A Soul Darkened
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 20:
WARNING: If you want a Happily Ever After then DO NOT READ THE EPILOGUE. I have received either positive or negative feedback on the epilogue. The negative coming from those who like HEA's. So again, I reiterate, if you want your HEA, don't read the epilogue. My apologies to those who already read it without benefit of this warning. But, to my defense, this is a dark story. Had no idea that a dark ending to a dark story would cheese some people off. LOL
The next evening, as I walked through the now familiar halls to the roof turret I liked to visit each evening, I thought about how far I had come in this new life of mine and smiled.
I was truly happy for probably the first time in this existence, or the mortal one that preceded it. Everything was perfect, and in just over a week, I would bind myself to my love, my Demetri.
Looking out over the city, I felt a surge of joy rush through me. Yes, I was finally in the exact place and with the exact person that would fulfill my eternity.
Taking one more sweeping look over the beautiful city, I turned to go down to the reception when I felt hands on either side of my head, heard the beginning sounds of rending vampire flesh and darkness fell, trapping me.
I knew nothing else.
~o0o~
We transported her in a duffel bag, smuggling her out of the castle easily in all of the hustle and bustle of the reception.
I scoffed to myself. Eccentric Aro and his penchant for parties. We couldn't have planned a better distraction. He had made the execution of our plan that much easier.
Knocking on the door deep beneath the old ruins, I waited as the many locks on the thick reinforced metal door were disengaged.
I entered as soon as the door swung open and my co-conspirator smiled widely.
"No troubles?"
"You doubt me Victoria? I told you I would get her out without problems. Now, let us reassemble her and begin, shall we? I know you are eager, as am I."
"Wonderful Tanya. Thank you. I think I shall enjoy seeing her endure the current in the water bath first before moving on to the dry table."
"Yes, yes." Tanya said as she laid out the limbs of their captive. "Whatever you like, just save some fun for me. She will regret taking Edward from me before meeting her final death. Is the furnace ready?"
"It is. All we need do is open the doors and throw in the pieces after we've had our fun with her, of course."
Tanya smiled cruelly. "And what fun it will be."
~o0o~
Demetri left his rooms and made his way to those of Felix.
He was about to knock when the door swung open and a dour looking Felix stood there.
He smirked at his best friend. "You know, you could try to look content at least. What's got you looking like you've been sucking on a skunk?"
They fell into step together to make their way to the reception and Felix answered. "Oh just the fact that I will be one of the few expected to entertain the single "veggie" vamps due to my bachelor status." He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair.
"I really need to find the one for me D. This is getting old and I find myself longing for a mate." He eyed his friend. "I envy you, you know? Yes, you had your troubles, but now things are truly coming together for you and Bella. I envy you, but I am also filled with joy for you my friend. You deserve your happiness."
Demetri smiled. "Thank you Felix. I know you truly mean that. And you'll find your mate someday Felix and when that day comes this will all have been worth it; all preceding your happiness just distant memories."
He clapped him on the shoulder and Felix nodded. "I'll have to take your word for it D. I'll check back in with you after I've found her."
So saying, he straightened himself, took a deep breath and entered the reception, Demetri following.
Jane was becoming frantic. She couldn't find Bella anywhere. They were supposed to have met up and entered the reception together with Alec, but she never showed from her nightly excursion to her favorite turret.
Jane was checking there and if she didn't find her, she would have to alert Demetri. Her heart clenched at the thought. She didn't want to upset him so, but it was looking like she wouldn't have a choice.
She made her way to the turret entrance and caught two scents; one Bella's and one that chilled her for some reason. It belonged to Tanya of the Denali coven.
Racing to the top revealed her worst fears; Bella was not there. She would have to get Demetri.
Demetri stood off to the side sipping his glass of fresh blood and smirking at Felix who was now reluctantly dancing with Irina of the Denali coven. He still looked as though he'd been sucking on a skunk, probably due to the fact that the "veggie" vamps always smelled a little off due to their diet.
He was startled from his ruminations by Jane grabbing his arm. "Come with me now."
Furrowing his brow, he set his glass aside and followed, wondering why Bella wasn't with her. They were supposed to arrive together after all.
She lead him out of the throne room and over to a distressed looking Alec.
Turning to him, she didn't mince words.
"I cannot find Bella anywhere in the castle or on the grounds. I went up to the turret she visits every evening and there were only two recent scents; Bella and Tanya Denali. I fear she's been taken D. We must find her sooner rather than later. I don't have a good feeling about any of this. Bella would never have gone voluntarily with her. You realize this?"
Demetri felt his heart in his throat as he nodded. Closing his eyes to concentrate on Denali's mental signature, his eyes flashed open when he had it. "Tanya is close by. We must gather the other Elites and get to them quickly."
Jane spun around to do just that when Demetri stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Thank you Jane."
Jane simply smiled. "She's the sister of my heart D. We'll get her back."
He nodded and went to change into their standard gear for missions. He would need to be prepared for anything.
They were all assembled and ready to go after briefing Master Aro on the situation.
