Heidi & Bella - Part 8 (Confrontations)
Heidi wants to scoff at the absurdity of it all. It was the Cullens who had abandoned Bella and yet here they are, trying to play saints by asking her to stay away from the precious human. She had asked Alice to conceal Heidi's mating to Bella from everyone else, especially the other Cullens. She doesn't trust any of them from not blurting that fact out to Bella, either intentionally or not. It wouldn't help her situation. In fact, it would only drive Bella further away from her. And she can't have that.
"Carlisle, let us speak in private," Heidi ordered, ignoring the others' glare thrown her way.
Carlisle agrees and escorts her to his office, which he claims to be sound-proofed. Before she steps into the room, she warns them not to whisk Bella away without her knowledge and consent or hell shall ensue.
Once the door is shut, she sits down at Carlisle's working chair, instantly establishing her authority. Knowing the Volturi's status, Carlisle doesn't bat an eye and sits at the opposite chair. He has had to deal with Heidi before and even accompanied her on a few of the business trips she had taken so he is smart enough to know when to speak, and when to hold his tongue.
"I am here on Volturi's official business."
Heidi's eyes search the whole room, studying Carlisle's office, knowing it will tell her what she needs to know. His office, much like a human doctor's office, reeks of medical detergent. She suspects he has a few personal items on his desk to humanise his appearance and establish some warmth in the otherwise dull space. There's a small but noticeable frame of his coven's photo, all smiling like the picture perfect American family. Most humans would envy the persona they've built for themselves - good genes, abundance of wealth and intelligence. They may be smiling but Heidi has heard of the cracks in the Olympic coven - Rosalie and Edward who until now, still deem themselves as soulless entities.
They're truly the opposite of the Volturi who don't bother trying to craft the image of a family for themselves. They are ruthless, non-affectionate and play the role of a government to the core. Heidi hasn't had an issue with this, not until now; until Bella.
She has had some time to reflect and even though she loathes the fact Bella fell for Edward first, she finds relief that the Cullens were the first vampires Bella came across with. If it had been any other vampires, Bella wouldn't have been alive and she wouldn't have met her.
"It would be helpful if you could clarify the purpose of your visit," Carlisle requested for some truth.
When Alice called and asked them to immediately return to Forks, she wouldn't tell them anything except that Edward and Bella are safe, and that one of Volturi guards is here at their abandoned residence. Even when pressed, Alice wouldn't budge. So, imagine their surprise to find Heidi and Bella in the same room upon their return. Their first instinct was to protect Bella but Alice warned them to stand down. Then a shouting match ensued and Heidi just sat there with a stoic face, which further enraged few of his family members.
"Edward is safe in Volterra, and alive."
Carlisle gratefully nods. He always knew his friendship with Aro would be useful one day. Rosalie told him about Edward's suicide attempt and Alice's attempt at rescuing him. He knows it's not something Volturi could ever turn the other cheek and so he is thankful Edward's life has been spared.
"However his action almost got Bella Swan killed. If it were not for Alice's vision of her becoming a vampire and my interference, Aro wouldn't have hesitated to let Bella walk freely. The Volturi does not give second chances, you are well aware of this, are you not, Carlisle?"
For the first time, his golden eyes cast downwards, probably in shame and regret. They had agreed with Edward to leave Forks under the justification that Bella should be safe, only for Edward to act on his impulsive thoughts that ended up drawing Bella to the lion's den.
But now, Carlisle is prepared. He knows there will be repercussions of what will come next. The Volturi wouldn't have spared Bella, Alice and Edward's lives if they don't see value in it. There's always a price to pay.
"What are Volturi's conditions?"
Heidi rests her chin on top of her hands, leaning in, like a predator ready to pounce.
"Bella is to be turned soon. And Edward is to keep his distance away from her."
At this, Carlisle has to object. He knows this is something unacceptable to Edward.
"Edward believes Bella to be his mate," he tried to argue.
Like a villain, Heidi barks a disingenuous laugh.
"Do not take the Volturi for a bunch of fools! Even you, without an ounce of hesitation, know that Bella is Edward's singer, not his mate."
He knows Heidi isn't the type to bluff. With Aro and Marcus' gifts, it would have been easy for them to detect that Bella isn't Edward's mate. He's conflicted. He was worried when the two started dating but Edward's relentless attempt to convince the coven that Bella was his mate may have clouded his judgement. He was the only unmated one in the family, thus, they were happy to jump at the opportunity where Edward could finally be happy and in love. That's the thing, both of them did show signs of being in love. And Alice's vision of seeing Bella to be one of them erased his doubts.
Esme had once expressed her concern, fearing Edward's desperation for a mate might have caused his inability to differentiate the telltales of a singer from a mate. But Carlisle brushed it aside, for his own selfish reasons.
"The signs were identical. He couldn't read her mind. And unlike any other humans we have met, Bella Swan isn't terrified of what we are, in fact, she fell in love with him."
