The Feature Story is posted with permission of the Author!!!
Atonement by BetterinTexas
Chapter 7
Don't own it
BPOV
Fucker had a sword. Shit. Sword just caught on fire. A flaming sword. My sword doesn't catch on fire. Why the hell doesn't my sword catch on fire?
Wings? The son of a bitch has wings. He can fly. Neglected to mention that, Garrett. Would have been good to know.
"Sure you don't want to run little vampire?"
"Yep."
"Last chance." He smiled. Sort of. The whole demon face thing made it hard to tell.
"No. I'm good."
"So be it."
Oh shit, he charged me.
He was like a damn flaming avalanche. I saw his sword come crashing down. I threw mine up and met him. I blocked his strike, falling on my ass from the blow. He swung again, but I rolled out of the way to the side, his sword barely missing my head. Damn, it was hot. I was able to see the priest though. I moved in front of him quickly.
"Stay back Father!"
"No problem. I was wondering, where is Garrett?" He didn't sound confident.
"Uh…looking for this guy?"
"Who are you?"
"Bella Swan." The demon roared, charged again. I grabbed Father Francis with one arm and dodged to the side, running to the other side of the Church.
"Let him be and leave. You are too beautiful to burn, but I will if I must." Ugly offered.
"Are you kidding? I'm pretty sure I'm winning." I told him with false bravado.
He swung at my head, I ducked. I swung at his midsection, he jumped back. He stepped forward, but before I could get my guard up, I felt the blow to my head. I crashed through wooden pews and looked up from my back. He was coming. Slowly. Toying with me.
I lay there until he stood over me.
And kicked him in his balls. He doubled over, then I hit him in his jaw. Grabbing my sword from the ground, I jumped around his body, then onto his back. My plan was to cut off his head from behind with my sword. It was a good plan. Until he grabbed my hair, tossing me over his head into a wall.
I looked up to see Father Francis kneeling next to me.
"I was wondering, have you fought many demons?" he asked.
"Uh... he's actually my first." Maybe my last if I didn't get it together.
"Oh. Okay. You have probably trained for this though, right?"
"Sure." He looked relieved. "I trained for like 24 hours last week on only demons."
"Well, we have that going for us." He murmured.
The demon roared as he came at me again.
"Run!" I yelled at the priest.
I swung my sword, but hit air. He hovered above me.
I jumped towards him, his fist hit my face.
I could feel the burn on my face where he struck me. Damn. That hurt. My face was healing. I could feel the venom repairing me. But he hurt me.
"Demon!" I heard Father Francis yell. We both turned towards him.
Father Francis threw something at the demon's face. A glass vial. It broke, and the demon yelled. I looked at the Priest in confusion.
"Holy water." He offered as an explanation.
"You're just now telling me this? Get more!"
"I don't exactly keep it on me in bulk." He said shrugging his shoulders. Still, it was the distraction I needed. While the demon wiped his burning face, I ran, driving my sword through his stomach. I suppose he expected me to go for his head. I brought the sword up through his stomach before his hand caught it. He swung his body with my sword lodged in it, and tossed me aside. I hit the ground but was up in time to see him pulling my sword out of his body.
He snapped my sword. Damn it. It was my first sword.
He roared and ran at me, flaming sword above his head. I remember this. Ty showed me.
"Father move!"
His sword came down. I grabbed his wrists, twisted out of the way to the left, then pulled. His grip broke, and his sword was in my hand. I continued twisting, letting my left hand arc the sword towards him. I felt a slight resistance; the sword was free. I turned to see him standing. He was shaking.
Then his head fell off. I realized my hand felt very hot. I looked down and saw the burning sword was still in my hand. I dropped it; it hit the ground the same time his body did.
"You may want to step away." Father Francis said quietly. I was confused until the demon's body blew up into a cloud of sulfur and ash, leaving me covered in it.
"Because that happens sometimes." The good Father finished.
"Thanks for the warning." As I spoke, ash sputtered from my mouth.
"You okay?" I asked him.
"Yep. Great. You did wonderful. I never doubted you for a second." He smiled.
"I thought Priests couldn't lie?"
"Oh no, we certainly can. You want honesty? I was a bit concerned when I saw you get knocked down while blocking one swing of his sword. Then when he hit you, throwing you thirty feet or so. Then when he grabbed your hair, I thought you were done for. And then…"
"I get it, Father." I threw my hands up.
"But you did it. You saved me. You sent a demon back to hell. So thank you. I will never doubt you again."
Oh.
"Uh…thanks? And thanks for the Holy Water grenade. That helped."
"Anytime. I shall have to begin keeping it in bulk. Perhaps water balloons?" he suggested, making me laugh.
"So you are Bella?"
"Yes. Bella Swan. I would shake your hand, but my grip control isn't exactly where it needs to be. Plus I'm a little jacked up right now."
"You are a new vampire?" he asked. He didn't seem scared.
"Yeah." I also noticed that his smell didn't bother me as much. Maybe I was becoming accustomed to the smell of humans. I mean, I smelt it in my room all the time.
"How long?"
"Little over a year."
"Wow. And you are working with Garrett? How did you meet him?"
"Long story." I mumbled.
"I have time."
I didn't want to tell him this story. He had a favorable opinion of me right now.
"Well…okay." It would be good to talk to someone who I didn't live with.
An hour later, I was still in a pew that wasn't knocked over, finishing the story of my life to a Priest I had barely met.
"Impressive. You came to turn yourself in to help humans. Then Garrett finds you and gives you an opportunity to help humans. Sounds to me like the Lord is guiding your life, Bella. Keep following his path, and you will do well."
"I'm not religious, Father."
"No one said you had to be. God has a plan for you anyway."
"Did God plan for me to kill those people?" I asked somewhat sarcastically.
"Most likely. People are killed by predators, vampires and otherwise. It happens. I am sorry it happened to be you who was the predator, but we all have a time to go. Is it tragic? Yes. Though if you hadn't gone through what you did, you never would have wanted to turn yourself in, so to speak. You never would have met Garrett, and you wouldn't have been here while he was out on a blind goose chase. I would be dead. Apparently, it wasn't my time. Because you decided you had enough of the life you had and wanted it to end, I am now alive. Don't you see, Bella? We are all part of a greater plan. God does not force people to do his bidding, nor does the devil. We have free will. That doesn't mean God doesn't put the people in places where they have the opportunity to do his will. It is up to the person to decide their actions. You have decided to help Garrett protect others. I, for one, am very glad."
"I'm glad I was here too, Father. I mean... not while I was getting my ass kicked, but I am glad I could save you. Next time, you should really run." I pointed out.
"It wouldn't have done me much good. Demons hardly ever come alone. I'm surprised this one did."
Oh…wait…
"What do you mean they hardly ever come alone?" I whispered.
"Just that they usually have familiars with them, or lesser demons. No big…"
We both heard the creek of the church doors as they opened, but saw no one walk in. I looked out in the aisle, then saw them.
Dogs. Black dogs. Big black dogs.
"Oh dear." Father Francis whispered.
"What? Why are we oh dearing? They're dogs." Ugly dogs but I could handle dogs.
"Do you have that sword from the demon?"
"No. It melted."
I heard growling. I looked back at the dogs to see they were getting bigger. Within seconds, they were solid black five foot tall dogs, with large fanged teeth set in very large mouths.
"Hellhounds." Father Francis whispered.
I stepped out in the aisle.
"Run." I whispered.
"No."
"Yes!" Men.
The dogs began running towards me. I braced myself for impact. I had to knock them both down. I didn't hear Father Francis running. Instead he was praying. Great. Can't you do that while running?
They were nearly on me. They seemed bigger up close. A few more steps…
Garrett flew on one dog's back while Ty flew on the other from nowhere. The dogs flattened on the floor, both of my guys burying swords into their brains. A couple slices, then the heads were off. Ty and Garrett jumped off. This time, I backed up before I could be covered in a cloud of soot.
I found myself in Garrett's arms so fast that I nearly lost the breath I had.
"Bella, tell me you are okay." He sounded so worried. I was flattened against him, his head buried in my hair. Damn, he smelled so good.
"I'm good. I'm okay."
"You're scratched." He said, finally stepping back to look at me.
"It's better."
"The demon?" he asked, already nodding.
"Yeah. He was here when I got here."
"Why didn't you call me, Bella?" he looked so sad. I tried…oh yeah.
"Yeah, about that. I need a new phone. I got a little excited in my hurry to call you." He at least smiled. Then he turned to Father Francis.
"You couldn't have called me while she was fighting?"
"She had it. I have a feeling she needed that." He smiled at Garrett.
"Hey, Ty? That move you showed me worked. Cut his head off with his own sword." I winked.
"Look at you, shorty. Goin’ all Conan on his ass. Good job." Ty said smiling. He looked a little jacked up though. I don't know why. I was the one who was fighting.
"You okay, Ty?"
He nodded then looked away. "Thought we may have lost you, Bella. Fightin’ a demon on your own ain't no way to get experience." He said quietly.
"How did you guys know he was here?"
"I tried to call you. You didn't answer. I panicked." Garrett answered.
"That's too bad. I was about to kick those puppies back to Hell." I told him dishonestly. I had no idea what I was going to do.
GPOV
Bravado. I saw the look on her face when those demon mutts were coming at her. A bit of fear, but a whole lot of determination. She was not letting those dogs by.
I was very frightened when I saw her in that situation. I should have checked the Church. Ty was right. That was no way to break her in.
Still, she survived. Father Francis was probably right. She needed that.
"A word, Garrett?" Francis asked. I nodded, then looked at Ty. He saw my look and understood. He wouldn't leave her side. He was as shaken up as I was.
I followed the Father back to his office, while Bella gave Ty a play by play of her fight.
"Have a seat old friend. I have an important question to ask you."
I sat down, then looked at Father Francis behind his desk.
"Yes?"
"Have you lost your damn mind? I wouldn't have asked for your help if I knew you were sending an inexperienced girl to help me!"
He seemed upset.
"You're alive, aren't you?"
"She could have been torn to pieces! One week, Garrett? One week? Twenty-four hours of training to fight demons? Have you lost your damn mind?"
"You're alive, aren't you?!" So he was starting to annoy me.
"Yes. Great job finding the demon. Thankfully, she is very resourceful. For a moment, I was concerned though."
"You know, I am a vampire. You should watch how you talk to me."
"I work for God. I win. Now tell me about her."
So I did. She had already told him her life story. I told him my impressions.
"Strong, large heart, good soul stained by death. Beautiful, caring, sensitive, ready to die for others."
"So you have already fallen in love with her?"
"I have not!" I countered. This guy was worse than an old lady in a sewing circle.
"Like hell. I've known you for twenty years, Garrett. You have been a good friend, and you are a good man. I recognize the face of a man who was worried the woman he was in love with could be injured. That was your face when you grabbed her and held her like a lifeline."
"She is young. She is in an emotionally difficult time. I am trying to help her."
Francis shut up at least. For a moment.
"Queen to Queen's Knight 6." He said.
Interesting.
"Bishop to King's Rook 4." The two of us have been playing chess without a board for ten years. We have managed to complete 22 games. I won eleven. So far.
"So she will be seeing her parents?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"Good. What about closure?"
"She doesn't need closure. Are you getting deaf in your old age? She will continue to talk to and see them."
"That wasn't the closure I was speaking of. And I'm not old. You're old. I'm in my prime."
I had thought of this. I wouldn't push the issue.
"She hasn't mentioned anything about them. I offered her the chance to go to them and she turned it down. Why would I bring it up?"
"The family still searches?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but yes."
"What happens when they run into her one day?" Francis asked.
"What about it?" I asked defensively.
"You were adamant that she needed to speak to her parents, but do not care if she ever has closure with the family that dragged her into this world?"
"You're right. I don't care."
"Jealous?" He grinned.
"Nope." I countered.
"Liar."
"I hope you realize this is the last time I ever send a bodyguard to protect you." I told him with all sincerity.
"I hope it's the last time I need you to."
"So what did the demon want with you?" I asked, hoping to change the subject.
"In due time. She needs to get closure."
"What did the demon want with you?" I asked again.
"I imagine to kill me and take my place. I am scheduled to hear the Governor's confession this Saturday."
"That could take a while." I pointed out.
"Sensitive information. Gather the information, then take the Governors spot."
"Why?" I asked more to myself.
"He wanted to be Governor?" Francis offered.
"Bullshit. Governor? What would a demon care about being a politician? If he wants to be in the Governor's mansion, it was because he needed control of something. He was sent here. Demons don't plan. Not often. They are more trouble makers. Destruction for the sake of destruction. This was a planned attack."
Francis shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm sure you will figure it out. You are a bright guy. By the way, King’s bishop to Queen's Knight 8. King's bishop takes King’s Knight."
"I didn't need that piece anyway. I have to go. We never did gather enough intelligence, and I want to show the city to Bella. So, unless you need your ass saved again?"
"I will pray if I do." Francis smiled.
"Excellent. You may want to call me as well. See you later Father."
"God go with you, friend."
BPOV
"I can't believe you have never been to New York City, Bella! That's crazy."
"It's really not, Ty. A lot of people have never been to New York." I told him.
"Not my people. You're my people now, and we got to educate you. Where we heading first Gar?"
Garrett was staring at his smart phone screen. He told me he could get the satellite feed from home on his screen. He was looking for vampires in the city. Not to kill, he said, but to gather information.
"No one important seems to be around. At least, no one I want to talk to. The choice is yours, Ty. Lead the way."
"Oh, hell yeah."
"Just please, no people, Ty." I begged. The smells were starting to drive me crazy and I was outside.
"Nah. I'll stay by your side. You ain't gonna hurt nobody. We got this. But this is NYC. There are gonna be people."
"I have an idea of where we could go first. The same place I took you the first time you came here. Remember, Ty?" Garrett asked. Ty's face became solemn.
"Yeah. Let's do that. Then we have some fun. Alright?"
Where the hell were they taking me now? Garrett hailed a cab, then forty five minutes of traffic later, we stopped. I saw Wall Street. I saw…two large beams of blue light shooting straight up into the sky. It was beautiful.
This must be…
"Is this?"
"Yes." Garrett answered. "The place where 2751 people died. This is Ground Zero. This is why we do what we do Bella. We fight demons and vampires and other creatures of the supernatural world to protect humans, but we are always involved in foreign affairs. Even affairs of humans. We do what we do to keep this from ever happening here again."
Nothing else was said. I stood there looking at the construction going on to build the memorial. No one was working as it was night. I could picture it, though. The sites where the buildings stood were marked by the blue lights brightening the sky.
I don't know how long I stood there. I remembered, though. I was only 6 when the towers were struck. I remember my Mom crying. I watched the footage and even at 6 years old I understood. I remember seeing people jumping from the buildings to escape fire. I remember Mom screaming when the second plane hit the tower live on television. I remember seeing the towers fall. I asked my Mom what happened to the people who went inside. I saw a lot of firemen and police officers running towards the buildings. I had assumed they must have gotten out, until my mother wouldn't answer me.
