Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

For God And Country

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 17:

BPOV

This was everything I expected it to be. We arrived at Denali compound three days before the unholy matrimony of the succubus and the poor dumb clueless kid. Alice rushed me from behind when got here. I guess she meant to give me a hug. I was surprised though. I only knew someone was coming from behind and I reacted. I sort of threw her into a large rock, messing up her outfit. I apologized a couple times and she told me it was okay. But she was keeping her distance now.

If I had known it would be that easy I would have thrown her through a rock a long time ago.

This place was a huge shining monument in the middle of nowhere, with the annoying sound of a generator humming along in the background. How do they listen to this crap all day? Course from what I understand about these girls they probably enjoy things that hum. Makes them feel at home.

I was on Garrett’s arm once I helped Alice out of the snow. We walked in and he was greeted by the blushing bride.

She hugged him. Closely. A little longer than necessary. To his credit he tried to pull away. It’s like I told Garrett. Everyone is a potential target that hasn’t revealed themselves yet. She just revealed herself. She shook my hand once she peeled her skanky ass off my husband. I smiled. We would be friends. Yes we would.

“Bella, it is so lovely to meet you. I am so glad Garrett has found happiness after all these years.”

“Thank you Kate. You are exactly like he told me you would be.”

“I hope that’s good.”

“Of course you do.” I told her with a smile.

Garrett introduced me to the poor dumb bastard that was marrying this whore and then walked off with him leaving me with Kate.

Kate pulled me to the side of the room.

“Bella thank you so much for letting Garrett be a part of my wedding. I was worried it might be awkward.” She told me with a sympathetic smile. Okay, I’m going to have to deal with this quickly and decisively.

“I know what you mean Kate. I was worried you would feel awkward as well. I hope you don’t. I’m sure it wasn’t you. It was probably him. He must just like brunettes you know? Some guys are into hair color, I suppose.”

“What do you mean it wasn’t me?”

“It’s okay sweetie. Garrett told me what happened. I mean you two had sex once and then he leaves without a word. Rude. Men right? Then he finds me ten years later as a human no less and marries me. If I hadn’t turned when I did, I don’t know how much more my body would have been able to take. I mean the man is insatiable. He just keeps coming back for more and more. You know what he is packing under those jeans as well. But what happened between you two, or I guess more like what didn’t happen? I’m sure it’s not because I was better in bed or because I’m hotter than you. I bet it’s just a hair thing. I am so glad things aren’t going to be awkward between us.” I reached her and pulled her into a hug.

“Your fiancé is so cute. Congratulations. Oh I think I hear Rose coming this way. I better go say hi. It was so good to have this talk. I’m sure we will have many more over the weekend.”

“Of course, Bella,” Kate replied in a low voice. I hope I didn’t make her insecure.

Bitch.

Rose came over and hugged me. What the fuck is with the hugs? Must be wedding and all this girl crap.

“Bella, I’ve missed you.”

“You saw me like last month.”

“Trust me, things have been so boring since you left. Edward is moping again. Now he won’t come out of his room because Tanya keeps trying to jump his virgin ass. He is like her Everest. I guess if she can score Edward Cullen, no conquest is impossible.”

“She wants him that bad?” I asked disbelieving.

“She only wants him because no one has ever had him. He doesn’t want her because everyone has had her. It’s fun to watch if nothing else. Let me introduce you to everyone.” Rose grabbed my hand. She kept introducing me as her friend. When the fuck did this happen? The bitch couldn’t stand me in High School and now she wants to be best buds? Maybe I should stop looking people in the eyes, stumbling over my feet and start reading poetry out loud and gushing over crappy Italian food. Maybe throw in a few grateful tears and tell someone not to sacrifice themselves for me.

That would get her off my back. But then I would have to kick my own ass. Rose Hale was just something I would have to put up with I suppose.

I met Egyptians, nomads, the famous Irish coven who showed no signs of recognizing me. They were slightly stand offish. I could see what Garrett meant. They did not look like they would care about human affairs. Still though. I would be watching them. There was no way they were the only three vampires in Ireland but I bet they knew others.

I made small talk with Rose and met Carmen, Eleazer, Tanya, and Irina. Then I saw a blast from the past.

“Laurent!”

“Bella Swan?” he squinted.

“Yep. Good to see you. Last time we really didn’t get a chance to talk considering your friends were trying to kill me.”

“Yes, uh… I’m sorry about that…”

“Don’t apologize Laurent. They were just doing what comes natural. Vampires are killers. Believe me. I understand the urge to kill. No biggie. Hey it is good to see you. I’m going to find my husband. You take care. We can catch up over the weekend.”

