Sins Of The Past
By BetterInTexas
Chapter 04:
Aro POV
“Master, your call is connected.”
“Thank you Demetri.” I took the phone and said hello to a man who I had not spoken to in years but was often on my mind. Not in a pleasant manner either.
“Hello Carlisle.”
“Aro. So good to hear from you. Is everything well?” I could hear the nervousness in his voice. What do you have to hide Carlisle? Oh that’s right.
“Everything is splendid. I honestly haven’t felt this wonderful in my two thousand years. And yourself? How is your family? The kids doing okay in school? Making good grades?”
“Uh… of course.”
“Your pet project, the vampire warlord, he hasn’t murdered any cheerleaders has he?”
“No. Jasper has done quite well adjusting to our lifestyle.”
Yes. At least until someone has a paper cut near him.
“That is wonderful. I was calling because I realized it has been over twenty years since we have seen each other face to face Carlisle. We simply must get together sometime. Catch up.”
“Oh… of course. When did you have in mind?”
“Well perhaps in a few years actually. I understand you have an island correct? Perhaps my Guard and your family can have a little fun in the sun? What do you think?”
“That would be… wonderful?”
“Yes, I thought so as well. I wish I could just stop in and see you now, but things have been so busy here lately. You understand. You would simply not believe the number of vampires who have no respect for the law. Not just the young either. Those older who should know better. Can you believe a vampire in Scandinavia not only exposed our existence to a girl, but also instead of turning her, left her with that knowledge? Can you imagine Carlisle? What must that poor girl have gone through? He made her fall in love and then abandoned her. She had no one to talk to about this. I give the lass credit though, she kept the secret to the grave.”
“You… killed her?” Carlisle whispered.
“No. She killed herself. Then the foolish vampire came to us asking for death out of guilt. I felt it was only fair as punishment to destroy his entire coven. I mean examples must be made, don’t you agree? Someone as sympathetic to humans as yourself must understand that the poor girl deserved some measure of justice.”
“Of… of course Aro. Scandinavian did you say?”
“Yes. A pleasant enough people but they do not apparently produce wise vampires. Anyhoo I actually had another reason for calling you. I need a favor.”
“Of course. Whatever you need old friend.”
“Your residence in Forks? You still own it correct?”
“Yes…”
“Excellent. I am looking into property in the Pacific Northwest. You had so much success blending in and not exposing our kind that I believe it to be the perfect place to buy property myself. I need you to have a real estate agent open the house and have a cleaning crew prepare it for me. I will be staying for an indeterminate amount of time until I find something of my own that seems appropriate. I understand you yourself cannot come, risk of exposure and all that, but would you have any tips on land around the Fork’s area? I was thinking of a few spots that closely bordered the La Push Reservation. What do you know of that area?”
“La Push?” he practically squeaked out.
“Yes. A lovely area from what I have seen on the internet.”
“Actually Aro, the residents there have strong superstitions about our kind. They may be very suspicious. It may be best to look in another area.”
“What sort of superstitions?”
“The Quileute tribe were apparently attacked at some point in their history by what they called Cold Ones. Our species. I did a bit of research when I was there and the legends are still very strong. Our family made it a point to stay completely away from La Push, for fear of exposing our kind.”
“A wise decision. But still it is only superstition. I can’t see any problem moving to the general area. It’s not like they are going to send an army of ogres or Sasquatch or werewolves to attack us. It should be perfectly fine. I appreciate the warning though. I know if there were any real cause for concern you would of course tell me, old friend.”
“Of course Aro.”
“Anyway I must be going. I’m on a plane to Washington now. Busy, busy, busy. I will expect the house to be ready. If you could arrange to have someone meet us with the keys say around… five PM today, that would be lovely. Send my regards to the family. Especially young Edward.”
“I… I will do so Aro. It was good to hear from you.”
I ended the call and listened patiently to the laughter of Demetri and Felix they had been bravely holding in during the conversation.
Once it had settled down Demetri asked me a question I had thought long and hard over since I met my Isabella.
“What are we going to do with them Master?”
“Well Demetri, we are going to have a trial. They did violate the law.”
“Master please tell me you are not going to require Edward Cullen to serve with us. Please Master?” Felix practically begged.
“No Felix. To be honest, I have no idea what the result of the trial will be.”
