I stood awkwardly by Edward's desk as more and more reapers filled the room. Each faction was in attendance, Edward's, Emmett's and Esme's. Then there was team Ribbon and team Jewel. I've never met them in person, but I worked extensively on their reaping lists. This was the first time I've seen them all together in one place. I didn't have the chance to meet most of them, but the initial disinterest they showed in my first week of me starting to work here motivated me to not bother trying. Although, I noticed a few friendly smiles in my direction as the room became crowded.
One man cautiously approached Edward, keeping a respectful disposition as his eyes flickered between Edward and me. "Master, may I speak freely," He bowed his head.
Edward raised a brow, not appearing interested in the slightest. "What do you want, Seth?"
"I'd like to formally introduce myself to the book-keeper." He didn't raise his head.
He wanted to talk with me?
Edward hesitated, before clicking his tongue. "What business do you have with her?" He was teetering on the edge of annoyance.
"I'd like to express gratitude, on behalf of team Ribbon. Our lists are much better now and we would like to thank her for her work."
I couldn't stop the smile that came to my face. It meant a lot that my hard work was being noticed.
"Proceed," Edward muttered, but kept a hard look on his face. He has always been overly protective when it came to reapers being around me. That has only doubled now that I was carrying his child.
Seth now turned to make eye contact with me, a friendly smile on his face. "I really appreciate what you're doing. My team is much happier, so for that, I thank you." He was extremely polite.
"I'm glad you guys are happy. Just let me know if you ever need me to adjust things differently." I said, glancing at Seth, then to the others of his team. Team ribbon, like the other teams, were a group of ten skilled reapers. Hecktor made it clear that they prefer working in the rough areas of Boswell, such as the slums and high poverty locations. Seth was the head of their group and acts as the direct communication to Edward. The others weren't permitted to come into contact with Edward at all, unless given permission by Edward.
"We wouldn't dare ask for anything more than what you've already done for us. But if there is anything we could do for you, just say the word." Seth continued, turning his sights over to his team.
Seven men and three women, all physically impressive. Rippling muscles. Gorgeous. And extremely pale. Each had a pin attached to their shirts. The rin was in the shape of a ribbon. Crimson red in color, with an intricate cursive 'E' engraved in them. This was the symbol of their team and their master.
"Well, I would like for each of you to find some time to stop by my office. I'd like to meet each of you. And get to know you all a little better. My door is always open." I said with an eager smile.
Edward gave me a look of disapproval, but didn't comment. He wasn't a big fan of this idea. It was clear. But he also knew that I wanted to truly become part of his world. That means getting to know the men and women of his team.
The group exchanged looks with one another, their expressions ranged from curious to fearful. Seth gave me a sheepish grin.
"With master's permission, I think we would be able to answer your request." Seth bowed his head once more, before strolling back to the rest of his team.
I noticed team Jewel watching this interaction, but none dared to make a move, or utter a word. Instead, they remained lined up against the far wall of the room. This group was primarily women, eight in total, with only two men. They were the group that preferred the red light, or pleasure districts of the town. The strip clubs, the bars anywhere with sprawling nightlife. Hecktor had shown quite a distaste of this particular group. Although he didn't tell me why he felt that way.
It didn't surprise me that they didn't want to speak with me. Their personalities were overly aggressive and it was clear the women of this group had their sights on Edward. The jealousy from this group was almost palpable. They didn't like me, because I was intimate with Edward. Because I had been marked by him. As for the men, they seemed like the macho, alpha male's, that tried to have sex with anything that moved. Until I was shown anything to the contrary of that, I disregarded this group as anyone that I wanted to get better acquainted with.
The only person we were waiting on was Esme. The room was filled with quiet chattering. Alice had propped herself on Edward's desk and silently was filing her nails. She was clearly annoyed with something. But knowing her, there were endless possibilities as to what that might be.
Edward gently pulled me back into his lap, nuzzling himself into me. His hands traced patterns against my thighs, smoothing out the fabric of my dress. I could sense his emotions, he seemed tranquil. I wished that I felt the same. This meeting had me a little on edge. There were so many uncertainties.
