Chapter Four.
Victoria had gone back to her own hide out which wasn't far nor close to where Riley was holding the eight newborns. Five were still undergoing the painful change while three were adjusting to the immortal life that was granted to them. She felt the night coming to an end and worried that the newborns wouldn't make it back to shelter before sun rise. Riley had promised her that the stupid newborns still believed vampires burned in the light, and all she could hope for was that they lacked intelligence, like Riley.
Victoria went through her checklist amongst her mind.
So we've already begun creating the army, that's in the process.
Laurent should be meeting with the Cullen's in less than two months. And he'll report back to me after.
For the time being, I continue to create the army.
All I have to do is make sure that I keep myself behind the scenes, they mustn't know who I am! I'll be Invisible until the day comes to lead them to the Cullen's.
…Ugh! Plus I have to make sure I keep off of both the female's radar and the Volturi's.
This isn't going to be easy but with that damn boy at my side I'll have a better chance of escaping both party's without being punished or recognized.
It was tough at the moment for Victoria. Everything was in motion but she felt as if plans and actions were going the wrong way, a different way. She was sure it was just the excitement of getting her revenge soon, but this feeling of being somewhat disoriented felt deep. Too deep.
Victoria stood in the dark house belonging to a couple she had just murdered and sighed heavily when she realized the scent of the corpses was becoming unbearable. She grabbed the keys to one of the several vehicles and pushed the button on a remote with a Mercedes symbol. A black sedan's headlights flashed orange three times.
Throwing the woman over her shoulder and dragging the man, she took them to the car and placed them in the trunk.
She drove to the old garbage dump factory, speeding.
"Hey this car is great!" She said to herself. Victoria had driven a lot of cars in her immortal life and each one was completely different. It was as if she sat down into a whole new world of advance technology so magnificent.
"Wow, radios keep changing. Feels like I'm in a UFO." She laughed.
"Computer? Computer! On!" She shouted at a GPS screen. After several seconds she began to push buttons. The air conditioner startled her first. The music that burst through the speakers caused her to flinch. Numerous lights and blinking messages in the dashboard confused her.
"My god, what happened to the simple wheel and stick?"
She enjoyed the rest of the ride, listening to a new era of music she had never heard. Her head bounced back and forth and she clapped her hands to a pop song.
It took her no more than fifteen minutes to reach the destination. Destroying the car would be the hard part. Victoria fell in love with it, but she knew every time she fed, she had to rid evidence after.
The Mercedes came to a halt. Victoria exited it and opened the trunk. She carried the corpse of the man first and placed him in the front seat. While walking back to get the woman, she suddenly stood frozen.
There was an opportunity and right now she didn't know whether or not to act on it.
I have a car. A FAST ONE!
She threw the dead man out of the car, running back to the trunk to do the same with the dead woman.
The Mercedes engine revved up and she gunned it back onto the road. It was an hour and a half ride from Seattle to Forks.
She was Impatient, and she realized the lack of patience was what had been bothering her all along. It was her job to put an end to Bella Swan's life. Her job to avenge her love, James. Her job to make sure justice was served. And when she stood around day by day either feeding or thinking of a plan, it was that that was slowing her down.
This is my fight…She realized.
Tonight! Tonight! Tonight, Bella Swan dies!
Victoria drove from Seattle towards Olympia, realizing that her path route directly to Port Angeles and to Forks would require a ferry ride or much swimming.
Miles away into the city of Seattle, Riley stalks and watches a young, angry Diego who is walking through the night. He see's Diego approaching a group of gang members, still angry.
Diego had then pushed what looked to be the head of the group.
An argument occurred, fists start to strike Diego and he stumbles to the ground still being beaten by the gang of men. Riley decided it was time to run into the action. He then saw multiple men pulling pistols from their pockets. Three of the men who assaulted Diego looked up and pointed their pistols towards Riley as he approached.
"You should get out of here, dawg!" One of the gang members shouted.
"Let's bust caps into this loser!" Another said.
"Yo', I'm telling you, get outta here bro! You don't want this heat!"
Riley's teeth clenched, fist tightened and his fists impacted with one of the gang members skull. The human died instantly.
"Shoot him!" A gang member shouted out of horror.
