The Promise
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 20
All hell broke loose at that point, but it didn’t come from where Carlisle expected and he watched in astonishment as Alice flew from her seat, dead set on attacking the blonde. Thankfully, it seemed Jasper had anticipated this, as he grabbed his wife, literally, in mid air, and yanked her back against his chest as she raged. “You little hussy! If you think I’m gonna sit by and let you ruin my best friend’s life and marriage, you’ve lost your fucking mind. I’ll see you burn first!”
Jasper held her close and turned her in his arms as he spoke to her, sending her all the calm he could muster without knocking her out completely. “Hush now sugar. Pete loves Bella. Ain’t nothin’ gonna change that, no matter what Charlotte does or says.”
She stopped struggling and rested her head against her husband’s chest. “I know that in my head, but just the thought of any more shit going against Bella and Pete, especially after what we’ve all gone through…” She glanced up at Jasper, “…I’ve never wanted to harm another person before Jas, but god help me,” she snarled, “I wanna shred her.”
He rocked her side to side and kissed the top of her head. “I know sugar, I know, but ya gotta consider the source on this one darlin’. She was turned by Maria at sixteen and she’s been glued to Pete’s side since then. He loves her like a little sister, but nothin’ more than that. It’ll be up to him to set her straight. Nothin’ we say will matter much to her.”
She nodded and their attention was drawn back to Carlisle as he cleared his throat. “Jasper, if you and Alice could re-take your seats please? There’s still much to discuss.”
Jasper sat with a nod, pulling Alice into his lap as he did and Carlisle smiled in thanks. He then cut his gaze back to Charlotte, trying to maintain patience because of what he’d heard of her history just now. He could see how she’d developed the feelings she had for Peter, but that didn’t change the fact that Peter was the husband of his newest daughter; his vulnerable human daughter who now was even more so due to the baby she’d just given birth to. No matter how much he sympathized with this young female, the fact remained, she was a significant threat to his loved ones; one he would not ignore. “Charlotte, has Peter ever returned your feelings or given you reason to believe he may someday?”
Her smug expression dropped and she looked away, her answer reluctant when she finally gave voice to it. “No, he hasn’t,” she looked back, her expression almost pleading, “but that don’t mean nothin’! He’s never sent me away and I know he’ll realize he loves me some day. I just know it! Else why would he keep me around all these years?”
Carlisle sighed and she continued. “Look, I knew he was pining away for a lost love and I accepted that. Heck, he was real bad the first few years… but lately, he’d been gettin’ better—happier—he wasn’t angry and depressed all the time. He even started laughin’ every now and then…” She met Carlisle’s eyes. “I just figured he was finally gettin’ over her and tryin’ to move on.”
Jasper spoke up and she glared at him, not liking what he was saying in the least. “Did ya ever stop to wonder if he was happier because he knew his wait was coming to an end soon?”
Her fists clenched. “No! That wasn’t it at all! It was me he was happy with! Now, where is he? I need to talk to him!” She shot to her feet and Carlisle was in front of her in an instant, one hand held out.
“He’s with his wife, Charlotte and I won’t allow you up there. You are a guest in my home and you will abide by my wishes or leave.”
She looked at him in shock. “His—his wife?” Her face darkened and she glared up at him. “You lie! I’ve known him for decades and he ain’t never mentioned no wife!”
Alice smirked. “I guess you’re not as close to him as you thought then are you?”
Charlotte hissed at her and Carlisle spoke, his tone sharp. “Alice, such comments are less than helpful. Please refrain.” He gestured to the chair. “Charlotte, please be seated and we’ll continue our discussion. You may speak to Peter when he comes down, and not before, understood?”
She flopped back into her chair with a huff and a scowl, looking for all the world like the sixteen year old she was changed as. “Yeah, fine I understand, but who are you to boss me? I ain’t part o’ your coven!”
He smirked, shocking all the members of his family. “You may not be, child, but you are in my home and I will maintain order here in whatever way I see fit. Would you like to try me young one? I can assure you, the consequences of such defiance will not be to your liking for I shall treat you as the child you seem to be.”
Her eyes went wide and she glanced at a smirking Jasper before looking back at Carlisle. “No sir… I won’t be goin’ against you.”
