An Unresolved Past

This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. WARNING: This is an adult version of twilight and will have sexual submission and violence (after all; the story revolves around vampires). This is not for the faint of heart; it is very dark and has sexual content. 18+

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.

Chapter 19I walk in the realm of the supernatural *

Walking in the door she automatically began dinner and; after all cooking had always been her way to escape anxiety and at the moment she needed a distraction. While she was working she thought back over the last five years.

Although Leah had left home and was now staying with her sister in Hawaii, Seth was still living with her and this was his last year in Forks. Next year he would be leaving for college, so this year she was determined to give him a warm home. After all he had lost his father Harry with whom he had been very close and yet he had allowed her, even encouraged her, to live with Charlie. Without Seth's blessing she would have never remarried.

A few hours later Sue was finished with cooking and a moment after she put the meal in the oven she heard Seth's car arrive. Quickly opening the door she waved her hands to get his attention and put her index finger to her mouth in a silent request to be quiet.

She then walked outside saying "Lets drink something before dinner. Charlie seems to have had quite an ordeal when he was in Europe and was so exhausted that he fell asleep on the couch. We'll let him sleep for a couple of hours and he can eat later".

Sue had made Seth's favourite and quickly set something apart for Charlie to eat. They had just finished dinner when Sue heard Charlie move about in the other room and when they began to clean away the dishes Charlie stood in the door-frame of the kitchen. "What happened? All of a sudden I couldn't keep my eyes open".

Hearing this Seth decided it was time to go to the living room; after all, his mother had done this trick to his father often enough. Given his heart problem she would often put something in his drink when he wasn't looking so that he was forced to relax. He looked at his mom and seeing the guilt written in her eyes he said "I'll be next door if anyone needs me"

Charlie was still a little sluggish as he slowly walked up to the table to sit down. He then bowed his head and held it between both hands in a feeble attempt to stop the room from spinning.

Sue came up behind his and wrapping her arms around him she whispered "You were exhausted from your trip; I guess your body just couldn't stand the strain".

She then sat in the chair across from him and he slowly removed one of his hands to look at her and with a hint of accusation he moaned "Uh huh".

She watched his movements and then she tried to catch his eyes. Once she did she said "Really Charlie, I know it must be difficult but you have to try to relax. I don't want to lose you like I did Harry".

Carefully removing his second hand he stared at her saying "How can you even believe my story; after all it is difficult enough for me to accept it; and I saw her"

At the moment Seth came in to get something to drink and inadvertently asked "Saw who?"

The room went quiet and both Sue and Charlie looked at one another with a meaningful gaze. Seth didn't press for an answer but decided a little eavesdropping would help him to sufficiently nourish his curiosity.

Once he left the room Sue dished up Charlie's dinner and when she sat down Charlie began to whisper "You must understand that I have to go to the reservation with this; I feel like I'm drowning I need help. You said Jacob could help and I need to see him as soon as possible".

She motioned to the meal she had set down saying "First eat; you won't be able to even go to him in this condition".

Charlie rolled his eyes seemingly exasperated by her calm acceptance of the situation and whispered "OK but then I'm going"

As he ate in silence Sue said "Jacob had a better idea, he wants to meet you at your office tomorrow morning"

Charlie shook he head 'no' at the suggestion and once his mouth was empty he replied "Can't wait until the morning".

Sue countered "You must, just in case you are being followed; Jacob doesn't want the tribe involved".

He quickly replied saying "Maybe they followed me to the airport but I doubt they are here. I know their rich but why would they follow me now that I'm in Forks".

"I don't know but we can't take the chance" Sue insisted.

After Charlie had finished his meal he stood up saying "I'm sorry Sue but I have to go"

"I wouldn't if I were you". Both heard Seth's words and turned to see the boy peer around the doorpost.

Both Charlie and Sue looked at Seth and the hearing the ominous tone in his voice Charlie asked "What are you talking about Seth?"

While Sue asked "Were you eavesdropping?"

