Hurricane
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 02
Elijah watched his brother pace, phone gripped to his ear and eyes flashing amber with his temper. "I find your incompetence unacceptable. Yes, incompetence! You will find out, by any means necessary, who is behind the account. I'll have every scrap of information available. I want to know how she's managed to disappear so thoroughly, or you will be replaced. Do you understand?" The voice he used was low, chilling, leaving no room for misunderstanding and Elijah found himself thankful such anger wasn't directed at him. He'd had his share of it in the past, thank you very much.
"Niklaus," he said, watching his brother hurl the fifth phone in as many months against the wall. "We will find her."
His brother merely rested his hands on his hips, his head hanging and shoulders tense as he breathed through his seething emotions.
It had been a year since Nik had burst into his Manhattan apartment, a peculiar light in his eyes as he spoke of a girl he'd lain with. A girl who'd left him in the night. A girl he had to find; and thus began the hunt. All they'd had was a card and a name and so, they'd done what they could to track her using it.
After three months of searching, it had come to naught. It was obvious she was hiding and so they'd hired a specialist; someone well versed in finding those who desired to remain unfound; the very people Nik had just threatened.
Finally, his brother sauntered to the sideboard and poured himself a drink. Replacing the crystal top on the decanter, he turned and lifted the glass, pausing to speak before drinking. "I know we will find her simply because I refuse to be bested." He tossed back the amber liquid and stared, just waiting to be challenged.
Elijah raised a hand from where it'd been resting on the chair arm. "If you're waiting on me to contradict you, you'll be waiting a very long time," he finished with a smirk. His phone vibrated in his suit pocket and he pulled it out and answered. "Yes? That's right. Yes, please arrange it. Good, yes, I'll relay the message."
He ended the call and Klaus arched a brow while taking a sip of his refreshed drink. "I'm sure you heard," Elijah said and Klaus nodded.
"I did. Have you received the email yet?"
"You know," Elijah remarked dryly, "you wouldn't have to rely on me if you'd refrain from your fits of ill temper." He tapped the message he'd just received and read through the contents. "It seems there's a Mr. J. Jenks in Seattle to whom they were finally able to trace the mysterious account. He's a lawyer but that's as far as they were able to take it. They list his contact information." He looked up at his brother. "Shall I make a call?"
"No," Klaus said. "No, this is something I'd like to deal with in person. Make the arrangements, would you brother?" Elijah nodded, already searching the available flights. "Oh, order another phone for me too," Klaus said offhandedly while polishing off his drink.
"Shall I shine your shoes whilst I'm at it?" Elijah muttered while booking the flight.
His brother waved a hand as he disappeared into the bedroom of the suite. "Not necessary. I believe the staff has taken care of that already."
"Splendid," Elijah rejoined as he rose from his chair to pack, his only answer a dark chuckle from Klaus' room.
~o0o~
Bella stared down at the tiny being in her arms, her fingers ghosting over the tiny head covered in fine wisps of sandy blond, still in complete awe that he was hers. 'My son.' Her heart swelled and ached at the thought, even now, two months after his birth.
She'd thought her life over, with nothing but eventual death to look forward to, but weeks after that one incredible encounter in New York, she'd come to realize something was very different; life alteringly so.
The outcome of finding out just how different was still a shock to her. She'd taken precautions after all and hadn't been what anyone could call promiscuous. She could count her partners on one hand with digits left over. Including her son's sire, she'd lain with exactly two men; Paul Lahote before she'd had to leave Forks, and the father of her child.
She'd thought herself safe with the shots she made sure to get every four months. A smile curved her lips and she leaned down and kissed her tiny son's warm, plump cheek. Apparently not, but now, she wouldn't change a thing. Her heart clenched at that lie and a tear rolled down her cheek.
She would change one thing if at all possible. She would have stayed and gotten to know the man who'd fathered her child; the man who, for some strange reason made her heart ache with longing at the thought of him, and had since the moment she'd stepped away from him.
Reaching up, she swiped away the tears. They wouldn't do any good. What was done was done and if there was one lesson life had taught her well, it was that one must live with the decisions one makes, good or ill.
The soft chime of her doorbell drew her attention and she rose from her chair, drawing her son even closer as she made her way to the living room to answer it.
Her guest was not unexpected. He was coming today to check on her and the baby, as was his monthly routine since she'd sought him out through Jenks.
Pulling the door open, she smiled warmly as he stepped forward and kissed her cheek. "Hello sweetheart," he greeted warmly as he entered. "How are you?"
