All I Need
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 03
She awoke abruptly the next day to the feeling of another presence in the room, one that felt altogether unfriendly. Quickly, she searched the shadows and gasped as she noticed a young girl—no, vampire—who was just standing there staring, her face expressionless. "Hello?" she muttered while pulling herself into a sitting position as she watched the blonde warily.
The vampire didn't return the greeting, but took it upon herself to walk around and yank open the heavy drapes, flooding the room with light. Bella covered her smarting eyes with one hand as the vampire began barking instructions. "I have stocked your closet and wardrobe with appropriate clothing and footwear. Rise and ready yourself. You will find grooming supplies in the adjacent bathroom. Use them as I do not wish to have to smell anything foul. I will be waiting in the sitting room. You have thirty minutes."
"Where is…" Bella trailed off, only just realizing the vampire was gone from the room. "Well, shit," she muttered. "Good morning to you too, sunshine…"
Thirty minutes and one fancy dress later, Bella walked out into the sitting room to find the blonde vampire sitting stoically on the sofa. "Your food is on the cart. Eat. You have fifteen minutes."
"Where is Marcus?" Bella questioned as she sat and uncovered her plate to begin eating.
"Master Marcus is engaged with business. I was tasked with caring for you."
"What's your name?" Bella asked between bites of some kind of wonderful custard filled pastry. She nearly moaned. It was heavenly.
The blonde glared at her. "I see no need for you to know my name human."
Bella's brows rose and then she shrugged. "Fine, I'll just give you one then, but you probably won't like it—Grump."
She took a sip of the strong but smooth cup of coffee and watched the blonde seethe at her.
"Cease from calling me anything human. As a matter of fact, cease from speaking unless spoken to. It will be better for your…continued existence."
Bella finished her pastry and cleaned her fingers and mouth with her napkin before speaking. "Why do you dislike me? We've only just met and I haven't done a thing to you."
The blonde sneered. "You are a human and therefore inferior."
Bella arched a brow. "Were you not also human at one point, or were you hatched?" she asked with a little venom in her tone.
The blonde shot from her seat with a menacing hiss. "Shut your mouth before I shut it for you!"
Just at that moment, the door opened and Marcus strolled in with a small box in his hand.
The blonde quickly bowed. "Master," she murmured before standing straight and falling silent, her face a perfect mask of calm.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at the guard. "Jane," he drawled. "Is there a problem here that would cause you to hiss at my human?"
Jane frowned. "She continues to speak when I have instructed her not to…and she called me a name," she said while doing a poor job of stifling a sneer.
Bella glanced up through her lashes to see him stifle a grin. "Is that so? And what was this name that you found so abhorrent?"
The blonde actually growled as she stared petulantly at the floor. "Grump, Master…she called me Grump."
Marcus cocked a brow and looked at Bella who was blushing. Still, she squared her shoulders and met his amused gaze. "She's been nasty since waking me this morning. Barking orders at me—and then when I tried to make pleasant conversation, she ordered me to stop speaking and said I was human and therefore inferior."
"Yes!" Jane hissed. "And then you proceeded to ask me if I'd been hatched rather than born!"
"Enough," Marcus ordered firmly. He walked over to a small side table and placed the box down. "I can see my choice of guards was a mistake, one I shall rectify immediately. Jane, you are dismissed. Send Felix in your stead and we'll be having words about this later. Expect a summons."
She shot a glare at Bella and bowed. "Yes, Master."
She left the room without a look back and Bella breathed a sigh of relief before taking another sip of her coffee.
"You know, it isn't the brightest move to taunt a vampire…"
Bella bristled. "She was unbelievably rude!"
"Yes, but she is also deadly," he stated dryly while turning to look at her. "You'd do well to remember that. You will find the vampires here very different from your tame Cullens Isabella. Heed my warning."
She looked down and nodded. "Noted," she mumbled while slowly turning her coffee cup. "Where were you?" she asked as he took a seat in what she supposed was his favorite chair.
"We had business to deal with this morning; some judgements to pass and one execution."
She blew out a breath. "Wow, just another day at the office, eh?"
He arched a brow. "Yes, it was. Thankfully, Caius was able to move things along despite Aro's best efforts to drag them out. Otherwise, we would still be there listening to petty arguments."
