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?
This is the last real chapter before the epilogue. What happened to Bella? Will she be okay? What will the Volturi say?
Chapter Twenty-Four
BPOV
Alice was vibrating with anxiety. "They're nearly here…and James is up to something. I don't know. He can't make up his mind, but he is up to something."
"Prepare for anything," I said.
Ten minutes later, we heard the lock click and the door slide open. James was on the other side, his eyes black fire and his mind completely blank. His hand grabbed Alice, who happened to be closest to the door, wrapping his fingers around her neck. I darted out, finding Edward first and then panicking about what was unfolding in front of me.
"She will not live to see the next sunrise," James growled.
Not if I have anything to do about it, I thought to Edward. Narrowing my eyes, I focused all of my power on James. My zinger was a lot like Jane's gift, but instead of the allusion of pain, I actually caused harm. James was the one who would not live to see another sunrise.
His heart was first. It imploded inside of his chest from the intensity of my zinger. He dropped Alice to claw at his chest as the pain radiated throughout his whole body. Alice sprang into Jasper's arms. The walls cracked and vibrated as I continued his punishment. When the floor buckled, I jumped at James, pushing him through the window and we fell to the ground below. His insides were burning from my attack. Edward landed smoothly behind me.
"Bella…" he whispered.
"He's dead," I snarled, my power increasing and his torso exploding from his incinerating organs. James was screaming in agony. He was shocked at what was happening to him, unsure how I was able to do it. "You ruined me. You ruined my sister. Now, I ruin you."
Blinking down, I focused my attention to his miniscule cock. It didn't take long until burst. I laughed at that, but I was not done. Clenching my hands and pulling on everything that I had inside of me, I refocused my zinger. With a scream that broke all of the windows in the brownstone, James' body was torn apart and he was no more.
Once James was gone, my body went limp and Edward caught me. The last thing I heard before I lost consciousness was Edward's frantic pleas. "Bella! Bella?! Please…stay with me! Angel! My Angel…"
EPOV
"Bella, baby…" I sobbed, holding her to my body. Her face was free from all pain and she looked like she was sleeping. I swept her in my arms, holding her to my chest. Aro was watching me with her, his mind reeling from the massive amount of power she had just demonstrated. He wanted her, coveted her. I needed to get her away from him and rest of the Volturi. The threat of James was no longer an issue. He was now falling onto the ground in bits of ashes. My concern was for my mate. I picked her up, holding her to my body and I darted away. Aro was calling for me, but he could wait.
I turned on the speed, running as far north as I could. Bella was still unconscious. Her mind was silent and she was curled to my chest. I didn't stop until I passed into the Minnesota wilds, just north of Duluth, nearly an hour later. The sun had just risen, bathing the landscape in soft pinks. It made Bella look almost human. With her eyes closed, she looked like she was asleep. She wasn't breathing and her brain was quiet. I was worried. Very, very worried.
She looked dead. She felt dead.
She cannot be dead. I can't…
I sat down, obscured by a patch of trees and cradled my beautiful mate in my arms. "Bella, please, Angel, wake up," I begged, caressing her pale skin. She was cold to the touch and unresponsive. She appeared dead. "Bella, I need you. I can't go on without you. Please, open those beautiful eyes. I need to see those golden orbs, love. Please?" I whimpered. Please, Bella. I can't…I love you so much. I can't do this without you by my side. Remember our plans? I want to give you a proper honeymoon. I want to worship and cherish your body. I want to spend eternity with you. Bella.
I held her, rocking slowly and praying to God that she was going to be alright. She had to be. Yes, she had used a tremendous amount of power. An amazing amount, really. She had every right to be exhausted, but I needed something so I could know that she was okay and that we were alright.
Edward, came the tentative mental voice of Alice. I looked up and she was standing at the edge of the trees where I had stopped. Jasper and Carlisle were with her.
"What's wrong with her?" I asked, my voice sounding hollow. "I can't hear her. She's not moving. Not breathing…did she die?"
"She's not dead," Alice said, sitting next to me and running her fingers through Bella's hair. "This is the trance-like state, but it appears like death. What she did to James zapped every ounce of power out of her."
"How long?" I asked, holding her closer to my body and nuzzling her cheek. "How long will she be like this? Will she come back to me? Will she remember me?"
"She will remember you and she will remember her past, the good parts of her past," Alice smiled. "She'll remember her parents, their love for her, her childhood and everything that James took from her when he changed Bella into a vampire."
"Did your past come back?" I asked, looking at her.
"Yes and it is not something I wish to revisit. My human life was not at all the loving one that Bella had. I grew up in the south where God was the law and my visions, which preceded my change, made me a demon. I was abused, emotionally and physically, by my father. My mother had died in childbirth, with the birth of my sister, Cynthia, when I was four years old." Alice frowned. "James saw me, locked outside in the form of punishment. James knew I had powers and I was powerless against him. He was going to take me, but my father interrupted him. Daddy dearest had brought two men who carried me to an insane asylum."
"What?" I breathed. "Your father had you committed?"
