Chapter 7
(I do not own anything read and review please)
"Bella somehow managed to convince her father that she was in a dirt bike accident with Jacob. She's in room 53 they'll be keeping her for a few days." Alice says after she hangs up the phone.
"I should be there." I cross my arms looking to Carlisle.
"She will be fine."
We're all sitting at the dining room table. It's taking every ounce of focus I have not to lose my god damn fucking temper. I wanted to rip through these walls and get to her! Jasper peers over at me. I knew he could sense me his eyes were black as well.
"So this human cannot be compelled?" Carlisle says looking to each of us.
"That could prove to be a problem. She is a threat."
"Her name is Bella and she's no such thing!" I say and slam my fist down on the table.
"We're far more of a threat than she is!"
Jasper sighs and leans back in his seat.
"There is something you should all know."
Everyone looks upon Jasper. It is rare that he even talks during these meetings. He usually keeps to himself and is eager to get them over with.
"Out of my own curiosity and due to some other recent events… I took it upon myself to persuade Bella Swan in another way since I could not compel her."
I stand up at this. He cocks a brow towards me. I see in his mind the day it took place and it was that day in the hallway at school. He'd used his influence to calm her.
"Through my influence, I detected her body language and heart rate, I asked her how she felt about my brother. It is very clear that this girl has very strong feelings for Edward. I personally see no threat in this human. She maybe confused at the moment due to her latest relationship and we all know how that has turned out. It seems to be the only thing keeping Bella at bay for expressing her truest feelings for Edward. We must all take into consideration how we met and our own histories before we judge Edward and Bella. I do not deem it fair that this girl is to be punished over something she cannot control. Edward has seen it in the were's mind and I have sensed it powerfully. He will not let this girl go. I'd even go as far as to say that if he cannot have Bella Swan he will eventually end her very existence. Just to make sure no one else can have her."
"Are you saying this human is to be Edward's bride?"
Alice smiles and Emmett nudges her.
Carlisle looks upon her.
"I have seen Bella in our future. She will be one of us."
"This explains why each of my progenies have come to her defense. I couldn't help but to wonder how the three of you were able to resist her blood. The way she was bleeding this girl should have been lost to your hunger alone. Yours especially!" He points to Jasper.
Jasper sighs and that day replays in his mind as he looks upon me apologetically.
"I must also say I can see the devotion within you Edward. However this relationship will affect each of us as a coven. You're all not aware of what it is we truly face. This werewolf you speak of. They are known no other than Children of the Moon. They are also not typically loners. They tend to hunt in packs. The only one's I've heard of around these parts are the Quileute. They have a reservation not too far from Forks. We play a dangerous game getting involved in this human's life. The Children of the Moon are warriors… Their only mission to kill us vampires. We are their natural enemies. You've no idea the true trouble you're in Edward. They could very well end our very being along with this girl. They will not stop and think as we do. Once they see a threat and they are in form they will not hesitate to slay anything that steps in their way. When the were side of them takes over they are no longer able to control themselves they will take out anything in their path they deem a threat. Once the beast takes over there is no reasoning with them."
I wasn't sure how to react, how to think about any of this. My mind felt like a vortex was slamming through it.
"We all must watch our backs now. However I will say this… If this girl proves to be otherwise I will have no choice but to take matters into my own hands. For now I will support the relationship. I truly hope I do not live to regret it."
I felt ill as it played out in his mind. When he'd said he'd take matters into his own hands. Meaning he'd have no choice but to destroy my girl himself.
"I would suggest you do not take too much time convincing her to become your bride."
Great… The one girl that hates the mere idea.
"It could take some time."
"Then you had better get started." He tosses me the keys.
"If word of this got out…" He hints and he was picturing the Volturi.
I wince in thought but nod as I rush out of the house.
First thing I needed to do however was feed. Last thing I needed to do was sink my teeth into an already wounded Bella. I was famished and she was just too tempting. Once I get to the hospital. I scope out a nurse that's on break. I light my cigarette and sit beside her on the bench. She smiles as she puts out her cigarette.
"What's your name?"
"Ashlynn."
I nod.
"Edward."
