Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Blood And Steel

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 11:

Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah.

“I have to admit sir. You certainly travel in style.” Connolly told the President as they stepped out of Marine one in the middle of one of the most guarded secret bases in the US Military. Conspiracy theorists loved to talk about possible alien bases here at Dugway. The truth was Dugway is what the government has always claimed it to be. A base designed to develop defenses against chemical and biological agents in war. Due to the nature of the work, the base had to be isolated and sealed off from the public. If Dugway could be described as one thing it would be isolated. There was nothing to be seen for miles except the army barracks. Most of the work went on underground, for safety and secrecy. Still accidents happened as the sheep from years past could attest.

“Believe it or not, I envy you. I loved my days with the Seals. Flying into hot LZs never knowing if you were going to make it out. Sneaking up on enemies through the murky water or jungle. Becoming one with your surroundings while preparing to take out your enemy. When I became involved in politics to me it was another type of war. But politics are not as exciting.” The President told Jason.

This was why the majority of the Armed Forces loved President David Rodriguez. He had been one of them. Not a cargo pilot or officer on a large battle ship. He had been a Seal. He knew what combat was and he asked nothing of the men and women of the armed services that he would not do himself.

“This Priest we are meeting? Why do we need him? Why do we need to go into the Vatican archives?” Jason asked.

Dave sighed.

“Because Chris Jennings thinks the two swords your girls have are involved with have something to do with the netherworld. We know the swords are supernatural in origin. We don’t know why they appeared or why only two girls at one time can wield them. We believe the story may be in the Vatican archives. The real ones, not the ones in Vatican City. It seems all of the recorded knowledge of mankind was at one point stored in the Library of Alexandria. When it was destroyed much of that information appeared to have been lost. But rumors over the years surfaced. Rumors about the knowledge, much of it anyway being saved and somehow falling into the hands of the Vatican. Chris is convinced if he can find the archives he can find out why the swords are here and where they came from. At least what purpose they serve. I served with Francis. He was a Seal before he was a priest. Took a bullet for me once. He seems to think he might know of a few places we can look. But in order to give us information he wants a chance to convince us that not all vampires are evil. Apparently this Garrett guy has been around since the American Revolution and been helping our country this entire time. I had no idea Francis had a vampire friend.”

“I’m sorry sir, did you say netherworld?” Connolly asked, making sure he heard correctly and very concerned that he did.

“Yes. The children at Wonderland are gifted as you know. Some have the gift to see and speak to the dead who have not moved on. Some can actually travel to the netherworld like Chris. Call them mediums if you like. The netherworld is the spiritual plane between what I suppose a Christian like myself would call Heaven and Hell. Souls who fight to stay out of Hell and those who aren’t ready for the peace of Heaven. At least that is how Chris explained it to me. Apparently recently seven doors have appeared there and millions of souls are threatening to break them down. They are being encouraged by demons called Onis. These are demons from Japa…”

“Yes sir. I know the story. Just so we are clear, you brought me aboard to kill vampires. How exactly do you want me to kill people who are already dead?” Connolly asked, interrupting the President.

David smiled.

“I don’t know yet. I don’t even know if it is needed. But Chris Jennings is a man to be trusted and if he says something is wrong we have to pay attention. If having a get to know you session with a vampire is needed then it’s what we do.”

Jason looked at the President doubtfully. Dave laughed.

“Hey I don’t talk to dead people or travel to different spiritual planes. I’m just passing on what I have been told. It’s worth looking into. I want to know more about those swords and I know you do too. I know you have a personal interest in finding out more.” Dave said with meaning.

“Sir?”

“I keep tabs on my people Jason. I don’t care what you and Bella are doing. But what if her being in possession of that sword means that her and Winter are going to be facing something greater than vampires? Don’t you want to know what you could do to help if needed?”

“Yes sir.” Connolly told him. “Who told you…”

“Chris Jennings sees a lot of things. Don’t be surprised. He may dress and talk like a typical Wyoming cowboy but there is more going on with him than you would suspect.”

“I see. Netherworld. Ghosts. Mystical samurai swords, Japanese demons. A vampire who is a friend of a priest. Library of Alexandria, hidden Vatican archives. Am I missing anything so far?”

“You know what I know.” The President told him as he walked through the a door into an office building, the two men flanked by Secret Service who were still on alert after what happened at Area 51.

