Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Blood And Steel

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 16:

Portland Oregon

Carlisle was annoyed. Very annoyed. Apparently while he was on rounds, maintenance had changed the light bulbs in his office. Instead of the soothing artificial light he was used to he felt bombarded with UV rays.

He felt weak.

He felt human and he did not like this. Carlisle prepared to call his assistant in to ask her why she allowed someone in his office while he was out. Honestly the woman was very pretty, handpicked by Carlisle and he enjoyed seeing her afraid.

Before he could hit the intercom she was knocking on his door.

“Come in.”

Cynthia walked in slowly. To Carlisle’s delight she was already shaking. Perhaps she knew what was coming.

“How may I help you Cynthia?” Carlisle asked in his softest voice. Cynthia was the only one in the hospital who had seen his darker side. She had no idea how much he loved the dark.

“There is a… man here to see you. He says he is feeling very ill.”

“So have him go to the ER.” This girl was an idiot. It would be time to move soon and without the necessity of golden eyes for a few weeks he planned to enjoy every last drop of this girl’s blood.

“He was insistent on seeing you sir. He is right outside.”

Before Carlisle could stand and intimidate the girl she was pulled back and the door closed behind her.

Standing in Carlisle’s office was the largest human Carlisle had ever seen in person. He was wearing green camo pants and a black t shirt that appeared to want to break, stretched over his chest and around his veiny huge biceps.

“Hello Dr. Cullen.”

“Can I help you? There seems to be some mistake. I can walk you to the ER if you like.” Carlisle stepped forward. He felt confident despite being shocked by the man’s size.

Carlisle glanced at the UV lights above him. He briefly thought of breaking them but thought that would seem silly. After all this man was only human.

“No, I don’t need the ER. Not me. I need you. I hear you are a very good doctor.”

“I like to think so.” Carlisle said, smiling.

“I need you to look at my forehead.”

“Okay…” Carlisle stepped up closely to the human and gazed up at the man’s head.

“What exactly am I looking for?”

Dan Hawk brought his forehead down on Carlisle Cullen’s head swiftly causing Carlisle to stumble back and momentarily lose his sight.

Carlisle felt himself being lifted in the air though.

“You guys aren’t so tough in the sunlight are you? Even artificial sunlight. Bella says hi.”

Hawk body slammed Carlisle through his desk, breaking it in two.

“How are you feeling now Dr. Cullen?”

Carlisle rolled over and growled.

Hawk pulled a handgun and shot Dr. Cullen in the stomach. Cynthia screamed from the reception area at the gun blast. It didn’t matter. Dante would make sure no one interfered. Hawk needed to let out a little aggression.

Carlisle rolled on the floor in agony, not believing in even this weakened state that a bullet could cause him pain.

He looked up and saw a fist crashing into his face. A hand grabbed his neck and lifted him off the floor, throwing him into a wall.

Carlisle lay on his bleeding abdomen face first on the floor. He felt his arms being pulled back and a pair of cuffs going over his wrist. The metal felt and smelt strange.

“Guess what bitch? I’m going to have the gun that just ripped your fucking gut open, pressed against your head. A head shot and you turn to ash. We are going to walk down the hallway to our van outside. Inside is a long box. A coffin really. A vampire like yourself should be at home there. Once you are in we are taking you to my home. If you resist, and I really hope you do, I get to kill you and my boss can’t get mad at me. So please, fucking resist.”

Dr. Cullen did not resist.

Meanwhile at the Cullen estate just outside of Portland, Esme worked in her rose garden, content that the overhead clouds gave her all the strength she should need to get away, should the Volturi show up. She warned Carlisle he was playing with fire in regards to the Bella Swan situation. He fouled it up as usual, placing them all in danger. Esme knew Aro wanted Bella since he saw her in his throne room. Once she was turned he would find some reason to take her. Esme wished Edward had never met her.

Still they followed Carlisle’s wishes. What choice did they have? What choice did she have? On the bright side they would soon be leaving here for the Alaskan wilderness. Carlisle could have his fun with the Denalis and Esme would not have to hide behind golden eyes any longer. She was so hungry for the taste of human blood.