Heidi feels personally offended by his delusion and attempt at justifying his actions. She slams her fists on Carlisle's precious desk, almost breaking it in half if it were not for her self-control.
"You're a fucking doctor, Carlisle! You couldn't have objectively approached the subject from an analytical point-of-view? You couldn't have guessed that the reason Edward couldn't read Bella's mind is the same reason why Jane's gift won't work on her?"
Carlisle flinches slightly, worried Heidi would break his beloved family photo frame in pieces. But something about what she said intrigued him, making his jaws drop. He's never known any vampire that is able to escape Jane's power.
"It couldn't be… I've never encountered a mortal with a gift before."
"And that's because you underestimate those who are different from you," her steely gaze punched him in the gut.
When Carlisle was working with Volturi, she barely tolerated him. Edward may not be Carlisle's biological son but he inherited the superior attitude from him. When Heidi was out using her gift for the benefit of Volturi, she would always catch the disapproving look in Carlisle's eyes. It also irks her that he underestimated none other than Heidi's own mate. She couldn't say anything back then because he was Aro's favourite but now that she has the control, she's not going to hold back.
"From what I have learned, Bella Swan was a 17 year old girl who came from a broken home, having to move to this God forsaken town. It never occurred to you that Edward's natural allure as a vampire and the attention he had given her could have caused her to fall for him?"
It clicks in Carlisle's mind now and he chastises himself for failing to see this.
"And your precious son couldn't have stayed away because she is his bloody singer! You know for a fact that it would be nearly impossible for mates to harm one another. If she were truly his mate, he wouldn't have a problem controlling his bloodthirst around her, especially since he's gone decades without tasting human blood. And let's not forget that if they were mates, he wouldn't have been able to leave her here in this sad excuse of a town!"
Her cherry coloured eyes turn mahogany and this makes Carlisle worried. He had seen her lose her temper many centuries ago but she was never vicious. Now, it looks like she wanted to snap his head in half and burn him to pieces.
After making the connections, it finally dawns on him. This seems personal to Heidi, not just a Volturi business. If it were true, there would be at least three guards travelling here and they wouldn't have allowed any emotions to get in their way. Heidi seems too passionate about this.
"Is Bella your mate?" he gasped.
It would explain so much - why she was able to be in the same room as a human whose blood is tempting without losing control, eventhough she's never had any practice. And why she is so close to losing control now after dissecting all the errors of their ways.
It isn't on purpose. She didn't mean to give away too much. Just like how Bella lost control and punched a shapeshifter whom she knows is far stronger than her, Heidi couldn't control it too. So she sighs at her mistake and plans strategies for damage control.
"She is. I've been around her and her father, and not once was I tempted to sucking their blood dry," she proudly admitted. For once, she gets to throw it in his face. She knows their coven must have had their fair share of temptation being around Bella, especially learning about the unfortunate incident on Bella's 18th birthday. And she comes out as the obvious winner out of this situation. Charlie's blood smells the same as Bella's, and knowing how much she loves her father, it further cements Heidi's will and control around them both.
Carlisle sits there, stunned.
"But I will be the one to tell her. You or your coven will not take this away from me!" she snarled in warning.
Carlisle's forehead scrunches. Something doesn't add up. A part of him is relieved to learn that Heidi and Volturi are committed to keeping Bella safe. But usually vampires will jump at the opportunity to claim their mate. So why is Heidi keeping this from Bella, he wonders? She sees the wheels turning in his head and decides to spare him the energy.
"Don't be foolish, Carlisle. I'm not selfish enough to do that to Bella, not after the mess you all made. She isn't ready yet, but she will, soon enough."
That triggers him to genuinely apologise to her, "I assure you, we shall follow your order and respect Volturi's decision."
He knows Aro well enough to know that the dark haired ruler trusts Heidi to manage this situation as she sees fit. Heidi had always been their most trusted guard who manages all of their business affairs based on her level of intelligence, composure and gift. Compared to the rest of the guards, Heidi is the most experienced at handling humans.
"Good. There are a few things you need to sort for me. Firstly, an apology is in order; you need to make amends with my mate. If you are successful, I will see to it that Edward's release is to be expedited. However, due to the complex nature of the situation, he isn't allowed to step foot in this town unless he wishes for a death that will surely come his way."
You don't mess with vampire matings, especially not one involving Volturi's. For the benefits of his family and Bella's future, Carlisle has no qualms abiding by Heidi's every condition. The discussion from thereon goes smoothly as one would expect. Heidi has taken care of the majority of the logistics of her stay here but there's still an urgent matter to be discussed. Before she could initiate the topic, they both stop after picking up the pungent smell that is now approaching Cullens' residence.
"Speak of the devil," Heidi grumbled and quickly went outside to stay by Bella's side.