The President punched a numeric code into the elevator. The door opened and he motioned Connolly inside.

“Take the elevator to the fifth sublevel. There is a conference room there. It has UV lights. The vampire is there.”

“You’re not coming sir?” Jason asked, surprised.

“Are you kidding? I’m the President of the United States. I’m 53 years old. You get paid to take chances, not me. I get paid to carry nuclear launch codes on me at all times. Get to know him. If he seems alright call me and I will come down. You have multiple weapons on you. You will be fine. I have all the faith in the world in you. Francis is here and I want to catch up. The last time we spoke we didn’t have a whole lot of time talking about things besides Japanese demons.”

“Yes sir.” Connolly said. He punched S 5 and the door closed immediately. Within seconds it opened again. Stepping out very carefully he listened to what was around him, hand near his .45.

“I’m in the conference room. These damn lights are killing me. Francis said you wouldn’t. Kill me that is. Why don’t you come have a seat?” a voice from down the hall called out.

Connolly walked down the hall taking in his surroundings. Without access to the elevator both would be trapped down here. With the lights it would be a toss up between him and the vampire in a fight. He liked those odds.

Garrett sat at the table trying not to squint and took in the man who walked surely but cautiously into the conference room. He liked what he saw immediately. He noted how Connolly took a look at every angle of the room and Garrett in half a second as if by seeing it he had it memorized. Garrett thought he probably did.

“Go the other side please.” Connolly instructed the vampire. Garrett was sitting at the head of a long conference table nearest the door.

“Why?”

“I’m sorry for the confusion. When I said please you must have taken it as a request. Go to the other side now. I like to be by the door, not backed up to a wall.” Jason told him.

Garrett chuckled but did throw his hands up and move slowly to the other side of the table. Connolly sat and tilted his chair so he could view both the vampire and the door. He lifted his legs and placed them on the table. The position made him seem relaxed but actually gave him quicker access to his gun.

“So you are Garrett?”

“Yes. And you are Lt. Commander Jason Connolly. I have seen your work before in Somalia and once in Siberia. I am a fan.”

“Bullshit. You must have broken into files. Those missions were top secret. I would have noticed you.”

“No you wouldn’t. I was turned during the American Revolution. I have some years on you. If I don’t want to be seen I won’t be. I am as good at disappearing as you are.”

“That right? So what happened in Siberia?” Connolly asked.

“You recovered a downed satellite. I got there first but when I saw your team skydive in I stepped back. You met resistance from the South. Russian troops. You killed six of them personally and your team killed 17. By the way there was a team flanking you from the North. I have no doubt you could have taken them but I decided to save you the trouble. I left thirty dead and buried them in the snow. I bet the Russians have still not found the bodies. Siberia is a lonely place, especially at night.”

“Why were you there?”

“The same reason you were. I figured the satellite was important so I went for it. I happened to be in the area and had a source in the Pentagon who thought I may be of some use. I fought for this country before I was turned and have been looking out for it ever since. I have been at every major American battle. I tend to stick to the shadows but help out when needed.”

“Who is your source in the Pentagon?” Jason asked immediately, wondering if the name was on a list he was given by the new director of Area 51.

“I’ll never say. Call him Deep throat if it makes you feel better and you must have a name.”

“You think I need your help? Why now? We have what we need to kill vampires.” Connolly pointed out to him.

“Well since we are no longer a secret to the Government I felt there was no need to keep my secret. I have in-depth knowledge of vampires. Hiding places, covens, lairs. I have been in many places in my two hundred plus years.”

“And you want to help me wipe out your own kind.” Jason stated doubtfully.

“We are not all killers. Yes I would like to help you kill the ones who are.”

“So what sort of knowledge can you give me that I need?”

“The inside of the Volturi castle for one. I absolutely hate those murdering bastards. I also know many other murdering bastards. I know many vampires, even those who would be willing to help. As I am sure Father Francis told you, we are not all evil.”

“I already have a source who has been in the Volturi castle.” Jason told him.

“Really? Has she been in the secret entrances? Does she know the entire layout? Because I do.”

Jason did not miss that Garrett said she.

“Your face betrays you, no matter how well you hide it. I mean her no harm. I know what Edward Cullen did to her. What he still wants to do to her. The entire coven wants her. At least most of them. She thinks she only has Edward to fear. She has no idea the peaceful doctor is the true one to be afraid of.”