"Hello Carlisle," she returned as she closed and locked the door. "I'm good; we're good. Come, sit down."
They walked into the living area and took seats across from each other, Carlisle placing his bag down on the floor beside him as he crossed his legs and leaned back. He studied her for a moment before smiling brightly. "You look beautiful Bella. Motherhood suits you. You look genuinely happy."
She blushed and settled her son in her arms more comfortably, adjusting his blanket in the process. "I am Carlisle. He never fails to amaze me every time I look at him." She looked into the eyes of the only father figure she had left. "He's my reason for living, you know?"
Something like regret shadowed his golden eyes for a moment before he nodded. "I can understand that. Children—family—can make all the difference and I see he's done that for you." He leaned forward, a pleading look in his eyes. "Still, I wish you'd reconsider my offer. We'd love to have you—both of you—with us. You'd no longer be alone and you could attend college if you so chose…"
He trailed off as she shook her head. "I love you like a father Carlisle, you know this, but I—I just can't. Too much has passed between all of us for me to fit into your family again."
He leaned back and sighed before giving her a wan smile. "I understand sweetheart, even if I don't like it. I will always watch over you though, I hope you know that. Now that I know where you are. Please don't run from me. I need to know you and my grandson are safe and well."
She looked out the window, gently patting her son's bottom as he stirred and stretched, one tiny fist waving in the air which she caught and kissed as her eyes misted with tears. "I appreciate that, more than you know, and I won't run from you. I—I need you now more than ever."
A shadow passed through Carlisle's eyes. "Edward, Jasper and Alice are still on Victoria's trail. They will catch her Bella, rest assured. Jasper, in particular, has made that his goal. He won't rest until he ends her. He's vowed as much."
She smiled sadly. "Thank him for me?"
"I will." He stood and went to the open kitchen where he washed and dried his hands. "Now," he said as he retook his seat, "let me see this big strapping boy of ours, hm?"
She rose with a chuckle and placed her son in the hands of the being who'd helped bring him into the world, watching as the vampire morphed into a proud, grinning grandfather before her eyes. "And how's my little Dominic doing today?" he coo'ed while peeling back the blanket. "My, but you have grown!" he said, holding the baby up to get a good look at him as tiny fists waved and legs kicked. He chuckled as the baby seemed to answer with an excited squeal. "He's wonderful Bella; very happy. You're doing a fine job mothering him, I can tell."
She retook her seat. "It's very easy with him. He's such a good baby and I'm so thankful for that. I don't know what I'd do otherwise."
"You'd weather it with grace, I'm sure," he said while reaching into his bag to withdraw a portable baby scale and the accompanying sling which he spread on the couch with one hand. Placing Dominic in the center, he brought the edges up and hooked the scale. Lifting it, he read the numbers and smiled. "Ten pounds, eight ounces," he announced while taking the baby from the sling and setting it to the side. He continued the exam and the baby began to fuss. "So, we have a temper after all," he commented with a laugh as Dominic's face turned red and he let out a wail. He glanced up at Bella and quipped dryly, "His lungs are more than adequate."
Wrapping the baby back in his blanket, he stood and placed him in his mother's arms. "He's very healthy Bella, and very upset with me," he finished with a smirk as he sat back down to pack away his things.
Bella placed the baby over her shoulder and patted his back while kissing his cheek and he soon settled.
"Now," he continued, "how are you, really?"
Bella sighed and settled back in her seat. "I'm…content," she answered as honestly as she could.
During the course of her pregnancy, she'd gradually opened up to Carlisle about the baby's father and her inexplicable feelings toward a man she didn't really know. He'd found her attachment curious, especially considering the humanity of both parties. It was…odd, but he wouldn't make the mistake of dismissing her feelings. That had been done enough in her past…
"Bella, are you sure nothing can be done to locate him? You remember where he lives, yes?"
She gazed out the window. "I believe I could find the place again, yes, but what good would that do, really?" She looked back at Carlisle. "It was one night and I didn't even bother asking his name. What would I say to him?" She rose and walked her now sleeping son to her room where she laid him in his crib. She stroked his face with the back of one finger before walking back out to rejoin Carlisle where she seated herself with a sigh, folding one leg underneath her as she relaxed. "I was a fling to him, Carlisle, I'm sure of it. He'd probably laugh in my face if I knocked on his door with a baby in my arms. That, or throw me out; every bachelor's nightmare that'd I'd be." She shook her head. "He didn't seem the family type. I'm certain he wouldn't appreciate being saddled with such a surprise."
"You're scared of rejection."
