Chapter 69: Unleashing the Demon
Bella stepped out of the shower, relishing the warmth that still clung to her skin. She hadn't lingered long under the soothing spray—her mind was already on Edward, eager to be back at his side. She quickly toweled off and dressed, the softness of the fabric settling comfortably against her. But as she bent to tie her shoe, a piercing scream shattered her calm.
The sound jolted her upright, her eyes widening. It was loud, raw, and unmistakable—Edward! Almost immediately, the sharp crash of shattering glass followed, reverberating through the house and down the hall. For a split second, Bella froze, her mind scrambling to make sense of what she'd heard. But instinct took over, propelling her forward.
She bolted from her room, her movements swift and her senses sharp. Her only thought was to reach him. Edward was in trouble—and nothing would stop her from getting to him.
Bella burst into Edward's room, her gaze darting around, every muscle primed for action. But as her eyes locked on the open bathroom door, she froze. She hadn't expected this...
Just inside the doorway stood a woman, completely naked, her back turned to Bella. The smooth curve of the stranger's spine, the casual, almost lazy confidence in her stance, sent a jolt of fury straight through Bella. And just beyond her stood Edward, equally unclothed save for a small hand towel he clutched in a barely successful attempt to cover himself. His expression was a mix of shock and anger, his eyes wide, caught somewhere between disbelief and outrage.
What the fuck? The thought sliced through her, sharp as a blade. Bella didn't hesitate. She stormed forward, brushing past the woman without a second thought, her eyes narrowing, fists tightening, a storm of questions brewing behind the blaze of her fury.
Bella halted between them, her gaze locked onto Edward, whose entire body seemed to vibrate with barely contained emotion. As she took in the scene, her eyes darted to the shards of glass from the shattered shower door, glinting across the bathroom floor. Streaks of shampoo clung to Edward's hair, and his chest heaved with each breath, tension coiling through his muscles in a way she couldn't ignore. Despite his grip on the small towel around his waist, it did nothing to hide the massive erection straining against the fabric, a sight that sent a fresh wave of anger surging through her.
Her instincts on high alert, Bella's gaze shifted to the woman opposite him, who stood completely nude, appearing almost nonchalant in her exposure. Water dripped from the tips of her strawberry blonde hair, tracing paths over her skin before pooling at her feet. Her pert breasts, tipped with two hardened, pale pink nipples, were on full display, and Bella couldn't miss the woman's untrimmed strawberry-blonde bush, perfectly matching her hair. Bella absorbed all these details in an instant, fury simmering just beneath her controlled facade.
Her mind flooded with questions. What the hell had Edward been doing with this woman? It didn't matter what it looked like—she needed answers, and she needed them now.
"What's going on, Edward?" Bella's voice crackled with barely contained fury, her attempt at calm crumbling as her anger grew. This wasn't the Edward she'd come to know, yet here he was, caught in the middle of something she could hardly believe.
Edward's response was immediate, his own anger flashing as he jabbed a finger toward the woman. "That harlot molested me in the shower," he spat, his tone fierce, while his other hand gripped the small towel around his waist in a desperate attempt at modesty.
The woman's face twisted with indignation, her voice rising sharply. "What?" she shot back, her eyes narrowing as she planted her hands on her hips. "I was talking to you the whole time, and you were loving the handy I was giving you—right up until you started spouting some crap about a bitch named Bella."
Bella's gaze shifted to Edward, who looked caught between outrage and regret, his mouth opening and closing, clearly lost for words. "No, you didn't say anything," he finally managed, his expression a conflicted mix of disbelief and resignation as he looked at her, almost imploringly. "I thought you were… I thought she was… someone else."
Bella struggled to make sense of the scene unfolding before her, but it was becoming clear that Edward had somehow mistaken this skank for her—and she had taken full advantage, brazenly giving him a hand job. If that was true, it brought Bella some relief, as it seemed Edward hadn't been at fault. She turned sharply to the woman, her voice hard and unyielding. "Explain yourself."
The woman scoffed, defiance flashing in her eyes."I don't have to answer to you, little girl," she snapped, her tone laced with contempt. "Not in my own home." She turned back to Edward, her expression incredulous, as if he were the one at fault. "I asked if you wanted company, and when I didn't hear a 'no,' I assumed you were game. I joined you in the shower and started massaging your shoulders, and from the way you were melting under my hands while I talked to you, it was obvious you were into it. Then I asked if you wanted help with that… rather large problem you had going on, and you sure didn't stop me when I reached around and started to jerk you off. You looked like you were about to explode when you started moaning someone else's name." She shot him a disdainful look. "Who's Bella, Edward?"
