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 4 – Though lovers be lost, love shall not
Bella had no idea where she was running only an inexplicable instinct that it was the good direction. Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone resembling Demetri. She dare not slowdown, let alone allow him to deter her from her mission so she blindly kept on running. All of a sudden she cried "No…." as she felt an enormous despair engulf her senses. Then the second tremor came disorientating her further. This time the quake was enormous causing a tree bordering Bella's path to fall. Stupefied by both the quake and her senses Bella didn't see the danger until she was pinned to the ground by its branches.
She laid there trying to regain her equilibrium while the world around her crumbled. She felt an immeasurable loss and tried to block the void that threatened to engulf her; knowing it would only paralyze her actions. Struggling to free herself from the branches she felt someone approach and fearing it to be an enemy she turned her head hissing a warning; her body ready to strike. Then, just before Demetri could help she escaped the grasp of the branches and resumed her flight.
Demetri had seen Bella from a distance and mumbled to himself "what the hell is happening? She should be with the women not unguarded and in the wilderness".
Witnessing her erratic behaviour he feared for her sanity and quickly altered his course, following Bella. After a mile or so a large earthquake struck and as he fought to keep his balance as he watched the tree trap Bella. Once the ground ceased to shift he made his way forward in a hope to liberate her from her restraining situation however a moment before he arrived, she had already freed herself resuming her course.
Seeing the mad desperation in her eyes and not knowing what was going on, he followed her fearing that she was on a path of self-destruction. They ran for what seemed hours with Bella just a moment ahead of him, she seemed to have the speed of someone possessed. Then she abruptly stopped, her figure illuminated by the glow of the silent stars overhead. After a moment she suddenly and expectantly fell to her knees. Demetri was perplexed, but then this whole damn chase had been confusing. The mystery was quickly revealed; as he approached his eyes focused on the object in front of her and instantly recognized the sword as that of Caius. She hesitantly reached out for it, her face overpowered by grief and he watched as she grasped the hilt of the sword.
Kneeling beside her he saw tears of blood flow from her eyes; something he had never beheld in all his time as a vampire. She looked up at the sword and muttered "I felt his desperation" but he wasn't aware if the words were directed to him or if she spoke to herself.
Turning to her face towards Demetri he saw the grief turn into hate as she asked "do you smell that too?" It was at that moment that he recognized the sweet smell which made him speechless.
"It was him!" she screamed her face contorted with rage "I can still smell his scent"
Standing up, she cast her eyes over the surrounding area screaming "Come out you bastard; show yourself!"
Then, inhaling the cold night air she seemed to catch a scent and her face turned towards the cliff of ice nearby and the abyss beyond. Demetri kept close not daring to leave her side but became anxious as she began to walk towards the edge. Her smile grew with every step but when she got within twelve feet from the precipice he pounced.
Vexed by his determination she fought for her release bringing them both closer to the edge as she fumed "Let me go! He is there I can still feel him. Damn it Demetri I have to go to him; he needs me".
Demetri was uncompromising using all his strength to hold her but was surprised by her strength and gradually felt her slipping out of his embrace. Demetri sensed another presence close in on them and scanned to see if it was friend or foe. Needing his vigour to hold onto Bella he had no energy to search the brain impression of the incoming vampire; for he knew it was a vampire.
He was gratefully surprised when he heard Felix bellow "What the hell is going on?"
"Don't just stand there, help me! She's hell-bent on jumping" Demetri shouted with difficulty.
All of a sudden he felt Felix grab her and he sighed with relief as he was able to let go. Felix swiftly brought Bella away from the edge as Demetri explained what had happened. But it was difficult to do so with Bella constantly squirming, hissing and swearing.
After a quarter of an hour Bella had given up and Felix felt her body slacken in his arms as she began to lament "Please let me go, I need to find him"
At that moment the other men came and Carlisle asked "How is she?"
Bella looked up and with anguish in her eyes she said "The bastard sent Caius over the cliff".
Demetri turned towards the sound and while scrutinizing the men he suspiciously asked "How did you even know that she was out here?" Demetri asked while looking at the men with suspicion.
"Athenodora called me and asked me to gather the others and search for her. We didn't know what was going on only that she was distraught and left the others in search of Caius". Reilly explained as he observed Bella; he had known her for almost five years and had never seen her like this; her face and body were streaked with blood. Her clothes were torn and pine needles clung to them as well as her hair.
As they spoke Bella pleaded "Please Carlisle, tell Felix to let me go!"
Carlisle came closer saying "Bella, Felix must have a reason to hold on to you. What did you do?"
Before Bella could answer Demetri said "she tried to jump".
This shocked the others as Bella explained "Caius is still alive, I can feel it; he needs help"
Demetri looked over the edge and said "Impossible, even he could not survive the crushing ice. I would feel his impression if he were alive".
Bella turned and hissed at Demetri screaming "I am bonded with him; if anyone should know it would be me"
While in debate she didn't notice Carlisle approach until she felt the needle penetrate her armoured skin. Before she could react the medication took affect causing her body to relax and surprising Felix.