Her brows shot up and then she laughed bitterly. "Of course I am, and why wouldn't I be? Look how my first great love turned out." She shook her head. "No, better to be content and wonder, than to confront and have my worst fears confirmed." She met Carlisle's saddened gaze. "There's only so much rejection and loss a person can take, Carlisle and I've had my fill, thanks."
Carlisle got up and went to her, gently pulling her up and into a firm embrace. "Oh Bella," he said while running gentle fingers through her hair. "Sweet girl, if I could only heal your hurts, I would you know?"
Silently, she began to cry while soaking up the love she felt from him. He truly had stepped up for her and she would never forget it. He'd been her life-line and her rock, getting her through her pregnancy and never letting her feel alone or unloved. Not to mention kicking Edward's ass when he'd learned about Victoria and all she'd done and continued to do. Yes, he'd stepped up as her father, and she loved him for it. "Thank you," she murmured when she'd controlled her tears. "For everything."
She stepped back and he smiled down at her. "I honestly wish there was more that I could do; more you'd allow me to do. I love you and that baby and I know Esme misses you terribly. She would love Dominic too, you know." He cupped her cheek. "Just know, you both have a loving and willing family anytime you decide, and we could protect you so much better were you to live with us."
Before she could say anything to that, the rare ring-tone of her phone had them both tense considering Carlisle was the only one with her contact information. Well, he and one other… "Jenks?" he asked as she walked across the room to answer. She looked at the screen and gave a nod as she accepted the call.
"Hello?"
"Miss Swan, I'm calling to tell you of a visitor who just left my office."
"Yes," she prompted, her hands shaking as she met Carlisle's concerned gaze.
"He didn't tell me his name, but…" She heard the man let out a shaky sigh. "I beg your forgiveness and that of the Cullens, but I had no choice! He gave me no choice! It's like he had a power over me and I—I've never felt so strange or so scared before. He—I—I just…"
Carlisle held out his hand for the phone and Bella handed it over with wide eyes. "Jenks," he said, his voice the sternest Bella'd ever heard it. "This is Carlisle Cullen. Get a hold of yourself and explain."
Bella watched as Carlisle's frown deepened before he abruptly ended the call. "I'll help you pack your things," he said while moving swiftly into her room. "Only take the essentials. It's two and a half hours flight time to get here and the man left Jenks' office thirty minutes ago. We'll purchase anything you need once we get home."
She grabbed Carlisle's arm. "Who?! What's happened?!" she demanded as a tear slipped down her cheek.
He pulled her into a hug. "No need to be afraid," he said while holding her trembling form. "It was a man, he never gave his name but demanded to know all about you. Apparently, he was most unpleasant and Jenks gave up your information; all of it, including every alias. Fortunately, he has no idea of our current whereabouts, so you'll be safe there. Now come," he said while urging her toward the closet.
Working quickly, they both had bags packed for her and the baby and were ready to go. "Anything else that can't be replaced?" Carlisle asked as Bella fastened Dominic into his carrier. "Oh!" she said looking up at him. "Yes! Can you grab the baby album from the dresser top in the bedroom?"
"Sure," he said while shouldering the bags and handing her the key to his car. "Go ahead with the baby and I'll be right behind you."
"All right," she said, and with one last look around her home—a place where she'd actually experienced a modicum of joy—she picked up her son and stepped through the door.
~o0o~
Elijah's head snapped up from the book he'd been reading as his brother muttered "Airport, driver" before sliding into the seat across from him in the rented limousine. "Did you get the information?" he asked as the door closed and the car pulled away from the curb.
"I did," Klaus answered while pouring himself a drink, a triumphant look in his eyes.
"Well?"
"Her current location is Denver, Colorado. Book the next flight, would you, brother?"
Elijah pulled out his phone and swiped the screen. "Why do I indulge you?"
Klaus relaxed back, crossing his legs at the knee, a smirk quirking his lips behind the rim of his glass. "Because we're family and we stick together."
Elijah looked up from his phone, one brow arched as he muttered, "Yes, and your tendency to flaunt your evil side has absolutely nothing to do with it."
Klaus graced him with a dazzling smile, a rarity these days. "I'm heartened to know your motivations are pure, brother, truly."
Elijah finished entering their information and set his phone down. "So, after all this time and effort, you're so close. What are your plans when you find her?"
Klaus frowned and gazed at the passing scenery.
"Have you given it any thought at all?" Elijah asked flatly.
Klaus shot him a scowl. "Of course I have!"
Elijah motioned with the hand propped over his knee. "And?"