Needless to say, as Esme walked into the room, everyone went completely silent. Everyone instantly bowed their heads, except Edward and Alice.
Esme strutted in, lit cigarette in hand and a glare on her beautiful face. She ignored everyone and moved to the center of the room. Two girls followed closely behind her. I've never seen the girls before. They appeared young, possibly ten year-olds. They were identical. Dark mahogany hair, with eyes just as dark.
"Why the hell did you bring the twins here?" Alice grumbled, barely looking up from her nails.
Esme rolled her eyes, drawing in a puff from her cigarette. "You know it's time for them to receive their mark by 'the grim'," She narrowed her eyes at the young girls for a moment. "As their mother, you should have been the one to prepare them for this."
Mother?
I felt my eyes widen and my jaw drop.
These two girls, were Alice's daughters? I had know idea that Alice was a mother. She never mentioned it. Well, I guess she really hasn't told me much about herself. I just didn't think she was the… motherly type.
Alice made a face, glancing at the girls for just the briefest second. "It must have slipped my mind." She turned back to filing her nails.
The twins watched Alice with silent longing. I could see it in their eyes. They desperately wanted her attention. Or… any sign of affection. But neither one of them spoke up.
Esme sighed, blowing out a cloud of smoke, before turning to Edward. Her face softened, a small smile came to her face. "Shall we start the meeting, my dear boy?" Even her voice sounded tender.
Edward cleared his throat. "Yes, let's get this over with quickly so everyone can get back to their tasks. Would you like to start this off?"
Esme died her cigarette and tossed it to the side, before squaring her hips and shoulders. Her stance was that of a powerful business woman, ready to take complete charge of this room.
"Of course," She replied, all warmth gone. "As you know, Galen has taken steps to destroy this company. My traitorous son, Emmett, has joined them. We must assume he will be feeding Aro all our information and secrets."
"So, Emmett will be on the elimination list." Alice said with a raised brow. "The punishment for treachery is death, isn't it?"
"No, Emmett will not be killed. He is still family." Edward grumbled with a glare in Alice's direction. "Even if he is being a complete idiot."
Esme clicked her tongue in distaste. "I'd never allow death to come to Carlisle's son. I made a promise and I'll fulfill that promise. However, he will be punished. Emmett is to be found and brought in."
This was a relief. I was afraid Esme would have taken this betrayal badly and given up on Emmett. It was comforting that she still was willing to give him mercy. I still was having trouble believing that Emmett would do this.
There again were some quiet mutters amongst the other reapers. Nothing I could pick out, but there was an overwhelming amount of negativity. I could see the disturbance within their facial expressions.
One of the reapers from Emmett's team took a step forward, raising his hand. "May I ask a question?"
Sharpness reflected in both Esme and Edward's eyes as they watched the boy.
"Speak peasant." Esme snapped.
"Since master Emmett is no longer leading this team things have been difficult. There is no order or structure. Our book-keeper has been neglecting our lists. If things continue in this manner, everything will fall apart." He said, not making eye contact with anyone. He kept his eyes trained to the floor.
Edward snorted, leaning back in his seat, his hand continued weaving up and down my thighs. "I suppose we do need to find a replacement for Emmett's position. Things have been so busy lately, I forgot about his subordinates."
"I've considered a replacement, in fact, I was meaning to speak with him about taking over Emmett's position. I suppose I can get into contact with him sooner than later." Esme commented, moving to place another cigarette into her mouth.
Suddenly Alice was to her feet, glaring daggers at Esme. "Are you kidding me? You're really not going to give the position to me?" Each word was dripping in venom.
Esme didn't appear bothered by her outburst, she puffed a few times on her cigarette before answering. "No, I don't think the position would suit you."
"This is ridiculous. The head of each faction is supposed to be of your blood. Apparently Emmett wasn't even a blood relation to you, yet you gave him that position. What is the problem with me? Why am I never good enough for you?" Alice hissed. There wasn't just rage in her words. There was pain as well.
