Chapter Fifty

Dante

So Veronique's little gift had worked perfectly, from a safe vantage point I had watched as Charlie Swan vomited his heart up every time he even smelled food. The rest of the family kindly leaving so I could see exactly what was going on for a while before I had to make myself scarce. Now I could report our experiment a resounding success and wait for new orders although I was pretty sure what they would be and I was right.

"It worked like a dream Stefan. Given a few days he would have been on his knees and dead within a week. Humans can't survive long without food and water. Veronique didn't even have try getting too close and they didn't suspect a thing."

"Very well. Then I think we can use her gift to get what we want. Have her use her gift on the girl and give it two days then contact The Major and offer him a deal, his mate's life in exchange for his help in our fight against the Volturi."

"Understood, and once he leaves with me?"

"Veronique is too valuable to leave behind so bring her along."

"And the girl?"

"She comes too as a safeguard, I'd hate The Major to turn on us once he gets here. I don't want him to know about Veronique though. She can travel separately with Angeline. Keep her well away from the Major. And Dante..."

"Yes."

"Don't mess this up. Its our best opportunity in a long while. Get him here and cooperative and you will be rewarded richly."

I explained the plan to the girls,

"All you have to do is use your gift on the girl as you did on the man and then relax until called on to withdraw it".

She nodded happy to be getting away from here at last but as she went to pack her few pitiful belongings Angeline confronted me,

"You knew what her gift was and you used it against me. That's why I couldn't feed when I'd been watching her isn't it? I was a guinea pig Dante!"

"I'm sorry but I needed to know her gift existed and how strong it was, and you were the only one I could use."

"You bastard. Why should I go with you?"

"If you want your reward then you have no choice. Besides where else would you go Angeline?"

She cursed and stormed out leaving me to take her spleen out on the shack which was almost falling down anyway.

Bella

I knew we had to go home soon but I was enjoying myself so much I hated the thought, Charlie was even less eager now he and Tanya had become so close, something everyone else viewed with some disbelief. When I quizzed Esme about it she had explained that female vampires, even those with such sexual appetites, were usually content once they had found their real mate.

"For Tanya to stay interested in your father shows very strange behaviour for a Succubus which is what Tanya is or at least was. I think he's really changed her and its going to upset the other girls and put everything in turmoil here. No one can quite believe it but if she is so attached then she might want to leave with him. What do you think of that?"

"Tanya in Forks? Wow!"

"Exactly. In the next two days things might get very interesting. Anyway call your dad in will you only lunch is ready."

I went outside where Tanya and dad were making a huge snowman and laughing happily as they did so. I called him then went inside missing Jasper who'd gone to hunt with Carlisle leaving me under Eleazer's protection and he was taking it very seriously being within feet of me if Edward were in the same room. The casserole smelled wonderful and I was starved by the time dad joined me so when Esme dished up a heaped plateful I was ready but as soon as I began to eat I started to feel nauseous and after three mouthfuls I couldn't eat any more, instead I ran for the bathroom feeling better when I'd thrown up but when Esme brought me a glass of water that made me sick again.

"Maybe you picked up the same bug Charlie had. Just take it easy for now, if you're ill when Jasper gets back we'll all be in big trouble."

Jasper

I hated the thought of being away from Bella with Edward so close so as soon as I had hunted, and luckily we found a polar bear not too far into the park I told Carlisle I was going back. He pointed out that there were plenty of people around to watch Edward but he also understood and waited until I'd fed before watching me head back, having resisted the urge to drink from the bear too. I ran back as fast as I could but it was still another day until I saw the cabin, just as the sun was setting and I knew before I reached it there was something very wrong. Racing to the door I crashed through it and I could smell the problem, someone was sick and it could only be Bella, just as Charlie had been some days before. Everyone looked at me as I raced up the stairs and along the landing to Bella's door. Inside I found her in bed Esme at her side holding her hand but my beautiful Bella looked so frail and pale.

"What happened? Bella?"

She lifted her head and smiled at me but I could see it was an effort.

"Don't worry Jasper its just the stomach bug Charlie had, Eleazer has looked at her, but I don't think she will be well enough to fly back for a few days."

I sank to my knees by the side of the bed and took her hand in mine, it felt cold and I wrapped it in the blanket before taking it again. Esme picked up the glass of water by the bed and tried to get Bella to drink from it but as soon as she took a sip she started retching and I could see there was nothing in her stomach to bring up. Eleazer came in as we sat there and motioned for me to join him so patting her hand I said I'd be back in a few minutes and followed him out.

"What is it? Is it the same bug Charlie suffered from?"

"I don't know Jasper. She doesn't have a temperature and there are no signs of an infection. It's very strange, but it seems much more debilitating."

"Is Edward involved?"

"No Jasper, this is nothing to do with him, he may make you feel sick but I seriously doubt he could have this effect on someone. He's been very careful to keep his distance while you've been gone."

"When did it start?"

"Soon after you left. She sat down to lunch with Charlie and suddenly felt nauseous and every time she eats anything or drinks it makes her vomit again. It only lasted just over twenty-four hours with Charlie so we're hoping it will pass soon but she might have to stay a couple of extra days and I know her father doesn't want to leave her here so I think he's trying to get cover for an extra week."

"As soon as Carlisle gets back I want him to examine her Eleazer."

"Of course, I'll ring him and get him back but she'll probably be getting better by the time he gets here anyway. In the meantime you sit with her, see if she can manage anything for you. Perhaps she'll be more relaxed with you by her side."

I nodded and went back inside to sit with her, taking her hand again and picking up the tumbler of water I offered it to her noticing her lips were very dry but she just shook her head.

"I daren't, it makes me retch and that hurts my throat and stomach, I'm so sore."

She started to cough then so I held her close until it subsided then lay her back down and she drifted off to sleep holding my hand tightly. The door opened and Charlie looked in,

"How is she?"

"About the same according to Esme but Carlisle is coming back and I'm sure he'll know what to do."

"Well if she feels as tired and sore as I did she's best off asleep."

I nodded and he went out only to be replace by Edward who took a few steps inside,

"I heard what you told Charlie but you're worried, do you think it could be serious?"

I knew from his emotions that he was genuinely concerned but I couldn't talk to him, not now. I just wanted to be alone with Bella. He caught my thoughts and nodded,

"Let me know if I can do anything."

Then he left shutting the door quietly behind him.