“The doctor? He is the one to be afraid of? Let me guess. His wife is a blood thirsty murderer who makes Pasta. From what I understand the Jasper guy is the one to be afraid of.” Jason told him.

“As I said you know nothing. Neither does your girlfriend. You only think you do. Jasper is the least of

your problems. Did you know his wife is cheating on him with Edward Cullen? Did you know the woman Rosalie is fucking every male in the coven? Not just her husband.”

“No I don’t happen to be aware of the inner workings of the Cullens. I only know what Bella knows.” Connolly admitted.

“These are all things I can help you with. How would you like for your team to practice fighting a vampire in the dark? One who won’t kill you. I will be willing to do this provided you don’t use whatever weapons you have that could turn me to dust.”

Connolly could admit to himself that would be nice. Having an insider with the knowledge he needed. Almost like a spy.

“I am assuming since you know about Bella you know about her partner?”

“The other samurai girl? Yes. I understand her sister was killed by Jane, a member of the Volturi. I realize her mission in life is to kill all vampires. I know your team did a splendid job taking out Maria and her army in Mexico. But you cannot kill all vampires. There are too many of us. More than you could guess. Francis also told me about your concerns about other supernatural creatures. I can only tell you Lycans exist but not many live in the States. Most prefer the wild areas of Europe.”

“I’m glad to see Francis can keep secrets from the enemy.” Jason said sarcastically.

“Because he knows I am not the enemy. He knows I can help you. I saved him once from a vampire.”

Jason did not follow this train of discussion. It could be spoken about later.

“So that was Maria we killed. Were you there?” Jason asked. He had read about the supposedly feared sire of Jasper Hale. She provide nice target for Ty and light so they could see better in the room.

“No. I heard about it.”

“Francis didn’t know about that mission.” Jason pointed out.

“As I said not all vampires are evil. A few are friends who trust me. They probably wouldn’t if they knew I was speaking with you now. You were witnessed. Once word of the body dump reached the public Jasper Hale and his children so to speak, Peter and Charlotte Whitlock came looking for Maria. Instead they saw you from a very long distance. They also saw Bella and have not spoken to the Cullens about it. Peter Whitlock called me in a panic to let me know that humans now had the means to kill vampires. The two of us are friends. I spoke to Francis who had just arrived back from a very special place he refused to talk about in Wyoming. He knew of course about your team and the two of us talked. I decided now was the perfect time to align myself officially again with the United States. Simply put I want in.”

“You understand if Winter and Bella don’t want you around this is out of the question?”

“Yes.”

“How the hell am I supposed to ever trust you?” Connolly asked.

“What the hell do you want me to do to prove my loyalty?” Garrett countered.

Connolly didn’t answer because he simply didn’t know. Instead he asked a different question.

“How were you turned into a vampire?”

“I was in the battle of Lexington. I was shot in the gut. As I lay dying a vampire approached me and carried me from the battlefield. He told me he was impressed by my bravery and thought I would be a good companion for him. He changed me. He nearly drained what blood was left in my body and replaced it by having me drink his blood or I suppose you could call it venom. Whichever term you use doesn’t matter. He taught me everything about being a vampire. He taught me to drink without killing. He taught me to kill. I found the idea of killing innocent people and even feeding off of them repulsing and decided to continue to fight the Brits because it was what I had started out doing and what I wanted to finish. I wanted to see a nation born. I had absolutely no problem killing the Brits. The vampire was angry that I wanted to continue to fight what he considered a human war and none of our kinds business. He left me but we met up over the years and put aside our differences. At least until I learned of his actions. He had actually became a doctor and fed from his patients, most of them under his spell. I left him again but I did discover that bags of donated blood were as good as small sips from humans and much better than feeding from animals.”

“A doctor? You mean to say…”

“Yes. Carlisle Cullen is my sire. I still keep up with him but we are not friends. I like to keep an eye on what he is doing. Right now he is looking desperately for your Bella. He needs her to protect him from the Volturi’s gifts. The Volturi want her turned so they can have both her and Edward for their gifts. They especially covet Bella who both Carlisle and Aro believe has great potential. At this moment the only vampires who know that she is a sword wielding vampire killer working for the government is myself, Peter and Charlotte Whitlock and Jasper Hale. His original name is Whitlock as well if you were wondering.

“He turned his kin?” Jason asked.