I watched with her all day. It never occurred to her that maybe I shouldn't be watching. I remembered the Pentagon being hit. But there was not much coverage. I would have to ask Garrett where it happened when we returned. The report of the plane crashing in the field shook my Mom up as well.
Seeing it in person, the final resting place of many bodies that had burned and simply never been recovered, brought everything home to me. After an unknown amount of time, Garrett finally spoke. When I looked at him, his eyes had venom pooling in them.
"Do you see, Bella? Do you see why?"
I nodded.
"It's not about me, you, or Ty. It's not about our pasts, or what we may have done. This is what we have dedicated our lives to, Bella. Freedom. Many have died because others hate our freedom. We, as a Country, have had to fight for our freedom since the Declaration of Independence was signed. We have had to fight for the freedom of others. Men and women have given their lives to defend this country. These men and women died because our freedom was hated by evil men. The firefighters and police who died here had dedicated their lives to protecting others. They raced into certain death on the hope that if they could save even one person, they would trade their lives for that one person.
This is what we do, Bella. We protect those who cannot protect themselves. We protect our country. We protect the people in it, and we help those who wish to have the same freedoms as we do. You are a part of this now. Do you understand?"
I had venom in my eyes now.
"Yes. I understand." I whispered.
"It's time to let the past go, Bella."
"Yes. It is." I agreed. I realized I meant it. I would never forget the lives I took. But I would dedicate my life to making sure more life was not lost if I could stop it. It was time for me to move forward. To live. Not just for the next mission. To really live.
"Good. Ty, where would you like to go?" Garrett asked.
"Actually, could I have a few more moments alone? Here? Please?" I asked.
"Of course, Bella." Garrett smiled.
They left me alone. I got on two knees and prayed. I had never really prayed before, but I talked to God. I asked for forgiveness and strength. I asked for the rest of the souls of those whose lives I ended. I made peace with my actions. I made peace with myself. It was time. Time I stopped wallowing in the past. I had been given gifts. First to be found by wonderful men who cared for me. The second was that I could still have my parents. Not many vampires, if any get this opportunity. I would not waste it. Third I had been given a purpose, not just an existence. Had things worked out differently I may have spent my life going to high school over and over again. I was not meant for that. I was meant for more. For that, I was very grateful.
It was time to move on, to embrace the future. I would always look back. Always remember those who died, but as a warning to me. A reminder to keep the monster inside me under control. I could not say I would never kill again. I knew I would kill to protect this country, to protect others. I understood that I probably would have to, but I would never drink from another human. Even an enemy.
It was also time to say goodbye. Goodbye to what could have been. They had been looking for me. They shouldn't be. I needed to let them know I was okay, that it was time for them to stop.
I walked off from Ground Zero a changed person. No longer would I feel sorry for myself. No longer would I try to search for death. I would search for life, along with wherever I could save it.
I found Garrett on a nearby rooftop.
"Where is Ty?" I asked.
Garrett nodded back to Ground Zero.
"He needed a little time alone as well."
I nodded.
"Garrett?"
"Yes, Bella?"
"They are still searching, aren't they?"
He didn't ask who they were. He knew.
"Yes." He whispered.
"I won't ever join them. I am yours now. Yours and Ty's. I mean…you know what I mean. I want to save lives. I am a part of this, and nothing will change that. But…I need to say goodbye."
Garrett nodded. He understood. I knew he would.
"When?" he whispered without looking at me.
"Sooner the better, I suppose. I'm sure we have work to do. I need to get this done."
"You know you will have to go alone. With Edward being able to read minds, and your power still not under control…"
"I know. It's okay. You will be nearby right?"
"Always."
"Good."
Garrett turned to stare into my eyes. I stared into his. The feelings this man brought out in me were confusing. Feelings I never really had to deal with before, even with Edward. Even with Jake. I knew I could not be far away from him. The thought scared the hell out of me. I gave him a little smile.
"Tomorrow we go back to Washington. I will find their exact location. We can get this over with, then move on."
I nodded, agreeing with him.
"Moving on seems like a really good idea."
Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Don't own it.
BPOV
Paisley, Oregon. Of course , the house was outside of city limits. Considering there were only a little over 200 people in the city, taking a few steps to the left or right would cause you to be outside city limits.
I wondered what Garrett and Ty were doing. Garrett said if I had problems, he would be here. His theory was that as long as I was within twenty feet of him, Edward couldn't read his thoughts. He probably had some stealth drone watching me now. I didn't mind. I felt better knowing he was there.
I listened carefully. Garrett sent me a text saying his satellite image shows that the Cullen's are all home. I wondered if I should do this with all of them there. Not much choice. Besides, it would be better to get this over with all at once. I had one purpose in coming here. To tell them to stop looking for me.
I walked at normal speed towards the house, in no hurry to get there. It was beautiful. Not quite as big as the Fork's house. Still very large. It had a hunting lodge feel to it. Logs covered the outer walls. I could hear voices inside. I stood on the front lawn listening to the family talking.
They were talking about me. Apparently Edward had just covered Washington again. Jasper and Alice had searched Wyoming. Rose and Emmett had searched Utah. Carlisle and Esme had continued to search Oregon and then had moved into Canada.
Alice just started sobbing.
"You can stop looking for me." I said, still standing outside. I knew they would hear me.
Ten seconds went by and no one said a word. Then the door cracked open. Esme was out first, followed by Edward and Alice.
Seeing them took me back. Memories I thought had gone forever returned. They all stood in front of the house finally. All looking at me.
"Hey." I said quietly.
Alice rushed me to pull me in a hug. I growled. I didn't mean to. It happened, though. I still wasn't comfortable with touching, unless it was Garrett or Ty. I jumped back, going into a defensive position before I realized what I was doing.
Now they were nervous. I took some calming breaths.
"Sorry. Still not used to people touching me. I have been on my own for a while."
"Bella, it is so good to see you." Esme whispered stepping closer. I tried to relax. I could do this. I beat a demon. I could handle this.
Until I met his eyes.
"Bella." He still said my name like a prayer. Looking at him through my new eyes, I wasn't as struck by his beauty any longer. He was still beautiful. He always would be. But it didn't overwhelm me like before.
"I only came to tell you to stop looking for me. I'm fine. I…I need to go now."
I pulled my eyes away from them and took a step. Someone grabbed me, so I instinctively grabbed and shifted my weight, just like Garrett and Ty taught me. Whoever it was flew over me, landing hard into the ground.
It was Rose. She stood up and raised her hands in surrender.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that, but please, Bella. Please don't leave yet." She asked. It was the first nice thing I believe she ever said to me.
"Bella, please come inside." Carlisle asked.
They had looked for me for a while now.
I nodded as I walked in, feeling uncomfortable having them all at my back. Only the knowledge that Garrett was nearby made me calm enough to do this. I walked into a spacious living room and stood. The others sat around me.
"Would you have a seat, Bella?" Alice asked. They looked at me as if I was about to kill them all. I suppose I was just barely out of my newborn phase, having shown aggressive behavior towards them. Not intentionally, but still…
"No. I am good." I replied.
"Bella, we are so…" Esme began.
"Stop. No apologies. I don't want to hear it. What happened, happened. Edward, I know why you left; you were right to do so. Even if your method was incredibly rude. You were right, though. I only wish I hadn't gotten involved in this whole world. I really didn't understand what this was. Being a vampire. I…I won't talk about what I have done. They are my sins; I am dealing with them the best I can. I tried drinking from animals. But no amount of animal blood would save humans from me. I lived in the wild most of the past year avoiding people. Still though, they found me.
I only came to tell you to not look for me."
"Bella, please stay. Please." Edward whispered.
"I…I don't want to, Edward. I want to be on my own. At least for now. I met a friend. I may travel with him. See the world. He helps me break into blood banks to drink donated blood. He got me a phone. Clothes. He told me where you were. I think I am going to stick around him. Try the nomad life."
"What friend?" Carlisle asked.
"Garrett. He found me in the wild. He is helping me to get off human blood. He is a good guy."
"Yes he is." Carlisle whispered. "I wonder why…"
"I asked him not to tell you. Not right away. I needed time. You understand?"
They all nodded.
"So you are going to stay with Garrett?" Edward asked.
"Yes. For now." For good actually, but they didn't need to know that.
"But Garrett drinks from humans." Esme said, getting a bit upset from the look on her face.
"Yes, but mostly donated blood. He also hunts animals. At least he has since I met him. He has been very supportive."
"Yes, and Garrett would be the first to tell you that you don't owe him Bella. If you want to stay here…" Carlisle started.
"I know I don't owe him. I mean, I feel I do, but he doesn't see it that way. I want to find myself, though. Travel around I guess. See what's out there. Try to find my place in the world now."
"You will always have a place here." Edward said quietly.
"Edward, I appreciate that, but you left. I'm not mad about it. Okay, I'm pretty mad that you all left me with a vampire still after me. You all left me without a word. Things have happened since then. Happened to me. I'm not the same person I was. I don't hate any of you. I really don't. But I am not a part of your family. I don't say this to be rude. It's the truth."
"You will always be a part of this family, Bella." Esme said. I looked around and saw only Alice, Edward and Esme were looking at me. The others were looking at the floor.
"I appreciate that, Esme. It doesn't change the way I feel. I need to go. Garrett is waiting for me. He offered to come with me, but I told him no. I thought this should be said between us. I don't hate any of you, but…I have to go."
I turned to walk out. No one tried to grab me this time.
I had stepped off the front porch when Edward called my name.
I took a deep breath and turned. The site of him caught me by surprise. His eyes were wet.
"Yes, Edward?"
"Could I have just a moment of your time?"
"I suppose." I whispered. I had come all this way.
We walked side by side.
"I want to apologize."
"Don't. I told you I didn't want apologies."
"Not about…I mean…I want to apologize about what I did before I left you. Please let me explain."
I really didn't want to hear this. Though, it probably needed to be said and heard.
"Go ahead, I guess."
"I never should have gotten you involved. I love you. I was selfish. I'm sorry. I'm also sorry for…"
"What? How you left me? I know why you did it. Forget about it. A different time and place."
"Yes, but that was not what I was going to apologize for. The past year I have done nothing but think of you. Think about us. I know I told you I wanted you to have a human life, but I never asked what you wanted. I kept you from your friends, your family. I monopolized your time to the point that I watched you sleep. I made you dependent on me. Then I broke you, abandoned you. I never thought you would be in danger. I honestly thought that bitch would come after me."
"Yeah. Me too." I laughed. I don't know why. It struck me as funny.
"I'm sorry about everything. I never deserved you."
"Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know any more, Edward. I don't really care. It is what it is. Time to move on."
"Can we see each other again? I mean are you gone forever? Or will you at least visit, maybe?"
I didn't know. It was a long life though.
"I'm sure we will run into each other eventually, Edward."
"I don't want to just run into you, Bella. I have no right to ask this of you, but…could I perhaps call you sometimes? Just to see how you are doing? To talk? Do you have a phone? I could get you one."
"Garrett got me a phone, Edward." I didn't reply to the rest of his inquiry. I wasn't sure how. Maybe he would let it go.
"So…could I have your number?" He asked smiling shyly. Damn.
"Yeah. I guess." I gave it to him and he told me his.
"Thank you, Bella. It means a lot that you would allow me even this much. I don't deserve it."
"No, you don't." I laughed. "But you did kill Victoria, according to Garrett, so I guess you get some points."
"Bella, what did she…"
"I don't want to talk about it, Edward. I'm not angry now. If you bring it up I will become angry."
"Of course. I'm sorry. So you and Garrett will be traveling? I don't know him well, but from what I have heard, he is a good man. Carlisle says so, so it must be true."
Why couldn't he say something bad about Garrett? Why couldn't he be a pompous ass?
"Yeah. He is. A good guy."
"Then I am thankful to him, Bella."
"I have to go, Edward." I needed to get away. I wanted to get back to my family. Find a big foot to kill. Throw holy water at demons. Maybe go track down terrorists in the Middle East. Not this. This hit too close. It made me think about the past. I didn't want to think about the past.
"Of course. Could I possibly hug you? I understand if you don't want me to. I heard you say you weren't comfortable with physical contact."
I shrugged my shoulders. Why not?
I opened my arms, then Edward pulled me in slowly. I was momentarily shocked at how he felt. Edward had always been the cold, hard body that made me feel safe. Now he felt human. His temperature was warm. When I met Garrett, he was on my back. I have always felt Garrett like I would feel a human from my previous life. With Edward though, it was strange. Edward apparently thought so as well.
"Wow. I have never felt you like this." He said.
"Yeah. I was just thinking the same thing."
"I am glad you are okay, Bella. You are right. The past belongs in the past. I am hopeful that we can be friends in the future?"
"Yeah, Edward. We can be friends." He smiled. He still had that crooked grin.
"Bye, Edward."
"Bye, Bella. I'll call you. Do you think the others may call you as well?"
Ugh. I still had to talk with my parents. I didn't need more conversations. I had things to do.
"Why don't we start with just us, Edward? We have time. A lot of it, apparently."
"Of course, Bella. I didn't mean to push."
"You didn't. It's just been a crazy year. I need time to come to grips with this."
"Well, have fun being a nomad." He laughed.
"Have fun going to high school." I laughed as well.
"Bella, I haven't been in a high school since we parted ways. I will never go back. None of us will."
I nodded. It was for the best. One thing I have learned over the past year. Prolonged exposure to vampires in one fashion or another is bad for humans. It was very bad for me.
I ran before he said anything else. I wanted to get back to my men. I wanted to go home. To my secret base safely underground. I did what needed to be done. It was time to go home.
Garrett POV
"I can't believe this shit, man."
"Believe what, Ty?"
"You got a damn remote control stealth helicopter that costs more than the President makes in a year, plus enough hi def screens to fill up this motel room, all so you can see and listen to every word she says. Takin’ it a little far, aren't you?"
"I told her I would be nearby. How am I supposed to know if she needs me, if I can't hear and see what is going on?"
"She know you got a stealth mini copter following her?"
"I didn't go into details. I just told her I had her back." I replied rolling my eyes.
"Well, the reunion didn't go the way I thought it would. I figured she would be all up on them." Ty said.
"Why? She is with us now." I answered a bit short.
"Hey, it went down fine. Can't believe she threw that fine ass blonde over her head. That was a good move. Little shawty getting some skills."
"Yes. She needs to be faster. At least learn to use her speed to her advantage."
"Hey, look. Her ex is walking off with her." Ty said.
He is?
"Strange. It makes sense that he would probably want to apologize."
"Zoom in, man. Let's listen to the playa play."
"No, Ty. We need to give her privacy."
"You following her around with a mini ghetto bird, and you want to talk privacy?"
"Shut up, Ty. I simply wanted to make sure they didn't try to kidnap her, hold her hostage or something."
"He's a good looking guy. Like a damn GQ model. Look at that hair. Nice hair wouldn't you say, Gar?"
"I've seen worse, I suppose."
