A/N: I can't believe I've written 30 chapters! Thanks to all of you who took the time to review along the way. You're feedback and encouragements are priceless.

But enough already…

SM owns twilight

Chapter 30 – Delusions and Death

The look in Edward's eyes scared me the most. He appeared frantic, as if silently pleading for me to run. I wanted to run, or scream, but the gun held to his head kept me silent and immobile.

Suddenly, the door slammed behind me.

"Glad you could join us." Chills rippled over my body at the sound of James' voice. I felt a cold hand reach around my waist as he pulled me against him. "Hello, Doll."

"James?" I asked without thinking.

"You should have been nicer, Bella. After all the attention I gave you? But you're just too good for me, is that it?" He leaned over and licked my face, starting from my chin to my temple. "You taste like heaven."

Edward groaned and jerked in the chair across the room.

I shoved James off of me, repulsed. The action caused me to tumble, clumsily, onto the floor.

"I thought you said she loved you?" Tanya's voice was unsteady. I looked over to see her trembling, the gun still pointed against Edward's temple. "I thought you said she'd be happy to have you back?"

James turned quickly and pointed his finger in Edward's direction. "She's just trying not to upset your boyfriend there. Now shut up! We have to hurry if you want to be with your Edward, forever."

She looked longingly at Edward and answered meekly, "Okay."

James snatched me up by the arm and pushed me onto the couch. It hurt, but I was too panicked to notice the pain. I looked over in the corner and saw Rio. He was lying limp across the kitchen tiles.

"Rio!" I jumped from the couch and screamed. Before I could reach him, James forcibly shoved me back into my seat. When I continued to struggle, he slapped me soundly across the face. The tears which I had been holding back finally started to run down my cheeks.

Rio.

"Sit down. You're lucky I didn't kill the mutt!" James spat.

"Well if it were up to me, I would have. Especially after what he did to my arm," Tanya added.

Tanya was rubbing her left arm which was holding the gun. Landie had been right. There were multiple scars up and down both forearms, likely from self mutilation. But across her left arm was a large wound, only partially healed. Apparently the blood I found on Rio that night had been from Tanya. He must have bitten her, especially if she was attempting to restrain him.

Good boy, Rio.

"What did you do to him?" I asked.

"I drugged him, of course," James muttered sarcastically.

"I still think we should have killed him," Tanya spoke up.

"Well it came in handy that we didn't, huh? Especially since Edward was so much more cooperative, once we threatened the mutt." James responded, coolly. He was rifling through my bag in the process. Becoming frustrated, he finally dumped all the contents on the floor and grabbed my phone. "Here." He tossed me the cell.

"What do you want?" My mind raced on how I could sneak a call to Charlie.

"I want you to call your Dad." He sneered

That seems too easy.

"Charlie?" I asked again.

"Yes, Charlie, Bella. You know he's going to check on you. I want you to call him, and to tell him you're ok. Tell him that Edward wants to leave the Retreat, to keep you safe, and that you're leaving – tonight." James didn't hesitate as he handed me the phone.

Edward started to groan and struggle in his chair. I glanced briefly at him but tried not to stare in his direction. The entire situation was labile, and I feared the outcome if Tanya caught us.

"Shh! Shh, baby! It's fine. Once we all get out, you and I can come back. James said he would keep that whore away from here, and you and I can be happy again." Tanya pulled back on Edward's hair and whispered against his neck. "But if you don't cooperate, Edward, I'll just have to kill her." Tanya's quiet threat made Edward quiet down.

"C'mon!" James pulled me up by the arm and walked me towards Edward's bedroom. "In case he decides to start grunting again."

Once we were out of earshot he continued, "I don't want your former boyfriend to ruin this, especially before we can have some fun. If you don't convince Charlie, and help us leave, then she's going to kill Edward. Or you, Bella."

"Why are you doing this, James?" I whispered, not wanting Tanya to hear.

"Why not? I've lost everything else," he replied.

"That's not true. It's just a job." I was struggling to understand.

"Just a job? You're kidding, right? You teased me from day one, Bel. But once you caught me with Ramona, you decided to have me fired! I couldn't just let you get away with that." His voice started to rise.

Wow.