“No. They took his name. The three escaped Maria’s army together and are close. They were traveling companions until Jasper met and fell in love with Alice. He has recently discovered her infidelities with Edward but is biding his time.”

“I see…”

Connolly could recognize that if this man was telling the truth he could be an incredible asset to the team. He also realized he had no way of verifying if this vampire was telling the truth.

“Plus I understand Francis could be of some help to you and that is why I am here and still alive. His help is contingent on letting me in.” Garrett pointed out with a grin.

“You may find this hard to believe but I am not a particularly religious person. What is to stop me from working my way through the hierarchy of the Vatican until I find the information I want? I am very good at extracting information.”

“Yes but where would you start?” Garrett asked with a grin.

“Do you think I am afraid of starting at the top?” Connolly smirked.

“Do you think he knows? You probably believed the President knew everything about Area 51. He didn’t, did he? I saw the remains of the Roswell crash. I followed and saw the military hide that craft and those bodies. While I have never actually been inside Area 51’s lower areas I am not stupid. I know there are many secrets kept from the top of the chain. Perhaps not any longer after your visit. You do have a way with people. But this is different. You are speaking of men who are true believers. If anyone could get information it would be a former Navy Seal who is now a priest and friends with your President.”

Connolly sat back and stared at the vampire across the table, taking him in. He usually trusted his instincts on who he could and could not trust. This was different. He couldn’t get a read on this creature. He hated vampires. They had killed two of his men and ruined the life of the woman he loved. They had killed the twin sister of a woman he respected.

Still…

“Aren’t you curious how strong I am in this light? How strong I am at night? How acute my senses are? My night vision? My sense of smell? How I track? This has to be too good for you to pass up.” Garrett pointed out.

“I will bring my team here. We will make a decision. I won’t force them to fight with anyone or thing they don’t trust. If they agree then it will be up to Bella and Winter.”

“Outstanding. While we are waiting for your team I would suggest we fight, with the lights on of course. I am quite adept at martial arts and have seen you in action. I would love the chance to take you on. I am still stronger than you, even in this light.”

“You think so huh?” Connolly asked and couldn’t hold back the grin on his face.

“There is only one way to find out. Let me meet your President and your team. We can spend the week training. I will tell you every single thing I know about the vampire world. If at the end of the week the two samurais say I have to leave, then I leave and will not bother you again. I give you my word.”

Connolly sighed.

“Fine. I’m going to call the President down here. I am armed to the teeth but I am sure you know that. The Priest can come too. If he gives the okay I bring in the team. If that goes well, I bring in the girls. If you survive Bella and Winter’s blades I suppose you can join us.”

Pakistan, CIA black site.

Ty Gavin and Jack Webb were stared at by the men standing around playing horse shoes. They were surprised. Delta Force did not have many visitors. Their numbers were classified. The majority of their missions classified. The CIA SOG was made up mostly of Delta Force members. They were disciplined and deadly. When it came to hostage rescue on land there was no better team in the world.

There was also an unspoken rivalry between the Delta’s and the Seals. Jack and Ty were not overly joyed to find out the next two recruits Connolly wanted were members of Delta Force.

“Damn. Ain’t you bitches supposed to ride dirt bikes with missiles and grenades and shit attached? Where the fuck is Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin? I love that movie. Bunch of bitches is all I see around me.” Ty said loudly. Jack groaned inwardly.

“Could you please shut the fuck up?” Jack practically begged.

“Just sayin hi, Jack. Tryin to be friendly.” Ty explained.

“Hey frog man, what the hell are you doing here? You see any water around?” One of the men asked. He was only around 5’9 but was heavily muscled and had a full beard.

“Can you swim? I’m curious. Cause you look like you can’t swim. That why they stuck your ass out in the desert? You gotta little sand in your beard, bitch. Sea, air and land. That’s us. You guys stick to bein the CIA’s bitches.”

“Anybody know where Ian King and Matt Brody are?” Jack asked, before Ty’s mouth got them jumped by fifty guys who were supposed to be on their side.

One of the men pointed to a tent on the outskirts of the site. Webb and Gavin walked inside without announcing their presence. A sweaty, thin, slightly balding man in a white shirt, beige slacks and loose blue tie walked up immediately. He may as well have been wearing a CIA ball cap.

“You are not allowed in here.”

“Get the fuck out.” Webb told him.

