A/N – I really do appreciate the time you are all taking to read this story, and as always I thank you for the reviews and emails. I would just like to send a special thanks to Aussie Royal, once more, for her assistance (like her namesake, she is a force to be reckoned with and I for one am glad to have her on my side!) Thanks chum.
Chapter 82 - Circumstance
We both slowly turned as Rosalie appeared, closely followed by Antara. Both wore a smirk across their equally beautiful faces.
Okay, so what had just happened…?
"Sorry about that Rosalie, I couldn't help myself"
I glanced at Alice as we both steadily walked across towards Antara's parked motorbike.
"Oh, don't apologise, I loved it" Rosalie replied, the smirk now turning into a grin.
"Having fun?" Alice softly enquired, as Antara and Rosalie now joined us.
"If by fun, you mean teasing Emmet, definitely" Rosalie answered, as a smile appeared across my face.
"I love to provoke" Antara continued, as Rosalie started to laugh, "and torment…" She continued, a laugh now escaping her lips.
"Poor Emmet" I joked, as Antara smiled.
"Well, poor Emmet will think long and hard before he mocks Rosalie again" Antara continued, before winking at Rosalie.
Rosalie nodded, "You should have seen his face when Antara asked me if I wanted a ride on her bike… he looked…."
"Forlorn?" Antara suggested, as they both started to laugh again.
Alice also started to laugh as my eyes shifted to the object that had seemingly caused the banter to begin with.
"It really is a nice bike" I confessed, as Antara rested her elbow on the handlebars.
"Do you ride?" she asked casually, as I felt myself bite on my bottom lip.
"There is no way my dad would let me ride one of those things" I replied, adding "I can be a little… clumsy at times"
Antara's face broke out into a bigger smiled. "Perhaps before, but not once have I met a clumsy vampire…."
I smiled again. "I guess I keep forgetting" I answered honestly, as Rosalie motioned to the house with her hand.
"I know what would seriously annoy them… if we all got to ride this baby"
Alice laughed. "Now who likes to provoke and torment?" she asked lightly, as Antara raised an eyebrow.
"Now that is one hell of a suggestion" she finished, as I glanced back at the bike.
It really was tempting to have a go… but Charlie would kill me…
Bella… you're a vampire now! Charlie has more things to fret about than you getting injured on a bike…
"Well, she is a beauty" I finished, as Antara grinned.
"Thank you, I confess… bikes are my weakness" she replied, as her eyes glanced at the gleaming red motorcycle, the same red my eyes had been days earlier.
Three pairs of eyes watched as she tilted her head, a look of concentration appearing on her face.
"What do we have here….." Her voice trailed off as she moved to the opposite side of the bike, leaning down to retrieve something…
Three pairs of eyes widened as she lifted her hand back up, a red rose clasped between her fingers…
Reuben.
"I assume this isn't a welcome from one of you" she asked slowly, as Alice shook her head.
"Reuben" I whispered, as my eyes were now glancing around the woodland that surrounded us.
Antara looked down at the rose, turning it gently in her hand.
"And the attached message?" she enquired softly, as Alice held out her hand.
"May I?" she asked, as Antara placed the rose and card into Alice's hand.
"We should go back inside" Alice suggested, as she held out her free hand, taking mine in hers.
Reuben.
"Looks like we'll have to postpone that ride for now" Antara almost whispered as we walked back into the house, adding "I suspect more important things are about to happen…"
I knew deep down she was right.
I watched as Alice opened the card that was connected to the rose with a red ribbon.
"I thought he had grown tired of these games, I know I have" Emmet muttered, as Antara looked from Emmet to Alice.
"He won't stop playing until he has achieved his goal" she replied, as Carlisle nodded in agreement.
Alice slowly opened the card, and started to read.
Intuition let me see…
Alice, or
Mary…
Yes!
One or two…
Under which name shall you be?
Reuben… the only one who can see…
Fate brings you a new guest,
Antara, so I hear…
Truly, can she help this quest?
Eventually, she'll fear…
But one I will spare, when the
End game is near…
Love is what I offer you, a
Life with me, for eternity…
Alice or Mary, release your mate… Bella Swan I Am Your Fate…
Alice stopped and looked at me, her face etched with worry.
"I am your fate Bella"… Edward's words were low, yet crisp... another hidden message...
"I'm telling you, this dude is a fruitcake" Emmet continued, as my eyes still rested on Alice's.