Her doorbell rang. Esme was confused, not expecting anyone today. Perhaps the mailman had a delivery. She walked through her large parlor and opened the door. She was surprised to find a beautiful brunette wearing sunglasses and a large black overcoat over her short red dress.

Her blood smelt divine.

“Hello? Can I help you?”

“Are you Mrs. Cullen?”

“That’s right. Who are you?”

“My name is Mina Abrams. I am with the Portland Red Ribbon Women’s Social Club.”

“Oh, I see. What can I do for you?”

“May I come in?”

Esme managed not to groan. She hated the sniveling humans begging for money to fund some project or another. Still perhaps if she could find out if anyone knew that Mina was here, an early supper might not be out of the question. Carlisle could deal with it.

“Of course.”

Esme stepped aside and Mina walked in past Esme, her back to the vampire.

“So you are with a women’s social club? What sort of activities does your organization perform?”

Mina’s coat dropped to the floor. She turned around and to Esme’s great surprise Mina was holding a shotgun pointed at her.

“We are more of a gun club actually. We like to get together once a month and blow the kneecaps off of vampires.”

Esme was so shocked the pain of her right knee being obliterated did not register at first. By the time Mina had chambered another shell, and that shell destroyed Esme’s left knee, she definitely felt the pain.

She lay on her back on her marble floor and saw a mixture of venom and deer blood pooling at her legs. The shotgun barrel was placed against her head.

“You are under arrest. We are going to turn you over and place some cuffs on your wrists. If you try to bite me or my friend Ty who will be escorting you, I am going to send you to hell. Do you understand?”

Esme nodded through the pain.

“When we carry you outside we are going to place you in a long metal box and transport you to our base. Don’t bother trying to break it or those cuffs. I know what you are and I don’t underestimate your strength. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating mine.”

La Push Washington

“What are you? Why am I here?” Edward Cullen asked the man across the table. He had his feet kicked up and was wearing a cowboy hat. Edward recognized his face as the one who had been in Bella’s bed.

“As far as what I am, that is too long a conversation and I am afraid you don’t have that much time. Let’s just say I am bad news. Why are you here? I could say information but I doubt you have any that we don’t already know about. No you are here because the crazy ass love of my crazy ass life wants to have a word with you. I’m talking about Bella of course.”

“Good, I would like to talk to Bella.” Edward hissed, his hands still cuffed behind his back. Inside the tent he felt strong, the overhead clouds helping as he was escorted by Garrett and Jacob Black of all people from the metal box that had been his home during transport. Still he could not break the cuffs.

“Your two girlfriends are dead. Way to stand up for them. Very impressive show of cowardice. Course with your dick blown to shreds you really had no need for them any longer, did you?”

“You will pay for this. I will torture you before I kill you. I will torture you for days and make Bella watch. Or perhaps I will torture her and make you watch.”

“If you are trying to get a rise out of me boy that’s a long wait for a train that don’t come. As far as torturing Bella I’m not sure if you remember this in the haze of having your dick blown off, but she kicked your ass before your two bitches tried to save you. Then she killed the blonde one all by her lonesome while her friend roasted the short haired future teller. I believe it was night time too. She is stronger than you, you fucking pussy. Hell she broke Jasper’s neck and he took you out in the woods.”

“I was surprised. I won’t be surprised again.” Edward said confidently, only slightly shaken by the fact that he could read anyone’s mind anywhere around the area. He knew Bella must be doing this, he just wasn’t sure how.

“If I am here to speak to Bella where is she?”

“Sharpening her sword.” Connolly lied.

Edward felt a chill all over his body, no longer sure that he would make it out of this alive.

“I’m just kidding. That damn thing stays sharp no matter what. Kinda like my knife. It’s brand new, made of the same metal as our ammunition. You remember the ammunition Charlie used to incinerate your dick right?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah, I could take this blade and slowly cut off parts of you and send them to the Volturi, in some of those Fed Ex flat rate boxes. Aro always wanted you in his coven right? Perhaps he might enjoy having you in small pieces before I kill his ass too.”

“You can’t kill Aro.”

“You probably would have said the same about yourself before we met. I don’t believe in immortality. The two facts of life are death and taxes. Course some are harder to kill than others like myself and vampires. But all die eventually, usually when they meet me.”

“You are a cocky son of a bitch, aren’t you?”

