Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Sins Of The Past

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 18:

Bella POV

It was a beautiful night. Sitting on top of the east tower of the castle I could see for miles and miles. Stars in the sky shone brightly as did the city lights below. One day, perhaps a thousand years from now, I would be at peace with myself and be able to enjoy beauty. One day.

For now my every thought was consumed by Billy Black and Dani. Master Aro had been getting reports from La Push by Connor. He is by Dani’s side constantly but little is happening. She has stayed inside Leah Clearwater’s residence for the past few days, watching television. I am sure Master Aro is leaving out the alcohol and tobacco use. At this point I would be worried if she was not drinking.

Billy on the other hand is also staying inside. He has yet to leave his house. Patrols are scattered. Younger wolves do not know what to do. The older ones are losing what little sanity they possessed before. Jacob however is apparently not very distraught over the idea of Angela leaving him. I was amazed they never had children. I wonder if she could.

Since my talk with Dani more memories had returned. Some good, some bad. But they were mine. Another thing Billy Black could not take away from me. I was still fuzzy on details before my birth. Chelsea went over some. I remember Edward Cullen. In a way. I remember I liked him and was broken up over his leaving, I think, but I could not remember why. I remember that tracker torturing me. I had been so excited to have that memory back until Master Caius told me that the tracker had already been killed and I couldn’t return the favor. That was connected to the memory that hit me when I decided not to kill the blonde male vampire, Jasper. He and the larger one killed this James and saved me.

Still nothing seemed to matter to me from before my birth. I didn’t really care. Master Aro told me Renee was taken care of. She had been good to me. I still couldn’t make myself care. I recognized that I should love her. I did love her. I think. I should appreciate everything she did for me.

The emotions were just not there. The only love I felt was for my missing daughter and my family here. Everything else was still hate or indifference.

I was told my father was steadily improving.

I could not make myself care.

That was very frustrating. I wanted to care. I think. I recognized I should care.

I just could not make myself care. Chelsea says not to worry. It will come back to me. I asked her how much I cared before the change.

She told me not to worry about it.

I know though. I was not a good person. I am not a good person. I don’t think I really care about that either.

I recognized the scent when he landed on the roof behind me. He had no business here. I suppose I should have torn something off in the throne room.

“Hello…”

I suppose he was going to say hello Bella. Instead I turned and smiled at my brother who had followed Mr. Whitlock to the roof.

Alec did not look happy. Mr. Whitlock looked… lost, caught in Alec’s mist.

“”Shall I carry him back inside sister?”

“No Alec, but please stay near. He may say something to piss me off and Master Aro would probably be upset if I killed him before the hearing.”

“Upset? You and Jane can do no wrong. Brats.” He sneered but then winked and was gone. Jasper’s senses returned and he immediately scanned the area for Alec.

“He’s close. You shouldn’t try to sneak up on someone.” I told him.

“You are a vampire. You heard and smelt me comin.”

“True but you could have landed in front of me. Instead you climbed up the back wall hoping to make an entrance. I have no patience for bullshit shows of power. I know real power and it does not need dramatic entrances. It steps in, wipes everything away and is gone.”

Jasper grinned and sat next to me.

“Fair enough. So how you doin Bella?”

I stared at the landscape trying to remember the peace and serenity that was present mere seconds ago.

“Bella?”

“Call me Isabella.”

“Okay… Isabella. How are you doing?”

I ignored his question again and gazed at Orion’s belt.

“That good huh? Look tell me about what is going on. What do they have on you? I can help to get you out of this Bel… Isabella.”

I sat and pondered that for a moment. What the hell was he talking about? Then it occurred to me. He thought I was being forced to stay here.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?”

“Uh…”

“This is my home. This is my family. You want to help me leave my home and family?! I should burn you right now!”

I stood up and he did the same. He had the sense to back up.

“I meant nothing. I just assumed… I was wrong. Sorry. Let’s take it back a notch. I’m not lookin for a repeat of our last incident.”

“When I kicked your ass?” I asked for clarification.

“I wouldn’t go that far…”

“I could have snapped your mate’s head off and you would have been able to do nothing. What kind of big tough man are you?” I stepped towards him. Now he was angry.

“I am…”

“You are nothing. God of War. What a joke.”

Hit me Jasper. Attack me. Just like before I was born. Give me cause.

“I won’t be baited Bella.”

“Then what are you here for? To help me escape my family. The one group of people who have never let me down. You?”