“By whose authority are you speaking?”

“By the President’s authority. Get the fuck out now.” Webb answered.

The man scowled but did walk out.

Webb walked outside the tent and saw the man standing outside.

“I meant out. Away. I think you hear what I am about to discuss with these men I kill you. Understand?”

The man loosened his tie a bit more and walked far away from the tent.

Webb entered the tent and offered his hand to the two men he had come to see. King was in charge and Brody was his second in command. More alpha dogs, Webb thought to himself. Maybe they would say no.

“I’m Jack Webb. This loudmouth next to me is Ty Gavin.”

“That hurts Jack.” Ty said with a smile.

“What can we do for you gentlemen? I’m guessing you aren’t CIA. Seals?” King guessed.

“We used to be.” Gavin told him.

“What are you now?” Brody asked.

“That’s the question isn’t it? Let me ask you two something. You like working for that asshole? For the CIA in general?” Webb asked.

“It’s a living. Why?” King asked.

“You ever heard of Jason Connolly?”

That brought silence to both Delta Force soldiers. Finally King spoke.

“Yeah we heard of him.” King admitted grudgingly. “A lot of operators have heard of him. It’s said he’s the best. I’ve heard the stories. You ask me the guy has a death wish.”

“How would you like to work for him?” Gavin asked.

“Work for him? That what you two do?” King asked with a chuckle.

“Yep.” Webb asked.

“You want us to be Seals?” Brody asked, holding in a laugh.

“Nope. Not Seals.”

“Then what are you?”

“The best. Connolly has decided he wants you two.” Webb told him.

“Why?” Brody asked.

“To replace two of our members who were killed last week in combat. We have the best weapons, the best tech and we answer only to Connolly who answers only to the President.” Jack explained.

“Impressive. How many people you got in this unit?” King asked.

Jack looked at Ty who shook his head.

“That’s classified. You decide you want in you learn everything. Things you never dreamed were possible. Enemies you didn’t know existed.”

“We know every terrorist group in the world.” King countered.

“I’m not talking about terrorists. Some things are worse. The enemies we fight are more dangerous than… terrorists. They have killed way more humans than any terrorist group has.”

“Really?” Brody smirked. “You expect us to join you based on that?”

“You think you are at the top of the ladder. You aren’t. We fight nightmares. You want in you become a part of that. You will most likely die fighting these bastards. But if you want to fight the most dangerous enemies to mankind ever to exist then you come with us. I promise you I have not wasted my time coming out to this God forsaken place for nothing.” Webb told him.

I’m the leader of a team of the most highly trained individuals in the world. You expect me to leave that and follow Connolly?’ King asked for clarification.

“I promise you I will show you things you will not believe. Things you have never imagined but are real. You want to help save the human race? Then yeah. You are going to want to leave here with us.” Webb told him.

“I went through Buds with Connolly. He doesn’t risk his men unless it’s absolutely necessary. He takes chances but he takes them himself mostly. You know this. You know he is the best. We all are. Get on that chopper with us.” Ty said.

“Where are we heading if we do?”

“Either Utah or Galveston.” Webb told King.

“Galveston?” Brody asked, surprised.

“Yeah, our underwater base.” Gavin clarified.

“Holy shit.” Brody said.

“You think that’s something? You should see our transport jet. We have another one coming. It can hit orbit and be anywhere in the world in less than four hours. It’s also armed like you wouldn’t believe. It was designed at Groom.” Webb told them. “That’s top secret by the way.”

“Groom? Yeah I’ve been in some of their choppers. That doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence.” King commented, an obvious toe of sarcasm in his voice.

“The underground area.” Gavin mentioned quietly.

“Nobody goes to the underground area. It’s only a rumor that it even exists.” King whispered.

“We go anywhere we want. No limits. Nothing hidden. You will learn everything. The offer is for both of you but you both don’t have to agree. If only one of you wants to join us that’s fine. We will go to the next person. He’s a Seal. I wouldn’t mind paying him a visit. But Connolly wants you two. Your decision. Take all the time you need, so long as you understand our chopper leaves in ten minutes. If you aren’t on it, the offer goes away and this visit never happened.” Webb told them.

That said he and Gavin walked out and headed to the chopper. At eight minutes and thirty four seconds King and Brody threw their bags in the chopper and took seats.

Webb smiled.

“Welcome aboard. Read these.”