He gestured toward the small box. "That is the phone I promised. You should make your calls. I don't need to tell you to keep the details at a minimum."
She rose from her chair and picked up the box. "No, you don't. I'd like my father to live out his life in peace," she murmured while removing the phone from the box. "I'll do what needs to be done to keep him safe."
He inclined his head and gestured at the phone in her hand. "Proceed."
Tapping in the number with a shaking finger, she retook her seat and sipped the last of her coffee while the call connected.
"Chief Swan," he answered on the second ring.
"Dad?" she muttered apprehensively.
"Bells? Where the hell are you? I come home to find you gone and a note on the counter. You didn't even say where you were going! I don't appreciate this Bella," he snapped.
"Dad, please just listen."
"I'm listening," he grumbled. "And it better be good."
"Dad, first of all, I want you to know that I love you."
"Aw jesus Bells," he groaned. "What now? You're with that Cullen kid aren't you? I swear to god, I'm gonna…"
"Charlie!" she cut in sharply before softening her tone. "Dad, you said you'd listen…" she pleaded and he sighed.
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'm listening."
"Okay," she breathed. "Look Dad, I'm really sorry about this but… I'm not coming home."
She cringed. "You still there?"
"Yep," he snapped. "Keep talkin' 'cause I'm not too sure I heard you right. I could'a swore you just said you aren't coming home."
"You did Dad," she murmured. "I'm not coming home. I've left for good. I won't tell you where I am, but I want you to know that I'm perfectly fine and…happy, so no need to worry."
"No need to worry…" he repeated sarcastically. "Jake said you left with Alice Cullen so I'm assuming you're with that boy. This has to be the dumbest thing you've ever done Bella. What about school? You haven't even graduated yet for christ sake. What kind of life are you gonna have if you haven't even graduated high school? You're throwing your future away and for what? Some idiot boy…"
She sighed. "Are you done now Dad?"
"No, I don't think I am. Where are you? I'll come get you. You stay here, finish school and when that's done, you're free to make your own decisions. Until then, you're my responsibility and I say you're gonna finish school. Now answer me. Where are you?"
"I can't tell you that Dad."
"Can't or won't?"
"Both Dad." He was silent and she continued.
"Look, I love and respect you Dad, but I'm eighteen. I can legally make this decision and I've made it. I'm not coming home so don't bother looking for me. There's nothing you can do. You would be outside the law if you tried."
"Really Bella? It's come to this? To you threatening me with the law?"
Her heart ached as she answered. "Yeah Dad, it has and I'm sorry but that's the way it has to be."
"Is he holding you against your will Bella? Is that what's going on here because…"
"No Charlie! You're not listening to me!" she yelled in frustration. "I'm doing this of my own free will. I don't want to live in Forks any more, okay? I fucking hate it there. I won't ever be back, so don't look for me to even visit," she finished as tears traced down her cheeks."
There was a long pause and then he spoke, his tone resigned.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Bella. I know I'm not the most engaging parent, but I did my best…"
"It wasn't you Dad. It's just the place, ya know? There were too many reminders for one and I just…I just couldn't seem to get myself back together while staying there. Can you understand that?"
He sighed. "Yeah, I guess I can Bells. I don't have much of a choice..." He was silent for a moment and then he spoke again. "What about all your stuff? Do you want me to send it to you?"
"No Dad," she said with regret. "Donate what you can and throw the rest away I guess. I won't be back for any of it."
She heard him clear his throat. "What about your mother? Have you spoken to her?"
"No, I haven't," she answered while looking over to Marcus who inclined his head. "I'll call her though and let her know too."
He sighed again. "I just don't understand why you feel the need to cut all ties Bella. Were we that terrible as parents?"
She choked up. She couldn't help it and her voice cracked terribly when she answered. "No, Dad, you were great and I love you so much." She swallowed thickly and dried her eyes with her napkin. "This is all on me. It's just something I feel I have to do so don't ever blame yourself."
He was silent and so she spoke again just needing to be done with it. "Look Dad, I need to go now. Maybe," she glanced at Marcus who did not nod this time. Still she went ahead with the empty platitude. "I'll try to call you sometime, but don't freak out if I don't, okay? I'm where I want to be and I'll be fine."