“Son you got no idea.” Connolly agreed. “As much as I would love to sit here and talk to you more, Bella is probably itching to get in here. She wanted to say goodbye before you die.”

“Excellent. I would love to taste her blood again.”

“I think it’s your blood you should be more concerned about. Or whatever that shit is that leaks out of you. No, her days of being your toy are over. I would love to tell you every intimate detail of what I do to her on a daily basis that is a lot more fun and doesn’t involve drinking blood but then I would get bitched out again for talking about our… you know what? I’m not even going to say sex life because she might bitch me out again. See you around Eddie. I got a fire to start and it ain’t easy in all this damn rain.”

Connolly walked out, leaving Edward alone.

He wasn’t alone long.

Bella walked inside, moved behind Edward and he felt the cuffs being freed from his wrists quickly. She was still in the same black outfit she had worn the night before. In the light Edward noticed definite changes in her appearance and shape. Gone was the soft, shy girl who walked with her head down. She was narrow, sleek and stood tall despite her still short height.

“Before you think of running, you should know that the wolf pack, Jasper, Peter, Charlotte and Garrett are just outside this tent and also a large number of pissed off soldiers.”

Edward heard a throat clearing outside. Bella rolled her eyes.

“Sorry. I meant Seals.”

Someone began to cough outside. Bella sighed.

“Plus a couple of Delta Force guys and one guy we found in prison. There is also an Israeli assassin and my partner in crime. You aren’t going anywhere. Besides I would just catch you myself. You are very fast but I’m faster.”

“Yes I noticed. It is good to see you Bella.”

“Really?” Bella asked, surprised. “I doubt you wanted to see me like this.”

“True.”

“Why did you enthrall me?”

“Because I wanted you. I wanted your blood. It truly was the sweetest blood I had ever tasted.”

“Why didn’t you turn me? You had many chances.”

“Carlisle wanted to wait. It was why he made us leave you. Because when we returned you would be even more reliant on us. Of course I ran to the Volturi after I falsely heard you were dead.”

“Why did you do that?” Bella asked. “Go to the Volturi?”

“Because the idea of living without your blood ever again, after having been away from it so long, made me want to die. You really were an addiction.”

“Why did you follow Carlisle then?”

“I had to do as he commanded. He is my sire.”

“So?”

“Vampires have to do as their sire commands, a fact of vampire life.”

“Garrett certainly doesn’t.” Bella pointed out.

“It is possible for strong willed individuals to break the hold just as you broke the enthrallment. Of course Jacob Black had more to do with that. You aren’t exactly what I would call strong willed. Do you have any idea how easy it was to have you in my control? How submissive you were night after night as you lay back and allowed me to drink your blood from your sweet throat? I could smell your excitement.”

“Yes, that was before I learned what actual sex was like.” Bella pointed out. “So if I had been turned by you I would have been your slave for as long as you lived?”

“Yes.”

“That is why you fought so hard to keep me alive. James, Victoria, the van in the parking lot, the would be rapists in Port Angeles. All because they wanted to take away your toy.”

“Yes. That is what you were. A toy, but a toy I desired very much.”

“You desired my blood.” Bella pointed out.

“You are your blood. Blood is all that matters to me. As far as sex I doubt you would have been as good as a Succubus like Rose or even a normal vampire such as Alice. You certainly could not have been as good as the Denali women. I had plenty of opportunities for sex. You were the only one I had the opportunity to drink from who willingly lay on her back and enjoyed it. I’m surprised you managed to keep from pleasuring yourself while I did it.” Edward told her with a grin.

“If you are trying to make me angry it won’t work.”

“Why would I try to make you angry? Where else will you find a vampire who can make you feel like I did?”

“Normally I would tell you about my sex life with my new man right now, but considering I bitched him out the other day over that issue I will keep it to myself. Needless to say he does things to me that you couldn’t have dreamed of. Instead of teeth he uses his tongue. Let’s talk about the Volturi. Why do they want me so badly?”

“Because you can block gifts. You are doing so now, even as a human. I am curious, how are you doing this? How did you become so strong and fast?”

“Since you are going to die today I may as well tell you. It has something to do with this.”

Bella reached out her hand and her katana flew into the tent, the handle lying in her grasp.