They both seem confused. It was understandable. I usually knew exactly what the outcome of any trial would be.
“They were the first to wrong your sister and my daughter. I suppose after a few years she may tire of torturing the dog who touched her and end his miserable existence. She may be looking for new toys then. I plan to let her decide what is to happen to them. She was harmed. She will decide. Do you think she will be forgiving?”
Demetri and Felix simply grinned knowingly. Forgiveness was not a strong trait of Bella’s. The Quileute tribe would soon find this out.
Dani POV
I stood there, staring at my grandfather and being stared at by three people who were looking at me as if I was from another planet.
“Yes. Mom is in New York. I mean she was…”
“Why did you come before her? Could she not get away from work?” The Sue lady asked. Should I tell them that she really didn’t give a fuck and I had to run away to get here?
No. Probably not.
“Yes. A case. Some… loose ends. She is hurrying as quickly as she can.”
The man named Billy spoke up.
“I have to say we all are a bit shocked. We had no idea Charlie had a granddaughter. I am certain he would have mentioned you. Did he know? How old are you if I may ask?”
How to play this?
“I… I’m 16.” Guess I was going for honesty here.
“Did Charlie know about you Dani?” The Jacob guy asked.
“I don’t… I mean I don’t know what he and my mom talked about. I don’t think Mom knew he was married.”
“I had no idea Charlie and Bella’s relationship was this bad.” Sue quietly said. “Is she coming Dani? Please be honest.”
My need for a response was cut short by a ruckus outside. It sounded like a hurricane or as I imagined a tornado might sound. The hospital was only two stories and this are must be facing the parking lot where the…
“That sounds like a helicopter landing.” Sue noted.
“I wasn’t aware a medivac serviced this area. At least this hospital.” Jake commented, moving to the window.
“Oh, I am betting it’s my mother.” And she was going to be pissed.
At that time a woman, who I assumed to be Angela, Jacob’s wife pulled back the curtain.
“Jake you have to see this. A helicopter is landing in the parking lot. The thing is huge! Like the President or someone is on it.”
She brought a helicopter. I am so fucked.
“She is here.” Jacob guy said, kind of in awe. Glad he was impressed. I was just frightened. She had never hurt me before. Never raised a hand to me. But there was a first time for everything.
“I should probably go…” run…” greet her.”
“She is moving pretty fast. Might as well stay here Dani. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you” Jacob said and winked at me. That was weird. I looked at his wife who apparently didn’t find this strange.
“I don’t need protection from my mother.” I mumbled. We all stood in silence a few more moments. Then the curtain opened.
I closed my eyes and heard the Billy guy greet her.
“Hello…” was all he got out before I felt her fist in my hair dragging me out into the hallway. No. Dragging me down the hallway. Damn that hurt. I knew better than to struggle. I just tried to keep up and kept my eyes closed.
I heard a door open. She hollered at someone to get out. Then she threw me in front of her and let my hair out of her iron grip.
“Open your fucking eyes.”
I shook my head no.
“Open your fucking eyes before I staple those fuckers open.”
I barely opened them and immediately wanted to close them again. The look on her face…
“Excuse me?” Sue opened the door. Apparently we were in the ladies restroom.
“Get out.” Mom responded without looking at her.
“Child abuse is against the law Bella.”
Oh shit. Mom’s eyes just half closed. They looked like a snake’s. She turned toward the woman I thought had been sort of pleasant and was about to be road kill.
“Who the hell are you?” she asked quietly.
“I… I am Sue Swan. Leah Clearwater’s mother. Remember? Now I am your father’s wife.” She said not meeting Mom’s eyes.
“Well Sue Swan, Leah Clearwater’s mother, my father’s wife, my daughter stole my money and credit card, ran away in the middle of the night, and flew to the other side of the country. I plan to have a conversation with her. Abuse may be involved. Cursing, pain and perhaps blood will be involved. If you want to call the police go ahead and do so. But I just got off the phone with the distinguished mayor of Forks. Want to guess who the new sheriff is in town? Me. Get the fuck out of this bathroom now.”
Sue looked at me apologetically and backed out. Perhaps she bought me enough time for Mom to cool down. The door closed and I attempted to speak.
