Emmett's Point of View

I still couldn't believe the grim had selected me for this battle. I thought my talents had been completely overlooked because of my partially human genetics. I still wasn't too confident that I would be able to do much damage to a fully endowed reaper. But there had to be a reason I was chosen for this.

Our team was preparing to begin our assault. We had just dressed into our tactical suits. Twelve of us stood in an abandoned parking lot, going over our orders and attack plans. Apparently, this diner that the rogues have taken as their base of operations, had just recently closed down. Dale's diner. I recognized this place, Bella used to work here. She lived in this area at one point. This was one of the most dangerous places in the city to live. Crime was at an all-time high in areas of critical poverty levels.

The building stood with a few broken windows, graffiti against the walls and front door. A homeless man was slumped over, leaning against the building. He was dressed in winter attire. Filthy, with a smell you couldn't ignore. But he was alive. I could see his shoulders rising and falling with each breath.

"He isn't on the reaping list. But we can't have that old man here. We have to keep this discrete." Katlyn said as she stood by my side. The others of our group nodded in unison, waiting patiently to start making our moves. Katlyn was given the title of leader of our little group here. Out of all of us, she had the highest seat in the company. The rest of the reapers present were near the bottom of the corporate ladder.

"He seems really familiar." I said hesitantly, watching over to the man.

"Go talk to him, see if we can relocate him for a little while. At least until we get those rogues out of the building." Vex spoke up with an emotionless look in my direction. She wore her signature leather outfit. Her hands lingered at her sides, where her weapon of choice clung to her hips. Two whips, crafted from her own powers. It was the only ability she had. Creating objects. She always fought with whips.

I struggled to make eye contact with her. Now that she was marked, our relationship had become a bit strained. The only thing we really bonded over was sex. It was a shame our relationship of casual flings was over. It just made things awkward now.

"Why me?" I muttered with a frown.

"Because he is human. You can blend in with the human population much better than the rest of us can. You have experience talking to them. We don't." Vex sighed heavily.

I guess she had a good point. The rest of the reapers haven't had any form of contact with humans, other than reaping their souls. It wasn't natural for them to converse with the very thing they were designed to take away from this existence. On the other hand, I've had a lot of experience with humans.

"Fine, just stay back for now. I'll deal with this." I said as I straightened my shoulders.

I casually strolled to the building, to the wall that the homeless man was leaning against. As I approached, he lifted his head with a look of fear on his expression, he lifted his hands up, as if to shield his face from an attack. His frail body trembled and quaked.

"Excuse me sir," I said, bending down to be at eye level with him. I kept my tone as gentle as possible. I didn't want to scare the old-timer.

The man shifted his hands from his face, meeting my gaze. His eyes widened slightly. "Oh kid, it's you… I remember you." He spoke weakly, offering me a smile. "It's me, Pete."

Now I remember him. He was that old man that worked in Bella's old apartment. The two of them had been friends. She would bring him food from this diner once in a while. I instantly pitied the sad state he was in. If Bella saw him like this, she would be heartbroken.

"Hey Pete, nice to see you again." I reached my hand out to him to shake.

He took my hand, which was just skin and bone, to give me the weakest handshake I've ever felt. There was no energy behind his movements. He wasn't in good shape. By the looks of it, he lost significant weight. I wonder how long he had become homeless. I couldn't just leave him like this.

"What brings you out this way? I haven't seen Bella in such a long time. I hope she is doing well." Pete said as he left his hand drop, as if he didn't have it in him to keep his arm raised for that long.

"I was just stopping by; I thought the diner was still open." I lied smoothly. "But more importantly, how long have you been out here like this? What happened to your apartment."

"Oh, I had some health issues," He nodded down to his one leg. From the ankle down, there was no longer a foot present. Just a bandaged stump. The dressing was soiled and discolored from dirt, blood, or any other kind of foreign substances from living out in the filth. "I couldn't work anymore, so I lost my job. Couldn't pay rent, so here I am. This was as far from the apartment complex as I could get on my own. So, I've been staying here."

"I'm sorry to hear all that Pete. Listen, everyone falls on hard times. I'll make sure you get the help you need. First, we need to call an ambulance to get your leg checked out. It's important to make sure it's not infected." I said as I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket.

"No, no," he said warily. "I can't afford another trip to the hospital."