I lean back for a moment watching her. She was a pretty Asian girl. I come to a stand reading her thoughts. She found me attractive this would work to my advantage. I lean over her and whisper.
"Why don't you follow me?"
She smiles as I pull back looking upon her. I take her hand and lead her into a shadowed area of the building.
"What are we doing?" She says with a giggle.
She was cute but not all that bright. I turn and smile looking her in the eyes.
"You're going to feed me. Do not be afraid no harm will come to you."
She nods and I plunge my teeth amongst her neck. It was then I truly realized just how thirsty I was. I was certainly glad I did not feed from Bella after all. I was so focused on making the ache in my throat go away I kept drinking. I wasn't paying attention to her heart rate. It's not until she fucking passes out on me and I have to brace her up against the building I truly realized what I've done.
"Oh no you don't…" I slap her cheek.
"Come on now wake up."
I quickly lay her down and look around. I start cpr and after a minute in she finally comes to.
"Jesus…" I groan and pinch the bridge of my nose.
She starts to scream and I cover her mouth.
"You will remember nothing of this. Your body will now heal itself. Go tell your supervisor that you're not feeling good. Go home and rest."
She nods and I roll off her. I help her to her feet and she straightens out her scrubs. I watch as she walks into the building. I lean against the wall. Realizing just how close that was.
What I didn't expect was what I'd be walking into. I knock on the door and already pick up the stench. Charlie opens the door. He looks to me confused but steps aside.
"Bells looks like you got another visitor, quite popular today."
I look over to see my fucking girl surrounded by mutts. Two bastards I'd never met and Jacob Black. I grit my teeth as he's holding her hand. I turn to Bella's father wanting to snap at him. How could he not see the fear in her eyes? Notice the fucking heart monitor kicking up speed! Furthermore how could this girl live under his roof and he not expect abuse from this son of a bitch. The signs were all there. I wanted to beat her father's face in. Don't get me wrong Charlie Swan loved his daughter. But when it came to teenage girls he was clueless and felt that he was doing her a favor by staying out of her personal affairs. He couldn't be more wrong. However in the same sense he'd probably end up getting himself killed if he did know the truth. He'd want a bullet put into Jacob's head.
Bella bites upon her lower lip looking to me. I nod and place the roses I got her down. The mutts cut me a threatening stare. As far as I was concerned she was mine now. I wasn't about to be pushed around. I'd to tell myself over and over if I react to my anger I could get Bella and her father killed. I'd also expose myself and put my coven at risk. I was so worked up I was trembling.
"You ok there Bells?" Charlie says looking to her heart monitor.
"I'm fine just kinda hurts." However her eyes stay locked to mine.
(She's mine you bastard. What the fuck is he doing here! He has no business being here! That leach better keep his hands off her.)
I look upon Jacob and simply grin.
"How are you sweetheart?"
(Sweetheart?! WHAT THE FUCK!)
"OK…" She says with a small quivery voice.
Paul by the way." I turn to the bastard as he holds out his hand.
I knew what he was doing these fuckers were wanting me to look bad in front of Charlie, to make him not want his daughter around me. I can play too… I take his hand and shake it.
"Edward."
"I'm Seth."
I nod towards the younger one. He was actually concerned about Bella. His thoughts were so much purer than the other two. He'd nothing violent about him other than feeling protective of Bella. The poor kid had a bit of a crush on her. He also didn't like how Jacob treated her. Paul however was already planning. He wanted me dead without question. He was a were that found fun in trouble. He rather reminded me of Jasper in some ways. Sex and bloodshed mainly filled his head. He however was the least bit attracted to Bella. In fact after seeing she was allowing me to be in the same room. He thought that it may be best if she too died. The only thing stopping him was his orders. Apparently they follow someone by the name of Sam Uley, their pack master. That was another issue. Charlie was friends with these damn things. I made out a Harry Clearwater and Billy Black through traces of Charlie's mind. He was wondering about his next fishing trip.
(Damn I can see her tits through that gown. God I wish I could lift it up and suck on them.)
Not once did the guilt on what he'd done pass through Jacob's mind. If anything he blamed her.