“Bella, there you are!”

I turned and saw Garrett.

“Hey darling. Where have you been? Partaking of the complimentary whores in this house? I have seen a few weddings. Some have free food. Some have open bars. I’ve never been to one that had free whores.”

“Very funny dear. Stick close to me. More guests are about to arrive.”

“Who would that be?”

“Jane and Alec. They are here early to make sure all is safe for their masters. The rest of the guard will be minutes behind them.”

“Great. I need to get started knowing them.”

“Don’t do it, Bella.” I heard the voice of Jasper Hale Cullen Whitlock from behind.

“Don’t what Mr. Hale Cullen Whitlock?”

“Don’t get in bed with them, Bella. No amount of information is worth it. Stay away. They are vicious.”

“Number 1, so am I. Number 2, I’m not planning on sleeping with them, Jasper. I’m just going to make friends. You know how friendly I am.” I smiled at him.

“Garrett. Don’t let her do this.” Jasper said to my husband. No. He didn’t

“Yeah Garrett. You going to let me do this or not?”

“Uh…”

“Garrett.” Jasper said.

“Garrett.” I repeated.

“Bella you know how I feel about the Volturi.” Garrett said quietly. Jasper was grinning.

“But you also know I support you in your decisions. I will back you always.” Grin was gone. Chalk another one up for Swan, Major.

“Be careful, Bella.” Jasper said glaring at me.

“I’m touched by your concern.” I smiled.

“I am concerned you stupid bitch! That’s why I am trying to look after you. Just because you got your husband too pussy whipped to tell you to be smart doesn’t mean I can’t. I’m trying to look after you here kid.”

“Kid?” I hissed.

“Yeah kid.” Jasper hissed.

“I’m not pussy whipped.” Garrett said quietly.

“Shut up!” Jasper and I said to him at the same time while continuing to glare at each other. The room suddenly got quiet. The front door opened and there they were. The famous witch twins. Jane and Alec, everybody. Bringing fear wherever they go.

I was… not impressed. They look like a couple of 14 year olds. Probably because they were. Deadly 14 year olds but still just really emo looking depressed teens. If Jane’s hair was pulled back any tighter her lips would be where her forehead should be. Alec’s haircut was just… tragic. No other words.

Garrett was glaring at them. He really doesn’t like the Volturi.

Kate walked up with Randall and Eleazar. None of them looked comfortable. Not even Eli. Supposedly he is the dumbass that invited them. They didn’t acknowledge the guests or those talking to them. The two just stared, looking over the crowd. Finally they stood to the side and planted themselves in front of a living room wall where they could have a complete view of all the vampires in the room. Jane’s eyes caught mine and I winked at her. She seemed confused. I guess she isn’t used to someone looking her in the eye. She pulled her blank cold look back on her face and continued to scan the crowd. No one said a word. Total silence. Seemed kind of rude. Finally hushed conversations started back up.

“Bella.” Garrett whispered as I started to walk towards them. I grabbed his hand.

“C’mon. Let’s not be rude.”

I pulled Garrett behind me and walked straight up to Jane. I offered my hand.

“Hi. I’m Bella. You are Jane?”

She stared at me with a blank look on her face. I could feel the eyes of the room on my back as everyone continued there fake conversations and stared out the corner of their eyes.

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you. I just want to make friends.” I said in a slow voice.

“Are you an idiot?” She finally replied. “Garrett, did your newborn sex toy have brain damage as a human or was it a result of the change?”

“Oh my God, you do talk! Now let’s do this again. Me Bella, you Jane, now we shake hands.”

I heard someone say oh shit in the background. Could have been Emmett. Jane’s eyes were boring into mine. She must be trying to do that extreme pain power that I would trade my shield for.

“If you don’t want to be friends you can just say so. No need to stare. It just seemed everyone was afraid of you and I felt bad so I thought I would say hi.” I turned and walked away, pulling Garrett behind me.

“Wait!” Jane said.

I turned and looked at her.

“Yes.”

“I… why didn’t it work?” she whispered. Alec looked concerned. I walked up to Jane and whispered in her ear.

“This is why we can be friends. I’m the one vampire who is not frightened of you and loves causing others pain as much as you do. We understand each other Jane. If you want to talk I’ll be around.”

I turned and saw the other vampires in the room were having hushed conversations doing a poor job of pretending not to be watching Jane and I.

I was about to go to the back porch with Garrett when the front doors opened again. Let the party start.

GPOV

“I don’t like this Bella. They keep staring at you. They are going to try to get you to join them.”