He inclined his head. “Good, as long as I have your word, we won’t have a problem and you’re welcomed to stay.” He cocked a brow and she nodded.
“You have my word. I won’t do anything and I’ll wait until Pete comes down here to talk.”
Carlisle stood. “Thank you Charlotte. I appreciate your cooperation.” He turned toward Jasper. “Son, if you would speak to her about the feeding situation in this area, I would be grateful.” At Jasper’s nod, he walked to the door and spoke before leaving the room. “Edward, we can have that talk now. Follow me.”
Pete watched, mesmerized, as his wife nourished his son, his healthy, beautiful son from her body and he couldn’t help but think it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever beheld in all his years.
It had taken the two of them a few minutes to get the hang of it, but his son had settled in finally and was now content at his mother’s breast, and the longer Pete watched, the more choked he became by his emotions. He simply couldn’t believe that, after all this time, he had his wife back; the only woman he’d ever loved.
Shame filled him as he thought about how he’d finally lost faith and let the anger and pain rule his actions. How he’d sought the company of women, not that any of them had provided solace…
Fear mixed with the shame and he wondered how he could tell her… Would she accept him after she knew his past—not only his history with other women, but also that of his violent vampire life until he’d finally escaped Maria’s army? Hell, even after that, he’d had his moments… He could barely get past the memories—he sure as hell didn’t know how she was going to.
He’d known, deep down, that Bella was alive, but he’d let the resentment of his circumstances rule him for years and consequently had ignored that knowledge, doing everything in his power to forget her. It had all been for naught, for there hadn’t been a day that passed where she didn’t haunt his heart and mind and for a time, that torture had made him particularly vicious.
He dropped his head into his hands and Bella noticed right away as she gently patted their son’s back to burp him.
She was concerned. She’d seen his expression from the corner of her eye and the few glances she’d chanced as she fed Holden and she knew that Pete must be lost in thoughts and memories and from the look of him, none of them good.
When the baby burped, she called out to Esme who came in moments later as Pete straightened in his chair, trying his best to look nonchalant.
Esme approached with a smile. “Is there something you need sweetheart?”
Bella glanced at her husband and then back to Esme as she answered. “I was wondering if you could look after Holden while Pete and I have a talk. He’s done nursing and should sleep for a while.”
Esme’s face fairly lit up. “I would love to look after him Bella.” She walked around the other side of the bed and took the baby gently. “Is it all right if I take him down stairs? I’m sure the others would love to see him.”
Pete’s expression darkened, but Bella smiled. “I trust you Esme.”
Esme smiled softly and looked at Pete. “I’ll keep him safe Peter, I promise you. Carlisle and I would never let anything happen to him. We see Bella as our daughter and this tiny one as our grandson. I would see myself destroyed before letting harm come to him.”
He nodded slowly. “I reckon that combined with my wife’s trust is good enough for me then.”
She inclined her head and said, “Thank you,” as she turned and left.
Bella fixed her gown and turned to her husband. “All right Peter Whitlock, out with it. I can’t stand to see you torturing yourself any longer so spill. And don’t think to tip-toe around things either. I’m not so fragile that I can’t handle what it is that you’ll tell me,” she dropped her head and wrung her hands nervously, “unless you’re gonna tell me you no longer want me…” She met his gaze. “Is that it? You found someone else? Is it this Charlotte person that I’ve heard about?”
His eyes went wide. “What? No! No, it’s nothing like that…”
She blew out a breath. “Good, then I can handle anything else.” She looked at him and waited patiently.
He rubbed his forehead and searched for the words he needed, finally just diving in. “Bella, after I was taken and changed, my life literally went to hell. I was this vicious creature that lived on killin’ people and survived by killin’ any others of my kind who opposed me in any way.” He met her sad eyes and continued, steadfastly ignoring the guilt that consumed him. “It was brutal, sugar…more brutal than you could ever imagine, but I couldn’t being myself to give up. Your words, that you spoke to me that night in the alley… those words haunted me sugar and I just couldn’t give up. You knew what I was and wanted me anyway;” his eyes narrowed at her, “that’s another conversation we need to have, by the way—just how the hell you knew, not only that, but how you already knew that bastard of an uncle of mine and how you came to be back in my time in the first place.” She nodded and he continued. “So, as I was sayin’ I couldn’t give up, but that didn’t stop me from being more angry and hurt than I’d ever been before. That anger led me to do things,” he looked away and shook his head, his voice low as he continued, “things I’m so ashamed of now that I’m sittin’ here with you.” He met her steady gaze again and she nodded, urging him on. “I’ve killed so many people Bella—a lot of them for simply bein’ in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were innocent…but I was angry and out of control…” He sighed and she reached out and took his hand.