"I was eighteen and I was deemed a witch. I was thrust into this hellish nightmare. And James was there," Alice breathed, her eyes closing and tears falling down her cheeks. "He was a worker in the asylum. There was a fire in one of the wings the day I arrived and that's when James attacked. I had had my first treatment, losing my long hair from being tangled in the chains and bindings, holding me to a cement bed. James bit me while he…" Raped me… "He wanted me for his mate, but had to leave when the police and fire department came. I woke up from my change, breaking my bindings easily and running from the asylum. I didn't know what I was or where I was since my memory was gone. The only thing guiding me was my vision of Jasper and another of Carlisle."
"When were you changed?" I asked.
"1920-ish," she said. "I was eighteen." I wish I hadn't remembered. I was blissfully ignorant. I liked that. Now? Every hateful word my father said to me, every ounce of pain from his belt to his fists to a switch is clear and the fact my sister was left in it… "It was a blessing to not know. I have to move past it, but I will. With time, I will." And Bella will wake up, Edward. I promise you. I vow it…she'll come back to you.
"But, when?" I pleaded, inhaling her sweet, perfect scent and my heart breaking for Alice. She had gone through hell and I was whining about my mate and was sounding absolutely pitiful, but Bella was my sun, my earth, my stars…she was my reason for being and I loved her with all of my heart. With my soul…
Alice hugged me, kissing my forehead and sat down next to me on the cold, snow-covered ground. "Edward, she will wake up in about a week," she said. "Her body and her mind experienced a jolt of the greatest magnitude. She needs to rest and this is her body's way of doing it, Edward." She will be perfectly fine. Weak as a newborn kitten, but once she feeds, she will be as good as new. Her mind filled of Bella waking up from her trance and needing me to hunt for her, feed her and care for her as she regained her strength. "Come with us. Jasper has a cabin nearby, just north of a town, Shaw. It's comfortable and secluded."
"What about the Volturi and everything else?" I asked.
"We will handle them for the time being," Carlisle said. "Aro, his mind is going a million miles a minute."
"You can say that again. He wants Bella. She is the ultimate weapon against vampires who do not fall in line," I said, clutching her tighter against my body. "He can't have her."
"She has her free will and Bella has told them time and time again that she wasn't interested. When I registered her, Aro asked if she wanted to join the Guard, but she politely declined, saying she needed to get used to her new life, new mind and new body," Jasper explained. "Based on the fact she never joined them, she just ignored their pleas."
"Come on, Edward. Let's get you and Bella to Jasper's cabin," Alice said. I nodded, looking at my wife's sister. She was white as a sheet with dark, almost black circles under her yes. Her frame was almost emaciated from not feeding since she had been taken into captivity. I felt badly at her appearance and that she felt it necessary to talk to me before caring for herself. Alice stepped in front of me, giving me a stern glare. Edward, you're my sister's mate. You're so new to this life. You don't know all that's going on. I needed to tell you. Once we get you settled in Jasper's cabin, I'll hunt. Don't worry about me.
I nodded, lifting Bella's lifeless body. They took off, heading west and I followed them. A few minutes later, we arrived at a cabin in the heart of the woods. It was quiet, surrounded by trees and softly falling snow. Jasper opened the door and led me inside. For a cabin, it was well maintained and very homey.
"Alice told me that I needed to have it aired out," Jasper chuckled, as if he read my mind. "Before Bella and she surrendered to James, she said that my cabin in Minnesota was going to be needed. I called my caretaker and had it scoured." I arched a brow. "You're curious and a touch surprised. I figured it was about the cabin."
"Ah," I said, laying Bella down on the couch. I pulled down a blanket over her body and stared at her unconscious form. Bella, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Please give me something to show me that you can hear me, Angel.
"She can't hear you. She's inside of her mind and will be for the next couple of days," Alice said. "Why don't you take a shower, clean up?"
"Are you saying I smell, Alice?" I quipped, but it fell flat because I wasn't feeling it.
"I'm saying you smell like a heavy smoker that enjoyed too much pot," Alice deadpanned. "There should be some fresh clothes in the closet and your usual body wash and shampoo in the bathroom. We'll stay with Bella."
"At least, let me put her in the bedroom," I said, lifting her from the couch. She leaned against me, snuggling into my chest. My eyes widened, hoping that she would come out of this sooner than a week.
It's an instinctual reaction, Edward. She recognizes you on a baser level, Carlisle explained. "She can smell you and feel you, but her mind is still not working and she's protecting herself."
Ignore him, Alice said, guiding me to the back bedroom. Do you still feel her? Your connection?
"Yes," I whispered. "It's just as strong as when I was on that battlefield."
"Then, she is still aware of you," Alice smiled, pulling back the bedspread on the king-sized bed. "You go shower. I'm going to have Jazzy get you some firewood for the fireplace. We'll be nearby, probably in Duluth."
"Where are we?" I asked.
"The closest town is Shaw, but you're about twenty miles from there," Alice explained. "The rest of us are giving you time to…come to grips with what happened." Shower…wash away the ugliness, Edward. She'll be here when you come back out.
"Thank you, Alice," I said, hugging her tightly. She gently scratched my back before pushing me toward the bathroom. I was about to protest when some sleep pants, a long-sleeved hoodie and a pair of woolen socks were thrown into my arms. She barked for me to shower once more and I had no choice but to oblige her request. The scent of death clung to my skin and it was making me nauseous. Turning on the water, I stripped out of my clothes. I decided that they were not salvageable and I tossed them onto the floor. Once I was clean, I would throw them away or even better, burn them. I could not even look at those pair of jeans, black hoodie and black leather jacket without remembering what I had done while wearing them.
