat, slamming her against the wall. She wriggled and scratched at his hold. I growled, kicking James in the kidneys and shoving him down onto the ground. Alice fell onto her knees, gasping for breath. I wanted to use my zinger on him, but I couldn't. So, using all of my training and fighting skills, I attacked my captor.
With an animalistic roar, James slammed me against the metal door and glared at me with livid black eyes. "You're stronger than when I last saw you, Isabella," he spat. His mind was reeling of what he could finally do with me now that I was his physical equal. "Not the frightened little rabbit anymore."
"I despise you," I snarled, glaring at him, allowing the human façade to fade away. I let my monster out, ready to fight James until he was dead. "You are what children have nightmares about. You are pure evil."
Bella, stop it! You're baiting him. He will kill you, Alice thought, her voice panicked.
"Was it you who ratted me out?" James grumbled, the room vibrating with the sound of his voice.
"You'll never know," I smirked, kicking him away.
"EMMETT! Come get this bitch!" James screamed. "She has a lesson to learn. Take her to the basement."
"No! Please!" Alice sobbed, moving in front of me, trying to block Emmett.
"If you won't tell me who tattled on me, perhaps I can break this pathetic little bitch into sharing," James said, his voice calm. He tossed Alice to the side and followed Emmett, who had swept me up into his arms, down to the basement.
xx A&M xx
James was a sadistic, evil monster. He was what nightmares were made of. I was locked in a basement, whipped with chains, burnt with flame throwers and taunted with humans. My hands were above me, chained to the ceiling with the same material as the door, in the form of handcuffs. My ankles were bound, too. The clothes that I wore were in tatters, but still intact on my body. James leered at me each time he imparted his daily torture. I yelled out, screaming in agony. I was weak and my shield was wavering. I needed to feed.
I had been in the basement for over a week and a half.
I still refused to speak. I just let James have his way with me, beating my almost impervious body with every implement of evil imaginable. I just screamed, lost in my pain.
The only reprieve was when James went on his own hunts with Victoria. Emmett was responsible for me. He released me from the shackles, not that they bothered me. He gave me intel about what was happening outside of the brownstone and information from Edward. He was nearby. I could feel my mate. The hole in my heart wasn't nearly as bad from when he ran to Chicago. Emmett told me that Edward could hear my thoughts, even though I couldn't hear his. I smiled and allowed myself that brief comfort.
Not more than ten minutes later, James was back and ready to continue his torture.
The eve before Halloween, James was doing his thing, being particularly brutal. I was weak from hunger and exhausted, mentally and emotionally. I was sagging against my restraints, wishing I could slip into unconsciousness. Emmett put his hand on James' shoulder. "Boss, what if she really doesn't know anything?"
"She knows," James growled, picking up a flame thrower. I hated when he used that. The smell of my burning skin was nauseating. "Why won't you tell me? If you do, this stops and I'll even pick up a damn deer for you."
"I don't know anything," I breathed. "Neither does Alice. If someone went to the Volturi, it wasn't anyone in our family. Please…"
"You lie!" James snarled, burning my back with the flame thrower. I screamed, feeling my skin peel away. I was covered with numerous scars from his anger. Once I fed, I'd be whole and unmarked, but I was a fright at the moment. My pale skin blistered and the stench made my stomach revolt. James threw down the flame thrower and he wrenched my hand out of the cuffs, causing my wrist to break. I could see in his eyes that he wanted to rape the information out of me. He repeated the action with the other wrist and was reaching for my tattered shirt.
"James, we need you," Victoria said coldly, glaring at him. "There's an issue on Ashland. It needs your delicate touch."
James grunted, dropping me on the floor. "Clean that up. I don't want to see her anymore. Have fun with her and then toss her in with Alice. She's not worth the trouble," he snarled. James dashed up the stairs, screaming at Victoria.
"Come on, Bella," Emmett said, gently picking me up. "We need to get you healed and then fed."
"Edward," I murmured. "I need him."
"I know. So does he," Emmett said as he walked up the stairs and out the back door. A mile away, near the lake, Edward was waiting for us with a bag. He took me from Emmett's arms, holding me tightly. I whimpered because his embrace hurt my wounds. "Edward, you've got to heal her first."
"I'm sorry," he said, grimacing at my appearance. "What did he do to you?"
"Tortured me for ten days," I said, holding up one broken wrist. Edward kissed it gently before biting down and correcting the break with his venom. I hissed, my knees buckling. Emmett caught me, bracing me against his body. Edward finished with one wrist and fixed the second one. I was weak, needing to feed. The burn in my throat was the worst it had ever been. I cupped my neck.
