Potential TW: mentions of abuse, violence and darker themes to continue in this story.
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BPOV
As we returned to the safety of the Cullen house, I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at the edges of my mind. My conversation with Phil had left me on edge, the uncertainty of my mother's whereabouts dominating my thoughts. I promised Phil I would call him as soon as I heard anything, joking that Renée had probably stopped by a cute little motel on her way down from the airport, but deep down, I feared the worst.
Esme's comforting presence offered a small measure of solace, her gentle touch a reminder that I wasn't alone in my concerns. I forced myself to push aside my fears, focusing instead on the task at hand. "That gives us a few hours at least to set the next step of my cover story in motion," I mused silently, trying to rationalize the situation. Carlisle nodded at my statement and promised to talk to Charlie to make sure we would be on the same page.
I focused on taking a few deep breaths, letting my overwhelming emotions settle as I ordered my thoughts. I needed to deal with the actual issue in front of us.
As we gathered around Tracey in the spacious living room, I made sure to maintain an air of casualness, masking the tension that simmered beneath the surface. I could feel the weight of the Cullens' gazes upon me, each member of my immortal family ready to spring into action at a moment's notice should the frail-looking girl turn out to be a threat or try to escape us.
Jasper took charge, his calm demeanor a reassuring presence in the room. He explained the consequences of lying, his words carrying a weight that left no room for doubt. Tracey's eyes widened with realization, the inescapably of her situation sinking in.
"You won't get away with it," Jasper said softly, his voice laced with a subtle undercurrent of authority. "I will know if you're lying."
Tracey's shoulders slumped in defeat, the realization dawning on her that escape was futile. She glanced around the room, her eyes meeting each of ours in turn, searching for a glimmer of hope.
I stepped forward, my posture straightening as I took charge. "Tracey, we need to know why you were here and who sent you," I said firmly, my tone brooking no argument. "We can help you, but you need to be honest with us."
Tracey hesitated for a moment before nodding reluctantly, a flicker of fear crossing her features. I could sense her emotions shifting under Jasper's influence, his subtle manipulation encouraging her to speak the truth.
As Tracey began to speak, her voice trembled with a mixture of fear and gratitude, her words hesitant at first as she recounted the events that led her to Victoria's side.
"I... I was alone," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "For years, I was on the streets, just trying to survive. My family... they were... they were no better than the people outside when I lived on the streets for years. They... they hurt me. They all hurt me…" she choked out, her eyes filling with pain that could not escape as tears while she relived the memories. "I wish I could forget, but…"
It was Rosalie who offered comfort, kneeling next to the girl to meet her gaze. "You don't have to tell us. It's okay."
Tracey had braced herself as Rosalie approached, but to her credit, she didn't move from where she sat. She looked into Rosalie's eyes and the two held a silent exchange before Tracey nodded and Rosalie stood again, remaining close in silent support.
Tracey continued her story. "I was running, trying to get away from… them, when... when Victoria found me," Tracey continued, her voice gaining strength as she recounted the moment that changed her life forever. "She... she saved me. She protected me from those men, from... from the pain."
Her words faltered as she struggled to compose herself, the weight of her past bearing down on her like a suffocating blanket. "I thought she was going to kill me," she admitted, her voice shaking with emotion. "But... but she didn't. She... she turned me instead. Gave me a chance at a new life."
Tracey's gaze flickered around the room, her eyes pleading for understanding. "Victoria... she's not like other vampires," she explained, her voice filled with conviction. "She... she cares about us. She protects us, looks out for us. We're... we're a family."
As she spoke, a sense of defiance crept into her tone, her words ringing with unwavering loyalty to her newfound leader. "We... we protect each other," she declared, her voice growing stronger with each word. "We make sure justice is served for those who have wronged us. We... we stand together, no matter what."
Tracey's story painted a picture of a life filled with hardship and pain, but also one of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. And as she spoke, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the young vampire before me, a reminder of the darkness that lurked in the shadows, wherever we went.