They all had his full permission to carry out this rescue of their fellow Elite, and they were all determined not to fail. No one wanted to see anything happen to Bella, not only because she was one of them, but because they knew it would destroy Demetri.
They all took off at a run, following Demetri to the ruins of an old villa located out in the middle of no where. The scent trail lead them down a dank tunnel and to a formidable metal door that looked relatively new and reinforced.
Demetri looked to Felix and he nodded. All but the two stood off to the side as they rushed the door together, crashing into it with such force that the structure around it began to crumble.
Felix looked at Demetri. "Once more like that D. and we'll be through. Ready?" Demetri simply grunted and nodded.
They charged it again and the structure around the door did crumble, the door crashing heavily to the floor.
Inside there was frantic activity from the one they identified as Tanya and one other female with flaming red hair.
She was currently laughing manically as she applied what looked to be thick electrical cables that ran to a monster generator that was installed across the room.
Bella was strapped to a table, screaming in agony while Tanya tried desperately to get the red head to release her so that they may still have a chance at destroying her in the furnace before the guards could stop them. The redhead however was too far gone in her insanity.
Felix attacked the redhead but was thrown back by the force of the current coming from the cables the redhead now defended herself with. She positioned herself in front of the generator so that they couldn't get past her to destroy it or shut it down.
Felix picked himself up and growled loudly as he charged at her once again with much the same result.
Jane looked around at the chaos as Demetri struggled with the many restraints that held Bella. They had done their homework when choosing the material for them. They couldn't be snapped with vampire strength and so had to be removed strap by strap. It was taking too much time and Jane was alarmed to see the massive furnace doors swing open. Tanya had made her way to them in the confusion. Jane knew she had to be stopped for she was now zeroing in on Demetri.
She hit Tanya with her power and watched her drop, screaming.
She smirked and kept the bitch in her sights even as she searched her peripheral vision for the whereabouts of her brother.
Her heart froze as she saw him struggling with the other two Denali sisters that must have arrived after the fight began. They must have been watching to see if any of the Elites left the party.
Now her full attention was diverted to saving her brother.
It was the Kate bitch that was incapacitating him with her ability, shocking the hell out of him. He was on his knees, groaning in agony, and so Jane hit her with her gaze.
To Jane's dismay, the bitch didn't let go of her brother but seemed to increase her output causing Alec to scream out.
She was relieved to see that Demetri was almost through all of the straps that held Bella to the table, but she needed to get to her brother.
Somehow, they were losing control of this confrontation and she was frantic to get to her brother.
She fought Irina, knocking her to the side and made it to Alec. Then she realized a real problem. She couldn't grab Kate due to her ability. She would just have to knock the hell out of her and hope that it worked.
Doing just that, she watched in satisfaction as part of her face came off and she let go screaming. The important part to Jane was that Alec was now free.
She helped him up and looked in his eyes. "Go and get more help Alec."
He was shaking his head before she was done speaking. "No, I won't leave you to this for even a minute. I'm going to try to use my gift, and then maybe we can sort everything out afterward."
Jane looked hesitant, but then nodded. "Alright, give it a shot."
He stood by the destroyed door and began, the mist creeping in and incapacitating those it came to one at a time, including their brethren.
Soon the entire room was still with the exception of Jane who was standing next to her brother and Bella, who was trying valiantly to recover enough to function.
Jane removed her cloak and handed it to Alec. "Take this and cover her little brother. I'll begin separating the good from the bad and then you can pull back your gift from our guards."
He nodded and made his way to Bella, gently covering her with the cloak and helping her to stand.
He moved her to the door and sat her down and turned back to help Jane.
They had moved most of their own people when he heard a shout of terror from Jane.
Demetri, who had been the first that Alec had released was helping to move the Denali sisters when the redhead flew out of a back room toward him and Alec watched in horror as she blindsided him as he carried Irina.
He flew back and straight at the open furnace doors. The furnace that still blazed hotly. Bella screamed out in anguish as everything unfolded seemingly in slow motion. Jane threw herself behind Demetri, knocking him back into the room.
She had saved him, but at the price of her own life, as she disappeared into the heart of the inferno.
Bella Immediately wrapped her whole body around Alec as he cried out and struggled to get to his departed sister.
He eventually went slack, sobbing out as Bella cried with him, rocking him as she held to him tightly.
Felix had used the discarded restraints on the Denali sisters and the redhead who was still raving.
Bella got up with Alec still in her embrace and approached Demetri who was staring into the furnace in grief and shock. "Demi, we need to get Alec back to the castle." He merely nodded and went to speak to Felix across the room.
Together, they decided to destroy the sisters and the redhead in their own furnace rather than wait for a trial and so, one by one Felix and Demetri tossed them in leaving the still raving redhead for last.
She ultimately died her second death the way she had lived it; raving madly.
Demetri picked up Bella while Felix scooped up a catatonic Alec and they made the sad trek back to the castle.
~o0o~
Bella's POV:
I walked the darkened halls to Alec's rooms. I had fed on three humans upon my return and so was back to full strength as far as my physical health was concerned. Emotionally I was a wreck, but I had made a vow to the sister of my heart and I would keep it. I couldn't leave Alec to himself and his soul deep grief. I had to help him through this.