"And, I am determined," he said as amber flashed in his eyes. "She is mine, albeit she does not know it yet."
Elijah's brows rose. "Intend to club her on the head and drag her to your cave, do you?"
Klaus glowered. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Well then, might I suggest a brief stop for flowers or some such before showing up unannounced, on her door-step? You know, just to soften the blow a bit," he said with a smirk.
"Very well, we'll stop for flowers. Anything else?"
Elijah smiled while adjusting his impeccable cuffs. "No, flowers should suffice…for the time being."
They fell into comfortable silence the rest of the ride to the airport and after checking in and taking their seats in first class, both quickly feigned sleep to avoid the avid attentions of the flight attendant; a trick they'd learned long ago.
Upon landing, Klaus bought some roses at the gift shop and they made their way out to yet another hired limousine. After giving the driver the address, they settled back for the ride.
"Fairly decent," Elijah remarked when they entered the neighborhood of neatly kept, upscale town homes. "Certainly not upper-crust, but decent."
Klaus snorted inelegantly. "You can be a real snob brother, you know?"
"Said the pot to the kettle," Elijah rejoined.
"Touché," Klaus conceded with a nod.
When the car pulled to a stop, there was no mistaking the gleam of excitement in Klaus's eyes. "Join me?" he asked as he opened the door stepped out and ducked to look back. "I'd like you to meet her."
Elijah stepped out and fell in beside his brother whom he studied carefully for a moment as they walked. "You're nervous," he said, a bit of wonder coloring his tone.
"Don't be ridiculous," he scoffed, though he knew it to be true. He was nervous. He just didn't know how to handle it.
"It's all right, brother. Wear your bravado. Still, it's understandable. I don't slight you for it," Elijah said with a squeeze to his brother's shoulder.
"Thank you," Klaus murmured as they stepped up to the door. "Do you smell that?" he asked and Elijah nodded. With a look of determination and the roses clutched in one hand, he knocked.
After a few moments and another solid knock, Elijah looked over at Klaus. "I hear nothing from inside. Shall we have a look, then?"
"Yes, especially with that scent hanging about. I don't like it, whatever it is."
"Agreed."
Klaus glanced around before taking hold of the knob and twisting. With a snap and a shove, the door gave and they stepped in, only to have that foreign scent, mixed with the girl's slam into them. Klaus growled lowly and Elijah grabbed his arm. "Calm, brother. Let's have a look before getting upset, yes?"
A nod was all he got as Klaus walked to the kitchen where the phone and a phone book lay on the counter. He lay the roses down and paged through it slowly as his brother wandered into another room. He couldn't help but notice the lack of personal numbers within it. No friends, no family; the girl was an entity unto herself it seemed; entirely without connections, or so it seemed.
Slowly, he made his way around her apartment, looking at all the normal items one would expect to find in any single woman's home. The standard appliances in the kitchen, a book or two here and there, one laying open next to a chair, just waiting to be picked up again. These things he ran his fingers across as memories from their one encounter—still as fresh as if it'd happened the day before—made that ache he'd been pushing back, flare to painful life within him.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he centered himself and continued on to the mantle over the fireplace. Here, he found the first real signs of a life, picking up the framed photos of her much younger, smiling face. In one, she was next to an older man whom she bore a resemblance to; her father then, he decided, setting it back down to pick up another. In this one, he had to stop himself from growling. She was in the arms of a boy; one with dark hair and swarthy skin and they were smiling brightly. A past love? He wondered and then dismissed it. It didn't matter. None of that mattered. She would be his.
"Niklaus."
The clipped tone of Elijah's voice broke through his musing and he made his way to the room his brother was in. There, Elijah met his gaze and gestured around the room.
Slowly, he took it all in, the sight of the contents slowly registering through his shock. "A child," he murmured while walking to the crib where he picked up a blanket that was draped over the side. It was light blue in color with the name Dominic embroidered on one corner.
"Look at this," Elijah said, handing him a framed picture. He placed the blanket back and took it to study the child's image; the wisps of sandy blond hair, the blue eyes, the facial features, but more than these, he stared at the child's date of birth, written on the matting in gold script. "He's but two months old, brother," Elijah said, and Klaus nodded, numb with the implications.
"Yes," he muttered quietly, still staring at the picture.
Elijah gestured at the open closet, open drawers and clothes strewn about. "It seems she left in haste."
Klaus took it all in and then looked back at the picture, something inside him, something fierce and possessive flaring to life. "So it would seem."
"What shall we do now?" Elijah asked and Klaus gripped the picture tighter as he met his brother's eyes.