James' narcissistic injury had led to some form of erotomanic delusion. I started to realize that his manipulation of Tanya was the only reason she had been able to elude the police for so long. How was I going to reason with a man who was living a fantasy?

"What do you want?" I asked him, my panic was rising.

"I want time with you, Bella. I know that Edward has confused you, but once we're alone, that will change." He brushed the hair from my tear stained face. "I'm going to make you love me."

I shuddered uncontrollably.

"But, what about Tanya?" I changed the subject.

"Who the hell cares?" He laughed. "When I found her lurking on the grounds, I almost took her to the guards for admission. She was wielding a knife and frantic. It wasn't until she started rambling about you, and Edward, that I realized I could use her."

"So you did help her," I commented.

"I helped you, Bella. She's obviously psychotic and delusional." He rolled his eyes.

You don't say?

James continued, "Without my direction, she would have killed you, outright. I gave her a place to stay, some clothes, and needed direction. She thinks we're in love, and that you only turned to Edward after we had a fight. That's the only reason you're still breathing."

He seemed proud of this accomplishment. I realized I was now dealing with the combined ambitions of a delusional Creepo and his sidekick, the Madwoman. Where were my golden lasso and bracelets when I needed them?

If only a superhero could help us.

"I see you conniving, Bella. Don't. It's only going to make me angry. Who would you want to see die first? Your mutt, or your dog?" He threatened.

"I'm not," I reassured. "I'll do what you say." I needed time.

"Good. Now, call your Dad. And make him believe you." James' words held venom.

I dialed the number, my fingers trembling. If I didn't convince Charlie that I was alright, then I was placing Edward and myself in immediate danger. But if didn't warn him, I was just delaying an outcome that could be worse.

Think, Bella.

James watched me like a predator as I held the phone. "Place it on speaker," he ordered.

I did as he asked.

Ring. Ring.

Charlie picked up quickly. "Bella?"

"Hey, Daddy, it's me." I never called him Daddy, and I prayed that Charlie would pick up on that.

"Are you ok? I'm meeting with security at the Retreat. I can stop by after I'm finished." He sounded worried.

"I'm fine. That's why I'm calling. I'm over at Edward's, and he's pretty upset. He thinks we should leave for a few days, until everything is cleared up regarding Tanya." I attempted to stay calm, but I could feel my body shaking. "He's packing now."

"Tonight? Why don't you just wait until tomorrow morning? We have security everywhere, Bella. If she's here, we'll find her." Charlie was always so pragmatic. If only he knew she was here, indeed.

"You know how protective Edward is. He already booked a room in Seattle. It will only be for a few days. Please, Daddy, just try and understand." I was pushing the limits, but I held to my knowledge that Charlie was a smart cop. I prayed he would take the hint without giving it away. My only fear was that his preoccupation with finding Tanya would cause him to miss my hidden cry.

I heard him sigh on the other end. "Ok, Bella. But check in first thing tomorrow morning."

"I will," I promised, wondering if this was the last time I would hear my Dad's voice.

"Hey, do you want me to come by and pick up Rio?" he asked before I could hang up.

I almost lost it when he mentioned Rio. "No, I'm going to drop him off at Mike's. He's offered to take care of him. Let Alice know though, ok? She can pick him up from there tomorrow."

I never let Rio stay with anyone. If that didn't tip Dad off, then nothing would.

"Oh, ok, Bella. I'll talk to you soon." Charlie sounded hesitant.

"Sounds good. I love you," I added. Silent tears formed in my eyes once again.

"I love you too, baby. Goodnight." Charlie hung up the phone.

"How touching." James wiped a tear from my cheek. "Now let's get out of here."

"Wait," I begged.

"What?" he snarled.

"I'll go with you, James. But I want you to help me speak to Edward. If he doesn't cooperate, someone could get hurt. Tanya could kill him."

"Of course you're going with me. And why do I care what happens to him?" He swung around in anger.

"Because I'll choose you, James. If you help me, I'll be with you. I'll help you get back your career and the respect of your colleagues. We can be together. Edward was just a phase for me." I tried my best to look earnest. Flirtation while nauseated was quite a feat.

"Away from the Cullen's? Away from him?" James asked.

"I'll never think of him again." I realized that I had just told the biggest lie of my entire life. In order to save Edward's life, it was worth it.