"I'm Bella," she snapped, her voice edged with fury. "Who the fuck are you, and why are you still standing here naked? Ever hear of modesty?" She shook her head, her glare sharp with disbelief. "And tell me—did you actually say all this crap out loud, or were you just thinking it?" The pieces were starting to fall into place, but she needed confirmation.
The woman remained unfazed, lifting her chin in defiance. "Name's Tanya. And no, I didn't say it out loud. Why?" Her tone was casual, almost dismissive, as if Bella's presence were nothing more than an inconvenience.
Bella rolled her eyes, her exasperation clear. "Well, Tanya," she replied coolly, "Edward can't read minds anymore. So, yeah—you did pretty much just sneak into his shower and start jacking him." She shook her head, at the absurdity of the situation. This whole thing was fucked up.
Realization dawned on Tanya, her defiance melting into something far more calculating. "Ah… I see…" She turned back to Edward, a slow, coy smile curving on her lips as she ran her tongue over them with deliberate ease. "But didn't you enjoy it, Edward?" she purred, her voice low and seductive. "I could finish you off right now, if you'd like," she murmured, leaning in, her gaze steady and unflinching. "Imagine how good it'd feel to have my hot mouth arou—"
Bella snapped, her patience obliterated. "Get the fuck out!" she screamed, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. In one swift motion, she struck out, delivering a fierce backhand that sent Tanya flying. Tanya's body slammed into the headboard of Edward's bed with a sickening crack, splinters scattering as she crumpled onto the sheets.
Without a second glance, Bella slammed the bathroom door, the sound reverberating through the now-silent room, leaving her and Edward alone in the aftermath.
Edward glanced at Bella, his eyes filled with a mix of worry and desperation. She stood there, seething, her jaw clenched tight, and he prayed that Tanya hadn't shattered the fragile bond they were just beginning to build. "I'm so sorry, Bella," he said, his voice strained. "I thought… I thought she was you."
The absurdity of the situation was almost too much, and Bella let out a short, incredulous chuckle, shaking her head to clear away the lingering tension. "I'm not angry with you, Edward. I get it. I know what happened, and it wasn't your fault." Her voice was steady, and her eyes softened, giving him the reassurance he so desperately needed.
Edward exhaled, the tension in his shoulders melting away. "Thank you," he murmured, relief evident in his tone. "I've got to say, I think that was the biggest shock of my life—hearing Tanya's voice while… that was happening." He ran a hand through his still-wet hair, as if trying to shake off the last of the unsettling experience.
Now that the tension had broken, Bella's gaze drifted over Edward, taking in the sight of him clad only in that tiny towel. His erection hadn't softened in the slightest, straining against the fabric, and she couldn't help but smile, amused by the clear self-consciousness coloring his expression as she ogled him. So many naughty thoughts invaded her mind, seeing Edward in all his manliness... and god, did he look manly.
"You know," she teased, "it really does look like you're in need of some relief." She stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his, a wicked smirk forming on her lips. "So, you thought it was me jacking you off like crazy, and you were what? Loving it? Is that how you see me, Edward?" She tilted her head, her voice dropping lower, turning into a near purr. "Is that what you want? For me to pull off that tiny strip of cloth and wrap my fingers around Edward Jr... For us to stare into each other's eyes as my hand works you over, until you just can't take it anymore, and I feel your release shooting out over and over while I hold and caress you. Is that what you need, Edward?" Her eyes trailed down, fixating on the towel and the impressive shape beneath it. "My god, look at it. I swear it's getting even bigger just from me talking to you."
Bella's own excitement was building, a warm rush spreading through her as Edward's current state had a powerful effect on her. The tension between them crackled like electricity, and she watched his breath hitch, his eyes darkening with desire as her teasing words continued to draw him in.
Edward's mind was spinning; every word Bella spoke seemed to pull him deeper under her spell. He had never heard her speak like this before—so bold, so unapologetically seductive—and it was driving him wild. All he could manage was a slight nod, while his body betrayed just how much he craved everything she was saying.