“Most every vampire goes through that Pete. It doesn’t make me love you any less. The fact that it bothers you at all tells me that you’re still a good man.”
He scoffed and pulled his hand from hers. “There were also many women over the years Bella. I didn’t love any of ‘em, but that didn’t stop me from using their bodies either.”
Pain knifed through her chest as she stared into her lap and choked out, “Oh…” She covered her eyes with one hand and fought the urge to sob, finally taking a deep breath when she’d gained some control, though her voice still trembled when she spoke. “It’s been a long time for you Pete. You probably gave me up for dead years ago, but even if you didn’t… even if you knew I was alive and you’d eventually see me again, how could I expect you to have remained faithful all that time? It wouldn’t have been fair for me to ask or expect such a thing.” Her teary gaze met his. “The important thing is you’re here now and we’re together… If you still want me, that is.”
He sat on the edge of the bed and took her into his arms as her tears finally fell, his fingers running through her silky hair as he held her close. “Of course I want you. You’re the only one for me Bella and you always have been. It’s me that should be worried darlin’ ‘cause I’m no where near good enough for ya.” He drew back and cupped her cheeks as they looked into each other’s eyes. “I love ya so much Bella… I never stopped darlin’ and I can’t imagine that ya still want me, but if ya do, then I’m yours ‘till the end of time baby doll. I’ll not touch another woman from now until my final death.”
He dried her tears with gentle fingers. “So, do ya baby? Will ya still have me as your husband?”
Bella reached out and caressed his cheek, the words on the tip of her tongue as the door burst open and Jasper stood there. “Bella, the wolves just showed up. It’s Charlie sweetheart…”
All hell broke loose at that point, but it didn’t come from where Carlisle expected and he watched in astonishment as Alice flew from her seat, dead set on attacking the blonde. Thankfully, it seemed Jasper had anticipated this, as he grabbed his wife, literally, in mid air, and yanked her back against his chest as she raged. “You little hussy! If you think I’m gonna sit by and let you ruin my best friend’s life and marriage, you’ve lost your fucking mind. I’ll see you burn first!”
Jasper held her close and turned her in his arms as he spoke to her, sending her all the calm he could muster without knocking her out completely. “Hush now sugar. Pete loves Bella. Ain’t nothin’ gonna change that, no matter what Charlotte does or says.”
She stopped struggling and rested her head against her husband’s chest. “I know that in my head, but just the thought of any more shit going against Bella and Pete, especially after what we’ve all gone through…” She glanced up at Jasper, “…I’ve never wanted to harm another person before Jas, but god help me,” she snarled, “I wanna shred her.”
He rocked her side to side and kissed the top of her head. “I know sugar, I know, but ya gotta consider the source on this one darlin’. She was turned by Maria at sixteen and she’s been glued to Pete’s side since then. He loves her like a little sister, but nothin’ more than that. It’ll be up to him to set her straight. Nothin’ we say will matter much to her.”
She nodded and their attention was drawn back to Carlisle as he cleared his throat. “Jasper, if you and Alice could re-take your seats please? There’s still much to discuss.”
Jasper sat with a nod, pulling Alice into his lap as he did and Carlisle smiled in thanks. He then cut his gaze back to Charlotte, trying to maintain patience because of what he’d heard of her history just now. He could see how she’d developed the feelings she had for Peter, but that didn’t change the fact that Peter was the husband of his newest daughter; his vulnerable human daughter who now was even more so due to the baby she’d just given birth to. No matter how much he sympathized with this young female, the fact remained, she was a significant threat to his loved ones; one he would not ignore. “Charlotte, has Peter ever returned your feelings or given you reason to believe he may someday?”
