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Atonement by BetterinTexas
Title: Atonement
Category: Books » Twilight
Author: BetterinTexas
Language: English, Rating: Rated: M
Genre: Adventure/General
Published: 05-01-13, Updated: 07-31-13
Chapters: 25, Words: 109,507
Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Don't own it
BPOV
Pain. I couldn't think of anything but the pain. I tried to remember what happened… how I got to hell… what great sin I committed to damn me to eternal flames. I wanted to cry, but couldn't even scream any longer. I had no idea where I was. I think I was on the ground. In dirt. What happened?
My name. My name was Bella. Bella what? Bella…Swan. Yes. I had been at a beach. I remembered looking out at the waves crashing to shore. A storm was coming. A howl in the forest. I turned. A noise behind me… a flash of red. Water. Waves. Drowning. Being pulled out. Fear. Screaming. Begging. Teeth.
Searing.
Searing definitely stayed in my memory. Would there ever be an end to this pain?
It seemed like forever. I didn't understand how anything could be left to burn. I should be ashes, but my heart was still racing.
Wait.
My heart was slowing down. I was having a hard time breathing. Maybe I was dying finally and could be let out. Let out of this prison.
My heart continued to slow. The pain lessened. I kept trying to take a last breath before I died. My throat burned, but my body was cooling.
I heard it.
Thump.
No more.
The pain was gone. I stayed in darkness. I was dead. There was no point in opening my eyes. I was dead. I must be dead. The pain had stopped.
What were those scents?
I gently moved my arm and it didn't hurt. It felt pretty good. I felt great. Being dead was surprising. I felt alive. Better than alive. What the hell happened to me? My thoughts were all over the place. Scents; Sounds were rushing at me from every direction.
I tried to slowly open my eyes, but the minute I thought about it my eyes were open. I sat up. Too fast.
I looked at my surroundings. I was in a wooden building. Dirt on the floor. The building was little more than a shack. Some boards were broken. Sunlight shined through the cracks. A ray hit my hand and it sparkled. Oh no…no,no,no. Not this. Not…The breeze blew in, and I heard paper blowing in the wind. A letter was stuck under a rock on a bucket. I took a moment to look at myself. I was wearing blue jeans, a blue short sleeve top, and white sneakers. Nothing special about my dress.
My name is Bella Swan. I'm from?…calm down Bella.
Forks? Yes, Forks. I live with my Dad. I have a boyfriend? I had a boyfriend. He hurt me when he left. What was his name?
Maybe the letter was from him? Was he what I am? Did he do this? I remember sparkly skin. It meant I was a monster for some reason. I knew I didn't want it. I did. But something changed.
I gently picked the paper up. It was a handwritten note.
Dear Bella,
I hope you aren't too terribly angry. When I realized Edward left you, I really didn't see the point in killing you any longer. He obviously didn't care enough to stay and protect you. I didn't see the point of risking death by killing someone he didn't care about any longer.
Then it became clear to me. He left you because he didn't want you to be one of us. So what better revenge than to turn his precious human into the very thing he didn't want you to be. I won't tell you where you are. I won't bother you from this point on. I am off to find your precious Edward. If we do ever cross paths again make sure to call me Mommy. Be a good vampire and make me proud. I don't want you to think I am a neglectful parent. Stay where you are. At sundown someone will be there to help you if you wake up when I expect you to.
Love,
Victoria
Memories flowed into my mind. Memories of a handsome boy in a cafeteria. A van sliding across a parking lot. A vampire attacking me. A prom. A summer spent in a meadow. Talking late into the night after he snuck into my room through the window.
A blonde vampire diving at me. A walk in the forest. Wolves. Jake…oh my God, Jake!
I sat in the dirt trying to cry. My throat burned. It wouldn't stop. I tried to calm myself. Memories came back. I didn't want this. I only wanted it because of him. He left. I was getting over him. I was almost there. Jake was helping me. I didn't love him like that. Not how he wanted me to love him. But I was so close.
He protected me. He and his brothers. Emily. I would never see Emily, or Charlie and Renee. They were all gone. I could never go back to La Push. I didn't even know where I was. I was dead. I had been at the beach. I had been thinking about Jake. My fears. My fear of being hurt if he imprinted. I was ready to take a chance I think. A howl startled me. Several howls. I turned towards the woods.The minute my back turned from the ocean I felt her there. All I saw was the flash of red before she had me. She swam out into the water with me. I nearly drowned. She emerged from the water. I remembered the trees blurring as she ran with me over her shoulder. Victoria.
She bit me and threw me to the ground. She snapped my legs so I couldn't run. I instinctively felt my legs. They were fine, of course. Vampires don't have broken bones. A vampire was what I was. A vampire with no money, filthy clothes, no idea of where I was at, and a throat that was on fire.
A noise outside alerted me to the simple fact that the sun had gone down. Victoria told me that she would be sending someone to help me.
To kill me? I wouldn't mind right now. Honestly, I was scared. I was angry. I…smelt that scent. My throat burned ten times hotter. My mouth felt like it was flooded with saliva. I was drooling like a hungry dog.
Please tell me she didn't.
"Hello?"
Please go away.
"I'm supposed to deliver one hundred pounds of feed to this shed. The lady said someone would meet me here? I really need to get paid and get home. Hello?"
Oh God, he smelled good. Please don't open that door.
The door opened.
"Hel…well hi there…are you okay?" He looked so nice. He looked so concerned. Middle aged, probably early forties. Dark graying hair. Mustache. He wore a work shirt and blue jeans. The shirt had the name Tim on it.
Seconds later, I was cradling his dead body. I didn't even have time to take in his screams. They didn't last long. I…oh my God.
I nearly bit through his neck.
I dropped his body and scrambled into the far corner. I knelt down to place my head in my hands. My hands were covered in blood. I realized I was licking my fingers. Oh God.
His body wouldn't go away. His head was at a strange angle. His eyes were open and vacant. He had a simple gold wedding band on his finger. I just made someone a widow. I just killed someone's father. Someone's son. Someone who just wanted to get paid, so he could go home.
I screamed.
I ran. I kept running. Occasionally I would get close to the smell of that man and change directions. I still had no idea where I was. I struck a few trees. I ran. The sun rose and the sun set twice. I went north. I recognized the North star. The temperature dropped the farther North I ran. I think I was in Canada.
My throat became more and more painful by the hour. I needed more. I thought of hunting animals. But perhaps if I didn't eat, I could starve and die. Edward told me Carlisle tried that once I think.
So I kept moving, my mind running through scenarios to kill myself. I ran.
Before sun up, I realized I was running towards a lake. I was running towards a scent I should have been running from. She was emerging from an early morning swim. She had a wet suit on. A beautiful lady.
She never had time to scream. I bit her in the shoulder. Her bones crunched beneath my teeth. Her blood flooded my mouth. I clamped on and sucked as hard as I could. I knew what I was doing. I didn't want to. My mind didn't want to. I wasn't listening to my head. My body was in control, and it wanted to drain every ounce of blood from this woman.
Once again, within seconds her heart had stopped. I laid her down. I don't know why. What was the point in being gentle now?
I should go to La Push. Jake would kill me.
No. He wouldn't. I would have to beg him, and he still would not. His brothers would. He would never forgive them.
To be honest, I didn't want them to see what I had become. I can't believe I ever wanted this. It sounded so romantic with Edward.
It wasn't romantic. It was vile. It was disgusting. It was death in its ugliest form.
I had to stay away from people. No matter how long it took. I had to stay away from people until I figured out how to die.
One year later...
I dropped the body at my feet. He was young. Blonde hair. Reminded me of the Newton guy. I can't exactly remember his first name. Mike or Mark.
I had gotten very good at not getting blood on me. At least on my clothes.
Mike or Mark had been rock climbing near my cabin in the woods. I smelled the blood from his cut knee a mile away. I can imagine the fear he felt looking down, seeing me climbing the rock at an inhuman speed like a demon from hell. I suppose that was what I was. A demon from Hell.
I fed from animals. I didn't attack every human who came within a mile of me. But when I smelled human blood; no amount of feeding from animals was enough. The smell drives me crazy. I couldn't control myself or I didn't want to. I don't suppose there was much difference.
I had killed 38 humans since I woke as a vampire. I slaughtered whole herds of animals, but it didn't make a difference. I still couldn't resist humans. My clothes were nearly rags. I would have to chance a run into a city to steal new clothes. I wouldn't take the belongings of my victims. I wouldn't do that. I took everything else.
One year, and I had not figured out how to kill myself. No mountain was high enough to jump from. I laid on the bottom of the ocean. After three days, I worked up the courage to open my mouth and allow water to flood my body. I remained alive. I also ran out of the surf in time to see a lovely young girl in a green bikini laying out a picnic blanket. Her boyfriend walked up on me as I was finishing her. I killed him too.
Some memories faded over the past year. I could barely remember what my father looked like. I knew he was tall, had dark hair and a mustache. But the nuances of his face. I couldn't grasp them.
Other memories, however, were stronger. Memories of Jake. I had given myself to him the night before I was taken. I wanted to try. I wanted to try so badly. I wanted to be whole, but it wasn't to be. Maybe he could have gotten me there. Maybe I would have pulled myself out of the misery I had allowed my life to become. I like to think I would have. Now I’ll never know.
I had clearer memories of my mother.
Then there was him.
I remember how I let myself be torn to pieces over him. God how stupid I was. I wish I had ran from him when I found out. I wish I had never moved to Forks. It doesn't matter now.
I don't hate Edward. A small part of me might. If it wasn't for him, Victoria would have never had a reason to come after me. If he had stayed, the worst that could have happened would have been that she killed me.
That would not be a bad thing. Still, though. It was my fault. My fault for getting involved, and my fault for becoming a wreck after he left. The memories I want to go become clearer. I hated who I was. Still, though. Thirty eight people would be alive if I had just died.
I hated Victoria. If I saw her again, I would do everything I could to kill her. I had never been in a fight in my life, but I would tear her to pieces.
Another memory that came to the forefront was Edward talking about the Volturi. He had mentioned them in English class, when he said he wasn't sure if he would get to me in time in the Ballet studio. He would provoke them, and they would kill him.
They were in Italy, though. I did remember one thing that stood out from the rest. They kept the law. The number one law of vampires.
Humans cannot know of our existence. Why? Because humans would rise up and defeat us. Instead they are kept in the dark. Unsuspecting prey. It was with that thought that my plan came together. Humans deserved to know what they were facing. The vampire world shouldn't get to hide in shadows.
If the humans had a vampire they could experiment on, perhaps they could figure out a way to kill us.
I had made my decision by midnight. They could do what they would with me. I could have my death and go to hell, sending the vampire world straight to hell with me.
I had stolen a map. I was one hundred and eighty miles away from Washington DC. I think I could be there in 30 or 40 minutes. I had nothing else to do. Stay around to wait for my next victim. It was time to end this.
Forty-five minutes later, I reached the outskirts of Washington DC. I had no idea where I was going. I saw a convenience store closed. Breaking the door handle was easy enough. The alarm sounded, but it only took me half a second to find what I needed and leave. A Map of the DC Metro area.
White House?
No. That would just piss off the Secret Service. Someone may get hurt. The fallout would be too difficult to hide. I wanted the Government to know. They could decide how to deal with this. I would leave the media out of it. I would go straight to where the main players were. The Pentagon.
I found it within ten minutes. It would have been five but I took a wrong turn while doing my best to stay in the shadows. A guarded gate prevented cars from going in. I checked my stolen watch and saw it was 11:00 PM. Not exactly a high traffic time period. Still, though. This place had to operate 24/7. Somebody would be in charge or could call someone in charge.
I ran through the gate without stopping, tearing it down and leaving it lying on the pavement. There was no point in being sneaky. I had gotten where I wanted to be. If I lingered too long, I would be tempted to drain a human. I didn't want that. I didn't want to kill anyone else.
I ran through a door into the main building, then realized I had no idea where to go. Alarms were going off. Doors were everywhere. Everything looked restricted. Said so right on the doors. The halls seemed curved.
Oh yeah. Pentagon.
Damn it. Soldiers were holding guns on me from both ends of the hall. Damn they smelled good. I could feel venom pooling in my mouth. No! Not this! I didn't come here for this.
"Oh fuck. She's a vampire! Call Garrett now!"
The soldiers started backing up quickly. Soon they were gone.
She's a vampire? What the hell? Who is Garrett?
I finished this thought just as I was tackled from behind. Hard. I hadn't been touched in so long unless I was killing someone. I couldn't believe it happened at first. An arm was around my throat. Whoever this was did not feel human. He felt like humans felt when I was human, He was a vampire. He could kill me.
He could kill me. Thank you, Lord.
"Now, little lady. Would you mind telling me why you didn't knock like a polite citizen?"
"I…" I wasn't sure what to say. His knee was in the small of my back. I couldn't move.
"I wanted to let someone know about the existence of vampires." I wheezed out.
"Why?"
May as well be truthful. I literally had nothing to lose.
"Because I want them all dead. Me included. Especially me."
Instead of feeling my neck being snapped, I felt a lessening of pressure. He got off of me. I stood up quickly, prepared to attack him. To provoke him.
Then I saw his face. He was handsome. He was smiling. He was wearing a black t shirt and blue jeans. He had shaggy dark brown hair with red highlights. It reminded me of mine.
"Now why would you want me dead?" he laughed.
"Humans have a right to know. I'm a killer. They can't defend themselves against us. That isn't right. I thought if someone in the Government knew…"
"They do know. The US Government has known about vampires since George Washington was President."
"How?" This was surprising. Why then…
"I told George myself. My name is Garrett. I realize you want to die, but would you give me a moment to speak with you?"
"I came here to turn myself in. To let the Government use me to figure out a way to kill vampires. That's all I came to do. I didn't come to hurt anyone, but I don't know if I can control myself."
"Don't worry. You won't hurt anyone while I am around. I promise. Let me ask you one very important question. I imagine that you haven't been a vampire long. You also seem to have a lot of guilt you are carrying on your soul. The fact that you still feel guilt tells me you are a good person, whether you think you are or not.
So now my question. Do you want to die a coward who can't live with herself, or do you want to live and atone for the lives lost? Perhaps use your unfortunate circumstances to save others."
I wasn't sure what to say. I hadn't spoken to someone in so long.
"Will you at least listen?"
I nodded my head. "The government knows?" I asked again.