The sound of about four pistols were echoing the basketball court.
"What the F-!" One of the boys had yelled, a frightened look on his face.
"He ain't dying!"
They continued to fire at Riley but the bullets just bounced off of his body, the only damage being done was the holes the bullets were forming in his clothing.
Bullets fell around Riley and he stared down on them. He noticed he was probably looking at about three whole clips that had been emptied.
Diego stared at Riley, and Riley met his gaze for a brief moment. Riley nodded towards Diego, gesturing for him to leave. Diego slowly got to his feet, took a look at the others, and walked off with no fear in his eyes. Anger still filled his body. As he walked off, he threw several quick glances over his shoulder.
One of the gang members dropped his gun and tried to run off but Riley's speed had disabled that advantage for him. Riley got a hold of the guy and turned to face the others watching. Both of Riley's hands had then gripped the head of the frightened gang member. Slowly, and painfully, the young man began to scream as Riley's strength crushed his head. Blood splattered everywhere.
The other six members watched as another of one their friends was killed before their eyes.
Riley smiled and began to take a step towards the rest of the remaining group before two had made an attempt to run.
Once again Riley got a hold of one guy and tossed his body towards the other running. Both had been knocked unconscious when Riley's toss caused both of them to collide with each other.
Four more gang members stood several feet apart from Riley. It wasn't until Riley took another step that they noticed his bright red eyes. The young man-who had threatened to kill Riley-froze, dropping his jaw. Before he even had time to think, Riley was now right in front of him, grinning. His breathing increased and became uneven. He felt like running but was completely paralyzed with fear.
"What's wrong?" Riley said, taunting him. "About a minute ago you were so certain you had more authority than I did. And you wanted to kill me? Where's your pride at now?"
The young man said nothing..
Seconds later Riley's hand swung a fatal blow to the humans chest cavity. The gang member died instantly.
Riley turned back to the remaining three and stared at them for a full minute.
"You guys can attempt to avenge your fallen friends tonight or you can run. The best choice would be the second option I have given you." He smiled.
Without hesitating, the three gang members ran off into the night.
Diego watched from a thirty foot distance as the remainder of the gang he was violently assaulted by, and who killed his brother, fled away. His gaze turned back onto Riley who had spotted him as well. Slowly, Diego began to retreat, still facing Riley.
"Hey…Don't go." Riley said, calm. "Come here."
Diego ceased his retreat.
"I'm sorry I did that in front of you. I really am." Riley apologized.
Diego said nothing.
"It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you." Riley assured.
"How can I be sure, man?" Diego questioned.
"I followed you tonight. You looked pissed."
"Yeah, I was."
"At what? Whom? Why?" Riley wanted to know.
"That guy you just killed," He paused, sighing, "he killed my brother. They all did. It was a set up. I came here today to join my brother. I didn't care if I died. I wanted justice and I thought that by dying and trying to get even I would be with my brother again."
Riley became amused! He loved Diego's attitude.
Kids got no fear! Victoria will love it! Man are we getting lucky. We're going to have the best army! Those Cullen scum have no idea what's in store for them!
"Diego, what do you think of a new life. It doesn't have to be achieved through death. Those guys that just ran off, this new life will allow you to get even. You saw tonight, Diego. You know I'm not human."
"…What are you?" He asked, wide eyed.
"I'm a Vamp," Riley chuckled, "here to protect you!" He smiled.
He held his hand out for Diego. Diego looked up at Riley's face, seen his bright red eyes, and shrugged. Their hands locked. Diego hopped on Riley's back and before he could get comfortable, he was traveling so fast that all he could make out was the blur that surrounded them.
Riley felt good tonight, he knew Victoria wouldn't be disappointed.
He had a good feeling about Diego…
Victoria sped the Mercedes through Olympia. After passing through Olympia she pulled the Mercedes onto a highway that led North of Olympia. It took her another forty five minutes to reach her destination.
She had passed the small towns of Tumwater, Shelton, Eldon, Quilcene, Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock, and Sequim before coming to a stop a little past Port Angeles. She was parked on the right side of the road where the W Us 101 and 112 were approaching Lake Aldwell. The bridge to cross over Lake Aldwell was still another ten minutes ahead and from there on, if she decided to cross over, the 101 would lead and take her directly to Forks.