James leaned over and smiled. I braced myself as he moved in to kiss me.

When we walked back into the living area, I saw Tanya sitting on Edward's lap in the fetal position. The gun was beside her on the coffee table. His eyes were closed and he was immobile. I wanted so badly to run over and pry him away from her.

Tolerating a kiss from James was sickening. I knew I'd rather die than have his advances progress further. I had to figure out a way to get out of here. My body continued to tremble.

"This is no time for romance, people." James barked. He walked over to Edward and ripped the duct tape from his mouth in one swipe.

Tanya jumped up and grabbed the gun, cradling it like a baby.

"Fucking bastard!" Edward mumbled as he took a gasp of air.

I had to react before Edward continued. "Don't call him that!" I yelled.

The entire room grew quiet. Blue Eyes watched me with confusion all over his face.

"Don't talk to James that way, Edward. He's my fiancé, and I love him." My last few words were beyond bitter. "He didn't mean to hurt you; he just thought I'd be too angry to talk to him, unless he could get me alone."

Tanya cocked her head to one side. "You… love James?" Her childlike demeanor was almost pitiable, if it weren't for the cold steel she kept passing between her hands.

"Yes, he's mine," I declared. "Just like Edward is yours." I looked at Edward again, seeing the hurt change to recognition in his eyes.

Tanya turned to look at Edward, who shook his head in agreement. "I'm sorry, Tanya, I should have gotten you out of there sooner. Carlisle kept asking me to help Bella, and pushing me to stay at the Retreat. I should have quit a long time ago. I should have rescued you."

"You don't love her?" Tanya asked, pointing in my direction.

"I only love you," he answered firmly. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

Blue Eyes was a damn good actor.

His words seemed sincere, and I was almost envious of the false affection he proclaimed. Tanya was dazzled from the moment he said 'I'm sorry'. She dropped the gun and wrapped her arms around him. Edward leaned into her embrace while she stroked up and down his back in return. His gaze remained fixed on me.

"Shit, Tanya!" James yelled as he picked up the gun from the floor. "This revolver is loaded, woman." He walked back to my side, wrapping one arm around me. His lips were against my ear when he whispered, "I know he's lying to her, but I'll kill him myself if you're lying to me." His arm wrapped tighter around my waist.

I looked at him directly. "I'm not. If you let Edward go with Tanya, I'll leave with you." The power of delusions was frightening. James and Tanya both fell so quickly into their fantasy world. If we could separate the two cases of insanity, I felt like Edward could handle Tanya alone, especially without the gun. I would have to pray that I could escape, or that someone would find me before I had to honor my promise to Creepo.

"Ok. Once we are off the grounds, we'll split up, and it will just be you and me. It's all I've ever wanted, Bella, from the moment I met you." The sound of my name on his lips plus his growing halitosis made me nauseated all over again.

"Here's the deal," James announced loudly. "We're going to be in the back seat, while Edward and Bella sit in front. The gun will be on your back, so don't even think of trying something. Once we pass the gate, you'll drive us to my car which is about five miles down the road. From there we can split up."

"Whose car will we take?" Tanya asked.

"Mine, of course," Edward answered. "They know we'd never travel in her car."

Even in crisis he's a snob.

"Shut-up!" James spat. "We'll take his car. But only because I say so."

I almost smirked at Blue Eyes, but caught myself. I knew in my heart that he was smirking too.

Everything was ready for us to leave, but I pulled away to kneel by Rio. James allowed it, given his new found hope in our imagined future together. My fingers ran through his fur. His body was warm and his breathing was slow but regular. I leaned over and kissed his muzzle, inhaling his scent. "I love you, boy. I know you would have fought 'til the end. Take care of Alice for me, ok?" I hugged his huge neck, kissing him on the nose. My tears stained his fur, but he never responded.

"We've got to go!" James' voice was irritated.

I stood up and saw Edward looking away. My heart was breaking. I realized that it might be the last time I would see Rio, or Edward. My life, which was only recently worth living, was now being shred to pieces.

"Let's go," I agreed.

Edward opened the door and stepped onto the front porch with Tanya. I followed them with James behind me, the gun now pushed into my side.