He tossed a couple of classified top secret files to the men.

After ten minutes King looked up from the file. Brody was still engrossed.

“This isn’t a joke?” King asked.

“Nope.” Gavin answered.

King shook his head, amazed, and dove back into the file.

Gavin’s phone rang. It was Connolly.

“Whats up fool? These Army brats you wanted are here. They are still coming to grips with the whole vampire thing but it doesn’t look like we are going to have to kick them out.” Gavin said noting the smile on Brody’s face.

“Hey come out to Dugway. The President just left. Looks like we may have another team member. It’s gonna be up to you guys. Then Bella and Winter make the final call.”

Gavin was surprised. He was used to Connolly making decisions and sticking to them.

“This guy Army?” he asked.

“You could say that.”

“How long has he been in? He an operator?”

“He’s been in two hundred and thirty seven years.” Connolly told him.

“You gotta be fucking kidding me.”

“It’s a team decision. The President approves. If nothing else he is offering a shit load of intelligence we didn’t have before.”

“Man… all right. We land in Israel, then we head to Utah. See you tomorrow.”

“No you will see me in a few hours. Dante is flying in to a spot near where the chopper is taking you to now. Once the chopper lands there will be a hill you are going to have to cover probably about five clicks. Make it quick. I don’t want our toy out more than necessary. It’s dropping you two off in Utah, then heading to Groom for some enhancements.”

“You mean we gonna hit orbit?”

“Yep. Get ready to become an astronaut and send me some selfies from space. See you in a couple hours. Hopefully.”

“What do you mean hopefully?” Ty asked.

“I mean it has been done but… don’t worry. I’m sure you will be fine. See you soon brother.”

Connolly ended the call.

“Man that’s fucked up.” Gavin whispered.

“What’s the problem?” Webb asked.

“We got a new team member probably and we are about to become astronauts.”

“What kind of member?”

“The blood sucking kind. On the bright side he was a member of the US army. The Continental one.”

“Jesus what a clusterfuck this is turning out to be.” Webb said and laughed. King and Brody stared at the both of them.

“Did you just say something about a blood sucker who was a member of the Continental Army?” Brody asked.

“Fuck that. Did you just say we were about to be astronauts?” King asked. Gavin and Webb smiled.

“Come on guys. Don’t turn into pussies on us now. Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin would be ashamed of you.” Gavin told them laughing.

One week later

For the past week the team had trained with Garrett. They had used regular ammo and practiced combat at night. They had fought him in the light. Connolly and Garrett had sparred in the light multiple times fighting to draws each time. Garrett was impressed. Not many vampires could handle him one on one. Connolly was nearly as fast in the light and had a keen mind for hand to hand combat.

The team decided by the end of the week that the decision would be Winter’s. She had spent the week in Forks, after Mina, Clive and Dante had left.

Winter enjoyed her time and she enjoyed being near Leah Clearwater very much. Leah was gorgeous and Winter had a difficult time keeping her eyes off the long legged beauty. To her surprise Leah looked at her often as well but there was always a look of conflict and confusion on her face. All Winter knew was that for the first time since her sister died she felt at peace when she was around Leah. It was hard to explain but it was there. She hadn’t felt her sister’s spirit all week but knew Summer was there, somewhere, watching her back from wherever she was.

Then Bella had called.

She asked about her father. Winter handed the secure phone to Charlie and the two had a quiet and emotional conversation that caused Charlie to leave the room. He came back ten minutes later, eyes red. It was obvious he had been crying.

Then Bella dropped the bomb. A vampire was at Dugway. A vampire the President wanted on the team. Finding out she would be leaving Forks and more specifically Leah and flying to a place where a vampire was sharing intelligence and training with a team she had committed to, angered Winter.

“This is fucking bullshit Bella. I should leave right now. Fuck them. What the hell are they thinking?”

“I don’t know Winter. Jason promised it would be our decision. I think we should at least meet with him.”

“Of course you do.” Winter told her, frustrated.

“It’s not like that. I can think for myself. Just because Jason and I are… it doesn’t mean I always agree with him. It also doesn’t mean I’m supposed to disagree with him. This guy could be an asset. I’m taking a risk to, you know.”

“What? What risk are you taking? Afraid he might hypnotize you and suck your blood?”

Bella was silent for a few moments. Winter realized what she had said.