“Look I let you down. I’m sorry. But Bella this… what happened to you? I know Rosalie knows but she won’t say. She just sits in her room and sobs. She won’t even tell Emmett.”

It was a valid question. What did happen to me? How to put it.

“I was killed. I was killed and I was reborn. I lived before in world of romance and excitement and dreams. Everything was a romance novel. It was a fairy tale. One with beautiful sparkling vampires who never harmed people and gorgeous giant wolves who only existed to protect me. Then the fairy tale came crashing down. I was left a shattered wreck on the ground. Master Aro found me. He gave me new life. He made me strong. He showed me what it was like to belong to a family you would kill and die for. So if you or any of you animal drinking pussies ever suggest that I am being held here against my will again I will kill every last motherfucking one of you!”

I didn’t mean to raise my voice. It just sort of happened. I am a newborn I suppose.

“My apologies ma’am. Dion was wondering if she could speak to you? She wants to thank you. I was a bit surprised but she feels she never would have been one of us if not for your actions.”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. I don’t want to speak to her. I don’t want to speak to any of you. She is grateful? Tell her I said no problem. I have no time for you or your coven Jasper. Let her kiss someone else’s ass. I have other things on my mind.”

“The destruction of La Push?”

I didn’t bother to answer. What else would I be thinking of?

“Are you really going to kill every man, woman and child in that tribe Bella?”

That was irritating. He knew nothing and already he had a judgmental tone. I would explain to him that one child would be living but he did not need to know about Dani. She was mine.

Alec returned and Whitlock tensed.

“Sister? Master Aro needs us all in court. We have unexpected visitors. Also he requested that you Jasper and your coven stay away from court. It wasn’t really a request but he told me to make it seem as if it was.”

“And if I don’t?” Jasper asked. Idiot.

“Then I will simply take away your senses leaving you in a very vulnerable position and you still wouldn’t know what happened, now would you?”

Without another word, Jasper leaped off the roof.

“Let’s go Brother.” I suppose I should see what new problems have fallen to us to handle.

Running to the throne room Jane tossed me my robe on my arrival and we took our places.

And waited.

And waited.

Master Caius was reading a newspaper. Master Aro was playing what looked to be a game of some sort on his phone. I looked at Jane who did not seem surprised. Nor did Felix. Demetri just brought his I pad in the room. I believe he and Demetri were looking at some sort of videos.

Heidi was doing her nails. Renata was reading a novel. Chelsea was now brushing Heidi’s hair.

Fine. I had to ask.

“Masters?”

“Yes Isabella?” Master Aro asked.

“Do we have visitors?”

Master Caius answered me.

“Yes we do but we don’t really like them so we are going to make them wait for business hours before they can be admitted in. I believe Celeste reports to work at 8 AM.” Celeste was our human receptionist. I could not stand the bitch and looked forward to feeding from her one day. I would have to race several of the Guard to get to her first.

I looked at the clock and saw it was soon sun up. 5:45 AM.

It would be a long wait. With a glance at Jane we started to move towards our room.

“Where are you two going?” Master Caius asked.

“To… get our phones Master, to pass the time.” I answered in my sweetest voice.

“Yes we all know how the two of you pass your time. One of you can go to get entertainment for the both of you. We would hate for you to get carried away and miss our guests.” Master Caius told us.

Shit.

“I’ll go get our phones love.” Jane was gone.

So I guess I will stand here…

Caius POV

There they are. Assholes. I tried not to metaphorically vomit while Aro greeted them.

“Welcome Peter! And you have brought your lovely Charlotte with you. And do my eyes deceive me or is that truly Garrett? Garrett dear friend I have not seen you in years! I feared for you my friend. It is good to see you alive and well.”

“Aro.” Peter nodded. “Caius, Marcus.”

I gave him my best fuck you look. Isabella says I have one of the greatest in the history of mankind. She has limited experience to base that on but I would have to agree with her.

“What can we do for you Peter?” Aro asked.

“We have come to witness Jasper Whitlock’s trial along with his coven.”

I let out a laugh.

“When is this trial supposed to take place?” I asked.

“Oh that’s right. There will be no trial. Only a punishment hearing. Is that not correct Aro?” Garrett asked. Bastard.

“I am here you know? I was the one who asked the question.” I pointed out. Peter continued as if I was not here.

“Aro, Jasper says you won’t let him be tried separately. There will be a trial. There will be evidence brought before all of Carlisle’s friends. You won’t destroy him and his coven simply because you covet a few of his members.”