I knocked yet received no answer but let myself in anyway. I would not allow him to shut me out. No one else could approach him anyway it seemed, because he'd lost all control of his gift in his profound grief and was unapproachable to all but me.
I crept in quietly, approaching the bed he was curled up on. My heart clenched to see him in such a state and I crawled onto the bed, taking him in my arms. He remained silent but clutched to me, inhaling my scent deeply as his haunted eyes slid shut.
I stayed with him like that for hours, smoothing my fingers through his hair and speaking quietly to him about inconsequential things until he had relaxed and could have been mistaken for being asleep.
Gently kissing his cheek, I rose from the bed.
"Alec sweetheart, I'll be back but I have a meeting with Master Aro that I must attend."
I caressed his cheek as his eyes opened and he nodded. Smiling wanly, I leaned down and kissed him sweetly.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. I won't leave you, alright?" Again he nodded and I turned and left, making my way to my Masters study.
I knocked and heard him bid me entry. "Ah Bella, please come and take a seat."
I moved to a leather chair in front of his massive desk and sat.
He steepled his fingers under his chin for a moment and then began speaking.
"Bella, just a day before your abduction, Jane came to me about a vow that she said you made to her. She wanted me to be able to explain it to you should anything happen to her.
I don't know how she knew but she obviously felt that something was coming for her and wanted to protect her most beloved brother.
You, my dear, are the one she trusted the most to do just that."
I nodded and watched as he gathered his thoughts before continuing.
"Alec needs a soul bond Bella, in order to survive this loss in tact, otherwise he will find a way to destroy himself.
The easiest route, of course, would be to walk into a pyre. Most think that it's impossible for a vampire to kill themselves but that's not true. Simply walking into a pyre takes care of that quite easily and it's what Jane feared the most.
A soul bond will make that impossible and will eventually see him happy and whole. You are the one she trusted and the only option for Alec."
I sat back deeply in the chair as I blew out a breath.
"What about my bonding with Demetri? Will we still be able to go through with that or will I have to give him up?"
I met Master Aro's eyes. "I don't want to have to give him up Master. I love him. But I can't and won't abandon Alec. I loved Jane. I will not fail her."
Master Aro smiled at me. "You will not have to give him up my dear and your bonding can take place just as scheduled. I prefer it that way, as it's soon and we may also perform your bond to Alec at the same ceremony.
I fully believe that Demetri will understand the dire need here and be willing. You may choose to speak with him or have me speak with him. I leave it up to you."
I nodded. "I'll speak with him Master, and then I must get back to Alec. He's improving with each hour I spend with him, but he's still very unresponsive and still not in control of his gift. "
"Please do that Bella, and I shall see you at the alter for your bonding."
He held up a hand as I made to rise from my chair.
"One other point of clarification Bella; you do realize that this will be a full bond do you not? Just as your bond to Demetri will be, so will your bond to Alec. You will bond in body and soul."
I nodded. "I do understand Master and I accept fully."
He nodded and smiled sadly. "Very well Bella. You may go to your mates."
~o0o~
I found Demetri with Felix just as they were leaving the training room. "Demi, I need to speak with you."
He broke off with a pat on the back to Felix and we made our way to his rooms.
Lying on the bed facing each other I began.
"I just had a meeting with Master Aro about a meeting he had with Jane just before her demise. She spoke of the vow I had made to her in the throne room the day we decorated. He explained that I must soul bond to Alec in order to save him."
I watched him as he took that in and nodded meeting my eyes once again.
"Bella, I am willing for this to take place. Jane was very dear to me too, as is Alec and I do not want to see anything happen to him. You and I will be there for him for the rest of our eternity. He'll be a part of us and we'll be the better for it."
I kissed him gently and whispered a thank you.
"It means so much to me that you understand my love. For now, I must return to him. He's improving the more time I spend with him and I believe that it won't be too much longer before he has control of his gift once again. That obviously has to happen before we may bond. Will you go to the Jeweler that made our rings and have another made for Alec? Felix knows the one."
He rose from the bed and smiled a small sad smile. "It shall be done." He kissed me. "Take care of both of you Cara. I'll try to stop by later if his gift is under control by then."
"You can try Demi, but I doubt it will be today. He's still very upset."
He nodded and we both left the rooms, he to find Felix and me to go to Alec.
~o0o~
It took days for Alec to regain control and I stayed with him the whole time. I had explained the soul bond to him and he had been willing, mostly because he knew it had been his beloved Jane's last wish for him.
I was determined to see him be more than content with his future though. I was determined to see him as happy as I could make him.
Finally I found myself stood in front of Master Aro flanked by my mates, Alec on my left and Demetri on my right.
I found my heart aching for the missing sister of my heart though and took a big breath in as we stepped forward to take our vows and perform the soul bonding, one of my wrists bound with each mate.
We shared a cup of blood and exchanged rings and found ourselves surrounded with well wishers.
It was now time to form the physical bond.