(She should have held on. I told her to. She doesn't listen. I have to at least feel them.)
The bastard looks around and sits next to Bella. I immediately pull her blankets up to her shoulders and sit on the other side eyeing him. Little shit's not getting away it molesting her he's done enough. Here she is in the hospital and all he can focus on is her damn breast.
(What the hell you idiot and get off the bed. Quit acting like she's yours! My pack is going to kill you soon anyway.)
He turns back and see's Charlie's reading the paper. I notice his hand going into Bella's covers.
I grit my teeth. I grab his wrist and bend it back. Paul puts a hand on my shoulder and squeezes.
"Don't you even think about it." I warn.
Charlie looks over at that moment and rises.
"What's going on over there?"
"Nothing they were just leaving." I say staring Jacob in the eyes.
"Oh well ok boys I guess we'll be seeing you later. Glad you stopped by."
I wink at Jacob and shrug Paul's hand off my shoulder.
Jacob leans down to kiss Bella before leaving. She grimaces turning her head. For once Charlie does the right thing before I even have to react. He puts a hand on Jacob's shoulder.
"I don't think she's feeling it today kid. Give her some time."
Unfortunately, Charlie thought the only reason for her reaction was the stress of being in here. He liked Jacob and thought he was good for Bella. Ugh… Charlie was going to need an eye opener and fast. I just wasn't quite sure how to go about it and keep them both safe.
"You came…"
I nod and lean over kissing her forehead.
"But Carlisle…" She hints.
"I'll explain later."
I sigh and glance upon Charlie but back to her.
"Bella when are you going to tell him?" I whisper and caress her cheek.
I wanted her calm as possible. She'd been through enough. She looks towards her father as he's back to reading his paper.
"You know what could happen."
"He needs to know. Bella you need all support and backup you can get. It's crucial."
She nods but a few tears start to form.
"We can discuss this later. Just relax."
However I break into a smile.
"You maybe the first ever to give Carlisle a heart attack." I hint.
"Did he hurt you!" She raises up alarmed.
"Shh… no Bella lay back down." I lean down into her ear.
"It seems I'm the only one that can compel you."
Her jaw drops.
"He was…"
I nod as it's all coming together for her.
"That bastard…" She mumbles but quickly covers her mouth looking upon me.
"It's ok. I thought the same thing."
"Thank you for the roses."
She smiles looking to them.
"And white… I like that but you really didn't have to do that."
I shrug.
Charlie was beginning to wonder why I was here though. He looked over lowering his paper.
"So do you go to school with Bella?"
"Yes sir."
"You look a bit old to be in high school."
I smile.
"I get that often." If only he knew…
"Did I hear you say your name was Edward?"
"Edward Cullen sir."
He rears back.
"Are you kin to the doc here?"
"Carlisle?"
He nods.
"Yes he's my father"… But I turn and wink at Bella. She smiles.
"He seems like a nice enough guy."
I nod.
"I suppose I better go." I say to Bella.
She looked disappointed but Charlie was growing suspicious of how I was acting around her. He still thought she was with Jacob.
"When do you get out?"
"Tomorrow."
"Ok Bella you take care. I'll see you later."
I take her hand and squeeze it gently. She bites upon her lower lip. I look to Charlie once more before I leave.
"It was nice to meet you sir."
"You too Edward."
Once I get home I tell my coven about the mutts being at Bella's bedside. Carlisle sighs but says nothing as he runs his hands along Rosalie's skirt.
"That poor girl." Rosalie says looking down.
Carlisle kisses her neck.
"We'll figure it out Rose."
Rosalie out of all of us knew where Bella was coming from. She too had a very abusive relationship before Carlisle came into her life. That's why this was rather irritating to me. Carlisle should certainly be more understanding about getting Bella out of this situation. If it wasn't for Carlisle Rosalie would have died and at the hands of her own boyfriend who happened to be a vampire himself. What made matters worse about the situation was he was Carlisle's friend.
"I might have to see about setting up a meeting with this pack master." Carlisle says making an unpleasant face.
"See if he's even aware of what's truly happening."
"I thought they weren't to be reasoned with."
