Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Protecting Maddie

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 04:

We never did watch Brave or the Hangover 2. Bella and I had planned to watch that one after Maddie went to bed. Instead Bella took Maddie straight to bed and lay with her for two hours before she finally went to sleep. She wasn’t hyper. She was afraid. Damn kid was too perceptive. Bella finally came back into the living room at 9. She had turned out the lights, turned on the night light and sang Maddie to sleep. I should have told Jasper to come hang outside the door and send some relaxation the girl’s way.

“So what do you think?” she asked me, walking into the living room and sitting across from me. I didn’t have to ask about what.

“I don’t know. But we know they want you for something other than a random attack.” I answered her carefully. I really didn’t want to freak her out.

“They?”

Oops.

“Yeah, there were two of them.”

“What did Jasper say?”

“He and Alice came to the building about fifteen minutes after we got here and began tracking the scents. They lost it out at the River Walk. We think when they got to the end of the Walk past the bars and shops they may have jumped in the River. Almost like they expected to be followed.”

“Great.” Bella sighed.

“Has Alice’s vision changed since you have been here?” She looked at me with hope.

“Not that I know of.” I told her. I wouldn’t lie to her.

She nodded her head and then started running her hands through her hair with her hands. Damn she had beautiful hair.

“You are tired.” I observed out loud.

She laughed. “I’m a single mom. I stay tired.”

“You do a great job with her. She is absolutely devoted to you.”

“Yeah. She can probably be a little overprotective sometimes. I think she is just scared that she will lose me like she lost her father. Unfortunately that means lose me to anyone.”

“Yeah, I got the idea she isn’t crazy about you dating.” I understated immensely.

“Yeah, you could say that. Not that it has mattered. I haven’t had any desire to date since AJ died.”

“Do you think you may ever give it a try again?”

She looked at me and smiled.

“Maybe if the right guy asked me one day.”

I smiled back. I liked that answer. It wasn’t a no.

“Peter, if Alice’s vision hasn’t changed even with you here that must mean something.”

“I don’t think it does.” So maybe I would lie a little. I had thought of this myself. I didn’t like where it took me.

“It means that even with you here somehow a vampire is going to get me alone. And that means only one thing. If I’m alone then someone else is in danger that pulls you away.”

“I won’t leave you alone Bella.” I told her with conviction. I’d be damned before that happened.

“You may not have a choice Peter. Because if it comes down to me or Maddie, you have to swear to protect Maddie first.”

“Bella I’m going to protect both of you.”

“You know as well as I do Peter Whitlock, that we don’t live in a fairy tale world. Bad things happen. I can face them. I have before. But I have to know my daughter is safe. I trust you. Please swear to me if it comes to me or her, you will protect her.”

She was staring at me. Dammit! How…

I took a deep unneeded breath. I suddenly needed it very much.

She wouldn’t stop staring at me.

“I swear it Bella.”

She finally smiled. Then she did the last thing I ever expected her to do. She walked over and hugged me. A real hug. It wasn’t frenzied sex or even a kiss but God it felt good. Thinking about it, I can’t remember the last time I was just hugged. Her scent nearly overwhelmed me. The warmth of her body pressed against me.

“I’m going back to her bed. She will wake up soon if I’m not there. Could you…”

She hesitated over what she was about to say.

“I’ll do anything for you Bella.” I told her, looking into those beautiful eyes.

“I… Edward used to watch me sleep at night. The older I got the creepier it seemed. But right now, tonight, could you stay in her room with us? I would feel safer. There is a rocking chair I brought with me from Forks a long time ago. I mean I know it will be boring. And if you don’t want to, I understand…

“Let’s go.” I told her.

She looked relieved.

“Thank you Peter.” She was still in front of me. I leaned toward her. She was staring at me and then her eyes closed. Was this… her eyes opened and she pulled back. She gave me a shy smile and walked into Maddie’s room with me following.

I watched Bella cuddle up next to Maddie covering the pillows in a sheet of brown hair between the two of them. I started playing Angry Birds on my phone with the sound off. I wouldn’t be able to hear the birds’ sounds I liked so much but I didn’t want to disturb them. It was ten o’clock.