Tracey's voice quivered as she started once more, her gaze shifting nervously around the room. "I... I was in the forest to leave a message," she confessed, her words hesitant as she revealed her true purpose. "There's a human girl... she... she manipulated Victoria's mate. Led him to his death…"
A heavy silence descended upon the room as Tracey's words hung in the air, the weight of her revelation sinking in. I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the implications of her words, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place with startling clarity.
I exchanged a glance with the other Cullens, a silent understanding passing between us as we processed the truth of Tracey's confession. She didn't know the girl was me, but her words struck a chord, nonetheless.
Tracey's eyes darted around the room, her expression fraught with guilt and uncertainty. "I didn't know... I don't know who she is," she stammered, her voice trembling with remorse. "I... I just... we just want to... to make her pay… and Victoria said the message would help."
Her words trailed off into a pained silence as she struggled to articulate the depth of her emotions. And as I looked into her haunted eyes, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the girl before me, despite her ill intentions towards me.
"What was the message?" Carlisle asked kindly, though I knew he felt as on edge as any of us.
Tracey went to grab something from her pocket and the smell of blood came through stronger. I braced myself, stopping to breathe while I focused on remaining in control. I had assumed she smelled of blood from her latest hunt, but it appeared to come from the padded brown envelope she held in her fragile looking hand.
Fear and panic were all I could feel, and only Jasper's soft, calming influence helped me remain still.
Carlisle walked forward, getting the package from Tracey's anxious form. He opened it and reached inside to grab for Victoria's message. At the sight of a silver pendant, covered in a heavy coating of blood, an unnatural, keening sound escaped me and despite my vampiric strength, I felt my legs give away beneath me as I fell to my knees, my hands over my heart. Jasper and Esme tried to get to me, and in my overwhelming pain, I barely registered them flying away and crashing into the nearest wall.
"Bella! BELLA! Look at me, Bella," Carlisle's voice was calling to me front where he stood near Esme.
"Bella, dear, please," prompted Esme. "Listen to my voice, darling, look at me."
I could hear her approaching as she spoke soft, reassuring words of love and understanding. The whimpering now escaping my lips seemed so unnatural, even as it escaped me and Esme's soft, mothering presence was what called me back to the present. I looked up into her amber gaze. She had a hand stretched towards me and she asked me if she could approach. I nodded imperceptibly and before I knew it; I found shelter within her comforting embrace. She caressed my hair reassuringly and encouraged me to take deep breaths, mirroring the movements for me to follow.
It took several moments before I could open my eyes again. I whimpered as I saw the necklace on the table near Carlisle. "What is it, darling?" Esme prompted.
"It's Ren… it's my mom's necklace," I said and didn't need to add more for all to understand the message I had been sent.
I turned towards Tracey, who was being held on each side by Emmett and Rosalie. I went for her throat, grabbing her and pushing her into the wall behind her.
When Emmett tried to grab me, possibly to encourage me to calm down, he went flying away from me before his hand could make contact, landing in a crouch a few steps backwards. I was too shocked as I realized that had been me sending him flying off and it downed on me that I had done so earlier as well when Esme and Jasper had come near me.
Guilt and shock mixed within me and the cracking sound of marble, paired with an anxious whimper, called me back to attention. I slightly softened my grip on the girl in front of me, just enough so I wouldn't tear her head off her shoulders.
"Let her go, Bella. She's been through enough," Rosalie said, her voice a mix of pleading and pain.
I didn't obey as I turned to meet Rosalie's gaze. "She said it herself, she's with Victoria, she wants to hurt me and she has my mother's blood-covered necklace as a fucking message to me, what the hell do you want me to do, Rosalie, thank the girl?" I was shouting and Rosalie had the decency to look chastised.
MPOV
As we neared the Cullens' home, I heard my mate's screaming, and I urged Felix to speed up. When we reached the door, I directed the two guards to go around the house and enter from two different doors, ensuring that any potential threat would be surrounded when we arrived.
I walked through the door of the Cullen home, and the chaotic energy swirling within immediately assaulted my senses. The air crackled with tension, the scent of fear and anguish hanging heavy in the air, mingling with the familiar aroma of my mate and her kin.