He cleared his throat, his voice still sounding choked as he answered. "Okay Bells, if that's what you want. There's not much I can do."
"It's what I want Dad. I—I have to go now. Bye Dad, I love you."
"Love you too kid."
She hung up the phone, set it on the table and covered her face with both hands as she dissolved into tears. She was so lost in sorrow that she jumped moments later when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and Marcus was holding out a handkerchief. "Thank you," she choked and he nodded.
"I know this was difficult for you Isabella, but there are now two more calls for you to make. Will you be able?"
She nodded and dried her eyes. "Yes, I just…let me go and wash my face and then I'll be ready."
She came back ten minutes later feeling much more in control of herself after having cried for another five minutes before holding an ice cold cloth over her face for the other five. Taking a deep breath, she sat down and picked up the phone.
"I believe you should get the call to the shifter over with next. Save the emotional encounters for later."
She nodded and dialed Jake. He answered on the first ring.
"Yo, this is Jake."
"Jake? It's Bella…"
"Bella! Jesus! Where the fuck are you? Are you still with the bloodsuckers?"
Her gaze cut to Marcus who was looking quite amused if the smirk on his face was anything to go by. She sighed. "I'm still in Italy Jake, so yes."
His tone went cold. "When are you coming home Bella?"
She cringed. "I'm not Jake."
"Explain."
She made a sound that was almost a growl…almost. "Jake, what's to explain? I'm not coming home. I've decided to stay for good."
"Does Charlie know?"
"Yes, I've already talked to him, and Jake, don't go giving him any ideas or information…"
"Do you really think I'm that stupid Bella? Really? Like I want to see the man dead? Jesus, give me a little credit…"
"Okay!" she snapped before softening her tone. "I'm sorry, all right? I just…I just needed to make sure, ya know?"
He sighed. "Does this mean you're gonna become one of them?" he spat bitterly.
She glanced quickly at Marcus and back down again as she mumbled her answer. "I don't know...maybe…probably."
"God Bella, what are you thinking…or are you because this is the dumbest thing you've ever done, you know that?"
"I know you think that Jake, but this is my decision and it was essentially made the day I found out what Edward was. There's really no other choice for me Jake. I either turn or die."
"I think I'd rather see you dead Bella. It'd be better than seeing you become a stinking leech," he stated coldly and she sucked in a breath from the pain his words caused.
"That's really how you feel Jake?"
"Yeah, it is Bella. If you become one of them, you and I will be enemies. I will destroy you if you show up here, do you understand that? I won't have a choice. You do this thing, you're dead to me."
She covered her mouth and choked back a sob. When she gained control again, she decided to finish the conversation and be done with it. "I need to know you won't come looking for me Jake…"
He laughed and it was bitter and humorless. "No need to worry there Bella. Like I said, you're dead to me already."
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," she murmured out through her tears. "I love you Jake."
She heard him choke on a sob. "No, you don't Bella," he murmured as his voice cracked. "…and now I know you never did."
He ended the call and she broke down again, her body wracked with sobs as the phone dropped from her fingers. She was doubled over in her chair when she felt strong arms scoop her up and she leaned into his chest as he carried her into her bedroom where he laid her on the bed. "Rest now and gather yourself. Felix will be out in the sitting room if you have need of anything. I must go attend to business."
With that, she heard her door close softly as she gave into the emotional turmoil with loud, wracking sobs.
She awoke a while later feeling like she'd been through a war. Her face was sticky with dried tears and her mouth dry and thirsty. Her eyes felt swollen too. Basically, she felt like shit, especially when her head began to pound when she sat up. "Oh god," she groaned while grabbing her head.
She yelped when, in the next second, her door flew open with a panicked looking, massive vampire standing there. It took her a moment, but she recognized him from the throne room; Felix, if she recalled.
"What is wrong?" he questioned. "You sound as though you are in pain. Has something happened? Are you…broken?
Despite the pain in her head, she found herself laughing, especially as she took in the stricken look on his face.
"Broken?" she questioned dryly with a cocked brow.
He scowled. "Outside of draining your kind, I have no experience with your…peculiarities. Forgive me if I misinterpreted your noises."
She smirked while rubbing her temples. "I have a headache."
He stared at her blankly and she sighed.
"It means there's pain in my head."