At 3:30 Am Maddie started to whimper in her sleep, Bella roused a little but didn’t wake up. At 3:35 Am Maddie shot straight up in bed and screamed so loud that I started looking for vampires. Bella shot up and hugged her rubbing her head and telling her it was okay. She finally calmed down and seemed to come out of her sleep completely. She looked at the corner and saw me sitting in the chair.

And screamed again.

I was really at a loss as to what to do now. I looked at Bella in a panic. She kept rubbing Maddie’s hair and the girl settled down again.

“Mommy?”

“Yes baby?”

“Why is Peter in my room?”

“He is…”

“He’s protecting us isn’t he?”

Bella sighed. “Yes.”

I figured Maddie would ask a million questions. But she didn’t. I don’t know if she was tired or what, but she just nodded and lay back down. Suddenly her head popped back up. Bella sat up, looking at her.

“Peter, are you comfortable? I know that chair is hard.”

Too say I was surprised was an understatement.

“Yeah, little one. I’m fine.”

“Okay. There is a pillow and blanket in my closet if you want to bring some sofa cushions in here. My friends sleep on the floor when I have a slumber party and they can’t all fit on my bed.”

“Okay. Thanks.” I said too surprised to say anything else.

And Maddie was out again. Bella stayed awake holding her. I went back to my game. I looked up a couple times and saw Bella staring at me. She turned away when I looked. I had to smile. There was no vampire on earth that was going to hurt her. I would have to die first. And I didn’t plan on dying. Killing definitely, but not dying.

BPOV

I lay with Maddie in my arms staring at Peter. I hope he didn’t notice. I think my hair was covering my face. If he did notice, he didn’t make it obvious that he knew and didn’t seem to have a problem with it. I can’t believe I nearly kissed him tonight. I wish I knew what the hell draws me too him. I honestly forgot how damn alluring vampires could be. I mean I see Alice all the time. Maybe I just wasn’t used to guy vampires.

No, that couldn’t be it. It was something about him. Besides the obvious. But it would never work. I damn sure wasn’t going to become a vampire. And I wasn’t going to be with someone I couldn’t grow old with. I mean, if I did date, he would be so fun, but I can’t afford to have fun. If I was in a relationship it would be with someone stable. Someone who would be a good stable human male figure for Maddie to have around.

But damn. I mean…

It’s driving me fucking crazy! I can’t keep my mind off him. I even find myself laughing a little on the inside at his stupid jokes. At 4:15 I gave up any pretense of sleep and got out of bed. Peter looked at me.

“I’m going to shower. Can you stay in here with her?”

“Of course.” He nodded.

Since he smelt those vampires he has been different. Much more serious. Not as laid back. I kind of found it sexy as hell.

Yep, got two vampires after me and I am having fantasies about another vampire. My name is Bella Weber, vampire groupie.

After a shower I got dressed in what I admit were my tightest jeans I owned and maybe a possibly too small top that may or may not have shown what little cleavage I had. I threw on a pair of boots and was ready for the day, before sun up.

I woke Maddie up. Peter was still there, still as a statue watching her. I couldn’t help but notice he may have given me a glance and a sexy grin on the way in. Yep, way to send mixed signals Bella. Maddie was not talkative as I pulled the rollers out of her hair. She didn’t even complain when I snagged her hair a few times. I placed her hair in a ponytail on the top of her head with ringlets coming down her face. She put on her uniform. We would wait until we got to the Alamo Dome before putting makeup on. I still can’t believe she does this. The thought of cheerleading when I was in high school would have made me laugh. I was way too clumsy and shy. I give Alice credit. She was right on this one. I didn’t want Maddie to suffer the same shyness and awkwardness I did. Of course she may have overdone it. She isn’t awkward and certainly isn’t shy. Distrustful of others, definitely, but not shy. AJ would be so proud. I could imagine his reaction to seeing his little princess in make-up though. I felt a little tear run down my cheek. I thought I had gotten past the involuntary tear.