“Would you watch where you have that motherfucker fly to? Give a brother a warning is all!” Gavin’s voice complained outside.

“A sword?” Edward asked.

“Yep. Catch.”

Edward became very excited as Bella tossed the sword to him. He caught it in midair and prepared to strike her down until the sword dropped to the ground the moment his hand wrapped around the handle.

“Heavy thing isn’t it?” Bella said and chuckled. Edward watched her reach out her hand and the blade ripped from his grip and landed in hers.

“It’s a katana, forged from an unknown element. Only two exist and to wield it you have to be worthy of it. I suppose you aren’t worthy.”

Bella reached the point up to her left hand.

“Jasper told me how you planned the whole paper cut incident. Now let’s see how well you respond to my blood.”

Bella pricked her index finger and a drop of blood formed.

Hit with the sudden scent of her blood, his mouth salivated and he jumped over the table towards her.

Only to have Bella use her right hand to shove his face and body through the table, to the ground.

“On your knees.” Bella commanded. Edward complied, continuing to look at the ground.

“Look at me. Look me in the eyes.”

Edward peered up and met Bella’s eyes. They were no longer the unsure and insecure eyes of the girl he knew. Both her hands were wrapped around the handle of the katana.

“Do you know the history of the Samurai? Of course you do. You are so smart. I will tell you a bit about it anyway. I had to learn it as part of my training. Samurai never relied on their swords first, despite what the movies would have you believe. They relied on arrows and then spears first to kill an enemy in battle. You see they believed their soul rested in their blade. To unleash the katana was to unleash their soul.”

“I know.” Edward whispered, looking at the blade near his neck.

“Edward this is me unleashing my soul.”

With a quick swing of Bella’s sword, Edward’s head hit the ground before he had time to scream. He felt Bella pick his head up and walked him out of the tent. He saw the wolf pack unphased and smirking. He saw Peter and Garrett both smiling. He thought he heard a comment from Peter to Jasper suggesting this probably wasn’t the first time Edward had given head. Before he could become angry, Bella turned his face to the roaring fire.

She unceremoniously tossed his head into the flames. Edward felt the flames and the searing pain as his hair lit on fire. The flames licked his cheeks and burned his eyes, causing him to go blind and become lost in pain. Then Edward knew no more. It was time for him to burn in hell.

After this was done, Bella stood and watched as Hawk carried Edward’s body over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and dropped it in the fire.

“So that’s done.” Bella whispered to herself. She looked to her right and saw Carlisle being let out of his metal prison and led into a tent, Jack Webb’s gun pressed to the back of Carlisle’s head. He saw Edward’s body burning and his eyes were wide.

Bella briefly thought of joining Jason in the tent to discuss business with Dr. Cullen. Instead she walked over to Winter who had been whispering with Leah. Leah saw Bella approach and walk away. Bella knew Jason had apologized to Leah who said nothing, instead choosing to phase and run off. After that Winter had spoken to her. Bella was not sure how that conversation went as they really had not had time to talk about it.

“How’s it going?” Bella asked her friend.

“Same old same old. How was killing your ex fiancée?” Winter asked.

“They say when you achieve revenge you usually feel let down or nothing at all. For me at least they were wrong. I feel great. Happy, satisfied, at peace. What about you? Are you at peace?”

Winter shrugged her shoulders.

“I talked to her. I told her all I wanted was a friend and I realized she had to be near me and I didn’t mind. I apologized for freaking out and she did as well, although I was the one who lost it.”

“What are you planning on doing after the Volturi are gone?”

“What are you talking about?” Winter asked.

“We aren’t staying Winter. You know the reason for these swords appearing now is due to something coming. I doubt it was just to kill the Volturi. That may be a part of it but I have a feeling our road isn’t coming to an end. Don’t you?”

“Yeah…”

“Are you going to be able to function without her near? I need to know. We watch each other’s backs. Is being away from her going to cause you to be distracted? Do I need to watch your back more closely? I don’t mind. It’s just we are partners. Together. I need to know.”

Winter sighed.

“Leah wants to come with us. Sam told her she wouldn’t be going alone.”

“With us? Sam wants to come?”

