I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH. 24: Wicked Witch
EPOV
I watched as Bella disappeared into the woods. Everything in me wanted to follow her. I knew she wanted her privacy at the moment, but I wasn't comfortable that she was on her own for a moment.
Unfortunately something urgent came up. I turned back to Seth.
"Did Alice say when the Volturi will show up?" I asked through Seth.
Not long after the fight ends. She's estimating 20 mins. Sam relayed to me. It figures they would wait until after the fight. They were probably waiting to after the fight in hopes that the size of our family would be decreased.
"After the fight you and the pack should get back to the La Push. You don't want to be around when the Volturi shows up." I advised them. I knew Caius would want the wolves destroyed if he knew about them.
We can handle them. Paul growled.
"Don't be too sure. Alice mentioned Alec is with them. He will be able to blind and paralyze all of us at the same time. They will most likely see if the newborns are taken care of and leave. We won't be able to win a fight against them."
I agree with Edward. The Cullens have been truthful with us so far. Sam agreed with me. He seemed to debate something.
Edward, Jacob has disappeared on us. I'm not sure where he is at the moment. The last time he was a wolf he was trying to hide his thoughts. But I have a feeling he might be headed our way. He says he wants to help, but he's hiding something else.
"Thank you, for the warning me." I grew grim. I watched the edge of the woods, I had hoped Bella would be back by now.
I scanned the woods for sounds from her. I located her heartbeat and then someone's thoughts.
"Stupid dog, of course he chooses now." I hissed. He was going to tell her he was going to take himself out of the picture by letting himself be killed. The ultimate manipulation in my book. If he died, even on purpose, Bella would blame herself. I started for the woods when Seth stopped me.
Jacob is here? Seth sounded unhappy. Let me go to talk to him. He won't fight me. I will protect Bella. The young wolf was very kind. I was pleased to see that he was protective of Bella. If Jacob had been more like Seth, I wouldn't have had a problem with him being her friend. In fact, I would've welcomed the extra protection. However, Jacob was a manipulator who was only looking out for himself, not even his own pack.
Before I could respond another problem showed up fast.
Damn it all to hell. It never rained but poured. As much as I hated it, Jacob was the least of my worries right now.
I leaned closely to Seth's ear so I could whisper for only him to hear. He tensed a little, but stayed in control.
"We have company, Victoria and one other. Hide so we can have the element of surprise." Seth looked at me for half a second before disappearing.
What! Sam, you promised he would be safe up there! Leah was spitting mad and not paying attention to the fight.
Shut up, Leah, I will be fine.
Leah, focus on the fight here. Stop distracting Seth so he can focus on his own fight. Sam ordered.
If one hair is harmed on him, I'll….
Don't you mean fur? One of the wolves, Quil, interrupted. Leah snarled at him.
Silence everyone. I shook my head. Any other time this might be amusing, but I had to tune the wolves out to focus myself.
Victoria appeared a moment later with a young male vampire. She scanned the campsite with frown on her face.
"She isn't here, Victoria. Do you think I would keep her in the same place as myself where you could find her?" I smirked. She glanced around, eyes looking sharp and black. She seemed to be calculating every move. I fought to control my fury when I discovered it was Jacob that led her straight to us.
"She was here very recently. I will find her and kill her nice and slow." She had no plans of keeping her promise to Jacob to let Bella live. "Kill him." She hissed at her friend. If you're lucky enough to survive, Bella should already be dead. The bigger vampire lunged for me and I was able to side step him easily. I grabbed him from behind knowing I had only moments since he was technically stronger than me.
Seth materialized and grabbed a leg. He pulled one way and I pulled an arm from the opposite side. The leg and arm detached with a sickening pop.
The newborn screamed in pain.
I can finish. Don't let her get Bella. I nodded to Seth and hurried along after Victoria.
I could see in my mind that Victoria had found Bella and Jacob. Bella was standing near the edge of the cliff with Jacob in front of her. Victoria had them cornered. He was desperately trying not to phase, but he was shaking from head to foot until he was almost blurring. Jacob couldn't phase without hurting Bella.
Where are you, you stupid bloodsucker? I'm doing my best, but I can't hold on for much longer.
I appeared at the edge of the woods. Bella was glancing at Jacob with a worried expression and was trying to curl into a ball. Jacob saw me out of the corner of his eye. Get ready to catch. He was going to throw her towards me in hopes Victoria would go for him first.
He spun fast and picked up Bella. "Forgive me," he pleaded before tossing Bella with all his strength. He then dove towards Victoria as soon as he let Bella go.
I caught her quickly and she trembled in my arms. I turned to place her behind me.