"We find them."
Elijah watched his brother pace, phone gripped to his ear and eyes flashing amber with his temper. "I find your incompetence unacceptable. Yes, incompetence! You will find out, by any means necessary, who is behind the account. I'll have every scrap of information available. I want to know how she's managed to disappear so thoroughly, or you will be replaced. Do you understand?" The voice he used was low, chilling, leaving no room for misunderstanding and Elijah found himself thankful such anger wasn't directed at him. He'd had his share of it in the past, thank you very much.
"Niklaus," he said, watching his brother hurl the fifth phone in as many months against the wall. "We will find her."
His brother merely rested his hands on his hips, his head hanging and shoulders tense as he breathed through his seething emotions.
It had been a year since Nik had burst into his Manhattan apartment, a peculiar light in his eyes as he spoke of a girl he'd lain with. A girl who'd left him in the night. A girl he had to find; and thus began the hunt. All they'd had was a card and a name and so, they'd done what they could to track her using it.
After three months of searching, it had come to naught. It was obvious she was hiding and so they'd hired a specialist; someone well versed in finding those who desired to remain unfound; the very people Nik had just threatened.
Finally, his brother sauntered to the sideboard and poured himself a drink. Replacing the crystal top on the decanter, he turned and lifted the glass, pausing to speak before drinking. "I know we will find her simply because I refuse to be bested." He tossed back the amber liquid and stared, just waiting to be challenged.
Elijah raised a hand from where it'd been resting on the chair arm. "If you're waiting on me to contradict you, you'll be waiting a very long time," he finished with a smirk. His phone vibrated in his suit pocket and he pulled it out and answered. "Yes? That's right. Yes, please arrange it. Good, yes, I'll relay the message."
He ended the call and Klaus arched a brow while taking a sip of his refreshed drink. "I'm sure you heard," Elijah said and Klaus nodded.
"I did. Have you received the email yet?"
"You know," Elijah remarked dryly, "you wouldn't have to rely on me if you'd refrain from your fits of ill temper." He tapped the message he'd just received and read through the contents. "It seems there's a Mr. J. Jenks in Seattle to whom they were finally able to trace the mysterious account. He's a lawyer but that's as far as they were able to take it. They list his contact information." He looked up at his brother. "Shall I make a call?"
"No," Klaus said. "No, this is something I'd like to deal with in person. Make the arrangements, would you brother?" Elijah nodded, already searching the available flights. "Oh, order another phone for me too," Klaus said offhandedly while polishing off his drink.
"Shall I shine your shoes whilst I'm at it?" Elijah muttered while booking the flight.
His brother waved a hand as he disappeared into the bedroom of the suite. "Not necessary. I believe the staff has taken care of that already."
"Splendid," Elijah rejoined as he rose from his chair to pack, his only answer a dark chuckle from Klaus' room.
~o0o~
Bella stared down at the tiny being in her arms, her fingers ghosting over the tiny head covered in fine wisps of sandy blond, still in complete awe that he was hers. 'My son.' Her heart swelled and ached at the thought, even now, two months after his birth.
She'd thought her life over, with nothing but eventual death to look forward to, but weeks after that one incredible encounter in New York, she'd come to realize something was very different; life alteringly so.
The outcome of finding out just how different was still a shock to her. She'd taken precautions after all and hadn't been what anyone could call promiscuous. She could count her partners on one hand with digits left over. Including her son's sire, she'd lain with exactly two men; Paul Lahote before she'd had to leave Forks, and the father of her child.
She'd thought herself safe with the shots she made sure to get every four months. A smile curved her lips and she leaned down and kissed her tiny son's warm, plump cheek. Apparently not, but now, she wouldn't change a thing. Her heart clenched at that lie and a tear rolled down her cheek.
She would change one thing if at all possible. She would have stayed and gotten to know the man who'd fathered her child; the man who, for some strange reason made her heart ache with longing at the thought of him, and had since the moment she'd stepped away from him.
Reaching up, she swiped away the tears. They wouldn't do any good. What was done was done and if there was one lesson life had taught her well, it was that one must live with the decisions one makes, good or ill.
The soft chime of her doorbell drew her attention and she rose from her chair, drawing her son even closer as she made her way to the living room to answer it.
Her guest was not unexpected. He was coming today to check on her and the baby, as was his monthly routine since she'd sought him out through Jenks.
Pulling the door open, she smiled warmly as he stepped forward and kissed her cheek. "Hello sweetheart," he greeted warmly as he entered. "How are you?"