"Money isn't a problem; I'll pay for everything myself. Once the hospital takes care of you. I'll come to get you. I have a place for you to live. An old fellow like you shouldn't be out here like this." I said as I dialed my phone to call for help.

"I can't have you doing all that for me. I could never repay you." He reached out to grab my arm, meekly attempting to stop me.

"Nonsense. It's the least I can do. You've watched over Bella and kept her safe. You're her friend. And she would never forgive me if I didn't help you any way that I could." I said with a serious look. "Let me do this much."

Pete withdrew his hand with a look of defeat. "You kids really are kind."

I called an ambulance; the rest of our group hid their presence. It was something only full reapers could do. They could become completely invisible to humans. They could even make it so their bodies couldn't come in contact with humans. Edward could do this as well, but of course, I couldn't.

I watched as the paramedics began to assess Pete and get him strapped into the ambulance. Katlyn moved to my side with a look of reluctance. "The grim just sent me an order. He wants you to go with Pete. You are no longer needed in this mission."

My jaw dropped as I felt the wind get knocked out of me. I couldn't believe it. The grim really didn't value me being here at all. He didn't think I could handle the rogues. Was it because of how I dealt with Pete being here? Was I being punished for showing mercy?

"Are you serious?" I muttered bitterly.

"Unfortunately, yes, he wants you to stay by Pete's side for the time being… He said that it's really important. He is counting on you to do what you can to help him. It's something only you can do." She replied, reaching out to place a hand on my shoulder. "Don't take offense to any of this. You know Bella would want you to do the same. She wouldn't want you to be in danger. She would want you to help Pete."

I shrugged her hand off, not in the mood. Everyone was always looking down on me. I could never be a match for Edward. I thought I would finally have a chance to prove I was just as good as he was. But here I was, getting sent away to babysit a human.

"Fine, I'm going." I snapped, turning away from her to follow the paramedics to the ambulance. I waited for their approval, before getting into the back with Pete. They shut the doors behind me as I took a seat next to the stretcher that Pete laid in. Now that we were in better lighting, I got a better look of Pete.

He was so thin; it was startling to see. He was half the man he was when I saw him last. His hair was falling out, his teeth were missing, clothing completely soiled. Bruises decorated most of his body. The bandages around his stump were leaking some kind of brown sludge. It was clear that he was in a critical state. He wouldn't have lasted many more days like this. There was cloudiness to one of his eyes, I wondered if he could ever see out of it anymore.

Pete offered me a toothless smile. "Oh, you're coming along to boy?"

"Apparently," I sighed, regaining some composure. "I'd rather make sure that you are alright."

"Good, not to sound pathetic, but hospitals always scared me, I'm relieved that I won't be alone this time around." He replied shakily.

"It's going to be alright Pete." I reassured him as I felt the ambulance begin down the road. The area wasn't very comfortable. I felt like I was crammed into a small metal death trap. One of the other paramedics sat in the bath with us, starting an I.V and getting some general information

I opened my phone, checking for any updates. The only thing I had was a few messages from Edward and Esme. They were asking how everything was going. And warning me to remain alert and careful. Sounds like Esme wanted me to stop over at her place as soon as the mission was over. That was strange. But after the kind of night I was having, it may be best if I wasn't alone. I'd probably try to drink my feelings away after this massive disappointment. And I didn't want to do that. I had promised Edward that I would do better. Keep myself together and stop creating more stress for the rest of them.

If only he knew the nightmare that was inside of my mind.

It didn't take long for us to reach the hospital. It also didn't take long for the staff to decide to admit Pete for testing and observation. He was extremely dehydrated, riddled with infections and was in the beginning stages of kidney failure. In other words, he was a mess. I remained at his bed side for now, answering any questions that the doctors or nurses might have. But I didn't know Pete that well, they were able to get into contact with his last surviving relative. A granddaughter. She didn't live in the city, nor did she even know that Pete was still alive. Needless to say, it didn't sound like she was interested in being involved with any of this. She actually knew even less about him, then I did. So, I didn't have a choice. I had to stay.

