GENERAL DISCLAIMERS:
I do not own the Twilight universe nor anything related to the Twilight universe. If we did, I do not think that I would be struggling through college now. Any resemblance to ideas, names, thoughts, theories or situations in another story written on FFN is purely coincidental.
AN: This is the second half of the long chapter. The end is cuts from a bunch of songs. I posted who sung what but if you want lyrics for the harder to find songs drop me a message.
Downstairs they piled back into the limo and drove towards the hills. Down a winding half dirt road they came to a large steel and concrete fence that stretched for miles in either direction, driving past the guard they entered a green tree lined paradise.
"Welcome to Starlight Terrace, home of ten vampire covens and two werewolf packs. Well, vacation home of two and permanent home of two."
"Where are we staying?"
"At my coven's home away from home. Our perfect place." They approached a large, spralling mansion.
"Why do you four need such a large place?" Bella laughed at Emmett's question.
"Because silly, we aren't the only four in the coven." Everyone turned a confused eye towards her.
"Twelve of us live here most of the time, there are twenty two rooms, fifteen of which are normally occupied."
"Who else lives here?" Carlisle asked.
"The Deciduous Family, the Arlington Family, Marina and us. Then there is scave for the pack, or at least my siblings, their imprints and my co-alphas."
"Co-alphas?"
"Um, yeah, since Seth and Leah are my responsibility along with Serena, Daphne and Michael I had to become an Alpha, as we made such a large group."
"Still confused."
"We call our combined groups the Coven-pack. Two alphas and two betas."
"Who is your Beta?"
"Leah." Bella said with a smile.
"Why her?"
"She is my sister. Plus we can thumb our noses at the boys and the Elders." Daphne laughed.
"You'll get used to it Emmett. Its fun to watch Sam and Bella team up against Billy and Issac."
"Who is Issac?"
"The alpha from the pack on Breakers Island."
"Why do you go toe to toe with them?"
"That is a story for another day, besides Jacob tells it best." Serena added. The car stopped in front of the house and everyone got out.
"Isabella this house is beautiful!" Esme squealled.
"Thank you Esme. The whole community was planned at the same time as a joint effort of the covens and packs. Serena decorated the inside and most of the private rooms." As they crossed the porch the doors swung open on their own. Serena grinned at their amazement but said nothing.
"Momma Bella!" A voice screamed as a speeding bundle collided with the group. Bella felt her back hit the tiled floor as Natali Desciduous crashed into her.
"Nat, we have guest. Thanks for knocking me down." Bella could tell from the looks on the Cullen's faces what they were thinking. That Natali was an Immortal child. She wasn't, Natali was something else all together, but that was neither here nor there.
"Sorry."
"Where is the rest of the family?"
"Mum and Jerome are in the main builidng with Danika Swift, Mareck and Susanna are on their way home from school."
"What has your brother done now?"
"Ummm." She stalled, flipping her chin length red hair from her eys. Bella glared up at her. "He may or may not have told Danika that she had the voice of a dying carp and the wingspan of a gorilla." Bella smacked herself in the forehead.
"Your brother is an idiot, Natali." Daphne said. "Jasper wanna feel something cool?" He looked at her funny. "Take your shoes off and walk along the runner." He did as he was asked with a surprised look on his face.
'What the hell.' He paused, taking in the feeling. 'Edward, the carpet is putting out emotions: safety, calm, peace, peace, protection.'
"How is that possible?" Edward voiced for his family.
"Easy." Michael said. "While it was woven powerful projecting psychics and empaths kept only those feelings and thoughts in their minds."
"Before a tour of the hosue we will need to go over a few ground rules. One, there are no shields here so Jasper, you and Edward will be bombarded. Two, as much as possible we do not use our powers on each other. Three, privacy is behind all closed doors, the bedrooms are all sound proofed to vampire standards. And four, we have a staff of mostly immortals but a few mortals, they are to be treated with respect and kindness, theya re not snacks, no matter how good they smell." That being said Bella pulled her shield back from everyone's minds.
'I wonder if Momma B is going to show them L2? Oh well time for my shift.' Natali disappeared around a corner and her thoughts did as well.
'Ah, snack time... fox sounds good.' Serena wandered off. Daphne's phone beeped in her pocket, she raced up the stairs, a door slamming alerted them that she had made it to her room.
"Let's get you guys settled." Bella led them upstairs. At the top of the stairs were three hallways, small placques to the left of each read Coven, Pack and Guests. She led them into the guests hall which smelled oddly sterile. "Carlisle this is your and Esme's room." She opened the door to a large pale green room, a large Armoire stood on either side of the canopy bed. All the lineens were shades of green. There were doors on either side of the room. "The left hand door is a small office for you and Esme the right hand door leads to a small nursery for Adrienne." The next room sown the hall was for Rosalie and Emmett. The door on the left connected to the nursery. Emmett was shocked when he looked around the room, something was missing.
