Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Twelve

I laughed at the irony of it all.

When the vote had gone up about where to eat dinner, it had been unanimous.

Bella Italia.

Jake had sensed my mood change and had given me a concerned look. I had simply shaken my head and continued smiling. It was probably a good idea to eat dinner there. After all, it had been the place where I finally started chipping away at the barrier around Edward's heart. That was in the past, though. I needed to make new memories with Jake.

So, I didn't allow myself to focus on Edward while I spent the evening laughing with my friends. I would catch Jake throwing me glances every now and then, but I just flashed him a smile and he would relax. The food was just as good as the first time and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the night.

"That was fun," I said as we walked back to the car.

"It was," Jake agreed, taking my hand in his.

I smiled up at him. He gave me a tender look that sent a pulse thrumming all the way to my toes. I swallowed the sudden thump in my throat and my eyes zeroed in on his lips. His hand tightened on mine and my eyes flashed back up to his. They were darker and fiercer. I bit my lip and leaned in towards him.

"Oh, for the love of God! Can't you two keep it to yourselves for five minutes?" Leah shouted, walking between us to break us apart.

I laughed and began following her to the car, Jake right behind me. I reached back with my hand and sighed contently when his fingers intertwined with mine. He pulled me back until I was walking side by side with him. I leaned against his shoulder as we walked, letting him guide my movements. His free hand came up and ran through my hair.

"Bella!"

I groaned and lifted my head to look around for who had called my name. I was surprised to see Jessica running towards me. She looked frantic.

"Bella, I have to talk to you! Now!" Jessica claimed, grabbing my arm and yanking.

I winced at her grip as my shoulder popped. Jake growled low in his throat and moved to unclasp her hand, but I stopped him with a hand to the chest.

"Sure, Jess. Everything okay?" I asked, letting go of Jake's hand.

"No! You have to come with me," Jessica demanded, pulling me away from Jake.

"Bella," Jake warned.

I knew he didn't want me wandering off in the dark, but I needed know what was wrong with Jessica. I was torn.

"I'll just be a second, Jake," I decided.

His brow furrowed, but he nodded. He stood with his feet braced apart and his arms crossed over his chest. He had never looked more intimidating. I found myself wanting nothing more than to bash Jessica over the head and run back into his arms.

Instead, I allowed Jessica to lead me back towards the restaurant.

"What is it, Jess?" I asked wearily.

"Not yet," Jessica answered, looking around frantically.

I was starting to worry. She wasn't acting like her usual self. She was fidgety and nervous, her eyes wide open as she scanned the crowd around us. Finally, she found what she was looking for and made a beeline towards an alley.

"Jess, we can't just go down dark alleys at night," I hesitated.

"Hello, Bella."

I felt my eyes go wide as the betrayal settled over me. I turned to see Jessica smiling into the darkness, a pleased expression on her face.

"Jess, what did you do?" I gasped, grabbing her arms and swinging her to face me.

"Shut up, Bella! You don't get to talk to me like that anymore!" Jessica yelled, breaking my hold.

I started backing away from her, but it was too late. The figure that had been hiding the shadows emerged and grabbed hold of my wrist. I straightened my back and reached through to the pack mind. I had to let the guys know what was going on.

"Hello, Victoria."

She laughed and flipped her red hair behind her shoulder. She never removed her eyes from me, but she waved a hand in Jessica's direction.

"You can go."

Without another word, Jessica left. I couldn't believe she would turn me over to Victoria. I knew she didn't like me much anymore, but I didn't think she hated me this much. Maybe she just didn't realize how dangerous Victoria was.

"Ah, Bella. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. Are you ready?" Victoria asked.

I didn't respond. I could feel the guys as they frantically tried to figure out what to do. Jake was already running towards us, panic and determination flowing through him. I didn't know if he'd get here in time.

DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT, BELLA! I'M ALMOST THERE! Jake shouted at me.

I flinched at his loud voice in my head. Victoria noticed and chuckled.

"Yes, you should be afraid," Victoria murmured, mistaking my movement.

I just stared at her. She suddenly lifted her head and took a sniff of the air. She smiled viciously at me.

"Looks like we'll have to relocate our selves, Bella, dear. I'm sorry to do this, but I can't have you knowing where we're going," Victoria said sweetly.

I felt a blow against my temple and then nothing.

I groaned and rolled over, expecting to feel Jake's arms wrap around me. When they didn't, I frowned and reached for him. All I felt was a cold wooden floor. There was rattling as my arm moved and felt something heavy on my wrists.

My eyes jerked open and I looked around. I was in a dark room, chained to the wall. All the windows were boarded up nice and tight. The entire place smelled like death. I nearly gagged at the metallic and salt smell of blood.

I shoved down the dizzy feeling and focused on figuring out what had happened. I couldn't remember anything past walking away with Jessica.

