Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Venom

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 06:

Volterra Italy

Jane did not like this. Since the strange beautiful woman had walked into the throne room Jane had been trying to affect her. Sending all her formidable power at her. She had no reason to. Something about this woman, this Irkalla, and her mate, Nergal, set Jane on edge. She was afraid. Jane had never feared another vampire. This woman scared her. They both did. The woman was beautiful even by vampire standards. She had long ebony black hair that hung past her waist. She was average height and lean. Her waist was tiny and her breasts were large. Jane knew this because the dress she was wearing was very form fitting and low cut. It appeared to be made of blue silk. Her mate was tall. 6’4″ with hair that matched hers in color. His hung to the middle of his back. He wore a suit. Nothing special about him by vampire standards. He still made Jane wary.

Her fear it was increased by the fact that her power had no effect on either of them. None.

“Welcome to Volterra Irkalla and Nergal. We are always glad to meet brothers and sisters.” Aro told them in his usual polite tone. But Jane knew her master well. He also sensed something was wrong. From her place at his side Jane brushed his hand, silently letting him know that something had happened that had never happened before in her many centuries of existence. She was powerless.

“Aro it is lovely to meet you. My consort and I have heard such great tales of you and your guard.”

Aro reached out his hand. Irkalla took it.

Aro froze.

“Not very nice to try and take my thoughts Aro. Do you do this often to new people you meet? Snoop in their heads? It is a form of rape, wouldn’t you agree? To take every intimate thought they have ever had without their permission.”

“I… Alec?” Aro whispered.

“Don’t bother young man. Your power will work no better than your sisters or your puppet master.” Irkalla said with a chilling smile.

“Are you a shield?” Aro asked.

‘No. I’m your mother.” Irkalla truthfully responded.

“Guard!” Caius yelled.

The guard did not move.

“You want to know my power Aro? I control venom. The venom that runs through your body. It’s mine. All of your venom is mine. I can give it… and I can take it away.”

Irkalla placed her fingers on Aro’s eyes. Jane, Caius, Markus and the guard watched as Aro, frozen as the rest, began to shake.

Silver venom poured out of his eyes merging into Irkalla’s fingertips.

Aro screamed.

To Jane’s horror she watched her master, the man who saved her life so long ago, begin to wither. She wanted to rush to his defense but couldn’t. She couldn’t move. No one in the throne room could move.

Aro began to shimmer. As the venom left his body he began to decay. His skin crumbled. His face aged. Within thirty seconds his body was a lifeless husk. Nergal tapped the husk on the forehead and Aro crumpled into dust. His robes on the ground were the only evidence he had ever existed.

Irkalla turned towards the remaining kings.

“My name is Irkalla. I am the first vampire. I have been waiting for a long time to take my rightful place. Twenty years ago I emerged from hiding and began forming my own little army. My vampires are hidden in this world, among humans. Soon vampires will rule this planet. We are the highest order of predators ever to walk the planet. You answer to me now. You swear allegiance or join your former Master as dirt beneath my feet. Decide now.”

Jane felt her body unfreeze. She knew what had happened. This woman was not lying. She could kill them all.

Alec looked at Jane for direction. He always did. There was really no choice though. She wanted to live. She would obey. They all would.

“The Volturi swear allegiance Irkalla.” Caius said quietly, fear making his voice waver a bit.

“Of course you do. Jane be a dear and clear out Aro’s crap from his old quarters. Also take your brother and kill his wife. Alec I am sure you can make it painless. Caius we need to have a discussion. I want to know every vampire in the world who interacts with humans on a regular basis. I need to know the locations of covens in the world. The major ones. I want to know everything the Volturi knows. Before I take over the human world I want my vampires in order. I want everyone on the same page. Understand?”

“Yes Irkalla.” Caius replied.

“Excellent. Let us get started then.” She grinned. Her grin sent a shiver through Jane’s black soul.

Jake POV

“This is dumb. It will never work.”