“I really don’t.” Aro replied.

“Bullshit.” Was Whitlock’s witty retort.

“Seriously we do not want any of them. If they filled out applications they would not even get an interview.” I explained calmly.

“So you are in fear of them and are using this excuse of a human tracking them to destroy them? We will not stand for that!”

“Alec?” Aro said quietly.

The mist enveloped them quicker than they could move. Especially since they were surrounded. Alec has really gotten much faster with his gift.

I saw Isabella grin and move towards the three.

“Isabella? We are not killing them.”

The poor thing looked so disappointed. She had yet to kill a vampire. My little killer. I have done well.

“Simply reminding them of their place my dear. We will release them… soon. I need to complete this level of Candy Crush.” Aro told her. My idiot brother was addicted to that game. I read newspapers and scientific journals from around the world. He played games on his phone. If I want to know about events I will simply touch someone who knows about them, Caius.

Spoiled and lazy.

Two hours later Aro finally defeated his arch enemy on the phone and allowed Alec to remove the mist.

Whitlock was not amused. Unfortunately I was.

“I apologize, we had to place you on hold. You may now address me with your concerns.”

Garrett spoke.

“Aro…”

“I said you could address me with your concerns!” I yelled.

“Fine. Caius, we demand a fair trial and fair punishments if any are even warranted. We will call many witnesses. Witnesses who will see exactly what goes on here.”

“What exactly goes on here?” I asked, curious.

“You have a human receptionist! According to Carlisle you have had a human in your employ for the past 16 years! You are bringing Carlisle and his coven to trial over one human finding information he could not possibly use to prove anything. This abuse of power has to stop. We will not stand for it!”

Garrett took a step forward.

Into Isabella’s shield.

“What the hell is this?” Garrett began touching the invisible wall. He reminded me of a mime. I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit.

“The latest in home security. Now as far as… yes?” Celeste walked in.

“My apology Master. I wasn’t aware you still had guests. I will…”

“What is it?” I asked impatiently.

“Well, there is a delivery here. A massage table? Quite a large one apparently.”

Take a deep breath Caius.

“Yes, please grab a guard member and have it delivered into the large room on the first sublevel near the gardens.”

“Your war room? Of course… Master.”

I looked at Jane and Isabella quickly who simply stared ahead with expressionless faces.

“Now as far as your concerns you really don’t know anything. If you want to be present at the hearing, be present. I simply don’t give a damn. But if you think that a large number of witnesses will prevent us from seeing justice done I would rethink your stance. As far as the humans who have worked for us one will be either turned or drained soon. We get a new one every year. They always live and stay in this castle. As far as the human who has been with us for 16 years she is now immortal and accepted a position in our guard 16…”

“Caius a moment to allow me to speak?” Marcus asked, shutting us all up.

“Of course Brother.”

“Peter, Garrett, how we handle our affairs is none of your concern. I would remind you that we are not idiotic newborns and this is not Mexico. Watch your tone. You have come into our home uninvited and have been throwing accusations since you walked in. By your statements it is obvious you have no clue what is going on. We did not summon Jasper here. He came of his own accord. Will we address these issues? When we feel it is the right time. If you don’t like that I invite you to form your own large coven of warriors and begin policing the world, protecting our kind from exposure. Have you noticed scientists working to develop weapons to kill you? Governments hunting you down? No you haven’t. That is because of the work we do. Now simply say thank you for the safety we provide and be on your way before your insolence pisses me off and you find out exactly how different my guard is from newborns.”

I sat in stunned silence. I was not an emotional man but at that moment I wanted to hug Marcus.

“Well I believe that is all we have… yes Celeste? Problem with the massage table?”

“No Master… uhm there is a double king size bed being unloaded by a forklift in the front of the back South door. It is apparently reinforced with solid iron supports. Also a case of scented oils and I believe several large dark oak bookshelves will be delivered within the hour.”

I stared at the two powerful vampires who continued to glare at our guests.

“When did you have time to order all this Jane? Isabella?”

“Three days ago Master. Next day delivery was not available so we decided to have it delivered this morning.” Jane answered in her soft, sadistic voice.

“Three days ago? How fortuitous that I offered you two the use of the war room yesterday. I doubt you would have had room in your former chambers for such large items.”

“Yes Master. We were concerned and greatly appreciative of your generosity. Isabella said smoothly. Aro was silently laughing.