Her smug expression dropped and she looked away, her answer reluctant when she finally gave voice to it. “No, he hasn’t,” she looked back, her expression almost pleading, “but that don’t mean nothin’! He’s never sent me away and I know he’ll realize he loves me some day. I just know it! Else why would he keep me around all these years?”
Carlisle sighed and she continued. “Look, I knew he was pining away for a lost love and I accepted that. Heck, he was real bad the first few years… but lately, he’d been gettin’ better—happier—he wasn’t angry and depressed all the time. He even started laughin’ every now and then…” She met Carlisle’s eyes. “I just figured he was finally gettin’ over her and tryin’ to move on.”
Jasper spoke up and she glared at him, not liking what he was saying in the least. “Did ya ever stop to wonder if he was happier because he knew his wait was coming to an end soon?”
Her fists clenched. “No! That wasn’t it at all! It was me he was happy with! Now, where is he? I need to talk to him!” She shot to her feet and Carlisle was in front of her in an instant, one hand held out.
“He’s with his wife, Charlotte and I won’t allow you up there. You are a guest in my home and you will abide by my wishes or leave.”
She looked at him in shock. “His—his wife?” Her face darkened and she glared up at him. “You lie! I’ve known him for decades and he ain’t never mentioned no wife!”
Alice smirked. “I guess you’re not as close to him as you thought then are you?”
Charlotte hissed at her and Carlisle spoke, his tone sharp. “Alice, such comments are less than helpful. Please refrain.” He gestured to the chair. “Charlotte, please be seated and we’ll continue our discussion. You may speak to Peter when he comes down, and not before, understood?”
She flopped back into her chair with a huff and a scowl, looking for all the world like the sixteen year old she was changed as. “Yeah, fine I understand, but who are you to boss me? I ain’t part o’ your coven!”
He smirked, shocking all the members of his family. “You may not be, child, but you are in my home and I will maintain order here in whatever way I see fit. Would you like to try me young one? I can assure you, the consequences of such defiance will not be to your liking for I shall treat you as the child you seem to be.”
Her eyes went wide and she glanced at a smirking Jasper before looking back at Carlisle. “No sir… I won’t be goin’ against you.”
He inclined his head. “Good, as long as I have your word, we won’t have a problem and you’re welcomed to stay.” He cocked a brow and she nodded.
“You have my word. I won’t do anything and I’ll wait until Pete comes down here to talk.”
Carlisle stood. “Thank you Charlotte. I appreciate your cooperation.” He turned toward Jasper. “Son, if you would speak to her about the feeding situation in this area, I would be grateful.” At Jasper’s nod, he walked to the door and spoke before leaving the room. “Edward, we can have that talk now. Follow me.”
Pete watched, mesmerized, as his wife nourished his son, his healthy, beautiful son from her body and he couldn’t help but think it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever beheld in all his years.
It had taken the two of them a few minutes to get the hang of it, but his son had settled in finally and was now content at his mother’s breast, and the longer Pete watched, the more choked he became by his emotions. He simply couldn’t believe that, after all this time, he had his wife back; the only woman he’d ever loved.
Shame filled him as he thought about how he’d finally lost faith and let the anger and pain rule his actions. How he’d sought the company of women, not that any of them had provided solace…
Fear mixed with the shame and he wondered how he could tell her… Would she accept him after she knew his past—not only his history with other women, but also that of his violent vampire life until he’d finally escaped Maria’s army? Hell, even after that, he’d had his moments… He could barely get past the memories—he sure as hell didn’t know how she was going to.
He’d known, deep down, that Bella was alive, but he’d let the resentment of his circumstances rule him for years and consequently had ignored that knowledge, doing everything in his power to forget her. It had all been for naught, for there hadn’t been a day that passed where she didn’t haunt his heart and mind and for a time, that torture had made him particularly vicious.
He dropped his head into his hands and Bella noticed right away as she gently patted their son’s back to burp him.
She was concerned. She’d seen his expression from the corner of her eye and the few glances she’d chanced as she fed Holden and she knew that Pete must be lost in thoughts and memories and from the look of him, none of them good.
When the baby burped, she called out to Esme who came in moments later as Pete straightened in his chair, trying his best to look nonchalant.
Esme approached with a smile. “Is there something you need sweetheart?”