“What’s wrong Mommy? Are you scared?” Little Ms. Too observant for her own good, asked me.

“No baby. I’m just really happy to have a daughter who is so beautiful.” I smiled at her, wiping the tear from my cheek.

“It’s okay Mommy. I was thinking about him just now too. I bet he wouldn’t like make up on me would he?” She smiled.

I had to laugh. It came out as more of a choked off sob, but it worked. I hugged her.

“No baby. I don’t think he would, but he wouldn’t have missed a moment.”

---

We rolled up at the Alamo Dome early enough that I wouldn’t have to sneak in since the sun hadn’t risen. We also got a good parking place. I was a little surprised at the number of cars in the lot.

“How many girls come to these things?” I asked Bella. Maybe something else was going on.

“Uh, Maddie’s team competes in level two. So there are about 60 teams in her age group. Figure the same number for the other four age groups. Thirty or so girls on a team plus parents and the place fills up quick.”

Damn.

I followed my girls in and was astounded to see Bella paying for a ticket. She got me one as well.

“You have to pay to get in? Even though your daughter is competing?”

“Yep.”

“How much are the tickets?”

“$20 a pop.”

“You gotta be shitting me.”

“I shit you not, Peter.” She replied winking at me and grinning.

“Let me at least pay you for my ticket!”

“Nah. You can pay for lunch. Trust me, with the prices of concessions here, I got the better end of the deal.”

I followed her in. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Little girls in glittery uniforms as far as the eyes could see. They were covered in makeup. Bella sat with Maddie on the floor in a circle of other girls. I recognized some of the faces from the salon yesterday. She pulled out a makeup kit from her purse and began working on Maddie’s face. I was taking in all this. Parents were surrounding the girls, mostly moms putting makeup on or getting yelled at by their girls for pulling hair or some such shit. To Maddie’s credit she never gave Bella any crap. On the contrary she held Bella in a sort of reverence. It was heartwarming to see. Even if she did give me shit most of the time.

“Peter? Would you go get Maddie a cinnamon roll from that concession?” Bella asked me.

I nodded my head, but I was uneasy about letting them out of my site. It would only be for a minute. I looked around. Didn’t see anything danger…

And then I smelt her. I turned and growled a little, not loud enough for anyone to notice, before I recognized her. She was there, as bright and bubbly as the day is long.

“Aunt Alice!”

Maddie jumped up and ran into Alice’s arms. Bella was laughing.

“I wondered if you were coming, Aunt Alice.”

“Have I ever missed a competition?” Alice frowned at her.

“No.” Maddie rolled her eyes. She then leaned into Alice’s ear.

“But weird things are happening Aunt Alice. I’m a little scared for Mom.”

Alice looked concerned and a glance at Bella had her more concerned. She whispered back.

“You trust me don’t you?”

Maddie nodded her head.

“Nothing is going to happen to your mother. I won’t let it. And neither will Peter.” Maddie glanced my way and shrugged her shoulders, hopping down out of Alice’s arms.

“Now, let me help with your makeup. Peter, go get a Cinnamon roll. A little flyer needs her energy.”

Feeling better with Alice there I walked to the concession stands. People parted for me as I walked through the crowd. There is an advantage to having red eyes. Maddie hadn’t said anything but I know she noticed. She notices every damn thing else. Despite my intimidating aura, I had to stand in line for ten minutes. I got her an $8 roll and a milk that cost $3 and was about the size of my forefinger. Crazy. Glad I’m rich.

Walking back I realized that I shouldn’t have left Bella. There he was. Alice was working on Maddie and Bella was working on Bridget with that fucking lawyer right next to her.

May as well piss on my tree and mark my territory. I stalked over silently to them. Over the noise I could hear them talking. Actually him talking. Bella just sat there applying makeup on his daughter’s face.

“So I was thinking we could maybe get the girls together and go to Fiesta Texas, and maybe let them have some fun. What do you think Bella?”

“Uh…”

“Hey Bella. Everything okay?” I asked, kneeling on one knee next to her. She looked up and smiled.

