Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Growing Up

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 12:

BPOV

Damn it! I was on my ass again. Sparring sucked. I looked over and saw Peter grinning. I was worried that he might be angry if I were hit the first time I came here. He took it well. Now he was barely holding in his laughter. Asshole.

“Locke, what the hell are you doing?” my instructor asked.

“Getting my ass kicked sir.”

“If you are tired of being a punching bag why don’t you make the first strike instead of waiting for your opponent to hit you. She is beating you like you stole something. You place yourself on the defensive right away. Stop being hesitant. This isn’t Judo. Strike first, strike hard.”

“Yes sir.” I took a deep breath and got up. I had head gear that protected me from being knocked smooth out. But it still hurt when I got hit. My hands didn’t hurt. Not because I had padded gloves but rather because I hadn’t actually hit anything yet. Same with my feet. I wish I had ass pads.

My opponent helped me up. Her name was Amber and she seemed nice. Until she started beating my ass.

“Want to know why I keep hitting you?” she asked.

“You weren’t hugged enough as a child?” I guessed. Maybe I could hug her.

“No. Good guess though. Instead of looking for my weak points you are worried about where I am going to strike so you can block. It’s good to keep your eye out for that but you are looking for it right off. All I have to do is feint a move, you react then I counter to whatever you opened. Usually your head.”

“Can you stop?” I asked hopefully.

“No. This is too much fun.” She smirked.

Yeah, I bet she was a beginner. She was probably a damn black belt that snuck into beginner classes to beat up on newbies.

Still she was probably right.

We started again. This time I faked a leg kick first. I raised my foot and she raised hers to block. I stepped mine down in front of me and hit her with a right hand in the face.

Oh my God.

I jumped up and down squealing. I actually hit her…

Ouch.

She hit me back.

“Don’t lose focus. Just because you hit me doesn’t mean I am going down.”

“Yeah. I kind of got excited.”

She helped me up again smiling. I turned and saw Peter had his face in his hands. His shoulders were shaking. He was silently laughing. Asshole. When I am turned I am so kicking his ass.

I managed to kick Amber once and follow up with a strike to the side of her head. The rest of the time she pretty much beat my ass.

I walked into the locker room and changed clothes. Walking out I found Peter waiting for me.

“You want me to drain her?” he asked grinning.

“No.” I rolled my eyes. Maybe. No. No I didn’t.

Maybe.

“Just take me home and use me as a sex doll tonight baby. I’m not going to be in much of a mood to move much. You’re going to have to do all the work.”

“Sounds good. Hey I was wondering if you wanted to go out tomorrow.”

“Go out?” I asked. We usually stayed in. Always. I had a hot tub, books, satellite TV and a hot guy to perform every perverted fantasy I could think of. What the hell did I need to leave the house for?

“Yeah. It’s gonna be Friday night. I thought maybe we could go on a date?”

“You want to take me out?” I asked surprised.

“If you don’t want to…”

“No! I would love to. It’s just we never really have. I would love to. What did you want to do?”

“I was thinking of going to Seaworld in San Antonio and catchin that Killer Whale show. I read that it’s pretty cool at night to see it. I got us some reserved seats in the splash zone near the front. So we will probably get wet.”

“Wow. That sounds… wonderful Peter. What brought this on?”

“I don’t know. I guess I was thinking the other day about it. Garrett had asked me when I take you out since he never saw us leave the house. The more I thought about it, I realized I’ve never really taken you anywhere. So I thought maybe we could start havin fun outside the house…”

“Babe I am happy with you anywhere. But that does sound good. I have been wanting to see the show. Some of my friends were telling me it was cool. Can we hold hands in public and everything?”

“Yeah. We can hold hands in public and everything, you dork.”

This made me incredibly happy. Not so much the show. It would be okay. It was the idea of Peter wanting to take me out. I guess we were careful sometimes to protect the uncle niece façade and never really got to go out locally as a couple.