We made our way to the special rooms that had now been assigned to us.
It was Master Aro's gift to the three of us and it was an amazing gift.
The bed had been custom crafted as it was massive to accommodate the three of us comfortably.
True, we didn't sleep but it was always nice to have such a comfortable location for other activities.
I took my time undressing Demi first and then Alec.
Lemon Alert
~o0o~
He was surprisingly well muscled. Certainly not as bulky as my Demi, but svelte and sleekly muscled with smooth fair skin.
He was gorgeous too and I ran my hands over him lovingly, kissing his chest and sucking his small buds to hard peaks while his beautiful cock came to full attention.
He picked me up, placing me in the middle of the massive bed and climbed in after me. Demi was there on the other side and began running his hands over me as I pulled Alec to me and kissed his luscious lips, nipping and licking just before he moaned and covered my mouth fully with his delving in with his tongue to taste and tease me.
I felt his hand glide down my body to my center where he parted my folds and began circling my clit. I moaned into his kiss and he removed his hand and covered me, nudging my legs apart just before pushing his thick cock into me, setting up a slow but firm pace as he licked and sucked on the right side of my neck; the side opposite of Demi's mark.
He felt altogether different from Demi and I moaned out as I wrapped my legs around him and relished the feel of his cock as he fucked me throughly.
I was surprised to feel a hand come between our bodies to swirl around my clit. Demi turned my head to him and took my mouth even as Alec rode my body, still kissing my neck where I was sure he would place his mark.
I was almost overwhelmed by the sensations they both were evoking in me and I moaned out their names lowly just before my orgasm burst out of my center to eventually suffuse my whole body with the heat of ecstasy.
I felt Alec groan against my neck as he sped toward his own completion, the rhythmic pulses of my inner muscles gripping his silky hard cock milking his release as he bit down, marking me as his mate forever.
He looked into my eyes and kissed me deeply as I caressed his face. He broke the kiss and I whispered to him. "I love you Alec. You are in my heart and soul forever now."
He smiled and dropped his head to my neck where his mark would forever be and whispered. "I love you too Bella. Forever and always. This is my vow."
He rolled to the side taking me with him and I felt Demi move against my back.
Turning my head I caught his lips in a kiss and moaned out as he lifted my top leg and entered me in one swift thrust pulling a gasp from me at the sheer power of it.
Demi kissed my neck and shoulders as one hand played with my nipples just as I felt Alec move his hand down to my center relentlessly swirling around my slick bud as Demi powerfully thrust into me from behind.
My orgasm took me over swiftly and suddenly, and I screamed out as I came, Demi following a few solid strokes later, groaning out my name as he kissed my shoulder.
We curled up together after that, the three of us, just holding onto each other.
We had each lost such a bright star in our lives, but together we would keep her memory alive and more importantly live happily for her and ourselves.
~o0o~
Warning:
I feel compelled to add in a warning here, just in case you missed the others. If you desire a happy ending, do not read this epilogue. If you are tempted to read it even though you want a happily ever after, then do so at your own risk. You should be fine if you can brush off the epilogue and accept the ending without it even after having read the epilogue, but if you're the type where a dark twist will ruin the whole story, then do not proceed to the epilogue. Heartfelt thanks to all who have read my story.
Epilogue:
The three black cloaked figures glided the halls of the psychiatric hospital quickly and silently, using the ample darkness of the dead of night as cover.
Arriving at the nondescript door that was their destination, they snapped the lock and entered, closing the door behind them.
Demetri stared at the pathetic creature huddled there on the bed for a moment before locating the medical chart, reading the vital information found on it quietly aloud for the benefit of his two companions. They had a decision to make after all; destroy the mortal, or let her languish as she was, in her insanity.
"Well," he said, "We have the correct mortal. The chart states: She was brought in by her father just after her 18th birthday due to severe catatonia. She's been here ever since with no improvement. She is now 46 years old. She doesn't speak with the exception of her constant muttering of three names; Demetri", at this he glanced up with a furrowed brow at his companions before continuing. "Jane and Alec. Her only activity is writing furiously in a notebook each day."
Demetri and his companions glanced around the room looking for this notebook. They found one sitting atop the lone dresser in the room and picked it up.
Demetri turned to the door. "She hardly seems worth the time it would take to snap her neck. Take the book and let us depart."
After the Volturi jet had lifted off, Demetri's curiosity got the better of him and he picked up the notebook opening it to the first page.
His companions, he noticed, were watching him avidly and he smirked. "Would you like me to read some of it to you?"
Jane and Alec rolled their eyes and Jane shoved him with her foot. "Yes you ass. I think we're all curious about what it contains."
He laughed. "Oh alright. Don't get bitchy." Jane simply stared at him flatly until he nodded. "Right. Okay."
Re-opening the book, he cleared his throat and began to read aloud.
"A Soul Darkened" by Isabella Marie Swan.
"I felt something shifting within at a soul deep level. It started with the suspicion that he was planning on ending things with me. The fear of that eventuality had always been with me since the beginning of our odd relationship, and now I felt that it was inevitable. I just knew."