“Mom I’m sor…”
I never saw her hand move. I felt her palm on my cheek and I saw stars. I backed up, too surprised to even cry out. I swear I could hear the echo of her slap. My cheek was on fire.
“I never wanted to be a mother. I admit I am crap at it. I suck at it. I used to think Renee wasn’t good but I am really, really bad. But would you explain what I have ever done to you that was so bad, that you would come to this place, knowing I would follow? What Dani? Did I not give you enough hugs? I’m sorry. I know I gave you enough money. I let you do what you want. That is most likely the problem. I never could discipline you. Because I was too afraid. Too afraid if I let myself become too angry with you I would take out what he did on you. But why Dani? Are you just so uncaring that you don’t give a damn about my wishes? Maybe I haven’t always been honest with you. But you knew there was one place I didn’t want to be. One fucking place in all the world and you brought me here.”
Mom had tears streaming down her cheek.
“We can go Mom. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry…”
“No. we are here and we are staying. You wanted to find answers. We will find answers. You can go to fabulous Forks High School. I will work to try to find out who shot Charlie. You wanted this, you can have it. I don’t give a damn anymore. I will burn down this fucking town and La Push too. I wanted to protect you. I was stupid to try.”
“Protect me from what?” I whispered.
“The truth. The truth is I was a virgin. There was no one night stand. I wouldn’t have known where to start having a one night stand. I was raped. I was raped in the forest of La Push. He mauled me and he impregnated me. That’s the truth. Somewhere in this area, probably within thirty miles of this very spot is your father. He pushed my face in the dirt. I can still taste it in my nightmares. He ripped my clothes off and he took me. He laughed when it was over. That’s your father. That’s the heritage you want to find so desperately. So we are going to find it Dani. You may want to know that the man who was in there standing next to the bed? He is one of the possible suspects. A strong suspect. How did he seem to you Dani? Seem like he would make a good daddy? Because he was certainly staring at you when I walked in.”
I was… oh my God. The scars… the ground… I came from…
“I remind you, don’t I? Every day you look at me? When you look are you trying to see whose features I have? Why did you keep me? Why? You never told my grandfather because you were ashamed of me!”
“I never told him because if your father knew he may come after you one day. One day when I couldn’t protect you. But it’s too late. Everybody will know now. So now I have to find him and end this. Just so you know when I do find your father I plan to kill him. Slowly. You want honesty? How is that? I am going to cut his fucking dick off a small piece at a time.
Why did I keep you? Because I love you. I do. I am a horrible person but I do love you. You are mine and I won’t be here forever and now I can’t keep you hidden so I have to find your father. I have to kill him.”
Oh my God.
“You hate me don’t you?” I finally whispered.
“If I hated you I would have gotten rid of you. I could have had an abortion. I could have given you up for adoption. Instead I have worked to make sure you have the best life I could give you. Unfortunately buying things isn’t enough. Looking the other way while you give it up to every teenage boy in lower Manhattan isn’t enough. I am missing the part of me that you needed and that fucker took it from me and I will never get it back. Now you have two choices. One you can finish high school at a boarding school in Italy. It is very nice. You will have everything you could possibly want. Or two you stay here. I don’t care. Make up your fucking mind now though.”
“How? How the hell can you afford all this?!”
“None of your god damn business! Where I get my money and my life outside of our family is none of your business. You don’t want to know, you don’t need to know and I don’t feel like telling you. Now make your damn decision.”
I didn’t really have a decision. At this point I didn’t know if I believed her when she said she loved me. But I knew the idea of being away from her hurt me.
“I’m staying. With you. Wherever you want to go.” I told her.
“Fine. But there are some changes. No stealing. No attitude. No drug use. No sex. I have had it. You do what I say when I say it. You don’t I throw you in a jail cell after I beat the hell out of you. You understand?”
I nodded my head.
“What about cigarettes?” I asked quietly.
Mom actually chuckled.
“Kid I think we could both use a carton right now.”
“Mom, do you really love me?” I asked her. I needed to know.
She wrapped her arms around me and my cheek met hers. Our tears mixed together. I started sobbing. She held me tighter.
“Yes Dani. I really love you. You deserved better.”
The thought of her face on the ground hit me. I think we both deserved better.
“Come on. Let’s go see your Grandpa.”