'Two closets check, mini fridge check, vanity check bed... check.... wait... no bed....'
"Umm Bella why isn't there a bed?"
"Why ever would you need a bed Emmett? We don't sleep." Bella giggled at the flustered look on his face. "Relax Em, press the silver button on the wall above your nightstand." Emmett ran across the room and pushed the button, a hole appeared in the mirrored ceiling ad a bed slowly floated down to the floor. "If you press it again the bed will stop at its current height. Don't worry though, its really sturdy." She smiled at the joy in Emmett's eyes.
Edward's room was across the hallway. A black leather sofa replaced the bed and the room had the appearance of an old speakeasy, dark, red woods and brushed steel were everywhere. One wall was lined with CDs while the facing wall held a medium entertainment center. The room to his right was empty. He smiled to himself before following Bella, Alice and Jasper towards the last room.
"Alice this room was designed for you." The door slide open to a black and silver room, a large armoire, a standing mirror, and a vanity. Jasper's half of the room blended well with Alice's but represented him and his history, Bella and Serena had found Civil War artifacts, a flag from a Texas regiment, and a few other things.
"Jasper did I get it right?" Serena bounced in the doorframe.
"How did you...." Jasper stuttered.
"Daphne can see the past of objects remember, we found originals, not replicas on our journeys between semesters." Bella said hoping the empath really liked the room.
"Bella, Serena, this is really beyond amazing."
"You should see the gallery... this is nothing." Bella elbowed Serena in the stomach.
"No one wants to see the Gallery. Its a family place." Bella backed away from the room. "Alice, Jasper, Edward, if any of you need it thr room on the end is a blank. No sounds, no visions, no emotions, nothing, just in case. I'll leave you all to get settled." Bella fled the hallway and disappeared into her room at the far end of the coven wing. Bella's room was peacesful and dark, looking right at home in any medieval castle, rather than her family's modern walls were hung in dark blue velvet drapes, the teak four poster bed was draped in ice blue silk, the white curtains were pinned back with copper fluer de lise. Her private bathrrom was white marble and black satines. Bella flopped onto her bed and pulled a gold brocade pillow to her face. She growled into it for a minute before throwing it back into its spot on her bed and going to her closet. "Why can't I do this as well as the others?" She asked herself.
"Need help Bells?" Daphne stood in the doorway. Alice trailing behind her, her face a mask of uncertainity. Bella waved them both in.
"I need something for tonight and a power suit for my meeting."
"What club are we going to tonight?"
"Red Room."
"Red Room's doing 'Free Sing' tonight?" Serena added from her room across the hall.
"What is 'free sing'?"
"It means that Red Room is basically doing kareoke tonight. But you don't get the words."
"Oh."
"Momma Bella, you gonna sing for us tonight?" Natali stood in the door. Changed at fourteen Natali viewed all fo the older vampires as parents and older siblings. Victor and Anastacia were her 'parents' for all intese and purposes, Victor was her sire." her and Bella had a special connection. Natalie was doomed to only graduate highschool on the reservation or with a private tutor.
"I'm not sure little one. I will think about it."
"Bella am I going to the ball."
"Yes Love. We have all been summoned."
"Lets look at your closet." Alice almost dove into the racks. "Bella your taste has improved. What is in these zip bags?"
"Originals."
"Why do you have originals?"
"You'll see soon enough. I promise." Daphne smiled knowingly.
"Daphne play nice." Bella chided going through her work clothes. She looked down at her clothes. "I'll just go in these. Now I need club clothes."
"Alice how about we put her in this?" Daphne held up a silver dress with diamonds and pearls stitched on., one of this year's runway pieces from the Spring Show.
"With these." Alice grabbed a pair of silver stillettos with rhinestone playboy bunnies on the ankles. Bella smiled at the outfit.
'Time to show off some. I wonder....' she trailed off mentally. '
"Now to get your club clothes put together." Bella grabbed her dress bag and hung the dress, shoes, accessories and makeup bag inside. She would have to remember to put it in the trunk of the Saleen on her way out. Next they rumaged through Serena's closet, only to find her dress bag already packed and waiting for them. Daphne let Alice go wild in her closet. Out of the back of the closet came a pair of purple thigh high boots, a black mini skirt and a purple vest.
"Alice are you going for the heart attack factor?"
"Yes." Alice said grinning devilishly. "Let's go dress Rosalie." They tore through Alice and Rosalie's suitcases.
"No offense Alice, but I say we go shopping."
"Isn't there ar new store opening today?"
"Yep, let's go into the city and make the boys shop with us." Alice jumped up and down.
"Sounds good to me." Bella paused. "Rosalie, you want to ride with me?"
"Sure."