“No, Jake, Embry and Quil volunteered. Sam plans to talk to Connolly about it.”

“I see. Jake wants to come?” Bella asked, surprised.

“Yeah.”

“He has a girlfriend.” Bella pointed out.

“It took him about two seconds to volunteer. I guess he isn’t that attached. I wonder why?” Winter asked, looking meaningfully at Bella.

“It’s not like that.” Bella said quickly.

“Sure. I don’t care what he says, he will always love you. But if he is willing to pretend he doesn’t that’s cool. I just think he is more interested in watching your back than Leah’s.”

“He is loyal to his pack. He will do his job. That’s if Jason lets him come with us. Right now the only place I know we are going after this is Galveston. I don’t think wolves swim.”

“We are going to need all the help we can get. Sam thinks with our vampires on the land more will phase. He is willing to let those four go.”

Bella nodded and looked toward the tent where Connolly had Carlisle bathed in UV rays. Inside Connolly and Ty were enjoying their conversation with the doctor.

“How many people have you killed Dr. Cullen?” Jason asked.

“I save lives.”

“How many people you dusted bitch? Don’t be playin like you don’t know either. Maybe my man Hawk needs to come in here and have another talk with you? He is a big conversationalist.” Ty reminded Carlisle.

“Ah so he is the enforcer of your little group?” Carlisle asked Connolly.

“Nope I am. Hawk is in our public relations department. He has great people skills. Now I know you have killed people. I know you kill animals to make your eyes turn gold because humans don’t exactly trust a person with red eyes do they?”

“No they don’t.”

“Why do you even bother Carlisle? Why the doctor charade?”

“What is your name?”

“Connolly.”

“Well Connolly, if you must know I like being a doctor. I enjoy having the power of life and death. Deciding who lives and dies without having to worry about burying the bodies. I get a rush out of it. Plus I am known for my compassion. It has also allowed me to build my wealth. That and a psychic vampire can make a man very wealthy. More money than you could imagine.”

“I don’t have to. We seized all your assets. Jasper was particularly helpful with that. $56 billion. Not bad Dr. Cullen. Not bad at all.”

“Thank you. Since you know so much about me why am I still alive?”

“I need something from you. You do this something for me and I let you go. I don’t kill you.”

“You let me go?” Carlisle asked, disbelieving.

“I give you my word, you do this one thing for me and I let you walk out of this tent a free vampire.”

“Why? What is it you want me to do?”

“You gonna make a phone call motherfucker.” Ty told him and slid a portable phone across the table.

“And who am I calling?”

“Aro.” Jason told him.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because Aro is more valuable to me than you are. Despite your money, you have lost nearly your entire coven. Jasper is with us, Rose, Alice and Edward are dead, Emmett’s an idiot and your wife is in a metal coffin outside waiting on your decision.”

“What would you like me to say to Aro?”

“Simple. You tell him Bella Swan is back in Forks but is protected by another coven of vampires you don’t know. You suspect they plan to turn her. You need help to retrieve her. In return for their help you will give him Edward and Alice to serve them for say… five years.”

“He would want more time.”

“So give in. They are dead, he doesn’t know. If this works I kill the Volturi and you are safe from their wrath. If it doesn’t then you are dead anyway. Think about it Carlisle. You know, at least your gut does, that I can hurt vampires. I can kill them. If I don’t succeed, without your coven and without Jasper, you will have to rely on any friends you have who might have the balls to stand up to Aro. You got a lot of those?”

Carlisle said nothing. Instead he reached for the phone and dialed.

Connolly heard Aro. The entire team did since Vivian had hacked into the line and was transmitting the conversation to the team.

“Carlisle. I hope you are calling to tell me Edward and Bella have finally wed and she is one of us?”

“No I am afraid not Aro.”

“What seems to be the problem Carlisle? I did you a favor because of our friendship by not killing your son and letting Bella Swan walk out of my castle alive. Your daughter gave her word that Bella would be one of us.”

“I know Aro. I haven’t been completely honest with you. Bella did not just need more time. This was more than a case of cold feet. She executed a well-planned escape from my coven. Somehow she broke the enthrallment Edward had over her. We have been searching for her for the past two years.”

“That is very distressing Carlisle. I would suggest you double or triple your efforts at finding her or you will be brought before me to answer for the crimes of your family.”