"Hello Carlisle," she returned as she closed and locked the door. "I'm good; we're good. Come, sit down."
They walked into the living area and took seats across from each other, Carlisle placing his bag down on the floor beside him as he crossed his legs and leaned back. He studied her for a moment before smiling brightly. "You look beautiful Bella. Motherhood suits you. You look genuinely happy."
She blushed and settled her son in her arms more comfortably, adjusting his blanket in the process. "I am Carlisle. He never fails to amaze me every time I look at him." She looked into the eyes of the only father figure she had left. "He's my reason for living, you know?"
Something like regret shadowed his golden eyes for a moment before he nodded. "I can understand that. Children—family—can make all the difference and I see he's done that for you." He leaned forward, a pleading look in his eyes. "Still, I wish you'd reconsider my offer. We'd love to have you—both of you—with us. You'd no longer be alone and you could attend college if you so chose…"
He trailed off as she shook her head. "I love you like a father Carlisle, you know this, but I—I just can't. Too much has passed between all of us for me to fit into your family again."
He leaned back and sighed before giving her a wan smile. "I understand sweetheart, even if I don't like it. I will always watch over you though, I hope you know that. Now that I know where you are. Please don't run from me. I need to know you and my grandson are safe and well."
She looked out the window, gently patting her son's bottom as he stirred and stretched, one tiny fist waving in the air which she caught and kissed as her eyes misted with tears. "I appreciate that, more than you know, and I won't run from you. I—I need you now more than ever."
A shadow passed through Carlisle's eyes. "Edward, Jasper and Alice are still on Victoria's trail. They will catch her Bella, rest assured. Jasper, in particular, has made that his goal. He won't rest until he ends her. He's vowed as much."
She smiled sadly. "Thank him for me?"
"I will." He stood and went to the open kitchen where he washed and dried his hands. "Now," he said as he retook his seat, "let me see this big strapping boy of ours, hm?"
She rose with a chuckle and placed her son in the hands of the being who'd helped bring him into the world, watching as the vampire morphed into a proud, grinning grandfather before her eyes. "And how's my little Dominic doing today?" he coo'ed while peeling back the blanket. "My, but you have grown!" he said, holding the baby up to get a good look at him as tiny fists waved and legs kicked. He chuckled as the baby seemed to answer with an excited squeal. "He's wonderful Bella; very happy. You're doing a fine job mothering him, I can tell."
She retook her seat. "It's very easy with him. He's such a good baby and I'm so thankful for that. I don't know what I'd do otherwise."
"You'd weather it with grace, I'm sure," he said while reaching into his bag to withdraw a portable baby scale and the accompanying sling which he spread on the couch with one hand. Placing Dominic in the center, he brought the edges up and hooked the scale. Lifting it, he read the numbers and smiled. "Ten pounds, eight ounces," he announced while taking the baby from the sling and setting it to the side. He continued the exam and the baby began to fuss. "So, we have a temper after all," he commented with a laugh as Dominic's face turned red and he let out a wail. He glanced up at Bella and quipped dryly, "His lungs are more than adequate."
Wrapping the baby back in his blanket, he stood and placed him in his mother's arms. "He's very healthy Bella, and very upset with me," he finished with a smirk as he sat back down to pack away his things.
Bella placed the baby over her shoulder and patted his back while kissing his cheek and he soon settled.
"Now," he continued, "how are you, really?"
Bella sighed and settled back in her seat. "I'm…content," she answered as honestly as she could.
During the course of her pregnancy, she'd gradually opened up to Carlisle about the baby's father and her inexplicable feelings toward a man she didn't really know. He'd found her attachment curious, especially considering the humanity of both parties. It was…odd, but he wouldn't make the mistake of dismissing her feelings. That had been done enough in her past…
"Bella, are you sure nothing can be done to locate him? You remember where he lives, yes?"
She gazed out the window. "I believe I could find the place again, yes, but what good would that do, really?" She looked back at Carlisle. "It was one night and I didn't even bother asking his name. What would I say to him?" She rose and walked her now sleeping son to her room where she laid him in his crib. She stroked his face with the back of one finger before walking back out to rejoin Carlisle where she seated herself with a sigh, folding one leg underneath her as she relaxed. "I was a fling to him, Carlisle, I'm sure of it. He'd probably laugh in my face if I knocked on his door with a baby in my arms. That, or throw me out; every bachelor's nightmare that'd I'd be." She shook her head. "He didn't seem the family type. I'm certain he wouldn't appreciate being saddled with such a surprise."
"You're scared of rejection."