"Tall, slim build. Hair blowin in the breeze. Look at that grin he is giving her. He is a pretty, pretty man. A stone cold pimp."
"Yes. Pretty." Shut up, Ty.
"You think he wrote her any new beats? That must be something. Havin a man write a piece of music dedicated to you. Wow. That's some romantic shit." Ty wouldn't shut up. Why wouldn't he shut up?
"He stalked her in her sleep, you know. Would that be romantic? Want someone watching you sleep, Ty?"
"Look at that. They hugged each other. Ain't that just motherfuckin sweet?" The asshole was smiling. Why do I keep him around? Oh right. Suicide missions.
"Yes. There is history there." I admitted. Big deal. Just a hug.
"Damn. Look at player getting the digits! This guy got game, Garrett. He got game. He gonna blow her up soon, you don't step your game up."
"She is not going to get blown up by Edward fucking Cullen!"
"Yeah. I bet she just gave him her number so she could ignore him when he called. Must be why she took his, too."
"Shut up, Ty. She knew she could go back to them. She didn't want to. She said goodbye. She is just saying goodbye. Get over it."
"Whatever, man. While you are giving her space, not wanting to take advantage of her emotional state, maybe you should stop treatin her like something is broke and get your game on. Cause GQ right there don't think a damn thing broken on her."
"She is …Damn it! I knew they wouldn't leave her alone." That bastard. Emmett Cullen. I know she told them she didn't want to talk now. At least one of them can't take no for an answer.
"It's the big guy chasin her right?" Ty asked, instantly alert.
"Yes. Emmett Cullen. According to Bella, he was like a big brother to her. The others aren't following. He must have slipped away."
"Big brother?" Ty asked quietly.
"Yeah. I will handle this. It will be a few minutes before he can catch her."
"Nah, you have a seat, G Man. I got this shit. I know a motherfucker that's about to get sick."
Ty stood up, then was gone before I could say a word. He thinks I have it bad. He is stuck on her like glue. May as well listen in. I flew my little spy copter in close to Bella. It was having difficulty keeping up so I couldn't move it too close. I sat back, waiting for Ty to intercept. This should be good. He thinks I'm possessive.
Did I treat her like she was broken? When I met her, she was. It hasn't been that long. Isn't she still broken? Of course, if I continue to treat her like she is, she is never going to feel whole again. Maybe it is time I made a move, so to speak. Expressed my interest in an obvious way. Take her out in public. Her blood lust was better. Her touch was getting better. Perhaps after she visits her parents?
She wouldn't be interested in Edward Cullen. Not after the way he abandoned her. She was being polite.
My phone buzzed. Maybe it was her?
Oh. Of course.
"Hello, Carlisle."
"Hello, Garrett. I suppose you know Bella was just here."
"Yes. About that, Carlisle…"
"I will never be able to thank you enough, Garrett. I am eternally in your debt."
Oh. Okay.
"I figured you would be angry I kept it from you, Carlisle."
"Garrett, I know Bella asked you not to tell us. As a man of honor, you had no choice but to heed her wishes. I expect nothing less from you, friend. You took care of her. I wanted to simply thank you. The entire family does."
"Think nothing of it, Carlisle." I wanted her to get closure. Closure. Meaning she said bye, and she won't have to deal with you anymore.
"I understand Bella will be traveling with you?"
"Yes, Carlisle. She has expressed interest in that." I said cautiously. Waiting for the bomb to fall.
"That is wonderful. We, of course, wish she would stay with us. Edward especially, but we are all so overjoyed at her safety. I know she has been through a lot, and we have no right to ask her about it. I am glad though, that if Bella has decided to be a nomad, she has you to guide her Garrett."
"Oh. Of course, Carlisle. How is young Edward doing?"
"Really good. He has done a lot of soul searching over the past year. I am hopeful that he has done a bit of growing up. He still loves her, of course, but understands that what they had is gone. He is hopeful that perhaps with time and communication, the two of them may build something new."
I'll be damned.
"Communication?"
"Yes. Bella has agreed to let him call her. He is smiling for the first time in over a year, Garrett. Thank you, my friend. Happy travels. I would tell you to take care of her, but I know you will."
"Of course, Carlisle. Good day."
Those fuckers think that she will eventually go back to them. Not going to happen. Screw it. Ty was right. The time for games was over. I think I would start out small. Start taking her places that didn't involve business. Get her to have some fun. Maybe hang out in the Keys for a while before seeing her mother. The lotion worked on her. No sparkles. Just beautiful skin. Yes. We will start with a movie. Then the Keys. I fell in love with her the minute she raided the Pentagon. It was time to start showing her that.
I was pulled from my thoughts when I noticed Emmett had overtaken Bella. Ty just joined the party. This should be good.
TY POV
Motherfuckin monkey boy. I know I heard her tell them bye on Garrett's little toy. Motherfucker don't take a hint. He gonna get a hint. I came over the rise to see he had gotten in front of her. He scared her. Maybe not scared. She was defensive, though.
"What the hell, Emmett?" I heard Shorty say.
"Bella I'm sorry. I just…I missed you. I wanted a word before you went off roaming the world."
"Emmett, I really don't want to have any emotional conversations. I'm kinda over it. Let's just let it go, okay?"
"Can I at least apologize…"
"Motherfucker, you the first vampire with hearing problems? I know I heard her say to leave it alone. So drop it and leave, alone."
"Ty." Bella whispered. She was smiling. I winked at her. She knew when big Ty was here, everything came up kittens and rainbows.
"Who are you?" Ape boy asked.
"My name is Ty. I roll with Garrett. Little shorty here is my baby sister. My baby sister said goodbye to y’all. You got any idea what that means?"
"I just want to talk, man. Give me a minute."
"Emmett, I don't want to talk. Just leave. Please?" Bella asked. She shouldn't have to ask these fuckers for anything.
"I ain't gonna tell you again, fucker. Get to steppin before yo big ass gets served."
"Look man, I just wanna…"
"It ain't about what you want, bitch. She don't owe you shit, much less an ear. Get out or else." Final warning.
Yeah. He done bowed up. That was dumb. Motherfucker about to toss his cookies.
"Or else what?"
Motherfucker was on the ground. Rolling. Clutching his stomach.
"Or else you ain't gonna know your elbow from your asshole, bitch." I walked up to him, moving to kick him. Bella pulled me back.
"No, Ty. He doesn't deserve that."
"You told him to leave you alone. He didn't. He deserves it. Now can I commence to cool this fucker?"
"No. Stop using your power. Now."
She was giving me that determined look she gets when I steal her remote and won't give it back to her.
I let ape boy get his bearings again.
"Thank you, Ty. Emmett, I'm sorry, but you really shouldn't have come after me."
"You're my family, Bella." Ape boy gasped from the ground.
"She got a new family now, fool. You ain't invited. I catch you bothering her again without her permission, you gonna need a meat wagon to carry your ass to the house. By that way, is that blonde your woman?"
"What? Yeah. She is."
"She one fine piece of ass, man. Go back home and tap that. Ain't nuthin but hurt out here, son."
"Emmett I'm sorry…" Bella began.
"Hell no. You don't owe them shit. Fuckers left you with a vampire after you. Fuck them. Fuck him. Let's go." I walked off while listening for Bella. She wasn't coming. I turned around to see her kneeling next to him.
"Sorry, Emmett, but you shouldn't have come after me. I need time. I have a new family now. You are going to have to accept that. You meant the world to me once, but quite frankly, I have a brother now who won't leave me. No matter what other people do. Take care of yourself." Bella placed a hand on his cheek, stood up, then ran to my side.
"You didn't have to do that." She whispered.
"Yeah, but it was fun." I told her honestly.
"I could have handled him."
"I know, but you shouldn't have to. We partners. Partners got each others back. Get used to it."
"Thanks, Ty. C'mon. Let's grab Garrett and get home."
"Damn right we are going home, Shorty. Our home."
Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Don't own it
Bella’s POV
I hadn't been in direct sunlight in so long, I felt very exposed. It was so strange… and to be wearing a bathing suit. A bikini no less.
Normally, I never would have worn one, but I figured it was time to embrace the good things about being a vampire. This body was not a bad side effect of being a vampire. I didn't feel self-conscious because of my body. Plus, I wanted to maybe catch Garrett's attention.
It may have been childish, but I wanted him to pay attention to me.
The smell of the ocean and the breeze kept the few human scents around from bothering me. In all honesty, I had gotten much better about human scents. I was so used to it in my room, that it bothered me less and less. I fed from a mountain lion on the drive here. The lion tore my clothes to shreds, so I had to change. Still though, I felt full. My goal was to get away from even bagged blood. I wanted golden eyes. Red eyes made me depressed. Still, Garrett said not to push it. The goal was to not kill people, not to worry about eye color. Speaking of Garrett, if his hand brushed mine one more time, I was going to grab it.
Garrett had insisted that we come to the Keys before seeing my Mom. He said I needed down time. He was walking beside me wearing old beige shorts that hung to his knees. He wasn't wearing a shirt. The first time I had seen him without a shirt was when we emerged from the ocean after the submarine rescue. I didn't have time to appreciate it then. I did now.
I appreciated the hell out of it now.
He was lean and ripped. He walked with such an elegant grace, even for a vampire. He always looked in deep thought. Then he would see something like a seagull or a dolphin jump in the distance, and he would have this look of childlike wonder. As if he was seeing everything for the first time.
His hand brushed mine again. I didn't say anything.
He grabbed my hand gently. His fingers hesitantly interlocked with mine. I looked up at him, but he looked nervous.
"It's okay." I smiled. I didn't say anything else. I like his touch. Ever since he locked his arms around my neck, I have liked his touch, no matter how brief it was.
He grinned, then continued looking down the beach we were walking on. The Keys really were beautiful. I used my thumb to rub the back of his hand. Nothing was said. He knew when to enjoy silence. It was one of the things I loved about him. I was starting to realize there was a lot I loved about him. After the visit with the Cullen's, he didn't hound me with questions. He let me play with his mini spy chopper. He gave me space, but let me know he was there. He was basically Garrett.
"Bella, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course." This was the first thing he had said since we started walking this stretch of beach.
"Are you afraid of heights?"
"No. I don't think so. I flew in a fighter jet. Of course, I really didn't have time to think about it. Why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if you would like to get a different view of the island?"
"Plane or helicopter?" I laughed.
"I was thinking more like that." He pointed to the sky.
"Oh."
An hour later we were sitting in the back of a speed boat. Strapped up into a halter of some sort, with an iron bar under my ass and a parachute flowing behind us. At least two could go up. Garrett was right next to me. We were still holding hands. Our other hands held on to the straps.
"You sure this is a good idea?" I whispered.
"Of course." He replied.
"What if I bend something? Or snap something. We fall, then have some explaining to do. Or make this guy think he killed us."
"Good point. Don't bend or snap anything." He said smiling.
"You two ready?" The driver asked.
"Send us up!" Garrett smiled. The rope was longer, so our feet left the deck. We were rising. One minute later, the boat was below us looking very, very small.
"Oh my God." I whispered. It was breathtaking.
"It is something. I have always wanted to do this." Garrett said. This surprised me.
"If you have always wanted to do this, why haven't you?"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"The first time I saw this, a man and a woman were gliding together, like we are now. I thought how nice it must be to have someone to share that with. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself at the time. Since I had turned, in all the decades I had lived, I never had a girlfriend. I did as a human, but not since. I have been going from battle to battle, fighting everything I could find. So the idea of doing something alone that looked so much fun to share with someone, held little appeal to me."
"Oh." I wasn't sure what to say to that. He had never had a girlfriend? Of course, our lifestyles make it difficult to have a relationship, I guess. While the Cullens were getting married every few years, going to school constantly, Garrett was fighting. He never really took time for himself. He had been alone before Ty, and now me.
"So thank you, Bella. You are the only person I have ever wanted to take parasailing. Now what do you think?"
I took a look around. We were in the US but the Florida Keys seemed like another country. An island country. I saw sand bars, small islands covered in trees. The water was so clear. With my eyesight, even from this distance, I could see the tropical fish swimming in the surf. The resorts in the distance.
I took the scenery in, then looked at him.
"Beautiful is the only thing I can think of to say right now." I whispered.
Since we had gotten on the boat, Garrett had not touched me. I found myself missing his hand.
He did it earlier. Guess it wouldn't be too awkward.
I brushed his finger. He grabbed my hand with no hesitation. I held in a smile. I didn't want it to seem like a big deal. It's just…I had never had much luck with guys. Edward, then when I finally got to a point with Jake that I felt I could carry on, my life ended. At least my old life.
I would be lying if I didn't say I was totally infatuated with him. At first, I thought maybe it was just gratitude for what he had done for me. Some type of hero worship. But it was more. I think he felt more for me, too.
We rode in silence, enjoying the view. Garrett pointed out some dolphins playing the surf, and told me we could swim with them in the morning. We had two more days here. Then I would see Mom. Garrett was taking me to a play tonight. He said being in a theater filled with people would show me how far I had come.
It seemed like Garrett was always doing something for me.
"Hey, Garrett? I know I've told you this before, but thanks…for taking me in, not killing me when I asked you to, talking to my parents, and…just everything. You've given me a reason to live, not just exist."
"You're welcome, Bella." He squeezed my hand a bit. "I could say the same about you."
We landed after being dipped in the water twice, then got back on the boat.
We walked back along the beach, taking our time while holding hands. He may have bumped me a few times in my hips, causing me to laugh. I felt so comfortable around him. I needed this. When he insisted on leaving Ty behind to watch the world, while we left early for fun, I was so against it. I was afraid I would miss a mission. I was afraid if I wasn't busy training constantly, I would have time to wallow. It wasn't true. Being with him…
We arrived back at our cabin on the beach. I walked in to see my phone buzzing. I looked down and recognized his number. I let it ring. I wasn't lying when I said we could be friends, but I was with Garrett now. Not the way I think I wanted to be, but we were together in the same space. I didn't want to waste our time together. Not like we would run out. But still. Edward did not belong here.
Garrett didn't comment on my ignoring of Edward's call. He noticed, though. I saw a little grin on his face. He walked into the bathroom, then I heard the shower turn on.
I decided television would be a good distraction to take my mind off what was going on behind that door. I have had sex exactly one time in my life. The last night of my former life. I focused on blood the past year. Since I had been with him, I had realized there were more things to focus on than blood.
Like the body being washed behind that door. Wouldn't mind being a wash cloth right now.
My damn phone buzzed again. Why did I give him my number? Friends. Right.
I picked up my phone and declined the call. Then I hit the power button. Garrett had his phone if Ty needed us. Mine was off tonight. I had learned a lot about myself since I had been with Garrett. Now I wanted to find out if Garrett felt the way I thought he felt about me. I didn't want to be broken or weak, I was tired of timid. If I was leaving the past behind, I was also leaving who I was.
Everything should tell me this would be a bad idea. If it didn't work, if I was misinterpreting his intentions, this could make our situation awkward. It could cause me to have to leave, but I had to do this.