Seth looked up at his mother challenging any warning she would voice and then he nodded his head towards the door saying "Maybe I was, but I can tell you both that I don't think it would be wise for Charlie to go out there, it's dangerous!"

"What do you mean?" Charlie asked as he observed the facial expression on Sue's son then turning to face Sue he repeated "what does he mean?"

Seth looked at his mother and said "There is a sickly sweet smell coming through the living room window"

Sue turned a deathly grey and mumbled to herself "I hate being right" then looking up to Charlie she said "Please believe him; it is dangerous not only for you but for all of us and the tribe"

In frustration Charlie retorted "I don't understand any of this! Would someone please explain how a smell can mean danger?"

Sue walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him trying to give him comfort as she laid her head on his chest. Then looking up into his eyes she gently stroked his cheeks with the palm of her hand as she said "I know honey but an explanation at this time would only confuse you more and bring us all in danger; please take my word for it. You can call Jacob in the morning and I will come with you. I love you and I want to help but we have to be cautious because our actions will not only affect our lives but the lives of so many others".

Charlie knew Sue enough to realize that if she said this; it was true. "Damn" he muttered as he walked up the stairs leaving Seth alone with his mother while he went upstairs to look for the bottle of aspirin he kept for emergencies.

That night he took some aspirin, in an attempt to stop the increasing headache his skull was nursing. When he went to his bedroom he accepted the comfort Sue offered and after a long time he slowly passed into a restless sleep the dreams somewhat similar to those on the plane.

The next morning Charlie woke up as the alarm clock rattled next to him. He was sluggish and had difficulty shutting the thing off. Frustrated by his failure to shut the thing off he picked it up and threw it across the room narrowly missing Sue as she came into their bedroom. "Well good morning to you too" she teased.

He peeked through the slits of his eyes and taking in the situation and automatically apologized for almost hitting her. After rubbing his face with both hands he swung his feet out of bed as he she walked towards him. He held her waist and buried his face in her tummy as she stroked his hair. Umm that feels good" he whispered.

Slowly he let go of her and when she took a step away from him he stood up and made his way to the bathroom in search of a new supply of aspirin, just in case the throbbing returned. Although his head felt like it was filled with wads of cotton the pain had diminished to a tolerable level and he wished to keep it that way.

When he had shaved he came back to the room to see that Sue was already dressed and she passed him by saying "I'll only be a minute"

As they left Charlie banged on the door of Bella's old room and shouted to Seth "Kiddo get up for school; your mom and I are going to the police station"

When they arrived Charlie saw Jacob's car in front of the office and softly mumbled "Thank god"

Stepping out of his car he walked up to the office while Sue went to the diner to get them all something to eat; after all she had heard the story and she knew it would take a long time for him to relate everything to Jacob.

Once she was back she took in the food and seeing the deputy she smiled as she pointed to the grub saying "I brought something for the guys" and then she dipping a hand into the bag saying "I also brought you your favourite".

Surprise and charmed by her thoughtfulness he smiled saying "He cappuccino, thanks Sue that was very thoughtful!"

"Your very welcome and think nothing of it!" she said as she casually smiled back.

She then went to the back room and joined the two men. As she had already expected Charlie had filled him in on his European visit. Now Charlie was showing Jacob the note and seeing the Jakes confusion Charlie filled in "Yeah, I didn't understand it either; hell it's all a riddle for me. When I first saw her I didn't believe it! If she hadn't made that slip of the tong I still wouldn't! But why? What is wrong with her? Why has she got read eyes and why do they want her? She doesn't seem to be too happy in the company of that Aro guy and yet she's engaged to him. Why?"

"What do you mean?" Jake asked his voice showing his shock at this news.

Charlie looked at the wall trying to gather the right words to explain himself. He then turned towards Jacob saying "He seemed to be glued to her; always watching her. They said they were engaged to be married but I got a bad vibe when I was watching them hug. Bells whole body language was off"

Charlie then gave into his helplessness saying "Why has this happened?" Then all of a sudden he seemed to realize something and turning towards Jacob he said "When I told you she was alive, you weren't surprised; you knew! I could see it! Why didn't you tell me?"