"Yes, about vampires and good many other things."
"Other things?" I whispered. Was he talking about the Wolf Pack?
"Yes. There are more things in this world than you can imagine. Some are what you would call beneficial to the human race. Some exist to kill humans, such as our kind. Others exist to…well this is all very top secret. Would you really like to hear about it?"
Did I? What else did I have to do? I could never atone for those people I killed. Never. But maybe…
"I'll listen."
"Excellent. What shall I call you?"
"Bella."
"Well Bella, follow me."
Garrett POV
"She is new. Probably uncontrollable." General Mathieu's said, telling me nothing I didn't already know.
"So was I, when I first met George. She came here of her own free will. She came here with the idea of turning herself over to the Government, allowing herself to be experimented on. To help you fight her kind. There are only two of us. We need help. He is good, but he hasn't been ready that long."
"So you want another new one to train."
"For over two hundred years it has been me, only me. Doing the crap you couldn't. The enemies are more numerous now. Demons, lycans, vampires, witches. The list grows. I have my limits. I need help. Look at her damn neurological reading."
I motioned to the screen showing her standing in the corner of the interview room, not moving. The room also served as an EEG of sorts. The device picked up different neurological waves coming off vampires. It helped me determine what vampires have gifts. I have had three in here. Two had the same patterns I did. One didn't. I found out quickly what his power was. It hurt.
The patterns coming out of her beautiful head were all over the place. Almost like a scrambler. It would be interesting to see what she can do.
"Fine. Talk to her. If she doesn't want to play ball, kill her. If she doesn't look like she is trustworthy, kill her."
"No and no."
"Excuse me?"
"General, perhaps this is the time to remind you what I have reminded many of your predecessors. I don't work for you. I don't work for anyone really. I serve the Government of the United State because I fought for this Country, and I wish to defend it against enemies foreign, domestic and supernatural. But do not think for one second that I am one of your soldiers. The President says you give me what I need to get the job done. That is your role. We work together to determine what threats are most prevalent, but never make a mistake of thinking that I am your servant. I decide what I need and how to accomplish my missions. Understand?"
The good General did not like this. No surprise. He was used to people doing what he said. Understandable.
"Yes." He finally gritted out.
"Good. I have decided I need her. Now I am going to get her. If you will excuse me."
I rose to walk into the interview room.
"Have a seat Bella." I offered.
"Why? We don't get tired."
I shrugged my shoulders. "Have it your way. I plan to kick my feet up and relax. Get to know you, Bella."
I sat down, placing my legs on the table. She moved very quickly to a seat. She has had no time around humans trying to blend in. Judging by the wild scent over her natural strawberry scent I would imagine she has been in the wild for a very long time.
"So, Bella... tell me about yourself. How have you come to find yourself here?"
"No. You first. If the Government knows about us why haven't they done anything? Warned anyone?"
"What makes you think they can?"
"So we really can't die?"
Poor kid looked so sad.
"Oh, no. We can definitely die. But not by human hands. Besides... if I wasn't around, who would protect humans from other enemies? Demons, witches, lycans…"
"What are you talking about?" Finally life in her eyes.
"I will be glad to tell you, Bella, but only if you will agree to help me. I don't need someone looking to die. I need a partner who wants to protect others. Now are you suicidal, or are you interested?"
"You can teach me? To kill vampires?"
"Vampires as well as other things. Scarier things. Or you can go. Go back to your existence in the wild."
"Can you help me with my control? I don't want to kill anyone else."
"Of course."
"Your eyes are red." Clever girl.
"Yes. I drink bagged human blood. Or the occasional target I need to take out. You can certainly have all the bagged blood you want. So. In? Or out?"
"What do I have to lose?" she sighed. She really was beautiful. Probably the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my existence. She looked broken, though. Her nature had made her do things her soul would never accept. She needed a goal. A mission. She needed me. Whether she realized it or not.
"Excellent. Why don't we start by telling me about you, along with how you got here. Then I will show you around and explain everything."
"Okay. Have you ever heard of vampires named the Cullens?"
"Yes. If a vampire is over ten years old I have a file on them. I personally know the Cullens. We keep a close eye on them, due to their habit of existing among humans on a daily basis."
"You didn't keep a close enough eye on them, I suppose. I dated Edward Cullen…"
She continued talking. She told me everything. Two hours later she was done talking. I admit I was angry. Angry for her. I also felt horrible. A 17 year old girl with a bright future got dragged into this world, then left behind to be defended by a pack of young shapeshifters. They never stood a chance of keeping her alive against a vampire of Victoria's skill. My pity isn't what she needed.
"Okay. Atonement starts today. You ready to make a difference in the world?"
"Yes. Yes I am." She said quietly but firmly.
"Good, come with me. We are going to sub level 7."
"What is sub level 7?"
"My home. Your new home. Let's go. We have much to accomplish. First on the list is getting you some clothes. I will always be honest with you, Bella. That is my pledge to you. And honestly, you stink."
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Don't own it
BPOV
This was crazy. I was in a shower. A real shower. Not a lake or the bottom of the ocean. Clean clothes were brought in ten minutes ago by a human female, who was in what looked like a suit people wear when a biological emergency happens. It worked. I didn't smell her at all.
Garrett had brought me to his underground lair. I was to take a shower, get dressed, then he would be waiting for me. The problem was, I didn't want to get out of the shower.
"Bella? Have you drowned?"
I wish. No. I told him I wouldn't be suicidal. Maybe he could give me a purpose. If nothing else, it would be great to spend time with him. He was hot. He had a great smile. He also practically radiated power. He seemed at peace with himself. He was everything I wasn't.
I toweled myself off and stepped outside. He was waiting for me with a smile as he reached out his hand.
I hesitated. I hadn't voluntarily touched someone, other than a victim in a long time. I think Jake was the last person I purposely touched. I took his hand slowly. It was warm -almost soft- but still strong. Garrett gave me a grin, pulling me along. We went down a hallway. Halfway down, he stopped in front of a door to enter a series of numbers into a keypad.
"563740. If you ever need me, come right in. I use it to discourage soldiers from snooping."
I followed into what I thought would be a cell type room. Instead I saw a very spacious area. A large flat screen TV hung on the wall in front of a very large couch and a recliner. I looked around the room to see a refrigerator as well as a microwave. Also bookshelves. Six very tall bookshelves rose to the ceiling, covered in books. Art hung on the walls. An old US Flag, 13 stars in a circle, was framed on the wall. The edges were torn. Parts looked burned. Even from here, I could still smell the scent of…gunpowder.
"Noticed my Betsy did you? My troop carried her with us. I found her on the field after I awoke as a vampire. I rolled her up, placed her in my coat, and have had her ever since."
"What happened to you?" I whispered.
"I was a soldier. Revolutionary Army. My troop was on a scouting mission. There were only ten of us. We were attacked by a vampire. My friends were drained. All nine of them. He bit me but didn't drain me. I suppose he had had enough. He hit me on the head. He must have thought I was dead. I woke three days later, as a vampire. I killed countless British soldiers. I also began killing our side. I was angry and depressed. I wanted to fight the British, not kill my brothers in arms. Finally having enough, I found General Washington. I told him what happened in private. I explained what I could do before demonstrating. Truthfully, it was foolish on my part. Only because I had such great respect for the man, was I able to withhold draining him dry. I told him I had tried to shoot myself, but could not die.
George, being ever the strategist, had a heart to heart with me. He told me that if I exist, others of my kind must. Not just the monster who turned me. We talked into the night while wondering what else might be out there.
By morning, the two of us decided to keep my existence a secret. I could help the government. We both knew a new nation would face many challenges. Apparently there would be other challenges, in addition to the obvious human ones. I stayed by George's side throughout the war. I helped from the shadows, killing as many British as I could. The simple concept of having a mission, a purpose... the possibility that this may not be a bad thing, that it was possibly meant to be... allowed me to have much better control around humans. I didn't constantly feel like looking for ways to kill myself. That would be selfish. Using what I was given to help my fellow patriots, however…I didn't see what other choice I had. I stayed with George during his presidency. I was at every major American battle. I became involved when I could. George introduced me to John, and so on, until I became the official government secret weapon. I have worked with every single US President. Even Nixon, unfortunately. The US Government does not tell me what to do. I have proven my interest in this country's well being a thousand fold. I do, however, work with the President when there are sticky situations that US soldiers cannot become involved in. Dangers of biological or nuclear terrorism. I may take one of those missions if I feel that the military cannot be successful without losses, or failure means getting humans hurt or killed."
"Does the entire government know about you?"
"No. Only those with top secret clearance in this building. The guards you met in the hallway. Some generals, as well as the President. The FBI and CIA do not know about me. I work with the Military exclusively. Around 100 years ago, I began meeting other vampires, tracking them. Carlisle Cullen told me of Edward's mind reading, or he would have seen me right off. I was able to avoid him for the most part, hiding my thoughts when he was around. The fortune teller was never able to see me because she had no reason to. My life did not affect her."
Yeah. The fortune teller.
"What is it, Bella?"
"I just don't see why Alice didn't see this coming... try to stop it."
"Alice most likely could not see you because you were around shape shifters. Vampires have a hard time with gifts working on other species. Once you were turned…Bella, while you were in the room an EEG was ran on you. Your neuro waves indicate you have power. More precisely I would guess you have the power to scramble other powers. I don't know if this is personal, or if you can protect others. I would like to find out. I think you have a great many gifts, Bella. Gifts that have nothing to do with being a vampire."
"What would those be? Killing people?"
"No. The ability to feel guilt for killing people. It is rare for a vampire. Don't lose it. Our kind are predators. It is what it is. We just need to point you at the right prey.
Anyway, about 50 years ago we began studying venom. We determined that venom is a tricky substance. We believe it is extraterrestrial. Sent to earth perhaps millions of years ago. A biological entity that attacks the human body through blood. Venom takes over the body, but it does not kill the body. Our hearts may not beat because venom constantly runs through our system. Unlike blood, venom doesn't need a pump to carry it through. It is a real biological agent in our bodies. It makes us thirsty for blood. It makes us strong, fast, and invincible. Its only weakness is it is highly flammable. Venom can pull a vampire in pieces back together. Fire, however, is a different story. Once the venom is exposed, fire takes over. The vampire is burned to nothing. Like your friend James was."
"What else does it do?"
"It becomes our life source. It makes our skin sensitive. It makes our senses greater. It lets us feel desire, and runs through our body much like blood. It is why vampires can have sex. Venom doesn't need oxygen so we don't need to breathe. No blood is needed to pump so we need no heartbeat. Venom takes over everything. Occasionally, it makes some of our kind gifted. I myself am not gifted. A vampire who works with me is gifted. I believe you to be as well."
Wait.
"Another vampire works with you?"
"Yes. He came to me 5 years ago, feeling much the same way you do. He joined me. He is currently on a mission in the Middle East. He will be back in a few days. There is a terrorist leader our CIA is having a difficult time tracking. He will sniff the man out, then provide the correct intelligence."
Wow.
"We also fight other creatures who may wish to harm the citizens of our country. I admit, if I went after every vampire, I'm afraid I wouldn't last long. I'm a great fighter, but no one is that great. Down the hall is a control room of sorts. A situation room. Satellites keep track of known vampires as best as possible. I do intelligence gathering missions every once in a while, mostly to see if I can get any information on happenings.
There are lycans, though. Werewolves. Not as nice as the ones you hung out with. Witches…"
"Witches?"
"Yes, and demons. Rejects from hell. We don't know much about them, other than they are strong, foul smelling, can masquerade as humans, and are inherently evil. We call them demons. Are they really legionnaires of hell? I don't know. When one pops up, you can bet he or she is up to no good. I fight them. They are not easy to kill. I actually have to use a sword, if you can believe that shit. They disintegrate as soon as they die. Hard to do an autopsy on ashes."
I took a deep breath and sat back. This was a lot to take in.
"Bella, I pledged to be always honest with you. You have some options here. I won't kill you. Pick a fight with another vampire if you want that. I am much too taken with you to do something like that. You can, however, leave here to go back to your nomadic lifestyle. Another option is that I know exactly where the Cullens are. I can take you to them, or tell you how to find them. I know they have been scouring the West Coast. My guess would be that they are looking for you. I am sure they would welcome you. Help you to survive on animals."
Did I want to go to them? I understand why Edward did what he did, but they abandoned me. I wasn't the same person I was when they left. I wasn't Edward's love, I wasn't Alice's best friend. I was a killer.
"My other option?"
"Join me, as you have already indicated you want to. Help me. I will train you. I will train you to fight. Vampires, werewolves, witches, demons and anything else we discover in this crazy world. You will have a home. I can help you with your thirst. We can see what power you have exactly. I have been where you are, Bella. So has my comrade. We all feel the guilt of what we have done, are driven to better the world and keep others safe. First and foremost for the United States, but the world as a whole when we can. The souls of those we took died in sacrifice to the monster inside us. Now though, we can control the monster. What will you do with your monster, Bella? I hope you still want to join me after hearing this. Other supernaturals hide from vampires, do to self preservation, but they are dangerous. They can injure and kill us if we aren't careful. If you do not want in, I hope you keep this to yourself."
"What if I don't?" Would he kill me?
"Then I will deal with the fallout. The answer is no to your unasked question. I told you. I won't kill you. You are special, Bella Swan. I hope you realize it soon. Come with me."
I stood up very quickly. Garrett chuckled.
"I can also help you to act human and blend in. Follow me."
We went two doors down, then he entered another code. 67345. The door opened and I gasped.
The room was large. The walls were wooden. Looked like oak. A sofa and TV identical to his were on the wall. A refrigerator as well as a microwave. I could almost taste the blood in that box. Bookshelves lined the walls, but there were no books in them. I used to love to read.
"This is yours. I will leave you alone for a while. Come to me down the hall when you have had time to digest all this. I will be in the control room checking on the nasties of the world. Software scans thousands of media sources to determine possible signs of supernatural involvement. Especially Bigfoots. Those bastards can raise havoc, I promise you."
I looked at him in shock. He was smiling.
"You're kidding about bigfoot, right?"
"You dear, are going to have to stick around to find out. Make yourself at home. Take as much time as you need. Come find me when you make a solid decision."
"What if I try it, but change my mind?"
"You won't, Bella. You were born for this. Once you make a decision, you stick it out. I can already tell this about you."