I waited too long with Jake. I wouldn't make the same mistake again. I deserved to be happy. Okay, maybe I didn't deserve it, but I was going to do my best to take it.
Garrett walked out of the bathroom wet, wearing only a towel.
"Showers available." He winked.
He looked at my phone with the dark screen.
"Turn your phone off?"
"Yep."
"Good. I'll be in my room getting dressed. Have fun in the shower."
Oh damn.
GPOV
"You doing alright?"
She had started shaking slightly. Not noticeable to most. I tended to notice every single thing about her, though.
She squeezed my hand tighter and a determined look crossed her face. She would be fine.
The curtain opened, then the play began. Within minutes, she was laughing. I was surprised and a bit pleased when she told me that she had never been to a theater before to see a play. I forget how young she is compared to me. Barely starting out in this world.
I can't believe Edward called her. Twice. Back to back.
Of course, she ignored both. Fuck you, pretty boy.
That was childish. He has never done anything to me. I barely knew him.
My phone buzzed. Maybe Ty needed…
Fucking Carlisle Cullen. If that fucker thinks I am checking in with him, he is out of his damn mind.
"Who is on the phone?" Bella whispered, never taking her eyes off the stage. The smile never leaving her face.
I planned to keep it there.
"No one important. I'll turn it off."
"No! What if Ty needs us?"
True. I looked into contacts, blocking Carlisle's number from calling.
"There. Taken care of." I smiled. She laughed at some antic on the stage. The more involved she became, the less she shook. By intermission, she no longer seemed bothered by the scent of the humans at all.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" I asked.
"I've never had so much fun in my life." She told me staring into my eyes.
The second act was as good as the first. She walked out holding my hand, completely relaxed. We walked around the shops near the theater. Bella wanted to visit the souvenir shop. She bought me a god awful Hawaiian shirt, which gave me a great idea.
"I will wear this shirt, if you wear what I want you to wear to a concert tomorrow night."
That caught her attention.
"Why would you care what I wear? What kind of concert are we talking about?" she looked nervous. At least she loosened up about the bikini. She practically wore a robe for the first hour on the beach.
I looked over, seeing what I was looking for.
"Yes or no, Bella? Do we have a deal?"
She chewed her bottom lip. It was cute. I wonder if she had always done that.
"Fine. So long as you promise to wear that shirt. You can't dress me in any less than my bikini today covered."
Oh how wrong you are, Bella.
"Less? No I actually plan to dress you in more. A long grass skirt, a hat and that…"
Her eyes followed my finger to the wall display.
"No." she said automatically. I smiled.
"No." Now she was starting to understand. She must have seen the hats next to the display.
"No?" she asked quietly.
"Oh yes, Bella. Oh yes."
We watched television the rest of the night. At sun up we were in the ocean swimming along the dolphins. We actually could move quite a bit faster than they could. Normally, they would be frightened of us. I kept my distance. Bella swam right up to one and hugged it as it was gliding through the water. The Dolphin didn't seem to mind.
She had been much happier since New York, and I admit, since saying goodbye to the Cullens. I suppose Francis was right about that one. I still caught her at times with a sad look on her face, her eyes looking at some past only she could see. I also saw her catch herself. Once she even shook her head, then smiled.
Ty was right as well. She wasn't broken. She was too strong to be broken.
"Garrett, I am not coming out."
"How are we going to make the concert, if you don't come out of the bathroom?"
"I look ridiculous." I could hear the pout in her voice.
"Everyone else will look ridiculous as well. I'm wearing a hideous shirt for you."
"I thought you liked the shirt?"
"Really?" I would have thought the sarcasm wouldn't have been lost on her.
"Fine." She huffed. The door opened. Oh my.
A part of me wanted to laugh. Another part of me wanted to rip what little clothes she had on, off.
Bella had a fruit basket hat on that was at least two feet tall. A grass skirt started below her belly button and went to her bare feet. The kicker to the entire outfit was the coconut bra.
"Very nice." I murmured. "You will fit right in. Imagine this as undercover training. An essential part of many operations. Blending in, Bella."
"Jimmy Buffett? I can't remember if I have ever heard of this guy."
"You will love him. I partied once with him in the Seventies. Great guy. Now let's go."
Bella was relieved to see twenty thousand other people dressed exactly as we were. Some even more outlandish. We were seated next to a gentleman in a large parrot costume. At least he smelt male. It was difficult to tell. On the bright side, the overwhelming scent of alcohol and marijuana blunted the smell of human blood. Bella's eyes were only slightly dark once we got there, but they lightened to red after twenty minutes or so. She had a much more difficult time. I assumed, since this would be an outdoor concert, that she would have an easier time than the theater. The mass of humanity was difficult for her.
She did pass a major test, thought. Midway through Weather is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful, a man three rows in front of us dropped his beer bottle. His girlfriend tried to pick it up, cutting her hand.
Bella sniffed, her eyes turned to coal. Every muscle in her body clenched. She wasn't breathing. She wasn't moving all.
I reached for her elbow, but she shook her head.
"I'm good." She whispered. I watched her closely. She began breathing again. Slow breaths. Shallow. Her eyes remained closed.
Finally, she opened her eyes.
And grinned.
"I'm good. Hungry as hell, but good."
"You want to leave?" I asked.
"Nope. I want to stay." Her voice was quiet but determined. Just like she was. Quiet and determined.
After the concert, we packed our bags. We weren't going to leave until the morning, so we sat on the porch to watch the ocean roll in. Finally an hour before sun up, after hours of silence, I decided it was time to speak up.
"Bella, there is something I want you to understand. I realize you probably already know this, but I want you to be clear. I told you I would never lie to you. I am interested in you, Bella. I care deeply for you. We haven't known each other long, but no one has ever affected me the way you have. I am not telling you this to place any pressure on you. I just want to be upfront."
She didn't say anything. She kept staring ahead at the waves without so much as moving.
"Don't feel like you have to say anything, just because I put myself out there. This isn't awkward at all." I mumbled.
She at least smiled.
"Sorry." She whispered.
"No problem. So…"
"Garrett, you know the luck I have had with men. I pretty much let myself get dominated and led into the supernatural world by Edward Cullen. Then abandoned. Once I nearly moved on, and had sex for the one time in my life, I am taken away and changed into what Jake hates the most.
I have horrible luck with men. Are you sure you want to take this chance, Garrett? If it doesn't work, it could be awkward. I don't want to…"
She stopped talking. I didn't say a word. She finally looked over at me. Her eyes were wet.
"I'm so fucking tired of thinking." She whispered. Before I could react, she was on my lap, her lips on mine. I wrapped my hands in her hair and gripped, afraid to let her pull back. Her hands were running in my hair. Her tongue parted my lips. We joined each other, and for the first time since I woke up on the field surrounded by my dead comrades, I felt complete.
We stayed wrapped up in each other until the sun was in the sky.
When she finally pulled back with a slight smile, I nearly felt pain.
She had me. I was caught. There was no backing out now. No playing it safe. I had to have her now.
I kissed her gently on her mouth once more before she slid off my lap.
"That was a hell of a first kiss, Miss Swan."
"Yes, it was."
"Are you ready to see your mother?"
"Yes. Now I am. I am definitely ready to see Mom."
BPOV
"You sure?"
"Yes, Bella. You can use a touch phone. You cracked an egg this morning. Your control is fine. You will not hurt her."
"She might run up to me and hug me."
"I know." Garrett said calmly.
"I haven't hugged a human yet who survived." I told him honestly.
"You just said yet. Meaning you know you got this. Relax." He smiled. Damn those lips. Seeing Mom was the only thing that pulled me off of him. We hadn't really talked about that. Nothing needed to be said, I suppose.
I was about to knock on mom's door when my phone rang.
I looked down prepared to turn it off, in the event it was Edward. Instead it was him.
"Hey."
"Hey, girlie. You doin alright?"
"Hey, Ty." I smiled. Like Garrett, his voice always made me smile it seemed. For very different reasons.
"How did you know I was here?"
"Oh, are you at your Mom's?" he asked surprised.
I looked up at the sky, seeing Garrett doing the same. He pointed west. It took me a second, but then I saw it. Blending in with the bright sky. A drone.
"A drone, Ty? Really?"
"I missed you. How you and Garret enjoying the romantic weekend away from Ty thing ya'll got goin on?"
"It's going very good." I replied neutrally.
"So y’all fuck?"
"Damn it, Ty!" I yelled.
"You're right. Ty is sorry. Honestly it freaks me out a little. Gar like my big brother, you're like my little sister, and ya'll about to have some southern backwoods shit goin on. I guess it's cool, since y’all can't be havin no two-headed babies or anything, but still. Y’all gotta put a sock on the door at the compound or something. That's all I'm sayin. What was it like to brush the dust off a two hundred year old dick? You have ta use a duster to remove the cobwebs out of the way?"
"Oh my God, Ty. I am going to kill you." I mumbled.
"Nah. You gonna give me a big ole hug. Just wash your hands first. I don't know what you been touchin this weekend."
"Why did you call, Ty?" I asked. Garrett just stood there with his face planted in his hands, shaking his head back and forth.
"Wanted to get your mind right before you went in there. You was nervous. Don't be. You want to be nervous about something, you should worry about the embarrassing shit I have put in y’alls rooms since ya been gone. Give Momma a kiss for me. Love you, Bella."
Ty ended the call before I could respond.
I slipped my phone in my pocket, grabbed Garrett's hand, then walked towards the door. Before I could knock, it was open and she was there.
"Mom?"
"Baby, you are beautiful."
She was crying already. I wanted to. I had not seen her since she left Forks, after an unsuccessful attempt to bring me to Florida after Edward had left.
Her hair had some grey in it. Her face had a few wrinkles. She never had those before. I had red eyes. I guess we all change.
She opened her arms as she stepped towards me. I wouldn't panic. Garrett placed his hand on the small of my back. I opened my arms before she practically fell into me.
I moved very slowly, but eventually, I had my arms around her.
I wasn't sure how she would react to my cold skin. It didn't seem to bother her. Her tears were on my face.
I don't know at what point, but Garrett had taken his hand off my back, then walked out of the room.
Mom pulled back, trying to pull me to the couch. She jerked quickly, bringing me out of my trance.
"Sorry."
"It's okay, Baby. I know you are strong now."
I followed her to the couch.
"You are beautiful, Baby. You always have been, but…"
"How do you like the new place?" I asked. Mom had only been here recently.
"Garrett did a great job. He must be able to read minds or something. I couldn't have picked out a better place myself."
"Garrett? Where is Phil?"
"Oh…we never talked about that, did we?"
"Talked about what, Mom?"
Garrett moved in the room quicker than I could nearly see. He sat down next to me and smiled.
"After Phil found me…after I tried to…anyway, I was in the hospital and not making any progress, so I guess the stress was too much. We divorced."
"He divorced you while you were in a damn Mental hospital!" I yelled. Mom jerked. Garrett grabbed me with both of his arms.
"I didn't want to tell you. It's for the best, Bella."
I wanted to find him. Track him down and hurt him. Not kill him. Just hurt him. Permanently.
"The best? He abandoned you! After your daughter supposedly died and you tried to kill yourself?"
"Bella. It's okay. Calm down." Garrett whispered.
"Listen to Garrett, Bella. He isn't worth getting worked up over. I am fine. I have this place, plus a new job teaching at a new elementary school. I thought I would never get it, but I would imagine your friend had something to do with that as well." Renee grinned at Garrett. I looked over at him. He was rubbing my shoulders.
"You bought her this house?"
"Yep." He didn't lie. Garrett never lied.
"Why?"
"Because I could and I wanted to. No other reason."
I nodded. Typical Garrett. That was what I loved about him.
"I understand you have been doing very well. How was the concert?" Mom asked.
"You knew we went to a concert?"
"Yes. Ty told me."
"Ty told you? When?" What the fuck?
"Last night on the phone, Bella. You act like you don't know that one of your men is calling me every day to say hi and talk."
"I didn't know." I murmured glancing at Garrett. He was looking down.
"Yes. I hear from Ty or Garrett every day since Garrett sprung me from the nuthouse. Even on the days I hear from you, Bella."
I had no idea. Neither of them ever said a word about it. Why keep it from me? Of course I didn't ask, did I?
"I hope you aren't angry." Garrett whispered.
"Why would she be angry, Garrett? It's not like she has a reason to be jealous of me. Now if there are any other women you are talking to without her knowledge, you might want to be concerned."
"Mom, Garrett and I are…we are…" I looked at him for help, but he was waiting for me to speak.
"I know what you and Garrett are. You are each other's salvation, just as you are mine, Bella. Just be happy with that. Besides, Garrett would never talk to another woman. It was over for you the moment you saw her, wasn't it?"
"Yes, Renee. It was." Garrett answered her but was looking at me.
"Mom? When did you get so…" Mom didn't normally sound so thoughtful.
"Spending six months in a psychiatric facility, thinking you had no reason to live, will make a person more thoughtful, Bella. Now, Garrett…I finally have you here. Would you like to see the pictures of Bella growing up that I have been promising you?"
Garrett looked at me and I nodded. I wasn't angry. I was touched. Ty as well. I wonder if they had been calling Charlie. We would be seeing him next week.
"I would definitely love to see those pictures, Renee."
Mom fell asleep in my arms that night. The next morning, I hugged her for a couple hours, then Garrett and I left. We needed to check in. Make plans to see Charlie. I would have to come to grips with seeing Jake. I had hoped maybe he wouldn't want to see me. I didn't want him to see me like this. But I knew he would. May as well face it.
I promised Mom a visit in the next two weeks, unless something came up that couldn't be rescheduled. She understood. She told me she was proud of me. I tried to feel pride in that, but I wasn't to that point yet. Not yet.
We were on the road for three hours playing word games, to see who would choose the radio station, when he called.
"Ty, you got some explaining to do." I laughed before Garrett could even say hello.
"Garrett, Bella... listen up."
Oh, shit. Ty sounded serious.
"Go ahead." Garrett said in the same tone Ty was using.
"A Hawk carrying UN peacekeeping boys went down in the Bosnian wilderness. An SRT was sent in. They never came out. Another team went in. They reported being surrounded by an unknown enemy before being slaughtered. They were holding, but couldn't say who or what was attacking them. They have lost 6 out of 24 troops so far. Radio communication ended, no other word has come from the area. Trackers on the team are no longer moving, but satellite flybys show no bodies in the area. Me and Connolly's dumbasses are in the air now, headin cross the pond. Get you and shorty's asses out to Eglin and catch a ride. See you guys there."
"See you in Bosnia, Ty." Garrett said before ending the call.
"So. Bosnians?" I wasn't actually up to date as I should be on foreign affairs.
"Nope. Werewolves. Sounds as if they have possibly taken out two SRT teams."
"So…"
"You ready to go hunting, Bella?" he winked at me.
"Yes, I am." I also had a few ideas for when hunting was over. This weekend was a good start, but I wanted him. He stepped up, made his intentions very clear. Maybe it's time I made mine clear as well. Very clear. I never had much game in my life, as Ty would say. It was time to step mine up.