"When they are in their were state if I can keep him calm enough…" Carlisle says in thought.
My cell rings and I look to see it's Bella.
"Hello?"
"Edward…" She says with a rather nervous tone.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah. It's just well…"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." She sighs.
"I feel so stupid."
"Why?"
"Charlie went home he has to go to work in the morning. He's going to pick me up when he gets his lunch break. I hate to ask you this but…"
"Would you like for me to come stay with you?"
"I'm so sorry Edward. I just…"
"Nonsense I understand. I'd have been upset if you hadn't called. I'll be there in a flash."
Once I sneak my way into the room. She blushes.
"I'm really sorry. I know you were just here but…"
"Stop that. Truth is you don't need to be left alone we both know that."
She nods but truly looked embarrassed. I make my way over to her.
"If you're tired you can go to sleep. I won't leave."
"I'm not tired."
She looks around the room for a moment.
"Edward?"
"Yes?"
I say as I sit beside her on the bed. She scoots down so I can kick back.
"Will you tell me more?"
"More?"
"About you and your coven?"
I roll over facing her as she looks to the ceiling. I run a hand along the shoulder and arm brace on her now.
"Does it hurt?"
She shrugs.
"Just a little."
I nod and try to think of where to begin. She rolls over as well and I fix her gown as it's coming off her shoulder.
"We rather left off about my ability to compel. You weren't too happy about that."
"Can you honestly blame me?"
I shrug.
"It's my nature Bella."
"You fed." She says as if it just dawned on her.
"Yep.
She looks away for a moment biting her lip.
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
"Don't do that just tell me what it is."
"It's nothing. Just tell me more."
"Hmmm. I do not like it when you do that. I cannot read your mind."
"Edward…"
"Bella…"
She smiles shaking her head.
"Just spit it out I'm not telling you anything else until you do."
"That's blackmail."
"Don't really care."
"I don't want to tell you!"
"Then I'll compel it out of you."
"Edward!"
I laugh.
"Or I could just compel you to kiss me. Which do you prefer?"
Her cheeks redden. I also pick up that heart rate of hers again.
"You want me to kiss you don't you."
She smiles shaking her head.
I run a finger along her lips. I love the way her body reacts to this, just the simplest of touch. I roll back over.
"By the end of this weekend you'll be begging for it." What she didn't know was I saw that look of disappointment on her face. I had to stop myself from smiling. She wanted me to kiss her I could see it on her face.
She clears her throat.
"So are you going to tell me what's bothering you?"
"Edward honestly it's silly don't worry about it."
"I doubt that now tell me."
She sighs.
"Fine… I was just wondering who you fed from."
I cock a brow. You've to remember I've not been human for quite some time. I do not think quite the way one would. So when she finally spits it out my reaction just makes matters worse unfortunately.
"A nurse that was on her break." I say with a shrug thinking nothing of it.
"Oh…"
"So was that it? That's all you wanted to know?"
"Was she pretty?"
I look to her oddly.
"Yeah…"
Her entire face blooms. Her heart level speeds up.
"What's wrong Bella?"
"Nothing…" She looked as though she was about to cry.
"Bella?" I raise up.
"I told you it was stupid Edward."
"I'm afraid I do not understand what's going on?"
But I really start to pay attention to her body mannerisms, the red tint to her cheeks, the way her heart is going. Of course I break into immediate laughter and rise looking upon her.
"You're jealous of my food!"
"Shut up!"
I laugh again.
"You're 100 percent positively jealous!"
"BITE ME!"
"Not the finest choice of words." I taunt leaning into her.
"Grrrrr!"
"Do tell me how this works Bella. You're so determined to remain as friends. Yet you do not wish for me to feed from beautiful women."
"You said she was pretty not beautiful!"
"Is there a difference?"
"HUGE!"
"Well by all means my apologies."
"And I never said I wanted said that!"
"What?"
"That I wanted to remain your friend! You just assumed it obviously."
"Oh come on Bella I basically poured out my damn heart to you and you didn't say anything!"
"You left! You didn't give me a chance and I told you that day behind the school the next day you jerk!"
I rear back in thought.