"I have you, love. You're safe, but don't move from this spot." I told her as her terrified eyes quickly locked with mine. I whirled back around as Victoria turned to face me. I crouched ready to attack. She was getting ready to run.
"Just me and you. This has gone on long enough. Let's end this today." I hissed. She hesitated long enough. I heard Bella shifted behind me and she cursed lightly. The scent of fresh blood hit my nose. Victoria's red eyes snapped to behind me and I crouched, not about to let her attack Bella. The smell wasn't too strong so I knew she wasn't badly hurt.
With Victoria's attention momentarily diverted she never saw Seth leap from the shadows tackling her. He landed on her back pinning her down to the ground. Striking like lighting I snapped forward and removed her head first; before she could counter react. It was all over.
Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is dead! Seth yelled triumphant. What you think of that big sister? Not so little now, am I?
Whatever, just don't let it go to your head. She tried to hide how proud she was of him, but it was still apparent.
We make a good team. Put it there! He stuck his nose out to me. He wanted me to stick out my fist for him to butt. I chuckled and obliged him.
"We do make a good team. But let's make sure we finish the job. We need to get all the body parts." I ordered. Seth ran off to retrieve the other vampire.
I quickly disassembled Victoria and then started the fire. I could hear Bella behind me and her heart was still beating rapidly. I was nervous to face her since I wasn't sure how she handled everything that just happened.
Seth came back and dropped some parts in the fire and turned to go back for more.
"Seth, do me a favor and grab the first aide kit at the campsite." I asked.
He looked behind me at Bella then at me again. On it! The other wolves seemed skeptical. They thought I would attack my Bella since she was bleeding.
I turned finally to face Bella. She was crunched into a ball at the foot of the tree. Her eyes were wide and glued to me. I approached her calmly at human speed. She in turn gave me a strange look.
"Are you okay?" I asked. She nodded, but didn't move.
"You're bleeding." I pointed out.
"I know, it's just a small scratch. I was trying to move out of your way during the fight. Stay there and I will fix it myself when Seth gets back." She told me. I came closer because I wanted to see the cut myself. She wouldn't be able to see the dirt like I would.
Seth came back with the torso in his mouth. He was kicking the head like a soccer ball as he came. He kicked the head in and tossed the torso into the fire. He reached for the kit he attached to his hind leg by a cord. He pulled it out by the handle and tossed it to me and I caught it in mid air. Bella snorted with a small laugh at his antics.
"Let me see." I crouched down next to her. She slowly offered me her hand. I was starting to get so nervous that I scared her.
"I'm sorry," I whispered as I started to clean the cut. She was right, it was shallow. She must have just scraped up against something sharp. It wasn't even really bleeding anymore.
"For what, you just saved my life?" she gave me an appraising smile.
"I didn't scare you when I just killed in front of you?" I asked.
"No, I'm just being extra careful because of the blood. I know it bothers you. I didn't mean to get hurt, I'm sorry if I distracted you." She bit her lip.
"It worked to our advantage. Victoria was distracted enough for Seth to get the jump on her. Not that I want you to ever do that again." I smiled crookedly as she returned one sheepishly. I finished bandaging her then lifted her hand to my lips to kiss it softly.
"I'm just glad you're not seriously hurt." I helped her to her feet.
"Did either of them hurt you?" She her eyes scanned me all over. Her hands ran over my arms, chest, and she started to pepper my face with small kisses.
"I'm fine, love. She barely touched me." I pulled her into a kiss. Her fingers dug into my hair and tried to pull me closer. I pulled back when I heard a low grumble from Seth reminding me about the Volturi.
"Is Seth alright?" Bella asked looking guilty and worried about the young wolf.
"He's fine. He was just reminding me of something." I soothed her.
"The others, do we know if they are alright?" she still was concerned.
"Yes, it is all over with. We should head back now." I watched as her eyes darted around looking for something. She looked very angry too.
"What happened to Jacob?" I frowned. I was so caught up in protecting Bella I didn't pay attention to him during the fight. The last thing I saw was that he lunged towards Victoria, right after he threw Bella towards me.
Before I could answer Bella, my attention diverted to Seth.
He had found Jacob. I drew in a sharp breath. I hated the guy for all the danger he had put Bella in. But at least in the end he put Bella's safety first. Still I couldn't feel any remorse for what happened to him.
"Jacob is dead. Victoria killed him before he could phase." I explained. She blinked a few times and her expression was unreadable. She glanced away looking at Seth standing on the cliff looking down. She started walking towards Seth.
"Love, please stay away from the edge." I grabbed her hand trying to hold her back. She held on tightly but still leaned forward to look. I hope the sight wouldn't give her nightmares. She looked over the edge and drew in a sharp breath.