He actually reached over and held my hand as we walked out. He seems to be much more relaxed lately. I caught him and Garrett sparring in the backyard the other night at 2 AM. Peter saw that I saw. He apologized for waking me but I could see the hidden smile. He was having fun.

I hoped so. I had been thinking some about the Cullens lately. I really wondered if Peter would still want to go after Jasper when I was turned. I didn’t want to bring the issue up with him. He didn’t have that brooding look as much if at all, when he was thinking about his family.

I was torn on the issue. Part of me wanted my own revenge against the Cullens. Not that I had near the reason Peter did. Mine was more of a, I can’t believe you did that to me, type of revenge. But I also had to take responsibility for my own actions. I allowed myself to be drawn in. Peter told me once I never had a chance. But still. Another part of me really didn’t care about going after the Cullens because I knew everything that happened was fate. Fate brought me to my soul mate. I would do it all again.

It didn’t matter. I knew Peter was going after Jasper. Maybe not right after I was turned but not long. I also knew I would fight at his side. Jasper was his. I would make sure the rest of the Cullens wouldn’t interfere. I didn’t know if I could kill them all. But I could make sure that they would stay out of it.

We got into the truck. I was already looking forward to the icepack I would place on my head when I got home. My first meet was next week. I had that to look forward to. Nobody hit you in a pool.

Peter received a text. I wonder what the fuck Garrett wanted this time?

“Damn it.” He mumbled.

“What?” That damn it didn’t sound like the one reserved for Garrett.

“Jasper asked Jenks for new papers on a teenage girl in Pittsburgh. Want to guess who?”

“No.”

“Yep.”

“Peter we have to do something.”

He was silent. I understood why. What could we really do? Peter could move up his plan to kill Jasper. But he would be outnumbered. Garrett could help him. But I don’t know if Garrett would take the whole clan. I know Garrett was a better fighter than any of them with the exception of Jasper. At least Peter said so. But still. All of them?

“What if I changed now?”

“There is no way I can get you through your initial blood lust to be anywhere around her. Plus there wouldn’t be enough time for you to actually learn what you need to learn. It will probably take you a year at least to learn your gift.”

“How long does she have?”

“I would bet a couple months. Jasper didn’t give him a hard time limit. They will probably have her changed after the school year ends in a few months.”

“What if we kidnapped her and her father? Explained what was going on to both of them? Help them hide.”

Peter looked thoughtful for a second. Finally he sighed.

“Bella if I had kidnapped you before you ever got to the studio, and we weren’t mates, and I told you that Edward was using you and Jasper planned to use you for an army, what would you have done?”

I was silent at that. I would have called him a liar and done everything I could to get back to Edward.

Fuck.

Neither of us said a word.

Finally I had a revelation.

“I need to talk to her. Not you.”

“No. You aren’t getting anywhere near the Cullens. Least not until you are turned.”

“I agree. We will just have to make sure the Cullens aren’t around.”

“They were always around you.” He pointed out.

“Maybe I could just call her. Feel her out.”

“What makes you think Edward won’t be listening?”

“Let him. We will use one of those untraceable phones you love so much. I am betting Edward bought the girl a cell phone by now. Can Jenks tell you what it is?”

Peter seemed to think about this. “They will know you are alive.”

“You think they don’t think this already?”

“Yeah. Let’s do it.”

I smiled. It wasn’t much. But it was something.

---

She was nervous.

“She looks nervous.”

“Thanks Garrett. I was having a hard time readin my Mate’s face. I appreciate you bein here to clear that up.”

“She has great legs.”

I glared at him. I knew how great her fucking legs were. I didn’t need him commenting on it.

The Judge instructed them to the blocks. Decker stopped talking to Bella and my girl stepped up. There were 8 lanes. This would be the only heat. Apparently long distance swimming was not a popular event among high school athletes. The Judge said get set.

“Wow. When she bends over like that it really accentuates…”

“Shut up Garrett.”

The gun went off and she was in the water. Don’t start out too fast. She was in last. That was okay. It was a long race.