"Shopping trip: optional for everyone but the Cullens." She heard groans and squeals from throughout the house. The four girls giggled. "Grab your gear ladies. Let's roll." Alice, Daphne and Bella raced down the halls to their rooms., grabbed their dress bags before grabbing Michael and Serena's. The four girls met up with the Cullens, Natali, Susanna, Maereck and Jerome in the living room.
"Did you guys introduce yourselves to the Cullens?" Bella asked.
"No Momma Bella. We were waiting for you."
"Oh really now, by all means then continue."
"We are the four children of the Sangue Misto Coven. I am Maereck Arlington and I can magnify negative feelings. This is my mate Susanna Arlington and she can magnify positive feelings. We true mated one year ago."
"I am Jerome Deciduous, I can create and control fire. This is my little sister Natali Deciduous. She can control water."
"What do you mean by true mated?"
"Like Alice and Jasper, Victor and Anastacia, and Serena and Michael." Natali said like the Cullens were five.
"Natali Deciduous!" Anastacia entered the living room. "It is reprehensible to discuss the stage of other people's relationships. Now apologize."
"Yes Mom. I Natali Angelic Deciduous of the Sangue Misto Coven, do hereby apologize to the Olympic Coven for my indesgretion in remarking on realtionship statuses."
"Good girl." Ana said with a smile.
"Its alright little one. Can you explain the true mate thing?"
"Ummm...."
"See little one. Not so big are you?" Ana asked with a smile. "I am Anastacia Deciduous, I see relationships. What my childe is trying to stammer out is that while we can tell you have all had a mortal wedding there is nothing tying your immortal souls to one another. Alice and Jasper are almost there, once more should do it."
"Do what once more?"
"Share venom, of course, simultaneously."
"But being bit the second time hurts."
"Not if you bite in love or passion."
"Ask Jasper about me drawing venom from him earlier." Bella gigled at the dace that Jasper made. "Now, who is up for shopping?" They all nodded but the Cullens were lost in thought, they followed Bella out into the garage. "Rose the blue one is mine." Bella pointed the the midnight blue Saleen S7. Rose squealed and ran to the car.
"Who wants to ride with who."
"What cars are we taking." Michael asked as he opened the key safe on the wall.
"The Vanquish, the Viper, the Saleen, the Hummer and the kids will take the Mustang." Michael tossed Bella the keyes, Jerome grabbed the Mustang keys, Emmett was handed the Hummer keys and Daphne took the keys to the Vanquish. Michael jumped into the Viper with Serena.
"Everyone ready to play?" Bella asked as she hit the garage door button. She waited just long enough for the door to go up before gunning the engine and peeling out onto the drieway.
"Hold on Edward. It's game time." Daphne slammed into gear and the Vanquish took off, the Viper followed. Maereck waved Emmett out of the garage and brought up the rear. Serena looked at the garage foor in the rear view mirror and the garage door slid closed. They flew down the road, dust flying in clouds around them. As they reached the main drag everyone slowed down. Bella pulled in to a small two story parking garage, instead of pulling up the ramp she got out of the car.
"Miss Bella." An energetic teen ran over to her.
"Good afternoon, can you and the boys babysit my babies today? We will be back by six forty five at the latest."
"Of course, all five today?"
"Yes, thank you." She motioned for everyone to get out of the cars. "Oh and tell Josh to watch his belt on the seats this time." She giggled as the boy in question's face flushed and led everyone away. Standing in the bright sun of Vegas, made everyone greatful for their new makeup. Alice's eyes lit up at the sight of the stores. Serena and Daphne grabbed Rose and Alice and began pulling them from store to store. The Cullens laughed and followed at a more stately pace. Bella stopped as they approached a jewelry store. 'Jackson Brothers: Gemologists and Makers of Fine Jewelry sice 1850.' the gold and black sign above the door read.
"Guys I have to stop here for a bit." As she pushed the door open an unfamiliar, nonhuman scent wafted out of the brighlty lit store.
"Lady Swan, you have immpeccible timing."
"Well yes, good sir."
"Let me get your purchases." the man behind the counter seemed to shrink before anyone realized he wasn't human sized. When he reappeared he was balancing sixteen boxes. Each box weas an inch and a half deep and seven inches squared. Climbing back behind the counter he opened the top box. Inside each box was a two inch medallion, carved like a cameo. The icy white relief of an S done in calligraphy with a sword wrapped through it. A single bleeding heart flower laid to its right and an upturned cresent moon laid to the left. Around the outside of the medallion was fifteen stars. He flipped the medallion over, 'Isabella: Loving Sire and Steadfast Alpha', Bella read with a smile. "The ones for the wolves have a pawprint on the back as well. The necklaces change when they do. Remember once you put it on an immortal it stays till you take it off."
"I know Andircus."