They all head outside to stand the porch, looking at the shapeshifters growling just at the bottom of their staircase. One of them shifts to human form to initiate communication.
"We want the red-eye devil," Sam pointed at Heidi.
They all turn to Heidi, who keeps a calm composure, standing in front of Bella, ready to shield her from any harm.
"Cute. You know, I used to have the Children of the Moon for breakfast," Heidi provoked.
The wolves' growl turns louder, despite not fully understanding what Heidi is referring to. But they understand enough of her insulting tone and that arrogant smirk.
"We had an agreement, Carlisle! Why the hell would you allow that monster anywhere near a human?"
Carlise steps forward but not too close, in fear they might get the wrong idea he's going for an attack. He raises his arm, trying to calm down the angry wolves. One signal to Jasper and the anger is subdued; it's still there but not strong enough for any of them to strike a move.
"She is our guest and is well aware of the treaty. She will not be harming any humans whilst here."
"Liar! We just followed the redhead from the creek and they're obviously working together to get Bella."
Heidi's head whips so fast Bella almost missed it.
"What redhead?" she hissed, eyes glaring at Carlisle.
"She's been around for a few months, always lurking around, killing innocents and managing to escape. You left town and suddenly returned with that leech?!"
Bella runs past Heidi, fear running through her veins. All the vampires can hear the loud thumps of her heartbeats as panic almost crippled her.
"Victoria is here?"
Suddenly a brown wolf shifts and Jacob appears, "They didn't tell you?"
All wolves and Heidi throw murderous glares in Carlisle's way. Not giving a damn about the wolves, Heidi grabs Carlisle by the collar and shoves him against a wall, "Victoria is James' mate?!"
Esme and Emmett try to intervene but Alice uses her body to stop them. This needs to happen.
"Calm down, Heidi," he tried.
She smashes Carlisle against the wall, creating a hole in their perfect house, "You dare tell me to calm down! Not only did you fail to kill Victoria but then your son left Bella alone in the middle of the forest after breaking up with her, and all of you abandoned her here without any protection when a spiteful vampire is out for Bella's blood?!"
Cracks appear on Carlisle's forehead from the impact. Heidi's hold turns into a choke. He couldn't do anything but take it in. Seeing Emmett trying to jump in, he signals to him to back down. You don't mess with a Volturi guard. An offence against one guard is a personal offence against Aro, Marcus and Caius.
Esme is pleading, but then she turns to Bella, shooting apologetic looks. She didn't know the manner in which Edward broke her heart. And she agrees, they should have known better.
The wolves are confused but remain vigilant. Bella is shocked but this situation could get out of hand very soon if she doesn't put a stop to it.
"Heidi, please…" she begged.
Heidi only tightens her hold on Carlisle's neck, wanting him to suffer in slow agony as she kills him. Edward may not share the same DNA as Carlisle but it seems he inherited the stupidity from him anyways.
"Bella, every vampire knows that when you need to kill a vampire, you kill their mate too. Because rest assured their surviving mate will stop at nothing for revenge. It's blood for blood. And Carlisle here has been in enough Volturi missions with me to have witnessed the wrath of vengeful vampires. They almost always cause a war!"
The wolves grow restless at the mention of a war and howls. It's bad enough Victoria's presence has been triggering more transformations in their land.
Knowing Heidi's fury can't be soothed by words alone, Bella approaches her and carefully puts her hand on Heidi's arm that is hurting Carlisle.
"You said my safety is your priority, right?"
Heidi glances once at Bella but returns her focus to Carlisle.
"Yes."
"If you kill him, the Cullens will attack. When they do, the wolves will jump in. That's not a very safe situation for me to be in, doesn't it?"
She grunts but finally releases Carlisle. Esme immediately goes to her mate to try and soothe his pain. Heidi turns her focus to Sam, knowing it's always the alpha that she needs to reason with, and not with the rest of the pack. She dazzles him with an effortless smile and a vow, "My job here is to protect Bella Swan. So our interests are aligned. While I am here, I will not hunt or harm any humans and will temporarily change my diet to Cullens' disgusting ones. With that out of the way, I shall provide you with assistance to remove this threat, which is our common enemy."
Sam's eyes are dazed, his mind is fuzzy from being enchanted in this way. Through their telepathy link, the other packs have to yell at him to refocus.
"We don't need your help! We're more than capable of killing this blood sucker," Jacob scoffed.
"You sure about that? It's been a few months and you're still unable to kill her?"
That of course triggers him but Sam is able to hold him back.
"We're not the only ones who failed. What makes you think you can do better?" Sam pointed out Cullens' failure as well.
"Because I personally know Victoria," Heidi finally let the cat out of the bag. "She and I belonged to the same coven a long time ago."
Bella looks at Heidi perplexed. How could she trust Heidi not to betray her for her former covenmate?
A/N: Whoops. How more complicated can this get?