Carlisle shrugged his shoulders saying "Well we don't need it for the stranger anymore and given
Bella's state of mind it was a crucial that she be calmed down"
Felix nodded his head as he picked Bella's body up and held her in his arms.
Not knowing if the culprit had left the area they decided to bring Bella back to the coven and the comfort of the women there. Riley however decided to follow the scent hoping to find someone; Demetri and Felix would accompany him removing any chance of facing an attack.
Before they left each other's company Demetri borrowed a telephone to inform Aro of the situation and in the meantime Carlisle called Esme to inform the women of the situation.
Emmett gently took Bella's body out of Felix's arms and the Cullen's raced towards their coven.
Soon after they arrived the women laid Bella in her bed as Esme spoke with Carlisle saying "I'm worried; I can't get a hold of Alice or Jasper." She then explained the situation more fully, telling him the details and looking at him for guidance.
She then added "To top it all off, Aro called just before you arrived and was furious that something like this could happen. He is sending Jane and Alec down to 'investigate' the situation and I have a feeling he will call us back to Volterra to conduct an inquiry there; after all that is the usual procedure. We have to do something; I don't trust Aro, I have a feeling that this will finally be his excuse to wipe us out" she whispered realizing that while she spoke Carlisle's face had taken on an ominous look.
While Athenodora took care of Bella, Carlisle asked all the Cullens to join him; he felt that they all had to be conscious of the extreme danger their small family was facing. As members they all had a right to decide what their next course of action should be.
Once they all knew what was going on Rose said "We have to leave; maybe Athenodora can take care of Bella until they arrive. They wouldn't hurt Bella"
Edward said "We can't; Aro will question Athenodora and I'm afraid he will kill both her and Riley. No, the best bet is that I stay with her"
While he spoke he heard Alexia gasp so he turned towards her, his eyes pleading with her to understand his logic "We don't really have a choice."
"You can't mean it" She argued "You might be killed yourself."
He shook his head and looking at her fearful expression he sighed saying "He finds my gift is too valuable to destroy and maybe when I offer my services to their coven he might let the family live".
"You're doing this for her; you still love her!"
"You know my heart Alexia! Although she was my first love I now have you and our love is not infatuation but something much deeper."
"If that is true, I will go with you"
"I can't ask that. You will be safe with my family; Aro has no idea what your powers are and if he does
he won't let you go either".
"If he touches you he will know about me anyway. I want to stay with you; almost all of my vampire life we have been partners; I wish to stay at your side. Without you I may be sucked into one of my trances and never be able to escape."
Carlisle looked at his son saying "Please come with us; you may not be as safe as you think"
Edward sneered "Oh yes, I have heard Aro's thoughts. You know I'm right, he desires to have my gift in his coven; it is almost as important to him as Alice's gift". Then looking at Esme he added "Who knows, I may find Alice and Jazz there.
The Cullens forged their plans deciding they would firstly go to Europe; from that point they would decide where their future hide-out would be.
Edward and Alexia went to relieve Athenodora. She quickly called Riley hoping that he would be able to answer her call.
After a couple of rings he answered and she asked him what was happening. "Well, it seems the tracks end at the airport. He took a flight out and we're trying to get some information from the airport personnel; we could sure use Jazz's powers right now".
"Well, he won't be able to help" Athenodora sighed.
"What do you mean? He'll be back tomorrow" Riley countered
She explained the situation concerning Alice and Jasper as well as the issues that had risen as a result of Aro's phone call.
"Shit" Riley mumbled realizing just how precarious the situation had become.
Athendora continued "You try and get away from those two as soon as possible and once you shake them take the first plane available to Paris. I will be staying there at our hideout for about two days so you can all me when you arrive; then we will decide what to do. Now my love, can you please give this phone to Demetri?"
Riley quickly handed the phone to Demetri and went to join Felix his mind assessing this new situation.
"Demetri, Athenodora here. It seems that Jane and Alec are coming our way to find out what is going on and I have the distinct felling that Aro isn't happy about the situation. Can you and Felix come back to meet them; I think it may mellow them out if they find out what has happened from your point of view".
All of a sudden she heard Bella scream and quickly closed the conversation saying "I must go, Bella has wakened" she then hung up and quickly went into the room were her friend lay.
Bella was hysterical and kept screaming. Athenodora held her down as she tried to soothe her but her voice overpowered Athenodora's words. Knowing that time was of the essence Athenodora raised her voice beyond Bella's cries and shouted "I'm sorry Isabella but I have no choice". She then gave Bella a hard slap in the face, stunning her friend into silence.
Bella was dazed and Athenodora cupped her Bella's chin with her fingers and looked into her eyes.
She could see the compassion written in Athenodora's eyes as she spoke "My dear I cannot begin to imagine your despair at the moment; to presume so would be ludicrous. You know how much I rejoiced when you both met; I would not wish this to my enemy let alone you; the daughter of my heart. But please, please look beyond your pain for a moment." Bella's eyes looked up and realizing she was listening Athenodora continued "We need your help otherwise the Cullens and I will die".