Do they know I'm coming?
What if they're coming my way?
Little did Victoria know that Edward and his family no longer resided in the area. It had been three and a half months since the Cullen's left in order to protect Bella. Victoria still believed that the Cullen's were beyond this highway, though, waiting for her.
She started up the car again. Everything was frozen. Her thoughts. Her body. Her hands gripped the steering wheel and she began to hear the sound of it crushing in. She released her grip and eased up.
Exhaling, she returned to her thoughts.
Gun it all the way through?
Go on foot from here?
Either way they're waiting…
The Mercedes engine roared and before she blinked her eyes, the car was moving, fast. She sped through the highway towards Forks. This was it for her! Bella Swan's life would end tonight and she would flee before any trouble caught up with her. However, Victoria still had a gut feeling that for the next few decades, or possibly forever, Edward would begin stalking her until the day the two came face to face.
I can live with that, after all, he'd never catch me! A smile shot across her face and she pressed the gas, causing the vehicles speed to accelerate more.
Several minutes later she was approaching the bridge over Lake Aldwell. After that, Forks would be straight ahead. An easy go if the others weren't waiting.
The Mercedes continued to approach the bridge with speed. Victoria felt a rush of adrenaline overcome her as she closed the distance.
Here we go…
The bridge was less than thirty feet away…
Twenty feet…
The speeding Mercedes was in a fifteen foot distance from the entrance of the bridge when it came to an abrupt stop, engines sound ceasing, tires screeching.
She grinned while looking straight ahead.
There were still those two options: Drive to Forks, or go on foot.
A long moment passed…Finally, The Mercedes engine sounded to life.
She drove towards the bridge, intent on entering when she suddenly made an intense U-turn…
Exhaling in frustration, she realized there was no point. As long as the Cullen's were at Bella's side and she was outnumbered, it would never work.
"Ugh!" She screamed to herself. There was so much confidence she had when she decided to come this way tonight.
"It was all for nothing!" She screamed again. "Great! I gave myself away! They'll know my next move! They'll come to Seattle soon and destroy Riley and the starting members of the army!"
She journeyed back to Seattle, angry, and confused.
Why? Why James? The human girl is going to die in a few decades and they chose to exterminate their own kind to spare a worthless species?
Time was unlimited but she felt as if she was wasting it. She didn't know what to do. What way to start.
…No. A thought troubled Victoria.
What if he's planning on turning her? Not acceptable!
NO! NO! NO!
She will die soon! Not today though. Isabella Swan, you're one lucky girl but I'm coming for you.
Victoria's face turned into a devilish grin. Her crimson red eyes lit up viciously. Her teeth sparkled white, ultra white.
She continued to drive at very high speeds back to Seattle, merging in and out of traffic, drawing attention. It took her no more than an hour and half to reach the city.
This car has to be dumped somewhere. Ugh! So much time wasted tonight.
Nothing could make up for her failed attempt. Her hatred was strong and completely overtook her instincts earlier tonight.
Riley's probably waiting for me, She thought.
Before heading back to the hideout, she had to trash the Mercedes.
Riley waited at Victoria's hide out, confused.
Where is she?
Diego sat on a box of old magazines. Nothing in the huge selection interested him. It had been almost two hours since Riley had brought him here and yet nothing was going anywhere.
What did he bring me here for? Diego wanted to ask him.
"I'm sorry," Riley apologized, "my friend is running a little late. Are you sure those magazines don't interest you?"
"No." He nodded back and forth.
The scent was captivating to Riley. Why can't I just turn them? Being in a humans presence was too much for him. He smelt the blood flowing through Diego. Heard the heartbeat. Heard every breath the young man took. I have a good feeling about this one, if I kill him, she'll be pissed.
He had no choice but to endure the scent of his prey…And continue to wait until she returned.
Victoria was running back to the hide out when she caught the scent of human flesh. She followed the trail. It led to her hide out. It wasn't the only scent that was filling her nostrils, Riley had brought someone back to her. She approached the house slowly.
He's here…And he's brought a ninth recruit.
There were three newborns out in Seattle hunting tonight, while the other five were experiencing a powerful and painful transformation.