He walked out without another word. Damn he was gorgeous. For the first time since I had turned, I realized what he said was right. Venom did flow in the right places when the proper stimulus is applied. Or seen in this case.
I looked around the empty room. This could be home. Charlie. Charlie would want me to do this.
He said he could take me to the Cullens. They were looking for me. They must still want me. If they didn't assume I was dead, they must know I was turned. I wonder how? Did it matter?
"I'm sorry." I whispered. I apologized to the 38 people who were no longer on this Earth. What would they want? They would want to have never ran into me, obviously. I could stay on my own and make it worse. I could join the Cullens, maybe forgive Edward, maybe moved past the resentment that I know is still there. A part of me still blamed them for this. I took responsibility, but still. If I am being honest with myself, I didn't know if I could get past it. I could never love Edward the way I once did. I didn't want to. I lost myself in him, just as I lost myself to the monster inside me. Maybe it was time I found myself.
I thought about my human life. Jake. Emily. Charlie and Renee. Billy, Embry, Sam, and even Quil. My grandmother. She was watching me from Heaven, probably crying over what I have become. Could I change that?
I had wanted to die. To give up. Was I that much of a coward? I didn't ask for this. Okay, maybe once I did while with Edward. But I was supposed to have his family around. Keeping me from hurting others. Not having delivery men show up at my door within hours of waking up.
Maybe instead of feeling sorry for myself, I should try to become angry. Anger would be a nice change. Not at everyone. Not at myself. There was one that I wanted to be angry at. I wanted her.
My mind was made up. I knew what I had to do, but I would ask him for a favor. I walked out the door, down the hall. I could already recognize his amazing scent. He was seated in front of a large screen. Various camera footage was all over the board. I saw a person in the woods in one of them. The person disappeared in a flash. Vampire. Satellites watching vampires. Another screen showed two vampires fighting.
Garrett had his feet kicked up on a console. He was speaking to someone on the phone. He saw me, then smiled and placed his fingers to his lips.
"I am sorry to hear this, Carlisle." Carlisle? He was speaking to Carlisle.
"We haven't given up hope, Garrett. We know she is out there. We know she is a vampire. We will not rest until we find her. Until we bring her back. We never should have left her in the first place. Edward thought he knew best. He has come to see the error in his idea that he knows best. Yet the fault is mine. I am the leader of the family, and I let this happen."
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Carlisle. How is Edward?"
"Devastated. Angry. Focused."
"A dangerous combination, Carlisle. Keep an eye on him."
"I will, Garrett. And if you see her in your travels…"
"You will be the first to know."
"Thank you friend."
Garrett ended the call before looking at me.
"They are looking for me?"
"No. A vampire named Stacy. Do you know her?"
I instantly became pissed before I could realize he was kidding.
"Very funny."
"Do you want to go to them? Edward still loves you. The entire family loves you. You know he thought he was doing what was best by leaving you, and is a stupid man. He made a mistake."
"Yes. He did. So did I. Many, many mistakes. No. I don't want to go to them. Mistake or not, when they left…it was over."
Garrett nodded.
"So... have you made any decisions?"
I nodded.
"And?"
"I'm in. 100%."
"Excellent. I can't wait to tell…"
"One thing."
"Okay."
"I want to find Victoria and kill her."
"I'm sorry, Bella. You can't do that."
"Why the hell not!?" I yelled. What the hell?
"Because Edward Cullen killed her two months ago. She found him. Bragged about what she did to you, then tried to get away. He was faster."
"Oh." Edward killed her. A little late, Edward. Still, I guess it's the thought that counts.
"That's how they know I am a vampire?"
"Yes." Garrett seemed tense. I suppose I did just yell at him.
"What else Garrett?"
"What do you mean?"
"You look worried. What else do you have to tell me?"
"Nothing. I just hope you don't have a fit. I am sitting in front of a hundred million dollars of taxpayer slush funds, and really don't want to have to ask the President for more. He's been taking a lot of crap about the national debt. I don't want to add to the bill."
God, he could make me laugh. It felt good to laugh.
"So, since you can't kill Victoria, do you still want to join me?"
"Yes. I'm ready. I will commit to you. I mean to this." He caught what I said before I could catch it. His grin told me so.
"I would definitely love for you to commit to me, Bella. You are sure you don't want to go back to the Cullens?"
"I was never there to begin with, Garrett. Make me a fighter."
He smiled. Damn I loved his face. Those eyes were smoldering.
"Good. Let's got to the training room. I want to show it to you."
"Training room?"
"Yes. You need to work out regularly if you want to become a deadly fighter."
"Work out? Vampires can't get stronger." I told him. I didn't think so anyway.
"True. Speed and strength are predetermined, but surprisingly similar to each other regardless of sex or size. We are given equal standing. The best fighters are those who work to become better. Better reflexes. Better technique. Vampires have to rely on hand-to-hand combat when fighting each other. The better fighter always comes out victorious. We need to make sure you are the better fighter. There is also sword training to battle demons and werewolves. Reflex training to battle witches. You may not become faster, but you can be quicker. You're a super strong, super-fast vampire. I will make you better. When I am done with you, you are going to be a very dangerous lady. You will also learn to blend in with the human race."
"Okay. We start now?"
"No. We start in the morning. Tonight I want to show you around. I want to wait until we get the rest of your clothes here. Two female soldiers are getting you everything you need. I need to tell you who knows what. I need to check out the sunscreen, and put you under UV lights to see how it works on you. Shouldn't be a problem but…"
"Sun screen?"
"Yes. HPF 10000. Just kidding. We have a lotion that completely blocks UV rays. Clear. Won't even register to the naked eye. No UV, no sparkles. We have to blend in. We go after human monsters occasionally."
"I can walk in direct sunlight?"
"Hell Bella, you can walk to the beach in a bikini if you want. I wouldn't mind seeing that."
Oh damn.
"We also will get you into payroll, get you a couple IDs. Get you a clearance card."
"Payroll?"
"Yes. You will need money. You are on the Governments dime now. Also you need to get a list of books together. You will need something to read. It is important to keep your mind on things other than training. You are a very beautiful person. You are going to live. You will not exist for the next mission alone. Understand. I want good people with me. Not good robots."
I nodded. That made sense, I suppose.
"So after this we can train?" I was so ready to start.
"No. After that we kick back at my place, pop open a couple hot bags of blood, and I was hoping you might want to watch a movie with me?"
"A movie?"
"Yes." He said.
"What do you want to watch?" What would he watch?
"I don't know. You like action movies? Comedies?"
"I…" didn't have a clue really. This whole night had become so surreal.
"How about the three stooges? Do you like the three stooges?"
Uh… "I don't think I have ever actually seen them."
"My God! What is the world coming to? We must rectify this. Let's get your picture at least, so the lab boys can start on your documents. Then we watch the stooges."
"Okay. Garrett, you were kidding about Bigfoot right?"
"No. They are big, hairy, have horrible dispositions, and smell bad. They can also take out small towns if they aren't controlled. I can't wait to see your face when you smell one. Now come! The stooges await."
I guess we were going to see the stooges. Bigfoot? Really?
"One other thing. Is the Loch Ness Monster real?"
"She was. I killed Nessie a long time ago. Now, pictures and stooges. Lets move."
Garrett POV
I watched her laughing. The sight and sound of it made me smile. She was next to me on the couch but still kept her distance. She had not had contact with anyone in a long time. I'm surprised she opened up as much as she has.
When she told me she was in, I wanted to be sure. I gave her time. I contacted Carlisle for more information, and to let her know what her options were. After calming down and spending time by herself, I knew she would stay. When she walked out saying she was not going back, my team was complete.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't fascinated by her. She was beautiful. When I saw her eyes, I felt things I had never felt in my existence. She was damaged, though. She had scars on her soul that would not be easy to deal with. I would give her purpose. I would give her something to focus on. Maybe we could both have something positive to focus on. My first mission would be to get her used to human blood. She would discover that when she returned to her room, if the filtration had been set as I requested.
"I can't believe I've never seen these guys before." She said smiling at the TV.
"I'm glad you like them. I hope you aren't too terribly upset about my not killing you?"
She didn't laugh as I had hoped.
"No. I guess not. But Garrett, if I kill another…"
"You might." May as well make this clear. "You will have a slip up possibly. You may have to kill a target we go after to protect others. We are killers, Bella. We do our best to protect them, but do not sit there and say if you kill someone else, you want to die. It's not going to happen. You will do your best to be vigilant. It may happen, though. We learn from it and move on. I admire Gandhi a great deal. I actually met him once. One of -if not the most- beautiful souls I have ever come across. But Gandhi isn't effective in every situation. We are. We do the things others cannot or will not do. There is no time that it is okay to want to die. General George Patton once said in an address to his troops, that you don't win a war by dying for your country, you win it by killing the enemy. Actually, George used some colorful language, but it was just his way of speaking. The point is the same. There is honor in dying for others. If you are alive, you have to fight for honor. There is no honor in taking away yourself from the fight."
She said nothing but nodded her head.
"Why don't you go to your room to start surfing Amazon or Barnes and Noble for books you like?"
She nodded again, walking out with me on her heels.
Walking into her room, she froze.
"Relax." I whispered.
"It smells like blood. Is it the refrigerator?"
"No. The scent of human blood will be slowly filtered into this room. Not much now but it will be stronger as it goes on."
"Why?" She whimpered.
"Because the best way to get used to it is to be around it. To slowly desensitize yourself to it."
"Okay." She nodded, a determined look crossing over her face. I followed her to the laptop, then she began to type.
She made it two letters before her finger crushed the B key.
"Sorry. Uh…there weren't a lot of computers where I was."
"It's okay. We have forty in the closet. We will work on it. For now, why don't you let me type for you while you tell me what you want." I gently rubbed her shoulders and she didn't jump. Progress.
We laughed for hours while she told me her favorite books that she could remember. I pointed out how damn dull they were. Around ten AM, I felt it was time to give her some space. Make sure the books got sent on the double. I turned the television on, telling her I would be back later so we could get to work on touching things without crumbling them to dust.
"Garrett?"
"Yes, Bella?"
"Thank you." She smiled.
"No need to thank me. You are helping me out."
"Yeah…could I ask a favor?"
"Anything, Bella."
"I can't remember the number, but if you could find that and a phone for me, I think…I think I want to talk to him. At least say goodbye."
I knew she would, when I heard her story.
"Of course, Bella. One phone number for a Jacob Black, as well as one telephone with a speakerphone option, coming right up."
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Don't own it
BPOV
The phone rang three times. Maybe he wouldn't answer. Would I leave a message? You can't leave a message for something like this. Should I call him back? I stood here for 4 hours working up the courage to call him on this speaker phone. Three hours it took for me to dial his number. My finger broke through the 6 button on the first try. Garrett brought me a new phone without laughing, but offered to dial the number. I told him no. I would do this on my own.
Now, an hour later and seconds of gently and slowly pushing buttons on the phone, the call was going through with no one was answering.
I was sadly realizing that I was feeling a great deal of relief. I was such a coward. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe a clean break would be best. It's what Edward did to me. He did it willingly. I didn't leave Jake willingly.
I prepared to hang up when the phone wasn't ringing any longer.
"Hello?"
I wanted to say hi. Hey Jake, how ya been? I wanted to be flippant or funny. But hearing his sweet voice hit me with such force. I felt ashamed, and lonely and…
"Who is this? Why are you crying?"
I was on my knees wailing. I couldn't stop shaking.
"J…j…:"
"Bella? Bella!? Is that you, Bella?"
"Jake." I whimpered. I wish I could jump through the phone into his arms. He would make it all go away. He always made the bad things go away. Just like that dream catcher he made for my bed.
"Oh my God, Bella. Where are you?"
Be strong Bella.
"I…I can't tell you Jake."
"Bella! I will never hurt you! She changed you, didn't she? I don't care, Bella. I will never hurt you!"
"I know, Jake. That's why I can't tell you. Jake, I did things. I do things. I can't…I wanted to come to you to beg for death, but…I didn't want you to see me like this."
"Bella, I wouldn't have…it's not your damn fault. I'm so damn sorry…"
"No. No it's my fault. I should have come to you. Let your pack kill me, but Jake, I was scared. Do you know what I was scared of? I didn't want Paul or Leah's face to be the last one I saw. The sneer saying the leech lover got what she deserved. Now people are dead because I wasn't strong enough to go to the one place I could have found death."
"Nobody will ever hurt you, Bella. Nobody."
"That's the problem, Jake."
"Bella, come to me. Meet me somewhere. We can go off. I can help you. We can hide."
"Jake, your every instinct would be to kill me. You know it."
"I'll fight it, Bella. I thought you were dead. Why did you wait so long to call me?!"
"I was…living in the wild, Jake. I was afraid to come near people. I still am. I've killed people, Jake."
"Not your fault B…"
"Yes it is! I'm a damn monster. I got what I asked for, Jake. Isn't that right? Tell me!"
Calm down Bella. Please calm down.
"Bella, I'm not going to say I told you so. You didn't ask for that. Is she…is she still around? She stopped coming here after she grabbed you."
"No. Edward killed her."
"Edward Cullen? Did he find you Bella? Are you…with him now?"
"No, Jake. I…I can't tell you where I am, but I found someone. A vampire who doesn't hurt people." At least US citizens.
"He is helping me. He is going to help me not kill people."
"Is he a Cullen?"
"No. He's…" government agent? Superhero? "a nomad."
"Why is…"
"Jake, wait. I have to know." I didn't want to know but I had to.
"He's…he's not good, Bella. Nobody wanted to fake your death. We hoped we could get you back. When we realized it wasn't going to happen, it was too late…"
"So he thinks…"
"You're missing." Oh God, no.
"He'll never quit looking will he?" I whispered.
"It doesn't look like it, Bella, but he has no leads. Nothing. He's…he's been drinking a lot. Bella, he's not doing well." Jake sighed.
"My…my Mom?"
"Bella look you got…"
"My mother, Jacob? How is my mother?"
"I don't know. I mean…"
"You know." I told him firmly. Pull off the damn band aid, Jake.
"She is…she checked into a hospital because of severe depression and attempted suicide. She tried to kill herself. Phil saved her, then placed her in a hospital. She…she’s getting better. Bella, she will get better."
Dear God.
"How long ago was this, Jake?"
"About 6 months after you disappeared, Bella." He said softly.