You took countless lives, Edward. One of which was your ex-fiancée.
They deserved to die. All of them. I shouldn't feel remorse for them. Their actions signed their death certificates. Killing humans without a care, taking away someone's mother, father, son, daughter…it was a disgusting show of the power we wielded over the humans. It made me want to maintain my diet. I could not kill a human. My hunger should not result in the death of another human. Animals, they didn't cry and their minds were blank.
Shaking my head, trying to forget the carnage of what happened in Grant Park, I got into the shower. I hissed as the water hit my body. I had many bite marks all over my arms, legs and neck. They were oozing venom and would not truly heal until I hunted or until Bella did her own biting. But, based off the state she was in now, it would be awhile before she would be able to bite me and I knew I had to hunt. I was weak, but nowhere near as bad as when I was injured by James.
He punched a hole in your stomach, Edward. You shouldn't even be alive, let alone 'weak.'
I scrubbed my tired, aching muscles, removing the grime and residual venom from my hands. I felt like I had vampy-OCD with the amount of times I scoured my body, but I couldn't get the scent of death, war and hatred from my skin. It was worse when I began tugging at my hair, trying to almost bleach the scent from my unruly locks.
My shower lasted over an hour. Twenty minutes into it, the water turned frigidly cold, but I didn't care. It didn't matter to me, really. I just had to get clean. Walking out of the shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and leaned heavily against the counter. I must have been lost in my own world since my ruined clothing were gone from the floor. Drying myself off and dressing in the comfortable clothing that Alice thrust at me, I walked back into the bedroom. Bella had also been changed, wearing a pair of thick heavy pajama bottoms and a form-fitting long-sleeved shirt. She had moved, her arm reaching for me and her face furrowed. I got into the bed, gathering her in my arms and she sighed, snuggling closer. I'm here, Angel. I'm sorry. I had to clean up. Too much nastiness…
Carlisle came into the bedroom. His hands were thrust in his pockets. "Alice and Jasper have gone to hunt. She needed to feed. Esme and the rest of our family are securing a rental property in Duluth. If you need us, you have our cell phone numbers." Edward, I'm sorry that I made you feel like Bella didn't need you earlier. She may be locked in her mind, but she is still trying to reach you. I was the one who took your clothes out of the bathroom and I saw Bella reach for you, whimpering quietly. Your connection is what's keeping her tethered here, not having her completely slip into the trance.
"All of this is a bit confusing," I said, rubbing her back and allowing her sweet, clean scent to calm me. "And Alice still says a week?"
"Roughly," Carlisle responded. "She will need to hunt almost immediately. She's already losing muscle tone and thinning out from being in this trance-like state." It's a protective measure our bodies take when we fall into this. We wither, appearing to be dead. Once she feeds, she will 'fill out' and be the Bella you remember. I looked down at her and her features were becoming skeletal, her eyes sinking into her head and her skin losing its luster. "She'll be fine, Edward."
"Okay," I murmured, kissing her forehead.
"And don't forget to take care of yourself, too. I know that you are struggling with your own weakness. I may have been wrapped up in the fight, but I saw you get bitten," Carlisle chided. "One of us will be by here in a couple of days so you can hunt."
"I don't want to leave her," I snarled, my temper flaring.
"I know you don't, but if you don't take care of yourself, you will also be in the same state and it will take longer than a week for you to recuperate," Carlisle said sternly. I huffed, having a slight temper tantrum but acquiesced in the long run. Carlisle left my cell phone on the night stand he left us. With a shaky sigh, I curled myself around my mate, my angel and prayed.
And thus began my vigil, watching over my angel.
xx A&M xx
I hummed, I rocked, I held…Bella still withered. She didn't move but she was curled against me, trying to get as close as possible. When Emmett, Jasper and Garrett came for me three days after our arrival in the cabin, I had to be physically removed from the bed where my mate lay. Alice took my spot, holding her, but she was distressed. I felt a tug at our connection and a distant voice in my head. Bella was calling for me.
The burn in my throat, though, was something fierce. Garrett said it the best. The faster you feed, the faster you're back to her. Following his lead, I darted out into the wilderness, finding as much as I could in less than an hour. Once I was fed, my wounds had healed and my strength had returned. I was anxious to get back to Bella. But, the guys obviously had something to tell me. Their thoughts were guarded. Whatever it was, their news wasn't good.
"I need to head back," I said, jutting my thumb behind me.
"Not yet," Jasper grimaced. "We need to talk about the Volturi." I smelled Carlisle and Eleazar. They appeared from the south, running in from wherever they were staying. They were wind-blown and their expressions wary. Jasper nodded, his mind thinking of war tactics.
"What is it?" I snapped.
"The Volturi want Bella," Carlisle said, his expression sad. "And you, as well. They want to consider it payment for their assistance in the destruction of James and his newborns."