“Bella I’m sorry… I just meant…”

“Fuck you Winter. Ty got a call from that Jenks guy. For some damn reason a vampire told Jenks where he and two others were staying. The team and this new vampire are taking the three hostiles now. One of those vampires is Edward Cullen’s brother. The empath. The one who attacked me over a fucking paper cut. You think I like this? But I need him and even Chris knows it. I have to practice this fucking gift of mine on a gifted vampire. That means I can’t kill him. You think that’s not on my mind?”

“I said I was sorry. I just don’t want to leave here to meet a damn…”

“Leave there? I haven’t seen my father in two years. Longer than two years. I just had to listen to him tell me how much he missed me. I heard my father cry for the first time in my life. Don’t give me shit about not wanting to leave there. I would give anything to be where you are. Get on the fucking plane or I am coming to get you myself. A private plane will be waiting for you at the Port Angeles Airport. The airport isn’t big and there is only one terminal for private jets. Get your ass on it and get to Dugway. See you there.”

Bella hung up the phone and broke down again. Hearing her father’s voice, waiting to hear from Jason, to find out if he was still alive. If any of them were still alive. How did he know if this Garrett vampire was setting the team up? He was going off a hunch. Bella decided she either had to trust him or not.

She would trust him.

As soon as the chopper landed her and Chris were inside quickly. As they lifted off from Wyoming she had a text message from Jason.

Packages secure. See you in Utah.

They did it. They captured Jasper.

It could still be a trap.

Bella shook the thought from her head. She grabbed her sword from the hard plastic black case she carried and ran her hand over the metal almost caressing it.

She would kill him if she had to. Shoot him, cut him, snap his fucking neck with her bare hands. She would do what it took to make sure she was never hurt by a Cullen again.

Bella met Winter and Jason at the landing strip at Dugway. The three stood outside saying nothing. Jason had Bella in his arms but her mind was elsewhere.

“Where is he?” she asked Jason. Jason knew who he was.

“He and his two friends are in very strong holding cells covered in UV lights and buried six floors down. He asked to speak to you when he arrived. I’ll go down with you.”

“No you won’t.” Bella told him. She had her jacket on and her sword was strapped inside.

“Winter are you ready to…” Jason began.

“Take me to him.” Winter snapped. She was also wearing her black coat Mina had given her. Jason could almost feel the power radiating off the two now that they were together.

“Okay.”

Jason walked both of them into the base. He took them to the elevator and stopped at sublevel 5. The team was assembled in the conference room with Garrett. Before walking out Jason asked Bella once more.

“You sure you don’t want me to come with you?”

“I’m fine. I didn’t go through hell to be scared of a fucking vampire now. Go with Winter.”

Jason followed Winter out the elevator and to the conference room. She walked in and her eyes went immediately to Garrett sitting at the end.

“You must be Winter.” Garrett observed, smiling. Winter smiled back. She walked slowly over to him. When she was within four feet of him she threw her coat back and drew her sword, placing it against Garrett’s neck. He was impressed. He never saw her move. She was as fast as a vampire at night even in daylight.

“Are you planning to kill me?” Garrett asked. His tone was more curious than fearful.

“I’ve been thinking about it on the way down here.” Winter admitted.

“And your conclusion?” he asked.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

Down one floor below, Bella saw a series of cells. The row was brightly lit and she took a moment to adjust her eyes. It was quiet. Not a sound.

Of course not. Vampires didn’t have heartbeats. They didn’t need to breath. Why would there be any noise?

She walked softly down the hall and came to the first cell. She saw the bars were very thick steel, possibly of the same metal used in the ammo in the gun strapped to her leg. She knew the bars would hold him. He was weaker in the light. She saw his face and he smiled.

The asshole.

Bella didn’t have keys to open the cell.

She pulled her sword and cut the lock with one stroke as if it wasn’t there. Pulling back the door she threw her sword at the ground, the blade planting itself in the floor. Grabbing Jasper by the throat she struck him with her fist.

Hard.

Don’t show your true emotions, Mina had told her. This was one time that lesson did not apply.

Jasper flew back into the wall and landed on the steel bed. Bella grabbed the handle of her katana and pulled it out of the steel floor with ease. She pressed the tip to Jasper’s throat.

“You got five seconds to tell me why I shouldn’t kill you.”

Jasper smiled.

“It’s good to see you too Bella.”