What did it mean? What did any of it mean?
"He's a screwball, completely unglued…" Emmet continued, as Esme place her hand on his shoulder.
"Emmet dear, this isn't helping" she whispered as Emmet sighed.
Alice or Mary, under which name shall you be?
And how did he know Antara was here? Had he been watching us, again?
Carlisle looked from Alice to Edward.
"We should canvass the area, see if we can find anything"
Emmet immediately smiled.
"He knows I am here" Antara continued, as she flicked her coral eyes towards Jasper.
Jasper nodded, "He must have been watching us…"
Antara almost scowled. "Now I understand, this guy is bat shit crazy"
I watched as Carlisle glanced at Alice, and then at me, before he softly spoke.
"Perhaps you should both stay…."
I immediately understood…
Because you need to talk… because you are still a newborn… because the only way we are going to understand Reuben's words is if you see Alice's past…
Antara motioned to the door.
"Hell, I'm coming too, that bloody creep needs an ass kicking, and he'll never touch my bike ever again…."
Edward looked at me. "Shall I contact Jake? He needs to know the developments…"
I nodded as Alice slipped her arm around my waist. She still looked… stricken.
"Don't approach the reservation, I'll call Jake to meet us all here in an hour" I continued, as Antara frowned.
"Who's Jake?" she asked, as Emmet started to laugh.
"Leave out that little nugget of information did we Jasper?" he joked, as Jasper sighed.
"It's a long story Antara; I'll tell you later…"
Antara continued to frown, and then shrugged.
"Okay, I suspect this is going to be an entertaining story… but for now, lead the way"
I watched as Esme smiled at me, placing one hand on my shoulder and the other on Alice's.
"We will get to the bottom of this" she whispered, as both Alice and I nodded.
Carlisle was the next to appear at our sides, the look of concern on his face similar to the one Alice was displaying.
"I know you are both confused… but take this time to talk… we won't be long"
I nodded as Alice tried to smile.
"Thank you" she merely murmured as he gestured to Edward and Jasper.
"Let's go"
Rosalie appeared in front of us both.
"Emmet is right, Reuben is unbalanced… I'm not certain what his words mean but they are designed to install fear, in us all…but we can't be afraid of him"
Alice remained silent as Rosalie's gaze remained on us both.
We can't be afraid of him…
The realisation of Rosalie's words, and my deep inner emotions hit me hard…
"He has no power over me" I heard myself whisper, adding "He has no power over any of us… that's why he plays these games…. Well I won't play anymore Rosalie"
I turned my head to face Alice who was looking at me intently…
"I am not afraid of him, anymore…" I continued, my voice firmer now as Alice's hand gripped at mine, "I will finish this"
Rosalie looked at Alice before her eyes were back on mine.
"We will finish this"
Alice's voice caught both mine and Rosalie's attention as we both turned to face her.
Gone was the worried expression, instead she now looked… resolute.
And determined.
Now satisfied, Rose embraced us both quickly before leaving to join Jasper and Edward who were standing near the door, waiting for her.
"We will finish this, together" Edward continued, as Jasper nodded in silent agreement by his side.
"Collectively"
My head turned to see Antara, who had reappeared in the doorway.
"And now, we will leave you… I believe there are things you both need to discuss…."
As her voice trailed off, I felt Alice's grip tighten on my own even more.
"Relax, and collect your thoughts Bella. Feel Alice's spirit and vigour in your fingertips… feel her energy and you will receive a reaction… one that may help you both understand Reuben's words…"
Her eyes moved to Alice, "remember, he assumes he is the only one who can unlock the mystery surrounding your past… he uses mind games to agitate, mislead and baffle… but we have you Bella… he doesn't know what you can do…."
I watched as she broke into a dazzling smile.
"This assumption will be his downfall"
Antara's words were still echoing around my brain moments later when I found myself alone with Alice.
This assumption will be his downfall…
But what if I couldn't see Alice's past?
I hadn't been able to thus far…
"Bella, please, don't worry… as you said, it will come with time"
My eyes opened. I hadn't even realised they had been closed.
Antara's words came floating back to me…
I can only presume that your ability to shield not only stops others from penetrating your defences, but may also stop you from using yours, unless you experience extreme emotions…
Alice was still holding my hand, as she brought it slowly to her mouth. As her soft lips gently brushed my knuckles, I felt calmer.
"Thank you Alice" I whispered, as she quickly pulled me into an embrace.