"Riley?" She whispered, not doubting he heard. "Make sure he does not see me."
The entrance to the house opened and Victoria watched as Riley and a human Hispanic boy made their exit.
"Get some fresh air." Riley urged took a few more steps and inhaled the night time air.
Behind him, without a noise, Victoria watched his movement. Riley eyed Victoria as she closed in to recruit. It wasn't the same as attacking. He nodded his head towards her. It was perfect. Diego's head was pointed up towards the sky and then it happened.
"AHHHHH!" He flinched and screamed in terror.
Victoria's teeth pierced his neck perfectly.
Her hands released a powerful grip and she threw his body. The screams continued and Victoria was getting uneasy, she didn't want any attention to be drawn.
"You know what to do." She nodded towards Diego.
"Got it." Riley scooped the young man into his arms and ran off into the night.
She smiled. Riley's devotion to helping her create this army was impressing, even when she hated having him around.
It's only been two weeks since we've started and we already have nine members so far.
Lovely.
The atmosphere felt glorious to Victoria. The moment was joyful and now she felt certain that everything was in order. Even though the lack of impatience stung her the most, she knew the wait would be worth it. March was only a month and three quarters away, but to her it felt like a lifetime.
Laurent, however, was still a person of deception to her. There was no confidence in him. He was a tool, like the young man Riley, but he had his own ways. Victoria then made it clear to herself that she had to threaten Laurent. There was possibilities with outcomes that would cripple her intentions completely…
What if he warns them?
My army would definitely take care of him if he were to do so.
Once again, a worry put her back into a state of confusion. Even though she was already in much stress.
"UGH!" She screamed out of irritation. I don't know of it's the impatience stressing me or the lack of trust in Laurent.
It's all planned out, everything has started, in the end I'll win.
But Laurent…
She sighed to calm herself. Her mind was racing through everything and if she didn't ease up, she would lose it completely. Now wasn't the time for her to stress. It was a time to be happy. Avenging James would be easy with the army she was creating and it wouldn't be long until both Edward and the Cullen's paid for his demise. It's okay Victoria. You have a tool by your side helping you, she said to herself.
The phone rang inside Victoria's borrowed house that she considered a hide out. It took her no more than a few seconds to stand in front of the ringing machine.
Her hand hovered over the telephone.
It rang again and just as she was going to disconnect the machine, the ringing went dead. She laughed aloud, because who ever was looking for the couple who once lived here would be wasting their time. She had dumped the bodies a few hours ago.
The answering machine suddenly came to life.
"Mom? Dad? It's me carol. Um, I know you guys are probably sleeping. I'm calling to let you know that I'm coming over tomorrow. Love you both and talk to you soon."
The line went dead.
"Well that's unfortunate…Good luck finding them." Victoria smiled.
As Victoria prepared to leave the house and the area, she took a look at herself in the huge mirror near the telephone.
I'm a mess!
She headed quickly up to the couples room. There wasn't much to choose from.
Guess I'll have to break into a clothing store later on…
She ran out of the house, leaving the front door wide open and the house vulnerable to burglary.
Deep in the city of Seattle, Riley watches from a distance as Victoria's first newborns-Warren, Adam, and Heather feed uncontrollably. The street was littered with dead prostitutes, a few pimps, and locals.
Victoria's going to be pissed! But hey, at least they managed not to draw attention…
He monitored them a few minutes more before deciding to leave. I've still got to find more recruits.
Victoria ran through the dimly lit alleys of the city. She ran, undetected, passed homeless men and women, and locals. Her thirst wasn't demanding any blood and she didn't feel hungry. There was nothing for her to do, so she just wandered.
Thousands of miles away, Edward Cullen attempts to track Victoria. After two hours he is led to the state of Texas only to find no physical presence of her and the trail is a dead end. One thing he doesn't know is that she hadn't recently traveled to Texas nor has she traveled south of the Washington state area. He retreats back to South America with one thing on his mind, Isabella Swan. He isn't the only vampire who has been constantly thinking of her. Victoria's thoughts run wild with Bella and how she will murder her.
The first day of February arrived. Only a month more and Victoria would get to put her army to use and let the mayhem begin. And in four and a half weeks she would meet up with Laurent before he went to meet with the Cullen's for an invited visit.
