Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Spy Games

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 21:

Sitting in Jack’s living room at his request, despite my insistence that I stay away, I sat in awe at perhaps the biggest dumbass I had ever spoken to, as he explained his ingenious device.

“So how did you figure this out?” I asked Ty.

“I was bored in Rio just watchin Eddie. All he did was sit in that damn beat down fucking abandoned apartment and pout. I ain’t ever seen a fool that can pout as long as he could. About once every couple weeks he goes out to hunt some poor pet and then goes back to the hide out where he daydreams about the love of his existence, the lesbian.

Anyway so like I said, I’m bored and since the fucker ain’t movin nowhere and there was a street festival that night I decide to play. I gotta get some new clothes though because I wanted to go with that laid back look. I was thinkin maybe some leather sandals and a long white button down short sleeve over some khaki shorts with the legs a little frayed. You feel me?”

“Yeah, I could see that would be a good look for you,” I admitted. He did have better fashion sense than Uncle Jack and didn’t dress like a cowboy movie extra like Connolly.

“So anyway I’m headin to the market square and I see this guy fuckin around with his dog. The dog is obeying his commands and shit and this dude got some sort of whistle in his mouth. Only problem is I can’t hear anything. So I walk up to the brotha and I’m like what’s up, your whistle broke? That’s when he explains to me about dog whistles. This one he was using didn’t cause pain he tells me but there are some that do, depending on the frequency. Because of the advanced hearing of dogs, they can hear frequencies that humans don’t. That’s why I couldn’t hear it. So I start doing a little research. If there is one thing I know besides makin love and coolin bitches its beats, you got me?

I start doin a bit of research and figure out the frequencies of dogs and then copy one and double another. I figure if these vampires have sensitive hearing, we can maybe turn it to our advantage. Now I don’t expect anyone to blow a whistle at a vampire but I found out there are electronic devices that emit ultrasonic sound through piezoelectric transmitters. You want to know what those are?”

“No.” who gave a fuck? How the fuck did he even know? A pizywhat? “How do you know it works?”

“That wasn’t easy. Eddie never left his ghetto condo except for certain times to hunt. I got his timin down and busted out a few different devices using some mix software I got on my laptop. I set up a couple of electronic whistles and head out. He walks out to hunt but has to go through a street party so I start thinkin bout nothing but sex. Every woman on the street I’m thinkin of banging. See her? Yeah, I’d fuck her. You got me?”

“Believe me I do. I’m somewhat of a whore, right Uncle Jack?”

“I didn’t mean it like that!”

“Hey, can we get back on point? Ty was tellin a tale, remember?”

“Sorry Ty, go ahead.”

“So I hit the first key focusing on this blonde but keepin an eye on Eddie. Nothing. He didn’t miss a beat. So I hit my second more amped up device. Boom, Eddie falls to his knees. I expected this so I am really thinking about pussy now, trying not to laugh my ass off at him. I turned that fucker off quick too. Didn’t want him to figure out where it came from. So he gets up and shakes his head and is gone. Anyway I came back and started workin. Most dogs can get affected by 23 to 54 kHz. But 54 didn’t do shit. I hit up 108 and the fucker dropped. So now we got somethin. It can’t kill them but it will hurt them. It’s electronic so you can leave it on the ground or keep it on you and hope they don’t won’t get close on account of the pain. Either way with the push of a button of this little device, you should have a chance to knock them down and get away and if the nerds ever figure out somethin that can kill these fuckers we got a way to make them stay in one place instead of weaving in and out at super speed.”

He handed me a red metal device no bigger than an old iPod. It had no display, only a button on the side and the front resembled a small speaker.

“This is it? This is the thing that dropped Edward Cullen?”

“Yep. I found some cheap ass mini iPods from some kid and got em for $5 each. I used what I could but basically wired some parts off one of those wireless water speakers… anyway the point is, keep that fucker charged. It don’t look big enough to be loud but it don’t have to be. All about soundwaves, not volume.” Ty replied proudly.

I looked at Jack and Sasha.

“The greatest minds in the world working on this and this guy comes up with our first break through. Really? A dog whistle and an iPod? None of you fuckers thought of this?”

No one said a word.

“What do you mean this guy? You are saying I’m not one of the greatest minds in the world?”

“Yes Ty, that is what I’m saying.”

‘Maybe that’s the problem. All these so called geniuses overthink things. No offense Sasha.” Ty said.

“None taken.” she told him but was still shaking her head. I knew what she was feeling. If I had one of these I could have gotten away from Laurent and saved myself a hell of a lot of pain at James’ hands. I also could have so fucked with the Cullens.

“Has it been tested on anyone besides, Eddie?” Arial asked.

‘Nah, it ain’t easy not to think about how funny it is when he drops in pain, so I couldn’t do more than the trial run.”

“Its fine. I know how to test it.” And whom to test it on. The choices were simple.

“Oh you do?” Arial asked with a smile, already knowing what I was planning. I swear it was like we shared a mind.