It hit my like a lightning bolt.

Victoria.

I started gasping for breath as my fear fought to consume me. I looked around frantically as if expecting her to pop out of one of the corners. I huddled back against the wall and felt the tears start. I struggled to keep my sobbing quiet, but it was no use. I was absolutely terrified.

I wanted Jake.

That one thought brought on a thousand more. Did he know where I was? Did he know I was still alive? Did he know Victoria had me? Did the pack know? Were they out looking for me? How long had I been in this awful place?

All I had to do to answer those questions was reach out and touch one of their minds.

I knew it wouldn't be easy. I was so tired and my body was weak. I wasn't up to my full potential, but I started searching anyway, hoping one of them was phased. Our connection was strongest when they were phased. It wasn't as hard to break through their mental barrier. I started panicking when I couldn't find any of them. God, had Victoria gotten them, too?

A sudden pull brought me back to my search. One of them had just phased. I sighed in relief.

Jared? I called hesitantly.

Even my mental voice sounded weak.

Bella?!? Is that really you? Holy shit! Hold on! Just, hold on! Jared demanded frantically.

Okay, I replied weakly.

I heard through his mind as he let out a piercing howl. Within minutes, the entire pack was inside my head.

What the hell, Jared? I was asleep! Paul grumbled.

What is it Jared? Did you catch a scent? Sam asked, all business.

Dude, I was just about to get some, Quil whined.

Shut up! All of you! Jared snapped.

I felt all of their displeasure at his tone.

Jared, you have no- Sam scolded.

Shut it, Sam! Just listen! Jared growled.

They all got quiet. I started feeling through their minds, struggling to connect with all of them instead of just Jared. I nearly lost it when I connected with Jake. He was literally coming apart inside. I found myself gasping as I tried to get a hold of myself.

BELLA! They all screamed at once.

Oh, God, honey! Where are you? Are you alright? What happened? Did she hurt you? Talk to me, Bella! Jake shouted, tensing as he felt me.

I'm… fine… Jake, I panted, falling to the ground in exhaustion.

Talking to the whole pack was getting to be difficult. I was so tired. I just wanted to curl up and fall back asleep.

NO! Bella! Don't leave me! Jake cried, jumping forward as if he was jumping towards me.

Won't, I mumbled, unable to say anything else.

Bella, close yourself off. You're wasting too much energy, Sam advised softly.

Can't. Need… to… stay, I argued.

I didn't want to leave Jake. I could feel all his despair at thinking he'd lost me forever. I couldn't cut off his only link to me right now.

Bells, honey, it's okay. Just… focus on Sam, okay? Tell him all you can. We're going to find you, honey, Jake instructed, his voice breaking.

I could tell it was difficult for him to tell me to stay connected to Sam while closing everyone else out, including him. I was crying softly as I shut my mind to them each, one by one. I saved Jake for last.

I love you, I whispered.

God, Bells. I love you, too, honey. I'll find you. I swear it, Jake vowed.

I knew he was crying just like me. With one final push, I shut him off. It was just Sam and I. He waited for a few moments and allowed me to compose myself.

Tell me what happened, Bella, Sam instructed.

I replayed everything I could remember. He bristled at some points and down right growled at others. It was inconceivable for any creature to be able to hurt an Omega. The fact that Victoria could do it so easily said much about her mental state. We threw ideas back and forth about what she had planned.

Can you tell me anything about where you are? Sam asked.

All I know is that I'm in a room and it's cold. There aren't open windows, so I don't even know what it's like outside. I'm sorry, Sam, I sighed tiredly.

Bella, I'm going to try to force your connection to stay open, alright? I need to know what's going on, even when you're asleep. It might be a little uncomfortable, but we have to try this, Sam said.

Anything you think will help, I murmured, already feeling my eyes getting heavy.

Without so much as a by-your-leave, Sam shoved himself into my mind, forcing my brain to squeeze tightly. I winced and brought my hands up to my head.

Shit, Bella! Sam gasped.

I watched in shock as he fell to the ground. The other wolves moved towards him, nervously whining. Jake nearly jumped out of his skin. I realized that with Sam inside my head, it made connecting to the pack much easier.

What's wrong, Sam? Paul asked.

Shit, Sam rasped again, struggling to get to his feet.

Paul and Jared moved to help him, allowing him to lean on them.

You alright, Sam? I asked hesitantly.

God, Bella. How the hell are you still alive? Sam asked, his voice rough with strain.

Jake growled and snapped at Sam.

What the hell, Sam? Jake snarled.

Jake, can't you feel it? She's so weak, I'm amazed she was able to connect with Jared in the first place, Sam explained.

Is she drawing on the pack strength? Seth asked, concern in his voice.

I can't tell, Sam admitted.

Bella, you bitch! What the hell were you thinking go off with that whore? You should've taken me with you! Leah snapped at me.