Bella's gaze sharpened as she caught the look on Edward's face, that mixture of longing and need as he nodded. But even as her own desires flared, she reluctantly pulled herself back. There was no way she was going to lose her virginity anywhere near that skank, still lurking somewhere in the house. "I'm sorry, Edward," she whispered, her tone softer, laced with regret. "You're going to have to take care of Edward Jr. yourself… this time. I'm not having sex with you for the first time with an audience listening in."
She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "We'll be alone when we finally have sex. I hope that works for you, and you don't mind waiting just a little bit longer." Her breath was warm against his skin, each word deliberate and sultry. "I promise it'll be worth the wait."
Edward's grin widened as he absorbed Bella's words and their implication. She had said they would eventually have sex, and he couldn't hide the excitement that surged through him, nodding eagerly in agreement.
Bella chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, that's reassuring to know." She glanced around at the damage and the ruined shower. "Ah, it seems you've broken this shower, and you're still all wet and soapy." She stepped back, appraising him eagerly before shaking her head, trying to pull her mind out of the gutter. She took a deep breath, knowing what she had to do next. "I think I'm going to have a little chat with Tanya about the boundaries of privacy—especially when it comes to sneaking into someone's bathroom unannounced, let alone getting into the shower with them."
Her gaze drifted back to him, a playful smile curling on her lips. "Why don't you grab your clothes and finish your shower in my bathroom? And good luck with that… rather large problem down there." Bella found it hard to turn away from him. The sight of him was so mouthwatering that it caused her mind to falter, and her legs seemed to refuse to work properly. She just couldn't help herself. "Any chance you'd care to give me a sneak peek of what I have to look forward to?" The little towel seemed to grow even tighter, as if it was begging to break free.
But she quickly thought better of it and reconsidered. She shook her head, giggling. "Actually, no, please don't do that. I don't think I'd be able to control myself if I saw it." With a mischievous grin, Bella traced a finger along the line of Edward's chin, lingering for just a moment before turning away. She opened the door, casting one last playful look over her shoulder before leaving him standing there, still dripping wet and dazed, a mix of anticipation and frustration swirling in his eyes.
As Bella closed the bathroom door behind her, she found Tanya still lingering in Edward's room, a look of irritation etched across her face. Thankfully, she had at least gotten dressed, though the defiance in her stance hadn't faded. Bella's eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of the woman who had dared to touch Edward, a cold intensity simmering beneath her gaze.
"Let's give Edward some time to finish up… whatever he needs to do," Bella said, her tone deceptively calm. She pointed firmly toward the door, her finger wagging slightly, as if to emphasize the unspoken command. "You and I should head downstairs." There was no mistaking the edge in her voice, nor the way her eyes locked onto Tanya's, daring her to object.
Who did this bitch think she was? Tanya's mind raced, a storm of resentment and possessiveness brewing as she imagined all the ways she and her sisters could deal with this interloper. Edward was hers, regardless of what he thought; he had loved the touch of her hand, and once she got the chance to truly claim him, she knew he would be hers. "How dare you give me orders," she snapped, her voice laced with venom. "Yes, let's go downstairs. There are a couple of vampires I'd like you to meet."
Without waiting for a response, Tanya spun on her heel and stormed out of the room. She zipped down the stairs, into the main room, just as Kate and Irina entered through the front hallway. Their expressions shifted to surprise as they looked up at her questioningly, their bodies settling onto the sofa with a casual grace.
Tanya had rushed ahead after receiving Carmen's text, relaying the startling news that Edward was miraculously alive and at their house. She hadn't wanted to waste a second, determined to see him first and claim what she had been denied for over a century. Perhaps her sisters hadn't heard all that had transpired upstairs.
Kate glanced up, a flicker of concern crossing her face as she saw Tanya rush down the stairs, her movements sharp and hurried. When she and Irina had entered the house a moment ago, they had caught the faint echoes of yelling from upstairs. Now Tanya stood before them, visibly seething, her expression tight with barely restrained anger. Behind her, a figure descended the stairs at a human pace, calm and deliberate—an unfamiliar vampire.
Kate's eyes shifted to the newcomer, appraising her with curiosity. That must be Bella, the woman Carmen had messaged them about just moments ago. The idea that this vampire had single-handedly taken down the entire Volturi felt almost impossible to believe, especially now, seeing her approach with such an unassuming, almost casual grace. She looked so… normal, not at all like the formidable force she'd imagined.