"Bella, come to me. Meet me. Please. I want to see you."
"No. You really don't, Jake. Everything you said about leeches was true. We are dead. Soulless. At least I am. I don't want you to see me like that. I want your last memory of me to be underneath you on the couch in your shed."
"Bella, please…"
"No, Jake. I never realized how much you meant to me when I was alive. I used you to get over a guy who didn't deserve my attention. I'm not going to ruin your life any longer to make me feel better about what I am. I called you to tell you goodbye, and to thank you for everything you did for me. You really were the sunshine in my life. I love you, Jake. Be happy."
I ended the call before he could say anything else.
I missed his voice already. It sounded like home. A home I could never go back to. I heard a strange sound before realizing it was myself, sobbing. I also realized I was on my knees. I needed to get up. I needed to be stronger. Stop crying and get to work. Take advantage of this chance I have been given. I will. I will get up.
Later.
GPOV
"This is not good." I said more to myself.
I was currently going over every source of information I had about Renee Dwyer, Jacob Black, and Charlie Swan. Renee was still in a mental hospital in Florida. Charlie Swan was still chief of police in Forks, but… recent pictures of him in the Forks paper show a man who has aged very quickly -and not well- compared to pictures of him in the paper over a year ago.
I had little information on Jacob Black. His father died recently. Heart attack, apparently. He was attempting to get loans to start a small business with two of his friends. Pack members, I am guessing.
The problem was, if Bella talked to Jacob, he would tell her about her mother and father. This would destroy her. She has a conscience. She took responsibility for a vampire kidnapping and turning her against her will. She will certainly take responsibility for this.
Bella. She was intriguing. Such an innocent soul tainted by darkness. The stain will always be there. Perhaps it should. I believe no one should go through life completely innocent. That simply means you have not lived. Our scars make us what we are, just as much as our positive attributes do. I certainly had enough scars.
Still though, I had to remember she was 18 and had not lived life very much. This was the time she would be spreading her wings, learning who she was. Unfortunately she has not had the opportunity to do this.
I needed to keep her busy. Training. Focusing on blending in with humans. Field trips to places people hung out. Feeding. Keeping her well fed at all times would be a good idea. She would need to be tested around a human with a cut that she wasn't expecting. Who could I get to volunteer for that?
Connolly. That dumbass would relish the idea.
An alert came across my screen at the same time as I heard his door open and his shower start. Of course, he left the door open. I should probably mention to him that our bachelor pad has become a female friendly residence.
But…this was interesting. Carp Lake had a few people missing lately. There were also three sightings of the Lake Leelanau monster. That creature hasn't been sighted in years, making me think whatever people are seeing is not that particular lake monster. This makes me wonder about shapeshifters. Aquatic ones. Perhaps I should remember to mention to Bella that not all shapeshifters are as nice as her wolf pack. I checked the rest of the briefings.
Nothing of importance showed up. It may be a good time to check on the Michigan lake to determine if shapeshifters have been killing people, using the history of the lake to hide their activities. First thing’s first. I had to get her to act human.
I may have to negotiate with her to motivate her. No. I wouldn't manipulate her like that. I already knew what I would be doing.
What was I planning on…oh, yes. Talking to Ty. I rose to go to his room when I heard it. A scream to end all screams.
BPOV
I finally got off my knees, deciding to see what I could do about controlling my blood lust and blending in with humans. I also needed to talk to Garrett about using an unclaimed body to possibly fake my dead body being found. Perhaps if my parents have closure that may help?
I walked out into the hall, then smelled a strange scent. Before I could stop myself, I collided with the scent. I stepped back with a hiss. A large black vampire stood before me. The towel that I am guessing was around his waist, was now piled at his feet. He was naked. Very, very naked.
Garrett wrapping me in his arms brought me back to reality and allowed me to stop screaming.
"Damn, shorty. You ain't ever seen a big glorious cock before or what? He don't bite. You ain't got to be scared."
What the hell?
"Uh…"
Garrett tried to introduce me to the vampire, who was still standing naked in the hallway.
"Bella this is…"
"Tyrone Gavin ma'am. You can call me Ty." He reached his hand out. I backed away into Garrett a little bit.
"Ty!"
"Yeah G Man?"
"Towel?"
"Oh, my bad."
Ty bent over to pick up his towel, wrapping it around his waist.
"I…I'm Bella. Bella Swan."
"Nice to meet you, shorty. Glad to see G Man picked him up a woman. He been alone so long I was beginning to get scared to walk around naked around here. Just in case he got desperate."
"Ty, I would have much higher standards than you. Bella, Ty is the other vampire I told you came to me 5 years ago, much the same way you did. Ty, Bella was turned last year. She came here looking to expose the vampire world, just like you did."
Ty's face became serious.
"Welcome to the team, Bella. It's been a bromance up to this point. We got us a regular Mod Squad now."
"Mod Squad?" I quietly asked, confused.
"You ain't ever seen the Mod Squad? We got us the white dude, the good lookin’ black guy, and now we got the chick. It's all working out. I just need to find me a sweet piece of ass so we could have neighborhood barbecues and shit."
"Ty, why don't you come to the control room. You can tell Bella and me about your mission. Give her an idea about the kind of work we do." Garrett suggested. I noticed his arms were still around me. It should bother me, but it didn't. I hadn't been held in so long. I guess Garrett realized it at the same time because took his arms away.
"Cool."
Half a second later, we were in the control room. Ty hadn't gotten dressed. Still. They were sitting. I was standing. Ty crossed one leg over another…oh God there it is again.
"Seriously, girl. You ain't ever seen a cock before?"
"Ty! Manners! Bella is a lady."
"How old are you, girl?"
"18." I whispered. "And I have seen a …cock. Plenty. I mean not that many but the average amount of…you know…cock."
"I'm callin’ bullshit on this one, G Man." Ty said. Garrett smirked.
"Have a seat, Bella." Garrett offered. I sat, not knowing what else to do.
"Did you find him?" Garrett asked Ty.
"I wouldn't be back if I hadn't. Found him and his boys hanging out in a small mountain range. Even painted his ass with a laser. Drone dropped a big ass missile on their ass, then tent city turned to ash city. It was beautiful, G Man. I wish you could have been there. They was doing target practice when it hit. Shootin US flags, if you can believe that shit. The irony was delicious, my man."
"Excellent work, Ty. Bella, I told you Ty was looking for a certain terrorist cell leader. Once he found them, he passed on the information, then used a laser to guide a drone missile to destroy not just him but the entire camp. He …"
"Oh that wasn't all I did." Ty grinned.
Garrett sighed. "What else did you do, Ty?"
"So right before these fuckers fry I step out in the open. I'm about 400 yards away, and I shoot the finger at these fuckers while painting their ass. When they turn to start firing, I'm standing there taking these bullets and laughing my ass off, right? A couple of these fuckers must think I'm a god or something, ‘cause they fall to the ground and start doin’ that worshippin’ thing, on their knees with the hands…"
"Yes. I know, Ty."
"Anyway. The Drone flies in silent like. They hear it, but it's too late to do anything but kiss your ass goodbye. So I stand there when the missile hits."
"You stood there?" I asked. He was still alive. Damn, it appeared nothing could kill us.
"Yep. So the wall of fire is rolling towards me, and I raise my arms over my head, letting it roll over me. There I am, Bella. Stretched out in the desert as a wall of fire envelopes me. My clothes burn off, of course. So it's over, and I'm surrounded by nothing but ruins, standing completely naked in the desert. It was amazing, Bella. Shoulda been there, shorty."
"I'm sorry I missed it." I mumbled.
"No sweat kid. We got lots of missions to do for many, many years. You will get your shot at seeing me basking in the glow of victory completely naked. It would probably be too much for you to handle right now. Especially since my cock is the first one you ever saw."
"It is not!" I countered.
"Yeah. It is. I'm sorry, G Man."
"For what?" Garrett asked.
"I set the bar too high. She is gonna think all cocks are supposed to be this perfect." Ty said solemnly.
"I had sex. He was gorgeous. Stop it already. What does he care anyway?" I was starting to get pissed off.
"My bad, shorty. I got no doubt that you are a woman of the world."
"Then why are you giving me shit?" I growled. Garrett tensed.
"Cause our rooms are soundproof but sometimes certain muffled sounds slip through the vents. I thought I heard sobbing. I knew it wasn't him. I figured it might be you. If it was you, I figured you could use something to take your mind off what got you so upset. So…"
"So you made sure that I walked into you and your towel fell?" I asked.
"Yep."
"Why?"
"Cause I'd rather you be pissed than sad. Pissed makes you focused. Sad makes you despair. Nothing good comes out of despair. Welcome to the family, Bella." Ty smiled.
I wanted to hug him at the moment. I didn't, but I wanted to. I actually laughed.
"Ty, could you do me a favor?"
"What ya got, G Man?"
"Bella needs help adjusting to acting human. She also needs to learn how to fight."
"Fight what?" Ty asked.
"Everything." Garrett told him seriously.
"Cool. You ever been in a fight, Shorty?"
"No." I admitted.
"Damn, girl. You can't really learn anything about yourself until you have been in a fight. We got to get you some scars."
"I got scars. Trust me." I rubbed the one on my wrist that hadn't gone away with my other imperfections during the change. Figures.
"Bella, I hate to leave you, but I promise I will be back in a few days. You have the phone in your room. Let Ty know when you want to talk to me. He will dial me, or you can try it yourself. Work on your touch. Acting human. Getting used to the smell of blood in your room while controlling your feeding. Work on fighting. Your books should be in tomorrow. Ty, when they arrive could you get them? This place is a human free zone for about a week or so."
"No problem, Garrett. I will take care of her." He nodded.
"Where are you going, Garrett?" I didn't like the idea of him being gone. It made me uncomfortable.
"Mission. Very important. Very delicate. I need to fix some things before lives are lost. It's what we do, Bella. Remember that. It's what you are now."
I nodded. It would be nice to save someone instead of ruining them. I watched Garrett walk out, already missing his soothing presence. I hoped he wouldn't be gone long. I wanted to spend more time with him. I guess I can get to know…Fuck!
I picked my ass off the ground. I turned to see Ty with his fists up, hopping from one foot to another.
"Teach her to act human, Ty. Get her books. Let her dial the phone. Boring. Boring as fuck. You wanna learn kung fu, shorty?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I do." I grinned.
"Good. I figure we got about 72 hours before Garrett shows up. I'm gonna beat your ass for 71 and a half of those hours."
He was smirking. Okay.
"Bring it bitch. Training room?"
"Right this way, Bella."
GPOV
"Your credentials check out Sir, but you don't look like a typical federal agent, if you don't mind me saying so. Would you please take off your sunglasses?"
"You really don't want to see my eyes, Dr. Loomis. You don't want to remember my face, what I am wearing, and you sure as hell don't want to ever mention that I was here, or who I was here to see. This is a national security matter. That's my ID. You do what I say, or get transported to Guantanamo Bay. We understand each other?"
"You can't talk to me like that."
Fine. I took off my glasses and bore my red eyes into his green ones.
"Look me in the eyes, then tell me what I can and cannot do Dr."
I think he just pissed himself. I think I have pretty eyes. Humans don't always agree.
"Right this way, Sir."
I followed his pompous ass down a long hall. At the end of the hall, we stopped at a door.
"She doesn't talk much, and she is suicidal. I am afraid I will…"
"If you insist on being present I have no problem with that. However, due to the nature of our conversation, I will have to place you in custody for an indeterminate period of time. Due to knowledge you possess."
"Indeterminate?"
"Yes, like I throw you under a fucking rock, then forget you are there for the next fifty years. Was that your Porsche outside? It looks fun to drive. I bet you have a nice life. You want to keep it, you are going to open this door and run away. Run far away. Understand?"
"Yes." He whispered. The door unlocked, then Loomis did indeed run.
I walked slowly inside to see her sitting in a rocking chair, staring out the window. She looked like hell.
"It's not time for medication." She mumbled. Still, her voice was clear.
"Are you crazy?" I asked.
"What?" She asked, turning finally.
"Are you crazy?" My glasses were back on my face. I had to be sure she wasn't mentally unstable.
"No." She sighed. "I'm not crazy. I just don't want to live any longer. Who the hell are you?"
"Why do you not want to live any longer?"
"I let my daughter run off to her father's to make me happy, and it killed her. She did it to make me happy. I was selfish. The only good thing I ever did in my life was having her, but I was self-centered. More concerned about my new husband. I was ready to miss her Prom, dates, breakups and loves. Then she was gone. It wasn't fair that she was gone and I was here. So, I want to die. I fucked that up. I suppose it's what I deserved."
"So you feel incredible guilt, and it has made you want to die?"
"Yeah. That's what I said. Who the hell are you?"
"I need you to be certain you are not crazy, because the story I am about to tell you will make you think I am. If you ever repeat this story they will lock you up forever, so you have to keep this to yourself."
"What do I care if I ever get out?"
"You care because she can't come here to see you. She shouldn't have to. You need to get better. When you are, I will have her ready. Ready to see you again. You need to be ready as well."
"Who can't come to see me?" She whispered.
"Bella. I met her two days ago. She is not dead, but she can't be around people right now. Not yet. Soon."
"You're lying." She was getting angry. I knelt in front of her chair and took off my glasses.
"I give you the same pledge I gave her. I will always be honest with you. Renee, my name is Garrett. I am a vampire. Would you like to hear the most incredible story, learn what your daughter is doing now?"
Her eyes filled with tears but she was not yelling at me to get out. Her face had a myriad of emotions. Finally, the one I was looking for. The one I have been trying to keep on Bella's face.
Hope.
"You're not going to lie to me?"
"No."
"You're a vampire?"
"Yes. I would be glad to drink Dr. Loomis's blood, if that would help prove it to you." She laughed. A start.
"I think I would like to hear this story, Garrett." She whispered, a large tear rolling down her cheek.
"Good. After this I have a trip to make to Washington State. Then I must get back."
"Why the hurry?"
"The sooner I get back, the sooner I can help her prepare to see you. I can also get you sprung from this place, so you can go home and talk to her on the phone."
That caught her attention.
"You're not fucking around are you? Your eyes…they are red. I can tell by your eyes that you are honest."
"Are you ready to hear about your daughter? She has been through a lot. She will need you as much as you need her."
"Tell me."
I smiled. Then I told her.