“Like that is going to happen.” She rolled her eyes. “You know I am more into the lone gunman lifestyle Garrett.”

“Chelsea. She can bend wills. Make you bond to someone you ordinarily wouldn’t.”

“No other power works on me. What makes you think hers would?”

I hadn’t exactly thought of that. Still she was playing with fire and I was letting her. Hell, I was handing her the gasoline and matches. But that’s the way it has always been. Since I have known her she ran towards the fire and I always stood by to make sure she didn’t get burned too badly. Every time though, she emerged from the fire. Maybe a burn here and there but always victorious.

This was a different ballgame though.

“Your wife is hot, Garrett.” I turned to see Felix standing there.

“I know. I know every single inch of her body, inside and out. I know exactly what she is. I’m the only one who will know.” I smiled at him. Big idiot. Still though, a decent fighter. Worthy of killing.

“Fantastic ass. Those thin legs, lean like a dancers. I mean she has one of those tiny body’s that you feel like you could break in half if you got too rough with her. Is that what it is like Garrett? Do you have to be gentle with her?”

I took a deep breath. Apparently Bella is not the only one who can bring it out in me.

“How is your love life, Felix? No Mrs. Giant Asshole yet?”

“I’m going to kill you one of these days Garrett. Don’t worry though. Your widow will be taken care of.” He sneered.

“I would be careful if I were you, Felix.”

“Why is that little man?”

“Because you know you are the least valuable member of the Guard. Everyone else has unique powers. You? You are a big dumbass. Aro can find a big human and turn him anytime. You are easily replaceable. I would bet if you tried to kill me Aro would sit back and watch the show for his own enjoyment. You and I both know you can’t kill me. You have neither the skill, speed or honestly despite your size, the strength to kill me. I have been in wars. You have been at staged executions. I am a fighter and you are a big guard dog that is chained constantly. Guard dogs are tough. Until they meet dogs from the wild. I will always win a fight between the two of us. You know it. Aro knows it. I certainly know it. So why don’t you shut the fuck up and go stand next to the wonder twins by the wall?”

Felix sneered at me for a moment and I stared into his eyes smiling. He finally walked away without another word. Probably because he couldn’t think of anything witty to say.

“You lost me $500 dollars.” Jasper said, walking up behind me.

I turned to see him and Emmett standing and smiling.

“What was the wager?”

“Emmett said they would be here less than an hour before you threatened one of them. I said you would hold out for two hours.” Jasper grinned.

“That’s not fair Emmett. I did not threaten him. He threatened me with death and I merely pointed out the flaws in his thinking.”

“He does have a point Emmett.” Jasper said.

“Fine, but we still have 5 minutes.” Emmett replied.

“Hello Garrett. I have to say your…”

“If you say one word about my wife Demetri I will rip you to fucking pieces. Why don’t you go away and track someone who can stand to be around you.” I turned to glare at the blonde asswipe who thought he was sneaking up behind me.

“You want to give me that $500 now or later Jasper?” Emmett grinned.

“Seriously Garrett? You know I hate losing bets.” Jasper murmured pulling out his wallet as Demetri walked away.

“In all seriousness, I think it is great that you have so much confidence in Bella, Garrett.” Jasper smiled.

“You do?”

“Of course. You are going to need it.”

“Why is that?”

“Because she is going outside alone with Aro right now.”

I whipped my head a round and saw my lovely wife walking along side Aro as they laughed and strolled outside.

“You going outside?” Emmett asked.

“No. Let her play this out.”

“No problem. I’m sure Edward will be upstairs reading Aro’s mind the entire time his love is with the evil king of vampires.” Emmett said.

“Oh joy.” I responded.

“Cut the kid some slack, Garrett.” Jasper said unexpectedly.

“Excuse me?”

“If it wasn’t for Edward she would have died when she was 17. You wouldn’t have her now. He saved her from being crushed by a truck. He saved her from being gang raped and probably beat to death in Port Angeles. He managed not to eat her even though she was his singer. I realize you don’t like the fact that he still loves her but you know how it is for vampires. Once we love it changes us. There is never another.”

“So because he loved her he will be stuck on her for eternity?” I asked quietly. Great.

“Probably. He may move on. But she will always be the one. Same as if she left you when she was human. It was too late for you the moment you fell in love with her. Just give him a little slack, that’s all I’m saying. He may be annoying as fuck and stares at her with longing constantly but she would have died several times if not for him. He left her so she could have a normal life. Then he finds out she is a blood thirty, vicious government assassin and married to another vampire. I mean he has handled this better than any one of us expected him too. He mopes and he stares but he isn’t constantly professing his love and asking her to leave you.” Jasper walked away with Emmett following and giggling like a little girl. They must have planned that.