I spared no expense, making sure he had a private room, with his own personal bathroom. He was able to shower, with some help from the hospital wards. They placed him in a hospital gown. A few nurses came in to change his dressing and give his stump proper cleaning as well. He was sitting upright in the hospital bed, looking up towards a blurry television screen. A dinner tray was brought in for him to have a meal. It was already empty. He ate everything so quickly; it was almost heartbreaking to watch. As if he hadn't eaten in a long time. I couldn't imagine how much pain he had been in.

"Emmett, I really can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me." He said turning to me with a warm smile.

"Think nothing of it. After you are discharged, I've arranged for you to move into a nearby nursing home. They will help manage your medications, keep your wounds clean and your belly full. Not to mention you won't have to live on the streets anymore. I know it's not ideal. But I do think it would be the best choice for you." I said as I carefully slid over a pamphlet of the nursing home I've selected.

It was an upscale facility. Private, safe and close to Bella's apartment. I'm sure she would want to see Pete once in a while. She was very fond of the old man.

Pete glanced over the paper, nodding his head with a reluctant sigh. "I really appreciate that. I know that you've truly done enough… but there is one more thing, I'd really like for you to do for me."

"Name it, and it's done." I replied easily.

"I have a friend… she's… troubled. Not a normal girl. She would meet up with me a few times a week. She would try to help me, and I'd try to help her. She's confused. A lost soul. Could you get in contact with her and let her know that I'm going to be alright now. She can forget about me and move on with her life."

"Does this girl have a name?"

"Rebecca," Pete said faintly, his eyes turning to the window. It had begun to rain. I could see this topic was making him a little emotional. I could sense the worry falling off him. "She has started to run with a new gang of people. They aren't good. Thugs maybe. They meet up at the diner that you found me. Since she met them… she has stopped all contact with me."

"This group of thugs, have you seen them before? What do they look like?"

"Well, they are strange. They act more like animals than people. I suspect that they hurt people. They seem violent and get a lot of enjoyment in being cruel. They dress in dark clothes. I think I've heard them chanting some kind of black magic spells. Devil-worshipers probably." Pete said with slight distaste.

It sounds like the group of rogues that we were assigned to eliminate.

"And Rebecca, has she turned bad as well? Like the rest of the group?"

"No, I don't think it's possible for her to be corrupted by a group like that. She just feels like she fits in with them. They are different, like her. She tried to explain it to me, but I just couldn't understand."

If that was the case, I couldn't let the others kill her. If she isn't truly breaking any of our laws, she could potentially be spared from this. I would need to get in contact with Katlyn right away, before it's too late.

"Excuse me for a second," I said as I stood from my seat and took a few steps out of the room. Closing the door behind me, I pressed my phone to my ear after dialing Katlyn's number. The hallway was empty, everyone was busy with other patients. I had a brief moment for a discrete conversation.

Katlyn answered in a breathless voice. "Emmett, we don't have time to talk. Is it important?"

"Yes, there is a girl among the group that isn't to be harmed. Her name is Rebecca." I said quickly.

"That might be the one that got away from us. She was heading in your direction. I think she might have heard about that old man getting taken to the hospital. They must know each other. Emmett, she might show up there. Do not engage. We are on the way." Katlyn said in one breath.

"If it's the same girl, don't worry. I can handle this. Pete doesn't want her to get hurt. He is certain that she isn't a threat. She's just confused. I can handle this." I said, then abruptly hung up the phone. I didn't want to fight with her. I already knew she wouldn't agree with my proposal. But I wasn't asking for permission. I promised that I would help Pete, and this is me keeping my word. If this Rebecca girl is truly not a threat, I would reunite them.

For now, I stood guard at the door to Pete's room. I kept my eyes scanning the area for any sign of a suspicious person. Nearly ten minutes passed before there was any sign of a disruption. A woman came into view, sporting knee-high boots, a black leather skirt that was dangerously too short and a cropped top with some kind of logo. She stared straight ahead, with eyes of shimmering black. Her hair, pulled up in a messy blonde bun at the top of her head. There was a faint expression of panic on her face.

I tensed, as I sensed the familiar air of a reaper. There was a ripple hovering around her, keeping her completely invisible to any humans within this area. Everyone passed by her, completely unaware of her presence.

She paused as she reached me, her eyes scanning over me from head to toe.

"I can see you," I muttered quietly.

She flinched, taking several steps back as surprise highlighted her face. "What the hell, really? You can actually see me? How?" She demanded.