The murders in Seattle were starting to become noticed, although the authorities believed many of them were missing, like Riley. Riley's disappearance was still making headlines, his family hadn't given up after three months. The attention rose to a high level of concern in the past two weeks. Victoria became angered. HE'S NOT CONTROLING THEM! She thought. The eleven newborns her and Riley had recruited were out hunting tonight. Riley reported to Victoria each night with bad news each time.
The newborns didn't like each other.
They fought with each other.
In the past week two had been killed by some of the other newborns while fighting for a human body.
"This isn't going smooth!" She shouted at Riley.
Her fist swung in his direction, and luckily, due to his inhuman speed, he was able to dodge her attempt at attacking him.
"What do you want me to do, Victoria? I always yell at them! I rip off their ears or a finger and yet they still manage to fight! It's the blood! You and I both know that's the cause of the tension!" He shouted back.
"I don't care what's the cause of the tension! This wouldn't be happening if you actually followed my orders and allow them to hunt in groups, not all at once! We're drawing attention! Have you read the headlines?"
"Yes I've read those stupid newspapers. I've seen them all over Seattle. And I know that I'm still a concern to the public, thanks to you!"
Controlling the newborns was a huge concern to Victoria. If the female seen, or if the Volturi noticed the situation…Her, Riley, and the monstrous army would be ended.
The tenth day of February had come. Only twenty more days and Victoria would finally get to put her army to good use. She still had no knowledge that Bella wasn't under any protection of immortals, Edward and the Cullen's had left due to an unexpected incident that only Edward knew and feared would happen.
The army, in numbers, was up to sixteen. Just yesterday there was about twenty one, however, a few newborns had fought over a group of prostitutes. The precious blood got away that night and Victoria and Riley lost five newborns.
"They continue to fight!" Victoria shouted at Riley.
He was silent.
"And the papers! The headlines! It's not at a worst stage…yet. If you can't control them Riley then the Cullen clan will know something is up!"
She turned to face him and as she did she balled her right hand into a fist and swung. Riley's left facial features cracked and shattered but were slowly healing. His hand caressed his face while he stared at her in fear.
She sighed. "…This is going to end badly for us."
The question that had been on her mind for the last few months still lingered daily that it completely irritated her. Why did I create such a fool for a vampire? It was a bad choice. And now she sadly regretted not killing Riley that night.
"You don't care…" She said to him. "And to top it off, we have an army of immature toddlers at the moment. I just want to escape…"
He was instantly before her and the two shared a kiss.
"Riley…Please!"
"I know. I'm sorry! I won't lead an unorganized army for you. Tonight I'll do a little parenting." He smiled.
She returned a smile as well while pulling him in for another kiss.
The two shared an hour more and then split for the night. Riley had to go and check on their children.
Like always…The newborns didn't listen. Out of the sixteen, only half were supposed to hunt. Riley grew angry and ripped a few arms, tore a few ears, and cracked a few legs for punishment. Riley returned to the hide out with the newborns. Arriving at the hide out, he put Diego and Sara on guard and left to find more brothers and sisters for the growing family of vampires.
Victoria stood at the top of the space needle and overlooked the dark setting of Seattle. This city is swarming with idiots! She was angry. She was unsure. She was still feeling as if she was missing something to this whole plan.
Suddenly she heard footsteps from behind her. Instantly she knew it was another vampire. Who else would have climbed the space needle? She felt whoever it was drawing nearer.
"Riley?" She called to whoever was behind her, being sure it was him.
There was no reply.
Her body tensed. The atmosphere went still.
Ah…This is too soon.
"So you've come…" She said.
There was still silence and the sound of the city below. Victoria didn't turn to face an unknown, or known, vampire that was behind her.
"All I want is the girl and there will be no problems…"
Silence continued. And she felt the footsteps moving to the right behind her.
"If you hadn't killed James then none of this would be necessary right now. You started it." She growled on the last line.
"I suppose you want to kill me, correct? Go on ahead. But I must warn you, which probably isn't needed because you know, that newborns are raging the streets here at night."
Still, the one who was behind her didn't speak.
"…Ha, yes, they might get bored here and move on to Forks or the other surrounding cities in the state. You can't protect Bella from everything, Edward…" She smiled.