Don't own it
BPOV
Fucker had a sword. Shit. Sword just caught on fire. A flaming sword. My sword doesn't catch on fire. Why the hell doesn't my sword catch on fire?
Wings? The son of a bitch has wings. He can fly. Neglected to mention that, Garrett. Would have been good to know.
"Sure you don't want to run little vampire?"
"Yep."
"Last chance." He smiled. Sort of. The whole demon face thing made it hard to tell.
"No. I'm good."
"So be it."
Oh shit, he charged me.
He was like a damn flaming avalanche. I saw his sword come crashing down. I threw mine up and met him. I blocked his strike, falling on my ass from the blow. He swung again, but I rolled out of the way to the side, his sword barely missing my head. Damn, it was hot. I was able to see the priest though. I moved in front of him quickly.
"Stay back Father!"
"No problem. I was wondering, where is Garrett?" He didn't sound confident.
"Uh…looking for this guy?"
"Who are you?"
"Bella Swan." The demon roared, charged again. I grabbed Father Francis with one arm and dodged to the side, running to the other side of the Church.
"Let him be and leave. You are too beautiful to burn, but I will if I must." Ugly offered.
"Are you kidding? I'm pretty sure I'm winning." I told him with false bravado.
He swung at my head, I ducked. I swung at his midsection, he jumped back. He stepped forward, but before I could get my guard up, I felt the blow to my head. I crashed through wooden pews and looked up from my back. He was coming. Slowly. Toying with me.
I lay there until he stood over me.
And kicked him in his balls. He doubled over, then I hit him in his jaw. Grabbing my sword from the ground, I jumped around his body, then onto his back. My plan was to cut off his head from behind with my sword. It was a good plan. Until he grabbed my hair, tossing me over his head into a wall.
I looked up to see Father Francis kneeling next to me.
"I was wondering, have you fought many demons?" he asked.
"Uh... he's actually my first." Maybe my last if I didn't get it together.
"Oh. Okay. You have probably trained for this though, right?"
"Sure." He looked relieved. "I trained for like 24 hours last week on only demons."
"Well, we have that going for us." He murmured.
The demon roared as he came at me again.
"Run!" I yelled at the priest.
I swung my sword, but hit air. He hovered above me.
I jumped towards him, his fist hit my face.
I could feel the burn on my face where he struck me. Damn. That hurt. My face was healing. I could feel the venom repairing me. But he hurt me.
"Demon!" I heard Father Francis yell. We both turned towards him.
Father Francis threw something at the demon's face. A glass vial. It broke, and the demon yelled. I looked at the Priest in confusion.
"Holy water." He offered as an explanation.
"You're just now telling me this? Get more!"
"I don't exactly keep it on me in bulk." He said shrugging his shoulders. Still, it was the distraction I needed. While the demon wiped his burning face, I ran, driving my sword through his stomach. I suppose he expected me to go for his head. I brought the sword up through his stomach before his hand caught it. He swung his body with my sword lodged in it, and tossed me aside. I hit the ground but was up in time to see him pulling my sword out of his body.
He snapped my sword. Damn it. It was my first sword.
He roared and ran at me, flaming sword above his head. I remember this. Ty showed me.
"Father move!"
His sword came down. I grabbed his wrists, twisted out of the way to the left, then pulled. His grip broke, and his sword was in my hand. I continued twisting, letting my left hand arc the sword towards him. I felt a slight resistance; the sword was free. I turned to see him standing. He was shaking.
Then his head fell off. I realized my hand felt very hot. I looked down and saw the burning sword was still in my hand. I dropped it; it hit the ground the same time his body did.
"You may want to step away." Father Francis said quietly. I was confused until the demon's body blew up into a cloud of sulfur and ash, leaving me covered in it.
"Because that happens sometimes." The good Father finished.
"Thanks for the warning." As I spoke, ash sputtered from my mouth.
"You okay?" I asked him.
"Yep. Great. You did wonderful. I never doubted you for a second." He smiled.
"I thought Priests couldn't lie?"
"Oh no, we certainly can. You want honesty? I was a bit concerned when I saw you get knocked down while blocking one swing of his sword. Then when he hit you, throwing you thirty feet or so. Then when he grabbed your hair, I thought you were done for. And then…"
"I get it, Father." I threw my hands up.
"But you did it. You saved me. You sent a demon back to hell. So thank you. I will never doubt you again."
Oh.
"Uh…thanks? And thanks for the Holy Water grenade. That helped."
"Anytime. I shall have to begin keeping it in bulk. Perhaps water balloons?" he suggested, making me laugh.
"So you are Bella?"
"Yes. Bella Swan. I would shake your hand, but my grip control isn't exactly where it needs to be. Plus I'm a little jacked up right now."
"You are a new vampire?" he asked. He didn't seem scared.
"Yeah." I also noticed that his smell didn't bother me as much. Maybe I was becoming accustomed to the smell of humans. I mean, I smelt it in my room all the time.
"How long?"
"Little over a year."
"Wow. And you are working with Garrett? How did you meet him?"
"Long story." I mumbled.
"I have time."
I didn't want to tell him this story. He had a favorable opinion of me right now.
"Well…okay." It would be good to talk to someone who I didn't live with.
An hour later, I was still in a pew that wasn't knocked over, finishing the story of my life to a Priest I had barely met.
"Impressive. You came to turn yourself in to help humans. Then Garrett finds you and gives you an opportunity to help humans. Sounds to me like the Lord is guiding your life, Bella. Keep following his path, and you will do well."
"I'm not religious, Father."
"No one said you had to be. God has a plan for you anyway."
"Did God plan for me to kill those people?" I asked somewhat sarcastically.
"Most likely. People are killed by predators, vampires and otherwise. It happens. I am sorry it happened to be you who was the predator, but we all have a time to go. Is it tragic? Yes. Though if you hadn't gone through what you did, you never would have wanted to turn yourself in, so to speak. You never would have met Garrett, and you wouldn't have been here while he was out on a blind goose chase. I would be dead. Apparently, it wasn't my time. Because you decided you had enough of the life you had and wanted it to end, I am now alive. Don't you see, Bella? We are all part of a greater plan. God does not force people to do his bidding, nor does the devil. We have free will. That doesn't mean God doesn't put the people in places where they have the opportunity to do his will. It is up to the person to decide their actions. You have decided to help Garrett protect others. I, for one, am very glad."
"I'm glad I was here too, Father. I mean... not while I was getting my ass kicked, but I am glad I could save you. Next time, you should really run." I pointed out.
"It wouldn't have done me much good. Demons hardly ever come alone. I'm surprised this one did."
Oh…wait…
"What do you mean they hardly ever come alone?" I whispered.
"Just that they usually have familiars with them, or lesser demons. No big…"
We both heard the creek of the church doors as they opened, but saw no one walk in. I looked out in the aisle, then saw them.
Dogs. Black dogs. Big black dogs.
"Oh dear." Father Francis whispered.
"What? Why are we oh dearing? They're dogs." Ugly dogs but I could handle dogs.
"Do you have that sword from the demon?"
"No. It melted."
I heard growling. I looked back at the dogs to see they were getting bigger. Within seconds, they were solid black five foot tall dogs, with large fanged teeth set in very large mouths.
"Hellhounds." Father Francis whispered.
I stepped out in the aisle.
"Run." I whispered.
"No."
"Yes!" Men.
The dogs began running towards me. I braced myself for impact. I had to knock them both down. I didn't hear Father Francis running. Instead he was praying. Great. Can't you do that while running?
They were nearly on me. They seemed bigger up close. A few more steps…
Garrett flew on one dog's back while Ty flew on the other from nowhere. The dogs flattened on the floor, both of my guys burying swords into their brains. A couple slices, then the heads were off. Ty and Garrett jumped off. This time, I backed up before I could be covered in a cloud of soot.
I found myself in Garrett's arms so fast that I nearly lost the breath I had.
"Bella, tell me you are okay." He sounded so worried. I was flattened against him, his head buried in my hair. Damn, he smelled so good.
"I'm good. I'm okay."
"You're scratched." He said, finally stepping back to look at me.
"It's better."
"The demon?" he asked, already nodding.
"Yeah. He was here when I got here."
"Why didn't you call me, Bella?" he looked so sad. I tried…oh yeah.
"Yeah, about that. I need a new phone. I got a little excited in my hurry to call you." He at least smiled. Then he turned to Father Francis.
"You couldn't have called me while she was fighting?"
"She had it. I have a feeling she needed that." He smiled at Garrett.
"Hey, Ty? That move you showed me worked. Cut his head off with his own sword." I winked.
"Look at you, shorty. Goin’ all Conan on his ass. Good job." Ty said smiling. He looked a little jacked up though. I don't know why. I was the one who was fighting.
"You okay, Ty?"
He nodded then looked away. "Thought we may have lost you, Bella. Fightin’ a demon on your own ain't no way to get experience." He said quietly.
"How did you guys know he was here?"
"I tried to call you. You didn't answer. I panicked." Garrett answered.
"That's too bad. I was about to kick those puppies back to Hell." I told him dishonestly. I had no idea what I was going to do.
GPOV
Bravado. I saw the look on her face when those demon mutts were coming at her. A bit of fear, but a whole lot of determination. She was not letting those dogs by.
I was very frightened when I saw her in that situation. I should have checked the Church. Ty was right. That was no way to break her in.
Still, she survived. Father Francis was probably right. She needed that.
"A word, Garrett?" Francis asked. I nodded, then looked at Ty. He saw my look and understood. He wouldn't leave her side. He was as shaken up as I was.
I followed the Father back to his office, while Bella gave Ty a play by play of her fight.
"Have a seat old friend. I have an important question to ask you."
I sat down, then looked at Father Francis behind his desk.
"Yes?"
"Have you lost your damn mind? I wouldn't have asked for your help if I knew you were sending an inexperienced girl to help me!"
He seemed upset.
"You're alive, aren't you?"
"She could have been torn to pieces! One week, Garrett? One week? Twenty-four hours of training to fight demons? Have you lost your damn mind?"
"You're alive, aren't you?!" So he was starting to annoy me.
"Yes. Great job finding the demon. Thankfully, she is very resourceful. For a moment, I was concerned though."
"You know, I am a vampire. You should watch how you talk to me."
"I work for God. I win. Now tell me about her."
So I did. She had already told him her life story. I told him my impressions.
"Strong, large heart, good soul stained by death. Beautiful, caring, sensitive, ready to die for others."
"So you have already fallen in love with her?"
"I have not!" I countered. This guy was worse than an old lady in a sewing circle.
"Like hell. I've known you for twenty years, Garrett. You have been a good friend, and you are a good man. I recognize the face of a man who was worried the woman he was in love with could be injured. That was your face when you grabbed her and held her like a lifeline."
"She is young. She is in an emotionally difficult time. I am trying to help her."
Francis shut up at least. For a moment.
"Queen to Queen's Knight 6." He said.
Interesting.
"Bishop to King's Rook 4." The two of us have been playing chess without a board for ten years. We have managed to complete 22 games. I won eleven. So far.
"So she will be seeing her parents?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"Good. What about closure?"
"She doesn't need closure. Are you getting deaf in your old age? She will continue to talk to and see them."
"That wasn't the closure I was speaking of. And I'm not old. You're old. I'm in my prime."
I had thought of this. I wouldn't push the issue.
"She hasn't mentioned anything about them. I offered her the chance to go to them and she turned it down. Why would I bring it up?"
"The family still searches?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but yes."
"What happens when they run into her one day?" Francis asked.
"What about it?" I asked defensively.
"You were adamant that she needed to speak to her parents, but do not care if she ever has closure with the family that dragged her into this world?"
"You're right. I don't care."
"Jealous?" He grinned.
"Nope." I countered.
"Liar."
"I hope you realize this is the last time I ever send a bodyguard to protect you." I told him with all sincerity.
"I hope it's the last time I need you to."
"So what did the demon want with you?" I asked, hoping to change the subject.
"In due time. She needs to get closure."
"What did the demon want with you?" I asked again.
"I imagine to kill me and take my place. I am scheduled to hear the Governor's confession this Saturday."
"That could take a while." I pointed out.
"Sensitive information. Gather the information, then take the Governors spot."
"Why?" I asked more to myself.
"He wanted to be Governor?" Francis offered.
"Bullshit. Governor? What would a demon care about being a politician? If he wants to be in the Governor's mansion, it was because he needed control of something. He was sent here. Demons don't plan. Not often. They are more trouble makers. Destruction for the sake of destruction. This was a planned attack."
Francis shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm sure you will figure it out. You are a bright guy. By the way, King’s bishop to Queen's Knight 8. King's bishop takes King’s Knight."
"I didn't need that piece anyway. I have to go. We never did gather enough intelligence, and I want to show the city to Bella. So, unless you need your ass saved again?"
"I will pray if I do." Francis smiled.
"Excellent. You may want to call me as well. See you later Father."
"God go with you, friend."
BPOV
"I can't believe you have never been to New York City, Bella! That's crazy."
"It's really not, Ty. A lot of people have never been to New York." I told him.
"Not my people. You're my people now, and we got to educate you. Where we heading first Gar?"
Garrett was staring at his smart phone screen. He told me he could get the satellite feed from home on his screen. He was looking for vampires in the city. Not to kill, he said, but to gather information.
"No one important seems to be around. At least, no one I want to talk to. The choice is yours, Ty. Lead the way."
"Oh, hell yeah."
"Just please, no people, Ty." I begged. The smells were starting to drive me crazy and I was outside.
"Nah. I'll stay by your side. You ain't gonna hurt nobody. We got this. But this is NYC. There are gonna be people."
"I have an idea of where we could go first. The same place I took you the first time you came here. Remember, Ty?" Garrett asked. Ty's face became solemn.
"Yeah. Let's do that. Then we have some fun. Alright?"
Where the hell were they taking me now? Garrett hailed a cab, then forty five minutes of traffic later, we stopped. I saw Wall Street. I saw…two large beams of blue light shooting straight up into the sky. It was beautiful.
This must be…
"Is this?"
"Yes." Garrett answered. "The place where 2751 people died. This is Ground Zero. This is why we do what we do Bella. We fight demons and vampires and other creatures of the supernatural world to protect humans, but we are always involved in foreign affairs. Even affairs of humans. We do what we do to keep this from ever happening here again."
Nothing else was said. I stood there looking at the construction going on to build the memorial. No one was working as it was night. I could picture it, though. The sites where the buildings stood were marked by the blue lights brightening the sky.
I don't know how long I stood there. I remembered, though. I was only 6 when the towers were struck. I remember my Mom crying. I watched the footage and even at 6 years old I understood. I remember seeing people jumping from the buildings to escape fire. I remember Mom screaming when the second plane hit the tower live on television. I remember seeing the towers fall. I asked my Mom what happened to the people who went inside. I saw a lot of firemen and police officers running towards the buildings. I had assumed they must have gotten out, until my mother wouldn't answer me.