“Yeah, everything is great, Peter.”

“I don’t believe we have met.” Asswipe frowned at me.

I tipped my hat to him. “Peter Whitlock.” I glared at him letting him soak in my red eyes. I may have flexed my biceps a little as well.

“Nice to meet you Peter. I am Brandon Lang.”

I shook his hand enjoying the look on his face when he felt my cold skin.

“So how do you and Bella know each other?” the asshole asked.

I was about to say friends when Bella blurted out…

“He’s my boyfriend.”

Brandon seemed taken back. I have to admit I was too.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were dating Bella.” He frowned.

“Yeah, I wasn’t. But he was to charming to turn down.” Bella replied without looking at him, continuing to work on the little girl’s face.

“So Peter, what do you do for a living?” Ass wipe asked me.

“I’m independently wealthy and employ attorney’s to handle most of the paperwork that comes with it. What do you do?”

“I’m… I’m an attorney.”

“Hey that’s great. You should give your resume to Bella. I’m always looking to hire more attorneys. Maybe I can find a place for you, since you know my girlfriend and all. Course you would have to start at the bottom. Seniority and all.” I winked at him and looked at Bella who was fighting back a smile and working intently on Bridget’s face.

“You about done here beautiful? I think little Maddie is getting buried under makeup by Alice. You should probably save her.”

Bella laughed. “Yep. I think we are done. How do you feel Bridget? Nothing in your eyes right?”

“No ma’am. I’m good. Thank you.”

Bella stood and walked with me to Maddie without saying another word to Brandon or Brendon or whatever the fuck his name was. Asswipe.

We reached Maddie and Bella stopped me.

“Thanks for that. The guy won’t take a hint and I thought if he knew I had a big bad boyfriend, he might leave me alone.”

“I would love to play your boyfriend anytime ma’am.”

She smiled that gorgeous smile and for a moment I forgot I was surrounded by two thousand young Alice’s.

“Mom, I have to go warm up now.”

Bella had a look of panic on her face suddenly.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, glancing around.

“They warm up on the lower level. Parents aren’t allowed. Only the coaches. How can we watch her?”

“Bella don’t worry. I got this. I can be sneaky when I have to. I will keep my eye on her. You two go find a seat and relax.” Alice said smiling. She winked at me. Maybe the little bitch isn’t so bad after all.

“And Peter I will be over tonight so you can go hunt.”

Shit.

Bella just turned to me with a strange look on her face.

“Oh yeah. I guess you need to go hunt, don’t you?”

Shit, she is looking at me with that, I just remembered you kill people, look.

And we had been doing so well avoiding that issue.

“Actually Alice I think I am going to go to that spot just outside city limits to the North. Jasper said he found some really big deer there.”

Bella raised an eyebrow. Alice’s jaw dropped.

“You uh, you’re going to feed from a deer?” Alice asked me in disbelief.

“Yeah. I’ve been thinking of giving it a try. No time like the present to start.”

“But didn’t you say because you drink human blood you aren’t as tempted to drain humans randomly?”

“You said that Peter? That some kind of shot at me or Jasper?” Alice asked.

“No! I don’t have control problems Bella. I promise. Alice, tell her.”

“Relax Bella, you and Maddie smell nearly the same and he can’t harm you so Maddie will be perfectly safe. Now I have to get downstairs.” Alice kissed Bella on the cheek and glided downstairs.

“I’m glad you are trying to eat animals and all Peter but why did Alice say you can’t harm me? You said the same thing the first day you were over.”

Dammit Alice! How the hell am I not supposed to tell her if Alice says crap like that. No wonder Maddie catches everything. She gets it from Bella. And no way did Alice say that accidentally. She is probably somewhere letting her little fairy giggle out right now.

“You would think it is a load of crap and wouldn’t believe it anyway Bella. So just forget about it.”

Bella frowned and turned to walk towards the stands. She suddenly stopped, standing as straight as a board.

“You got to be fucking with me.”

“What’s wrong?” I asked suddenly worried.

“I’m your fucking Mate?”