I could see him hundreds of feet down, broken. He almost white despite his dark skin. The veins near the bite were black and were spreading to the rest of the body. I hoped he was far enough down that Bella couldn't see everything.
I was aware of the wolves heading here to retrieve his body. Although they were angry with him, they did it out of respect for Billy.
"Once you have him, get as quick as you can to your borders. We will try to prevent the Volturi from coming to investigate up here." I told Sam through Seth.
"The Volturi is here?" Bella's eyes opened and she looked at me in alarm.
"Alice saw it. It was the complication I mentioned earlier. We need to head to the others now. They are going to wonder where we are." Bella nodded as she stepped forward. I bent down and she hopped up on my back. I took off towards the clearing.
BS&EC
I was half way there when I realized we weren't going to make it.
I stopped running and placed Bella behind me.
"What's going on?" Bella still held on to my back. I couldn't answer her though as Alec and Demetri came into view. I felt her slip her injured hand up my shirt and place it on my back.
"Edward, lovely to see you again, and your human, Bella is her name, correct?" Alec glanced at Bella over my shoulder. I didn't like how he said human. Caius will be interested that she's still human.
"Yes, her name is Bella." I nodded.
"You're not with your family. I thought you would help them during the fight." He questioned. Jane had sent the two of them to find me. Demetri seemed befuddled that he couldn't lock on to Bella's mind. I felt smug about that.
"Well once Alice saw the fight, I wanted to keep her far from it as possible." I explained.
"Of course," Alec seemed diplomatic. I can't see the attraction of the human though.
"Bella, I'm surprised that you're still human. Did Edward change his mind?" Alec looked over my shoulder at Bella. I could feel her stiffen.
"We thought it would be wise to wait until after high school graduation when I leave for college. My father is the police chief here; if I was to disappear too suddenly he would go looking for me. We were trying to be careful not to raise too much suspicion. I will be a vampire before the Fall." I admired Bella's confidence as she spoke to Alec without a trace of fear in her voice. In fact she seemed annoyed with him. Alec seemed fairly amused by this.
"See that she is. The brothers don't give second chances." Jane and Felix now joined us. Jane glared at Bella for half moment. I still don't see the appeal of this human.
Felix's thoughts I ignored because they not only were disgusting but he was trying to provoke me.
"Let's return home. The Cullens are innocent today." Jane tossed the others a bored look. We will be back sooner than later. She warned. I had no doubt she spoke the truth.
I waited until they were gone before facing Bella. I took her hand from under my shirt and doubled checked the bandage.
"I wasn't sure if it still smelt of fresh blood." She bushed slightly.
"So you were hoping my scent would mark you as mine?" I guessed with a small smirk. Her blush increased and her heart skipped a beat.
"Well, I'm yours," she declared softly lifting her eyes to mine.
"As I'm yours, Isabella." I smiled triumphantly as her arousal grew. She was unconsciously leaning into me more.
I have to say I was surprised with her mood. I expected her to be upset about Jacob.
"I'm sorry I couldn't stop Victoria before she killed Jacob." I brushed her back from her face. It was a lie, I couldn't care less that he was dead.
"I'm not. He got what he deserves. Hell, he got what he wanted." Bella's voice was colder than I have ever heard it.
"Love, are you sure you're alright? You don't sound like yourself." I asked softly.
"He's dead. He can't do anything to hurt either of us anymore." She said dismissively.
"Love, he was a close friend at one point. It's okay to be saddened by his death." I was growing concerned.
"Well, I'm not. He pushed too far this time. He lost any chance he had for forgiveness. Can we go back to the others now?" she asked. She was starting to sound irritated. I backed off not pushing the issue.
"Yes, of course." I nodded started to turn, so she could get on my back.
"Wait." Bella called once again. She was pulling her necklace up from under her shirt. "Will you help me with my ring?" Her request pleased me.
I reached around for the clasp, my fingers brushed against her neck. Her breath hitched as I unhooked and slid the ring off. I then held it up in front of her.
"You sure about this? Last chance to change your mind." I teased. She raised her own left hand and slid it on her finger.
"Yes, I'm sure. In fact I would marry you today if I could." Her voice rang with confidence. She lifted up on to her tip toes and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around her and lifted her with ease, returning the kiss. I pulled back when I knew she need to catch her breath.
"We could. If I start running now we can be in Vegas tonight." I grinned crookedly at her.
"And leave us with a ticked off pixie, I don't think so," Emmett snickered as he got closer to us. Jasper wasn't far behind him. I sure hope that was a joke.
"He's right. I would want our family there." Bella smiled before turning to my brothers.
"Is everyone alright?" She asked them with concern.