I watched with her all day. It never occurred to her that maybe I shouldn't be watching. I remembered the Pentagon being hit. But there was not much coverage. I would have to ask Garrett where it happened when we returned. The report of the plane crashing in the field shook my Mom up as well.
Seeing it in person, the final resting place of many bodies that had burned and simply never been recovered, brought everything home to me. After an unknown amount of time, Garrett finally spoke. When I looked at him, his eyes had venom pooling in them.
"Do you see, Bella? Do you see why?"
I nodded.
"It's not about me, you, or Ty. It's not about our pasts, or what we may have done. This is what we have dedicated our lives to, Bella. Freedom. Many have died because others hate our freedom. We, as a Country, have had to fight for our freedom since the Declaration of Independence was signed. We have had to fight for the freedom of others. Men and women have given their lives to defend this country. These men and women died because our freedom was hated by evil men. The firefighters and police who died here had dedicated their lives to protecting others. They raced into certain death on the hope that if they could save even one person, they would trade their lives for that one person.
This is what we do, Bella. We protect those who cannot protect themselves. We protect our country. We protect the people in it, and we help those who wish to have the same freedoms as we do. You are a part of this now. Do you understand?"
I had venom in my eyes now.
"Yes. I understand." I whispered.
"It's time to let the past go, Bella."
"Yes. It is." I agreed. I realized I meant it. I would never forget the lives I took. But I would dedicate my life to making sure more life was not lost if I could stop it. It was time for me to move forward. To live. Not just for the next mission. To really live.
"Good. Ty, where would you like to go?" Garrett asked.
"Actually, could I have a few more moments alone? Here? Please?" I asked.
"Of course, Bella." Garrett smiled.
They left me alone. I got on two knees and prayed. I had never really prayed before, but I talked to God. I asked for forgiveness and strength. I asked for the rest of the souls of those whose lives I ended. I made peace with my actions. I made peace with myself. It was time. Time I stopped wallowing in the past. I had been given gifts. First to be found by wonderful men who cared for me. The second was that I could still have my parents. Not many vampires, if any get this opportunity. I would not waste it. Third I had been given a purpose, not just an existence. Had things worked out differently I may have spent my life going to high school over and over again. I was not meant for that. I was meant for more. For that, I was very grateful.
It was time to move on, to embrace the future. I would always look back. Always remember those who died, but as a warning to me. A reminder to keep the monster inside me under control. I could not say I would never kill again. I knew I would kill to protect this country, to protect others. I understood that I probably would have to, but I would never drink from another human. Even an enemy.
It was also time to say goodbye. Goodbye to what could have been. They had been looking for me. They shouldn't be. I needed to let them know I was okay, that it was time for them to stop.
I walked off from Ground Zero a changed person. No longer would I feel sorry for myself. No longer would I try to search for death. I would search for life, along with wherever I could save it.
I found Garrett on a nearby rooftop.
"Where is Ty?" I asked.
Garrett nodded back to Ground Zero.
"He needed a little time alone as well."
I nodded.
"Garrett?"
"Yes, Bella?"
"They are still searching, aren't they?"
He didn't ask who they were. He knew.
"Yes." He whispered.
"I won't ever join them. I am yours now. Yours and Ty's. I mean…you know what I mean. I want to save lives. I am a part of this, and nothing will change that. But…I need to say goodbye."
Garrett nodded. He understood. I knew he would.
"When?" he whispered without looking at me.
"Sooner the better, I suppose. I'm sure we have work to do. I need to get this done."
"You know you will have to go alone. With Edward being able to read minds, and your power still not under control…"
"I know. It's okay. You will be nearby right?"
"Always."
"Good."
Garrett turned to stare into my eyes. I stared into his. The feelings this man brought out in me were confusing. Feelings I never really had to deal with before, even with Edward. Even with Jake. I knew I could not be far away from him. The thought scared the hell out of me. I gave him a little smile.
"Tomorrow we go back to Washington. I will find their exact location. We can get this over with, then move on."
I nodded, agreeing with him.
"Moving on seems like a really good idea."
Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Don't own it.
BPOV
Paisley, Oregon. Of course , the house was outside of city limits. Considering there were only a little over 200 people in the city, taking a few steps to the left or right would cause you to be outside city limits.
I wondered what Garrett and Ty were doing. Garrett said if I had problems, he would be here. His theory was that as long as I was within twenty feet of him, Edward couldn't read his thoughts. He probably had some stealth drone watching me now. I didn't mind. I felt better knowing he was there.
I listened carefully. Garrett sent me a text saying his satellite image shows that the Cullen's are all home. I wondered if I should do this with all of them there. Not much choice. Besides, it would be better to get this over with all at once. I had one purpose in coming here. To tell them to stop looking for me.
I walked at normal speed towards the house, in no hurry to get there. It was beautiful. Not quite as big as the Fork's house. Still very large. It had a hunting lodge feel to it. Logs covered the outer walls. I could hear voices inside. I stood on the front lawn listening to the family talking.
They were talking about me. Apparently Edward had just covered Washington again. Jasper and Alice had searched Wyoming. Rose and Emmett had searched Utah. Carlisle and Esme had continued to search Oregon and then had moved into Canada.
Alice just started sobbing.
"You can stop looking for me." I said, still standing outside. I knew they would hear me.
Ten seconds went by and no one said a word. Then the door cracked open. Esme was out first, followed by Edward and Alice.
Seeing them took me back. Memories I thought had gone forever returned. They all stood in front of the house finally. All looking at me.
"Hey." I said quietly.
Alice rushed me to pull me in a hug. I growled. I didn't mean to. It happened, though. I still wasn't comfortable with touching, unless it was Garrett or Ty. I jumped back, going into a defensive position before I realized what I was doing.
Now they were nervous. I took some calming breaths.
"Sorry. Still not used to people touching me. I have been on my own for a while."
"Bella, it is so good to see you." Esme whispered stepping closer. I tried to relax. I could do this. I beat a demon. I could handle this.
Until I met his eyes.
"Bella." He still said my name like a prayer. Looking at him through my new eyes, I wasn't as struck by his beauty any longer. He was still beautiful. He always would be. But it didn't overwhelm me like before.
"I only came to tell you to stop looking for me. I'm fine. I…I need to go now."
I pulled my eyes away from them and took a step. Someone grabbed me, so I instinctively grabbed and shifted my weight, just like Garrett and Ty taught me. Whoever it was flew over me, landing hard into the ground.
It was Rose. She stood up and raised her hands in surrender.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that, but please, Bella. Please don't leave yet." She asked. It was the first nice thing I believe she ever said to me.
"Bella, please come inside." Carlisle asked.
They had looked for me for a while now.
I nodded as I walked in, feeling uncomfortable having them all at my back. Only the knowledge that Garrett was nearby made me calm enough to do this. I walked into a spacious living room and stood. The others sat around me.
"Would you have a seat, Bella?" Alice asked. They looked at me as if I was about to kill them all. I suppose I was just barely out of my newborn phase, having shown aggressive behavior towards them. Not intentionally, but still…
"No. I am good." I replied.
"Bella, we are so…" Esme began.
"Stop. No apologies. I don't want to hear it. What happened, happened. Edward, I know why you left; you were right to do so. Even if your method was incredibly rude. You were right, though. I only wish I hadn't gotten involved in this whole world. I really didn't understand what this was. Being a vampire. I…I won't talk about what I have done. They are my sins; I am dealing with them the best I can. I tried drinking from animals. But no amount of animal blood would save humans from me. I lived in the wild most of the past year avoiding people. Still though, they found me.
I only came to tell you to not look for me."
"Bella, please stay. Please." Edward whispered.
"I…I don't want to, Edward. I want to be on my own. At least for now. I met a friend. I may travel with him. See the world. He helps me break into blood banks to drink donated blood. He got me a phone. Clothes. He told me where you were. I think I am going to stick around him. Try the nomad life."
"What friend?" Carlisle asked.
"Garrett. He found me in the wild. He is helping me to get off human blood. He is a good guy."
"Yes he is." Carlisle whispered. "I wonder why…"
"I asked him not to tell you. Not right away. I needed time. You understand?"
They all nodded.
"So you are going to stay with Garrett?" Edward asked.
"Yes. For now." For good actually, but they didn't need to know that.
"But Garrett drinks from humans." Esme said, getting a bit upset from the look on her face.
"Yes, but mostly donated blood. He also hunts animals. At least he has since I met him. He has been very supportive."
"Yes, and Garrett would be the first to tell you that you don't owe him Bella. If you want to stay here…" Carlisle started.
"I know I don't owe him. I mean, I feel I do, but he doesn't see it that way. I want to find myself, though. Travel around I guess. See what's out there. Try to find my place in the world now."
"You will always have a place here." Edward said quietly.
"Edward, I appreciate that, but you left. I'm not mad about it. Okay, I'm pretty mad that you all left me with a vampire still after me. You all left me without a word. Things have happened since then. Happened to me. I'm not the same person I was. I don't hate any of you. I really don't. But I am not a part of your family. I don't say this to be rude. It's the truth."
"You will always be a part of this family, Bella." Esme said. I looked around and saw only Alice, Edward and Esme were looking at me. The others were looking at the floor.
"I appreciate that, Esme. It doesn't change the way I feel. I need to go. Garrett is waiting for me. He offered to come with me, but I told him no. I thought this should be said between us. I don't hate any of you, but…I have to go."
I turned to walk out. No one tried to grab me this time.
I had stepped off the front porch when Edward called my name.
I took a deep breath and turned. The site of him caught me by surprise. His eyes were wet.
"Yes, Edward?"
"Could I have just a moment of your time?"
"I suppose." I whispered. I had come all this way.
We walked side by side.
"I want to apologize."
"Don't. I told you I didn't want apologies."
"Not about…I mean…I want to apologize about what I did before I left you. Please let me explain."
I really didn't want to hear this. Though, it probably needed to be said and heard.
"Go ahead, I guess."
"I never should have gotten you involved. I love you. I was selfish. I'm sorry. I'm also sorry for…"
"What? How you left me? I know why you did it. Forget about it. A different time and place."
"Yes, but that was not what I was going to apologize for. The past year I have done nothing but think of you. Think about us. I know I told you I wanted you to have a human life, but I never asked what you wanted. I kept you from your friends, your family. I monopolized your time to the point that I watched you sleep. I made you dependent on me. Then I broke you, abandoned you. I never thought you would be in danger. I honestly thought that bitch would come after me."
"Yeah. Me too." I laughed. I don't know why. It struck me as funny.
"I'm sorry about everything. I never deserved you."
"Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know any more, Edward. I don't really care. It is what it is. Time to move on."
"Can we see each other again? I mean are you gone forever? Or will you at least visit, maybe?"
I didn't know. It was a long life though.
"I'm sure we will run into each other eventually, Edward."
"I don't want to just run into you, Bella. I have no right to ask this of you, but…could I perhaps call you sometimes? Just to see how you are doing? To talk? Do you have a phone? I could get you one."
"Garrett got me a phone, Edward." I didn't reply to the rest of his inquiry. I wasn't sure how. Maybe he would let it go.
"So…could I have your number?" He asked smiling shyly. Damn.
"Yeah. I guess." I gave it to him and he told me his.
"Thank you, Bella. It means a lot that you would allow me even this much. I don't deserve it."
"No, you don't." I laughed. "But you did kill Victoria, according to Garrett, so I guess you get some points."
"Bella, what did she…"
"I don't want to talk about it, Edward. I'm not angry now. If you bring it up I will become angry."
"Of course. I'm sorry. So you and Garrett will be traveling? I don't know him well, but from what I have heard, he is a good man. Carlisle says so, so it must be true."
Why couldn't he say something bad about Garrett? Why couldn't he be a pompous ass?
"Yeah. He is. A good guy."
"Then I am thankful to him, Bella."
"I have to go, Edward." I needed to get away. I wanted to get back to my family. Find a big foot to kill. Throw holy water at demons. Maybe go track down terrorists in the Middle East. Not this. This hit too close. It made me think about the past. I didn't want to think about the past.
"Of course. Could I possibly hug you? I understand if you don't want me to. I heard you say you weren't comfortable with physical contact."
I shrugged my shoulders. Why not?
I opened my arms, then Edward pulled me in slowly. I was momentarily shocked at how he felt. Edward had always been the cold, hard body that made me feel safe. Now he felt human. His temperature was warm. When I met Garrett, he was on my back. I have always felt Garrett like I would feel a human from my previous life. With Edward though, it was strange. Edward apparently thought so as well.
"Wow. I have never felt you like this." He said.
"Yeah. I was just thinking the same thing."
"I am glad you are okay, Bella. You are right. The past belongs in the past. I am hopeful that we can be friends in the future?"
"Yeah, Edward. We can be friends." He smiled. He still had that crooked grin.
"Bye, Edward."
"Bye, Bella. I'll call you. Do you think the others may call you as well?"
Ugh. I still had to talk with my parents. I didn't need more conversations. I had things to do.
"Why don't we start with just us, Edward? We have time. A lot of it, apparently."
"Of course, Bella. I didn't mean to push."
"You didn't. It's just been a crazy year. I need time to come to grips with this."
"Well, have fun being a nomad." He laughed.
"Have fun going to high school." I laughed as well.
"Bella, I haven't been in a high school since we parted ways. I will never go back. None of us will."
I nodded. It was for the best. One thing I have learned over the past year. Prolonged exposure to vampires in one fashion or another is bad for humans. It was very bad for me.
I ran before he said anything else. I wanted to get back to my men. I wanted to go home. To my secret base safely underground. I did what needed to be done. It was time to go home.
Garrett POV
"I can't believe this shit, man."
"Believe what, Ty?"
"You got a damn remote control stealth helicopter that costs more than the President makes in a year, plus enough hi def screens to fill up this motel room, all so you can see and listen to every word she says. Takin’ it a little far, aren't you?"
"I told her I would be nearby. How am I supposed to know if she needs me, if I can't hear and see what is going on?"
"She know you got a stealth mini copter following her?"
"I didn't go into details. I just told her I had her back." I replied rolling my eyes.
"Well, the reunion didn't go the way I thought it would. I figured she would be all up on them." Ty said.
"Why? She is with us now." I answered a bit short.
"Hey, it went down fine. Can't believe she threw that fine ass blonde over her head. That was a good move. Little shawty getting some skills."
"Yes. She needs to be faster. At least learn to use her speed to her advantage."
"Hey, look. Her ex is walking off with her." Ty said.
He is?
"Strange. It makes sense that he would probably want to apologize."
"Zoom in, man. Let's listen to the playa play."
"No, Ty. We need to give her privacy."
"You following her around with a mini ghetto bird, and you want to talk privacy?"
"Shut up, Ty. I simply wanted to make sure they didn't try to kidnap her, hold her hostage or something."
"He's a good looking guy. Like a damn GQ model. Look at that hair. Nice hair wouldn't you say, Gar?"
"I've seen worse, I suppose."
"Tall, slim build. Hair blowin in the breeze. Look at that grin he is giving her. He is a pretty, pretty man. A stone cold pimp."