~THE END~
WARNING: If you want a Happily Ever After then DO NOT READ THE EPILOGUE. I have received either positive or negative feedback on the epilogue. The negative coming from those who like HEA's. So again, I reiterate, if you want your HEA, don't read the epilogue. My apologies to those who already read it without benefit of this warning. But, to my defense, this is a dark story. Had no idea that a dark ending to a dark story would cheese some people off. LOL
The next evening, as I walked through the now familiar halls to the roof turret I liked to visit each evening, I thought about how far I had come in this new life of mine and smiled.
I was truly happy for probably the first time in this existence, or the mortal one that preceded it. Everything was perfect, and in just over a week, I would bind myself to my love, my Demetri.
Looking out over the city, I felt a surge of joy rush through me. Yes, I was finally in the exact place and with the exact person that would fulfill my eternity.
Taking one more sweeping look over the beautiful city, I turned to go down to the reception when I felt hands on either side of my head, heard the beginning sounds of rending vampire flesh and darkness fell, trapping me.
I knew nothing else.
~o0o~
We transported her in a duffel bag, smuggling her out of the castle easily in all of the hustle and bustle of the reception.
I scoffed to myself. Eccentric Aro and his penchant for parties. We couldn't have planned a better distraction. He had made the execution of our plan that much easier.
Knocking on the door deep beneath the old ruins, I waited as the many locks on the thick reinforced metal door were disengaged.
I entered as soon as the door swung open and my co-conspirator smiled widely.
"No troubles?"
"You doubt me Victoria? I told you I would get her out without problems. Now, let us reassemble her and begin, shall we? I know you are eager, as am I."
"Wonderful Tanya. Thank you. I think I shall enjoy seeing her endure the current in the water bath first before moving on to the dry table."
"Yes, yes." Tanya said as she laid out the limbs of their captive. "Whatever you like, just save some fun for me. She will regret taking Edward from me before meeting her final death. Is the furnace ready?"
"It is. All we need do is open the doors and throw in the pieces after we've had our fun with her, of course."
Tanya smiled cruelly. "And what fun it will be."
~o0o~
Demetri left his rooms and made his way to those of Felix.
He was about to knock when the door swung open and a dour looking Felix stood there.
He smirked at his best friend. "You know, you could try to look content at least. What's got you looking like you've been sucking on a skunk?"
They fell into step together to make their way to the reception and Felix answered. "Oh just the fact that I will be one of the few expected to entertain the single "veggie" vamps due to my bachelor status." He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair.
"I really need to find the one for me D. This is getting old and I find myself longing for a mate." He eyed his friend. "I envy you, you know? Yes, you had your troubles, but now things are truly coming together for you and Bella. I envy you, but I am also filled with joy for you my friend. You deserve your happiness."
Demetri smiled. "Thank you Felix. I know you truly mean that. And you'll find your mate someday Felix and when that day comes this will all have been worth it; all preceding your happiness just distant memories."
He clapped him on the shoulder and Felix nodded. "I'll have to take your word for it D. I'll check back in with you after I've found her."
So saying, he straightened himself, took a deep breath and entered the reception, Demetri following.
Jane was becoming frantic. She couldn't find Bella anywhere. They were supposed to have met up and entered the reception together with Alec, but she never showed from her nightly excursion to her favorite turret.
Jane was checking there and if she didn't find her, she would have to alert Demetri. Her heart clenched at the thought. She didn't want to upset him so, but it was looking like she wouldn't have a choice.
She made her way to the turret entrance and caught two scents; one Bella's and one that chilled her for some reason. It belonged to Tanya of the Denali coven.
Racing to the top revealed her worst fears; Bella was not there. She would have to get Demetri.
Demetri stood off to the side sipping his glass of fresh blood and smirking at Felix who was now reluctantly dancing with Irina of the Denali coven. He still looked as though he'd been sucking on a skunk, probably due to the fact that the "veggie" vamps always smelled a little off due to their diet.
He was startled from his ruminations by Jane grabbing his arm. "Come with me now."
Furrowing his brow, he set his glass aside and followed, wondering why Bella wasn't with her. They were supposed to arrive together after all.
She lead him out of the throne room and over to a distressed looking Alec.
Turning to him, she didn't mince words.
"I cannot find Bella anywhere in the castle or on the grounds. I went up to the turret she visits every evening and there were only two recent scents; Bella and Tanya Denali. I fear she's been taken D. We must find her sooner rather than later. I don't have a good feeling about any of this. Bella would never have gone voluntarily with her. You realize this?"
Demetri felt his heart in his throat as he nodded. Closing his eyes to concentrate on Denali's mental signature, his eyes flashed open when he had it. "Tanya is close by. We must gather the other Elites and get to them quickly."
Jane spun around to do just that when Demetri stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Thank you Jane."
Jane simply smiled. "She's the sister of my heart D. We'll get her back."
He nodded and went to change into their standard gear for missions. He would need to be prepared for anything.
They were all assembled and ready to go after briefing Master Aro on the situation.