The sad thing was, they were right.

Fuck!

I would give her space to talk to Aro. But I was going to the window to watch the two of them. This was Bella. She could decide to start a war at any moment because she was bored. Best to be ready to fight.

BPOV

“Hello Bella. I hope it is okay that I introduce myself without your husband around. He is not our biggest fan, as I am sure he has told you.” Aro was creepy. He had this really, really pale skin. He was wearing a black suit. Three buttons, all buttoned, on the jacket. Everybody knows you only leave the top two buttoned. Freak. The guy on the left looked like he had a lobotomy. Must be Marcus. The blonde guy on the right looked like he had a vibrator accidentally shoved up his ass to the point that he couldn’t get it out and it was stuck on high.

“Yes, my husband prefers solitude. He is a revolutionary. He does not bow to others. You will find I do not either.”

“I wouldn’t dream of trying to make a beauty such as yourself bow unwillingly.” He smiled.

“Well, unwillingly is the only way I would bow. It hasn’t happened yet and I live my life making sure it never does.” I smiled back.

“I touched Carlisle, earlier. I have learned much about you. I have to say you are fascinating.”

“Thank you Aro. Coming from you that is quite the compliment.”

“Bella, I would like to speak to you in private. To get away from the prying ears of the gathered throng. Would you consent to accompany me outside?”

“Of course. I hate eavesdroppers.” Aro rose and two of his guard rose with him. Both females. On must be the physical shield he has.

“Stay.” Aro waived his hand at them. They looked shocked. I guess this doesn’t happen ever. Aro must really want to talk to me.

We walked outside and ran about two hundred yards away. We were still in view of the house. Not that I was worried. Between the two of us I knew I could take him. I can tell by the way he moves that he is dangerous. This man doesn’t need protection. He has it, to project power. However that is also his flaw. He has not been in a fight for his life in a long, long time. His body language says he respects me. He keeps his hands folded in front of him. He keeps himself at an angle. But he is relaxed. Taking precautions but not really worried. This would be a fun fight if it ever came down to the two of us.

“So Bella, tell me about yourself.”

“I imagine you know everything about me from Carlisle.” I responded. “Why don’t you tell me about yourself?” I smiled.

“I imagine you know all about me from every vampire in the residence. Especially your husband.”

“Why have you brought me out here to talk Aro?” May as well get to the point.

“I want you, as part of my guard. I was wondering about the chances of you talking your husband into joining us?”

“I think you know the chances of that happening. Stop this Aro. Let’s get to the point.”

“I apologize Bella. I however think it would be mutually beneficial for you to become a member of our guard. I really do want you, Bella. I believe you could keep a handle on Garrett. The very idea that he isn’t interfering in the two of us being alone tells me you control the relationship.”

“Neither Garrett nor I control the other Aro. We are a team.”

“Yes, well, there is a small problem of the Cullens breaking the law. They left you as a human who knew of our kind.”

“Yes. Your law. Not one that was voted on. Just your governing principles. No one is bound by the law who doesn’t want to be.”

“We will have to agree to disagree on that point Bella. I see why your husband loves you. He and you share common beliefs. But to the question of the Cullens. The penalty for what they did is death. Carlisle seems to think all is well because you were turned anyway. That is not the case. What do you think I should do?”

“Kill them.” I responded immediately.

I guess this answer was not what he was expecting.

“Kill them? This would not bother you at all would it? I can read it in your face.”

“No it wouldn’t. But again you are playing games with me, hoping to bend me to your will by holding people you think I love over my head. It won’t happen. Besides we both know you can’t kill the Cullens.”

“I cannot? You do not believe my guard capable?” he smiled.

“Of course they are capable Aro. However I saw the reactions of the gathering when you and your guard arrived. They are all frightened of you, except for my husband, and Jasper, Peter and Charlotte Whitlock. If you attack the Cullens, Jasper Whitlock attacks you. We both know you want none of him, especially with Peter and Charlotte at his side. If they get involved, Garrett is going to get involved. That means you are going to put me in the awkward position of having to defend the Cullens. When I do this they are probably going to get emotional and think I want back in their lives. This will piss me off. Plus the Cullens have friends in that house. Carlisle attracts many nomads who think he is a really nice guy. Those vampires see you going after him, they will know you will go after anyone. That will cause them to get over their fear and attack you and your guard. Plus your guard’s powers won’t work on them. You will be vulnerable. You will for the first time in a very long time, be in a fight you could potentially lose.”