Blue Eyes clicked the keyless entry button on his keychain for the Volvo doors to open. When the car beeped twice, a deafening noise rang out. My ears started ringing as James snatched me against him and back into the cottage. He was screaming profanities.

Gunshots.

I saw Tanya collapse limp into Edward's arms. He dragged her into the cottage behind us and slammed the door.

Charlie's voice rang out from outside, piercing the chaos. "You're surrounded on all sides. I'm Chief Swan. I'm here for my daughter."

Dad!

I knew Charlie wouldn't let me down. As much as I hated his overprotection, he only had my best interest in mind.

Over-protection…

Oh. My. God.

My Pepper Spray!

I suddenly remembered that I had the faux pager filled with pepper spray clipped inside the inner sleeve of my handbag. When James dumped the contents, I didn't recall it falling out. My bag was hanging across my shoulder, and I knew the spray was still in side. I wondered if it was too risky to try and use it.

"This is just fucking great!" James screamed. He paced back and forth behind the door, but kept the gun pointed on me.

Edward placed Tanya across the sofa. There was a tremendous amount of blood seeping from her abdomen. It was a serious gut wound. She reached out and grabbed Edward's arm while she trembled. He was covered in her blood as her frail body started going into shock. "Edward," she whispered.

"Yeah," he answered her stoically.

"Why didn't you save me?" She asked in confusion.

Edward stared at her in the darkness, and I could tell his face was torn. "I can't save you, Tanya." He brushed his hand across her face, moving the hair from her eyes. "I never could."

She gasped a few times before her breathing stopped.

Tanya was dead.

James screamed out again as he punched his fist into the wall. The sheetrock crumbled to the floor in response. Edward remained immobile, kneeling beside Tanya. I stood against the counter of the kitchen, my hand inching its way into my bag. I could feel the pepper spray clipped inside the change compartment.

"I need to know what's going on in there," Charlie's voice rang out again. I could see the flashing blue lights through the drawn curtains. "Who am I talking to? What are your demands? I'm going to call Bella's phone. Please pick-up."

My phone started to buzz.

Buzz.

James stood immobile, his face bright red.

Buzz.

"Do you want me to answer it?" I dared to ask. I now had the mace in my right hand.

"No!" James yelled. "I want you to shut-up!"

"It's over, James," Edward spoke. He stood and walked over to my side. "There's no way out of this."

James raised the gun and clicked the hammer of the revolver. "Well there's no further need for you, that's for sure."

"No!" I stood in front of Edward.

Blue Eyes abruptly turned me sideways and cradled me in his arms. "No, Bella. You're not going to die today. I can't live without you."

"I don't want to live without you," I argued.

"I need your help to get out of here," James spat. "Now come here, bitch, or I'll shoot him in the head right now!"

I tried to pull away but Edward held me tight. Neither one of us was willing to allow the other to sacrifice themselves. Our stubbornness was a trait we shared in abundance.

The next few moments were a blur.

Charlie started yelling through the police megaphone.

James began cursing and stalking towards us with the gun raised.

Edward swore in return while I screamed for him to let me go.

Suddenly, a snarling image of muscle and fur jumped in front of me and growled. I watched as Rio clamped down on James' arm and caused the gun to fire. Rio continued to shake his arm and tear at his flesh, causing James to drop the gun. He started punching Rio in the side repeatedly with his other arm.

I aimed the pepper spray in James' face and fired while yelling out a command, "Kill, Rio, Kill!"

Edward pushed me away into the kitchen as he kicked the gun across the room. He punched James directly in the jaw, causing him to fall backwards onto one of the glass end tables. When James hit the ground, Rio went for the jugular. Blood was everywhere, which made it difficult to see who was hurt.

Charlie and six other officers burst through the door with guns blazing. What happened in mere seconds seemed to take hours to process. In the disarray, I was shuffled out of the kitchen towards the door. Before I was taken outside, I searched frantically and identified Edward across the room.

"Wait!" I screamed.

I ran over to where he was sitting, propped up against the wall. A paramedic was positioned beside him, hurriedly trying to assess the damage. Edward's face was pale, although he was smiling at me. "Bella," he said.

"Edward," I spoke softly. "You've been shot?"

A/N: Well, this was a tough one to write. There's one chapter left! Will the ending be Happily Ever After? ;)