"Oh," he muttered while casting his gaze around the room before looking back at her. "Shall I retrieve Dr. Cullen for you?"
She started to decline but then reconsidered. Carlisle would probably have something for the pain and it seemed to be getting worse by the second. "That would be great Felix, thanks."
He nodded. "Do not leave these rooms. To do so would be a deadly mistake. I will return shortly."
"Okay, thanks," she muttered as she climbed out of the bed and headed to the bathroom. She needed to wash her face and freshen up.
She was just patting her face dry when she heard the door in the sitting room open. "I am back human and I brought the doctor."
She walked out into the sitting room to see Felix standing next to Carlisle who had his bag.
"Hi Felix, Carlisle," she greeted before taking a seat on the couch. "And Felix, my name is Bella. It's cool if you use it."
His brow creased. "Cool?" he questioned and she chuckled as Carlisle turned his head and smirked.
"It means it's all right with me if you use my name. I prefer it over 'human'.
"Cool," he said flatly. "I will remember…"
"Wonderful," Carlisle said as he took a seat next to Bella. "Now, what seems to be the problem Bella?"
She sat back with a sigh. "Just a bad headache, Carlisle. I was hoping you'd have something for it."
He smiled and opened his bag. "Well, let me check you over quickly to make sure that's all it is and then I'll see about giving you something."
She frowned. "If you must…"
He went about checking all her vitals and quickly put everything away. "Everything's good Bella. Unfortunately, all I have for pain at the moment is demerol."
She rubbed her temples. "That sounds good right about now, to be honest. It's getting worse by the minute."
"All right then." He drew up the injection and gave it to her in her hip after she'd made Felix turn around. It was enough that he was in the room. She didn't relish him seeing her undies too.
She sat back on the couch as Carlisle closed up his bag. "I'll make sure to get some milder pain relievers soon Bella, but the demerol should do for today."
"Thanks Carlisle, you're a life saver," she muttered while lounging back against a pillow.
He chuckled. "Any time Bella."
She was beginning to feel woozy and Carlisle stood to leave just as the door opened abruptly revealing a scowling Marcus. "Why is the doctor here Felix?" he snapped. "What has happened to my human?" Ignoring a bowing Felix, he stalked into the room and loomed over Bella who waved airily while grinning up at him.
"Hello gorgeous," she said with a giggle.
His brows rose as he regarded her for a moment before he turned and pinned Carlisle with a narrowed gaze. "She is not normal. What have you done to her?"
"She had a headache my King. I gave her something for the pain."
Marcus turned to study Bella who was now humming off key while looking at her fingers. He turned to glare at Carlisle again. "How long will she be this way?"
"Only a few hours, my King. She might even go to sleep."
"Hmm," he said, looking back at her before turning his attention back to Felix and Carlisle. "You both are dismissed. I will summon you if I need you."
They both bowed and left and Marcus went about shedding his coat and tie. Just as he was loosening the top buttons of his shirt, Bella sat up and smiled at him. He paused with an arched brow as she grinned widely. "Oh don't stop, please," she said breathily. "I'm in the mood for a good show."
He frowned. "You are not in your right mind. Whatever he gave you has addled your brain."
"Oh no," she disagreed as she rose and weaved her way toward him. "My mind is just fine," she drawled while running her hands over his shirt-clad, muscled chest. "Mmm," she moaned. "You feel as good as you look."
Again, his brows inched up and he smirked. "Is that so?" he questioned and she nodded emphatically.
"Mm hmm, it's soooo so," she drew out her words with a grin while staring up into those dark red eyes that now glittered with amusement.
Still holding his gaze, she reached for his buttons and began popping them open until he grabbed and held her hands, firmly but gently. "You do not know what you are doing," he murmured lowly. "I assure you, little human, you are not ready for what you would awaken should you continue."
With that, he reached down and scooped her into his arms and she melted into his hold. "You feel so good," she said while resting her head against his chest. "Better than Edward ever did…" she slurred as her eyes drifted closed and her breathing deepened.
He carried her to her bed, placed her under the covers and drew them over her just as her eyes fluttered open. Reaching up, she traced the side of his face from temple to chin before looking into his eyes. "Good night, my handsome King," she breathed as her hand dropped and her eyes closed.
His brow creased and he stood, looking down at her for moments.
"Good night…my little human," he whispered.
