Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 18
The scent of blood hung heavy in the air as the crow perched on the branch, quietly observing the murderous chaos taking place around him.
At one time, this had been a pioneer encampment; people who had decided to flee the violence of the impending war for the hope of relative peace in the west. It was that no longer however, due to the army of newborn vampires that had descended upon it, decimating every living soul within in a matter of minutes.
He'd counted forty people in the camp of circled wagons, which 12 newborn cold ones plus their three female leaders had brutally wiped out every last one of. It was gruesome to behold; blood and body parts everywhere, and now the newborns were turning on each other despite their leader's efforts to get them under control.
He turned his head slightly, his attention caught by one of the blonde females speaking to the hispanic female. "Maria! They're destroying each other and they won't stop."
Maria, who now stood off to the side, observing the slaughter with quiet rage, turned her piercing red gaze onto the blonde. "I have eyes you stupid puta. Do you not see me watching?" She scoffed in disgust and turned back to watch the last of the fight. It looked like it was narrowing down to two specific males; a very stocky white male and a leaner but faster hispanic male.
When it finally came down to those two facing off, Maria spoke, firmly but with quiet malice. "If you two care at all for your continued existence, you will stop immediately. Otherwise, I will destroy you myself and don't think that I cannot accomplish such a feat."
They growled at each other for a moment more before turning to their leader who stood straight and stepped forward. "Good, now pile everything together, even the wagons and burn it all, quickly! We've wasted enough time here today and now I have an army to rebuild and train before our enemies move in on our territory."
She moved back to watch them while they worked, her two partners standing on either side of her. "What are we to do Maria? This happens every time. We simply can't control them!"
Maria stared straight ahead. "We need a soldier… an officer… someone who is used to commanding and training troops."
The crow had now heard enough and he flew to land behind some scrub bushes where he transformed.
"How about I solve your problems ladies."
Maria and her blonde partners spun about to face the newcomer, startled that they hadn't heard his approach. Maria looked at him calculatingly. "Who are you and how can you possibly help us?"
The tall, devastatingly handsome man smirked at them. "Oh, I never said I could help you. I said I could solve your problems. There is a marked difference."
He attacked with such speed that even their enhanced vision could not follow, striking, tearing, shredding until there was nothing left, throwing the various pieces into the fire as the two males stood dumbfounded. That was just fine with Damon because they were next, and he attacked without mercy just as the last piece of Maria went up in wispy curls of purple tinged smoke.
~o0o~
Damon rode into Richmond, Virginia fully aware that he was taking a hell of a risk by simply being in this part of the country during this time period. His family had been, or was rather, very affluent and therefore fairly well-known, but he knew that he had to do this for his daughter. He would deal with any complications as needed.
A quick survey of the encampments was all he needed to locate the regiments from Texas and he headed that way, keeping his mount to a casual pace.
The Texas troops were easy to spot due to their relative, apparent wealth compared to the troops from poorer states, their smart uniforms and quality mounts the most glaring differences.
Now he just had to locate the commander's tent. He dismounted, tethered his horse to a tie line, and quickly stopped a passing soldier. "The Commander's tent?"
The soldier pointed two rows over, toward a larger tent. "Right over there, Colonel Baxter's tent sir."
Damon thanked him and made his way to the tent, addressing the soldier posted outside. "I need to speak with Colonel Baxter. My name is Damon Salvatore, arriving from Houston."
The soldier looked at him curiously. "Yes sir. I'll see if he's available. May I convey the nature of your call?"
"Yes. Tell him I have a business proposition for him."
The soldier disappeared into the tent and reemerged mere moments later. "The Colonel will see you sir."
He held the tent flap aside and Damon entered, removing his hat as the Colonel stepped forward, shaking his hand. "Mr. Salvatore, what can I do for you?"
He gestured toward a chair and they both took seats as Damon answered.
"I will not waste your time Colonel. I'll get right to the point. I am here to inquire about my son-in-law and to see if I may persuade you to transfer him into the service of the Ranger regiment that currently protects Houston. I am heavily invested in shipping and railroad and can make sure your regiment is well supplied throughout this conflict as an exchange."
The Colonel eyed him for a moment, stroking his beard in thought. "Well now, that's a very generous offer. You have my interest. Now, just who is your son-in-law Mr. Salvatore?"