"Good, Now Sire Cullen what can I do for you?"
"These are exquiste."
"They should be. My family has been making them forever."
"Would you be able to make seven medallians for my family."
"Of course may I see your crests?" Carlisle pulled a lapel pin off of his jacket, that no one but Bella had noticed.
"A stylized C, backdrop of a mountain range, an open book and six shooting stars. Seems easy enough. Come back tomorrow."
"If you are sure Master Craftsman."
"That I am Sire Cullen, that I am. Shall I charge this to Lady Isabella's account or would you like to open your own?"
"I shall open my own." Carlisle spent a few minutes filling out the forms for Andricus. They left the little jewelry store and were greeted by the four pm rush hour traffic. They continued shopping until they reached the Westin Hotel. On the bottom floor was a few upscale clothing stores. The second store in was Huntress Ltd.
"Don't you guys own this store?"
"Yep." Bella fielded the question. "Oh, speaking of which." She pulled three blood red cards from her pocket. "Show these to the dressing room attendant. She will let you into the other side of the store." She handed them to Esme, Alice and Rose. Their names were printed in silver and the emblem of Huntress Ltd. was in black. Then Bella pulled her card from her wallet written in silver script across the front was Serebellum Michne – Isabella Swan. She walked up to the girl that was standing in the small sitting area near the dressing rooms and handed her the card. The girl swipped it quickly through a scanner on her clipboard. After she had scanned everyone's cards the girl unlocked the door of the second dressing room and tapped three keys on the small console inside the door. The mirrored wall slid away to reveal another half of the store. There were about a dozen people in the room.
"Elondra Swift." Daphne called across the room in a false cheery voice that dripped sugar and honey. A woman with waist length red wavy hair and greens eyes, that looked barely into her twenties, looked up from a rack of dresses.
"Daphne Carington, you actually crawled out of that dingy cave that you live in. I didn't really expect to see you at the opening."
'She seemed surprised.' Jasper thought.
'What did she mean by opening?' Alice questioned, Edward shrugged his shoulders.
'CRAP!!!!!!' Daphne mentally screamed as she squared her shoulders and set her jaw.
"She's only goading you because of Jermone's earlier statements." Bella said placing a hand firmly on her sister's shoulder. "Elondra, love, we know the meaning of friendship and loyalty. We never miss an opening, or a show for Carington House."
"Keep the voval venom away from me Isabella. I'm in no mood to deal with your coven of miscreants after what that ingrate said to my Danika." Elondra sniffed as if somehting bad was near her nose.
"How about what your little one said to my Jerome? About how vamps know no true loves because we aren't born we are made." Bella bit her tongue, deep breaths centered her and Jasper sent a small wave of calm toward her. She smiled before turning back to Elondra.
"My Danika would say no such thing." Elondra stuck her nose in the air.
"She has before in a fit of anger, just moments before she sprouts wings."
"Means nothing." Elondra flapped her hand at them. "My daughter speaks the truth." A low growl from the Swans and the teens rose.
"Tread lightly Elondra Swift, you are out numbered and out classed." The Cullens only then noticed that the other dozen or so people in the store were not only focasing on the stand off but a few were prepping to join in if necessary.
'Don't try to get involved Edward. She has it all under control. You will just make her believe that you think of her as fragile.' Alice whispered in his head.
"You don't scare me Swan. Your just half a vampire. Not even a half to worry over."
"Really now Elondra, half a vampire?" Bella paused with a smirk. "I guess we're even then cause you are half a harpy." Elondra sprouted wings and hissed in anger, her beautiful face contorting.
"Foul, loathesome, evil little cockroach." Elondra snarled, her eyes turning red.
"You, out of this store. Your card is suspended for six months from all Venom, Blending and Huntress association." One of the employees said.
"Begone Elondra. Your voice grates my nerves like a squeaky door hinge."
"You'll be alone forever, for no one truly loves bloodsuckers." With that she was hurled from the store.
"I am sorry you had to hear that. I wasn't aware that she was in town again."
"Doesn't her daughter go to school with Jerome?"
"Yes, but Elondra avoids being in town if I am here."
"Why is that?" Edward asked.
"We don't get along, at all. Elondra and me are like oil and water."
"If oil and water wanted to see each other dead." Michael scoffed.
"Hush up a your face Michael." Bella hissed.
"Yes Miss." He said reluctantly, her voice meant obedience.
"We just have a volitile relationship. Now ladies, let's find clothes for tonight." The women all disappeared amongst the racks. "Gentlemen, if you would follow me please." She led them to a far corner, near the dressing rooms. "Boys, this is the men's lounge." The small corner had dark leather sofas and a television. "Relax it will all be over soon." Bella sauntered off, her stillettos clicking across the tiled floor.
"Well that was different." Jasper whispered.
"Vamp versus Siren/Harpy, that could have been pay-per-view stuff."