“Why do you feel like my guards powers won’t work on the others, just because they wouldn’t work on you Bella?” Aro wasn’t smiling anymore. May as well lay this little card on the table.

“I’m sure Eleazor, being the ass kisser he is, told you what I am. I know what I am. You call it a shield. I can protect myself as well as others.”

“You think you can protect others?”

“Of course. I can feel it in my head. I can stretch it, shrink it. It’s in my mind. If there is one thing I have always been in complete control of it is my own mind. I felt it when I woke up from the change.”

“Carlisle was not aware you could do this.” Aro whispered, looking at me with a little more respect now.

“Why the fuck would I tell him? You know the value of secrets Aro.”

“What is you want Bella?”

“What do I want? You invited me out here.” I told him grinning.

“You would never have come with me alone if you didn’t want something. You are no idiot. You are no foolish newborn. You are playing an angle. I recognize a kindred spirit in you. But you don’t want power. You want something else. If not power, it cannot be money. Garrett has plenty of money. If it was peace, you and Garrett would never have agreed to come here. So you must want revenge. I understand from Carlisle you had achieved your revenge though?”

“Yes I did. What I want from you Aro is knowledge when I need it. I want us to be friends. There is no money in being an enemy of mine or the Cullens or the Whitlocks and especially my husband. Nothing to be gained for either of us if we are enemies. You have a good thing going. You are comfortable. There is absolutely no benefit to being enemies for either of us. You know I won’t join your guard and I know you won’t come after us. So instead of standing here sending veiled threats at each other, I suggest we become friends.”

“And what would it entail, this having your friendship?”

“If you touched Carlisle, you know what I am capable of. Wouldn’t you rather have a friend like me?”

“Yes I would.” He admitted.

“I may want information from time to time. Information kept just between the two of us. You are in power because knowledge is power. You have the knowledge of everyone you touch. Except me and any of those I choose to protect. I may want access to that occasionally. You may need a favor from me sometimes. You may need me to stay out of something. Perhaps a favor I may or may not do. See that’s what friends do, Aro. They help each other out when possible and they don’t get in each other’s way. What do you say Aro? Are we going to be friends or not?”

“Bella you are most definitely too fascinating not to be friends with.” Aro smiled. “Are you sure you won’t consider joining my guard?

“Does your guard have meetings?”

“Of course.”

“Do they wear robes when they go out on missions?”

“Yes, the robes are a symbol of the Volturi.”

“I don’t do meetings or robes. I prefer black spandex when I go a killin.”

“I understand. Perhaps it is time we join the rest of the crowd before your husband gathers a troop and comes to reclaim you.”

“My husband wouldn’t need a troop to claim me Aro. He is more than capable of doing that himself.” I winked. Aro laughed. All in all, not a bad conversation. He is a conniving bastard who is power hungry. Absolutely no different from any other politician. Easily handled. Not to say I may not have to kill him one day. Occasionally politicians have to be removed from the political spectrum for the greater good. I certainly didn’t trust him. But he could be useful. Very, very useful.

I walked back in and Garrett was by my side smiling. “What do you say we go somewhere private so we can talk about what just happened?” I was beginning to think his smile wasn’t genuine.

“Relax.” I whispered. “I was just chatting. Making friends. Just like I told you. It worked out just like I told you it would.”

“I don’t like it, Bella.”

“No you don’t like him. You don’t like them. I get that Garrett. I don’t exactly care for him myself. But unfortunately in this world we sometimes have to do business with people we don’t like. I worked for the CIA. You think they are all a bunch of noble people, out to rid the world from evil? They want to control the world, shape it to their liking. The Volturi are no different.”

“They are very different.” Garret disagreed.

“They really aren’t. Being hungry for power is a trait that has been around since man first fought another man for the right to bop some poor cavewoman in the head. You have to learn how to use everything around you to your advantage.”

“We don’t need an advantage. We can certainly go off and live in peace.” He said.

“I plan for us to live in peace, Garrett. Aggravating covens is certainly not the way to live in peace. Also if you are going to enjoy peace you certainly have to be ready to go to war at a moment’s notice.”

He didn’t say anything as he walked me upstairs and pulled me in our bedroom. He undressed me completely and pulled me to the bed. I really wasn’t thrilled about the idea of having sex in a house full of vampires, but I wouldn’t deny him, ever.

To my surprise he kept his pants on and only took his shirt off. He pulled me under the covers and closed his eyes, pulling me too him, pressing my body into his. I started to talk and he placed a finger to my lips and squeezed me tighter. I shut the hell up, close my eyes and let myself melt into him in the darkness. He knows. He always knows. We both needed this.