Her brows shot up and then she laughed bitterly. "Of course I am, and why wouldn't I be? Look how my first great love turned out." She shook her head. "No, better to be content and wonder, than to confront and have my worst fears confirmed." She met Carlisle's saddened gaze. "There's only so much rejection and loss a person can take, Carlisle and I've had my fill, thanks."
Carlisle got up and went to her, gently pulling her up and into a firm embrace. "Oh Bella," he said while running gentle fingers through her hair. "Sweet girl, if I could only heal your hurts, I would you know?"
Silently, she began to cry while soaking up the love she felt from him. He truly had stepped up for her and she would never forget it. He'd been her life-line and her rock, getting her through her pregnancy and never letting her feel alone or unloved. Not to mention kicking Edward's ass when he'd learned about Victoria and all she'd done and continued to do. Yes, he'd stepped up as her father, and she loved him for it. "Thank you," she murmured when she'd controlled her tears. "For everything."
She stepped back and he smiled down at her. "I honestly wish there was more that I could do; more you'd allow me to do. I love you and that baby and I know Esme misses you terribly. She would love Dominic too, you know." He cupped her cheek. "Just know, you both have a loving and willing family anytime you decide, and we could protect you so much better were you to live with us."
Before she could say anything to that, the rare ring-tone of her phone had them both tense considering Carlisle was the only one with her contact information. Well, he and one other… "Jenks?" he asked as she walked across the room to answer. She looked at the screen and gave a nod as she accepted the call.
"Hello?"
"Miss Swan, I'm calling to tell you of a visitor who just left my office."
"Yes," she prompted, her hands shaking as she met Carlisle's concerned gaze.
"He didn't tell me his name, but…" She heard the man let out a shaky sigh. "I beg your forgiveness and that of the Cullens, but I had no choice! He gave me no choice! It's like he had a power over me and I—I've never felt so strange or so scared before. He—I—I just…"
Carlisle held out his hand for the phone and Bella handed it over with wide eyes. "Jenks," he said, his voice the sternest Bella'd ever heard it. "This is Carlisle Cullen. Get a hold of yourself and explain."
Bella watched as Carlisle's frown deepened before he abruptly ended the call. "I'll help you pack your things," he said while moving swiftly into her room. "Only take the essentials. It's two and a half hours flight time to get here and the man left Jenks' office thirty minutes ago. We'll purchase anything you need once we get home."
She grabbed Carlisle's arm. "Who?! What's happened?!" she demanded as a tear slipped down her cheek.
He pulled her into a hug. "No need to be afraid," he said while holding her trembling form. "It was a man, he never gave his name but demanded to know all about you. Apparently, he was most unpleasant and Jenks gave up your information; all of it, including every alias. Fortunately, he has no idea of our current whereabouts, so you'll be safe there. Now come," he said while urging her toward the closet.
Working quickly, they both had bags packed for her and the baby and were ready to go. "Anything else that can't be replaced?" Carlisle asked as Bella fastened Dominic into his carrier. "Oh!" she said looking up at him. "Yes! Can you grab the baby album from the dresser top in the bedroom?"
"Sure," he said while shouldering the bags and handing her the key to his car. "Go ahead with the baby and I'll be right behind you."
"All right," she said, and with one last look around her home—a place where she'd actually experienced a modicum of joy—she picked up her son and stepped through the door.
~o0o~
Elijah's head snapped up from the book he'd been reading as his brother muttered "Airport, driver" before sliding into the seat across from him in the rented limousine. "Did you get the information?" he asked as the door closed and the car pulled away from the curb.
"I did," Klaus answered while pouring himself a drink, a triumphant look in his eyes.
"Well?"
"Her current location is Denver, Colorado. Book the next flight, would you, brother?"
Elijah pulled out his phone and swiped the screen. "Why do I indulge you?"
Klaus relaxed back, crossing his legs at the knee, a smirk quirking his lips behind the rim of his glass. "Because we're family and we stick together."
Elijah looked up from his phone, one brow arched as he muttered, "Yes, and your tendency to flaunt your evil side has absolutely nothing to do with it."
Klaus graced him with a dazzling smile, a rarity these days. "I'm heartened to know your motivations are pure, brother, truly."
Elijah finished entering their information and set his phone down. "So, after all this time and effort, you're so close. What are your plans when you find her?"
Klaus frowned and gazed at the passing scenery.
"Have you given it any thought at all?" Elijah asked flatly.
Klaus shot him a scowl. "Of course I have!"
Elijah motioned with the hand propped over his knee. "And?"
"And, I am determined," he said as amber flashed in his eyes. "She is mine, albeit she does not know it yet."