She awoke abruptly the next day to the feeling of another presence in the room, one that felt altogether unfriendly. Quickly, she searched the shadows and gasped as she noticed a young girl—no, vampire—who was just standing there staring, her face expressionless. "Hello?" she muttered while pulling herself into a sitting position as she watched the blonde warily.
The vampire didn't return the greeting, but took it upon herself to walk around and yank open the heavy drapes, flooding the room with light. Bella covered her smarting eyes with one hand as the vampire began barking instructions. "I have stocked your closet and wardrobe with appropriate clothing and footwear. Rise and ready yourself. You will find grooming supplies in the adjacent bathroom. Use them as I do not wish to have to smell anything foul. I will be waiting in the sitting room. You have thirty minutes."
"Where is…" Bella trailed off, only just realizing the vampire was gone from the room. "Well, shit," she muttered. "Good morning to you too, sunshine…"
Thirty minutes and one fancy dress later, Bella walked out into the sitting room to find the blonde vampire sitting stoically on the sofa. "Your food is on the cart. Eat. You have fifteen minutes."
"Where is Marcus?" Bella questioned as she sat and uncovered her plate to begin eating.
"Master Marcus is engaged with business. I was tasked with caring for you."
"What's your name?" Bella asked between bites of some kind of wonderful custard filled pastry. She nearly moaned. It was heavenly.
The blonde glared at her. "I see no need for you to know my name human."
Bella's brows rose and then she shrugged. "Fine, I'll just give you one then, but you probably won't like it—Grump."
She took a sip of the strong but smooth cup of coffee and watched the blonde seethe at her.
"Cease from calling me anything human. As a matter of fact, cease from speaking unless spoken to. It will be better for your…continued existence."
Bella finished her pastry and cleaned her fingers and mouth with her napkin before speaking. "Why do you dislike me? We've only just met and I haven't done a thing to you."
The blonde sneered. "You are a human and therefore inferior."
Bella arched a brow. "Were you not also human at one point, or were you hatched?" she asked with a little venom in her tone.
The blonde shot from her seat with a menacing hiss. "Shut your mouth before I shut it for you!"
Just at that moment, the door opened and Marcus strolled in with a small box in his hand.
The blonde quickly bowed. "Master," she murmured before standing straight and falling silent, her face a perfect mask of calm.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at the guard. "Jane," he drawled. "Is there a problem here that would cause you to hiss at my human?"
Jane frowned. "She continues to speak when I have instructed her not to…and she called me a name," she said while doing a poor job of stifling a sneer.
Bella glanced up through her lashes to see him stifle a grin. "Is that so? And what was this name that you found so abhorrent?"
The blonde actually growled as she stared petulantly at the floor. "Grump, Master…she called me Grump."
Marcus cocked a brow and looked at Bella who was blushing. Still, she squared her shoulders and met his amused gaze. "She's been nasty since waking me this morning. Barking orders at me—and then when I tried to make pleasant conversation, she ordered me to stop speaking and said I was human and therefore inferior."
"Yes!" Jane hissed. "And then you proceeded to ask me if I'd been hatched rather than born!"
"Enough," Marcus ordered firmly. He walked over to a small side table and placed the box down. "I can see my choice of guards was a mistake, one I shall rectify immediately. Jane, you are dismissed. Send Felix in your stead and we'll be having words about this later. Expect a summons."
She shot a glare at Bella and bowed. "Yes, Master."
She left the room without a look back and Bella breathed a sigh of relief before taking another sip of her coffee.
"You know, it isn't the brightest move to taunt a vampire…"
Bella bristled. "She was unbelievably rude!"
"Yes, but she is also deadly," he stated dryly while turning to look at her. "You'd do well to remember that. You will find the vampires here very different from your tame Cullens Isabella. Heed my warning."
She looked down and nodded. "Noted," she mumbled while slowly turning her coffee cup. "Where were you?" she asked as he took a seat in what she supposed was his favorite chair.
"We had business to deal with this morning; some judgements to pass and one execution."
She blew out a breath. "Wow, just another day at the office, eh?"
He arched a brow. "Yes, it was. Thankfully, Caius was able to move things along despite Aro's best efforts to drag them out. Otherwise, we would still be there listening to petty arguments."