“It will work son. You must learn to do this. If you expect to see Bella you must walk in the spirit world. You are too agitated to clear your head long enough to get into the proper spiritual state. Therefore you need this.”

“Why Charlie? I’m sure Old Quil has this stuff laying all over his place.” I pointed out.

“He probably does but he won’t tell me where it is. He said if he let me know, you would know and then the Pack would know and his stash would be gone when he came back. His words, not mine.”

Charlie pulled up outside and walked in.

“Billy, Jake.” Charlie nodded.

“Did you bring the stuff?” Dad mumbled, as if anyone else was in the house.

“Yeah. Are you sure this is necessary?” Charlie was clearly uncomfortable. He wasn’t the only one.

“Yes Charlie. It is necessary.” Dad said quietly.

“Can’t you use Peyote? Isn’t that like a religious tool or something?”

“We don’t have any. Let’s get this over with.” Dad apparently was uncomfortable as well.

Charlie handed me the bag. It stunk.

“Dad this stuff is foul. There has got to be another way.” It really stunk.

“Look the guy I arrested with this told me it was very high quality. The guy who is going to get off if this goes to trial because I lost the evidence. Just smoke it already so you can go to some imaginary world and see my daughter.”

I took the bag and looked at it.

“Uh, how am I supposed to smoke this?”

“You don’t know?” Charlie asked surprised.

“I don’t do this stuff Charlie.” I answered coldly. What the hell?

“You have to roll it like a cigarette in those papers in the bag.”

Seemed simple enough. I reached inside and pulled out the thin paper and a handful of marijuana.

“Not that much Jake. It doesn’t take that much.” Charlie said, giving me pointers apparently.

I dropped most of what I pulled out back into the bag.

“More than that Jake.” Charlie barked.

I held in a growl and picked up a bit more. I laid the paper on the coffee table and sprinkled the grass on it. I tried to roll it up. It sort of bent. I backed it up and tried again. This paper was really thin. It crumpled a little at the edge.

“Dad could you roll this damn thing for me?”

“I’ve never done it Jake. I wouldn’t have a clue how to do it.” Dad said.

I tried again. Most of the grass came out.

“Do we know any potheads Dad?” I asked.

“Just Old Quil.” Dad replied.

“Great. My daughter’s “guide.” Charlie groused.

I tried to roll it again on a fresh paper. It sort of looked like a flat cigarette.

It was probably the best I could get.

“How do you make it stick together?”

“What do you mean? You haven’t rolled one yet.” Charlie said sharply.

“Yeah, I have. This is the best it’s going to get. Do I have to lick an end or what?”

“Good Lord give me the damn bag. I swear you have to be the only teenager boy in the world who can’t roll a joint.”

Charlie grabbed the bag and within seconds had a perfectly formed joint in his hand.

Dad and I both looked at him.

“What?”

“You uh, did that really good Charlie. Had much practice?” I asked.

“You wanted a joint, here’s your fucking joint. I wasn’t always a cop. Now listen. When you get to this spirit world place don’t be doing anything… I mean… look just because…”

“I think what Charlie is saying is that you should treat Bella as a lady, Jake.” Dad clarified.

“Have I ever treated her any less?” I glared at the both of them.

“Hey, I’m just sayin. This whole thing is weird. I don’t want any spirit world fooling around with my daughter.”

I managed not to roll my eyes and walked to the backyard where a fire was already lit. I sat down and Dad handed me a lighter.

“As soon as you look like you are there I will call Quil and Bella will enter the spirit realm. Concentrate on nothing but here while you are there. Shouldn’t be hard for you. The two of you will find each other.” Dad patted me on the back and Charlie pulled him away.

I crossed my legs under me and lit the joint. Taking in a drag I realized it tasted worse than it smelt. A few more drags and I did feel much more relaxed. Now I had to remember the chants Dad taught me. I had to ask permission from the spirits to walk in their domain. I closed my eyes and relaxed as much as possible. It wasn’t hard. Damn this stuff makes you relaxed. Soon the world around me became quiet. I couldn’t even hear the fire crackling.