"We will find him" I continued, as my hand found the back of Alice's head, pulling her in closer to me.
"I know we will" she whispered against my neck, "I just wish I knew when…."
Slowly she pulled away from me.
"You didn't have a vision?" I asked lightly, as she shook her head gently.
"No vision… nor did I sense his presence…" as her voice trailed off, I found myself cupping her cheek.
"Alice, I didn't sense him either… remember what Carlisle told us? That Reuben is equally capable of masking and unmasking his presence, depending upon his desire at that moment in time… one minute, you can see him, and Jasper can sense his emotions… the next… nothing"
Alice slowly nodded, although I knew she was still frustrated.
"He can shield himself from other vampires at any given moment Alice… shield himself, like me. Perhaps his gift is similar to mine? I am able to shield myself somehow… perhaps he is also able to? We suspect he can shield his presence… well perhaps I can shield mine… in which case…."
Before I could finish, Alice started to shake her head vigorously.
"No Bella, you are not going to find him alone… I can't let you do this alone… he's strong… I can't let you put yourself in any danger"
Slowly I ran a finger across Alice's bottom lip.
"Alice, I would never seek Reuben out alone… but remember what Carlisle said, we could use this to our advantage…"
Alice sighed as my finger moved from her lip to the side of her cheek.
"But you don't know how you shield yourself Bella" she whispered.
I smiled.
"True, but I manage to shield my thoughts from Edward, I am sure if I work with him on that, I may come a little closer to understanding how I do it… especially if Antara helps?"
Alice seemed to pause as she digested my words.
"Okay… but I want to the there too, I am not leaving your side" she whispered, as I leant forward, removing my finger I placed a chaste kiss where it had rested.
"I hate this" she whispered, as I lifted my head back.
"No more kissing?" I asked lightly, as her face broke into a smile.
"Tease" she murmured, as I started to grin.
"Well, if you hate it…."
Before I could finish, her lips were on mine, as her tongue immediately demanded entry. I opened my mouth slightly as her tongue darted inside, brushing up against my own. As she tilted her head slightly, words escaped her lips…
"I hate Reuben" she mumbled against me, as my teeth found her bottom lip, nibbling slowly…
"And there is only one predetermined course…" she continued, as her teeth now found my bottom lip…
"You and me, together, forever" she finished, as I heard myself growl.
Yes, fate was ours… Reuben was merely a circumstance… one we would terminate… and soon…
Everyone soon appeared back at the house, each one looking disappointed and a little miffed, especially Antara and Emmet.
"Hell, I just wish we could find him" Emmet seemed to mutter as he entered the front room, throwing himself down on the sofa.
"Compose yourself Emmet, we will eventually" Carlisle answered as he glanced at me.
I slowly shook my head.
He immediately understood.
I hadn't witnessed anything from Alice's past…
"I'll be in my study if anybody needs me… I have a little research I need to do"
Esme gave me an encouraging smile as she followed Carlisle out of the room.
"When I find him, I'm going to rearrange his face" Antara muttered, as Jasper placed a hand on her shoulder.
"And don't you dare try and calm me Jasper, I'm not in the mood" she continued, as she threw herself down on the sofa opposite Emmet.
"What's wrong" I asked, as Edward slowly seated himself next to Emmet, a smile on his face.
"Quit smiling Eddy, and quit reading my thoughts, its impolite" she spat, as Edward's smile widened.
"I'm trying not to, Antara, but believe me when I say they are bouncing around this room in stereo…."
Rosalie seated herself next to Antara.
"I'm certain we can fix it" she mumbled, as Antara almost huffed.
"Okay, what is going on?" Alice now asked clearly confused as I was.
"That…. parasite… has damaged my bike… severed the break cable… well when I find him, I'll sever his bloody neck…"
The room fell silent as Jasper sat on the other side of her, almost gingerly.
"Jasper…. I'm warning you… I don't want to be calm right now, okay?"
I felt myself smile as Jasper shrugged.
"You really are cool" Emmet continued, as Jasper sighed again for the second time that day.
"Please don't encourage her" he mumbled, as Edward started to laugh.
"What is so amusing?" Jasper asked, as Alice and I walked across to join the discussion.
"Erm… lets just say I wouldn't sit there for much longer if I were you…." Edward replied, as Jasper rolled his eyes.
"I think we all need to take a time out here, and discuss what we need to do next. Antara, we can fix your bike…."