He gestured toward the small box. "That is the phone I promised. You should make your calls. I don't need to tell you to keep the details at a minimum."
She rose from her chair and picked up the box. "No, you don't. I'd like my father to live out his life in peace," she murmured while removing the phone from the box. "I'll do what needs to be done to keep him safe."
He inclined his head and gestured at the phone in her hand. "Proceed."
Tapping in the number with a shaking finger, she retook her seat and sipped the last of her coffee while the call connected.
"Chief Swan," he answered on the second ring.
"Dad?" she muttered apprehensively.
"Bells? Where the hell are you? I come home to find you gone and a note on the counter. You didn't even say where you were going! I don't appreciate this Bella," he snapped.
"Dad, please just listen."
"I'm listening," he grumbled. "And it better be good."
"Dad, first of all, I want you to know that I love you."
"Aw jesus Bells," he groaned. "What now? You're with that Cullen kid aren't you? I swear to god, I'm gonna…"
"Charlie!" she cut in sharply before softening her tone. "Dad, you said you'd listen…" she pleaded and he sighed.
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'm listening."
"Okay," she breathed. "Look Dad, I'm really sorry about this but… I'm not coming home."
She cringed. "You still there?"
"Yep," he snapped. "Keep talkin' 'cause I'm not too sure I heard you right. I could'a swore you just said you aren't coming home."
"You did Dad," she murmured. "I'm not coming home. I've left for good. I won't tell you where I am, but I want you to know that I'm perfectly fine and…happy, so no need to worry."
"No need to worry…" he repeated sarcastically. "Jake said you left with Alice Cullen so I'm assuming you're with that boy. This has to be the dumbest thing you've ever done Bella. What about school? You haven't even graduated yet for christ sake. What kind of life are you gonna have if you haven't even graduated high school? You're throwing your future away and for what? Some idiot boy…"
She sighed. "Are you done now Dad?"
"No, I don't think I am. Where are you? I'll come get you. You stay here, finish school and when that's done, you're free to make your own decisions. Until then, you're my responsibility and I say you're gonna finish school. Now answer me. Where are you?"
"I can't tell you that Dad."
"Can't or won't?"
"Both Dad." He was silent and she continued.
"Look, I love and respect you Dad, but I'm eighteen. I can legally make this decision and I've made it. I'm not coming home so don't bother looking for me. There's nothing you can do. You would be outside the law if you tried."
"Really Bella? It's come to this? To you threatening me with the law?"
Her heart ached as she answered. "Yeah Dad, it has and I'm sorry but that's the way it has to be."
"Is he holding you against your will Bella? Is that what's going on here because…"
"No Charlie! You're not listening to me!" she yelled in frustration. "I'm doing this of my own free will. I don't want to live in Forks any more, okay? I fucking hate it there. I won't ever be back, so don't look for me to even visit," she finished as tears traced down her cheeks."
There was a long pause and then he spoke, his tone resigned.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Bella. I know I'm not the most engaging parent, but I did my best…"
"It wasn't you Dad. It's just the place, ya know? There were too many reminders for one and I just…I just couldn't seem to get myself back together while staying there. Can you understand that?"
He sighed. "Yeah, I guess I can Bells. I don't have much of a choice..." He was silent for a moment and then he spoke again. "What about all your stuff? Do you want me to send it to you?"
"No Dad," she said with regret. "Donate what you can and throw the rest away I guess. I won't be back for any of it."
She heard him clear his throat. "What about your mother? Have you spoken to her?"
"No, I haven't," she answered while looking over to Marcus who inclined his head. "I'll call her though and let her know too."
He sighed again. "I just don't understand why you feel the need to cut all ties Bella. Were we that terrible as parents?"
She choked up. She couldn't help it and her voice cracked terribly when she answered. "No, Dad, you were great and I love you so much." She swallowed thickly and dried her eyes with her napkin. "This is all on me. It's just something I feel I have to do so don't ever blame yourself."
He was silent and so she spoke again just needing to be done with it. "Look Dad, I need to go now. Maybe," she glanced at Marcus who did not nod this time. Still she went ahead with the empty platitude. "I'll try to call you sometime, but don't freak out if I don't, okay? I'm where I want to be and I'll be fine."
He cleared his throat, his voice still sounding choked as he answered. "Okay Bells, if that's what you want. There's not much I can do."