"Last I heard, slavery is illegal in most every country," I sneered. "You can't use people as payment. I refuse to go and I know Bella will do the same." I pinched my nose, pacing maniacally in the forest. "Where do they get off? I mean, really? If they had swooped in at the first sign of trouble, this all could have been avoided. It's not our fault. It never was. Why do we have to be fucking punished for their mistake? The mistake of James and his delusions of running the planet with his cronies?"
"We agree, Edward," Eleazar said. "It was never your fault. James was not of sound mind and this further proves it."
"How can we get out of this? Leave the country?" I asked.
"No. There are Volturi spies everywhere," Garrett grumbled.
"Why?" I whispered, falling to my knees. "Why do they want us?"
"Because Bella is the ultimate weapon," Jasper replied.
"What does Alice say?" I questioned. "Do we join the Volturi?"
"No. You don't," Alice chirped. She was standing behind me. Esme and Rose are with Bella. She's fine. Still 'asleep.' "Something happens, I'm not sure what, but it convinces the Volturi to leave both you and Bella alone. I think it's something only she knows. A secret, maybe? Something that could rattle the Volturi to the core."
"Are you sure?" Carlisle asked.
"I'm positive. I don't know what it is, since only Bella knows it," Alice said, gliding over to her mate. He hugged her, nuzzling her neck and holding her to his body. "She doesn't say it out loud so I can't read her lips, either."
"When does this meeting happen?" I grumbled, sitting down on a fallen tree.
"A week from today. In Italy," Alice replied. "The Volturi have flown back and there is an invitation waiting at Bella's condo, extending a visit for you and her to Volterra."
"We'll all go," Carlisle said, sitting down next to me and wrapping his arm around my shoulder. You do not need to handle this on your own, son. You're our family and we take care of our family. I nodded, nervous and anxious. Jasper must have felt that and he sent me a soothing balm of calm, love and courage. "We'll make the arrangements, alright?"
"Okay," I whispered.
"Go back to her. This will all work out in the end," Alice said quietly. "I see it." She pointed to her head and she sent me the vision of Bella and me leaving the castle in Volterra. We were both smiling and the love surrounding us was blinding. "Now, go!" Alice giggled. I didn't have to be told twice. I took off and within seconds, since I broke the sound barrier, I was back in the bed with my mate, holding her close and vowing our happiness for all of eternity.
Two days after I fed, I heard Bella's distant voice in my mind. Edward…It was weak, tentative and so very soft. I mentally replied as well as verbally. She only curled closer to me and called my name once more. A few hours later, I saw her thoughts. It was fuzzy and blurry, the hazy memories of a human. From what I saw, I recognized Bella as a child. I watched with rapt attention, learning more about my own personal angel.
…
A little girl with dark brown hair in adorable pigtails, laughing and running down the driveway, a handsome man with raven-colored hair and thick mustache chasing her. He picked her up, tossing her into the sky and she squealed. "Higher, Daddy!" she laughed. He obliged until she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, kissing his cheek.
"I love you, my angel," he said, cupping her cheek with his rough hand.
"Love you, Daddy…you my hero!" she said, her r's sounding like w's.
…
"Isabella Marie, stop reading that book and come down for dinner," chided a female voice. Her voice was full of laughter.
"Coming, Mom," Bella answered, closing her novel and standing up. She smoothed her skirt and adjusted her long curled ponytail. From her reflection, she was a young adult. Her skin was like porcelain and her eyes were deep brown. Though, like most young adults, she had things she hated about her body. Bella plucked at her nonexistent chest and too wide hips. With a huff, she stomped away and into small kitchen. The cabinets were aqua colored, the floors were like checkerboards and in the middle, there was a red formica table set. "Do you need help?"
"Set the table, angel girl," Bella's mom smiled. "Your father is on his way home. He does have to head back to the station, but he managed to get an hour off for dinner." Bella's mother, Renee, was beautiful. Her dark blonde hair was curled perfectly and she looked like June Cleaver. The love she had for her daughter was abundant, overflowing for her. "How was school?"
"Tough. There was a new girl and my classmates were so mean to her because she was wearing a skirt from last fall," Bella grumped. "I stood up for her, but the new girl pushed me away, too. She didn't want my pity."
"Do you pity her?" Renee asked.
"Of course not! Not everyone has money to buy the latest fashions or have the latest music," Bella growled. "We're lucky. Mary Anne isn't as lucky and I want to help her. I want to be her friend." Bella bit her lip, twisting her tiny watch around her wrist.
"Be patient, angel girl. Mary Anne may be hesitant to trust," Renee replied softly, taking Bella's face in her hands. "Stick up for her and be friendly. She'll eventually come around." She kissed Bella's forehead. "I love you, Bella. You will change the world one day."
"I hope so, Mom."
…
Lunch at junior high was the worst. All of the cliques. Ugh…Bella balanced her tray and walked into the large cafeteria. She searched for anyone that she recognized. Her classmates from grammar school all seemed to have other lunch period. Bella's eyes widened and she saw Mary Anne, the girl who had moved in toward the end of her fifth grade year. She was friendly and spoke to Bella, but she still kept her at arm's length. With a determined mind, Bella walked over to Mary Anne's table. Without asking, Bella put her tray down, sitting across from her classmate.
"This is so different from grammar school, huh?" Bella asked, opening up her milk carton.