Antara raised her eyebrow.
"I know I can fix my bike, Jasper, but I would much rather fix a certain deadbeat leech who…."
Before she could finish, another voice interrupted.
"Hey, is it safe to come in?"
Jake.
Antara turned her head and stood as Jake entered the room.
"Do you make a habit of interrupting people" she almost hissed, as Jake's brow scrunched.
"Who the hell are you?" he asked, looking at me for some kind of answer.
Oh… this was going to be… interesting…
"I see you lack manners in general then" Antara continued, as her brow also scrunched.
"What the hell is that smell?" she hissed, as Emmet started to laugh.
"Antara, meet Jake, our resident wolf boy"
I watched as Antara's brow scrunch even more.
Yeah… really interesting…
"Another vampire? Isn't there enough of you already?" Jake asked, a twinkle appearing in his eye.
Antara's jaw literally dropped as her eyes shot to Jasper.
"You allow him to enter, and you know what he is?" she asked, almost dubiously.
"Antara, Jake is a friend of mine… he knows what we all are, and he knows all about Reuben, he is here to help" I replied, as her gaze shifted to me.
"Help, Antara, as opposed to hinder…." Jake muttered, as she turned to face Jake again, taking a few quick strides closer to him.
"I don't need a lesson on the meaning of words Wolfie" she replied dryly, as Jake shrugged.
"So what's your problem" he asked, a twinkle appearing in his eye again.
Antara rolled her eyes.
"Right now, your pungent smell" she answered, a smirk appearing on her face.
"Antara, Jake, please calm down" Jasper pleaded as Jake grinned.
"You don't exactly smell like a bouquet of flowers yourself" he replied, a smirk now appearing on his face.
Antara edged closer, "Keep going junior… I need someone to take my mood out on…" she continued calmly as Jake held up both his hands.
"I am so scared" he finished, as she placed a finger on his chest.
"You will be" she whispered, as a chill ran along my spine.
She was… rather intimidating when she was angry…
Jake almost gulped as he took a small step back. And then another.
"Please, stop it, the both of you" I pleaded, as both Jake and Antara looked at me.
"We have an enemy, somewhere, out there" I continued, pointing to the door. "We don't need enemies, in here as well" I finished, as Jake huffed.
"Well she started it" he mumbled, as Antara smirked again.
"And I was this close to finishing it too, junior" she replied, as Jasper stood and place a hand on both Antara and Jake's shoulder.
"Bella is right, enough" he hissed, as both Jake and Antara nodded slowly…
"Friends" Jasper continued, as Antara looked at him.
"What?" she asked, as Emmet started to laugh.
"Not now Emmet" Rosalie chastised, as Jake also looked at Jasper.
"Friends?" he asked, as Jasper nodded.
"Shake hands" he instructed, as a smile now appeared on both mine and Alice's face.
"You've got to be joking Jasper, I'm not shaking hands with her" Jake almost huffed, as Antara held out her hand.
"Why, scared I'll hurt you" she asked sweetly, as Jake shook his head, taking Antara's hand in hers he shook it roughly.
"See, that wasn't hard, was it" Emmet bellowed from the sofa, as Jasper turned to face Emmet.
"We need solidarity between everyone in this room if our alliance is going to work, so you can wipe that smile off your face Emmet because you're next…."
Emmet frowned, "I ain't shaking hands with a wolf" he muttered as Antara sat back down.
"Nothing to it Emmet, he handshakes like a baby" she replied, as Jake huffed again.
"Great, another patronising female vampire, just what I need" he spat, as Rosalie quickly stood.
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" she almost seethed, as Jake smiled sweetly at her.
"Well if the shoe fits, Rosalie" he replied, as Rosalie suddenly appeared by his side.
"Don't push me Jake" she spat as Jasper sighed, for the third time that day.
"Can we all, please, calm down…? I can't control all of these emotions" he replied as Jake turned to face him.
"It's not my fault those two are suspicious of me" he replied, a little more gently as Edward stood.
"They are not suspicious Jake, merely wary… now can we please take on board Jaspers suggestion, and calm down?"
"I am calm" Rose replied, sitting back on the sofa, folding her arms across her chest.
"Me too" Antara continued, mimicking Rosalie's stance.
"Yeah, if calm is to act agitated, angry and ruffled your both definitely calm" Jake continued with a smirk.
It was going to be a long evening…