~o0o~
Bella stood at the window, lost in thought as her hand rested on the swell of her belly, a soft, sad smile curving her lips at the gentle rolls and kicks she felt there. She was now six months along in her pregnancy and she'd found it to be a very bittersweet time.
She loved feeling her child grow and move within her, but the pain of the absence of his father was still searing in its intensity. She missed her husband, her mate, and the ache of that was at a soul-deep level.
Only adding to her loneliness was the departure of her father three months previous. He'd told her that he was leaving for a time, but would not share where or why and she'd been distraught by that. That was, until Emily had spoken to her about the whole situation, telling her that she needed to trust her father's skill and wisdom; that he would never risk himself and leave her.
She'd hoped to hear from her father by now, but due to the unrest in the entire south, domestic mail wasn't exactly a priority and letters were few and precious. She'd received exactly two letters from Jasper so far and he'd sounded well enough in each, but she was well aware that could change within minutes in the current climate and so she was ever on pins and needles, always waiting, always worrying.
She felt a lone tear escape down her cheek and scoffed lightly at herself as she swiped at it. She'd cried so much over the last few months that Emily swore that the baby was going to have a permanently somber disposition when he was born. She always said this with a slight smirk, but Bella could see the underlying concern in her eyes and so she made every effort to stay positive.
Another thing that had made staying positive difficult was Jasper's mother. She had been a regular visitor since finding out about the pregnancy. This puzzled Bella because it wasn't as though the woman could visit with her grandchild, and she'd made her feelings plain toward Bella herself… but she had insisted on regular visits.
She suspected it was to establish some sort of regular presence in the household so that it wouldn't be such a sudden thing after the baby was born and Emily had agreed with her.
Perhaps it was because she wanted to mend their relationship and just didn't know how to go about it.
Bella shrugged one shoulder with a sigh as she rubbed over what seemed to be a tiny foot. She just couldn't be sure until the woman made a true overture. Until that happened, they would continue on the way they had been, with a decided distance between them.
A racket in the street outside caught her attention and she moved the curtain aside to see what was going on, her breath catching when she saw the group of riders passing by.
Rushing out of the room and toward the front door, she almost collided with Charles, offering a
distracted apology as she continued on.
He followed her in concern, not knowing what had her so obviously upset. "Miss Isabella?"
She was just throwing open the door. "Not now Charles! I have to get outside!"
He followed just to make sure she didn't hurt herself in her condition. "Miss, you should really slow down."
"I can't Charles! I have to see him!" She hurried along the walkway as quickly as her condition allowed, desperate to catch up, finally spotting the group as they dismounted at what looked to be the Ranger's office.
"Papa!"
Damon was just tethering his horse when he heard his daughter call out and he turned to her with a smile as she rushed into his arms.
He wrapped her in a hug as he laughed. "Careful sweetheart, I'm covered in road-dust. You're going to get dirty."
She mumbled out against his chest. "I don't care. I missed you."
She backed away to see him. "Where have you been all this time?"
He smirked. "Well, I had some business to take care of…"
"Isabella?"
Bella froze when she heard a very familiar voice, finally turning with a gasp. "Jasper!"
He stepped forward and drew her into his arms, tilting her face up gently to kiss her. He smiled as he broke the kiss, stroking her cheek with his fingers. "Hello my beautiful wife."
He wiped her tears that fell.
"What are you doing back here?"
A clearing throat caught their attention and she felt Jasper tense the barest amount as he looked toward the man.
"Lieutenant, go on home with your wife. You have the next two days off. Report back here Monday morning at eight sharp."
Jasper touched the brim of his hat. "Much obliged Captain."
Damon grabbed the reins of his horse. "Bella, I'm going to head on home and soak this dirt off of me and then I'm going to relax with a drink." He smirked. "I'll call on you midday Monday."
She hugged him again, speaking lowly. "Thank you Dad. I love you."
Damon kissed the top of her head and she let him go, stepping back toward Jasper as he took her hand, watching Damon mount up and ride off.
Jasper smiled at her. "Let's go home."
Bella was quiet on the walk back to their home, her mind in a whirl, her emotions following suit. After all, the last two times they had seen each other had either been brief or turbulent and she wasn't sure what to feel or think. Jasper seemed genuinely happy to see her and be back, but what about all their unresolved issues?
What about her being what she was? They really hadn't talked about any of that and she was apprehensive to say the least.