I opened my eyes and saw… First Beach. The driftwood Bella loved.

“Jake?”

Her voice.

I turned and there she was… holy shit what did she have on?

Bella POV

“So I just concentrate, chant, breath in and out and ask the spirits for permission to enter their realm?”

“Yep. Piece of cake. Just concentrate on your boy toy when you get there. You will find each other.” Quil said.

“What happens if I get distracted and can’t find him?”

“Then your spirit will be lost forever, wandering among the souls of the dead.” Quil said in a solemn tone.

“Quil damn it. Look Bella, if you lose focus or want to come back just want to come back. Catch my drift?”

“Yes Chris. Thank you.”

“Watch out for evil demons as well Bella.” Quil said casually.

“Wait a minute. Nobody said anything about evil demons. What about evil demons?”

“There are no evil demons Bella. Not that would bother you anyway. More like malevolent spirits.” Chris helpfully explained.

“Wait, doesn’t malevolent mean evil?”

“See I knew you didn’t need any more schooling.” Quil smiled. I shot the finger at him.

Quil’s phone rang.

“Yes?”

“He didn’t use mine did he?”

“Okay, that’s good. I will let her know.”

Quil ended the call.

“What was that?” I asked.

“Your boyfriend has entered the spirit world.” Quil told me. He was no longer smiling.

“Guess I better go say hi.” I smiled.

“Bella, the way you look in the Spirit World isn’t… I mean, it’s a manifestation of your true self… you might…”

“What Chris? Spit it out.”

“She will be fine. Let’s go Chris. Don’t stay to long Bella. And no fooling around in the spirit world.” Quil told me sternly.

They walked away and I was alone. I sat next to the fire and closed my eyes. I asked the spirits for permission to enter their realm. I chanted the language I didn’t understand. Knowing Quil I could be saying I’m a dumbass over and over again.

Soon the sounds of the world outside died away. I felt my bracelet vibrating slightly. The crackle of the fire was no more. I opened my eyes and I saw I was on First Beach. Next to the driftwood I sat for so many hours talking to Jacob.

I looked down the beach and there he was. Oh my God.

“Jake?”

He was so gorgeous. His hair was long and flowing. Charlie had told me he cut it. It broke my heart to hear that. He was only wearing a pair of blue jeans. He was barefoot and bare chested. Oh damn he looked good. He had more muscles than the last time I saw him. He smiled at me. Then his smile widened. Now it looked like he was surprised. His jaw just dropped a little.

“Bella?”

“Yes.” I whispered. I began walking towards him. With my first step I realized I wasn’t wearing sneakers. I looked down and oh shit.

I had on armor. That was it. Not much of it. My legs were covered to the knee. I had the equivalent of very small armored bikini bottoms on. My hand was of course covered in my glove. My other hand was bare. Armor ran from my shoulders to the bottom of my breasts. Barely. Oh damn. My stomach was bare. I think the armor at least covered my ass. Please tell me I don’t have an armored thong on. I would notice that, right?

I looked up and Jake was still staring with his jaw open.

“Uh… yeah. About this…”

“You uh… you look great Bella. You look really, really great.” He finally closed his jaw. But his eyes hadn’t met mine yet.

Chris told me. Appearances are manifestations of our true self. I must be an armored stripper deep down.

“Bella are those wings on your back?”

I was afraid to look. The armor was moving. Sliding across my body. I was afraid of where it may move to.

“Maybe.”

“Bella what are you doing? Where are you?” Jake asked.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to ask that Jake?” I grinned.

“To hell with them Bella. Where does Old Quil have you? I will come and get you.”

“I can’t do that Jake.”

“Why Bella?”

“Because I have to prepare myself. They are coming.”

“Who? The Cullen’s?”

“I wish it was just the Cullen’s Jake. Listen to me. You have to trust me. I can’t be with you now. But we will be together Jacob. I need you to trust me.”