Category: Books » Twilight
Author: BetterinTexas
Language: English, Rating: Rated: M
Genre: Adventure/General
Published: 05-01-13, Updated: 07-31-13
Chapters: 25, Words: 109,507
Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Don't own it
BPOV
Pain. I couldn't think of anything but the pain. I tried to remember what happened… how I got to hell… what great sin I committed to damn me to eternal flames. I wanted to cry, but couldn't even scream any longer. I had no idea where I was. I think I was on the ground. In dirt. What happened?
My name. My name was Bella. Bella what? Bella…Swan. Yes. I had been at a beach. I remembered looking out at the waves crashing to shore. A storm was coming. A howl in the forest. I turned. A noise behind me… a flash of red. Water. Waves. Drowning. Being pulled out. Fear. Screaming. Begging. Teeth.
Searing.
Searing definitely stayed in my memory. Would there ever be an end to this pain?
It seemed like forever. I didn't understand how anything could be left to burn. I should be ashes, but my heart was still racing.
Wait.
My heart was slowing down. I was having a hard time breathing. Maybe I was dying finally and could be let out. Let out of this prison.
My heart continued to slow. The pain lessened. I kept trying to take a last breath before I died. My throat burned, but my body was cooling.
I heard it.
Thump.
No more.
The pain was gone. I stayed in darkness. I was dead. There was no point in opening my eyes. I was dead. I must be dead. The pain had stopped.
What were those scents?
I gently moved my arm and it didn't hurt. It felt pretty good. I felt great. Being dead was surprising. I felt alive. Better than alive. What the hell happened to me? My thoughts were all over the place. Scents; Sounds were rushing at me from every direction.
I tried to slowly open my eyes, but the minute I thought about it my eyes were open. I sat up. Too fast.
I looked at my surroundings. I was in a wooden building. Dirt on the floor. The building was little more than a shack. Some boards were broken. Sunlight shined through the cracks. A ray hit my hand and it sparkled. Oh no…no,no,no. Not this. Not…The breeze blew in, and I heard paper blowing in the wind. A letter was stuck under a rock on a bucket. I took a moment to look at myself. I was wearing blue jeans, a blue short sleeve top, and white sneakers. Nothing special about my dress.
My name is Bella Swan. I'm from?…calm down Bella.
Forks? Yes, Forks. I live with my Dad. I have a boyfriend? I had a boyfriend. He hurt me when he left. What was his name?
Maybe the letter was from him? Was he what I am? Did he do this? I remember sparkly skin. It meant I was a monster for some reason. I knew I didn't want it. I did. But something changed.
I gently picked the paper up. It was a handwritten note.
Dear Bella,
I hope you aren't too terribly angry. When I realized Edward left you, I really didn't see the point in killing you any longer. He obviously didn't care enough to stay and protect you. I didn't see the point of risking death by killing someone he didn't care about any longer.
Then it became clear to me. He left you because he didn't want you to be one of us. So what better revenge than to turn his precious human into the very thing he didn't want you to be. I won't tell you where you are. I won't bother you from this point on. I am off to find your precious Edward. If we do ever cross paths again make sure to call me Mommy. Be a good vampire and make me proud. I don't want you to think I am a neglectful parent. Stay where you are. At sundown someone will be there to help you if you wake up when I expect you to.
Love,
Victoria
Memories flowed into my mind. Memories of a handsome boy in a cafeteria. A van sliding across a parking lot. A vampire attacking me. A prom. A summer spent in a meadow. Talking late into the night after he snuck into my room through the window.
A blonde vampire diving at me. A walk in the forest. Wolves. Jake…oh my God, Jake!
I sat in the dirt trying to cry. My throat burned. It wouldn't stop. I tried to calm myself. Memories came back. I didn't want this. I only wanted it because of him. He left. I was getting over him. I was almost there. Jake was helping me. I didn't love him like that. Not how he wanted me to love him. But I was so close.
He protected me. He and his brothers. Emily. I would never see Emily, or Charlie and Renee. They were all gone. I could never go back to La Push. I didn't even know where I was. I was dead. I had been at the beach. I had been thinking about Jake. My fears. My fear of being hurt if he imprinted. I was ready to take a chance I think. A howl startled me. Several howls. I turned towards the woods.The minute my back turned from the ocean I felt her there. All I saw was the flash of red before she had me. She swam out into the water with me. I nearly drowned. She emerged from the water. I remembered the trees blurring as she ran with me over her shoulder. Victoria.
She bit me and threw me to the ground. She snapped my legs so I couldn't run. I instinctively felt my legs. They were fine, of course. Vampires don't have broken bones. A vampire was what I was. A vampire with no money, filthy clothes, no idea of where I was at, and a throat that was on fire.
A noise outside alerted me to the simple fact that the sun had gone down. Victoria told me that she would be sending someone to help me.
To kill me? I wouldn't mind right now. Honestly, I was scared. I was angry. I…smelt that scent. My throat burned ten times hotter. My mouth felt like it was flooded with saliva. I was drooling like a hungry dog.
Please tell me she didn't.
"Hello?"
Please go away.
"I'm supposed to deliver one hundred pounds of feed to this shed. The lady said someone would meet me here? I really need to get paid and get home. Hello?"
Oh God, he smelled good. Please don't open that door.
The door opened.
"Hel…well hi there…are you okay?" He looked so nice. He looked so concerned. Middle aged, probably early forties. Dark graying hair. Mustache. He wore a work shirt and blue jeans. The shirt had the name Tim on it.
Seconds later, I was cradling his dead body. I didn't even have time to take in his screams. They didn't last long. I…oh my God.
I nearly bit through his neck.
I dropped his body and scrambled into the far corner. I knelt down to place my head in my hands. My hands were covered in blood. I realized I was licking my fingers. Oh God.
His body wouldn't go away. His head was at a strange angle. His eyes were open and vacant. He had a simple gold wedding band on his finger. I just made someone a widow. I just killed someone's father. Someone's son. Someone who just wanted to get paid, so he could go home.
I screamed.
I ran. I kept running. Occasionally I would get close to the smell of that man and change directions. I still had no idea where I was. I struck a few trees. I ran. The sun rose and the sun set twice. I went north. I recognized the North star. The temperature dropped the farther North I ran. I think I was in Canada.
My throat became more and more painful by the hour. I needed more. I thought of hunting animals. But perhaps if I didn't eat, I could starve and die. Edward told me Carlisle tried that once I think.
So I kept moving, my mind running through scenarios to kill myself. I ran.
Before sun up, I realized I was running towards a lake. I was running towards a scent I should have been running from. She was emerging from an early morning swim. She had a wet suit on. A beautiful lady.
She never had time to scream. I bit her in the shoulder. Her bones crunched beneath my teeth. Her blood flooded my mouth. I clamped on and sucked as hard as I could. I knew what I was doing. I didn't want to. My mind didn't want to. I wasn't listening to my head. My body was in control, and it wanted to drain every ounce of blood from this woman.
Once again, within seconds her heart had stopped. I laid her down. I don't know why. What was the point in being gentle now?
I should go to La Push. Jake would kill me.
No. He wouldn't. I would have to beg him, and he still would not. His brothers would. He would never forgive them.
To be honest, I didn't want them to see what I had become. I can't believe I ever wanted this. It sounded so romantic with Edward.
It wasn't romantic. It was vile. It was disgusting. It was death in its ugliest form.
I had to stay away from people. No matter how long it took. I had to stay away from people until I figured out how to die.
One year later...
I dropped the body at my feet. He was young. Blonde hair. Reminded me of the Newton guy. I can't exactly remember his first name. Mike or Mark.
I had gotten very good at not getting blood on me. At least on my clothes.
Mike or Mark had been rock climbing near my cabin in the woods. I smelled the blood from his cut knee a mile away. I can imagine the fear he felt looking down, seeing me climbing the rock at an inhuman speed like a demon from hell. I suppose that was what I was. A demon from Hell.
I fed from animals. I didn't attack every human who came within a mile of me. But when I smelled human blood; no amount of feeding from animals was enough. The smell drives me crazy. I couldn't control myself or I didn't want to. I don't suppose there was much difference.
I had killed 38 humans since I woke as a vampire. I slaughtered whole herds of animals, but it didn't make a difference. I still couldn't resist humans. My clothes were nearly rags. I would have to chance a run into a city to steal new clothes. I wouldn't take the belongings of my victims. I wouldn't do that. I took everything else.
One year, and I had not figured out how to kill myself. No mountain was high enough to jump from. I laid on the bottom of the ocean. After three days, I worked up the courage to open my mouth and allow water to flood my body. I remained alive. I also ran out of the surf in time to see a lovely young girl in a green bikini laying out a picnic blanket. Her boyfriend walked up on me as I was finishing her. I killed him too.
Some memories faded over the past year. I could barely remember what my father looked like. I knew he was tall, had dark hair and a mustache. But the nuances of his face. I couldn't grasp them.
Other memories, however, were stronger. Memories of Jake. I had given myself to him the night before I was taken. I wanted to try. I wanted to try so badly. I wanted to be whole, but it wasn't to be. Maybe he could have gotten me there. Maybe I would have pulled myself out of the misery I had allowed my life to become. I like to think I would have. Now I’ll never know.
I had clearer memories of my mother.
Then there was him.
I remember how I let myself be torn to pieces over him. God how stupid I was. I wish I had ran from him when I found out. I wish I had never moved to Forks. It doesn't matter now.
I don't hate Edward. A small part of me might. If it wasn't for him, Victoria would have never had a reason to come after me. If he had stayed, the worst that could have happened would have been that she killed me.
That would not be a bad thing. Still, though. It was my fault. My fault for getting involved, and my fault for becoming a wreck after he left. The memories I want to go become clearer. I hated who I was. Still, though. Thirty eight people would be alive if I had just died.
I hated Victoria. If I saw her again, I would do everything I could to kill her. I had never been in a fight in my life, but I would tear her to pieces.
Another memory that came to the forefront was Edward talking about the Volturi. He had mentioned them in English class, when he said he wasn't sure if he would get to me in time in the Ballet studio. He would provoke them, and they would kill him.
They were in Italy, though. I did remember one thing that stood out from the rest. They kept the law. The number one law of vampires.
Humans cannot know of our existence. Why? Because humans would rise up and defeat us. Instead they are kept in the dark. Unsuspecting prey. It was with that thought that my plan came together. Humans deserved to know what they were facing. The vampire world shouldn't get to hide in shadows.
If the humans had a vampire they could experiment on, perhaps they could figure out a way to kill us.
I had made my decision by midnight. They could do what they would with me. I could have my death and go to hell, sending the vampire world straight to hell with me.
I had stolen a map. I was one hundred and eighty miles away from Washington DC. I think I could be there in 30 or 40 minutes. I had nothing else to do. Stay around to wait for my next victim. It was time to end this.
Forty-five minutes later, I reached the outskirts of Washington DC. I had no idea where I was going. I saw a convenience store closed. Breaking the door handle was easy enough. The alarm sounded, but it only took me half a second to find what I needed and leave. A Map of the DC Metro area.
White House?
No. That would just piss off the Secret Service. Someone may get hurt. The fallout would be too difficult to hide. I wanted the Government to know. They could decide how to deal with this. I would leave the media out of it. I would go straight to where the main players were. The Pentagon.
I found it within ten minutes. It would have been five but I took a wrong turn while doing my best to stay in the shadows. A guarded gate prevented cars from going in. I checked my stolen watch and saw it was 11:00 PM. Not exactly a high traffic time period. Still, though. This place had to operate 24/7. Somebody would be in charge or could call someone in charge.
I ran through the gate without stopping, tearing it down and leaving it lying on the pavement. There was no point in being sneaky. I had gotten where I wanted to be. If I lingered too long, I would be tempted to drain a human. I didn't want that. I didn't want to kill anyone else.
I ran through a door into the main building, then realized I had no idea where to go. Alarms were going off. Doors were everywhere. Everything looked restricted. Said so right on the doors. The halls seemed curved.
Oh yeah. Pentagon.
Damn it. Soldiers were holding guns on me from both ends of the hall. Damn they smelled good. I could feel venom pooling in my mouth. No! Not this! I didn't come here for this.
"Oh fuck. She's a vampire! Call Garrett now!"
The soldiers started backing up quickly. Soon they were gone.
She's a vampire? What the hell? Who is Garrett?
I finished this thought just as I was tackled from behind. Hard. I hadn't been touched in so long unless I was killing someone. I couldn't believe it happened at first. An arm was around my throat. Whoever this was did not feel human. He felt like humans felt when I was human, He was a vampire. He could kill me.
He could kill me. Thank you, Lord.
"Now, little lady. Would you mind telling me why you didn't knock like a polite citizen?"
"I…" I wasn't sure what to say. His knee was in the small of my back. I couldn't move.
"I wanted to let someone know about the existence of vampires." I wheezed out.
"Why?"
May as well be truthful. I literally had nothing to lose.
"Because I want them all dead. Me included. Especially me."
Instead of feeling my neck being snapped, I felt a lessening of pressure. He got off of me. I stood up quickly, prepared to attack him. To provoke him.
Then I saw his face. He was handsome. He was smiling. He was wearing a black t shirt and blue jeans. He had shaggy dark brown hair with red highlights. It reminded me of mine.
"Now why would you want me dead?" he laughed.
"Humans have a right to know. I'm a killer. They can't defend themselves against us. That isn't right. I thought if someone in the Government knew…"
"They do know. The US Government has known about vampires since George Washington was President."
"How?" This was surprising. Why then…
"I told George myself. My name is Garrett. I realize you want to die, but would you give me a moment to speak with you?"
"I came here to turn myself in. To let the Government use me to figure out a way to kill vampires. That's all I came to do. I didn't come to hurt anyone, but I don't know if I can control myself."
"Don't worry. You won't hurt anyone while I am around. I promise. Let me ask you one very important question. I imagine that you haven't been a vampire long. You also seem to have a lot of guilt you are carrying on your soul. The fact that you still feel guilt tells me you are a good person, whether you think you are or not.
So now my question. Do you want to die a coward who can't live with herself, or do you want to live and atone for the lives lost? Perhaps use your unfortunate circumstances to save others."
I wasn't sure what to say. I hadn't spoken to someone in so long.
"Will you at least listen?"
I nodded my head. "The government knows?" I asked again.
"Yes, about vampires and good many other things."