"It's what I want Dad. I—I have to go now. Bye Dad, I love you."
"Love you too kid."
She hung up the phone, set it on the table and covered her face with both hands as she dissolved into tears. She was so lost in sorrow that she jumped moments later when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and Marcus was holding out a handkerchief. "Thank you," she choked and he nodded.
"I know this was difficult for you Isabella, but there are now two more calls for you to make. Will you be able?"
She nodded and dried her eyes. "Yes, I just…let me go and wash my face and then I'll be ready."
She came back ten minutes later feeling much more in control of herself after having cried for another five minutes before holding an ice cold cloth over her face for the other five. Taking a deep breath, she sat down and picked up the phone.
"I believe you should get the call to the shifter over with next. Save the emotional encounters for later."
She nodded and dialed Jake. He answered on the first ring.
"Yo, this is Jake."
"Jake? It's Bella…"
"Bella! Jesus! Where the fuck are you? Are you still with the bloodsuckers?"
Her gaze cut to Marcus who was looking quite amused if the smirk on his face was anything to go by. She sighed. "I'm still in Italy Jake, so yes."
His tone went cold. "When are you coming home Bella?"
She cringed. "I'm not Jake."
"Explain."
She made a sound that was almost a growl…almost. "Jake, what's to explain? I'm not coming home. I've decided to stay for good."
"Does Charlie know?"
"Yes, I've already talked to him, and Jake, don't go giving him any ideas or information…"
"Do you really think I'm that stupid Bella? Really? Like I want to see the man dead? Jesus, give me a little credit…"
"Okay!" she snapped before softening her tone. "I'm sorry, all right? I just…I just needed to make sure, ya know?"
He sighed. "Does this mean you're gonna become one of them?" he spat bitterly.
She glanced quickly at Marcus and back down again as she mumbled her answer. "I don't know...maybe…probably."
"God Bella, what are you thinking…or are you because this is the dumbest thing you've ever done, you know that?"
"I know you think that Jake, but this is my decision and it was essentially made the day I found out what Edward was. There's really no other choice for me Jake. I either turn or die."
"I think I'd rather see you dead Bella. It'd be better than seeing you become a stinking leech," he stated coldly and she sucked in a breath from the pain his words caused.
"That's really how you feel Jake?"
"Yeah, it is Bella. If you become one of them, you and I will be enemies. I will destroy you if you show up here, do you understand that? I won't have a choice. You do this thing, you're dead to me."
She covered her mouth and choked back a sob. When she gained control again, she decided to finish the conversation and be done with it. "I need to know you won't come looking for me Jake…"
He laughed and it was bitter and humorless. "No need to worry there Bella. Like I said, you're dead to me already."
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," she murmured out through her tears. "I love you Jake."
She heard him choke on a sob. "No, you don't Bella," he murmured as his voice cracked. "…and now I know you never did."
He ended the call and she broke down again, her body wracked with sobs as the phone dropped from her fingers. She was doubled over in her chair when she felt strong arms scoop her up and she leaned into his chest as he carried her into her bedroom where he laid her on the bed. "Rest now and gather yourself. Felix will be out in the sitting room if you have need of anything. I must go attend to business."
With that, she heard her door close softly as she gave into the emotional turmoil with loud, wracking sobs.
She awoke a while later feeling like she'd been through a war. Her face was sticky with dried tears and her mouth dry and thirsty. Her eyes felt swollen too. Basically, she felt like shit, especially when her head began to pound when she sat up. "Oh god," she groaned while grabbing her head.
She yelped when, in the next second, her door flew open with a panicked looking, massive vampire standing there. It took her a moment, but she recognized him from the throne room; Felix, if she recalled.
"What is wrong?" he questioned. "You sound as though you are in pain. Has something happened? Are you…broken?
Despite the pain in her head, she found herself laughing, especially as she took in the stricken look on his face.
"Broken?" she questioned dryly with a cocked brow.
He scowled. "Outside of draining your kind, I have no experience with your…peculiarities. Forgive me if I misinterpreted your noises."
She smirked while rubbing her temples. "I have a headache."
He stared at her blankly and she sighed.
"It means there's pain in my head."
"Oh," he muttered while casting his gaze around the room before looking back at her. "Shall I retrieve Dr. Cullen for you?"