Sure, they had exchanged letters during his absence, but that was hardly the ideal medium for addressing the issues between them and so they hadn't, merely exchanging pleasantries and reassurances of safety and wellbeing.
Jasper opened their door for her and she stepped through, giving the worried Charles a nod as he stepped forward, taking Jasper's hat and gloves. "Welcome home Mr. Whitlock. It's good to have you back sir."
Jasper inclined his head. "Thank you Charles. It's very good to be back. My wife and I will be indisposed for the duration. Please see that we're not disturbed."
Charles glanced at Bella and looked back at Jasper. "By anyone sir?"
Jasper furrowed his brow. "Yes, by anyone. Why would you ask?"
Charles looked a bit nervous. "Well sir, your mother has been visiting daily just after the midday meal."
Jasper nodded and looked at his wife who looked a bit apprehensive. "I'm sensing some tension. These aren't welcomed visits? Why?"
Bella met his eyes. "Perhaps we should speak in private?"
He offered his arm. "All right then… Oh and Charles, don't disturb us for even her visit. I'll call on my family later. Make my apologies."
Charles inclined his head. "Yes sir Mr. Whitlock."
Jasper escorted Bella up to their bedroom, sighing as he closed the door behind them.
She walked across the room and sat in an armchair, folding her hands in her lap as she stared down at them.
He watched her for a moment before walking to her, where he knelt, taking her hands in his and placing a kiss on them. "I know I left a lot unsaid the last time we spoke and I hated that I had to leave it like that for so long. I'm going to go bathe and change and then we will talk." He met her eyes and she nodded.
"I won't be long."
He stood and walked into the washroom, closing the door behind him.
She took a deep breath, releasing it slowly as she placed a hand on her belly. She couldn't help thinking that her whole future hinged, once again, on an awaited conversation, the last of which hadn't turned out well and she felt a stab of sadness at just the memory.
She smiled, feeling a gentle roll and kick as a subtle peaceful feeling filled her. She was always amazed at how her baby could do that for her already. He was going to be very much like his daddy. At least, she thought she was having a son.
She rubbed over what she suspected was a foot, staring down as she spoke quietly. "I'll do my best for you my little one and at the very least, we'll always have each other."
The scent of blood hung heavy in the air as the crow perched on the branch, quietly observing the murderous chaos taking place around him.
At one time, this had been a pioneer encampment; people who had decided to flee the violence of the impending war for the hope of relative peace in the west. It was that no longer however, due to the army of newborn vampires that had descended upon it, decimating every living soul within in a matter of minutes.
He'd counted forty people in the camp of circled wagons, which 12 newborn cold ones plus their three female leaders had brutally wiped out every last one of. It was gruesome to behold; blood and body parts everywhere, and now the newborns were turning on each other despite their leader's efforts to get them under control.
He turned his head slightly, his attention caught by one of the blonde females speaking to the hispanic female. "Maria! They're destroying each other and they won't stop."
Maria, who now stood off to the side, observing the slaughter with quiet rage, turned her piercing red gaze onto the blonde. "I have eyes you stupid puta. Do you not see me watching?" She scoffed in disgust and turned back to watch the last of the fight. It looked like it was narrowing down to two specific males; a very stocky white male and a leaner but faster hispanic male.
When it finally came down to those two facing off, Maria spoke, firmly but with quiet malice. "If you two care at all for your continued existence, you will stop immediately. Otherwise, I will destroy you myself and don't think that I cannot accomplish such a feat."
They growled at each other for a moment more before turning to their leader who stood straight and stepped forward. "Good, now pile everything together, even the wagons and burn it all, quickly! We've wasted enough time here today and now I have an army to rebuild and train before our enemies move in on our territory."
She moved back to watch them while they worked, her two partners standing on either side of her. "What are we to do Maria? This happens every time. We simply can't control them!"
Maria stared straight ahead. "We need a soldier… an officer… someone who is used to commanding and training troops."
The crow had now heard enough and he flew to land behind some scrub bushes where he transformed.
"How about I solve your problems ladies."
Maria and her blonde partners spun about to face the newcomer, startled that they hadn't heard his approach. Maria looked at him calculatingly. "Who are you and how can you possibly help us?"
The tall, devastatingly handsome man smirked at them. "Oh, I never said I could help you. I said I could solve your problems. There is a marked difference."