Felix and Louis entered shortly after me, their expressions mirroring my confusion as we took in the scene before us. My gaze swept across the room, taking in the sight of the Cullens scattered about, their faces etched with varying degrees of concern and distress. And then my eyes landed on my mate, her figure towering over another vampire pinned against the wall. Her stance was aggressive, her hands curled into fists as she held the other vampire in place with an iron grip.
I moved forward instinctively, my concern for Bella overriding any other considerations. As I approached, I could see the fire burning in her eyes, the intensity of her emotions evident even from across the room.
"Bella," I called out softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. "What's happened? What's wrong?"
She turned to face me, her expression a mix of fury and anguish. "Marcus," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Victoria... she has my mother. And she… I think she's…" I whimpered, unable to say the word aloud and make it real.
My heart clenched at her words, the gravity of the situation hitting me. I reached out to Bella, placing a hand on her shoulder in a silent gesture of support.
I ushered Felix forward, silently gesturing for him to take custody of the unknown vampire, while I turned my attention back to Bella. Moving closer, I wrapped my arms around her in a comforting embrace, holding her tightly against me as she trembled with emotion.
"We are going to track her down, Bella," I murmured softly, my voice a soothing reassurance. "We will do everything we can to find your mother. I promise you that." I knew there was little hope to find my mate's mother alive anymore, but I knew there was no delaying moving onto the offensive.
Bella nodded against my chest, her fingers clutching at the fabric of my shirt as she sought solace in my embrace. I held her close, offering whatever comfort I could as she struggled to come to terms with the situation.
As we stood there, Carlisle approached us, his expression grave as he brought me up to date about the situation. I listened intently as he spoke, my mind racing with thoughts of how best to proceed.
I nodded in thanks to the Cullen leader, squeezing Bella's hand reassuringly before turning my attention to Felix. "Take the newborn away," I ordered, my tone brooking no argument. "We need to question her further."
Jasper stepped forward, offering to accompany Felix as he took Tracey into custody. I considered his offer for a moment before nodding in agreement. He bowed his head respectfully, his expression serious, as he moved to follow Felix out of the room. And as I watched them go, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me like a shroud. But I pushed aside my doubts, focusing instead on the task at hand. My mate needed me.
BPOV
As Marcus held me, I felt a strange sense of relief wash over me. The anguish and panic didn't disappear, but having him near brought me a feeling of rightness that I craved in this instant.
He had guided me outside and we stood together in the peaceful sanctuary of the rose garden, the fragrant blooms surrounding us like a protective shield. Some of the soft petals brushed against the skin of my arm, their gentle touch a soothing caress. I leaned into Marcus, seeking refuge, allowing myself to be weak, as we shared a quiet moment together. His arms were strong and reassuring around me.
"I don't know what I would do without you, amore," I whispered softly, my voice barely more than a breath. "Thank you for being here."
Marcus tightened his hold on me, his touch gentle yet firm as he brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "You never have to worry about doing anything alone ever again. I will always be here for you, Mia Bella," he breathed, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "No matter what happens, I will be there forever."
I nodded against his chest, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the Fates that had brought us together. In that moment, there were no words to express the depth of my appreciation for him, for the unwavering support and comfort he provided, and that I knew in my whole being, he would always be here to offer me. I allowed myself to find a moment of peace amidst the chaos, drawing strength from the love and support of the man standing by my side in eternity.
He kissed the top of my head, whispering words of love and comfort, and I turned my face up to look at him. His embrace and words reflected the love in his gaze.
He caressed my cheek with the back of his hand and I leaned into the touch, taking a deep breath to steel myself in my resolve. As I breathed out, I straightened up and declared; "Let's hunt." I did not need to say what, or rather who, my prey actually was.
AN: A review to let me know your thoughts?
Also, I am writing a longish OS that is Jacob/Bella, max 8000 words if all goes to plan and I would need a pre-reader/beta reader, would one of you like to help? 3