I felt anger rise up in me. Leah had no right to talk to me that way. I had thought Jessica was in trouble. What else was I supposed to do? Just brush her off and ignore her?

Jake growled and lunged for Leah, but Seth blocked him.

Jake, wait! Feel that? Seth asked.

Everyone paused and I could suddenly feel every single one of them inside me. It was insane. There was a rush of power and I started trembling from the force of it all. Somehow, I ended up on all fours on the ground. I was gasping for breath as they continued to push their strength into me.

Stop! That's enough! Sam ordered.

Immediately, the strength stopped flowing into me, but the strength they had already shared was still inside. I stood up and looked down at the chains on my wrists. I glanced at the wall and noticed how rusty the bolts were.

You guys might not want to see this, I warned.

Don't close me out, Bella! Sam growled.

Fine, I barked, feeding off my own anger and the pack strength.

I braced my foot against the wall. I only then noticed my feet were bare. I briefly wondered what had happened to my shoes, but quickly refocused on the chains. Grabbing them in both hands, I started pulling, using my foot as leverage.

Bella! No! Jake whined, feeling the pain in my wrists.

What the hell do you think you're doing? Paul growled.

Bella, you're gonna break your wrists! Embry warned.

Keep it up, Bella! Leah cheered.

Bella! Stop! Sam commanded, his eyes wide in fear.

I ignored his Alpha voice and continued pulling. I could feel all my muscles straining, but I didn't stop. I gritted my teeth and gave a final jerk. The chains fell out of the wall and I stumbled back, breathing heavily.

Damn, that was hot, Quil mumbled.

Shut up, Quil! Jake snarled.

Sorry, dude! Quil grinned.

What the hell, Bella? You could've seriously injured yourself! Sam scolded.

I continued to ignore him and looked at the cell door.

Bella. Don't. It's not safe, Sam pleaded, suddenly afraid for me.

Don't worry, Sam. I'll be fine, I assured him.

What's going on? What's she doing? Bella! Jake called, his voice raising as he continued to speak.

She's going to try and break out, Sam told him.

Traitor, I teased.

ISABELLA MARIE SWAN! SIT YOUR ASS DOWN, NOW! YOU ARE NOT TO LEAVE THAT ROOM! I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO WALK TO YOUR OWN DEATH, DO YOU HEAR ME? YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME! Jake shouted, his entire body trembling.

SILENCE! Sam roared.

Everyone fell quiet, but I could feel Jake's irritation at Sam's command. The others weren't too happy either.

Just wait a second, Bella, Sam pleaded.

I paused with my hand on the door.

I can't just wait here for her to come to me. I have to get out, I told him.

Sam was clearly struggling with what decision to make. He didn't want me getting myself into any unnecessary danger, but he also didn't want me waiting around to be killed. I waited patiently for him to make up his mind, but I knew I only had so much time to waste.

Go, Sam gritted.

I didn't waste any time and yanked the door open. It came off the hinges easily. I looked around outside the door and surmised that I was in some kind of shack. I couldn't hear anything else in the small building.

Hesitantly, I left the safety of the room and crept along the hallway. I was surprised when I didn't see Victoria anywhere. I would have thought she'd know I had broken out. Maybe she was gone, thinking I would be out longer. What ever the case was, I wasn't sticking around until she came back.

I finally found a door that led outside and hurried through it. The second I did, I almost wished I stayed inside.

There were a dozen or more bodies hung up all around the house. Every single one of them had been bled to death. Their eyes stared lifelessly around them, horror marked on every edge of their faces. I gasped and doubled over as I felt some of the left over agony. Keeping myself open was causing a lot of problems.

Stay open, Bella. I know it's hard. You can't shove me out, Sam pushed.

I realized I had been trying to do just that. I was trying to build my walls back up and close myself off in order to get rid of the agony.

Bella, we know where you are! We're coming for you! Sam suddenly said.

I could feel the pack as they moved through the woods. It was a freeing feeling for all of them, but this time, they didn't allow themselves to become lost in the hunt. They all knew what would happen if they didn't make it to me before Victoria did.

Don't think about it, Bella, Sam advised.

Oh, sure. Easy thing for you to say, I snorted.

I started walking away from the house, trying to get away from the bodies and the absolute pain and terror they had felt right up until their lives ended. Instead, I focused on the pack as they raced towards me. Apparently, I was a lot closer to them than any of us had thought. They would be arriving in no time.

Unfortunately, not soon enough.

"Well, well, well, Bella. Didn't your mother ever teach you it isn't nice to leave without telling someone goodbye?"

I spun around and gasped.

Victoria stood in the doorway of the shack, smiling at me. I started backing away from her, unable to do anything else. In the blink of an eye, she was on me.

"Now, now. No need to run away. Don't you like my decorations?" Victoria asked softly.