Tanya spun around to face Bella, her eyes blazing with fury. "Listen up, bitch. Let's get one thing straight—you don't get to come into my house and tell me what I can or can't do," she hissed, stepping closer, her posture aggressive. "You better watch yourself. My sisters and I don't take kindly to women like you. We'll hurt you, or worse, if you don't learn to respect your betters. My sister Kate here has a nasty touch." She gestured toward Kate with a flick of her head. "You won't even know what hit you if we decide we've had enough of you."
Kate's eyes widened, a cold dread settling in her stomach. What the hell happened upstairs? "Tanya, what are you saying? Stop!" she blurted out, panic creeping into her voice. "You don't know who you're speaking to." Oh god, she was going to get them all killed.
Her gaze flicked to Bella, who turned slightly, and their eyes locked. For a moment, the room seemed to still, and Kate felt exposed under the weight of Bella's gaze. Bella's lips curled into a slow, malevolent smile, as if savoring the fear she saw. Kate's breath caught as Bella winked at her, a quick, almost playful gesture that sent a chill through her. Without missing a beat, Bella shifted her attention back to Tanya, who was still talking, oblivious to the danger she was about to bring down on them all.
"I know enough, Kate," Tanya said, her voice sharp and dripping with disdain. "You should leave, little girl, while you still can. I've wanted Edward for the past century, and now I finally have him in my grasp. And oh, was he glorious to behold while I pleasured him." She let the words linger, savoring the power they gave her. "Who cares if he thought I was you? The feel of his long, hard cock in my hand as I worked him over… that's something you'll never get to experience." Her smile twisted, eyes glinting with a mix of triumph and cruelty. "Now, I think it's time for you to go. I'll be the one taking care of all of Edward's needs from now on."
Tanya turned, her gaze flicking to her sisters, expecting them to stand with her in victory. "Kate, Irina," she called, her tone almost sing-song, "come help me take out the garbage. This bitch needs to go." She flashed them a smug smile, her confidence radiating off her like heat. But as she took in their expressions, her self-assured grin faltered. The looks of abject horror on their faces cut through her arrogance, leaving her momentarily confused.
Bella had had enough. Tanya was practically begging for it, but Bella knew better than to give in to her fury. As much as she wanted to tear into her, she wasn't about to stoop to Tanya's level. The venomous words and empty threats rolled off her like water, failing to make even the slightest dent. Her sisters clearly know more about me than she does, Bella thought, a flicker of amusement crossing her lips. It seemed Tanya had been left out of the loop, and Bella was more than willing to correct that oversight.
While she had no intention of actually hurting Tanya, scaring the living shit out of her felt entirely justified. After all, her remarks about Edward had struck a nerve, setting off something primal and fierce within her. She could feel it—the vampire side of her, coiled and tense, screaming for her to act, to stake her claim and protect what was hers. And though she could tell Edward held no interest in Tanya whatsoever, that didn't soften the edge of her anger. If Tanya thought she could intimidate her way into Edward's life, she was about to learn just how wrong she was.
Bella extended her shields, casting them around Kate and Irina, isolating them from what was about to unfold. There was no need for them to get involved. Slowly, she turned her head back toward Tanya, her eyes dark and unwavering. "Kneel," she intoned, her voice low and commanding. With a subtle flick of her mind, she erected invisible shields around Tanya, pressing behind her legs and forcing her to fall to her knees. Tanya's eyes widened, fear flickering across her face, but it only made Bella's smile grow wider. She had barely begun.
The living room's towering ceiling, stretching well over 30 feet high, was a perfect stage. Bella rose smoothly into the air, her body coiling and twisting like a serpent as she ascended, drifting upwards until she hovered about 15 feet off the ground. Her movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, as she floated above Tanya, staring down with a cold, unyielding gaze. She lifted Tanya, pulling her up until she was suspended in mid-air, still kneeling, looking up in fright at Bella.
Their eyes locked, and Bella's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. "You plan to take Edward from me?" she whispered, her voice soft, yet cutting through the room like a blade. "You plan to hurt me?" Her tone rose, anger simmering beneath each word, her eyes narrowing as she watched Tanya's expression shift from fear to desperation. Tanya started to shake her head, but Bella silenced her with a swift gesture, raising her hand.