I can’t believe I was having this conversation dressed like a seventies sci fi actress.

“I do trust you Bella. I just miss you.” He said sadly.

“I miss you too Jake. I have had a lot of time to think since I have been here. My mind cleared from… them. I want you to know something. I didn’t appreciate you when I was with you. But I see clearly now. I love you Jake. I want you to know that. I love you.”

It needed to be said. He had to know.

“You mean it Bella?” He walked up to me. I wanted to touch him but a part of me was afraid what this metal crawling over my body would do. Afraid it may go away.

“Yes Jake. I mean it.” I smiled.

“Not like a brother right?” he grinned.

“Jake the things I want to do…” I stopped myself before that sentence could come out. “No. not like a brother. I love you like the other half of my soul. Because that’s what you are.” I told him honestly.

“Glad you came to your senses.” He lifted me up into a hug. It felt so good I nearly forgot I was wearing… next to nothing.

He sat me down and I smiled. I moved to kiss him. He leaned in and then stopped.

“No. The first time I kiss you I want to be with you. In our world.”

“This is our world too Jake. But I will wait.”

“I really like that outfit Bella. I mean I really like it.” He grinned.

I started to feel self-conscience. Then I stopped. Why? He was mine. I was his. I didn’t have to be shy around him.

“Don’t get used to it. I prefer to wear real clothes in the physical world.” I laughed.

“What is with it? Why is it flowing over you? Shifting almost.”

“I can’t tell you Jake. Not yet. I’m sorry.”

He looked disappointed and then nodded.

“I trust you Bells.”

“Jake I need you to do some things for me.”

“Okay. Anything.”

“The Cullens are going to be back. They are going to be looking for me. I need you to not kill them. Not be rude. Continue playing dumb about me.”

“Why?” he practically growled.

“You trust me remember?”

He didn’t like me reminding him of his words but he did nod.

“If that is what you want.”

“It’s not what I want. It’s what needs to happen. Jake one day, I hope soon, I will be able to explain everything to you. You will understand. But right now you need to do this. The other thing is you need to stop focusing on where I am and start focusing on being Alpha.”

“That’s not easy Bella. I don’t even want this. I just want you.”

“I’m sorry Jake. Those decisions aren’t ours. We have our parts to play. Too much is relying on us. We can’t be selfish. We can’t run away from this. I need you to be your best. I need you ready.”

“Ready for what Bella?”

“War Jake. The most important one humans have ever fought. Trust me. Please.”

“I do Bella. I love you.” I touched his cheek. Even in this realm he felt so warm. So good.

“Walk with me?” he asked.

I took his hand with my left hand and we began walking down the beach. I enjoyed the feel of the sea breeze on my face. My armor had started covering more. That was weird. I noticed the sky was getting darker. Seeing as how this was the spirit world I found it strange that the sun would set.

Suddenly I knew it. I felt it.

“Jake. I have to go. You need to get back. The Pack won’t be able to see what went on here. Don’t say a word. Don’t discuss your concerns or think about them. Assume everything you know or they know, Edward Cullen could know if you are close to him. Understand?”

“Yeah Bells. I understand.”

“Now go Jake.”

“Why the hurry Bella?”

“I need to get back.”

“Okay.” He looked so sad. I stood up and kissed him on his cheek. He ran a hand through my hair.

“Now go.” I whispered.

He was gone.

I missed him already. But the sky was darker.

I turned around.

“Hello Bella.”

“James.”

He looked like hell. His hair was wild, no longer in a ponytail. His body had gashes in it. His eyes looked wild.

“Do you know where I am? Where I have been? I was supposed to live forever. Because of you, I am in hell.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I was allowed a brief respite. It appears there is a soul walking in the spirit world that is not dead. Your soul. I was sent to bring you with me.”

“Really.” I suppose I should have been scared. But I wasn’t. I was getting angry though.

“You are not a vampire anymore James. You are a pathetic soul. A bitch for the evil spirits of this realm to rape and torture. Do you have any idea who the fuck I am? What I am capable of?”