"Other things?" I whispered. Was he talking about the Wolf Pack?
"Yes. There are more things in this world than you can imagine. Some are what you would call beneficial to the human race. Some exist to kill humans, such as our kind. Others exist to…well this is all very top secret. Would you really like to hear about it?"
Did I? What else did I have to do? I could never atone for those people I killed. Never. But maybe…
"I'll listen."
"Excellent. What shall I call you?"
"Bella."
"Well Bella, follow me."
Garrett POV
"She is new. Probably uncontrollable." General Mathieu's said, telling me nothing I didn't already know.
"So was I, when I first met George. She came here of her own free will. She came here with the idea of turning herself over to the Government, allowing herself to be experimented on. To help you fight her kind. There are only two of us. We need help. He is good, but he hasn't been ready that long."
"So you want another new one to train."
"For over two hundred years it has been me, only me. Doing the crap you couldn't. The enemies are more numerous now. Demons, lycans, vampires, witches. The list grows. I have my limits. I need help. Look at her damn neurological reading."
I motioned to the screen showing her standing in the corner of the interview room, not moving. The room also served as an EEG of sorts. The device picked up different neurological waves coming off vampires. It helped me determine what vampires have gifts. I have had three in here. Two had the same patterns I did. One didn't. I found out quickly what his power was. It hurt.
The patterns coming out of her beautiful head were all over the place. Almost like a scrambler. It would be interesting to see what she can do.
"Fine. Talk to her. If she doesn't want to play ball, kill her. If she doesn't look like she is trustworthy, kill her."
"No and no."
"Excuse me?"
"General, perhaps this is the time to remind you what I have reminded many of your predecessors. I don't work for you. I don't work for anyone really. I serve the Government of the United State because I fought for this Country, and I wish to defend it against enemies foreign, domestic and supernatural. But do not think for one second that I am one of your soldiers. The President says you give me what I need to get the job done. That is your role. We work together to determine what threats are most prevalent, but never make a mistake of thinking that I am your servant. I decide what I need and how to accomplish my missions. Understand?"
The good General did not like this. No surprise. He was used to people doing what he said. Understandable.
"Yes." He finally gritted out.
"Good. I have decided I need her. Now I am going to get her. If you will excuse me."
I rose to walk into the interview room.
"Have a seat Bella." I offered.
"Why? We don't get tired."
I shrugged my shoulders. "Have it your way. I plan to kick my feet up and relax. Get to know you, Bella."
I sat down, placing my legs on the table. She moved very quickly to a seat. She has had no time around humans trying to blend in. Judging by the wild scent over her natural strawberry scent I would imagine she has been in the wild for a very long time.
"So, Bella... tell me about yourself. How have you come to find yourself here?"
"No. You first. If the Government knows about us why haven't they done anything? Warned anyone?"
"What makes you think they can?"
"So we really can't die?"
Poor kid looked so sad.
"Oh, no. We can definitely die. But not by human hands. Besides... if I wasn't around, who would protect humans from other enemies? Demons, witches, lycans…"
"What are you talking about?" Finally life in her eyes.
"I will be glad to tell you, Bella, but only if you will agree to help me. I don't need someone looking to die. I need a partner who wants to protect others. Now are you suicidal, or are you interested?"
"You can teach me? To kill vampires?"
"Vampires as well as other things. Scarier things. Or you can go. Go back to your existence in the wild."
"Can you help me with my control? I don't want to kill anyone else."
"Of course."
"Your eyes are red." Clever girl.
"Yes. I drink bagged human blood. Or the occasional target I need to take out. You can certainly have all the bagged blood you want. So. In? Or out?"
"What do I have to lose?" she sighed. She really was beautiful. Probably the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my existence. She looked broken, though. Her nature had made her do things her soul would never accept. She needed a goal. A mission. She needed me. Whether she realized it or not.
"Excellent. Why don't we start by telling me about you, along with how you got here. Then I will show you around and explain everything."
"Okay. Have you ever heard of vampires named the Cullens?"
"Yes. If a vampire is over ten years old I have a file on them. I personally know the Cullens. We keep a close eye on them, due to their habit of existing among humans on a daily basis."
"You didn't keep a close enough eye on them, I suppose. I dated Edward Cullen…"
She continued talking. She told me everything. Two hours later she was done talking. I admit I was angry. Angry for her. I also felt horrible. A 17 year old girl with a bright future got dragged into this world, then left behind to be defended by a pack of young shapeshifters. They never stood a chance of keeping her alive against a vampire of Victoria's skill. My pity isn't what she needed.
"Okay. Atonement starts today. You ready to make a difference in the world?"
"Yes. Yes I am." She said quietly but firmly.
"Good, come with me. We are going to sub level 7."
"What is sub level 7?"
"My home. Your new home. Let's go. We have much to accomplish. First on the list is getting you some clothes. I will always be honest with you, Bella. That is my pledge to you. And honestly, you stink."
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Don't own it
BPOV
This was crazy. I was in a shower. A real shower. Not a lake or the bottom of the ocean. Clean clothes were brought in ten minutes ago by a human female, who was in what looked like a suit people wear when a biological emergency happens. It worked. I didn't smell her at all.
Garrett had brought me to his underground lair. I was to take a shower, get dressed, then he would be waiting for me. The problem was, I didn't want to get out of the shower.
"Bella? Have you drowned?"
I wish. No. I told him I wouldn't be suicidal. Maybe he could give me a purpose. If nothing else, it would be great to spend time with him. He was hot. He had a great smile. He also practically radiated power. He seemed at peace with himself. He was everything I wasn't.
I toweled myself off and stepped outside. He was waiting for me with a smile as he reached out his hand.
I hesitated. I hadn't voluntarily touched someone, other than a victim in a long time. I think Jake was the last person I purposely touched. I took his hand slowly. It was warm -almost soft- but still strong. Garrett gave me a grin, pulling me along. We went down a hallway. Halfway down, he stopped in front of a door to enter a series of numbers into a keypad.
"563740. If you ever need me, come right in. I use it to discourage soldiers from snooping."
I followed into what I thought would be a cell type room. Instead I saw a very spacious area. A large flat screen TV hung on the wall in front of a very large couch and a recliner. I looked around the room to see a refrigerator as well as a microwave. Also bookshelves. Six very tall bookshelves rose to the ceiling, covered in books. Art hung on the walls. An old US Flag, 13 stars in a circle, was framed on the wall. The edges were torn. Parts looked burned. Even from here, I could still smell the scent of…gunpowder.
"Noticed my Betsy did you? My troop carried her with us. I found her on the field after I awoke as a vampire. I rolled her up, placed her in my coat, and have had her ever since."
"What happened to you?" I whispered.
"I was a soldier. Revolutionary Army. My troop was on a scouting mission. There were only ten of us. We were attacked by a vampire. My friends were drained. All nine of them. He bit me but didn't drain me. I suppose he had had enough. He hit me on the head. He must have thought I was dead. I woke three days later, as a vampire. I killed countless British soldiers. I also began killing our side. I was angry and depressed. I wanted to fight the British, not kill my brothers in arms. Finally having enough, I found General Washington. I told him what happened in private. I explained what I could do before demonstrating. Truthfully, it was foolish on my part. Only because I had such great respect for the man, was I able to withhold draining him dry. I told him I had tried to shoot myself, but could not die.
George, being ever the strategist, had a heart to heart with me. He told me that if I exist, others of my kind must. Not just the monster who turned me. We talked into the night while wondering what else might be out there.
By morning, the two of us decided to keep my existence a secret. I could help the government. We both knew a new nation would face many challenges. Apparently there would be other challenges, in addition to the obvious human ones. I stayed by George's side throughout the war. I helped from the shadows, killing as many British as I could. The simple concept of having a mission, a purpose... the possibility that this may not be a bad thing, that it was possibly meant to be... allowed me to have much better control around humans. I didn't constantly feel like looking for ways to kill myself. That would be selfish. Using what I was given to help my fellow patriots, however…I didn't see what other choice I had. I stayed with George during his presidency. I was at every major American battle. I became involved when I could. George introduced me to John, and so on, until I became the official government secret weapon. I have worked with every single US President. Even Nixon, unfortunately. The US Government does not tell me what to do. I have proven my interest in this country's well being a thousand fold. I do, however, work with the President when there are sticky situations that US soldiers cannot become involved in. Dangers of biological or nuclear terrorism. I may take one of those missions if I feel that the military cannot be successful without losses, or failure means getting humans hurt or killed."
"Does the entire government know about you?"
"No. Only those with top secret clearance in this building. The guards you met in the hallway. Some generals, as well as the President. The FBI and CIA do not know about me. I work with the Military exclusively. Around 100 years ago, I began meeting other vampires, tracking them. Carlisle Cullen told me of Edward's mind reading, or he would have seen me right off. I was able to avoid him for the most part, hiding my thoughts when he was around. The fortune teller was never able to see me because she had no reason to. My life did not affect her."
Yeah. The fortune teller.
"What is it, Bella?"
"I just don't see why Alice didn't see this coming... try to stop it."
"Alice most likely could not see you because you were around shape shifters. Vampires have a hard time with gifts working on other species. Once you were turned…Bella, while you were in the room an EEG was ran on you. Your neuro waves indicate you have power. More precisely I would guess you have the power to scramble other powers. I don't know if this is personal, or if you can protect others. I would like to find out. I think you have a great many gifts, Bella. Gifts that have nothing to do with being a vampire."
"What would those be? Killing people?"
"No. The ability to feel guilt for killing people. It is rare for a vampire. Don't lose it. Our kind are predators. It is what it is. We just need to point you at the right prey.
Anyway, about 50 years ago we began studying venom. We determined that venom is a tricky substance. We believe it is extraterrestrial. Sent to earth perhaps millions of years ago. A biological entity that attacks the human body through blood. Venom takes over the body, but it does not kill the body. Our hearts may not beat because venom constantly runs through our system. Unlike blood, venom doesn't need a pump to carry it through. It is a real biological agent in our bodies. It makes us thirsty for blood. It makes us strong, fast, and invincible. Its only weakness is it is highly flammable. Venom can pull a vampire in pieces back together. Fire, however, is a different story. Once the venom is exposed, fire takes over. The vampire is burned to nothing. Like your friend James was."
"What else does it do?"
"It becomes our life source. It makes our skin sensitive. It makes our senses greater. It lets us feel desire, and runs through our body much like blood. It is why vampires can have sex. Venom doesn't need oxygen so we don't need to breathe. No blood is needed to pump so we need no heartbeat. Venom takes over everything. Occasionally, it makes some of our kind gifted. I myself am not gifted. A vampire who works with me is gifted. I believe you to be as well."
Wait.
"Another vampire works with you?"
"Yes. He came to me 5 years ago, feeling much the same way you do. He joined me. He is currently on a mission in the Middle East. He will be back in a few days. There is a terrorist leader our CIA is having a difficult time tracking. He will sniff the man out, then provide the correct intelligence."
Wow.
"We also fight other creatures who may wish to harm the citizens of our country. I admit, if I went after every vampire, I'm afraid I wouldn't last long. I'm a great fighter, but no one is that great. Down the hall is a control room of sorts. A situation room. Satellites keep track of known vampires as best as possible. I do intelligence gathering missions every once in a while, mostly to see if I can get any information on happenings.
There are lycans, though. Werewolves. Not as nice as the ones you hung out with. Witches…"
"Witches?"
"Yes, and demons. Rejects from hell. We don't know much about them, other than they are strong, foul smelling, can masquerade as humans, and are inherently evil. We call them demons. Are they really legionnaires of hell? I don't know. When one pops up, you can bet he or she is up to no good. I fight them. They are not easy to kill. I actually have to use a sword, if you can believe that shit. They disintegrate as soon as they die. Hard to do an autopsy on ashes."
I took a deep breath and sat back. This was a lot to take in.
"Bella, I pledged to be always honest with you. You have some options here. I won't kill you. Pick a fight with another vampire if you want that. I am much too taken with you to do something like that. You can, however, leave here to go back to your nomadic lifestyle. Another option is that I know exactly where the Cullens are. I can take you to them, or tell you how to find them. I know they have been scouring the West Coast. My guess would be that they are looking for you. I am sure they would welcome you. Help you to survive on animals."
Did I want to go to them? I understand why Edward did what he did, but they abandoned me. I wasn't the same person I was when they left. I wasn't Edward's love, I wasn't Alice's best friend. I was a killer.
"My other option?"
"Join me, as you have already indicated you want to. Help me. I will train you. I will train you to fight. Vampires, werewolves, witches, demons and anything else we discover in this crazy world. You will have a home. I can help you with your thirst. We can see what power you have exactly. I have been where you are, Bella. So has my comrade. We all feel the guilt of what we have done, are driven to better the world and keep others safe. First and foremost for the United States, but the world as a whole when we can. The souls of those we took died in sacrifice to the monster inside us. Now though, we can control the monster. What will you do with your monster, Bella? I hope you still want to join me after hearing this. Other supernaturals hide from vampires, do to self preservation, but they are dangerous. They can injure and kill us if we aren't careful. If you do not want in, I hope you keep this to yourself."
"What if I don't?" Would he kill me?
"Then I will deal with the fallout. The answer is no to your unasked question. I told you. I won't kill you. You are special, Bella Swan. I hope you realize it soon. Come with me."
I stood up very quickly. Garrett chuckled.
"I can also help you to act human and blend in. Follow me."
We went two doors down, then he entered another code. 67345. The door opened and I gasped.
The room was large. The walls were wooden. Looked like oak. A sofa and TV identical to his were on the wall. A refrigerator as well as a microwave. I could almost taste the blood in that box. Bookshelves lined the walls, but there were no books in them. I used to love to read.
"This is yours. I will leave you alone for a while. Come to me down the hall when you have had time to digest all this. I will be in the control room checking on the nasties of the world. Software scans thousands of media sources to determine possible signs of supernatural involvement. Especially Bigfoots. Those bastards can raise havoc, I promise you."
I looked at him in shock. He was smiling.
"You're kidding about bigfoot, right?"
"You dear, are going to have to stick around to find out. Make yourself at home. Take as much time as you need. Come find me when you make a solid decision."
"What if I try it, but change my mind?"
"You won't, Bella. You were born for this. Once you make a decision, you stick it out. I can already tell this about you."