Ten minutes later she was in fourth. The leader was a half a pool length ahead of everyone. Second was not far in front of third and Bella.

Ten minutes later and they were coming to the last two laps. Bella was very close to the third place girl.

They were nearly neck and neck going into the last turn. Third place looked tired. Bella’s pace stayed the same. I was watching her splits. Consistent all the way through. Now she was kicking harder. The last 50 was in front of her. With 25 to go she pulled up even with third place. Third place was fading fast. Bella was kicking harder.

With ten meters to go she took the lead by half a body stroke.

Yes! She finished third. She popped up out of the water and looked directly at the time board.

She got third out of eight swimmers. Some were just going into their last lap. She pulled herself out of the water and Decker grabbed her. They were hugging. Bella was jumping up and down a little. She pulled off her goggles and her face was wet of course. But I recognized it. She had tears in her eyes. In August she could barely make a length of the pool. She just beat 5 girls in a mile race and it was February.

Decker had a few tears in her eyes too. Bella’s teammates were congratulating her. I walked to the rope separating the swimmers from the spectators. I wanted to grab her and kiss her.

Uncle Peter. Had to remember that. She ran to the rope and didn’t even slip on the wet floor. The volunteer opened the rope and she ran into my arms. I hugged her hard since I couldn’t kiss her. I whispered in her ear how proud of her I was. It was true. She was a fighter. She was mine.

We got home and placed Bella’s medal in a shadow box and hung it in the living room wall. She was rehashing the race when it hit me.

“She is at home. They are hunting. You can call her now.”

Bella didn’t ask if I was sure. She knew my hunches were always right.

She took out the phone we bought for the occasion and dialed the number.

“Hello?” The girl sounded confused. Probably the unknown number.

“Nia, my name is Isabella Swan. Have you heard of me?”

“No…”

“I’m Edward… Mason’s ex girlfriend.”

“Edward has never had a girlfriend before me. Is this a prank call? How did you get this number?”

“If Edward has never had a girlfriend how do I know he is a vampire?” Bella asked. I hadn’t talked to her about what to say. This was hers.

“What… what are you talking…”

“Don’t bother. Drinks from animals, sparkles in the sunlight, can read everyone’s mind?”

“He can read minds?” she whispered.

“He didn’t tell you?” Bella asked and then answered her own question. “Of course not. He wouldn’t want you to know he could hear every thought you have.”

“That’s ridiculous.” The girl whispered.

“Really? Has he taken you to some secluded place in the woods? Called it his special place? Did he put on his little demonstration of power and then tell you what a monster he was? I bet he dropped little clues for you to figure out what he was, right? You figured it out on your own?”

“How do you know?” she asked quietly.

“Has he called you his lamb yet?”

“Oh my God, who are you?”

“Isabella Swan. Edwards ex. Listen. He is playing you. He wants to turn you.”

“No he doesn’t! He won’t let me. He says he doesn’t want me to have that life.

“Yeah. He told me the same thing. Then he set me up to be turned by some really bad vampires. I got lucky and escaped. He won’t make the same mistake again.”

“Why? I would turn for him anyway. He knows this.”

“A lot of reasons. Do you know his brother Jasper?”

“Jasper is his cousin.”

“This time. He and Alice were his brother and sister with me. Jasper is forming an army. I don’t know what for exactly but he is gathering gifted vampires. He has time. They are vampires. They have all the time in the world. Edward is going to make you dependent on the family. He wants you to fight for him and Jasper.”

“That can’t be.”

“Let me tell you something Nia. He will read your mind about this conversation. If you want to run, now is your chance. He is hunting right?”

“How do you know this!?”

“I do. If you want to escape grab your father and I can give you a place to be. I can pick you up and you and your father can go into hiding. It’s up to you. But know if you stay he is going to turn you. I am betting he will say I am a crazy nomad out to get you. You are probably going to beg him to change you so you can protect yourself. He will make you think it is your idea.”