As she did, the entire room erupted into chaos. Every loose object—chairs, books, vases, everything not nailed down—lifted off the ground, spinning and darting through the air in wild, unpredictable patterns. Even the sofa, with Kate and Irina still pinned to it, was spinning end over end, tumbling through the air as the two vampires sat, unable to move. The room became a storm of flying debris, a dizzying dance of power that Bella controlled effortlessly, and she relished every second of it. Tanya's mouth fell open, her terror plain, and Bella's smirk deepened.
"You're a bully, Tanya," Bella said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Do you need me to show you what I do with bullies?" She tightened her mental grip, forcing Tanya to rotate in a slow, deliberate circle around her, while Bella mirrored the movements, turning with eerie precision to ensure their eyes never broke contact. There was something almost mesmerizing about it, a dark ballet of control and submission. Bella had never done anything quite like this before, but she could see how effective it was, the fear etched into Tanya's features.
"Speak," Bella commanded, her voice booming, echoing off the walls. The word reverberated through the room, carrying with it a weight that pressed down on everyone present, leaving no room for defiance.
Tanya was beyond terrified. What had she done? This woman—no, this creature... was she even a vampire? Or was she some kind of demon? Oh god! She had dragged her sisters into this nightmare. Her eyes darted to Kate and Irina, who were spinning helplessly, their eyes wide with terror. Panic surged within her, and she felt her resolve crumbling. "I'm sorry," she cried out, her voice trembling. "I was just angry that Edward wanted you and not me. Please, please don't hurt my sisters."
That was exactly what Bella needed to hear. Tanya's concern for her family, even in the face of her own demise, showed a glimmer of decency. Bella's expression softened, her hard edges melting away just a little. She nodded at Tanya, her voice steady but reassuring. "I accept your apology," she said, each word deliberate, as if sealing a truce.
Bella began to restore order to the room. Everything drifted back to its place of origin, the chaotic whirlwind of objects settling as if guided by an unseen hand. The living room seemed to breathe again, peace returning to it, almost as if nothing had happened. Even the sofa, with Kate and Irina still on it, slowly lowered to the ground, the spinning ceasing as it was gently set back in its original spot. With a careful touch, Bella brought Tanya and herself down, drifting downward until her feet touched the floor.
She turned, giving Tanya a moment to collect herself, and with a final thought, the shields around Kate and Irina faded, releasing them. Bella's demeanor shifted, her smile warm as she approached the two very startled vampires. "Hi," she said, her tone friendly, breaking the heavy tension that had gripped the room. "Sorry you had to witness that little confrontation. I'm Bella." She extended her hand, a warm gesture, as if they were simply meeting at a casual gathering.
Kate was the first to break the silence, shaking off the lingering shock. "Hi, Bella… I'm Kate," she said, her voice still a bit unsteady, but warm. "And this is my sister, Irina."
Irina managed a small, tentative smile. "Hello," she murmured, though the unease hadn't completely faded from her eyes. What had Edward brought into their home? She couldn't help but glance warily at Bella, her mind still reeling from what she'd just seen.
Bella heard footsteps approaching quickly and turned her gaze to the stairs, where Edward appeared. Freshly showered and dressed, he looked good as new. There was an ease to his movements now, as it seemed his earlier... problem had somehow resolved itself. Bella's lips curved into a playful smile. "Hey, Edward," she called out, her tone light and breezy. "No need to worry. Tanya and I had a little heart-to-heart, and we're cool now." She cast a quick, conspiratorial wink in Tanya's direction. "Right, Tanya?"
Tanya stared at Bella, her mind reeling. Was she a schizo? She had never seen someone's personality shift so dramatically, so quickly. A moment ago, Bella had been radiating pure menace, and now she was all smiles, acting as if they were old friends. Where did the demon lady go? The transformation was unsettling, leaving Tanya scrambling to make sense of it. "Yeah… I'm really sorry, Edward," she said, her voice wavering, the words slipping out awkwardly as she tried to process everything that had just happened.
Edward was relieved to hear that Tanya was backing off, but he barely acknowledged her, his attention shifting to her sisters. A smile spread across his face as he took in the sight of more familiar faces after so many years. "Katrina, Irina," he said warmly, his voice carrying a note of genuine affection. "It's good to see you both again." He noticed, however, that their smiles were a bit strained, their eyes darting uneasily between him and Bella.