"I thought that she was going to wipe the floor with that girl." Edward said, an oddly impressed smile on his face.
"That 'girl' is a two hundred and fifty year old Siren-Harpy that grates our nerves like no other." Michael said.
"Is it a family thing to have something against her family?" Carlisle askes, always interested in how people interacted.
"Bella and Elondra were trying to be friends once. During that time Bella was getting her Masters Degree."
"What happened?"
"Bella was working on her first thesis and Elondra was acting as her advisor. To give her brain a rest she was at the library reading a few journals. There was an excerpt from her thesis, billed as Elondra's work. She brought the journal and all of her hand written drafts to the Dean. Elondra was dismissed and Bella had to write an entirelly new thesis."
"Oh. Why is Elondra walking around still?"
"Becuase for a five year old and a four year old Bella and Serena have perfect control."
"So she has always been in control?" Jasper asked amazed.
"Yep, the three of us never really had 'newborn' issues." Michael said proudly. Jerome and Maereck joined the conversation.
"You talking about Mum Bella?"
"Yep All about Mum."
"You know that she ain't gonna like that."
"Well who is going to tell her? We've all seen her contained fury. No one wants to see her explode."
"Yeah, I guess." Maereck nodded.
"What was Mum Bella like as a human?"
"She was an amazing woman. I feel bad that I almost hurt her." Jasper said.
"She had the ability to keep us all on our toes, she did unexpected things, clumsy as a baby." Emmett grinned.
"She was my everything, she would light up be life when she was near. Bella talked in her sleep, she was just her, there was no fashionable Bella, she was just real. She made me feel alive, like a normal, human, seventeen year old." Edward said with a small sad smile on his face.
"Edward, were you in love with Mum Bella?"
"Yes. I was." He shrugged keeping his face stoic, but they could see the truth in his eyes. Michael's eyes flashed.
'Edward LIED to HER!!! Either he never loved her or he still loves her.' Edward cringed as Michael's thoughts ricocheted around his head. Edward knew that he was busted. If Michael could see if he was lying he was in trouble. They flicked on the television and tried to get lost in a show. An hour later the girls returned with black shopping bags and hauled them from their chairs. Michael checked his watch.
"Bella we need to go. Mr. Creed will be waiting for you."
"Ah, yes, another FDA inspection." She sounded bored. "When is the USDA inspection?"
"Not till April." Alice piped up.
"Good I don't want to deal with another one anytime soon." Bella grimaced. "Edward so you want to ride with me to the office? Or would you Cullens prefer to go back to the house and relax a little?"
"I'll take them back to our house. Serena and Michael can go with you in their car."
"I shall accompany you." Edward flashed Bella his crooked smile.
"I would like that." Bella said before her brain had fully reengaged from being dazzled. The group walked back to pick up their cars. The energetic boy from earlier and four friends brought the cars around as quickly as possible. Bella watched everyone get in their cars before slipping four crisp one hundreds into the valet's waiting hands. "Share with your friends." She told him with a smile.
"Thanks Miss Bella. If all of our clients were like you we wouldn't need to worry about College scholarships."
"You've got two more years of high school to work it out. Be safe."
"Yes Miss Bella." the five boys ducked into their small valet office. Bella motioned for Edward to slide into her car.
"What was that about?"
"Those five boys are honors students at Valley View with our coven's 'kids'. Jerome told me that they wouldn't be able to go to College, Victor told me they had great potential, especially the one that I spoke to. This is the only garage I use, the one the whole company uses when not at the compound. I like to help kids change their stars." As the light turned green she turned onto the main drag with the Viper behind her. The other three cars headed back to the house.
"I admire your drive to help people." Edward said honestly.
"I spend a lot of time helping teens become the best they were meant to be, regardless of circumstances."
"Is that why you turned your estate into a place for kids?"
"Pretty much. My second year of college I was working as a volunteer at a hospital in Boston. My coordinator asked if I would mind spending some time on the seventh floor, the psych ward. I told her of course not." Bella paused for an unnecessary breath. "I saw Nichelle and Nicki in one of the darker rooms. The nurse on duty told me that the twins were crazy. During the nights I would speak to them. After a few days they told me why they were there. The twins could see a person's past, present and future."
"What happened to them?"
"They run my center in New York for me." Bella smiled. "Serena sees their turning points, Laurana and her beloved Sullivan collect them, the twins care for them and introduce them to our world, teach them the ropes. If they choose to be changed Vanith, a vampire, or Darien, a wolf, fo the honors, unless they request someone different."
"So you find people with mortal gifts and turn them?"
"No, our goal is to keep them from ending up locked away or hurting someone. The choice to change belongs to the person. I would never make it for someone."
"I guess that seems reasonable."
"Its a place for the young of any species to come if they need it. You will see a few at the ball in Volterra."