She started to decline but then reconsidered. Carlisle would probably have something for the pain and it seemed to be getting worse by the second. "That would be great Felix, thanks."
He nodded. "Do not leave these rooms. To do so would be a deadly mistake. I will return shortly."
"Okay, thanks," she muttered as she climbed out of the bed and headed to the bathroom. She needed to wash her face and freshen up.
She was just patting her face dry when she heard the door in the sitting room open. "I am back human and I brought the doctor."
She walked out into the sitting room to see Felix standing next to Carlisle who had his bag.
"Hi Felix, Carlisle," she greeted before taking a seat on the couch. "And Felix, my name is Bella. It's cool if you use it."
His brow creased. "Cool?" he questioned and she chuckled as Carlisle turned his head and smirked.
"It means it's all right with me if you use my name. I prefer it over 'human'.
"Cool," he said flatly. "I will remember…"
"Wonderful," Carlisle said as he took a seat next to Bella. "Now, what seems to be the problem Bella?"
She sat back with a sigh. "Just a bad headache, Carlisle. I was hoping you'd have something for it."
He smiled and opened his bag. "Well, let me check you over quickly to make sure that's all it is and then I'll see about giving you something."
She frowned. "If you must…"
He went about checking all her vitals and quickly put everything away. "Everything's good Bella. Unfortunately, all I have for pain at the moment is demerol."
She rubbed her temples. "That sounds good right about now, to be honest. It's getting worse by the minute."
"All right then." He drew up the injection and gave it to her in her hip after she'd made Felix turn around. It was enough that he was in the room. She didn't relish him seeing her undies too.
She sat back on the couch as Carlisle closed up his bag. "I'll make sure to get some milder pain relievers soon Bella, but the demerol should do for today."
"Thanks Carlisle, you're a life saver," she muttered while lounging back against a pillow.
He chuckled. "Any time Bella."
She was beginning to feel woozy and Carlisle stood to leave just as the door opened abruptly revealing a scowling Marcus. "Why is the doctor here Felix?" he snapped. "What has happened to my human?" Ignoring a bowing Felix, he stalked into the room and loomed over Bella who waved airily while grinning up at him.
"Hello gorgeous," she said with a giggle.
His brows rose as he regarded her for a moment before he turned and pinned Carlisle with a narrowed gaze. "She is not normal. What have you done to her?"
"She had a headache my King. I gave her something for the pain."
Marcus turned to study Bella who was now humming off key while looking at her fingers. He turned to glare at Carlisle again. "How long will she be this way?"
"Only a few hours, my King. She might even go to sleep."
"Hmm," he said, looking back at her before turning his attention back to Felix and Carlisle. "You both are dismissed. I will summon you if I need you."
They both bowed and left and Marcus went about shedding his coat and tie. Just as he was loosening the top buttons of his shirt, Bella sat up and smiled at him. He paused with an arched brow as she grinned widely. "Oh don't stop, please," she said breathily. "I'm in the mood for a good show."
He frowned. "You are not in your right mind. Whatever he gave you has addled your brain."
"Oh no," she disagreed as she rose and weaved her way toward him. "My mind is just fine," she drawled while running her hands over his shirt-clad, muscled chest. "Mmm," she moaned. "You feel as good as you look."
Again, his brows inched up and he smirked. "Is that so?" he questioned and she nodded emphatically.
"Mm hmm, it's soooo so," she drew out her words with a grin while staring up into those dark red eyes that now glittered with amusement.
Still holding his gaze, she reached for his buttons and began popping them open until he grabbed and held her hands, firmly but gently. "You do not know what you are doing," he murmured lowly. "I assure you, little human, you are not ready for what you would awaken should you continue."
With that, he reached down and scooped her into his arms and she melted into his hold. "You feel so good," she said while resting her head against his chest. "Better than Edward ever did…" she slurred as her eyes drifted closed and her breathing deepened.
He carried her to her bed, placed her under the covers and drew them over her just as her eyes fluttered open. Reaching up, she traced the side of his face from temple to chin before looking into his eyes. "Good night, my handsome King," she breathed as her hand dropped and her eyes closed.
His brow creased and he stood, looking down at her for moments.
"Good night…my little human," he whispered.
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.