"Everyone is fine. Wasn't much of a battle." Jasper promised her.
"Yeah, only Jasper here was stupid enough to get bitten. He was trying to protect Alice." Emmett chuckled. Dude, was she pissed too. She was holding her own just fine.
"I'm sorry you got hurt." Bella frowned apologetically.
"I will survive. I'm sorry you got hurt." He looked pointedly at her hand.
"Just a scratch. But it worked enough to distract Victoria." Bella explained shyly.
"So you got her." Jasper looked pleased on the outside, but was inwardly concerned about Bella. I'm having trouble reading her emotions, is she really okay? That concerned me a bit. It was unusual for Jasper to be blocked.
"I had some help from Seth. He caught her off guard while she was distracted by Bella's bleeding." I informed them then in lower voice added. "Jacob is dead as well."
My brothers exchanged a look then glanced at Bella.
So is that a good thing? Emmett asked looking unsure, I nodded slightly. I felt Bella grasp my elbow. She seemed oblivious to the exchange.
"Umm, not to be rude, but can we get back to the house, please." Bella asked, she looked tired and a little cold.
"Sorry, love, right away," I apologized.
"Em and I will go grab your camping gear." Jasper disappeared into the woods. Emmett opened his mouth to make a lewd remark but I snarled. Okay, okay, I'm going.
I decided to scoop Bella up bridal style and ran with her all the way home.
BS&EC
I brought her directly to our room and placed her on the edge of the bed. She immediately got up.
"I'm going to shower. I smell like a campfire." Bella told me. No she didn't, she smelt intoxicating like always.
"Alright, would you like me to make you something to eat or we can go out somewhere." I offered. I was hoping she wanted to go somewhere just the two of us.
"A sandwich would be fine." I forced a smile as I nodded. She paused at the doorframe and turned back. "Maybe we can go to the meadow afterwards?" she asked looking hopeful. I was pleased by that idea. It would be more peaceful for both of us.
"That's sound great. I can pack everything up as a picnic if you like?" I suggested. A genuine smile appeared on Bella's face.
"I would like that." She agreed before disappearing into the room.
I headed down the stairs to the kitchen. Alice was cutting up some fruit and was putting it in a bowl. Esme was making a sandwich. Someone had started brownies and I could smell them baking.
"Thank you, ladies," I replied as both ladies beamed up at me.
"You're welcome, dear." Esme smiled as wrapped the sandwich.
"How is Bella?" Alice asked concerned. I hate that I couldn't see anything up there. I wish I could've warned you. I reached over and gave her shoulder a squeeze, so she knew I didn't blame her.
"I'm not sure. She says she fine, but she's not acting like herself. Jasper can't get a lock on her emotions." I sighed worrying.
"I'm sure she will be alright. She might be in a bit of shock or overload over everything that happened recently. She probably just shut down to recuperate. Just give her time." Carlisle patted me on the shoulder.
"I just wish I could do something for her." I admitted that I was at a loss.
"Be patient with her and give her any thing she might need. If she needs to be held, hold her. If she needs to vent, listen to her without judgment." Carlisle advised. Even if it is about Jacob. She may feel guilty he died. I frowned in disgust. His death wasn't her fault.
"Charlie will call around nightfall about Jacob's death. He's going to try to get her to attend the funeral." Alice placed a lid on the bowl of fruit.
"I'm not going to let her be forced into that." I shook my head.
"Will this work," Rose appeared with a small cooler like bag and placed it on the table.
"That is perfect. Thank you, Rose." Esme started to load up the cooler.
Rose turned to me with a skeptical expression. "I think you should encourage her to go."
I looked at her in surprise. Hear me out before you yell.
"She needs closure from him. I'm not saying she needs to forgive him. It can be two separate things. But if she doesn't get some sort of closure she could become bitter from holding it inside. I should know." She's too sweet of a girl to become bitter like I have.
"I'm still not going to force her. But I understand what you're getting at."
The alarm buzzed for the brownies and at the same time as I heard the shower shut off.
"Enjoy you afternoon. The two of you earned it." Alice had a sly smile on her face blocking me.
A/N: Both Jacob and Victoria are no longer threats. Rose is right Bella does need closure. I'm not saying Jacob deserves forgiveness though.
Thank You For All Reviews.
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Preview:
I was determined to have a good rest of the day. I wanted this morning as far from my mind as possible. I was still pissed the hell off that Jacob led Victoria right to us and set Edward up to be killed. Not mention all the crap he tried to lay on me like he was stepping aside when really he was setting Edward up to be killed. I don't even know what to think or feel about that he actually did die in the end? The Jacob box could be buried along with him in his grave never to be open again.
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