"How will I know them?"
"Honey colored eyes, for one, and second, they all have a bleeding heart flower tattoo on them somewhere."
"Tattoo?"
"For most the color brightens after the change."
"Ah, do you.... ummmm..... do you have any?" Edward stuttered.
"You will just have to wait and see, won't you?" Bella smiled as they pulled into the garage. Marina was waiting for them in the lobby.
"Here you go Mister.... would you like Cullen or Masen on the final card?"
"What final card?"
"I hadn't asked him yet Marina."
"Sorry Mum." Marina said sheepishly before handing Edward an id badge. "Now Mister Creed is in the reception room by your office. He is just interested in getting to know the company."
"Hmmmm. Okay, sounds off but lets go." Adjusting her suit the five road the elevators up to Serebellum's Big Office, Bella handed Marina the glases and the badge. "Marina be Serebellum for me. Edward do you think that you would mind sharing with me?"
"Sharing what?"
"Your ability, Michael can share powers between beings."
"Sure. Just ignore the headache for the first few minutes." They walked into reception and immediately did not like the man in front of them.
"Good evening, I am Serebellum Michne, CEO. This is Isabella Swan our lead geneticist."
"Good evening Ladies. Shall we get started?" They felt a wave of trust start to wash over them before Bella slammed her shield down in front of them.
'What's wrong?' Edward asked once inside the shield.
'He is trying to lull us into trusting him. This is just a percaution.' Bella said keeping a straight face.
'We should keep an eye on him.' Michael added, carefully processing everything that was being said and keeping an eye on the man at the same time.
'I agree. He seems to slimey to be Crabtree's replacement.' Marina said.
"Right this way Mister Creed." Marian led him into the conference room. They spoke for a half an hour with Marina and Bella feeding each other answers. They discussed who needed to be present for the inspection and the ingot hat he would need in the morning. As they wrapped up the meeitng Bella removed the shields.
"Good bye Mister Creed. Have a good night. We shall see you in the morning." Bella said with a forced smile.
"You have a good evening as well Miss Swan." Mister Creed turned to enter the elevator when Edward heard a stray thought of his.
'This meeting went as easy as I thought it would. We will close the doors, destroy the research and eradicate the employees ahead of schedule.' Edward growled as the elevator descended.
"Did anyone else hear him?" Edward snarlled.
"I got him." Marina said.
"Marina, War Room time. Set a meeting for six am." Michael said.
"In the mean time, we need a preemptive strike. Close the dorms, lock down my academies, students and faculty only. Relocate all of L1 training groups to L2 city."
"Are you sure Bells?" Marina asked as she reached for a green blackberry.
"We can't keep them in the L1 dorm with problems on the horizon. Besides we will be at L2 the whole weekend. None of the pack are here. There is no issue."
"What is L1 and L2?" the three traded looks, Marina and Michael appeared apprehensive but nodded. Edward felt the increasingly familiar touch of Bella's shields as she pulled his mind into hers.
'Welcome to the L1 training grounds.' Bella thought as she began showing him pictures. Eleven stories beneath them the sun shown brightly over a vast forest. Small homesteads grouped in fives dotted small clearings in the forest. He could hear the gentle rush of a stream in the distance, the smell of wood smoke, the hushed voices of people near by. From all around them came the smell of immortals that Edward couldn't quite place. He could place one smell.... the woodsy, wet dog smell of werewolves.
'That would be the Life Pack, a group of werewolves from across the globe.' The picture shifted to another underground area, sunlight beat down on him. He was standing on a village green in a replica of a New England town. The buildings looked Victorian in design and created a pictureesque scene around him. There were hints of modern times: the coffee shop, the faint buzz of cell phones, the light clicking of keys on a keyboard.
"What is this place?"
"That is Sanctuary, or L2 as it is refered to above ground." Michael answered, falling effortlessly into the conversation.
"Edward, L1 is for new Immortals to learn control and about their gifts. L2 is a private city, a haven for those who that have grown tired of hiding. Not all immortals can blend in well. Some just naturally stand out."
"Where are they?"
"L1 is here, below us, heavily guarded, there are probably about two hundred people in L1 right now. L2 is under Starlight Terrace, maybe only a hundred full time residents."
"Oh." Before they could say anything else Serena skidded into the room, her eyes wide with fear and astonishment.
"Guh, I've been so side tracked on this trip. Anyways, have Laurana and Sullivan remor the Wycliffes from the Academy. The older two are going to go into bloodlust on purpose."
"None of the Wycliffes are immortal...." Bella began before cutting herself off. "Damn it... power to appear mortal. Marina make the call."
"Do you still want to go out tonight?"
"It wouldn't matter. We have to make it look like we don't know." Edward's face fell. "I want to spend time with you... your family." Bella tried to cover her slip up by looking away. "Let's go out. Marina put a tail on Mister Creed."