"Edward, I don't know how long you have, but Bella needs to feed," Emmett said, looking at me with bright crimson eyes. He explained that every time that James fed, he expected Emmett to do so. It would be hard for him to go back to the vegetarian lifestyle, but Alice was insistent he'd be fine. I, on the other hand, would not. If I drank from another human, I'd forever lose my drive to maintain that lifestyle.
Edward looked at me, handing me his t-shirt. I pulled it on, still feeling week. "Hold on," he muttered, taking off into the night, going supersonic. Within a few moments, we were in a forest preserve. I lowered my shield for the first time in ten days. I allowed the scents of the forest to wash over me. I took one step toward a deer, but stumbled. "Let me get it for you, Angel," Edward whispered, caressing my cheek. He helped me rest against a fallen tree before he ran off to find me dinner.
He came back a few moments later, holding a stag. Its heart was still beating, but extremely slowly. Edward had broken his neck. Placing the stag on the ground, I growled lowly as I attacked it, sucking down the warmth and allowing it to nourish me, heal my wounds. "Good?" Edward asked.
"I need more," I rasped, wiping my mouth.
"Do you need me to hunt?" Edward questioned. I shook my head and took off. I found five more deer, two coyotes and one lowly possum. I was a mess, covered in my tattered clothes, including Edward's now ruined t-shirt, mud, dirt, trees and a lot of blood. I didn't care for social graces. I just needed to feed. I was washing my hands in a nearby creek when Edward came back, holding a bag. "I really don't want to bring you back," he whispered, looking at me with impossibly sad eyes.
"You have to," I replied, reaching into the bag to find exact replicas of my clothes from before, but obviously not torn and tattered. "How did you know?"
"Alice told me before you left," he shrugged, sitting down on a nearby stump. I quickly removed all of my clothes. I felt Edward behind me as I was pulling on my yoga pants. His hand caressed my back that was charred before. Now, I assumed it was smooth skin. He's ashes, Bella. What he did to you…
"He will not survive this fight, Edward," I said, turning in his arms and threading my fingers into his disheveled hair. My mate's eyes were black, troubled and wary. With a shuddered sob, Edward gathered me in his arms, holding me to his chest. I wanted to cry along with him. I didn't, though. I had to keep my 'game face' on. I clung to my mate, allowing myself this one moment of reprieve before we had to rush back to that hellish brownstone. My shield enfolded us in its warmth, pushing us closer together. I sighed, content for the time being, but I knew it would be short-lived. Edward pressed his lips to my neck. I shuddered, melting in his arms.
"I want to take you away," he muttered against my skin, nipping and sucking on the flesh behind my ear. Do I have to take you back? His mind was filled with horrific things that James might do to me, to Alice. I took his face, kissing him deeply and giving him all of me, at least for the time being. Our lips brush against each other. Sliding my tongue inside his mouth, it swirls with his and he moaned, pulling me ever closer to his bare torso. Our kiss became more heated. It wasn't until I smelled Emmett that I knew we had to stop.
Edward, we…Emmett's nearby, I said sullenly, looking down at my husband. He growled, handing me a shirt. I pulled it on. Edward took my face in his hands. His expression was so pained. Tomorrow, love. This all ends tomorrow…
"Guys, you've got to head back," Emmett said, his face filled with so much remorse. James is nearly done with his issue. He'll be back at the house in an hour.
Edward growled, holding me closely. With a twist of his body, I was on his back and we were heading toward the city. Emmett didn't have a chance to keep up with us since Edward kicked on the speed. I buried my nose in Edward's neck, inhaling his scent. I wanted to be covered in it when I returned. James will have to get used to the idea that I was no longer his. Edward must have been listening to my thoughts. We stopped three miles away from the brownstone. We had fifteen minutes before Emmett caught up with us and would bring me back the rest of the way.
"You are mine," Edward growled, his mouth covering mine. I whimpered, reaching for the belt buckle of his jeans. He quickly lowered his pants while I shimmied out of my yoga leggings. Picking me back up, Edward stared into my eyes. "I love you, but I need to…"
Fuck me, I chanted mentally, wriggling over his erection. Pressing me against a building, he sheathed himself inside. I moaned, clinging to his strong shoulders. His arousal was filling every inch of me and I felt complete, stronger than ever before. I kissed him hungrily, losing myself in the feelings of Edward pounding inside of me. His hands were palming my ass, massaging the skin. I moaned, purring lowly. "Yes!"