Elijah's brows rose. "Intend to club her on the head and drag her to your cave, do you?"
Klaus glowered. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Well then, might I suggest a brief stop for flowers or some such before showing up unannounced, on her door-step? You know, just to soften the blow a bit," he said with a smirk.
"Very well, we'll stop for flowers. Anything else?"
Elijah smiled while adjusting his impeccable cuffs. "No, flowers should suffice…for the time being."
They fell into comfortable silence the rest of the ride to the airport and after checking in and taking their seats in first class, both quickly feigned sleep to avoid the avid attentions of the flight attendant; a trick they'd learned long ago.
Upon landing, Klaus bought some roses at the gift shop and they made their way out to yet another hired limousine. After giving the driver the address, they settled back for the ride.
"Fairly decent," Elijah remarked when they entered the neighborhood of neatly kept, upscale town homes. "Certainly not upper-crust, but decent."
Klaus snorted inelegantly. "You can be a real snob brother, you know?"
"Said the pot to the kettle," Elijah rejoined.
"Touché," Klaus conceded with a nod.
When the car pulled to a stop, there was no mistaking the gleam of excitement in Klaus's eyes. "Join me?" he asked as he opened the door stepped out and ducked to look back. "I'd like you to meet her."
Elijah stepped out and fell in beside his brother whom he studied carefully for a moment as they walked. "You're nervous," he said, a bit of wonder coloring his tone.
"Don't be ridiculous," he scoffed, though he knew it to be true. He was nervous. He just didn't know how to handle it.
"It's all right, brother. Wear your bravado. Still, it's understandable. I don't slight you for it," Elijah said with a squeeze to his brother's shoulder.
"Thank you," Klaus murmured as they stepped up to the door. "Do you smell that?" he asked and Elijah nodded. With a look of determination and the roses clutched in one hand, he knocked.
After a few moments and another solid knock, Elijah looked over at Klaus. "I hear nothing from inside. Shall we have a look, then?"
"Yes, especially with that scent hanging about. I don't like it, whatever it is."
"Agreed."
Klaus glanced around before taking hold of the knob and twisting. With a snap and a shove, the door gave and they stepped in, only to have that foreign scent, mixed with the girl's slam into them. Klaus growled lowly and Elijah grabbed his arm. "Calm, brother. Let's have a look before getting upset, yes?"
A nod was all he got as Klaus walked to the kitchen where the phone and a phone book lay on the counter. He lay the roses down and paged through it slowly as his brother wandered into another room. He couldn't help but notice the lack of personal numbers within it. No friends, no family; the girl was an entity unto herself it seemed; entirely without connections, or so it seemed.
Slowly, he made his way around her apartment, looking at all the normal items one would expect to find in any single woman's home. The standard appliances in the kitchen, a book or two here and there, one laying open next to a chair, just waiting to be picked up again. These things he ran his fingers across as memories from their one encounter—still as fresh as if it'd happened the day before—made that ache he'd been pushing back, flare to painful life within him.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he centered himself and continued on to the mantle over the fireplace. Here, he found the first real signs of a life, picking up the framed photos of her much younger, smiling face. In one, she was next to an older man whom she bore a resemblance to; her father then, he decided, setting it back down to pick up another. In this one, he had to stop himself from growling. She was in the arms of a boy; one with dark hair and swarthy skin and they were smiling brightly. A past love? He wondered and then dismissed it. It didn't matter. None of that mattered. She would be his.
"Niklaus."
The clipped tone of Elijah's voice broke through his musing and he made his way to the room his brother was in. There, Elijah met his gaze and gestured around the room.
Slowly, he took it all in, the sight of the contents slowly registering through his shock. "A child," he murmured while walking to the crib where he picked up a blanket that was draped over the side. It was light blue in color with the name Dominic embroidered on one corner.
"Look at this," Elijah said, handing him a framed picture. He placed the blanket back and took it to study the child's image; the wisps of sandy blond hair, the blue eyes, the facial features, but more than these, he stared at the child's date of birth, written on the matting in gold script. "He's but two months old, brother," Elijah said, and Klaus nodded, numb with the implications.
"Yes," he muttered quietly, still staring at the picture.
Elijah gestured at the open closet, open drawers and clothes strewn about. "It seems she left in haste."
Klaus took it all in and then looked back at the picture, something inside him, something fierce and possessive flaring to life. "So it would seem."
"What shall we do now?" Elijah asked and Klaus gripped the picture tighter as he met his brother's eyes.
"We find them."
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.