Jacob looked back, his face riddled with guilt as he explained "Knowledge brings danger and Bells made me swear secrecy; she didn't want anyone else hurt and when I saw the love she held for her husband, I was at peace".

"What husband? What the hell are you talking about?"Charlie roared as he walked over to Jacob.

It was then that Jacob mumbled "Please sit down Charlie and I will try to tell you as much as I can" after Charlie sat down Jacob took a swivel chair next to him and turned it so that he could lean on the headrest.

Jacob was frustrated at his slip of the tong and with his index finger on his mouth he motioned to the window as he reluctantly clarified himself "It's difficult to explain but when Bell's went to Italy to see Edward she met and married someone there"

Charlie put up his hands in indignation his voice a bit softer but no less angry "My good... this story gets better and better! Who the hell did she marry and why wasn't I told"

Jake signed and muttered "It is a very, very old, powerful and wealthy family. At first she didn't want to marry but then she didn't get much of a choice"

Charlie looked up at Jakes face, searching for a further information as he said "What the HELL!"

Holding his hands up as he tried to calm Charlie he said "It all worked out in the end when last I saw her she was quite happy with him"

"Who is this Aro person? Is that her husband? Charlie probed.

Jake signed "Not her husband, if it was she still would be happy. No, her husband had an accident"

Charlie frowned and inquired "Why didn't she come back home. As far as I can see she doesn't seem to like this Aro person".

Frustrated by the way this conversation had gotten out of hand he retorted "She can't; She just can't; it's extremely dangerous for all involved if she does. That's why she didn't want you to even know she is alive. I'm sorry I can't tell you more but the more I tell you the more dangerous it is for everyone"

"Everyone keeps saying that but when it comes down to it I have lost Bella and with all this secrecy I still don't have any idea of what is going on" Charlie sighed.

Holding the note in the air Jake said "This note can be a key to helping our search; otherwise she wouldn't have given it to you in such secrecy".

"Yeah, but it's so secret no one understands it". Charlie complained with a large dose of frustration.

"Maybe she couldn't write openly; afraid that if it was found on your person it would have put you in danger. May I please have it? I want to show someone else maybe he can help".

Charlie looked at the note and he nodded his head as he asked "Who?"

"I'm not at liberty to say but I promise to give it back". Jacob said as he tucked the note in his pocket.

Appealing to his Jacob's integrity Charlie asked "Do you promise to tell me what it means as soon as you know? I don't want to be left in the dark; after all it was given to me".

"I promise" he said his sincerity unmistakable. Then looking at Bell's father he added "I can't imagine your pain but please believe me when I say that Bells has always had a special place in many a heart and we are watching over her".

Having said that Jacob gave them both a hand and at the door he turned to give them a small apologetic smile saying "I'll call as soon as I can".

Jacob wasn't about to go to the Cullen's homestead until the evening and only if his nose no longer picked up the sickly sweet smell that seemed to linger in Forks since Charlie's arrival.

That evening he went to the Cullen's old home and taking one last whiff to be sure he opened the sliding door of the veranda and quickly entered.

"Thought you'd never come" Jake said pacing the floor as Edward came into the room

Edward was surprised by his words and asked "Is something wrong?"

Jake turned to face him arms over one another as he spoke "Yeah well I've been busy trying to keep the other leaches away"

Stunned and concerned by Jacob's words Edward asked "What's going on?"

Jacob then brought him up to date over their situation saying "It seems that Charlie is being followed. He told Sue that he had been followed from Greece and thought that once he was in Forks they had gone. Seth however smelt them outside their home last night; unless someone of your clan was out there".

Edward frowned and his tone became anxious, shaking his head he said "No the others are coming but knowing it would take them a while to get rid of Demetri guest; I went ahead".