“Wait a minute. Jane and this woman are sharing…”

“Shut the fuck up Peter.” Charlotte hissed at him. Apparently she should have been the one talking.

“As I was saying before, that is all we have to say on the subject so you may leave.”

“We will be here for the trial.” Garrett said again.

“We are busy. We don’t even know when a trial will be.” I told them, keeping my voice calm.

“Then why was Jasper summoned? Why can’t his coven leave?”

“They can! I wish they would! Nobody asked them here! What don’t you get about this!?”

“We will stay as well.” Garrett popped off.

“No.”

“No?”

“No! This is not a damn bed and breakfast! This is our home. We will all be gone soon for two days or so and Jasper and his coven will not be here either. I am actually thinking of kicking them out now! No you cannot stay. They made themselves at home. Take your friends and get a hotel or go back to Hickville Alabama or wherever the hell it is you are from. Just leave!”

“Why can we not stay? Afraid of what we may find?” Peter asked.

“Think about what you just said you backwoods idiot! You want to know why you can’t stay at our castle while everyone is gone? Would you let other people stay at your castle if you were gone?”

“Yeah I would.”

“Then you are a fucking moron. You strike me as the type that would go through someone’s undergarment drawer!”

“Language Caius.” Aro whispered.

“Fuck my fucking language. I am two seconds away from ordering them all dead just on general principle. Get out! Now!”

I truly hate getting worked up like this. Every guard member including Jane and Bella were doing a poor job of hiding the grins on their faces. Marcus looked bored as usual. Aro…

“Well I suppose that says it all. All of you leave. Good day Peter, Charlotte. Garrett, do not be a stranger. Stop by… every hundred years or so. By now.” Aro told them.

“We will be taking Jasper and his coven with us.” Peter said glaring.

The first good news I have heard yet.

“I will have them meet you at the front. I know! Tell them you fought us all and rescued them. We can watch you and your friends run off in hasty retreat. Now leave. Don’t let the door hit you in the…

Jake POV

“You have to surrender for the survival of the tribe.”

“I can’t believe you are asking me that Jacob. What would your mother think of the coward you have become?” Dad told me with a straight face.

“Did you really just say that?” I asked, trying to understand the man I had looked up to my entire life. Taken care of even though he apparently didn’t need it. The man who was a rapist and liar and murderer. He was also a coward.

“I will never surrender to leeches. You have shamed yourself by even suggesting such a thing. You should also know that I made an agreement with Leah Clearwater that I will not touch your sister until after the battle with the leeches. Try to do something positive. Now that Angela is gone perhaps you can impregnate someone who can actually carry on our line. From what I have seen she has more bravery than you and is smarter than Embry.”

“She can’t get pregnant while phasing.” I pointed out a bit ashamed that I had given thought to this.

“So start practicing with her. She won’t phase forever.” He grinned.

“Her invisible vampire will kill anyone who nears her.”

“See? This is what I am talking about. You are a coward.”

I said nothing. My father had obviously lost his mind. Perhaps I could challenge him for Alpha. But could I kill him? He would have no problem killing me. I knew he would. Besides did I really want to be Alpha? I wanted to take the first chance I had and run. If he was struck in the battle or even better killed, I was certain I could run. I just had to live longer than he did. Not a great shot but I would take it. My only other shot was to talk to Dani. Hope that she had a way to contact her mother. To convince her to not kill us. To explain that we were under the control of a mad man. To make her see reason.

Then I remembered the look in Bella’s eyes while she shoved her gun in my mouth. There would be no reasoning. There would be no mercy.

The eruption of howls filled the airs and set my senses on fire. Even after all this time my wolf craved action.

I ran outside, not bothering to ask my father if he would join us. I knew he would not.

I saw what my pack saw. Three of the younger ones were chasing the female leech. The one who could be anyone. Why was she in her vampire form? Paul joined in. His mind was silent, his only thoughts were pain caused by the absence of Rachel and tearing this bitch apart. My wolf thrilled at the prospect of actually getting to destroy a leech.

I joined in quickly and the five of us drew in behind her. This was not right. She should be faster than this.

“We have her!” Paul thought.

Another few feet and…

She jumped in the air, towards a tree and disappeared. I never heard the big leech slam his arms together but we all felt the shockwave. It was massive, knocking us back twenty feet and causing us to phase human.

I recovered my senses and looked toward the tree she had disappeared into.

There she was. Standing next to the leech who could disappear. The big one joined them. They were laughing at us.