He attacked with such speed that even their enhanced vision could not follow, striking, tearing, shredding until there was nothing left, throwing the various pieces into the fire as the two males stood dumbfounded. That was just fine with Damon because they were next, and he attacked without mercy just as the last piece of Maria went up in wispy curls of purple tinged smoke.
~o0o~
Damon rode into Richmond, Virginia fully aware that he was taking a hell of a risk by simply being in this part of the country during this time period. His family had been, or was rather, very affluent and therefore fairly well-known, but he knew that he had to do this for his daughter. He would deal with any complications as needed.
A quick survey of the encampments was all he needed to locate the regiments from Texas and he headed that way, keeping his mount to a casual pace.
The Texas troops were easy to spot due to their relative, apparent wealth compared to the troops from poorer states, their smart uniforms and quality mounts the most glaring differences.
Now he just had to locate the commander's tent. He dismounted, tethered his horse to a tie line, and quickly stopped a passing soldier. "The Commander's tent?"
The soldier pointed two rows over, toward a larger tent. "Right over there, Colonel Baxter's tent sir."
Damon thanked him and made his way to the tent, addressing the soldier posted outside. "I need to speak with Colonel Baxter. My name is Damon Salvatore, arriving from Houston."
The soldier looked at him curiously. "Yes sir. I'll see if he's available. May I convey the nature of your call?"
"Yes. Tell him I have a business proposition for him."
The soldier disappeared into the tent and reemerged mere moments later. "The Colonel will see you sir."
He held the tent flap aside and Damon entered, removing his hat as the Colonel stepped forward, shaking his hand. "Mr. Salvatore, what can I do for you?"
He gestured toward a chair and they both took seats as Damon answered.
"I will not waste your time Colonel. I'll get right to the point. I am here to inquire about my son-in-law and to see if I may persuade you to transfer him into the service of the Ranger regiment that currently protects Houston. I am heavily invested in shipping and railroad and can make sure your regiment is well supplied throughout this conflict as an exchange."
The Colonel eyed him for a moment, stroking his beard in thought. "Well now, that's a very generous offer. You have my interest. Now, just who is your son-in-law Mr. Salvatore?"
~o0o~
Bella stood at the window, lost in thought as her hand rested on the swell of her belly, a soft, sad smile curving her lips at the gentle rolls and kicks she felt there. She was now six months along in her pregnancy and she'd found it to be a very bittersweet time.
She loved feeling her child grow and move within her, but the pain of the absence of his father was still searing in its intensity. She missed her husband, her mate, and the ache of that was at a soul-deep level.
Only adding to her loneliness was the departure of her father three months previous. He'd told her that he was leaving for a time, but would not share where or why and she'd been distraught by that. That was, until Emily had spoken to her about the whole situation, telling her that she needed to trust her father's skill and wisdom; that he would never risk himself and leave her.
She'd hoped to hear from her father by now, but due to the unrest in the entire south, domestic mail wasn't exactly a priority and letters were few and precious. She'd received exactly two letters from Jasper so far and he'd sounded well enough in each, but she was well aware that could change within minutes in the current climate and so she was ever on pins and needles, always waiting, always worrying.
She felt a lone tear escape down her cheek and scoffed lightly at herself as she swiped at it. She'd cried so much over the last few months that Emily swore that the baby was going to have a permanently somber disposition when he was born. She always said this with a slight smirk, but Bella could see the underlying concern in her eyes and so she made every effort to stay positive.
Another thing that had made staying positive difficult was Jasper's mother. She had been a regular visitor since finding out about the pregnancy. This puzzled Bella because it wasn't as though the woman could visit with her grandchild, and she'd made her feelings plain toward Bella herself… but she had insisted on regular visits.
She suspected it was to establish some sort of regular presence in the household so that it wouldn't be such a sudden thing after the baby was born and Emily had agreed with her.
Perhaps it was because she wanted to mend their relationship and just didn't know how to go about it.
Bella shrugged one shoulder with a sigh as she rubbed over what seemed to be a tiny foot. She just couldn't be sure until the woman made a true overture. Until that happened, they would continue on the way they had been, with a decided distance between them.
A racket in the street outside caught her attention and she moved the curtain aside to see what was going on, her breath catching when she saw the group of riders passing by.
Rushing out of the room and toward the front door, she almost collided with Charles, offering a
distracted apology as she continued on.