"Yes. Pretty." Shut up, Ty.
"You think he wrote her any new beats? That must be something. Havin a man write a piece of music dedicated to you. Wow. That's some romantic shit." Ty wouldn't shut up. Why wouldn't he shut up?
"He stalked her in her sleep, you know. Would that be romantic? Want someone watching you sleep, Ty?"
"Look at that. They hugged each other. Ain't that just motherfuckin sweet?" The asshole was smiling. Why do I keep him around? Oh right. Suicide missions.
"Yes. There is history there." I admitted. Big deal. Just a hug.
"Damn. Look at player getting the digits! This guy got game, Garrett. He got game. He gonna blow her up soon, you don't step your game up."
"She is not going to get blown up by Edward fucking Cullen!"
"Yeah. I bet she just gave him her number so she could ignore him when he called. Must be why she took his, too."
"Shut up, Ty. She knew she could go back to them. She didn't want to. She said goodbye. She is just saying goodbye. Get over it."
"Whatever, man. While you are giving her space, not wanting to take advantage of her emotional state, maybe you should stop treatin her like something is broke and get your game on. Cause GQ right there don't think a damn thing broken on her."
"She is …Damn it! I knew they wouldn't leave her alone." That bastard. Emmett Cullen. I know she told them she didn't want to talk now. At least one of them can't take no for an answer.
"It's the big guy chasin her right?" Ty asked, instantly alert.
"Yes. Emmett Cullen. According to Bella, he was like a big brother to her. The others aren't following. He must have slipped away."
"Big brother?" Ty asked quietly.
"Yeah. I will handle this. It will be a few minutes before he can catch her."
"Nah, you have a seat, G Man. I got this shit. I know a motherfucker that's about to get sick."
Ty stood up, then was gone before I could say a word. He thinks I have it bad. He is stuck on her like glue. May as well listen in. I flew my little spy copter in close to Bella. It was having difficulty keeping up so I couldn't move it too close. I sat back, waiting for Ty to intercept. This should be good. He thinks I'm possessive.
Did I treat her like she was broken? When I met her, she was. It hasn't been that long. Isn't she still broken? Of course, if I continue to treat her like she is, she is never going to feel whole again. Maybe it is time I made a move, so to speak. Expressed my interest in an obvious way. Take her out in public. Her blood lust was better. Her touch was getting better. Perhaps after she visits her parents?
She wouldn't be interested in Edward Cullen. Not after the way he abandoned her. She was being polite.
My phone buzzed. Maybe it was her?
Oh. Of course.
"Hello, Carlisle."
"Hello, Garrett. I suppose you know Bella was just here."
"Yes. About that, Carlisle…"
"I will never be able to thank you enough, Garrett. I am eternally in your debt."
Oh. Okay.
"I figured you would be angry I kept it from you, Carlisle."
"Garrett, I know Bella asked you not to tell us. As a man of honor, you had no choice but to heed her wishes. I expect nothing less from you, friend. You took care of her. I wanted to simply thank you. The entire family does."
"Think nothing of it, Carlisle." I wanted her to get closure. Closure. Meaning she said bye, and she won't have to deal with you anymore.
"I understand Bella will be traveling with you?"
"Yes, Carlisle. She has expressed interest in that." I said cautiously. Waiting for the bomb to fall.
"That is wonderful. We, of course, wish she would stay with us. Edward especially, but we are all so overjoyed at her safety. I know she has been through a lot, and we have no right to ask her about it. I am glad though, that if Bella has decided to be a nomad, she has you to guide her Garrett."
"Oh. Of course, Carlisle. How is young Edward doing?"
"Really good. He has done a lot of soul searching over the past year. I am hopeful that he has done a bit of growing up. He still loves her, of course, but understands that what they had is gone. He is hopeful that perhaps with time and communication, the two of them may build something new."
I'll be damned.
"Communication?"
"Yes. Bella has agreed to let him call her. He is smiling for the first time in over a year, Garrett. Thank you, my friend. Happy travels. I would tell you to take care of her, but I know you will."
"Of course, Carlisle. Good day."
Those fuckers think that she will eventually go back to them. Not going to happen. Screw it. Ty was right. The time for games was over. I think I would start out small. Start taking her places that didn't involve business. Get her to have some fun. Maybe hang out in the Keys for a while before seeing her mother. The lotion worked on her. No sparkles. Just beautiful skin. Yes. We will start with a movie. Then the Keys. I fell in love with her the minute she raided the Pentagon. It was time to start showing her that.
I was pulled from my thoughts when I noticed Emmett had overtaken Bella. Ty just joined the party. This should be good.
TY POV
Motherfuckin monkey boy. I know I heard her tell them bye on Garrett's little toy. Motherfucker don't take a hint. He gonna get a hint. I came over the rise to see he had gotten in front of her. He scared her. Maybe not scared. She was defensive, though.
"What the hell, Emmett?" I heard Shorty say.
"Bella I'm sorry. I just…I missed you. I wanted a word before you went off roaming the world."
"Emmett, I really don't want to have any emotional conversations. I'm kinda over it. Let's just let it go, okay?"
"Can I at least apologize…"
"Motherfucker, you the first vampire with hearing problems? I know I heard her say to leave it alone. So drop it and leave, alone."
"Ty." Bella whispered. She was smiling. I winked at her. She knew when big Ty was here, everything came up kittens and rainbows.
"Who are you?" Ape boy asked.
"My name is Ty. I roll with Garrett. Little shorty here is my baby sister. My baby sister said goodbye to y’all. You got any idea what that means?"
"I just want to talk, man. Give me a minute."
"Emmett, I don't want to talk. Just leave. Please?" Bella asked. She shouldn't have to ask these fuckers for anything.
"I ain't gonna tell you again, fucker. Get to steppin before yo big ass gets served."
"Look man, I just wanna…"
"It ain't about what you want, bitch. She don't owe you shit, much less an ear. Get out or else." Final warning.
Yeah. He done bowed up. That was dumb. Motherfucker about to toss his cookies.
"Or else what?"
Motherfucker was on the ground. Rolling. Clutching his stomach.
"Or else you ain't gonna know your elbow from your asshole, bitch." I walked up to him, moving to kick him. Bella pulled me back.
"No, Ty. He doesn't deserve that."
"You told him to leave you alone. He didn't. He deserves it. Now can I commence to cool this fucker?"
"No. Stop using your power. Now."
She was giving me that determined look she gets when I steal her remote and won't give it back to her.
I let ape boy get his bearings again.
"Thank you, Ty. Emmett, I'm sorry, but you really shouldn't have come after me."
"You're my family, Bella." Ape boy gasped from the ground.
"She got a new family now, fool. You ain't invited. I catch you bothering her again without her permission, you gonna need a meat wagon to carry your ass to the house. By that way, is that blonde your woman?"
"What? Yeah. She is."
"She one fine piece of ass, man. Go back home and tap that. Ain't nuthin but hurt out here, son."
"Emmett I'm sorry…" Bella began.
"Hell no. You don't owe them shit. Fuckers left you with a vampire after you. Fuck them. Fuck him. Let's go." I walked off while listening for Bella. She wasn't coming. I turned around to see her kneeling next to him.
"Sorry, Emmett, but you shouldn't have come after me. I need time. I have a new family now. You are going to have to accept that. You meant the world to me once, but quite frankly, I have a brother now who won't leave me. No matter what other people do. Take care of yourself." Bella placed a hand on his cheek, stood up, then ran to my side.
"You didn't have to do that." She whispered.
"Yeah, but it was fun." I told her honestly.
"I could have handled him."
"I know, but you shouldn't have to. We partners. Partners got each others back. Get used to it."
"Thanks, Ty. C'mon. Let's grab Garrett and get home."
"Damn right we are going home, Shorty. Our home."
Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Don't own it
Bella’s POV
I hadn't been in direct sunlight in so long, I felt very exposed. It was so strange… and to be wearing a bathing suit. A bikini no less.
Normally, I never would have worn one, but I figured it was time to embrace the good things about being a vampire. This body was not a bad side effect of being a vampire. I didn't feel self-conscious because of my body. Plus, I wanted to maybe catch Garrett's attention.
It may have been childish, but I wanted him to pay attention to me.
The smell of the ocean and the breeze kept the few human scents around from bothering me. In all honesty, I had gotten much better about human scents. I was so used to it in my room, that it bothered me less and less. I fed from a mountain lion on the drive here. The lion tore my clothes to shreds, so I had to change. Still though, I felt full. My goal was to get away from even bagged blood. I wanted golden eyes. Red eyes made me depressed. Still, Garrett said not to push it. The goal was to not kill people, not to worry about eye color. Speaking of Garrett, if his hand brushed mine one more time, I was going to grab it.
Garrett had insisted that we come to the Keys before seeing my Mom. He said I needed down time. He was walking beside me wearing old beige shorts that hung to his knees. He wasn't wearing a shirt. The first time I had seen him without a shirt was when we emerged from the ocean after the submarine rescue. I didn't have time to appreciate it then. I did now.
I appreciated the hell out of it now.
He was lean and ripped. He walked with such an elegant grace, even for a vampire. He always looked in deep thought. Then he would see something like a seagull or a dolphin jump in the distance, and he would have this look of childlike wonder. As if he was seeing everything for the first time.
His hand brushed mine again. I didn't say anything.
He grabbed my hand gently. His fingers hesitantly interlocked with mine. I looked up at him, but he looked nervous.
"It's okay." I smiled. I didn't say anything else. I like his touch. Ever since he locked his arms around my neck, I have liked his touch, no matter how brief it was.
He grinned, then continued looking down the beach we were walking on. The Keys really were beautiful. I used my thumb to rub the back of his hand. Nothing was said. He knew when to enjoy silence. It was one of the things I loved about him. I was starting to realize there was a lot I loved about him. After the visit with the Cullen's, he didn't hound me with questions. He let me play with his mini spy chopper. He gave me space, but let me know he was there. He was basically Garrett.
"Bella, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course." This was the first thing he had said since we started walking this stretch of beach.
"Are you afraid of heights?"
"No. I don't think so. I flew in a fighter jet. Of course, I really didn't have time to think about it. Why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if you would like to get a different view of the island?"
"Plane or helicopter?" I laughed.
"I was thinking more like that." He pointed to the sky.
"Oh."
An hour later we were sitting in the back of a speed boat. Strapped up into a halter of some sort, with an iron bar under my ass and a parachute flowing behind us. At least two could go up. Garrett was right next to me. We were still holding hands. Our other hands held on to the straps.
"You sure this is a good idea?" I whispered.
"Of course." He replied.
"What if I bend something? Or snap something. We fall, then have some explaining to do. Or make this guy think he killed us."
"Good point. Don't bend or snap anything." He said smiling.
"You two ready?" The driver asked.
"Send us up!" Garrett smiled. The rope was longer, so our feet left the deck. We were rising. One minute later, the boat was below us looking very, very small.
"Oh my God." I whispered. It was breathtaking.
"It is something. I have always wanted to do this." Garrett said. This surprised me.
"If you have always wanted to do this, why haven't you?"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"The first time I saw this, a man and a woman were gliding together, like we are now. I thought how nice it must be to have someone to share that with. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself at the time. Since I had turned, in all the decades I had lived, I never had a girlfriend. I did as a human, but not since. I have been going from battle to battle, fighting everything I could find. So the idea of doing something alone that looked so much fun to share with someone, held little appeal to me."
"Oh." I wasn't sure what to say to that. He had never had a girlfriend? Of course, our lifestyles make it difficult to have a relationship, I guess. While the Cullens were getting married every few years, going to school constantly, Garrett was fighting. He never really took time for himself. He had been alone before Ty, and now me.
"So thank you, Bella. You are the only person I have ever wanted to take parasailing. Now what do you think?"
I took a look around. We were in the US but the Florida Keys seemed like another country. An island country. I saw sand bars, small islands covered in trees. The water was so clear. With my eyesight, even from this distance, I could see the tropical fish swimming in the surf. The resorts in the distance.
I took the scenery in, then looked at him.
"Beautiful is the only thing I can think of to say right now." I whispered.
Since we had gotten on the boat, Garrett had not touched me. I found myself missing his hand.
He did it earlier. Guess it wouldn't be too awkward.
I brushed his finger. He grabbed my hand with no hesitation. I held in a smile. I didn't want it to seem like a big deal. It's just…I had never had much luck with guys. Edward, then when I finally got to a point with Jake that I felt I could carry on, my life ended. At least my old life.
I would be lying if I didn't say I was totally infatuated with him. At first, I thought maybe it was just gratitude for what he had done for me. Some type of hero worship. But it was more. I think he felt more for me, too.
We rode in silence, enjoying the view. Garrett pointed out some dolphins playing the surf, and told me we could swim with them in the morning. We had two more days here. Then I would see Mom. Garrett was taking me to a play tonight. He said being in a theater filled with people would show me how far I had come.
It seemed like Garrett was always doing something for me.
"Hey, Garrett? I know I've told you this before, but thanks…for taking me in, not killing me when I asked you to, talking to my parents, and…just everything. You've given me a reason to live, not just exist."
"You're welcome, Bella." He squeezed my hand a bit. "I could say the same about you."
We landed after being dipped in the water twice, then got back on the boat.
We walked back along the beach, taking our time while holding hands. He may have bumped me a few times in my hips, causing me to laugh. I felt so comfortable around him. I needed this. When he insisted on leaving Ty behind to watch the world, while we left early for fun, I was so against it. I was afraid I would miss a mission. I was afraid if I wasn't busy training constantly, I would have time to wallow. It wasn't true. Being with him…
We arrived back at our cabin on the beach. I walked in to see my phone buzzing. I looked down and recognized his number. I let it ring. I wasn't lying when I said we could be friends, but I was with Garrett now. Not the way I think I wanted to be, but we were together in the same space. I didn't want to waste our time together. Not like we would run out. But still. Edward did not belong here.
Garrett didn't comment on my ignoring of Edward's call. He noticed, though. I saw a little grin on his face. He walked into the bathroom, then I heard the shower turn on.
I decided television would be a good distraction to take my mind off what was going on behind that door. I have had sex exactly one time in my life. The last night of my former life. I focused on blood the past year. Since I had been with him, I had realized there were more things to focus on than blood.
Like the body being washed behind that door. Wouldn't mind being a wash cloth right now.
My damn phone buzzed again. Why did I give him my number? Friends. Right.
I picked up my phone and declined the call. Then I hit the power button. Garrett had his phone if Ty needed us. Mine was off tonight. I had learned a lot about myself since I had been with Garrett. Now I wanted to find out if Garrett felt the way I thought he felt about me. I didn't want to be broken or weak, I was tired of timid. If I was leaving the past behind, I was also leaving who I was.
Everything should tell me this would be a bad idea. If it didn't work, if I was misinterpreting his intentions, this could make our situation awkward. It could cause me to have to leave, but I had to do this.
I waited too long with Jake. I wouldn't make the same mistake again. I deserved to be happy. Okay, maybe I didn't deserve it, but I was going to do my best to take it.