"It's better. More people," Mary Anne replied, reading a book. Bella noticed that Mary Anne didn't have any lunch. Mary Anne did stare at Bella's tray longingly, but buried her nose in the story. "Why are you here, Bella?"
"I recognized you. I needed to see a friendly face," she answered. "I think the teachers and principal separated our classmates for a reason, but…"
"Look, you can sit here, but I don't want to hear you talk," Mary Anne growled.
Bella's eyes watered. Her tenuous friendship with Mary Anne was not the best, but she was never overtly rude. "I'll just go then." She picked up her tray and walked to another table, hesitantly asking to join them. A few girls said yes. Bella frowned at her former friend before introducing herself to her new table. A new school…a new start…
…
"Dad, I think someone in my class is being abused at home," Bella said one night during dinner. It was her sophomore year of high school. She had blossomed into a beautiful young woman, with a heart of gold and always fighting for the underdog. Even Mary Anne, despite her hatred of Bella.
"Who, angel?" her father, Charlie, asked.
"This girl, Mary Anne. I was walking home with Jake," Bella began.
"That boy?" Charlie growled.
"Yes, Dad. We're just friends and will only be just friends," Bella sighed. "I don't like him like that. Gross!"
"Good. Keep it that way," Charlie harrumphed. "Now, Mary Anne?"
"She is covered in bruises, Dad. We're in the same gym period and when she changes, her body is littered in bruises, cuts and scratches," Bella whimpered, her eyes tearing. "I asked her about them and she told me to…I can't say those words."
"I get it," Charlie said. "What else?"
"One day, after school, a big guy came and picked her up. It wasn't her dad since he's in jail for whatever, but he looked like Mary Anne. He hit her across the face, Daddy," Bella whimpered. "We have to do something. Mary Anne is in trouble and…"
"Okay, okay. Relax, angel," Charlie said, looking over at his wife. Renee enfolded a crying Bella into her arms. They finished their meals and Charlie went back to the station. Bella went upstairs to work on her homework. A couple hours later, there was a commotion in the family room of their home in Phoenix. Bella ran downstairs and she saw a terrified Mary Anne standing next to her father. Her face was beat up, an eye swollen shut and her lip was split. Renee was surprised at the girl, but led her to the kitchen. Bella looked at her dad, shocked at why he would bring her here.
"What happened, Daddy?" Bella asked.
"I can't say much since there's a criminal investigation," Charlie said. "But, Mary Anne was living with her mother and brother. He was the guy who was beating her up. I've arrested both of them and Mary Anne is going to stay with us until we can find a more permanent solution. Can you set up the guest bedroom?" Bella nodded, running up the stairs and made sure that there was clean sheets, a fresh set of towels and a pair of spare pajamas. As she was finishing, Renee helped Mary Anne into the bedroom, shooing Bella out.
An hour later, the house was quiet, save for the sobs in Mary Anne's room. Bella got up, picking up her favorite stuffed animal and tiptoeing to the guest bedroom. She knocked quietly and the sobs grew more hysterical. Slipping into the bedroom, Bella sat down on the bed and handed Mary Anne the stuffed animal. Mr. Snuggles, her bear, had protected her from demons and imaginary monsters all of her life. Tonight, Bella's dad saved Mary Anne from a real monster. Mary Anne took the bear and crushed him to her chest, her face screwed up into a painful grimace. "Why are you being so nice to me?" she asked.
"Because no one should be hurt and alone," Bella murmured. "You're safe here. Your brother can't hurt you anymore."
"You can't promise that," Mary Anne snorted derisively.
"If my dad has something to say about it, he won't," Bella said, her eyes taking on a different look. She got up and tightened her robe around her body. "If you need anything, I'm right across the hall, Mary Anne." She turned to leave and a hand shot out. Bella looked down, shocked at how quickly Mary Anne had moved.
"Please stay?" her voice so very afraid. Bella smiled, sitting down and stayed until Mary Anne drifted off to sleep.
…
"I can't believe I got accepted to University of Arizona," Bella breathed. Her arm was looped with Mary Anne's as they walked around the campus on the first full day of classes. They had become the best of friends and were now roommates at University of Arizona. Bella was going to school to become a social worker or psychologist. Mary Anne wanted to become a lawyer.
"Accept it, Bells," Mary Anne giggled. "You got a full ride and you're going to make the world a better place!"
"So are you," Bella smiled, hugging her friend. "Oh, I've got to go. Class in ten minutes. I'll see you at the cafeteria!"
"I promise I won't yell at you," Mary Anne snorted, watching her friend run off. Bella shook her head. Mary Anne eventually moved in with her grandmother. Her mother and brother were both found guilty of child abuse, neglect and a slew of other charges. Her grandmother took her in and Mary Anne thrived with her. Bella and she remained close, despite living a town a part. Their friendship would withstand anything since Bella had seen Mary Anne at her lowest and given her the love and protection she needed.
Their lives were filled with classes, boneheaded boys and girlish giggles. On Bella's birthday, their junior year, Mary Anne suggested they go to one of the fraternity parties. "Bells, it'll be fun. We can't stay holed up in this dormitory all of the time."