Bella POV
I walked back to the curtained ICU room where Dad laid. I didn’t have a chance to see him earlier. I purposely didn’t look. I was focused on Dani and then the look on Jacobs face as he was looking at her then me. My extreme anger at seeing her near him blinded me to everything else. But now I had to deal with this.
I pulled back the curtain and saw him laying there. So helpless. So weak. A machine was breathing for him.
“Bella…” Billy Black started.
“I need a moment. My daughter and I need a moment. If you would leave please.”
“Of course Bella.” Sue said. Jacob brushed beside me and whispered in my ear.
“We will talk. You aren’t leaving here until you listen to me.”
I said nothing. Fighting back the shiver that ran through my body. It quickly turned to trembling caused by extreme anger. I was Volturi. That son of a bitch would not make me afraid.
“Bella I would like to talk…” Billy started again.
“The only sound I want to hear out of you is the squeak of those wheels as you are rolling out.”
They left. Dani walked up beside me.
“Do you think he will make it?” Dani whispered.
“He’s tough. He always has been strong. He… he has a chance.” I told her. At the moment it didn’t feel like it. Despite the tubes and wires and swelling he still looked like himself. I noted the bullet went through his forehead over his right temple. He should be dead. I usually only see those gunshot entrance wounds in the morgue.
Seeing him brought back so many memories I had tried to put away. Coming to Forks, the both of us so awkward with each other. The first time I hurt him by leaving, because of James. The second time I left him after…
You deserved better Dad. If anyone in this deserved better it was you. I talked over the years with Chelsea about my feelings on my father. I felt abandoned, because he stayed in Forks. I abandoned him as well. Did I have a choice? I don’t know. So many damn mistakes. I made so many fucking mistakes. Over the years he never pushed. He never bothered me about why I left like I did. I thought he was relieved maybe. All the drama I brought to his life.
When we talked he always told me he loved me. We didn’t talk about much. I didn’t even know he was married to Sue Clearwater. He didn’t know he had a granddaughter. We never really talked. I didn’t want to. I stayed vague. He didn’t push. We talked about work. Life in New York. He asked how Mom was doing. He asked if I was seeing anyone. The answer was always no. We were both perennial bachelors.
I never stayed on the phone long. It wasn’t his fault but he was a reminder. A reminder of the past. I would never forget but it came back stronger when I heard his voice. He said something about Jacob one time and I hung up immediately. I called back and apologized later. I told him I had a bad connection. He said it wasn’t a problem but he knew. He never mentioned Jacob or anyone from La Push again. Probably why I didn’t know he married Sue.
I walked over and kissed his cheek. I didn’t tell him I loved him. I never showed it. I really didn’t have the right.
“I’m so damn sorry.”
I turned and took Dani’s hand and we walked out together.
In the hospital lobby the four, including Angela Weber, who I nearly didn’t recognize, were waiting for us. Based on the ring on her finger I suppose she was married to Jacob.
“Why is there not a guard at his bed?”
None of them seemed to have an answer. Finally Billy Black spoke.
“There are only two officers in Forks Bella…”
“Exactly. When an officer is down another officer is always at his or her bed. One of those officers should be here.”
“His family has been taking care of him.” Jacob said sharply.
“Whoever shot him wanted him dead. They may come back to finish the job. There will be a guard at his bed twenty four seven.”
“We can handle…” Jacob started.
“I wasn’t fucking asking. I arranged for a security company to arrive on the flight down. They should be here within the next thirty minutes. These men are former special forces and will be standing next to his bed twenty four hours a day.”
“I think we can handle…”
“Again I was not fucking asking Jacob Black. I am acting police chief. He is a member of my department. My call. When the security team arrives I will be going to the police station to make contact with my officers. Then I am going to find a place for Dani and I to stay.”
“Bella I was hoping we could catch up.” Angela said so quietly I barely heard her.
“Catch up? You think I flew from the East Coast to catch up? I came here to find who shot my father. I will find whoever did it. I am assuming Sue, you were not home when the crime happened?”
“I was at work.” She said shakily.
“Any information I need from you, I will contact each of you for. I will not be contacted. I will be busy. Leave me the hell alone, stay out of my way and let me do my job.”
“Of course Bella. We simply want to find who did this.” Sue said. “You are welcome to stay at our home.”