"Did you just call me a jerk?"
"Damn right I did."
I chuckle again.
"You would never last with any other vampire."
"I don't want any other vampire!" She half growls.
"All I remember Bella is you telling me you realized you felt something. You weren't sure what and that you felt guilt about it. You also said you wanting more time with me. I never heard from your lips that you wanted more between us." However as I say this I rewind to her last words.
"So you do want me?" I say with a grin.
"Oh my god Edward!"
"It's just a question."
She sighs closing her eyes. I roll back over curiously.
"There is no need to get jealous of who I feed from. It is like me getting jealous over a hamburger."
"So when you feed from me?"
"That's entirely different. When I feed from you… Bella I can't even really describe it." My eyes grow dark in sudden lust on just the mere idea.
Bella runs a hand along my face.
"Bella just say it."
"Say it?"
"Don't play games…" I say running a hand along her waist.
"Ok." She says as if out of breath.
"Ok?" She nods.
"When we go out this weekend it's the real deal."
"Ok then I'm not holding back." I warn.
She gets a bit of a nervy look about her. I lean back and simply smile.
"So are you going to tell me more?"
"Yes Bella just let me think of where to begin."
She nods but leans into my chest a bit. I put my arm around her.
I was Carlisle's first progeny. He taught me the way of the world so to speak as a vampire. Things however were much darker for us back then. You've to remember Carlisle had no one to teach him the ways. In fact it was together we truly learned it wasn't always necessary to take lives in order to feed. Not that we always followed that. There was some of ill moral character that we took it upon ourselves to deem not worthy of another breath once we were done with them. That and well honestly Bella at first I didn't know how to deal with my mind reading ability. Everything was just so loud, so annoying, I also found out pretty quick that people aren't always what they seem. Some of the seemingly nicest characters are the ones with the most skeletons in their closets. I knew everything about everyone around me. I knew if they were liars, cheaters, cons, murderers, rapist, pedophiles, I even knew what they thought about me when they first met me.
Carlisle and I even had a few issues because I could read his mind. At times he thought I was more of a monster than he. There was a time I took more lives than my own master. All because I did not know how to tame these thoughts others had. They screamed and tormented me constantly. I just couldn't shut it off. It was around that time Carlisle first sentenced me to starvation. He told me he would not release me until I got a handle on my ability and learned to control it. He'd test me often with a victim he didn't release me until he was fully satisfied . He would lock the victim with me as a test if they did not survive. He continued to starve me and keep me locked away. I killed my first two. After that I starved for 33 days. Eventually my body began to give out. I began to fall asleep often. Which is something we only do when severely weakened. Once my eyes shut I found it hard to open them back up. I was tested again and at the brink of my most starved state. He just knew I would fail. But I didn't. I compelled, I fed and released. I was beginning to see it was possible to temporarily shut it off. I remember that day all too well. Carlisle smiled and patted me on the back. He said.
"Well Edward I'm glad I don't have to eradicate you after all." He wasn't joking. If I hadn't got myself under control Carlisle would have taken me down. That is something that is very personal and hard on a master or lord even. That is why it is so rarely heard of… For a master or lord to kill one of their own creations. It happens but when it does the creator will forever feel as though there is a gap in their existence now where that progeny was. The bond when you create is instant. They count on you for everything during those first few years. You become their guardian, their teacher, their conscience. However you teach them to follow you is the kind of vampire you will turn out to be. Carlisle didn't want a massacring machine for a progeny. Though Carlisle took lives himself it wasn't nowhere near how I was going about it.
He told it to me like this… "Edward there isn't a person on this earth that doesn't have their secrets. Even you and I did as humans and even more so now as vampires. We are all sinners, monsters even I know your ability can be more of a handicap at times. But you need to figure out a way to use it as an advantage. Work with it not against it. Accept who you are and embrace it. YOU cannot run from it Edward and you cannot make it go away. You simply have to face it and make it work."
That's what I did. Not very successful all the time but it gets easier and easier.
"Edward?"
"Yes sweetheart?"
"If that's true you know about the creator's bond... How did Carlisle's leave him behind?"