"I'm kind of like you. So, that kind of ability doesn't work on me." I said, keeping my eyes on her. She was an unknown variable. How should I proceed? I'm certain if it came to a fight, I could probably handle her. She may be a reaper, but she didn't appear to have much experience. I still had a chance.

"You're kind of like me," She repeated my words, raising a brow. "And what am I… could you explain that? Because no one else can seem to give me a straight answer." She returned to me, folding her arms across her chest.

"You are a reaper."

"A reaper, is that what it's called. That group I met… they call themselves rogues."

"Yes, they are a gang of reapers that are considered criminals within our community." I replied as I squared my shoulders. "Are you a criminal?"

She frowned. "I don't think so, I mean, I was just a normal person a few months ago. But now, I'm just… hungry, desperate and confused. Nothing has made sense lately. All I know is this old man, Pete… he is a good person. He has been trying to help me figure all this out."

"You haven't consumed any souls?"

"I haven't eaten in months. The last thing I had was spaghetti, back when I was normal. But once everything changed, I can't eat food anymore. I can't keep it down. Nothing satisfies." She answered.

If that was the truth, she was probably starving. I know when Edward has gone an extended amount of time without a soul stone, he describes the pain as something close to torture. Luckily, I always had a few stones on me, in case someone was in need for a pick-me-up.

Cautiously, I pulled a few soul stones from my pocket and placed them into her hands. She looked at them with confusion. Blinking a few times, she looked back up at me.

"What is this?" She asked inspecting them closely.

"This is what reapers eat…"

"How do I… eat them?"

"Just place it up to your lips and suck inward." I instructed.

She did as I said. I watched as the vibrant light dancing within the stone, fade completely from sight. The soul inside was gone forever. Soul stones only housed the souls of animals. I knew that I didn't have nearly enough for a starving reaper, but this should at least ease some of her discomfort.

Her eyes widened as she quickly drained the souls of the other stones as well. The look on her face was of pure bliss. Finally, she offered me a smile. "Delicious, can I get more of those?"

"You can have as much as you want, but I have a few questions for you, before any of that."

She pouted but nodded her head. She looked like she was about my age. Not to mention, stunning. I found myself entranced by her. But I remained on task. Now wasn't the time to think with my dick.

"Have you kill anyone?" I started.

"No, I'd never do something like that… I know those guys in that group wanted me to… but I told them no. I just wanted information. I wanted to know what was wrong with me. Unfortunately, they wouldn't tell me anything. They just kept pushing me to do awful things."

"So why did you stay with them? Why meet up with them?"

"Well, they were like me… and I thought eventually, they would tell me everything that I needed to know. I didn't know they were bad people. She paused, lowering her head. "But I did start to piece together that they might be hurting innocent people."

So, Pete was right. She remained innocent. If things had gone differently, our team might have killed this woman. Guilty by association. Is this why the grim gave me the orders to go with Pete and help him?

"Listen, there is a lot of things you need to learn. And we will tell you everything I promise. But for now, I think you should go and see Pete. He has been asking for you." I said as I shifted to the side, allowing her access to the room.

Her smile made my heart squeeze uncomfortably in my chest. It was such an odd sensation. It felt similar to how I felt when I first met Bella. There was such chemistry between us. I fought back the urge to reach out and just touch this girl. Just to confirm that she was real.

To my surprise, she reached out to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Really? Thanks. You're the one that helped him, aren't you?"

The contact sent a shiver down my entire body. My skin warmed to the point where it felt like I had begun boiling alive. A gust of energy bounced between us and right before my eyes, I watched as a marking spread from the point of contact, from my shoulder, down my arm, ending at my wrist.

She let out a gasp as she moved her hand away. Markings spread from her hand, up to her shoulder as well. It was intricate, gentle and very beautiful. There was no longer a doubt in my mind. I had just received an eternal marking… and I had placed one on her. I found her… my life partner…

TADA. Emmett has finally found his other half. Thanks for reading this chapter, dedicated specially for our boy Emmett. I felt that he finally deserved to find his love. Leave a review with your thoughts on this new development. Next chapter goes back to Bella, where the family gathering will be starting. It's going to be a long one, so stay tuned!

Eternal marking pairs thus far

Bella-Edward

Jacob-Ana

Emmett-Rebecca

Jasper-Vex

Embry-Victoria