“Thank you, but I will need privacy.” I replied quickly. Being with her would give the tribe access to my residence and that would not happen.
“I… I’m not staying there. Since this happened I have been too frightened. I have been here constantly or at Leah’s house in La Push. Please. I insist. You will be left alone.”
I sighed and looked at Dani. She was looking at the ground.
“Thank you Sue. We will stay there for now. I have to get Dani enrolled and…” Damn I was tired. The front door of the hospital opened and a very serious middle aged man with a flat top haircut, wearing a suit walked in and straight up to Sue.
“Excuse me, do you work here? I am looking for an Isabella Volturi.”
“I don’t know a…”
“I am Isabella Volturi. Major Weathers?”
“Yes. I have two men here now. The rest are enroute.”
“Outstanding. Here is my cell. I am now acting police chief of Forks. Anything you need, let me know. This lady is the subject’s wife. She is not a suspect and should have access to him at all times. No one else comes near him besides me or my daughter. My daughter will be with me if she is here.”
“Now wait a damn minute! He is my best friend and like a brother to me. I will see him any damn time…” Billy started.
“Charlie Swan as of one hour ago has been placed in protective custody by the State. I am will within my rights to have him transferred to another hospital in another state and bar even his wife from seeing him. Is this going to be a problem Sue?”
“No… no it won’t.”
“We also have a car for you outside Ms. Volturi.” Major Weathers informed me.
“Thank you. That will be all. I want updates by text every four hours, twenty four hours a day.”
I took Dani’s hand and began to walk out. Jacob Black stepped in front of me.
“We are going to talk. Now.”
Take a deep breath Bella.
“Sue is there a back exit to the hospital?”
“Yes. The door on the other side by the gift shop. It leads to the physician’s parking lot.”
“Dani sit in that chair and keep this.” I handed her the taser I had in my back holster. “If anyone comes near you tase them and scream. Do you understand?”
“Yes Mom.” Dani took the taser and sat.
“Follow me Jacob.”
I walked out the back and he followed closely behind me.
“You have some explaining to do.” He said as the door closed behind him. I looked and saw we were alone. I pulled out my best friend from an inside pocket of my leather jacket.
“What the hell is that?”
“I’m glad you asked Jake. This is an ASP tactical baton. It is made of hollow 4140 high carob steel and expands with a flick of the wrist to 21 inches long. Slightly under 21 in the interest of being accurate. Let me show you.”
I extended my baton.
“Another little fact you may not know is what it is used for. There are several pressure points covered by very dense muscle. For instance the thigh. Even in a man your size, a strike from this baton to the outside middle of your thigh will cause excruciating pain and drop you like a stone.”
I demonstrated.
He screamed and collapsed on the ground.
“The back and shoulder are another nice area to attack. Causing pain but no lasting injuries. The idea is more to incapacitate than kill.”
I struck Jacob across his shoulder blade. He was still holding his thigh. I believe he lost his breath with the back strike.
I hated to touch men. I hated it. But it was necessary at times. While he laid down on the ground I grabbed his hair and jerked his head up. Kneeling beside him I drew my Glock from my shoulder holster and stuck the barrel deep into his mouth.
“I don’t like the way you were looking at my daughter. I know you are a big guy. But I also know you aren’t phasing any longer. So that’s all you are. A big guy that can die like any other. The same goes for all your friends. Spread the word. You talk or so much look at my daughter you are disappearing. If you had anything to do with my father’s shooting you had best run now. My advice would be to kill yourself. It would be the smart move. We understand each other? Nod your head gently. The trigger on this weapon is light.”
He nodded his head slowly, fear coloring his eyes.
“Good. You were right. We needed to talk. We won’t need to anymore. If I need to speak to you I will find you. Wherever you are.”
I flipped the safety on my gun, pulled the barrel out of his mouth and used the butt of the gun to strike his temple. He hit the ground face first.
Brushing myself off I strode back into the hospital, happy to see Dani had not moved and no one was attempting to talk to her. I grabbed her hand.
“Let’s go Dani.”
“Where is Jacob?” Angela asked.
“He needed a moment to collect himself. Sue does Charlie still keep the key in the same spot?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Nice to see everyone. I have work to do.”
Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction 
Leave a comment