"Well anyway our hunch was right" he announced his anger visibly building "Your dear old king Aro had taken him".

"Are you sure?" Edward asked, his mind already realizing that the question was pointless.

Jake looked him strait in the eyes as if he thought Edward was purposely avoiding the truth and told him "He told his name to Charlie".

"Why the hell do something like that; it's against all code. Once a human has insight to the vampire world he is unpardonably executed"

Jake gave him scornful chuckle saying "I can tell you why; the bastard is using Charlie to force Bella to do something she wouldn't otherwise do".

"But what?" Edward asked

"It seems she has taken Aro as her new fiancé". Then looking at the Edward's gasp of surprise he said "Yeah! I sure as hell know that wasn't her decision; not if the bond she had with Caius was as potent as I was told. From what Charlie told me, Aro watches her like a hawk. Charlie said he sensed Aro was controlling her every move".

After a moment Jacob added "Maybe the only reason Charlie is still alive is because no one told him that he was staying at a vamp mansion".

"Aro chose Alec to help Bella improve her mental and physical abilities and Athenodora always hinted that Alec was more engrossed with her than he would openly admit! That's why I always considered Alec a threat…never Aro.

After a moment of thinking things through he looked up at Jacob and said "Aro had his mate executed three years ago for treason. With her out of the way he could make Bella his mate; not only control Bella's gift but also her soul. If this is true the situation could be worse than we fear".

Stunned by Edwards's words he muttered "Is that even possible?"

"Oh yes" Edward explained. "Most vampires of the Volturi coven are centuries old; Aro was born around 1300 BC when he was in his thirties so you can imagine what woman's rights were then. There are some that change as you have seen but most hang on to the old customs. Caius was like that too but because his bond with Bella was so special he was able to bend his ways".

Jacob's anger changed to disbelief as he stated "So let me get this straight; you mean is she is actually some sort of slave and this Aro is using Charlie and his family as leverage?"

Edward snorted in disgust as he answered "Who knows, maybe he is using more than them".

Jacob became furious and punching one of the walls he hissed "The bastard! Now we really have to find Caius; soon we will all be dependent on him".

The wall was now pulverized but neither of them seemed to have a problem with that as their minds wandered to possible threats they may have to face in the future.

Without thought Jacob stuck his hands into the pocket of his jeans and feeling the paper inside he slowly pulled it out saying "That's right, I got this from Charlie".

Holding it in both hands he looked up towards Edward saying "Neither one of us can make any sense of it but maybe you might"

He then passed it over to him and after Edward unfolded it he read the letter out load.

"This isn't easy" Edward said as he moved over toward Jacob so that he could read it with him "she had to cloud the issue otherwise it would have put Charlie in danger but I see something that may be of importance. This line…" he said as his finger pointed towards the quote " '…..our minds are silent'.That may mean that Charlie is also impervious to Aro's gift".

"And pray tell, what is his gift" Jacob hesitantly asked, not even certain if he wanted to know.

"He is like me but instead of reading minds from a distance he has to touch skin. When he does touch his victim he can not only read thoughts but the persons whole life leaving no secrets unrevealed. That way he is able to uncover any plot against the coven" Edward explained.

At that moment Jacob thought of something Charlie had said and conveyed it to Edward

"Charlie told me that he behaved strangely when he gave Charlie his hand"

"How so?"

Jacob tried his best to recall the words Charlie used to describe it then said "First of all he encased Charlie's hands with both of his and then he closed his eyes as if waiting for something. When Charlie tried to break his grasp Bella warned him not to. After a couple of minutes he left in a bit of a huff and after that Bells wasn't able to see him alone".

Edward smiled to himself understanding the circumstances "That could be it; Aro allows freedom knowing that he can always find the truth with a touch of his hand. Bella knows that and wouldn't tell him anything for fear of Aro's wrath but then, he found out that he couldn't read Charlie's mind. Once he realized that, he couldn't leave her alone with him for fear that she might tell him everything and Aro wouldn't be the wiser".