"What kind of tail?"
"A tech mouse should do." Edward didn't even try to understand that one, his head was already hurting. He heard the sound of human footsteps running down the hall before they changed into the patter of mouse size paws hitting the floor. Bella led everyone into her office. They changed and called for the others to meet them at Red Room. Once back down to the cars Edward climbed into the passanger seat of the Saleen.
"You know its odd riding passanger while you drive."
"Why is it odd?" Bella gritted her teeth.
"Because, I used to be the one doing all of the driving."
"Yes well, I like driving, it helps me clear my mind." Bella pulled up in front of a three story brick building, a line stretching down the block. At the front of the line stood a bouncer, a large man, huge bulking muscles, a long black ponytail and a serious face. To Edward he smelled lightly of wet dog, a werewolf: the perfect bouncer. From behind him appeared two weedy looking teens. Bella tossed them her keys. "Be nice to her, she's new." Flashing the boys a toothy grin. Behind them Michael did the same with the keys to the Viper. Instead of going towards the end of the line Bella led them straight up to the bouncer.
"Bounsoir Jerod, commet ca va?"
"Ca va bien! Et vous?"
"Bien aussi. I have company tonight, the rest are coming with Daphne, we will be in our suite d'accord?"
"Qui Miss Swan, please come this way." Jerod moved the velvet rope asideand showed them on in. Pulling her wallet from her purse, she handed the hostess two black cards. The hostess smied and pulled a purple key from a hook inside her stand. A tiny girl pranced over to them and showed the group up the stairs to their private room.
"Welcome back to Red Room, the premier Nightclub and Resturant for Immortals in Vegas. How many total tonight?"
"Nine vamps and three Edgers. When does Free Sing begin?"
"Free Sing begins at eight forty five. Shall I bring sign up sheets when the rest arrive?"
"That would be lovely dear." Bella dismissed the girl. Ten minutes later the girl returned with Daphne and the rest of the Cullens in tow. Bella slipped off her coat and straightened her silver dress.
"OMG!" Alice squealed. "You look amazing." Bella did a little twirl, Edward's jas dropped. From head to tow Bella shimmered, her dress was mid thigh and showed off plenty of skin.
"Thanks loves, tonight is a night to let my hair down with friends." She looked around the room. "Now that everyone is here, let's order a few drinks before we go dancing. A round of poisoned cougars please." Bella told the waitress, who disappeared and returned a few moments later with two trays of drinks. Everyone placed an order, the Cullens still adjusting to eating food. Half an hour later Bella was getting restless. Standing, she pulled on Serena's arm. "Come Sere, lets do some dancing before the singing starts."
"Anyone who wants to sing tonight should fill out a card for the waitress to take to the DJ." Daphne grabbed a few blue cards off of the table. Serena grabbed one and wrote a few songs on the back before writing her name along with Bella and Daphne's on the front. She shot Edward a sly smile before handing the card to the waitress. The girls left the five guys sitting near the window of the private room. Alice and Rosalie stepped cautiously onto the dance floor and were immediately swamped by guys.
"Boys, the ladies are already spoken for. Please remain respectful."
"Of course, Lady Isabella, we did not know that they were with you. How are you this fine evening." A young man of maybe thirty, a steady beating heart, pale orange eyes and an uncanny grace said. "Miss," he turned to Alice, "will you allow me the honor of a turn around the dance floor?" She nodded, her eyes flickering to the window above them. "Fear not young one. We will stay where they can see." Off they went, Rosalie turned to a built light haired, dark skinned, boy of twenty with black eyes.
"Wanna dance stud?" he nodded and swept her away.
"Do they know what they are dancing with?" Daphne asked.
"Nope, no clue." Serena giggled. The three danced together for about fifteen minutes before a pair of strong arms pulled Serena to them and into the crowd. A faint growl behind them alerted Bella and Daphne that the Cullen boys had made it to the dance floor, to claim their wives.
"Hush boys, let them have some fun, the guys know that they are taken."
"Those are our wives." Emmett ground out.
"And. An important part of marriage is trust." Natali piped up before disappearing again.
"Little Sprite." Bella mused as Alice and Rosalie reappeared, on the arms of their dance partners.
"Fair Alice, I bid you farewell." the boy bowed over her hand before kissing it and handing her to Jasper. Rosalie smiled, kissed the boy on the cheek before jumping into Emmett's arms.
"Have a good evening boys." Bella flashed them a smile.
"You too Lady Isabella." The boys bowed once before bounding off into the crowd.
"How was dancing with the big cats?" Both girls looked at her confused. "They were both werecats, from the Southern Pride, if I read them right."
"Read them? Werecats? Huh!"