He walked out without another word. Damn he was gorgeous. For the first time since I had turned, I realized what he said was right. Venom did flow in the right places when the proper stimulus is applied. Or seen in this case.
I looked around the empty room. This could be home. Charlie. Charlie would want me to do this.
He said he could take me to the Cullens. They were looking for me. They must still want me. If they didn't assume I was dead, they must know I was turned. I wonder how? Did it matter?
"I'm sorry." I whispered. I apologized to the 38 people who were no longer on this Earth. What would they want? They would want to have never ran into me, obviously. I could stay on my own and make it worse. I could join the Cullens, maybe forgive Edward, maybe moved past the resentment that I know is still there. A part of me still blamed them for this. I took responsibility, but still. If I am being honest with myself, I didn't know if I could get past it. I could never love Edward the way I once did. I didn't want to. I lost myself in him, just as I lost myself to the monster inside me. Maybe it was time I found myself.
I thought about my human life. Jake. Emily. Charlie and Renee. Billy, Embry, Sam, and even Quil. My grandmother. She was watching me from Heaven, probably crying over what I have become. Could I change that?
I had wanted to die. To give up. Was I that much of a coward? I didn't ask for this. Okay, maybe once I did while with Edward. But I was supposed to have his family around. Keeping me from hurting others. Not having delivery men show up at my door within hours of waking up.
Maybe instead of feeling sorry for myself, I should try to become angry. Anger would be a nice change. Not at everyone. Not at myself. There was one that I wanted to be angry at. I wanted her.
My mind was made up. I knew what I had to do, but I would ask him for a favor. I walked out the door, down the hall. I could already recognize his amazing scent. He was seated in front of a large screen. Various camera footage was all over the board. I saw a person in the woods in one of them. The person disappeared in a flash. Vampire. Satellites watching vampires. Another screen showed two vampires fighting.
Garrett had his feet kicked up on a console. He was speaking to someone on the phone. He saw me, then smiled and placed his fingers to his lips.
"I am sorry to hear this, Carlisle." Carlisle? He was speaking to Carlisle.
"We haven't given up hope, Garrett. We know she is out there. We know she is a vampire. We will not rest until we find her. Until we bring her back. We never should have left her in the first place. Edward thought he knew best. He has come to see the error in his idea that he knows best. Yet the fault is mine. I am the leader of the family, and I let this happen."
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Carlisle. How is Edward?"
"Devastated. Angry. Focused."
"A dangerous combination, Carlisle. Keep an eye on him."
"I will, Garrett. And if you see her in your travels…"
"You will be the first to know."
"Thank you friend."
Garrett ended the call before looking at me.
"They are looking for me?"
"No. A vampire named Stacy. Do you know her?"
I instantly became pissed before I could realize he was kidding.
"Very funny."
"Do you want to go to them? Edward still loves you. The entire family loves you. You know he thought he was doing what was best by leaving you, and is a stupid man. He made a mistake."
"Yes. He did. So did I. Many, many mistakes. No. I don't want to go to them. Mistake or not, when they left…it was over."
Garrett nodded.
"So... have you made any decisions?"
I nodded.
"And?"
"I'm in. 100%."
"Excellent. I can't wait to tell…"
"One thing."
"Okay."
"I want to find Victoria and kill her."
"I'm sorry, Bella. You can't do that."
"Why the hell not!?" I yelled. What the hell?
"Because Edward Cullen killed her two months ago. She found him. Bragged about what she did to you, then tried to get away. He was faster."
"Oh." Edward killed her. A little late, Edward. Still, I guess it's the thought that counts.
"That's how they know I am a vampire?"
"Yes." Garrett seemed tense. I suppose I did just yell at him.
"What else Garrett?"
"What do you mean?"
"You look worried. What else do you have to tell me?"
"Nothing. I just hope you don't have a fit. I am sitting in front of a hundred million dollars of taxpayer slush funds, and really don't want to have to ask the President for more. He's been taking a lot of crap about the national debt. I don't want to add to the bill."
God, he could make me laugh. It felt good to laugh.
"So, since you can't kill Victoria, do you still want to join me?"
"Yes. I'm ready. I will commit to you. I mean to this." He caught what I said before I could catch it. His grin told me so.
"I would definitely love for you to commit to me, Bella. You are sure you don't want to go back to the Cullens?"
"I was never there to begin with, Garrett. Make me a fighter."
He smiled. Damn I loved his face. Those eyes were smoldering.
"Good. Let's got to the training room. I want to show it to you."
"Training room?"
"Yes. You need to work out regularly if you want to become a deadly fighter."
"Work out? Vampires can't get stronger." I told him. I didn't think so anyway.
"True. Speed and strength are predetermined, but surprisingly similar to each other regardless of sex or size. We are given equal standing. The best fighters are those who work to become better. Better reflexes. Better technique. Vampires have to rely on hand-to-hand combat when fighting each other. The better fighter always comes out victorious. We need to make sure you are the better fighter. There is also sword training to battle demons and werewolves. Reflex training to battle witches. You may not become faster, but you can be quicker. You're a super strong, super-fast vampire. I will make you better. When I am done with you, you are going to be a very dangerous lady. You will also learn to blend in with the human race."
"Okay. We start now?"
"No. We start in the morning. Tonight I want to show you around. I want to wait until we get the rest of your clothes here. Two female soldiers are getting you everything you need. I need to tell you who knows what. I need to check out the sunscreen, and put you under UV lights to see how it works on you. Shouldn't be a problem but…"
"Sun screen?"
"Yes. HPF 10000. Just kidding. We have a lotion that completely blocks UV rays. Clear. Won't even register to the naked eye. No UV, no sparkles. We have to blend in. We go after human monsters occasionally."
"I can walk in direct sunlight?"
"Hell Bella, you can walk to the beach in a bikini if you want. I wouldn't mind seeing that."
Oh damn.
"We also will get you into payroll, get you a couple IDs. Get you a clearance card."
"Payroll?"
"Yes. You will need money. You are on the Governments dime now. Also you need to get a list of books together. You will need something to read. It is important to keep your mind on things other than training. You are a very beautiful person. You are going to live. You will not exist for the next mission alone. Understand. I want good people with me. Not good robots."
I nodded. That made sense, I suppose.
"So after this we can train?" I was so ready to start.
"No. After that we kick back at my place, pop open a couple hot bags of blood, and I was hoping you might want to watch a movie with me?"
"A movie?"
"Yes." He said.
"What do you want to watch?" What would he watch?
"I don't know. You like action movies? Comedies?"
"I…" didn't have a clue really. This whole night had become so surreal.
"How about the three stooges? Do you like the three stooges?"
Uh… "I don't think I have ever actually seen them."
"My God! What is the world coming to? We must rectify this. Let's get your picture at least, so the lab boys can start on your documents. Then we watch the stooges."
"Okay. Garrett, you were kidding about Bigfoot right?"
"No. They are big, hairy, have horrible dispositions, and smell bad. They can also take out small towns if they aren't controlled. I can't wait to see your face when you smell one. Now come! The stooges await."
I guess we were going to see the stooges. Bigfoot? Really?
"One other thing. Is the Loch Ness Monster real?"
"She was. I killed Nessie a long time ago. Now, pictures and stooges. Lets move."
Garrett POV
I watched her laughing. The sight and sound of it made me smile. She was next to me on the couch but still kept her distance. She had not had contact with anyone in a long time. I'm surprised she opened up as much as she has.
When she told me she was in, I wanted to be sure. I gave her time. I contacted Carlisle for more information, and to let her know what her options were. After calming down and spending time by herself, I knew she would stay. When she walked out saying she was not going back, my team was complete.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't fascinated by her. She was beautiful. When I saw her eyes, I felt things I had never felt in my existence. She was damaged, though. She had scars on her soul that would not be easy to deal with. I would give her purpose. I would give her something to focus on. Maybe we could both have something positive to focus on. My first mission would be to get her used to human blood. She would discover that when she returned to her room, if the filtration had been set as I requested.
"I can't believe I've never seen these guys before." She said smiling at the TV.
"I'm glad you like them. I hope you aren't too terribly upset about my not killing you?"
She didn't laugh as I had hoped.
"No. I guess not. But Garrett, if I kill another…"
"You might." May as well make this clear. "You will have a slip up possibly. You may have to kill a target we go after to protect others. We are killers, Bella. We do our best to protect them, but do not sit there and say if you kill someone else, you want to die. It's not going to happen. You will do your best to be vigilant. It may happen, though. We learn from it and move on. I admire Gandhi a great deal. I actually met him once. One of -if not the most- beautiful souls I have ever come across. But Gandhi isn't effective in every situation. We are. We do the things others cannot or will not do. There is no time that it is okay to want to die. General George Patton once said in an address to his troops, that you don't win a war by dying for your country, you win it by killing the enemy. Actually, George used some colorful language, but it was just his way of speaking. The point is the same. There is honor in dying for others. If you are alive, you have to fight for honor. There is no honor in taking away yourself from the fight."
She said nothing but nodded her head.
"Why don't you go to your room to start surfing Amazon or Barnes and Noble for books you like?"
She nodded again, walking out with me on her heels.
Walking into her room, she froze.
"Relax." I whispered.
"It smells like blood. Is it the refrigerator?"
"No. The scent of human blood will be slowly filtered into this room. Not much now but it will be stronger as it goes on."
"Why?" She whimpered.
"Because the best way to get used to it is to be around it. To slowly desensitize yourself to it."
"Okay." She nodded, a determined look crossing over her face. I followed her to the laptop, then she began to type.
She made it two letters before her finger crushed the B key.
"Sorry. Uh…there weren't a lot of computers where I was."
"It's okay. We have forty in the closet. We will work on it. For now, why don't you let me type for you while you tell me what you want." I gently rubbed her shoulders and she didn't jump. Progress.
We laughed for hours while she told me her favorite books that she could remember. I pointed out how damn dull they were. Around ten AM, I felt it was time to give her some space. Make sure the books got sent on the double. I turned the television on, telling her I would be back later so we could get to work on touching things without crumbling them to dust.
"Garrett?"
"Yes, Bella?"
"Thank you." She smiled.
"No need to thank me. You are helping me out."
"Yeah…could I ask a favor?"
"Anything, Bella."
"I can't remember the number, but if you could find that and a phone for me, I think…I think I want to talk to him. At least say goodbye."
I knew she would, when I heard her story.
"Of course, Bella. One phone number for a Jacob Black, as well as one telephone with a speakerphone option, coming right up."
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Don't own it
BPOV
The phone rang three times. Maybe he wouldn't answer. Would I leave a message? You can't leave a message for something like this. Should I call him back? I stood here for 4 hours working up the courage to call him on this speaker phone. Three hours it took for me to dial his number. My finger broke through the 6 button on the first try. Garrett brought me a new phone without laughing, but offered to dial the number. I told him no. I would do this on my own.
Now, an hour later and seconds of gently and slowly pushing buttons on the phone, the call was going through with no one was answering.
I was sadly realizing that I was feeling a great deal of relief. I was such a coward. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe a clean break would be best. It's what Edward did to me. He did it willingly. I didn't leave Jake willingly.
I prepared to hang up when the phone wasn't ringing any longer.
"Hello?"
I wanted to say hi. Hey Jake, how ya been? I wanted to be flippant or funny. But hearing his sweet voice hit me with such force. I felt ashamed, and lonely and…
"Who is this? Why are you crying?"
I was on my knees wailing. I couldn't stop shaking.
"J…j…:"
"Bella? Bella!? Is that you, Bella?"
"Jake." I whimpered. I wish I could jump through the phone into his arms. He would make it all go away. He always made the bad things go away. Just like that dream catcher he made for my bed.
"Oh my God, Bella. Where are you?"
Be strong Bella.
"I…I can't tell you Jake."
"Bella! I will never hurt you! She changed you, didn't she? I don't care, Bella. I will never hurt you!"
"I know, Jake. That's why I can't tell you. Jake, I did things. I do things. I can't…I wanted to come to you to beg for death, but…I didn't want you to see me like this."
"Bella, I wouldn't have…it's not your damn fault. I'm so damn sorry…"
"No. No it's my fault. I should have come to you. Let your pack kill me, but Jake, I was scared. Do you know what I was scared of? I didn't want Paul or Leah's face to be the last one I saw. The sneer saying the leech lover got what she deserved. Now people are dead because I wasn't strong enough to go to the one place I could have found death."
"Nobody will ever hurt you, Bella. Nobody."
"That's the problem, Jake."
"Bella, come to me. Meet me somewhere. We can go off. I can help you. We can hide."
"Jake, your every instinct would be to kill me. You know it."
"I'll fight it, Bella. I thought you were dead. Why did you wait so long to call me?!"
"I was…living in the wild, Jake. I was afraid to come near people. I still am. I've killed people, Jake."
"Not your fault B…"
"Yes it is! I'm a damn monster. I got what I asked for, Jake. Isn't that right? Tell me!"
Calm down Bella. Please calm down.
"Bella, I'm not going to say I told you so. You didn't ask for that. Is she…is she still around? She stopped coming here after she grabbed you."
"No. Edward killed her."
"Edward Cullen? Did he find you Bella? Are you…with him now?"
"No, Jake. I…I can't tell you where I am, but I found someone. A vampire who doesn't hurt people." At least US citizens.
"He is helping me. He is going to help me not kill people."
"Is he a Cullen?"
"No. He's…" government agent? Superhero? "a nomad."
"Why is…"
"Jake, wait. I have to know." I didn't want to know but I had to.
"He's…he's not good, Bella. Nobody wanted to fake your death. We hoped we could get you back. When we realized it wasn't going to happen, it was too late…"
"So he thinks…"
"You're missing." Oh God, no.
"He'll never quit looking will he?" I whispered.
"It doesn't look like it, Bella, but he has no leads. Nothing. He's…he's been drinking a lot. Bella, he's not doing well." Jake sighed.
"My…my Mom?"
"Bella look you got…"
"My mother, Jacob? How is my mother?"
"I don't know. I mean…"
"You know." I told him firmly. Pull off the damn band aid, Jake.
"She is…she checked into a hospital because of severe depression and attempted suicide. She tried to kill herself. Phil saved her, then placed her in a hospital. She…she’s getting better. Bella, she will get better."
Dear God.
"How long ago was this, Jake?"
"About 6 months after you disappeared, Bella." He said softly.
"Bella, come to me. Meet me. Please. I want to see you."