"James will know that you belong with me. He will not get to claim you. You're mine," Edward said, his onyx eyes filled with lust, love and possessiveness. "I love you, so fucking much."
"Edward…" I whimpered, my body reacting to his words and the movements within me. He kissed me, his tongue caressing mine. My hands tangled into his hair and he swiveled his hips, pressing his cock deeper inside. The muscles surrounding him began to quiver. Each movement sends a shimmer of pleasure through my body. "Harder…"
He snarled, pounding harder. I could feel the brick around me begin to shatter. So was I. My body was trembling in ecstasy. Edward's mind was filled with visions of our happily ever after. With a rumbling growl, Edward crashed his lips against mine. I could feel him grow inside of me, twitching with his impending release. His hand snaked between us and he circled my clit jerkily. I bit back a scream of pleasure with his touch. With hard, deep thrusts, Edward grunted and he shuddered while he filled me with his release. His orgasm triggered mine, causing me to lose all control and my shield caressing every inch of our bodies.
Breathing heavily, Edward buried his nose into my neck, keeping me pressed against the now destroyed wall of the building. "I think James will definitely know who you belong to, now," he chuckled. His eyes were no longer black with lust and desire. They lightened to their amber hue, showing his undying love for me. Damn it!
What? I asked.
"Emmett," Edward sighed, pulling out of me. I quickly dressed and Edward tucked himself back into his jeans. "He's meeting us here and he's bringing you back to the brownstone."
"Damn it," I grumbled.
"Exactly," Edward muttered, pulling me in his arms. There's a light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow…this all ends. I love you, Bella. My Angel.
"I love you more," I whispered back, clinging to him. He kissed me, crashing his lips with mine and darted off just as I heard Emmett arrive. I closed my eyes, allowing a few tears to fall down my cheeks before turning to Edward's friend.
"I know you don't want to go back," Emmett said sadly. "James is on a rampage. He requires your assistance along with Alice's. I need to take you to the brownstone."
"Did you talk to him?" I asked.
"I ran into Laurent," Emmett answered, his nose wrinkling. "That guy is…he doesn't deserve to be alive or undead or whatever." He shot me a look and held out a pair of titanium handcuffs. "Per Laurent. You're too dangerous." I held out my wrists and Emmett shackled me. He hitched me on his back and took off toward the brownstone.
Inside, I was thrown onto a couch. Sorry, Bella. I'm still the bodyguard for the enemy. He ran upstairs and repeated the same action with Alice. She was now shackled, looking very tired and drawn. She hadn't fed since we arrived and I knew that she was taunted with humans. I looked at her, worried about her weakened state.
With a wink, Alice opened her mind to me. I know you got a little…I'm glad. We need you at full strength. Things are going as planned. Everything ends tomorrow night.
James came in with Victoria, Laurent and for the first time, Tanya. She appeared to be a little singed around the edges and jumpy. "We found out who sold us out to the Volturi," James snarled. He shot an angry look at Tanya.
He assumes it's Tanya? I asked, pushing my thoughts to Alice.
No. But, Tanya was the one who was feeding uncontrollably and leaving messes everywhere, Alice replied. James knows it was us, though.
"It appears that the Cullens have felt it necessary to tattle on us. Well, the time has come that the do-gooders, vegetarian vampires, they need to die," James smirked. "Alice? Are we victorious?"
"Nothing is concrete. It's a vicious battle," Alice said, narrowing her eyes and appearing to have a vision. "I don't see the outcome. Too many unknowns."
That was not the answer that James wanted. He glared at Alice. "Some psychic you are," he snapped, backhanding Alice. I shielded her, glowering at him. "Emmett, find the Cullens and inform them that we will meet at Grant Park, in battle at midnight tomorrow. If they show up, I know that they are courageous and willing to die with honor. If they do not, they are cowards and we will spare no time in obliterating every person in their coven."
"Anything else, boss?" Emmett asked, standing up.
With an evil grin, James chuckled darkly. "And make sure that Isabella's mate is there. I want him to watch as I take back what was once mine." His mind filled with memories of when I was changed. James just laughed as he relived those horrific last moments of my life. I kept my face an impassive mask, though my heart was shattering.
James would not touch me or my family. No matter how hard he tried. He would be a pile of ash.
Game. On.
A/N: Well? What do you think?
I'm hoping that the next update will be up sometime early next week, but I have to complete a few other things before I bring you the battle. Leave me some!
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