Bella glanced at her husband and then back to Esme as she answered. “I was wondering if you could look after Holden while Pete and I have a talk. He’s done nursing and should sleep for a while.”
Esme’s face fairly lit up. “I would love to look after him Bella.” She walked around the other side of the bed and took the baby gently. “Is it all right if I take him down stairs? I’m sure the others would love to see him.”
Pete’s expression darkened, but Bella smiled. “I trust you Esme.”
Esme smiled softly and looked at Pete. “I’ll keep him safe Peter, I promise you. Carlisle and I would never let anything happen to him. We see Bella as our daughter and this tiny one as our grandson. I would see myself destroyed before letting harm come to him.”
He nodded slowly. “I reckon that combined with my wife’s trust is good enough for me then.”
She inclined her head and said, “Thank you,” as she turned and left.
Bella fixed her gown and turned to her husband. “All right Peter Whitlock, out with it. I can’t stand to see you torturing yourself any longer so spill. And don’t think to tip-toe around things either. I’m not so fragile that I can’t handle what it is that you’ll tell me,” she dropped her head and wrung her hands nervously, “unless you’re gonna tell me you no longer want me…” She met his gaze. “Is that it? You found someone else? Is it this Charlotte person that I’ve heard about?”
His eyes went wide. “What? No! No, it’s nothing like that…”
She blew out a breath. “Good, then I can handle anything else.” She looked at him and waited patiently.
He rubbed his forehead and searched for the words he needed, finally just diving in. “Bella, after I was taken and changed, my life literally went to hell. I was this vicious creature that lived on killin’ people and survived by killin’ any others of my kind who opposed me in any way.” He met her sad eyes and continued, steadfastly ignoring the guilt that consumed him. “It was brutal, sugar…more brutal than you could ever imagine, but I couldn’t being myself to give up. Your words, that you spoke to me that night in the alley… those words haunted me sugar and I just couldn’t give up. You knew what I was and wanted me anyway;” his eyes narrowed at her, “that’s another conversation we need to have, by the way—just how the hell you knew, not only that, but how you already knew that bastard of an uncle of mine and how you came to be back in my time in the first place.” She nodded and he continued. “So, as I was sayin’ I couldn’t give up, but that didn’t stop me from being more angry and hurt than I’d ever been before. That anger led me to do things,” he looked away and shook his head, his voice low as he continued, “things I’m so ashamed of now that I’m sittin’ here with you.” He met her steady gaze again and she nodded, urging him on. “I’ve killed so many people Bella—a lot of them for simply bein’ in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were innocent…but I was angry and out of control…” He sighed and she reached out and took his hand.
“Most every vampire goes through that Pete. It doesn’t make me love you any less. The fact that it bothers you at all tells me that you’re still a good man.”
He scoffed and pulled his hand from hers. “There were also many women over the years Bella. I didn’t love any of ‘em, but that didn’t stop me from using their bodies either.”
Pain knifed through her chest as she stared into her lap and choked out, “Oh…” She covered her eyes with one hand and fought the urge to sob, finally taking a deep breath when she’d gained some control, though her voice still trembled when she spoke. “It’s been a long time for you Pete. You probably gave me up for dead years ago, but even if you didn’t… even if you knew I was alive and you’d eventually see me again, how could I expect you to have remained faithful all that time? It wouldn’t have been fair for me to ask or expect such a thing.” Her teary gaze met his. “The important thing is you’re here now and we’re together… If you still want me, that is.”
He sat on the edge of the bed and took her into his arms as her tears finally fell, his fingers running through her silky hair as he held her close. “Of course I want you. You’re the only one for me Bella and you always have been. It’s me that should be worried darlin’ ‘cause I’m no where near good enough for ya.” He drew back and cupped her cheeks as they looked into each other’s eyes. “I love ya so much Bella… I never stopped darlin’ and I can’t imagine that ya still want me, but if ya do, then I’m yours ‘till the end of time baby doll. I’ll not touch another woman from now until my final death.”
He dried her tears with gentle fingers. “So, do ya baby? Will ya still have me as your husband?”
Bella reached out and caressed his cheek, the words on the tip of her tongue as the door burst open and Jasper stood there. “Bella, the wolves just showed up. It’s Charlie sweetheart…”
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.