“I realize that Aro. The reason I am calling is I have found her. She has come back anyway. She is back with her father in Forks.”

“Then what is the problem? Turn her and bring her to Volterra as proof of your obedience.”

“There is a problem. A new coven of vampires has apparently claimed her. Edward attempted to capture her and was driven away, barely escaping with his life. Jasper and Emmett attempted to retrieve her and they were driven back.”

“Jasper Whitlock was driven back?” Aro asked doubtfully. “Who are these vampires?”

“I do not know. I have never met or seen them before. But they are powerful and gifted. I fear Rose is dead.”

“That is distressing. This seems like a problem for you and your coven. Why are you calling me?”

“Because I need help.” Carlisle wasn’t exactly lying as he looked at Connolly and the angry black man sitting across from him.

“This is your coven’s foul up. Your problem. Why should I risk my guard?”

“I have claimed Isabella Swan and another coven is trying to take her!”

Carlisle calmed himself.

“If you do this I will agree to have Edward and Alice serve you for a period of five years.”

“I could kill your coven and take them based on your violations of the law.” Aro pointed out. Carlisle had thought of this. Connolly raised his handgun at Carlisle’s head and smiled.

“I understand that. But you would have them willingly help you. Once Edward turns Bella she will be forced to serve you. You know Chelsea cannot bind her to you. Only Edward would be able to control her. Without Edward she could drop her shield at a very unfortunate time for you.”

“I could take her family and use them as leverage.” Aro mused.

“Her parents would kill themselves before they let you use her as leverage. I will kill them myself. I need your help Aro. I am offering you the service of two of my most gifted vampires and Bella Swan as a slave to your bidding. You alone have the power to help me. Yes or no?”

“I will send some emissaries to determine what the situation is. I will decide how strong this mystery coven is and determine what resources are needed to deal with them. I will take Edward, Bella and Alice for a period of twenty years. A small amount of time. Jasper of course is willing to accompany his wife.”

“You would decimate my coven for two decades leaving me vunerable!”

“Then you of course may join us.”

“Ten years Aro.”

“No. I am afraid my offer is firm.”

Carlisle was silent for a few moments. Connolly looked at his watch and motioned with his finger to hurry up.

“Fine. You win Aro. My entire coven will come to live in the safety of your compound. I can’t risk my family.”

“Of course. That will be your decision old friend. I will have a party at your mansion in Forks in three days. Be ready to greet them.”

“Of course. Thank you Aro.”

“Of course. We are old friends. It will be nice to have you as an ally once again.”

Carlisle ended the call and looked at Connolly.

“It’s done. May I leave?”

“Don’t you want to take your wife?” Jason asked him.

“Yes, I do.”

“You may have to carry her. She seems to have fucked up her knees.” Ty told him.

“I am free?” Carlisle asked Jason, ignoring Ty.

“As a bird.” Jason confirmed.

Carlisle stood trying not to wince at the pain in his abdomen. Without blood he still had not healed completely. His stomach felt like it was burning him from the inside out.

He walked out of the tent and instantly felt better away from the UV lights.

“Let the woman go.” Connolly ordered. Webb opened the steel trap Esme had lain in since she arrived. Carlisle walked over and lifted her into his arms, not missing the fact that her lower legs were holding on by a thread.

Carlisle and Esme were surrounded by Garrett, Jasper, Peter, Charlotte and the wolf pack, all of whom were snarling.

Carlisle looked at Connolly, anger covering his face.

“You said we were free!”

“You are.” Connolly explained. “You are free to leave. Of course Garrett and Jasper are kind of wild cards and you are in violation of the treaty. You are free to go. Good luck out running them.”‘

As Carlisle took off in the opposite direction with Esme in his arms, the pack and vampires followed.

Bella walked up to Jason and held his hand.

“Think it will work?”

“Just like we planned darlin. We will send the scouting party back to Italy in pieces with a hand written note from you. Aro will have no choice but to bring his guard here. What do you say we go give Chris a call? See what he has found.”

Bella and Connolly walked towards their bunk when they heard two sets of screams, one male and one female.

” I guess they weren’t fast enough.” Bella said and then laughed.

She laughed so hard she cried.