Looking at the letter again he pointed to another line "That could also be a clue; look at the letter" he said while pointing to another quote. Seeing Jake's confusion he clarified the quote saying "here she writes 'the truth is possible although difficult to find for it is hidden and guarded daily…..annually'

"I can read the words but what the hell does it mean?" Jake voiced his frustration growing.

"It may mean just that! The truth is being guarded daily is a normal remark but annually; no usually people don't think that way. So it must mean that the truth that Charlie seeks is guarded". He then looked up from the paper to Jacob's face and said "Aro doesn't want the truth to be found and will guard it not only daily but yearly. I would say that it points to the fact that Charlie will be watched by the Volturi for a year or so".

"And?" Jacob asked still confused.

"Don't you see" Edward said his mind working over time as he explained "It means we can take him in our confidence without harming him; he is impervious to Aro's gift. In the same note she warns him that he is being watched and therefore must be careful. Aro's spies must never see my family meet him. We will have to stay away from him otherwise the Volturi will think we are giving him information".

"Oh, that's just great!" Jacob said his frustration getting the better of him "Charlie is impatiently waiting for some sort of explanation and I have to be the messenger". Then glaring at Edward he shouted "It's truly amazing how when you think you've hit rock bottom; it can get worse".

"What can I say?" Edward pleaded "You know I'm sorry that you got stuck with this. But I think it is important that he's aware of the danger he is in. If he doesn't he may do something rash and bring the whole Volturi coven on top of him, us and the tribe. You have to explain this to him before this happens".

Jacob paced the room as Edward considered the situation. After a minute Jacob erupted "Tell him! Tell him what exactly? That his daughter is a vampire and is living with an ancient and very dangerous coven? You have got to be kidding! If he's worried now what do you think he will be when he finds that out…that is…if he even believes me".

Edward began to reason with Jake saying "After what he has witnessed; I think he won't need all that much convincing".

Jake stopped in his tracks and gave Edward a skeptical look asking "And if that's not enough? What if he wants to know more about the coven?"

Edward shrugged his shoulders "I think it is better that he gets this news in person and not via a phone but you can give him my number. You must however emphasize the importance of calling me with an untraceable phone".

"Sue had that covered as soon as she got her first call from Charlie" Jacob quickly answered

Edward gave a sigh of relief as he said "Good, if the Volturi gets just a whiff of what we're doing we will all be hunted down".

"Yeah they still have an ace in the hole with that tracker of theirs" Jake groaned thinking of

Demetri "from what I understand he can hunt vamps and humans".

Edward quickly corrected him "He can hunt anything as soon as he recognizes their brainwaves then all he has to do is zoom in"

Jake quirked his head and looking Edward strait in the eyes he asked "Does this Alec dude that Athenodora warned you about have any talents I should know of?"

Edward usually didn't speak of the Volturi unless necessary but realized that Jacob had a right to know what he was getting into so he looked him in the eye saying "Yes, actually he is a very, very dangerous adversary. He can take away all you senses; smell, sight everything; when he does that, you are ready for the slaughter".

Jacob threw his hands in the air asking Edward "How does Bells do it?"

Edward gave him a perplexed look asking "How does she do what?"

Jacob was shaking his head in frustration as he explained his question "How does she get herself involved with these characters?"

Edward shrugged his shoulders and declared "Just unlucky"

* Benny Hinn

Note from the author:

First of all I wish to thank everyone who sent a review or commented on my story. I understand for some that its progress seems to be slow but I hope they are able to bear with me. Please have patience with me as all chapters have a purpose (even if it's only to entertain). My last story was open because I had to punish the perpetrators but didn't want to botch the job by hastening into an end. Another thing was I couldn't resist the possibility of a new and better ending to the story and using an irresistible character like Aro. The whole purpose of my writing for fanfiction is to exercise different writing styles and to improve my English (as I haven't made use of it for years). As I said please bear with me! Love you all! You have given me the courage to be myself.