"Eloquent Emmett. Those guys were both very large cats, they change like the tribe can. Its a dominant hereditary genetic mutation with no trigger."
"You let them dance with monsters!" Jasper growled out, pulling Alice closer to him to check her for marks.
"We have our own choices to make." Rosalie snapped back before dragging Alice away. Bella and Daphne rolled their eyes.
"Will Daphne Carington, Serena Manax and Isabella Swan please take the stage for our first group act of the night." The three girls jumped onto the stage and grabbed mics.
"Hey y'all its good to be back. Y'all miss us?" Serena shouted in to the mic, a scream of approval rose from everyone in the room. "Tonight we will do three songs, with random dedications."
"Our first song is Celebrity Skin, dedicated to all our lovely ladies." Daphne nodded at the DJ. "Oh make me over..." The girls took turns singing the versus and were together on the chorus. Around the room people were dancing and singing along. To Edward, Bella looked like a rocker chick, that belonged on the stage, a far cry from his Bella, who would blush and mumble through public speaking. Serena grabbed her mic as the song finished.
"This song is dedicated to the girls of Michne Enterprises. Girls that changed me, love me and my sisters in venom and heart."
"This song is for the ones that took me in, helped me through the tought times and undesrtand me.
"Y'all know I've loved and lost, struggled and survived. For me this song is for those that helped me before nad after my change." Bella giggled. "So, I'm a little left of center, I'm a little out of touch, some say I'm paranoid...." It was Bella's turn to intorduce their last song. "For those that wonder if they could be saved."
"I tried to kill the pain but only brought more so much more I lay dying and I'm pouring crimson regret and betrayal I'm dying, praying, bleeding and screaming am I too lost to be saved am I too lost? "
The light above the girls went out and they vanished from the stage, faster than any vampire could see.
"Michael Covington to the stage."Michael appeared from the side of the stage where Serena was sitting.
"For my angel in blue jeans." He smiled at his mate. "Shes the kind a girl you bring home..." Michael ended the song by grabbing Serena and pulling her to him. Rosalie was called next and sang 'Red High Heels' by Kelli Pickler followed by a sweet soulfull Alice singing Talor Swift's 'I'm only me when I'm with you.' Next Natali came out on stage wearing a black knee length dress, boots, her hair flying around her, black designs painted on every available inch of her skin.
"Blessed be my fellow Immortals." She smiled, her heartbeat being picked up by the microphone. A edgy, dark tune began, instantly there were howls of anticipation from the crowd. "Where has all the magic gone lost behind or lost along a victim of the pulse of our society don't you miss the ancient times the riddles and the subtle signs a relative perspective on reality I get stronger in the splendor of a lucid moon only creatures of the night all my demons cast a spell the souls of dusk rising from the ashes so the book of shadows tell the weak will always obey the master heading for the dragons lair another time and a different sphere I leave the nothingness behind and when the sense of logic yields I'll escape the outer shields into the universal mind I get stronger in the splendor of a lucid moon" Her voice enthralled the room."Only creatures of the night can heal my wounds." she danced during the instrumental sections. "the weak will always obey the master." She vanished in a flurry of black smoke. A few more people came and went, Edward was swamped by the thoughts that were pumping through his head. Suddenly he felt Jasper's mind disappear, followed by a soft hand on his shoulder.
"Breathe Edward." Bella whispereed before envfeloping his mind in her shield with her coven and Jasper. He heard her talking to Jasper.
'I'm up next. I will seal the shield with the two of you on one side and the rest of us on the other. I don't need the two of you getting hurt by my emotions.'
"Our last gig of the evening is the lovely, unattainable, Lady Isabella of Sangue Misto."
"Those that listen will find these four songs to be my journey through love.
"Small town homecoming queen, shes the star of this scene, theres no way to deny that she's lovely... She's Miss America and I'm just the girl next door." She paused, the Cullens remembered her inferiority complexes when compared to anyone.
"I will not make the same mistakes that you did, I will not let myself cause my heart so much misery. i will not break the way you did, you fell so hard.I've learned the hard way to never let it get thatt far because of you I never stray to far from the sidewalk, because of you i've learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt, because of you I find it hard to trust not only me but everyeone around me, because of you I am afraid."
"I'm tuggin at my hair, i'm pulling at my clothes, i'm trying to keep my cool.... "
Two tears rolled down her cheeks. A little girl, no more than five years old, flitted over to Bella, touched her shoulder and they both disappeared.
AN: Hey guys, sorry for the delay... I've been working two different jobs for that last few weeks to make ends meet.
Song List:
Celebrity Skin by Hole
You Get Me by Michelle Branch
Tourniquet by Evanescence
Blue Jeans by Silvertide
The Spell by Kamelot
Bella's songs:
Girl next door by Saving Jane
Because of you by Kelly Clarkson
Things I'll never say by Avril Lavigne