He followed her in concern, not knowing what had her so obviously upset. "Miss Isabella?"
She was just throwing open the door. "Not now Charles! I have to get outside!"
He followed just to make sure she didn't hurt herself in her condition. "Miss, you should really slow down."
"I can't Charles! I have to see him!" She hurried along the walkway as quickly as her condition allowed, desperate to catch up, finally spotting the group as they dismounted at what looked to be the Ranger's office.
"Papa!"
Damon was just tethering his horse when he heard his daughter call out and he turned to her with a smile as she rushed into his arms.
He wrapped her in a hug as he laughed. "Careful sweetheart, I'm covered in road-dust. You're going to get dirty."
She mumbled out against his chest. "I don't care. I missed you."
She backed away to see him. "Where have you been all this time?"
He smirked. "Well, I had some business to take care of…"
"Isabella?"
Bella froze when she heard a very familiar voice, finally turning with a gasp. "Jasper!"
He stepped forward and drew her into his arms, tilting her face up gently to kiss her. He smiled as he broke the kiss, stroking her cheek with his fingers. "Hello my beautiful wife."
He wiped her tears that fell.
"What are you doing back here?"
A clearing throat caught their attention and she felt Jasper tense the barest amount as he looked toward the man.
"Lieutenant, go on home with your wife. You have the next two days off. Report back here Monday morning at eight sharp."
Jasper touched the brim of his hat. "Much obliged Captain."
Damon grabbed the reins of his horse. "Bella, I'm going to head on home and soak this dirt off of me and then I'm going to relax with a drink." He smirked. "I'll call on you midday Monday."
She hugged him again, speaking lowly. "Thank you Dad. I love you."
Damon kissed the top of her head and she let him go, stepping back toward Jasper as he took her hand, watching Damon mount up and ride off.
Jasper smiled at her. "Let's go home."
Bella was quiet on the walk back to their home, her mind in a whirl, her emotions following suit. After all, the last two times they had seen each other had either been brief or turbulent and she wasn't sure what to feel or think. Jasper seemed genuinely happy to see her and be back, but what about all their unresolved issues?
What about her being what she was? They really hadn't talked about any of that and she was apprehensive to say the least.
Sure, they had exchanged letters during his absence, but that was hardly the ideal medium for addressing the issues between them and so they hadn't, merely exchanging pleasantries and reassurances of safety and wellbeing.
Jasper opened their door for her and she stepped through, giving the worried Charles a nod as he stepped forward, taking Jasper's hat and gloves. "Welcome home Mr. Whitlock. It's good to have you back sir."
Jasper inclined his head. "Thank you Charles. It's very good to be back. My wife and I will be indisposed for the duration. Please see that we're not disturbed."
Charles glanced at Bella and looked back at Jasper. "By anyone sir?"
Jasper furrowed his brow. "Yes, by anyone. Why would you ask?"
Charles looked a bit nervous. "Well sir, your mother has been visiting daily just after the midday meal."
Jasper nodded and looked at his wife who looked a bit apprehensive. "I'm sensing some tension. These aren't welcomed visits? Why?"
Bella met his eyes. "Perhaps we should speak in private?"
He offered his arm. "All right then… Oh and Charles, don't disturb us for even her visit. I'll call on my family later. Make my apologies."
Charles inclined his head. "Yes sir Mr. Whitlock."
Jasper escorted Bella up to their bedroom, sighing as he closed the door behind them.
She walked across the room and sat in an armchair, folding her hands in her lap as she stared down at them.
He watched her for a moment before walking to her, where he knelt, taking her hands in his and placing a kiss on them. "I know I left a lot unsaid the last time we spoke and I hated that I had to leave it like that for so long. I'm going to go bathe and change and then we will talk." He met her eyes and she nodded.
"I won't be long."
He stood and walked into the washroom, closing the door behind him.
She took a deep breath, releasing it slowly as she placed a hand on her belly. She couldn't help thinking that her whole future hinged, once again, on an awaited conversation, the last of which hadn't turned out well and she felt a stab of sadness at just the memory.
She smiled, feeling a gentle roll and kick as a subtle peaceful feeling filled her. She was always amazed at how her baby could do that for her already. He was going to be very much like his daddy. At least, she thought she was having a son.
She rubbed over what she suspected was a foot, staring down as she spoke quietly. "I'll do my best for you my little one and at the very least, we'll always have each other."
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.