“I don’t believe you.” She said with conviction. Bella and I both took a deep breath. It was over for this kid the minute the Cullens targeted her. Maybe this phone call put a seed of doubt in her mind. But it wouldn’t change her mind. Edward would deny reading her mind. Esme will probably give her a hug and tell her everything will be alright. I looked at Bella and shook my head.

“If you change your mind and you don’t want to be a Cullen soldier you need to run when you get the chance. I can’t help you after this. You won’t be able to contact us. Are you sure you don’t believe me?” Bella tried once more.

“Go to hell. He loves me.” Nia said with conviction.

“Okay.” Bella said quietly. “Good luck with the lion, lamb. If you change your mind and run we may know and be able to help. Good luck Nia.”

Bella ended the call and curled into my lap.

“The girl never had a chance, did she Peter?”

“No. She didn’t.” I agreed. I picked up Bella and took her to our bedroom. While I was spending quality time inside her I heard the phone buzz. The one Bella had just called from. I should have destroyed it right away but it couldn’t be tracked anyway. This would be interesting.

I reluctantly pulled out of Bella and she asked me what the fuck I was doing.

“The phone is buzzing.”

“That phone? You think she changed her mind?”

“No Bella. I doubt that is her calling.”

Her eyes got wide. “Can he track us?”

“No darlin. He just hit call back. The phone is untraceable. It has a Canadian Area Code.”

“Should I answer it?” she asked.

“If you want. Or I can smash it. You decide.”

Bella was up, walking her naked self into the living room. I tossed her a robe. I didn’t like her talking to him naked. Stupid? Probably. I’m allowed a stupid thing every now and then.

“Hello?” she answered in her sweetest voice.

“That was very bad of you, Bella.”

“Edward. Glad to see you have moved on after my untimely death.”

“Where are you, Bella?”

“Seriously?” she asked.

“Sorry. Of course not. Bella she isn’t you. If you come back to me I will leave her alone. We will leave. We can be together. Come to me and I promise to leave her human.”

“No.”

“Bella… not sacrificing yourself for someone else? How did we become so hard hearted?”

“Edward, Jasper will turn her anyway. You wouldn’t have gone after her if she wasn’t gifted. Even if Jasper didn’t turn her I still wouldn’t come back to you. I don’t like you like that anymore. It’s not you. It’s me.”

“I see. I am impressed you came into possession of a phone that was untraceable. Who are you with Bella?”

“I’m living on my own Edward. I refer my solitude after listening to your shit as long as I did.”

“My, what a mouth you have Bella. You are angry aren’t you? I suppose if you are alone that you killed James as well?”

“Yep.” Bella answered. She was smiling.

“And do tell how you managed that?”

“Pepper Spray.”

I almost lost control of my laughter. I needed to stay quiet. Bella was smiling and winked at me.

“I see. I wasn’t aware vampires were killed by pepper spray. Good information to have.”

“You broke my truck Edward.” Bella said in a low threatening voice. It was really cute on her. “I really loved my truck. I will be seeing you soon. Nobody fucks with my truck and gets away with it.”

“I look forward to your visit. When may I expect you?”

“Relax. No hurry. We vampires have all the time in the world, don’t we Edward?”

That shut him up.

“You are…”

“Yeah. And I don’t blame Jasper for wanting me. I am one powerful bitch. Can’t wait to see you. Give the family my love.”

Bella ended the call.

“You want to destroy this? I think we have said all that needs to be said.” She winked. I stuck my fist out and she bumped it.

“You are one bad bitch, you know that?”

“I learned from the best, babe.”

I walked out smiling. Guess I was destroying a phone.

Jasper POV

“Any luck with the trace Emmett?”

“No. It must have gone through 42 Satellites, 36 of which have scramblers. Whoever gave her that phone knows what he is doing. He also knew how to hack Nia’s phone number.”

“Bella is a vampire.” Edward said softly. No matter what games he played he had a soft spot for that girl. Mostly due to her blood and the silence of her mind.