They all had his full permission to carry out this rescue of their fellow Elite, and they were all determined not to fail. No one wanted to see anything happen to Bella, not only because she was one of them, but because they knew it would destroy Demetri.
They all took off at a run, following Demetri to the ruins of an old villa located out in the middle of no where. The scent trail lead them down a dank tunnel and to a formidable metal door that looked relatively new and reinforced.
Demetri looked to Felix and he nodded. All but the two stood off to the side as they rushed the door together, crashing into it with such force that the structure around it began to crumble.
Felix looked at Demetri. "Once more like that D. and we'll be through. Ready?" Demetri simply grunted and nodded.
They charged it again and the structure around the door did crumble, the door crashing heavily to the floor.
Inside there was frantic activity from the one they identified as Tanya and one other female with flaming red hair.
She was currently laughing manically as she applied what looked to be thick electrical cables that ran to a monster generator that was installed across the room.
Bella was strapped to a table, screaming in agony while Tanya tried desperately to get the red head to release her so that they may still have a chance at destroying her in the furnace before the guards could stop them. The redhead however was too far gone in her insanity.
Felix attacked the redhead but was thrown back by the force of the current coming from the cables the redhead now defended herself with. She positioned herself in front of the generator so that they couldn't get past her to destroy it or shut it down.
Felix picked himself up and growled loudly as he charged at her once again with much the same result.
Jane looked around at the chaos as Demetri struggled with the many restraints that held Bella. They had done their homework when choosing the material for them. They couldn't be snapped with vampire strength and so had to be removed strap by strap. It was taking too much time and Jane was alarmed to see the massive furnace doors swing open. Tanya had made her way to them in the confusion. Jane knew she had to be stopped for she was now zeroing in on Demetri.
She hit Tanya with her power and watched her drop, screaming.
She smirked and kept the bitch in her sights even as she searched her peripheral vision for the whereabouts of her brother.
Her heart froze as she saw him struggling with the other two Denali sisters that must have arrived after the fight began. They must have been watching to see if any of the Elites left the party.
Now her full attention was diverted to saving her brother.
It was the Kate bitch that was incapacitating him with her ability, shocking the hell out of him. He was on his knees, groaning in agony, and so Jane hit her with her gaze.
To Jane's dismay, the bitch didn't let go of her brother but seemed to increase her output causing Alec to scream out.
She was relieved to see that Demetri was almost through all of the straps that held Bella to the table, but she needed to get to her brother.
Somehow, they were losing control of this confrontation and she was frantic to get to her brother.
She fought Irina, knocking her to the side and made it to Alec. Then she realized a real problem. She couldn't grab Kate due to her ability. She would just have to knock the hell out of her and hope that it worked.
Doing just that, she watched in satisfaction as part of her face came off and she let go screaming. The important part to Jane was that Alec was now free.
She helped him up and looked in his eyes. "Go and get more help Alec."
He was shaking his head before she was done speaking. "No, I won't leave you to this for even a minute. I'm going to try to use my gift, and then maybe we can sort everything out afterward."
Jane looked hesitant, but then nodded. "Alright, give it a shot."
He stood by the destroyed door and began, the mist creeping in and incapacitating those it came to one at a time, including their brethren.
Soon the entire room was still with the exception of Jane who was standing next to her brother and Bella, who was trying valiantly to recover enough to function.
Jane removed her cloak and handed it to Alec. "Take this and cover her little brother. I'll begin separating the good from the bad and then you can pull back your gift from our guards."
He nodded and made his way to Bella, gently covering her with the cloak and helping her to stand.
He moved her to the door and sat her down and turned back to help Jane.
They had moved most of their own people when he heard a shout of terror from Jane.
Demetri, who had been the first that Alec had released was helping to move the Denali sisters when the redhead flew out of a back room toward him and Alec watched in horror as she blindsided him as he carried Irina.
He flew back and straight at the open furnace doors. The furnace that still blazed hotly. Bella screamed out in anguish as everything unfolded seemingly in slow motion. Jane threw herself behind Demetri, knocking him back into the room.
She had saved him, but at the price of her own life, as she disappeared into the heart of the inferno.
Bella Immediately wrapped her whole body around Alec as he cried out and struggled to get to his departed sister.
He eventually went slack, sobbing out as Bella cried with him, rocking him as she held to him tightly.
Felix had used the discarded restraints on the Denali sisters and the redhead who was still raving.
Bella got up with Alec still in her embrace and approached Demetri who was staring into the furnace in grief and shock. "Demi, we need to get Alec back to the castle." He merely nodded and went to speak to Felix across the room.
Together, they decided to destroy the sisters and the redhead in their own furnace rather than wait for a trial and so, one by one Felix and Demetri tossed them in leaving the still raving redhead for last.
She ultimately died her second death the way she had lived it; raving madly.
Demetri picked up Bella while Felix scooped up a catatonic Alec and they made the sad trek back to the castle.
~o0o~
Bella's POV:
I walked the darkened halls to Alec's rooms. I had fed on three humans upon my return and so was back to full strength as far as my physical health was concerned. Emotionally I was a wreck, but I had made a vow to the sister of my heart and I would keep it. I couldn't leave Alec to himself and his soul deep grief. I had to help him through this.