I winced as her cold finger bit into my skin. She inhaled my scent and sighed.

"My, but you smell divine. I had meant for us to have a little play time before I killed you, but I don't know if that'll be possible. You are just so appetizing," Victoria complimented.

I couldn't hold back the whimper that came out of my mouth.

Almost there, Bella! Just hold on! Sam called.

"Mmmm. I'm going to enjoy this," Victoria murmured.

Her tongue flicked out to taste my skin and she moaned. Her lips fastened on my neck and she began to suck the skin into her mouth. I cried out in pain as she sucked harder.

"I want to make sure you have my mark," Victoria sneered.

I gasped as the pain slowly faded. The pack was so close. Just a little bit longer.

"I don't know why those lousy excuses for vampires kept you human. It would've been so much kinder to turn you. Or just kill you. I can promise, you won't like death at my hand," Victoria taunted.

I started struggling against her hold. The pack was less than a football field away by now. Her fingers dug further into my flesh, not doubt leaving bruises.

"How about a little taste, hmm?" Victoria suggested, leaning down to my neck again.

There was a sudden roar as the pack sprang from the woods. Victoria let out a screech as one of them landed on her. She let go of me to grab hold of the wolf's fur. As I slid down against the nearest tree, she threw the wolf off and darted around in a circle, attempting to find a way out.

"NO!" Victoria screeched, slashing at one of the wolves.

The wolves snarled and lunged at her all at once. In a matter of moments, Victoria was in pieces and her body was burning, filling the air with her sweet smell. I stared at the fire in a daze as the wolves quickly surrounded me. I felt the air change as one of them phased. A moment later, I was lifted into strong, warm arms and being kissed with so much passion that my head spun.

"Bella," Jake breathed, kissing every inch of skin he could reach.

"Jake," I whispered, hugging him tightly.

"I can't believe I almost lost you," Jake whimpered, holding me tighter.

I didn't answer. All the energy that had been racing through me for the past thirty minutes was depleting. I knew I was losing my grip on the pack mind and struggled to hold on.

It was no use. My mind couldn't maintain the connection. Everything faded as my body shut down to heal.

Beep… Beep… Beep…

The incessant beeping was driving me crazy. I was tired and it kept interrupting my sleep. I reached over, attempting to smack my alarm into oblivion, but came up short. There was nothing beside my bed, but air.

"Bells? Bella?"

I groggily opened my eyes and saw Charlie leaning over me. I frowned up at him, wondering why he was in my bedroom. His face suddenly broke out in relief and tears welled up in his eyes. I felt my own widen in alarm as he hugged me.

"Thank God, you're okay. You've gotta stop doing this to me, Bells. There's only so much your old man can take," Charlie chuckled, holding me tightly.

It was then that I noticed I was in a hospital. Again. I groaned and thumped my head against the pillow.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled.

"Jake told me what happened. You are grounded. Forever," Charlie glared.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"Because you didn't tell me about this… thing that was after you," Charlie hissed.

I looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Dad, I was trying to protect you," I argued.

"I'm the Chief of Police, Bells. I think I can protect myself," Charlie scoffed.

"Not against these, Dad. Bullets won't hurt them. Neither will knives. The only thing that can defeat them is a werewolf or another vampire," I explained.

Charlie paled slightly, but didn't relent.

"You still should have told me."

"I'm sorry, Dad. Next time I have some crazy vampire stalker set on killing me, I'll tell you, okay?" I appeased him.

His face lost even more color and he actually looked like he was going to faint.

"Dad, I'm kidding! I have no intention of getting any other vampire set on killing me," I sighed.

He grunted and sat in the chair beside my bed. I looked around the room and frowned when I didn't see Jake.

"Dad, wh-"

"He's in the cafeteria. I finally forced him to leave about an hour ago. He'll be back soon. He can barely stand to be away from you," Charlie smirked.

I knew he was pleased with the idea of Jake and I. I just hadn't known how pleased until right this moment.

"Speaking of food, I'm gonna go grab some. I haven't had anything to eat since dinner last night and that was barely anything. I'll come check on you again later, Bells," Charlie said.

He leaned over and kissed my forehead in a gruff manner. I felt tears well up in my eyes and hurried to wipe them away. Charlie grunted against and patted my shoulder before walking out of the room.

I waited, hoping Jake would arrive soon. I had missed him fiercely and my chest was aching at being away from him for so long. I had so many questions about Victoria and what had happened after I'd left.

My door creaked open and I looked over to see who was coming in. I smiled and held out my hand.

"Jake."

Alright. Done for this chapter. Next chapter will be in Jake's point of view! Now, this is the first time I've ever done a kidnapped/torture scene using first person. I'm not really sure I like it… but I promised I'd be updating, so here it is! Hope you enjoyed!! I'll see you guys again soon!!