“Think of this as an early Christmas present!” The big one shouted and pointed to my right.

I turned and my blood ran cold. Hanging from five nooses from the same branch of a large tree were five citizens of La Push. I knew them all. Two were tribal elders, the ones who ran the day to day operations of the tribe, not the ones who advised the pack. The three others were men who worked at the Log Mill, all between twenty and thirty years of age. I could tell by the site that they had not been drained. Judging by their faces they had been strangled rather than having their necks snapped. They did not die quickly.

I looked back towards the leeches but they were gone once again.

“That is it. I am killing Dani. Right now!” Paul screamed and rushed back towards La Push.

I had to stop him. If she dies… what difference does it really make? There was no saving any of us.

Dani POV

Sitting on the porch I couldn’t help but wonder what the assholes had their tails worked up over this time.

It must have been something pretty bad because Paul Lahote was charging towards Leah’s house in quite the hurry. In wolf form.

“Go inside Dani.” Leah said, walking out.

“No. I want to see what he wants.” I pulled off my shirt and shorts. I didn’t bother with underwear anymore. What was the point?

He never slowed down. I suppose he meant to charge me and rip me to shreds.

Bring it fucker.

I phased and rushed towards him. We were out in the open. In the streets. Anyone could see us. Fuck em. Not my secret to keep.

He jumped and I rolled under him, coming up quickly. I stopped thinking and started acting. My body knew what to do. I was a wild animal. It was time I started acting like one. When he turned around I sunk my teeth in his neck. He was larger but I was faster. I felt a savage joy when his blood rushed into my mouth.

He rolled and I was on the ground. His head hit mine and I nearly blacked out. Not yet though. I slipped out from underneath him and swiped his eye. He hit me back, harder. I rolled on my back and some part of me knew he would go for a killing blow here. I wanted to see Mom slaughter these fuckers but oh well. I would take any exit off this damn reservation I could get.

I saw in his mind’s eye, me lying on the ground. He was falling towards me.

Thank you… I love you Mom.

I didn’t know how death would sound but I didn’t expect it to sound like thunder and squealing. Then a howl. I wasn’t making those sounds.

I hesitantly stood up on shaking legs and shook my head to clear it.

Paul Lahote’s silver wolf was in the air. Floating.

No. Connor had him. His ribs crushed in on his right side. I felt his pain and phased human quickly. Someone, I guess Leah, wrapped a blanket around me.

Paul was thrown into the ground. I saw the wolf pack minus dear old dad, gathered around. No one made a move to help Paul. Connor made himself visible. Magnus was there as well staring at the Pack. Most were in human form. Not one moved.

Paul’s ribs were crushed on his left side. Connor twisted his hind leg and the sound of it snapping was sickening.

Paul’s head was driven into the ground. On impact he phased human. Oh my God I wanted to puke.

Blood poured from his mouth and nose. His midsection looked weird as he tried to breathe through the shattered ribs on his sides. His leg was twisted nearly completely around and I could see the bone through his skin.

He couldn’t scream anymore. He was just wheezing.

Connor looked furious. I remember the look on the blonde girl’s face when I phased in front of my Mom. This was similar. He no longer looked like a hot undead guy. He looked like a fucking vampire. No one would make jokes about sparkling right now.

Connor placed his hands on Paul’s skull and began slowly squeezing.

“Connor! Felix has claimed that one as his own. He has had enough.” Magnus told him. Connor looked greatly annoyed but released Paul’s head which promptly hit the ground with a thud. I was surprised he was alive. But he was still trying to breathe. Connor addressed the Pack.

“Congratulations you fucking idiots! I told you Dani was off limits. You are not to touch her much less charge and attack her. Now as punishment 5 more of your citizens will not be seeing Christmas morning. We will leave their bodies somewhere you can find them in the morning. Perhaps we will stuff them down one of your chimneys. Paul LaHote and Billy Black are to be tortured. The rest of you have a merciful death to look forward to. If she is approached again I promise you will be sharing a torture rack next to your Alpha. Enjoy your time. Dani go inside now.”

Deciding not to make a smart ass comment to the homicidal vampire who just saved my life, I backed up silently. I needed a drink. I needed a very strong drink. Connor and Magnus disappeared but I knew they wouldn’t be far. The wolf Pack retreated quickly except for Jacob Black. He stood in the yard nude, staring at me. I met his eyes and shot the finger at him.

Christmas could not come fast enough. I wanted my Mom.