She saw, that she had gotten her attention and resumed her appeal "Aro will accuse us of incompetence concerning Caius's death and if you try to kill yourself we will all die. He is sending Alec and Jane to investigate the situation but you know as well as I that it is only the excuse he has been waiting for to attack this coven.
This information had triggered something in Bella as she asked "But why? Neither the Cullens nor you had anything to do with it"
"Since when has Aro listened to reason?" she probed. "I was always afraid this would happen ever since I started investigating Didyme's death and was certain that Aro had something to do with it. I often tried to warn Caius but he didn't believe me.
Bella looked at Edward and Alexi and the look on their faces confirmed Athenodora's words.
"You all have to leave" Bella said.
"It's no use I will stay behind and hopefully that will pacify Aro for a while" Edward said and as Alexia tugged on his arm he added "So will Alexia"
"No you can't! I don't want either of you to face Aro; if he finds out about your investigation of Didyme's death he will call you both traitors. He has always coveted your gift and this will give him reason to blackmail you so that you both will be forced to joint the Voltari guard or die".
"We have no other choice" Edward explained
"No you do, go please go!" Bella pleaded "I will tell Aro it was the South American. Demetri and Felix can verify it."
"Demetri, Felix and Reilly have followed the scent to the airport but the culprit was able to escape" Athenodora uttered then added "Demetri and Felix are on their way back; can you take care of yourself in the meanwhile?"
"You seem to forget; I am a vampire and have been changed by one of the most powerful vampires alive" She exclaimed with unmistakable pride in her voice. "Although he is not among us I still believe he lives and I will never give up my search. However, now you need my help and I will not lose any more of my loved ones".
"We are deeply indebted to you; how can we ever pay you back?" Alexia said as she realized that Edward was beginning to accept her help.
"Don't worry; I have something I need from you. Without my help you will not live but without your help I will never be happy. As long as you are able to live I have a chance to find Caius. You see, now that I no longer have Caius to protect me I will be forced to stay at the Volturi; Aro has always desired my gift as well and will probably never allow me to leave once I am there". Then turning to face Athenodora she said "I fear he will force me to go to that cage that you and Sulpicia were trapped in all those years".
Athenodora was horrified; she hadn't thought of that and knowing Bella's fate she wrapped her arms around her and said "you must come with us; I can't allow you to make that sacrifice".
She looked desperately at the others for confirmation but now Bella pushed her away saying "You cannot help; the only thing you can do is search for my mate, without him I will be doomed to walk those rooms for the rest of eternity".
Having said this she slowly raised herself out of her bed and joined the Cullens in the next room.
Esme was about to call the Denali coven to inform them of the developing circumstance but when Bella entered the room she stopped what she was doing.
Walking towards them the Cullens all looked up amazed and silenced by her calm attitude. Her resilience after the blow of losing Caius was astonishing and they watched as she approached them with Edward, Alexia and Athenodora close behind.
Carlisle whispered "What are you doing up Bella; you should have been floored for the next two hours"
"Well I'm not and I'm glad; Athenodora just told me about the precarious situation your family is facing and I want to help".
"It is sweet of you love" Esme said "but you can't".
Bella motioned toward the door asking "Edward please prepare the plane?" and when he hesitated she shouted "GO!"
All those around her were surprised by the situation so looking from Edward to Bella, Carlisle asked "What is going on?"
"I want you all to leave; pick up your things and go!" Bella shouted but no one moved.
Bella looked at Athenodora and pleaded "Please help me; I need your strength".
Athenodora hesitated and then announced "Bella has come up with a plan but she can't do it alone. All of you; gather your things. If we don't leave now we will never get out".
Bella timidly asked "Can I speak to you for just a minute Carlisle?"
Carlisle was stunned by the turn of events and was only able to nod his head in response. Then with a motion of his arms he said "Please get ready all of you!"
Bella quickly explained the plan but left out her fears for her future, knowing that it would only cause him unnecessary grief. Carlisle was grateful for her solution and quickly called the Denali coven warning them of the impending danger.
Once they were on board Athenodora's cell-phone began to ring. She quickly picked up bravely tried to smile as she looked at Riley's face. He didn't seem to notice her grief, or if he did; he probably thought it was tension caused by the sudden change of events.
Reilly looked at her saying "After your call they went back to the Cullen's cabin and left me behind at the airport".
She whispered "thank the gods you called, I was worried that they wouldn't go back without you".
"So was I but I have to keep this brief; I have to arrange a flight out of here. I'll call you from the Paris airport take care my love!"
She whispered back "You too"
Just as their conversation had ended the plane left the runway and Bella stood in the distance as she waved her friends goodbye, not knowing when or if she would be able to see them again. The gap in her heart was widening but Bella would be damned to let Aro kill any of her friends; they deserved her protection.
Edward visibly shrank as he looked through the window to watch his first love. When Alexia nudged and he turned to see her perplexed expression he softly explained "She will never recover from the loss of Caius" he then turned to face her saying "I couldn't imagine losing you."
She held his chin in her open hand and kissed him softly saying "Neither could I; that's why I wouldn't leave you"
He smiled and then kissed her back realizing just how lucky he was.
* Though lovers be lost, love shall not;
― Dylan Thomas