Bella slipped her hand into his, intertwining their fingers as she gently led him back to the loveseat. She kept her gaze on Tanya, watching as she quickly moving to join her sisters, still visibly rattled. Leaning in closer, Bella lowered her voice, a conspiratorial smile on her lips. "I might've scared Tanya a little," she confessed, "just to teach her not to go around threatening strangers. But… I think I might have overdone it."
Kate's reaction was immediate. She threw her head back and burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room. "Holy shit, Bella! Might have? That was some serious Exorcist-level shit you were throwing around just now." Her laughter was contagious, and Bella found herself joining in, her shoulders shaking as she let out a genuine, unrestrained laugh.
Tanya, now sandwiched between her sisters, looked between them, utterly bewildered. "What am I missing here?" she asked, her tone a mix of frustration and confusion. "Okay, I admit I acted out in anger, but Kate, you seemed to know what I was getting myself into. Mind filling me in?"
Kate shook her head, a mix of disbelief and amusement in her eyes as she looked at her sister. "There's just one tiny bit of information you might have found helpful, Tanya. Bella here"—she nodded toward her—"is the one who took down the Volturi. All of them… single-handedly." She let the words hang in the air, giving them time to sink in. "And you thought it was a good idea to threaten her with my zapping power? Thanks for including me in that one, sis."
Tanya's eyes widened as the weight of Kate's words settled over her. She turned to Bella, newfound clarity dawning on her face. "You... you took out the Volturi?" Her mind flashed back to the past, to raw memories of injustice. The way the Volturi had torn apart her family, their mother executed on fabricated charges. "Thank you, Bella," she said, her voice softer now, meaning every word. "They destroyed our mother centuries ago, all on lies. She had done nothing wrong, yet they burned her nonetheless."
Bella nodded, acknowledging her. "You're welcome, Tanya," she replied. "It seems like every vampire coven has its own horror story with the Volturi." She glanced at the three sisters on the sofa; both Tanya and Irina still looked uneasy, their postures stiff and guarded. Despite the fear she saw, Bella remained convinced that her display of power had been justified. Most vampires in my position would have just taken Tanya out, she thought. And while part of her had wanted to rip her apart limb by limb, that just wasn't who she was. Still, she knew it wasn't wise for vampires to hold grudges, so she stifled her pride, realizing it would be best to apologize.
Bella took a breath, her expression softening. "Honestly, Tanya, I only meant to scare you. I never intended to actually hurt you or your sisters." She paused, her voice firm but measured. "I apologize if I went too far, but I hope the lesson was learned. Another vampire in my place might not have stopped if provoked like that. And trust me, your actions and your words provoked me plenty." She met Tanya's eyes, holding her gaze, waiting for a reaction. After a moment, she saw Tanya give a curt nod, a silent acknowledgment that seemed to say, I understand.
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Edward's brow furrowed slightly as he glanced around, trying to piece together what he had missed. The large room looked pristine, nothing out of place—no overturned furniture, no shattered glass. Whatever had happened, it hadn't been a physical fight.
He'd been thoroughly distracted upstairs, finishing his shower in Bella's bathroom while really working hard to relieve that... problem Bella had left him with. A small, private smile tugged at the corner of his lips at the memory, but he quickly masked it.
Irina, hoping to break the awkward silence and steer the conversation toward something more cheerful, chimed in with a grin. "So, Edward," she began, "where have you been hiding these past 100 years? Off on some tropical island with a vampire beauty, perhaps?"
Edward's eyes shifted to Irina, his expression stoic and unreadable. He hesitated, his mind sifting through what and how much to say. But then he felt it—Bella's hand, warm and steady, slipping down to rest on his thigh. She gave him a gentle, reassuring squeeze, and it was as if a small jolt of strength flowed from her to him.
Turning his head, he met Bella's gaze and saw a softness there, a silent promise that he wasn't alone in this. He offered her a faint smile, grateful for the unspoken support, before shifting his attention back to Irina. At least he wouldn't have to tell his story to many. The fact that he hadn't known many vampires before his capture meant he'd only have to recount his tale a few more times, sparing him the endless repetition of reliving it.
I hope you enjoyed Bella's wrath. I briefly toyed with the idea of calling the chapter Kneel Before Bella, but I managed to restrain myself. Do you think Tanya got off too easily?
In the next chapter, we'll wrap up our time in Denali, and a fan-favorite character from Twilight who hasn't appeared yet will finally enter the story. As always, your comments are appreciated!