I knocked yet received no answer but let myself in anyway. I would not allow him to shut me out. No one else could approach him anyway it seemed, because he'd lost all control of his gift in his profound grief and was unapproachable to all but me.
I crept in quietly, approaching the bed he was curled up on. My heart clenched to see him in such a state and I crawled onto the bed, taking him in my arms. He remained silent but clutched to me, inhaling my scent deeply as his haunted eyes slid shut.
I stayed with him like that for hours, smoothing my fingers through his hair and speaking quietly to him about inconsequential things until he had relaxed and could have been mistaken for being asleep.
Gently kissing his cheek, I rose from the bed.
"Alec sweetheart, I'll be back but I have a meeting with Master Aro that I must attend."
I caressed his cheek as his eyes opened and he nodded. Smiling wanly, I leaned down and kissed him sweetly.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. I won't leave you, alright?" Again he nodded and I turned and left, making my way to my Masters study.
I knocked and heard him bid me entry. "Ah Bella, please come and take a seat."
I moved to a leather chair in front of his massive desk and sat.
He steepled his fingers under his chin for a moment and then began speaking.
"Bella, just a day before your abduction, Jane came to me about a vow that she said you made to her. She wanted me to be able to explain it to you should anything happen to her.
I don't know how she knew but she obviously felt that something was coming for her and wanted to protect her most beloved brother.
You, my dear, are the one she trusted the most to do just that."
I nodded and watched as he gathered his thoughts before continuing.
"Alec needs a soul bond Bella, in order to survive this loss in tact, otherwise he will find a way to destroy himself.
The easiest route, of course, would be to walk into a pyre. Most think that it's impossible for a vampire to kill themselves but that's not true. Simply walking into a pyre takes care of that quite easily and it's what Jane feared the most.
A soul bond will make that impossible and will eventually see him happy and whole. You are the one she trusted and the only option for Alec."
I sat back deeply in the chair as I blew out a breath.
"What about my bonding with Demetri? Will we still be able to go through with that or will I have to give him up?"
I met Master Aro's eyes. "I don't want to have to give him up Master. I love him. But I can't and won't abandon Alec. I loved Jane. I will not fail her."
Master Aro smiled at me. "You will not have to give him up my dear and your bonding can take place just as scheduled. I prefer it that way, as it's soon and we may also perform your bond to Alec at the same ceremony.
I fully believe that Demetri will understand the dire need here and be willing. You may choose to speak with him or have me speak with him. I leave it up to you."
I nodded. "I'll speak with him Master, and then I must get back to Alec. He's improving with each hour I spend with him, but he's still very unresponsive and still not in control of his gift. "
"Please do that Bella, and I shall see you at the alter for your bonding."
He held up a hand as I made to rise from my chair.
"One other point of clarification Bella; you do realize that this will be a full bond do you not? Just as your bond to Demetri will be, so will your bond to Alec. You will bond in body and soul."
I nodded. "I do understand Master and I accept fully."
He nodded and smiled sadly. "Very well Bella. You may go to your mates."
~o0o~
I found Demetri with Felix just as they were leaving the training room. "Demi, I need to speak with you."
He broke off with a pat on the back to Felix and we made our way to his rooms.
Lying on the bed facing each other I began.
"I just had a meeting with Master Aro about a meeting he had with Jane just before her demise. She spoke of the vow I had made to her in the throne room the day we decorated. He explained that I must soul bond to Alec in order to save him."
I watched him as he took that in and nodded meeting my eyes once again.
"Bella, I am willing for this to take place. Jane was very dear to me too, as is Alec and I do not want to see anything happen to him. You and I will be there for him for the rest of our eternity. He'll be a part of us and we'll be the better for it."
I kissed him gently and whispered a thank you.
"It means so much to me that you understand my love. For now, I must return to him. He's improving the more time I spend with him and I believe that it won't be too much longer before he has control of his gift once again. That obviously has to happen before we may bond. Will you go to the Jeweler that made our rings and have another made for Alec? Felix knows the one."
He rose from the bed and smiled a small sad smile. "It shall be done." He kissed me. "Take care of both of you Cara. I'll try to stop by later if his gift is under control by then."
"You can try Demi, but I doubt it will be today. He's still very upset."
He nodded and we both left the rooms, he to find Felix and me to go to Alec.
~o0o~
It took days for Alec to regain control and I stayed with him the whole time. I had explained the soul bond to him and he had been willing, mostly because he knew it had been his beloved Jane's last wish for him.
I was determined to see him be more than content with his future though. I was determined to see him as happy as I could make him.
Finally I found myself stood in front of Master Aro flanked by my mates, Alec on my left and Demetri on my right.
I found my heart aching for the missing sister of my heart though and took a big breath in as we stepped forward to take our vows and perform the soul bonding, one of my wrists bound with each mate.
We shared a cup of blood and exchanged rings and found ourselves surrounded with well wishers.
It was now time to form the physical bond.
We made our way to the special rooms that had now been assigned to us.