The armor began covering more of my body. I brought my hand forth. I had expected a sword. Instead my glove was glowing.

Of course. I needed to send him back to his punishment.

I ran towards him. He ran towards me. He tried to strike me. I grabbed his face.

“Time for you to go back to your home James.” My glove was glowing. He was burning. He wouldn’t burn completely though. Not in this world. In this world it would go on and on.

He was on his knees.

I felt a rush of power go through me. I lifted him up by his face and looked behind me. A black door appeared on the beach.

I tossed him into the door. His screams muffled and then ended as the blackness consumed him.

Another presence behind me. My sword appeared in my glove and I twisted around swinging.

I hit a staff.

“Whoa! Calm down there witch! Watch where you swing that damn thing!”

“Quil?”

“Yes. Nice job with the vampire.”

“He thought he was going to take me to hell.”

“Yes. The guardians of that realm knew he couldn’t. They most likely sent him so you could add to his suffering and humiliation. But you did a nice job dispatching him. Quick and clean. I could have done it better but you will get there.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to make sure you didn’t tell Jake anything you weren’t supposed to.” He said simply.

“You were spying on me?!”

“Yes. A lovely sight too. You two are so sweet it’s like a Disney channel romance. All that was missing was one of you breaking out into a pop song.”

“You shouldn’t have been watching.” I growled.

“You wouldn’t have even known how to contact him if it wasn’t for me. So chill out little Swan. Come back to Earth. Chris is making Chili.”

That said, Quil was gone.

Asshole.

I wondered how I could get back. Then I was back. Sitting in front of a fire that was almost burned out. I stood up and walked inside to find Quil and Chris sitting at the table.

“Hey Bella. Have a nice walk in the spirit world?” Chris asked.

“Yeah. Nothing like seeing your boyfriend while dressed like a barbarian stripper. Thanks for the heads up.”

Neither looked up at me. Quil was holding in laughter though.

“Yeah. I figured that might happen. Then I figured you would probably change when you got there.”

“Change what Chris? How do you change clothes in the spirit world?”

“You just think about it from what my wife told me.”

I glared at Quil. He finally looked up.

“What? I thought you looked nice. Jacob didn’t seem to mind.”

I passed on the multiple curse words I wanted to send his way and made myself a bowl of chili. I would use his bathroom tonight.

“So how is Jacob?” Chris asked.

“Gorgeous.” I responded before I could stop myself. They both smiled and Chris started talking about what we would be doing with the horses tomorrow. Quil told me about some training he wanted to do with me. I didn’t pay much attention. My mind was on Jake. In only a pair of blue jeans. Damn.

Jacob POV

I opened my eyes and saw the fire had died down.

“Did it work?” Dad asked from behind me.

“Yeah.”

“You figured out how to come back easy enough.” Dad said.

Actually I was pretty sure I would have stayed there forever. I think she kicked me out.

“How did she look Jake?” Charlie asked.

“She looked…” Probably shouldn’t tell Charlie that.

“Good. Healthy. Course I imagine everyone does there but…”

“You really talked to her? It wasn’t some pot induced hallucination?” Charlie asked.

“Charlie have you ever had a hallucination from pot?” Dad asked, slightly grinning.

“No but I… Anyway, Jake she seemed okay? What did she say?”

What she said was a bit fuzzy. I remember talking to her. I remember that hot ass outfit she had on. It barely covered her breasts. Damn I wanted to take her there. Right here on the beach…

“Jake?”

“Yeah Charlie?”

“What did she say son?”

“She said she loved me.” I would never forget that.

I didn’t see them but I knew they were both smiling.

“How do you feel?” Dad asked.

“I feel ready.”

“Ready for what?” Charlie asked.

“Ready to be alpha. I need to go talk to Sam. It’s time I started taking this more seriously. I have to get ready.”

“Ready for what son?”

“I don’t know. I just know I have to be ready.”

It’s what Bella wanted.