Esme sighed heavily. "Do you really want to have this conversation again, in front of everyone. In front of your daughters?" She still appeared unaffected by Alice's words.
"Leave my daughters out of this. It isn't about them. This is about me."
"You are a mother. Above everything else. The workload here at this company is strenuous. You wouldn't be able to raise Olivia and Alyssa. You're already almost completely absent in their lives as is." Esme said with a reproachful look.
Alice dabbed at her face as her eyes slowly moved to the twins. They watched her, still quiet. I couldn't tell what they were feeling at the moment. In fact, everyone in the room seemed at a loss for words.
"I never asked to be a mother. And if I would have known this was going to prevent me from moving forward in the company… I wouldn't have given birth to them at all." Her words stung. I've never heard something so cruel coming from Alice. It knocked the wind out of me.
But before I could even speak up, Alice stormed out of the room, pushing past the rest of the reapers. She slammed the door to the room as she made her exit.
Esme turned to the twins with a feeble attempt of a smile. "She didn't mean anything by that. She's just upset with me. Don't take her words to heart, girls."
The girls exchanged sad looks with one another. The one had begun to cry quietly. She covered her face and turned her back to the rest of the reapers in the room. Her twin hugged her tightly.
"We need to get back on track here," Edward spoke up, ushering the girls over with a kind smile. "Come girls. I have something for you."
The girls meekly approached, both glancing at me a few times.
"Don't cry Olivia. Look," Edward said, pulling out one of his drawers in his desk. He pulled out a pretty necklace and gently placed it in her little hands. "I got this for you. Happy birthday."
A smile lit up Olivia's face as she gazed at the necklace. "Thank you uncle. It's really pretty." Her mood instantly improved.
"What about me, uncle?" Alyssa pouted, still holding onto her sister.
Edward smirked, pulling out a dagger. "I haven't forgotten you, happy birthday Alyssa."
Like her sister, Alyssa beamed in utter joy as she took the dagger from Edward. "This is awesome. Thank you so much."
It was clear these twins had very different interests. But they seemed like very sweet girls. It was sad to see Alice treat them so coldly. She treated them with the same regard Esme had for her. The cycle of bitterness continued.
With the girls in better spirits, the meeting resumed.
"So, you never did mention who was taking Emmett's position." Edward said, turning back to Esme.
"Well, I believe Jacob has more than proven his loyalty to this company. He is capable. I think he will handle the position well." Esme said, taking a few quick puffs from her cigarette.
Edward gritted his teeth. "I can't think of a better option at the moment. So, I guess I don't have an objection."
"Excellent, I'll offer him the job then. So, everyone. Stay alert and bring Emmett into custody. His replacement will be stepping in by the end of the week. As for the book-keeper, they shall be terminated, Alice will fill that role. Any comments or concerns?" Esme said, now directing her focus on the reapers in the room.
No one spoke up. They bowed their heads in response to her words.
"Keep in mind, 'the grim' will be on the premises for the next twenty-four hours. Be on your best behavior. Do everything by the book. Now, back to work." Edward said in a bone-chilling tone.
Shivers rolled down my spine for a moment. Edward had a way about him. When he was commanding a group of people, he was so intimidating. It was… sexy.
Quickly and quietly, everyone left the room, except for Esme and the twins. My heart started pounding in my chest. This is it. Soon, Esme would find out the news of my pregnancy. There was no telling how she was going to take it.
Edward noticed my discomfort and lightly he stroked my cheek, offering me a tender kiss to my cheek.
Esme plopped down in one of the seats in front of Edward's desk, leaving out a long sigh. "Your sister is going to be the death of me. That girl is just like her father." With the flick of her fingers, she tossed her cigarette into the waste can at the side of the desk.
"I suspect you will have an easier time with her, if you stop treating her like she is Aro," Edward said, shrugging his shoulders.
"She's a dreadfully cold person. I was hoping motherhood would have changed her. But it hasn't. I fear she will never be happy in life. Alice thinks if she takes over this company, she will find happiness. But that isn't the case. I've found that out for myself." Esme glanced over to where the twins stood. "Those girls are her only chance of happiness in this life we live. I hope she realizes that, before it's too late."