"Honestly Bella I've not a clue. It's not often heard of. Carlisle may never know who his master was. Just one of those many mysteries to life."
"Do you think that still affects Carlisle?"
I sigh.
"It does… Not as often as it used to. But I still see it in his mind at times. That curiosity will always remain."
"Have you ever created?"
"No Bella. The only true time another coven member creates is when he takes a bride. It is the master's decision whom he adds to his coven."
She shakes her head.
"What?"
"It's just all so complicated and strange."
"And that's not even the half of it."
"Does Carlisle have a bride?"
"Yes Bella her name is Rosalie."
"So you and Jasper are the only singled outs?"
She says with a grin.
I grin in return.
"That seems to be the case."
"So what's wrong with you and Jasper?" She teases.
"Funny girl aren't we?"
She shrugs against me.
"Edward?"
"Yes?"
"Think you'll ever take lives again?"
"That's a bit of a loaded question."
"How so?"
"It just is Bella. Sometimes we do not have a choice. Other times they deserve it and then accidents can always happen."
She sighs and rises away from me.
"Bella I'm sorry if you do not like my answers. But I am going to be honest. This is no matter that can be sugar coated. You need to know everything." I pinch the bridge of my nose.
"There are a couple of other things you should know. But I want you to try to remain calm and look at me." I take her hand and she turns to face me.
"Without meaning to Bella I have lied to you. You asked me how many times I have compelled you and what all I did…"
She nods.
"One of the first times I compelled you was when Jasper attacked you."
Her eyes widen and she yanks her hand out from mine.
"Now listen. Jasper's never going to hurt you again and he did not mean what he did."
She swallows.
"Attacked?"
"Yes Bella. He was hungry…" However for my coven mate's sake and for Bella's I kept out the part where he almost raped her. It never happened so I felt no need to add more stress to the situation. This was going to be hard enough to explain and not scare her off.
"You're very tempting Bella. He couldn't compel you and through blood lust alone he feed from you anyhow. I intervened and put a stop to it. I then compelled you to heal and forget. Trust me Bella the guilt continues to weigh on Jasper. He might have known what he was doing at the moment but once he finally came to and came off the high. He realized what he'd done."
She looks back down.
"What else do I not know?"
"You asked how I got you to tell me about Jacob it was also through compelling."
She nods.
"I already kind of figured that out."
"There's one other time… Bella."
She turns towards me.
"It was the first time I'd met you before I fed from you… I compelled you for a kiss."
Her jaw drops but what she says next floors me yet again.
"So we've already had our first kiss?! And I don't even get to fucking remember it?"
I let out a nervous laugh and clear my throat.
"Well I can say this…"
"WHAT!" She snaps crossly.
"It was mouthwatering." I say with a shrug.
"EDWARD!" She fires at me with her pillow but winces hurting her arm.
"Careful Bella."
"I can't believe you stole our first kiss."
I cock a brow at this.
"So does this mean you're looking forward to a second?"
"Oh my god Edward." She says with gritted teeth.
"Anything else I should know?!"
I grin which is wrong I know but couldn't help it.
"No Bella."
"Are you sure?!"
I nod trying not to laugh again.
"So to sum it all up… Jasper attacked me in a feeding frenzy. You saved me. You coerced me into telling you about Jacob and you stole a kiss."
"Pretty much."
She rolls her eyes and lies back down.
"Are you ok?"
"I'm fine." She says but I knew she was in pain.
"You should call the nurse. Get some more pain meds."
"They'll just make me tired."
"Good you need some sleep."
I reach over and hit the call button.
"Edward!" She hisses.
I kiss her forehead.
"Ask the nurse for some pain meds. You need some sleep. I'm not going anywhere."
"But you were telling me your story."
"Later Bella that was enough for tonight."
The nurse comes in and gives her a shot of morphine through her IV. Once she leaves I return to the bed. Her eyes are already starting to bat.
"Don't fight it. Close your eyes Bella."
I pull her into my chest once she's fallen asleep.
"That's enough for today. Same time tomorrow."
She nods and stretches out her arms. She takes off her reading glasses. The interviewer watches as Edward lights a cigarette and leaps out the window.