It was Master Aro's gift to the three of us and it was an amazing gift.
The bed had been custom crafted as it was massive to accommodate the three of us comfortably.
True, we didn't sleep but it was always nice to have such a comfortable location for other activities.
I took my time undressing Demi first and then Alec.
Lemon Alert
~o0o~
He was surprisingly well muscled. Certainly not as bulky as my Demi, but svelte and sleekly muscled with smooth fair skin.
He was gorgeous too and I ran my hands over him lovingly, kissing his chest and sucking his small buds to hard peaks while his beautiful cock came to full attention.
He picked me up, placing me in the middle of the massive bed and climbed in after me. Demi was there on the other side and began running his hands over me as I pulled Alec to me and kissed his luscious lips, nipping and licking just before he moaned and covered my mouth fully with his delving in with his tongue to taste and tease me.
I felt his hand glide down my body to my center where he parted my folds and began circling my clit. I moaned into his kiss and he removed his hand and covered me, nudging my legs apart just before pushing his thick cock into me, setting up a slow but firm pace as he licked and sucked on the right side of my neck; the side opposite of Demi's mark.
He felt altogether different from Demi and I moaned out as I wrapped my legs around him and relished the feel of his cock as he fucked me throughly.
I was surprised to feel a hand come between our bodies to swirl around my clit. Demi turned my head to him and took my mouth even as Alec rode my body, still kissing my neck where I was sure he would place his mark.
I was almost overwhelmed by the sensations they both were evoking in me and I moaned out their names lowly just before my orgasm burst out of my center to eventually suffuse my whole body with the heat of ecstasy.
I felt Alec groan against my neck as he sped toward his own completion, the rhythmic pulses of my inner muscles gripping his silky hard cock milking his release as he bit down, marking me as his mate forever.
He looked into my eyes and kissed me deeply as I caressed his face. He broke the kiss and I whispered to him. "I love you Alec. You are in my heart and soul forever now."
He smiled and dropped his head to my neck where his mark would forever be and whispered. "I love you too Bella. Forever and always. This is my vow."
He rolled to the side taking me with him and I felt Demi move against my back.
Turning my head I caught his lips in a kiss and moaned out as he lifted my top leg and entered me in one swift thrust pulling a gasp from me at the sheer power of it.
Demi kissed my neck and shoulders as one hand played with my nipples just as I felt Alec move his hand down to my center relentlessly swirling around my slick bud as Demi powerfully thrust into me from behind.
My orgasm took me over swiftly and suddenly, and I screamed out as I came, Demi following a few solid strokes later, groaning out my name as he kissed my shoulder.
We curled up together after that, the three of us, just holding onto each other.
We had each lost such a bright star in our lives, but together we would keep her memory alive and more importantly live happily for her and ourselves.
~o0o~
Warning:
I feel compelled to add in a warning here, just in case you missed the others. If you desire a happy ending, do not read this epilogue. If you are tempted to read it even though you want a happily ever after, then do so at your own risk. You should be fine if you can brush off the epilogue and accept the ending without it even after having read the epilogue, but if you're the type where a dark twist will ruin the whole story, then do not proceed to the epilogue. Heartfelt thanks to all who have read my story.
Epilogue:
The three black cloaked figures glided the halls of the psychiatric hospital quickly and silently, using the ample darkness of the dead of night as cover.
Arriving at the nondescript door that was their destination, they snapped the lock and entered, closing the door behind them.
Demetri stared at the pathetic creature huddled there on the bed for a moment before locating the medical chart, reading the vital information found on it quietly aloud for the benefit of his two companions. They had a decision to make after all; destroy the mortal, or let her languish as she was, in her insanity.
"Well," he said, "We have the correct mortal. The chart states: She was brought in by her father just after her 18th birthday due to severe catatonia. She's been here ever since with no improvement. She is now 46 years old. She doesn't speak with the exception of her constant muttering of three names; Demetri", at this he glanced up with a furrowed brow at his companions before continuing. "Jane and Alec. Her only activity is writing furiously in a notebook each day."
Demetri and his companions glanced around the room looking for this notebook. They found one sitting atop the lone dresser in the room and picked it up.
Demetri turned to the door. "She hardly seems worth the time it would take to snap her neck. Take the book and let us depart."
After the Volturi jet had lifted off, Demetri's curiosity got the better of him and he picked up the notebook opening it to the first page.
His companions, he noticed, were watching him avidly and he smirked. "Would you like me to read some of it to you?"
Jane and Alec rolled their eyes and Jane shoved him with her foot. "Yes you ass. I think we're all curious about what it contains."
He laughed. "Oh alright. Don't get bitchy." Jane simply stared at him flatly until he nodded. "Right. Okay."
Re-opening the book, he cleared his throat and began to read aloud.
"A Soul Darkened" by Isabella Marie Swan.
"I felt something shifting within at a soul deep level. It started with the suspicion that he was planning on ending things with me. The fear of that eventuality had always been with me since the beginning of our odd relationship, and now I felt that it was inevitable. I just knew."
~THE END~
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.