For a moment, it sounded like Esme really cared about Alice. Maybe this was her own strange way of helping her. It was a bit of… tough love?
"Speaking of motherhood. There is something we would like to discuss with you." Edward said, appearing completely nonchalant.
I swallowed hard as Esme now looked at me with curiosity. She raised a brow. "Oh, and what is it that you two would like to tell me?"
Edward looked at me, hesitating. Waiting for any indication of me stopping him. But I remained quiet and just bobbed my head. I was at a loss for words.
"Well, this wasn't intentional. But we are happy to announce, Bella is pregnant."
Silence.
Esme's face was unreadable.
It felt like my heart was about to beat out of my chest. My stomach tied up in knots. I waited nervously. My mouth instantly went dry. Nausea began chewing at me. Seconds ticked by. It felt like torture. I could even feel Edward's emotions shifting as well. His anxieties were growing as well.
"A-are you sure…" Esme said quietly, her eyes were only on me.
"The test was positive," I replied with the quiver of my lip.
She leaned back in her seat, folding her arms across her chest. "My baby… is having a baby…" Her tone didn't give away what she was feeling.
"It's still early, but we plan on setting up a doctor's appointment. Just to make sure everything is progressing as it should." Edward continued tentatively.
"A normal human doctor will not be an appropriate option. Let me make some phone calls. I'll take care of everything." Finally a glimpse of a smile came to her face.
"I appreciate that." Edward smiled as well, letting out a sigh of relief.
My shoulders slumped as all the tension left my body.
"You do… plan on keeping the baby… right?" Esme said carefully, again, only looking at me.
"Of course, I'd never want to terminate." I said with a slight frown.
Her smile widened. "So… what are your thoughts… on becoming a mother? Did you want to have children in the future? What are your plans?"
I figured Esme would have questions for me.
"Well, I never really thought about having children. I've always been more of a career driven person. But now that this has happened… I'm actually… really excited to become a mother. And I couldn't have asked for a better person to experience this with. I know Edward will be a wonderful father." I replied, leaning a little closer into Edward's side.
His hold around me tightened a little. A content smile was on his face. I wished that I could hear what he was thinking at that moment. Was he as happy as I was?
Esme's smile widened. "You're right. My precious boy will be a perfect father. I've been looking forward to this day. Finally. Honestly, I was hoping he would have reproduced with another reaper… but…" She let that sentence trail off.
Edward shot a dark look towards Esme. "Mom…"
I didn't take offense. I knew the kind of person Esme was. Strength and power was important to her. Of course she would want her grandchild to be a powerful reaper like herself. I was just relieved that she wasn't angry.
"What?" She replied innocently. "It's no big deal, once her mark is completed… maybe the two of you can try again…"
Huh? What does she mean by that?
Edward shot his hand up, panic clouding his face. "Not another word." He hissed.
"What are you talking about? Do you mean… our eternal mark?" I looked between the two of them. I didn't like the feeling of being in the dark. Was Edward hiding things from me?
Esme clicked her tongue, giving Edward a reproachful look. "Don't tell me that you haven't filled her in on how eternal marks work?"
"I didn't think it was the right time. I wanted to wait… until the mark was closer to completion." Edward muttered quietly, hanging his head.
"Edward please, what aren't you telling me?"
"Tell her dear, this is very important." Esme said as she lit another cigarette.
Edward sighed heavily, before shifting me in his lap to face him. "Alright. This may be… hard to take in… but… eternal marks bind reapers for life. Forever. Body and soul. Unchanging. Frozen in time. Not even death can come between the two." He paused for a moment to read my expression.
I nodded for him to continue.
"But an eternal mark, between a reaper and a human, will produce an extra effect. Over time, the mark will continue to spread, until it penetrates the human soul. Once it reaches the soul… it corrupts and transforms the body." Again, he paused.
Esme flicked her ashes onto the floor, before taking a long drag on her cigarette. "It turns a human into a reaper."
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.