"I have a test I need to study for," Bella said, shooting her roommate an amused glare. "So do you. Or do you want to fail British Literature?"
"I don't, but there's this cute boy in the fraternity and he's been flirting with me in my sociology class," Mary Anne breathed. "I need you there. I don't want to go alone."
"Okay, okay," Bella said. "But only for an hour or so."
"Thank you!" Mary Anne squealed, wrapping her arms around Bella's neck. "You do have change, though. Lose the poodle skirt." She handed Bella a tight, pencil skirt and a cardigan. Bella gave her friend a growl before changing into her new clothes. They put on their shoes and walked across campus. Arriving at the fraternity house, Mary Anne dragged Bella from room to room in search of this cute boy. In the kitchen, she found him. "James! James!"
He turned around and something about him set Bella ill at ease. He was dressed in all black with round black glasses on his nose. His smile was smarmy and cruel. "James, I want you to meet my best friend and roommate, Bella. Bella, this is the boy I was telling you about, James," Mary Anne cooed.
James looked at Bella, appraising her. His grin was feral and he licked his lips. Taking Bella's hand, he kissed her knuckles. He's so cold! "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella."
"You, too," Bella answered.
"Do either of you want something to drink?" James asked, arching a brow. His eyes were hidden by the dark glasses on his face, but there was something about him that was scary and shouldn't be trusted.
"Do you have any beer?" Mary Anne breathed. James nodded.
"I'll just have water," Bella said, wanting to get out of the kitchen. Her hackles were up. James got a beer for Mary Anne and a water for Bella, leering at both her and her friend. Ugh, this boy is disgusting. What does Mary Anne see in him?
Mary Anne gushed over James, who ate up her attention. Bella stayed next to her, not wanting to leave her friend because something about James was off-putting. Mary Anne had had enough drama in her life. She didn't want an unplanned pregnancy or that sort of scandal for her friend. It didn't stop James from flirting overtly with both of them. When Bella felt his hand on her bottom, she shot up. "Mary Anne, we really have to go study. I'm sorry, James. It was really nice to meet you, but we have a huge test tomorrow in one of our classes." Grabbing Mary Anne's arm, she pulled her friend out of the fraternity house.
"Bella! What the hell?" Mary Anne hissed. "He was totally all over me. Why would you do that?"
"Because he touched my behind," Bella whispered, walking as quickly as she could in her tight skirt and kitten heels. Mary Anne gasped, coming to a dead stop. "Look, I know you like him, but there's something there that I do not trust. You shouldn't either. He could really hurt you."
Mary Anne frowned, but ultimately agreed with her friend. She nodded and they continued back to their dorm. Halfway there, a figure appeared out of the darkness. It was James. "You should listen to your friend, Mary Anne. You shouldn't trust me," he said, his voice sounding hypnotic. His glasses were gone and his eyes were pitch black. "I can hurt you…"
Bella snapped and pushed James away. He glared at her, hate filling his mind. "Leave her alone, you monster!" Bella screeched. "Mary Anne…RUN!" Bella held up her hands, ready to fight this foul man. Mary Anne scampered away, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You have to get through me if you want her."
"That won't be a problem," James smiled, inhaling deeply. "You smell sweeter than your friend and I want you more." He swatted her hands away and tore her cardigan. "But, first…a little fun…"
…
Bella woke up, her body moving weakly and she was breathing heavily. Her eyes were completely black. No white was discernable in her eyes. "Edward…" she whimpered.
"Shhhhh, angel. I have you," I said, gathering her in my arms. I picked her up, carrying her slight body out of the cabin and ran towards the forest. I set her on the ground and caressed her paper-thin skin. "You need to feed. I'll get you as much as I can, love."
She nodded, her frame shuddering and leaning heavily against the fallen tree. I love you, Edward. I felt you…
"I know, angel. I know," I said, kissing her forehead and darting away. The first thing I found was a deer. I knew that a carnivorous meal would be best, but she needed something. I broke the deer's neck and carried it back to my starving, emaciated mate. She could barely move and I had to feed her by hand. Once she pulled the blood from the deer, her skin plumped up and she looked more alive, but she was still weak. I had to go and leave three times before Bella could finally stand and hunt for herself.
And when she did, it was big. She found a rogue bear. He was big, powerful and mean. He saw my mate and he roared defiantly, swiping at her. Bella, almost smirking, caught the bear's paw and flipped him onto his back. With a vicious snarl, she attached her mouth to his neck and quickly drained him. When she stood up, she looked my Bella, but stronger and more assured. Her eyes were warm and golden, behind them held a peace and serenity I never before saw. She smiled at me, running into my arms and holding on for dear life. "Edward…my Edward," she whispered, her lips grazing my ear. "I've missed you…I'm sorry that I…"
"I know, love. I know," I murmured, kissing her sweet, red lips. I could taste the bear and the deer on her mouth. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Still a little weak, but I'm okay," she answered. Her eyes were still too dark and there were circles under her eyes, but she looked like my Bella. "My needs, right now, are not ones of hunger, but to be with you." Take me back to the cabin, Edward. I need you to…She smile was feral as she showed me what she wanted. Who was I to deny my mate? Racing back to the cabin, I fulfilled every need that she wanted, desired.