"Great rehearsal." A voice that she knew replied back to her.
She turned around. It was Laurent.
"Victoria…You do know that your army has been practically everywhere in town, right? I have seen a few of your newborns. They're quite sloppy, sorry to say."
"Laurent. This was unexpected."
"So were your words just now. You really want that Bella Swan don't you?" He questioned, eyeing her directly.
"Yes…" She hissed. "It's the only way I'll ever know what justice, peace, and sanity feel like."
"I must say you are pretty dedicated to murdering Miss Swan. I can neither criticize nor side with your intentions."
"And why is that?" She asked him, feeling deceived already.
Laurent wanted to vent. To let it all out. To let Victoria know everything.
Beautiful Victoria, James never loved you! All this is for nothing. If it wasn't for the Cullen's-you'd be dead right now. Forever gone. And James forever smiling. It was only a matter of time. You grew to confide in him deeply…And look at what it's done to you! Avenging a man who simply would tilt his head toward another immortal woman if he ever came across one. Silly and pathetic.
He wanted to tell her the truth but only managed to scream it inside his head.
"Victoria, Haven't you considered just finding another mate?"
"I don't plan to, Laurent! You know James and I were like two important pieces of a puzzle." She inhaled and exhaled deeply. "We could never get bored of each other, you know? But Laurent, we would have had forever to try! Those friends of yours, the Cullen's, they destroyed everything for me. And I only think it's right that I destroy everything of theirs!"
"But your quarrel is mainly with Edward… I don't understand Victoria?"
They locked eyes.
"…Like I said, I think it's only fair that I get to pull the plugs now. They ruined my life, I'm going to ruin theirs. Simple. I don't care if it was just Edward. They accompanied him in cornering and killing James."
"Then why didn't you accompany James as well? Your skill and tactic that you have…self-preservation…It would have only made things easier for James. I'm just speaking my opinion."
She's a fool. Laurent thought. I feel as if the outcome of this situation is going to end tragic for her.
There was nothing Laurent could do, he could only let her anger increase and watch her lead herself into her own destruction.
"I loved James. I did what he told me to do that day. He'd said he would return."
"But he didn't." Laurent reminded her.
She hissed.
"Easy, Victoria. I mean no harm both physically or emotionally. Calm yourself."
"Whatever…" Her head turned towards the view of Seattle, facing north.
"I guess I'll go now." Laurent said from behind her.
"I'm looking forward to meeting up with you before you go! No games Laurent."
"I promised I'd check on the protection barriers of Bella…I'll must go about my business now, see you soon, Victoria."
He began to pace away from her. Something wasn't right to him. He knew Victoria way too well. It was like recognizing the back of his own hand. The patterns, the shapes, the texture…Victoria was bound to make a mistake during her attack on the Cullen's. But he also knew Victoria wasn't really a struck him then…
Ah, that is what the purpose of this army is. She's planning on killing the Cullen's and going in for the kill the easy way. Hmmm, Victoria, Victoria, Victoria….She must not know this but this is her own death trap. The Cullen's possess more intellect than she does, I wouldn't doubt if they're planning their retaliation against her right now…It's no wonder James wanted nothing more than to rid himself of her presence. The woman is a complete failure to everything.
He looked back at Victoria who was still watching over the city and then jumped quickly off the space needle. To a human, the six hundred and five feet jump would have been fatal, and not to mention, a very quick death. Laurent floated, no, glided slowly down and landed softly on both feet. He ran off into the night.
"I'm coming for you Bella. You and that Coven who pathetically keep you around as a house pet will not escape this one." Victoria said to no one but herself.
Due to her enhanced vision, she seen a man wandering alone at the bottom of the space needle. She smiled and leaped into the air and silently landed on her feet.
A block away, a Carls Jr. manager and assistant manager were closing up for the night when they heard a high pitched scream coming from down the street.
"Probably teenagers fooling around." He said to his co-worker.
Victoria finished drinking the life out of her victim and simply tossed his body, she had no intention nor desire to put in the effort to hide the dead man.
This will certainly make headlines of tragedy tomorrow, She thought. In my world, it is merely comedy.
She ran at inhuman speed into the city to hunt some more.