“No she isn’t. Her voice sounded exactly the same. She is human.” I told him. What is with these people? Don’t they pay attention to a damn thing?

“I miss her.” Esme of all people said.

We all looked at her as if she were crazy. She hated Bella.

“What? Compared to this girlfriend Edward has now she is practically exciting. I can see why Nia’s power is invisibility. You say boo at her and she would jump. If you can get a reaction at all. I’m not hugging the bitch anymore. I don’t give a damn how bad she misses her mother. It’s getting old. Her nose runs when she cries. I’m not cooking anymore of that foul human food either. This whole charade is getting out of hand.”

“No worries Esme. I plan to tell her a nomad is out to get her tonight. I will take her and we can change her. She will practically beg me to do it.” Edward commented.

“Yeah and I am going with you. I need to make sure all doubt is out of her mind. Plant trust in her head.” I told him. I had planned to feed tonight. I suppose I could go after Edward bit her.

“Joy. I’m sure she will be much more fun once she is changed. Then she can stand in a corner and not even bother to breathe.” Esme commented.

“We could not turn her.” Rose said. I shook my head. I was getting so tired of this shit. If it wasn’t for the fact that Rose had a hot ass I wouldn’t even keep her around.

No one bothered responding.

“Esme. Just act like a fucking Mommy and shut up. We need the numbers. I can’t rely on newborns alone. We also need to find out where the hell Bella Swan is.”

“Why don’t we kidnap her mother and father?” Emmett mentioned. Wow. He had an idea. Stop the fucking presses.

“You think we are going to be able to get a hold of her to let her know? That phone is gone. I’m surprised she still had it on her. What’s the point in taking hostages if we can’t tell her?”

“Oh.”

“Yeah oh.” I rolled my eyes. “Edward go change Nia and head to Canada with her. Let her accidentally eat a person. We will be up in a couple weeks to help the poor thing with her guilt and tell her how it’s okay. The rest of you can feed on humans but you better do it tonight. We can get the blood out of our eyes before she notices.”

“I think I’m good with animals Jasper.” Carlisle said, finally joining in. He thought he could lead the vampire world? What a fucking idiot. He couldn’t even stand up to his mate. I grinned and waited for Esme…

“Stop being a pussy Carlisle. I’m going to hunt and you are coming with me. I am going to find a couple of wall flowers that look just like Nia. Maybe one that looks like Bella, and we are going to feed. Let’s go.” Esme grabbed Carlisle’s hand and walked out. I turned and looked at Alice. She was smiling. Her eyes were already red.

“Couldn’t wait darlin?”

“I saw you would be busy. I want to come with you tonight. Maybe go with Edward and make sure he doesn’t screw anything up?”

“Fine. A few days. I don’t want you gone that long.” I told her. I preferred sex with smaller girls. She was perfectly easy to dominate in bed. Esme was too much of a bitch to let someone else take control. But she would do in a pinch.

Bella Swan was still out there. She must be with a vampire. What vampire? I haven’t heard from Garrett or Randall. Mary called last week and said she had no luck and gave up. Maybe Garrett was still searching Texas. It was a big state. Alistair could not get a trace on her at all. Somehow her powers became stronger. I can’t believe a human’s power magnified while she was still a human but that is what appears to have happened. It must be the vampire she is with. How could he or she do that? Unless… No. What would be the odds of Bella Swan coming in contact with her vampire mate? Finding a mate could take years or centuries for most vampires. They are hardly ever recognized a mate while the mate was human. It’s a silly idea. C’mon Jasper. Get it together.

Still I would be calling the Denali’s. Maybe they could help out. Help Garrett cover Texas? Maybe hit Oklahoma or go deeper in the South. It may not matter. Whoever has her is keeping her low. It would be like finding a needle in a haystack. I would bet he never lets her out of the house. Especially if… no the mate idea is ridiculous.

Time to go. Eddie has a big night and I need to make sure this boring bitch trusts him. At least Esme wouldn’t have to cook for her any longer. Maybe that will put the psychotic bitch in a better mood.