Garrett walked out of the bathroom wet, wearing only a towel.
"Showers available." He winked.
He looked at my phone with the dark screen.
"Turn your phone off?"
"Yep."
"Good. I'll be in my room getting dressed. Have fun in the shower."
Oh damn.
GPOV
"You doing alright?"
She had started shaking slightly. Not noticeable to most. I tended to notice every single thing about her, though.
She squeezed my hand tighter and a determined look crossed her face. She would be fine.
The curtain opened, then the play began. Within minutes, she was laughing. I was surprised and a bit pleased when she told me that she had never been to a theater before to see a play. I forget how young she is compared to me. Barely starting out in this world.
I can't believe Edward called her. Twice. Back to back.
Of course, she ignored both. Fuck you, pretty boy.
That was childish. He has never done anything to me. I barely knew him.
My phone buzzed. Maybe Ty needed…
Fucking Carlisle Cullen. If that fucker thinks I am checking in with him, he is out of his damn mind.
"Who is on the phone?" Bella whispered, never taking her eyes off the stage. The smile never leaving her face.
I planned to keep it there.
"No one important. I'll turn it off."
"No! What if Ty needs us?"
True. I looked into contacts, blocking Carlisle's number from calling.
"There. Taken care of." I smiled. She laughed at some antic on the stage. The more involved she became, the less she shook. By intermission, she no longer seemed bothered by the scent of the humans at all.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" I asked.
"I've never had so much fun in my life." She told me staring into my eyes.
The second act was as good as the first. She walked out holding my hand, completely relaxed. We walked around the shops near the theater. Bella wanted to visit the souvenir shop. She bought me a god awful Hawaiian shirt, which gave me a great idea.
"I will wear this shirt, if you wear what I want you to wear to a concert tomorrow night."
That caught her attention.
"Why would you care what I wear? What kind of concert are we talking about?" she looked nervous. At least she loosened up about the bikini. She practically wore a robe for the first hour on the beach.
I looked over, seeing what I was looking for.
"Yes or no, Bella? Do we have a deal?"
She chewed her bottom lip. It was cute. I wonder if she had always done that.
"Fine. So long as you promise to wear that shirt. You can't dress me in any less than my bikini today covered."
Oh how wrong you are, Bella.
"Less? No I actually plan to dress you in more. A long grass skirt, a hat and that…"
Her eyes followed my finger to the wall display.
"No." she said automatically. I smiled.
"No." Now she was starting to understand. She must have seen the hats next to the display.
"No?" she asked quietly.
"Oh yes, Bella. Oh yes."
We watched television the rest of the night. At sun up we were in the ocean swimming along the dolphins. We actually could move quite a bit faster than they could. Normally, they would be frightened of us. I kept my distance. Bella swam right up to one and hugged it as it was gliding through the water. The Dolphin didn't seem to mind.
She had been much happier since New York, and I admit, since saying goodbye to the Cullens. I suppose Francis was right about that one. I still caught her at times with a sad look on her face, her eyes looking at some past only she could see. I also saw her catch herself. Once she even shook her head, then smiled.
Ty was right as well. She wasn't broken. She was too strong to be broken.
"Garrett, I am not coming out."
"How are we going to make the concert, if you don't come out of the bathroom?"
"I look ridiculous." I could hear the pout in her voice.
"Everyone else will look ridiculous as well. I'm wearing a hideous shirt for you."
"I thought you liked the shirt?"
"Really?" I would have thought the sarcasm wouldn't have been lost on her.
"Fine." She huffed. The door opened. Oh my.
A part of me wanted to laugh. Another part of me wanted to rip what little clothes she had on, off.
Bella had a fruit basket hat on that was at least two feet tall. A grass skirt started below her belly button and went to her bare feet. The kicker to the entire outfit was the coconut bra.
"Very nice." I murmured. "You will fit right in. Imagine this as undercover training. An essential part of many operations. Blending in, Bella."
"Jimmy Buffett? I can't remember if I have ever heard of this guy."
"You will love him. I partied once with him in the Seventies. Great guy. Now let's go."
Bella was relieved to see twenty thousand other people dressed exactly as we were. Some even more outlandish. We were seated next to a gentleman in a large parrot costume. At least he smelt male. It was difficult to tell. On the bright side, the overwhelming scent of alcohol and marijuana blunted the smell of human blood. Bella's eyes were only slightly dark once we got there, but they lightened to red after twenty minutes or so. She had a much more difficult time. I assumed, since this would be an outdoor concert, that she would have an easier time than the theater. The mass of humanity was difficult for her.
She did pass a major test, thought. Midway through Weather is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful, a man three rows in front of us dropped his beer bottle. His girlfriend tried to pick it up, cutting her hand.
Bella sniffed, her eyes turned to coal. Every muscle in her body clenched. She wasn't breathing. She wasn't moving all.
I reached for her elbow, but she shook her head.
"I'm good." She whispered. I watched her closely. She began breathing again. Slow breaths. Shallow. Her eyes remained closed.
Finally, she opened her eyes.
And grinned.
"I'm good. Hungry as hell, but good."
"You want to leave?" I asked.
"Nope. I want to stay." Her voice was quiet but determined. Just like she was. Quiet and determined.
After the concert, we packed our bags. We weren't going to leave until the morning, so we sat on the porch to watch the ocean roll in. Finally an hour before sun up, after hours of silence, I decided it was time to speak up.
"Bella, there is something I want you to understand. I realize you probably already know this, but I want you to be clear. I told you I would never lie to you. I am interested in you, Bella. I care deeply for you. We haven't known each other long, but no one has ever affected me the way you have. I am not telling you this to place any pressure on you. I just want to be upfront."
She didn't say anything. She kept staring ahead at the waves without so much as moving.
"Don't feel like you have to say anything, just because I put myself out there. This isn't awkward at all." I mumbled.
She at least smiled.
"Sorry." She whispered.
"No problem. So…"
"Garrett, you know the luck I have had with men. I pretty much let myself get dominated and led into the supernatural world by Edward Cullen. Then abandoned. Once I nearly moved on, and had sex for the one time in my life, I am taken away and changed into what Jake hates the most.
I have horrible luck with men. Are you sure you want to take this chance, Garrett? If it doesn't work, it could be awkward. I don't want to…"
She stopped talking. I didn't say a word. She finally looked over at me. Her eyes were wet.
"I'm so fucking tired of thinking." She whispered. Before I could react, she was on my lap, her lips on mine. I wrapped my hands in her hair and gripped, afraid to let her pull back. Her hands were running in my hair. Her tongue parted my lips. We joined each other, and for the first time since I woke up on the field surrounded by my dead comrades, I felt complete.
We stayed wrapped up in each other until the sun was in the sky.
When she finally pulled back with a slight smile, I nearly felt pain.
She had me. I was caught. There was no backing out now. No playing it safe. I had to have her now.
I kissed her gently on her mouth once more before she slid off my lap.
"That was a hell of a first kiss, Miss Swan."
"Yes, it was."
"Are you ready to see your mother?"
"Yes. Now I am. I am definitely ready to see Mom."
BPOV
"You sure?"
"Yes, Bella. You can use a touch phone. You cracked an egg this morning. Your control is fine. You will not hurt her."
"She might run up to me and hug me."
"I know." Garrett said calmly.
"I haven't hugged a human yet who survived." I told him honestly.
"You just said yet. Meaning you know you got this. Relax." He smiled. Damn those lips. Seeing Mom was the only thing that pulled me off of him. We hadn't really talked about that. Nothing needed to be said, I suppose.
I was about to knock on mom's door when my phone rang.
I looked down prepared to turn it off, in the event it was Edward. Instead it was him.
"Hey."
"Hey, girlie. You doin alright?"
"Hey, Ty." I smiled. Like Garrett, his voice always made me smile it seemed. For very different reasons.
"How did you know I was here?"
"Oh, are you at your Mom's?" he asked surprised.
I looked up at the sky, seeing Garrett doing the same. He pointed west. It took me a second, but then I saw it. Blending in with the bright sky. A drone.
"A drone, Ty? Really?"
"I missed you. How you and Garret enjoying the romantic weekend away from Ty thing ya'll got goin on?"
"It's going very good." I replied neutrally.
"So y’all fuck?"
"Damn it, Ty!" I yelled.
"You're right. Ty is sorry. Honestly it freaks me out a little. Gar like my big brother, you're like my little sister, and ya'll about to have some southern backwoods shit goin on. I guess it's cool, since y’all can't be havin no two-headed babies or anything, but still. Y’all gotta put a sock on the door at the compound or something. That's all I'm sayin. What was it like to brush the dust off a two hundred year old dick? You have ta use a duster to remove the cobwebs out of the way?"
"Oh my God, Ty. I am going to kill you." I mumbled.
"Nah. You gonna give me a big ole hug. Just wash your hands first. I don't know what you been touchin this weekend."
"Why did you call, Ty?" I asked. Garrett just stood there with his face planted in his hands, shaking his head back and forth.
"Wanted to get your mind right before you went in there. You was nervous. Don't be. You want to be nervous about something, you should worry about the embarrassing shit I have put in y’alls rooms since ya been gone. Give Momma a kiss for me. Love you, Bella."
Ty ended the call before I could respond.
I slipped my phone in my pocket, grabbed Garrett's hand, then walked towards the door. Before I could knock, it was open and she was there.
"Mom?"
"Baby, you are beautiful."
She was crying already. I wanted to. I had not seen her since she left Forks, after an unsuccessful attempt to bring me to Florida after Edward had left.
Her hair had some grey in it. Her face had a few wrinkles. She never had those before. I had red eyes. I guess we all change.
She opened her arms as she stepped towards me. I wouldn't panic. Garrett placed his hand on the small of my back. I opened my arms before she practically fell into me.
I moved very slowly, but eventually, I had my arms around her.
I wasn't sure how she would react to my cold skin. It didn't seem to bother her. Her tears were on my face.
I don't know at what point, but Garrett had taken his hand off my back, then walked out of the room.
Mom pulled back, trying to pull me to the couch. She jerked quickly, bringing me out of my trance.
"Sorry."
"It's okay, Baby. I know you are strong now."
I followed her to the couch.
"You are beautiful, Baby. You always have been, but…"
"How do you like the new place?" I asked. Mom had only been here recently.
"Garrett did a great job. He must be able to read minds or something. I couldn't have picked out a better place myself."
"Garrett? Where is Phil?"
"Oh…we never talked about that, did we?"
"Talked about what, Mom?"
Garrett moved in the room quicker than I could nearly see. He sat down next to me and smiled.
"After Phil found me…after I tried to…anyway, I was in the hospital and not making any progress, so I guess the stress was too much. We divorced."
"He divorced you while you were in a damn Mental hospital!" I yelled. Mom jerked. Garrett grabbed me with both of his arms.
"I didn't want to tell you. It's for the best, Bella."
I wanted to find him. Track him down and hurt him. Not kill him. Just hurt him. Permanently.
"The best? He abandoned you! After your daughter supposedly died and you tried to kill yourself?"
"Bella. It's okay. Calm down." Garrett whispered.
"Listen to Garrett, Bella. He isn't worth getting worked up over. I am fine. I have this place, plus a new job teaching at a new elementary school. I thought I would never get it, but I would imagine your friend had something to do with that as well." Renee grinned at Garrett. I looked over at him. He was rubbing my shoulders.
"You bought her this house?"
"Yep." He didn't lie. Garrett never lied.
"Why?"
"Because I could and I wanted to. No other reason."
I nodded. Typical Garrett. That was what I loved about him.
"I understand you have been doing very well. How was the concert?" Mom asked.
"You knew we went to a concert?"
"Yes. Ty told me."
"Ty told you? When?" What the fuck?
"Last night on the phone, Bella. You act like you don't know that one of your men is calling me every day to say hi and talk."
"I didn't know." I murmured glancing at Garrett. He was looking down.
"Yes. I hear from Ty or Garrett every day since Garrett sprung me from the nuthouse. Even on the days I hear from you, Bella."
I had no idea. Neither of them ever said a word about it. Why keep it from me? Of course I didn't ask, did I?
"I hope you aren't angry." Garrett whispered.
"Why would she be angry, Garrett? It's not like she has a reason to be jealous of me. Now if there are any other women you are talking to without her knowledge, you might want to be concerned."
"Mom, Garrett and I are…we are…" I looked at him for help, but he was waiting for me to speak.
"I know what you and Garrett are. You are each other's salvation, just as you are mine, Bella. Just be happy with that. Besides, Garrett would never talk to another woman. It was over for you the moment you saw her, wasn't it?"
"Yes, Renee. It was." Garrett answered her but was looking at me.
"Mom? When did you get so…" Mom didn't normally sound so thoughtful.
"Spending six months in a psychiatric facility, thinking you had no reason to live, will make a person more thoughtful, Bella. Now, Garrett…I finally have you here. Would you like to see the pictures of Bella growing up that I have been promising you?"
Garrett looked at me and I nodded. I wasn't angry. I was touched. Ty as well. I wonder if they had been calling Charlie. We would be seeing him next week.
"I would definitely love to see those pictures, Renee."
Mom fell asleep in my arms that night. The next morning, I hugged her for a couple hours, then Garrett and I left. We needed to check in. Make plans to see Charlie. I would have to come to grips with seeing Jake. I had hoped maybe he wouldn't want to see me. I didn't want him to see me like this. But I knew he would. May as well face it.
I promised Mom a visit in the next two weeks, unless something came up that couldn't be rescheduled. She understood. She told me she was proud of me. I tried to feel pride in that, but I wasn't to that point yet. Not yet.
We were on the road for three hours playing word games, to see who would choose the radio station, when he called.
"Ty, you got some explaining to do." I laughed before Garrett could even say hello.
"Garrett, Bella... listen up."
Oh, shit. Ty sounded serious.
"Go ahead." Garrett said in the same tone Ty was using.
"A Hawk carrying UN peacekeeping boys went down in the Bosnian wilderness. An SRT was sent in. They never came out. Another team went in. They reported being surrounded by an unknown enemy before being slaughtered. They were holding, but couldn't say who or what was attacking them. They have lost 6 out of 24 troops so far. Radio communication ended, no other word has come from the area. Trackers on the team are no longer moving, but satellite flybys show no bodies in the area. Me and Connolly's dumbasses are in the air now, headin cross the pond. Get you and shorty's asses out to Eglin and catch a ride. See you guys there."
"See you in Bosnia, Ty." Garrett said before ending the call.
"So. Bosnians?" I wasn't actually up to date as I should be on foreign affairs.
"Nope. Werewolves. Sounds as if they have possibly taken out two SRT teams."
"So…"
"You ready to go hunting, Bella?" he winked at me.
"Yes, I am." I also had a few ideas for when hunting was over. This weekend was a good start, but I wanted him. He stepped up, made his intentions very clear. Maybe it's time I made mine clear as well. Very clear. I never had much game in my life, as Ty would say. It was time to step mine up.