We made love, fucked, had sex and everything in between. We were tangled up in each other and there was nothing that could force us apart. Nothing.
Well, almost nothing.
Alice's mental voice approached us the day after Bella woke up. She reminded me of the meeting with the Volturi and that Bella needed to feed again before we went back to Chicago. Begrudgingly, we got dressed and we hunted once more, eating our fill of deer and a few bobcats. After some naked fun time in the shower, we dressed and I carried us back to Chicago. It was just after midnight when we arrived at Bella's condo and sitting innocently on the front entry table was a parchment invitation with our names elegantly written on the front.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Isabella Masen.
"This was expected," Bella said, picking up the invitation. "Aro saw me use my power. I used it to destroy another vampire." She read it, wrinkling her nose. "Another thing dangling over our heads…"
"We don't have to go," I said, taking her hands in mine.
"We do. I have some information that will shut them up," she smirked. It'll be okay. I'm certain Alice told you.
"But, are you okay? With everything that happened…the reemergence of your memory?" I whispered. We had yet to discuss what I had seen from her hazy, human memories. She had sacrificed herself to save her friend.
"Edward, love, I will be alright. I promise you," she whispered, kissing my lips sweetly. "I remembered my family, how much my parents loved me. I remembered my best friend and I would have done what I did for her again if asked to."
"I wonder if she is still alive?" I whispered.
"While you were showering, I looked her up. Mary Anne died a little over a year ago," Bella answered, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Breast cancer. But, she lived a full life. After taking a year off after my death, she went back to finish school and became a lawyer. She met and fell in love with a wonderful man who gave her the sun, the moon and the stars. After she had three children, two boys and a girl, she ran for Attorney General in Arizona and won, the first woman to do so. She held that position until the late eighties when she was diagnosed with cancer the first time. She went back to practicing family law after she got a clean bill of health and retired in the early 2000s. At a routine checkup, she was told that her cancer had returned and it was aggressive. She died in her own home, surrounded by her husband, three children and eight grandchildren. She was happy and loved." She sat down on my lap, brushing my hair from my face. Her daughter was named after me, Isabella Marie Catalano. "She never forgot me and she honored my memory by naming her daughter after me."
"I wish you could have seen her. You know, before she died," I whispered.
"Eventually, I want to go to her grave. My parents' graves, too," she said, her eyes narrowing in thought. "I need to pay my respects. Since they're all buried in Phoenix, it'll have to be at night, but…"
"We'll do it, angel," I smiled, cupping her cheek.
"We will. We have our lives ahead of us," she said. "But first, we need to close this chapter. We meet our private jet at the break of dawn tomorrow. Do you have your passport?"
xx A&M xx
The flight was long and tedious. The flight attendant was quite mentally vocal about what she wanted to do to all of the men on the flight. Her mind was lewd and vile, imagining a gang bang with all of us seated in the private plane. When she conjured up a vision of me plowing her from behind, I asked Bella to shield me from her disgusting thoughts. Bella shot the human a cold glare as she slipped her shield around us and pulling us closer together.
"You should, after this meeting, use this time as your honeymoon," Alice suggested, her eyes twinkling. "I hear that Italy is beautiful this time of year. And there is no sun for at least ten days after we meet with the Volturi."
"Do you want an Italian honeymoon?" I asked, kissing Bella's nose.
"I've never been to Italy," Bella smiled. "I think that sounds perfect."
"Excellent!" Alice squealed, handing us a binder.
"What is this?" Bella laughed, flipping through it.
"I've planned all of it for you. I knew you'd say yes, so I booked everything you could ever want," she said. "You'll start in Volterra and then travel to Pisa, Lucca, Florence…"
"Alice, we can read," I chuckled. She bit her lip and nodded. "But, thank you."
"Anything for my family," she cooed, snuggling into Jasper's arms.
"We went to Italy for our sixtieth wedding anniversary," Carlisle smiled, kissing Esme's lips. "Though, we spent more time in the hotel room than enjoying the beauties of Italy." Esme smacked him, giggling like a school girl. "We may have to do that again, my love."
"Yeah, we don't need a reminder that you two bump uglies," Jasper cringed. "I love you both, but, ewww…you're like my parents."
"Even parents have sex," Esme chuckled. "How else do more children get made?" Jasper shuddered and we all laughed at his disgust.
A few hours later, we landed in Italy and we had to wait since the sun was shining. Once the sun dipped below the horizon, we clambered into the waiting Mercedes and we were driven to the castle in Volterra. Bella was assured and poised. Her mind was calm and she was ready to say no to the trio of rulers of our kind. And whatever she had on them would solidify their definitive refusal to ask again. She wouldn't tell me until after our meeting.
Where she was calm, I was a nervous wreck. Had I been human, I would have sweated through my black suit I was wearing. My fingers were threaded with Bella's and soon we were underneath the castle. Felix and Demitri opened up the car doors for Bella and me, while Alec and Jane attended to the cars with our family. They bowed to us. Their minds were reverent and prepared to vow the allegiance to Bella. She was, in Aro's eyes, the new leader of the Volturi Guard.