"No. You really don't, Jake. Everything you said about leeches was true. We are dead. Soulless. At least I am. I don't want you to see me like that. I want your last memory of me to be underneath you on the couch in your shed."
"Bella, please…"
"No, Jake. I never realized how much you meant to me when I was alive. I used you to get over a guy who didn't deserve my attention. I'm not going to ruin your life any longer to make me feel better about what I am. I called you to tell you goodbye, and to thank you for everything you did for me. You really were the sunshine in my life. I love you, Jake. Be happy."
I ended the call before he could say anything else.
I missed his voice already. It sounded like home. A home I could never go back to. I heard a strange sound before realizing it was myself, sobbing. I also realized I was on my knees. I needed to get up. I needed to be stronger. Stop crying and get to work. Take advantage of this chance I have been given. I will. I will get up.
Later.
GPOV
"This is not good." I said more to myself.
I was currently going over every source of information I had about Renee Dwyer, Jacob Black, and Charlie Swan. Renee was still in a mental hospital in Florida. Charlie Swan was still chief of police in Forks, but… recent pictures of him in the Forks paper show a man who has aged very quickly -and not well- compared to pictures of him in the paper over a year ago.
I had little information on Jacob Black. His father died recently. Heart attack, apparently. He was attempting to get loans to start a small business with two of his friends. Pack members, I am guessing.
The problem was, if Bella talked to Jacob, he would tell her about her mother and father. This would destroy her. She has a conscience. She took responsibility for a vampire kidnapping and turning her against her will. She will certainly take responsibility for this.
Bella. She was intriguing. Such an innocent soul tainted by darkness. The stain will always be there. Perhaps it should. I believe no one should go through life completely innocent. That simply means you have not lived. Our scars make us what we are, just as much as our positive attributes do. I certainly had enough scars.
Still though, I had to remember she was 18 and had not lived life very much. This was the time she would be spreading her wings, learning who she was. Unfortunately she has not had the opportunity to do this.
I needed to keep her busy. Training. Focusing on blending in with humans. Field trips to places people hung out. Feeding. Keeping her well fed at all times would be a good idea. She would need to be tested around a human with a cut that she wasn't expecting. Who could I get to volunteer for that?
Connolly. That dumbass would relish the idea.
An alert came across my screen at the same time as I heard his door open and his shower start. Of course, he left the door open. I should probably mention to him that our bachelor pad has become a female friendly residence.
But…this was interesting. Carp Lake had a few people missing lately. There were also three sightings of the Lake Leelanau monster. That creature hasn't been sighted in years, making me think whatever people are seeing is not that particular lake monster. This makes me wonder about shapeshifters. Aquatic ones. Perhaps I should remember to mention to Bella that not all shapeshifters are as nice as her wolf pack. I checked the rest of the briefings.
Nothing of importance showed up. It may be a good time to check on the Michigan lake to determine if shapeshifters have been killing people, using the history of the lake to hide their activities. First thing’s first. I had to get her to act human.
I may have to negotiate with her to motivate her. No. I wouldn't manipulate her like that. I already knew what I would be doing.
What was I planning on…oh, yes. Talking to Ty. I rose to go to his room when I heard it. A scream to end all screams.
BPOV
I finally got off my knees, deciding to see what I could do about controlling my blood lust and blending in with humans. I also needed to talk to Garrett about using an unclaimed body to possibly fake my dead body being found. Perhaps if my parents have closure that may help?
I walked out into the hall, then smelled a strange scent. Before I could stop myself, I collided with the scent. I stepped back with a hiss. A large black vampire stood before me. The towel that I am guessing was around his waist, was now piled at his feet. He was naked. Very, very naked.
Garrett wrapping me in his arms brought me back to reality and allowed me to stop screaming.
"Damn, shorty. You ain't ever seen a big glorious cock before or what? He don't bite. You ain't got to be scared."
What the hell?
"Uh…"
Garrett tried to introduce me to the vampire, who was still standing naked in the hallway.
"Bella this is…"
"Tyrone Gavin ma'am. You can call me Ty." He reached his hand out. I backed away into Garrett a little bit.
"Ty!"
"Yeah G Man?"
"Towel?"
"Oh, my bad."
Ty bent over to pick up his towel, wrapping it around his waist.
"I…I'm Bella. Bella Swan."
"Nice to meet you, shorty. Glad to see G Man picked him up a woman. He been alone so long I was beginning to get scared to walk around naked around here. Just in case he got desperate."
"Ty, I would have much higher standards than you. Bella, Ty is the other vampire I told you came to me 5 years ago, much the same way you did. Ty, Bella was turned last year. She came here looking to expose the vampire world, just like you did."
Ty's face became serious.
"Welcome to the team, Bella. It's been a bromance up to this point. We got us a regular Mod Squad now."
"Mod Squad?" I quietly asked, confused.
"You ain't ever seen the Mod Squad? We got us the white dude, the good lookin’ black guy, and now we got the chick. It's all working out. I just need to find me a sweet piece of ass so we could have neighborhood barbecues and shit."
"Ty, why don't you come to the control room. You can tell Bella and me about your mission. Give her an idea about the kind of work we do." Garrett suggested. I noticed his arms were still around me. It should bother me, but it didn't. I hadn't been held in so long. I guess Garrett realized it at the same time because took his arms away.
"Cool."
Half a second later, we were in the control room. Ty hadn't gotten dressed. Still. They were sitting. I was standing. Ty crossed one leg over another…oh God there it is again.
"Seriously, girl. You ain't ever seen a cock before?"
"Ty! Manners! Bella is a lady."
"How old are you, girl?"
"18." I whispered. "And I have seen a …cock. Plenty. I mean not that many but the average amount of…you know…cock."
"I'm callin’ bullshit on this one, G Man." Ty said. Garrett smirked.
"Have a seat, Bella." Garrett offered. I sat, not knowing what else to do.
"Did you find him?" Garrett asked Ty.
"I wouldn't be back if I hadn't. Found him and his boys hanging out in a small mountain range. Even painted his ass with a laser. Drone dropped a big ass missile on their ass, then tent city turned to ash city. It was beautiful, G Man. I wish you could have been there. They was doing target practice when it hit. Shootin US flags, if you can believe that shit. The irony was delicious, my man."
"Excellent work, Ty. Bella, I told you Ty was looking for a certain terrorist cell leader. Once he found them, he passed on the information, then used a laser to guide a drone missile to destroy not just him but the entire camp. He …"
"Oh that wasn't all I did." Ty grinned.
Garrett sighed. "What else did you do, Ty?"
"So right before these fuckers fry I step out in the open. I'm about 400 yards away, and I shoot the finger at these fuckers while painting their ass. When they turn to start firing, I'm standing there taking these bullets and laughing my ass off, right? A couple of these fuckers must think I'm a god or something, ‘cause they fall to the ground and start doin’ that worshippin’ thing, on their knees with the hands…"
"Yes. I know, Ty."
"Anyway. The Drone flies in silent like. They hear it, but it's too late to do anything but kiss your ass goodbye. So I stand there when the missile hits."
"You stood there?" I asked. He was still alive. Damn, it appeared nothing could kill us.
"Yep. So the wall of fire is rolling towards me, and I raise my arms over my head, letting it roll over me. There I am, Bella. Stretched out in the desert as a wall of fire envelopes me. My clothes burn off, of course. So it's over, and I'm surrounded by nothing but ruins, standing completely naked in the desert. It was amazing, Bella. Shoulda been there, shorty."
"I'm sorry I missed it." I mumbled.
"No sweat kid. We got lots of missions to do for many, many years. You will get your shot at seeing me basking in the glow of victory completely naked. It would probably be too much for you to handle right now. Especially since my cock is the first one you ever saw."
"It is not!" I countered.
"Yeah. It is. I'm sorry, G Man."
"For what?" Garrett asked.
"I set the bar too high. She is gonna think all cocks are supposed to be this perfect." Ty said solemnly.
"I had sex. He was gorgeous. Stop it already. What does he care anyway?" I was starting to get pissed off.
"My bad, shorty. I got no doubt that you are a woman of the world."
"Then why are you giving me shit?" I growled. Garrett tensed.
"Cause our rooms are soundproof but sometimes certain muffled sounds slip through the vents. I thought I heard sobbing. I knew it wasn't him. I figured it might be you. If it was you, I figured you could use something to take your mind off what got you so upset. So…"
"So you made sure that I walked into you and your towel fell?" I asked.
"Yep."
"Why?"
"Cause I'd rather you be pissed than sad. Pissed makes you focused. Sad makes you despair. Nothing good comes out of despair. Welcome to the family, Bella." Ty smiled.
I wanted to hug him at the moment. I didn't, but I wanted to. I actually laughed.
"Ty, could you do me a favor?"
"What ya got, G Man?"
"Bella needs help adjusting to acting human. She also needs to learn how to fight."
"Fight what?" Ty asked.
"Everything." Garrett told him seriously.
"Cool. You ever been in a fight, Shorty?"
"No." I admitted.
"Damn, girl. You can't really learn anything about yourself until you have been in a fight. We got to get you some scars."
"I got scars. Trust me." I rubbed the one on my wrist that hadn't gone away with my other imperfections during the change. Figures.
"Bella, I hate to leave you, but I promise I will be back in a few days. You have the phone in your room. Let Ty know when you want to talk to me. He will dial me, or you can try it yourself. Work on your touch. Acting human. Getting used to the smell of blood in your room while controlling your feeding. Work on fighting. Your books should be in tomorrow. Ty, when they arrive could you get them? This place is a human free zone for about a week or so."
"No problem, Garrett. I will take care of her." He nodded.
"Where are you going, Garrett?" I didn't like the idea of him being gone. It made me uncomfortable.
"Mission. Very important. Very delicate. I need to fix some things before lives are lost. It's what we do, Bella. Remember that. It's what you are now."
I nodded. It would be nice to save someone instead of ruining them. I watched Garrett walk out, already missing his soothing presence. I hoped he wouldn't be gone long. I wanted to spend more time with him. I guess I can get to know…Fuck!
I picked my ass off the ground. I turned to see Ty with his fists up, hopping from one foot to another.
"Teach her to act human, Ty. Get her books. Let her dial the phone. Boring. Boring as fuck. You wanna learn kung fu, shorty?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I do." I grinned.
"Good. I figure we got about 72 hours before Garrett shows up. I'm gonna beat your ass for 71 and a half of those hours."
He was smirking. Okay.
"Bring it bitch. Training room?"
"Right this way, Bella."
GPOV
"Your credentials check out Sir, but you don't look like a typical federal agent, if you don't mind me saying so. Would you please take off your sunglasses?"
"You really don't want to see my eyes, Dr. Loomis. You don't want to remember my face, what I am wearing, and you sure as hell don't want to ever mention that I was here, or who I was here to see. This is a national security matter. That's my ID. You do what I say, or get transported to Guantanamo Bay. We understand each other?"
"You can't talk to me like that."
Fine. I took off my glasses and bore my red eyes into his green ones.
"Look me in the eyes, then tell me what I can and cannot do Dr."
I think he just pissed himself. I think I have pretty eyes. Humans don't always agree.
"Right this way, Sir."
I followed his pompous ass down a long hall. At the end of the hall, we stopped at a door.
"She doesn't talk much, and she is suicidal. I am afraid I will…"
"If you insist on being present I have no problem with that. However, due to the nature of our conversation, I will have to place you in custody for an indeterminate period of time. Due to knowledge you possess."
"Indeterminate?"
"Yes, like I throw you under a fucking rock, then forget you are there for the next fifty years. Was that your Porsche outside? It looks fun to drive. I bet you have a nice life. You want to keep it, you are going to open this door and run away. Run far away. Understand?"
"Yes." He whispered. The door unlocked, then Loomis did indeed run.
I walked slowly inside to see her sitting in a rocking chair, staring out the window. She looked like hell.
"It's not time for medication." She mumbled. Still, her voice was clear.
"Are you crazy?" I asked.
"What?" She asked, turning finally.
"Are you crazy?" My glasses were back on my face. I had to be sure she wasn't mentally unstable.
"No." She sighed. "I'm not crazy. I just don't want to live any longer. Who the hell are you?"
"Why do you not want to live any longer?"
"I let my daughter run off to her father's to make me happy, and it killed her. She did it to make me happy. I was selfish. The only good thing I ever did in my life was having her, but I was self-centered. More concerned about my new husband. I was ready to miss her Prom, dates, breakups and loves. Then she was gone. It wasn't fair that she was gone and I was here. So, I want to die. I fucked that up. I suppose it's what I deserved."
"So you feel incredible guilt, and it has made you want to die?"
"Yeah. That's what I said. Who the hell are you?"
"I need you to be certain you are not crazy, because the story I am about to tell you will make you think I am. If you ever repeat this story they will lock you up forever, so you have to keep this to yourself."
"What do I care if I ever get out?"
"You care because she can't come here to see you. She shouldn't have to. You need to get better. When you are, I will have her ready. Ready to see you again. You need to be ready as well."
"Who can't come to see me?" She whispered.
"Bella. I met her two days ago. She is not dead, but she can't be around people right now. Not yet. Soon."
"You're lying." She was getting angry. I knelt in front of her chair and took off my glasses.
"I give you the same pledge I gave her. I will always be honest with you. Renee, my name is Garrett. I am a vampire. Would you like to hear the most incredible story, learn what your daughter is doing now?"
Her eyes filled with tears but she was not yelling at me to get out. Her face had a myriad of emotions. Finally, the one I was looking for. The one I have been trying to keep on Bella's face.
Hope.
"You're not going to lie to me?"
"No."
"You're a vampire?"
"Yes. I would be glad to drink Dr. Loomis's blood, if that would help prove it to you." She laughed. A start.
"I think I would like to hear this story, Garrett." She whispered, a large tear rolling down her cheek.
"Good. After this I have a trip to make to Washington State. Then I must get back."
"Why the hurry?"
"The sooner I get back, the sooner I can help her prepare to see you. I can also get you sprung from this place, so you can go home and talk to her on the phone."
That caught her attention.
"You're not fucking around are you? Your eyes…they are red. I can tell by your eyes that you are honest."
"Are you ready to hear about your daughter? She has been through a lot. She will need you as much as you need her."
"Tell me."
I smiled. Then I told her.
Website: Copyright © 2014 Bella MacLeod