We followed Felix and Demitri. The hallways were dimly lit and twisted every which way. Riding up the elevator to the main level, we were greeted by an attractive human. She had warm skin, dark brown hair and piercing green eyes. She seemed bored with Felix and Demitri, but she was immediately attracted to me and to Emmett, who was holding Rosalie's hand. Felix barked something in Italian and she pulled her eyes away from us to respond. With a curt response, Felix led us to a set of ornate double doors. Pushing them open, we were led into a huge throne room. Seated on a raised dais were the three Volturi leaders, Marcus, Aro and Caius. Felix and Demitri stood behind us and Alec and Jane took their spots on either side of the leaders, Alec closest to Caius while Jane stood nearest to Marcus.
"Ah, my dearest Isabella and young Edward," Aro said, his hands clapping together. "I'm so glad you could come."
"Your invitation left little choice," Bella said, arching a brow.
"Mind your tone," Caius growled, slamming his hand down on the arm of his throne. "Insolence is not tolerated!"
"Then why did you wait so long to end James and his newborn army?" Bella asked. "Is it because you secretly hoped that he would succeed?" Caius snarled at my mate, his red eyes narrowing to harsh slits. Aro glared at Caius. "I know why you wanted me, wanted us here, Aro. You want me to join the Guard."
"Yes," Aro replied, still looking at Caius, his own mind reeling of Caius's possible deception. "You are quite powerful, Bella. Much more powerful than you led us to believe. On your reports, you listed yourself as a telepath."
"That's because I am," Bella replied.
"But, that's not all. You can compel, cause damage with that…that…whatever it is, and shield yourself," Aro said, his tone taking on a sickeningly sweet timbre. "You lied to us, Isabella."
"I lied because I didn't want to join the Guard. I do not want to be a monster," she said, standing up taller.
"Is that what we are?" Aro asked, his temper flaring.
"When you feast on humans and you do not care about them living or dying, then yes," she said, her chin jut out defiantly. "I don't want to cause humans pain. I don't like to cause anyone pain, really. I want to help people, humans, vampires…"
"She is incapable of doing what we would ask of her," Marcus said, his eyes looking directly at both me and Bella. I could see her shield surrounding us and our connection bound all around our bodies. It was shining brightly, almost blinding in my mind's eye. "Nor is her mate."
"I won't do it anymore. I lived as a monster for over sixty years," Bella said. "I want to finally do something with my life. I remember who I was and now, that can guide me in who I want to be." A smirk grew on her face. Besides, I know Caius's secret…
Aro's eyes widened, looking back at Caius. He blindly tried to reach for Caius's hand, but he flew back off his throne. Aro looked back at Bella. She grinned widely. Caius does want to dominate the world, have the humans be our servants, but for now, he's dominating Alec. Did you know that he leads Alec around like a dog?
"How do you know that?" Aro asked.
"James told me before he was incinerated," she sneered. Apparently, James's memories had flown from his mind and since Bella was connected to him as his creation and he her sire, she got it all. "He saw that little tidbit before he left Volterra in the late 1900s. And it's only gotten more graphic." Bella looked at Caius and she showed him what she saw from James's memory and Caius choked out a curse in Italian. "Now, I will keep that a secret and I will not be joining your Guard. We wish nothing more than to live our lives in peace." And you may want to reign in Caius. He may become a problem if you don't stop him. You'd have another James situation on your hands.
"Yes, yes…" Aro said quietly, his red eyes wide. "Whatever you want, Isabella. It's yours."
"Thank you," she responded sweetly, threading her fingers with mine. "Before we go, we will register Edward and Emmett and that will be the last you'll hear from us." Turning on her heel, we left the throne room and to the registrar. We filled out the paperwork and with a flourish, I was now a registered vampire. With a smile, Bella led me out of the castle and into our new lives. Alice handed us the binder and said that we were ready to go for our Italian honeymoon.
Getting into a waiting limo, Bella sat on my lap, her face free of all stress and I truly felt like I was looking into the eyes of an angel. My angel. "I've never felt happier in my life," she breathed. "We have the world at our fingertips."
"I know, my angel," I said, kissing her lips. "I love you with everything that I am."
"As I love you and I can't wait to show you," she purred, tangling her fingers into my hair.
"You do show me, Bella. Every day that I'm with you, I know," I murmured, nipping at her jaw. "But, now it's my turn to show you how much you mean to me. How much I want to worship you. How much I love you…" You are my angel and I will do everything to remind you that you are the embodiment of everything that is good on this earth.
"Edward, it's you who is the angel. My guardian angel and you've saved me, in every way a person can be saved. You brought me into the light and I will forever be grateful," she breathed.
She melted against my chest and her lips molded with mine. We moaned together and I held her flush against my body, our tongues swirling and low, and purring growls emanating from deep within our guts. Pulling back, she picked up the binder that Alice had handed us. I don't know about you, but Carlisle's version of Italy sounds a lot more appealing than traveling all over the Tuscan countryside.
I tossed it out the window. "Your wish…my command, angel."
A/N: And that's the last REAL chapter of Angels and Monsters. We have the epilogue left. What will happen with Betsy and Richard? Will Emmett ever be reunited with his mom? What about Bella and her past? Some questions need to be answered and they all will be in the epilogue.
Pictures for this chapter will be on my tumblr and blog (links for both are on my profile). You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on twitter: tufano79.