“Yep, who better to test a super dog whistle on than super dogs? They seem to think their hearing is as good as vampires. We will find out.”

“I’ll find out.” Sasha told me.

‘Bullshit. You will stand out on that reservation Sasha. Believe me, I’ve been the only white girl in La Push for the past week. Hanging out there is a drag. Especially since someone won’t go with me.” I said looking pointedly at Arial and then at Jack who was not looking at either Sasha or Arial.

“You get Black where I tell you too Bella and I will have it set up.” Dante told us all, walking in very quietly. I swear he was a ghost and not real.

“We can both go. They won’t hear me or Dante. We set up in tree tops in different locations. That way you have two options on destinations.” Sasha once again said a bit more forcefully.

“Dante, can handle it…”

“Shut up Jack! I’m tired of sitting back. I’m the quietest out of all of us and you know it. No offense Dante.”

“I agree with her, Jack. She can handle the forest and I can stay in the water if Phoenix heads to the beach. I can swim in close enough to pull out the device and test the range at least. We just need to do it in the darkness. The dog will never see me in the water.”

“No point in taking both places. Bella can lead that puppy by his nose wherever she wants. You would think she was straight. You are gettin too good at this Bells.” Connolly said, winking at me.

“That’s why I am going. I think it’s time I had a talk with Paul LaHote and make him understand he needs to leave me alone.” Arial told the room.

“Bullshit! You will not…”

Jack shut up when Arial and Sasha both looked at him.

“Like I said, I will be armed. Bella can take Jake to the beach so Dante can float in and test the range. I will take LaHote in the forest. Just don’t go too deep.”

“And if he attacks you?” I asked, not really liking the idea of Arial alone with him where no one could see.

“Then I put one in his head. Maybe two to be sure. For research purposes I may put one in his guts and see if he can heal from it before the stomach acid and organ failure slowly kills him, then I will shoot him in the head.” Sasha said, in a tone that left no doubt she was not kidding. Sasha liked a happy home and Paul was defintely on her kill list.

“I’ll be armed, too. I doubt he will try anything. Once he is in position Sasha hits the button, he hopefully falls and I will panic and act like I don’t know what the fuck is going on.”

“Why don’t I take LaHote and you can ask Jake to show you the forest?” I offered.

“Because LaHote is going anywhere near you Bella and Jake doesn’t deserve to get hit with a full blast if it causes as much pain as Ty thinks it can. Dante can swim forward quietly and hit him slowly. Once he starts to feel pain, Dante will have the range. Paul on the other hand? That fucker is going to hurt.”

Arial did have a point. A sadistic, pissed, off woman on fire point, but a point none the less. Jake could be annoying and clingy but at least he seemed like a good guy. Paul was just a fucking asshole.

“Sounds like a plan. Let’s do it. Tomorrow? Twilight?”

We all looked at Jack who sighed.

“Yep. I guess you girls are going in. Arial if he even seems like he is going to lose it or touches you…”

“Then I put him down, Dad.”

“Not if I shoot first.” Sasha said with a sadistic grin. Paul LaHote had caused the biggest family brawl we have ever had with his actions. It was time for some payback. No one fucks with the family.

“Jack, there is one other issue I need to speak with you about.” I told him, figuring this would be a perfect time since Sasha and Arial already had him by the short hairs.

“What?”

“I need a car.”

“Something wrong with your truck?” he asked, not sarcastically, glancing at Sasha who was watching him closely. He really has been disciplined lately.

“Yes, as a matter of fact there is. My truck can barely push 60 miles an hour and handles like a tank. If Victoria tries to catch me on the road by foot, I would be unable to escape. I need something faster.”

‘How fast?”

“Fast.” I stressed.

“I suppose you have this vehicle picked out?”

“Yes, but you will be happy to know it is a used vehicle.”

I gave him my most innocent smile. These facial expressions were really starting to come back.

“Used? How much is this used car going to cost me?” he asked suspiciously. He was right to be suspicious.

I handed him a paper with the address I had found on the internet and the price the seller was asking. It was very reasonable considering.

“If you could have that waiting for me when school is over in the parking lot, I would be so grateful.”

“$115,000 Bella? Are you fucking kidding? How fast can this damn thing go?”

Connolly took the paper and smiled at me.

“As fast as she wants it to, Jack. Make it happen. I will pick it up myself.”

I knew Connolly would appreciate it.

The next day after school she was waiting for me. Arial and I walked up to her slowly as Dan handed me the keys and then got into Connolly’s truck who waved with a big grin on his face as he drove off.

“I can’t believe he really bought it.” Arial whispered. I knew everyone in the parking lot was staring. Let them stare. I was in my own world.

“You even found one in the right color.” she whispered.

“Yep, completely restored, with a few improvements, pewter, 400 horsepower Shelby GT 500 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback.” I said and could swear sunlight beams were opening above the car and angels were singing somewhere.

“Nitrous system?”

“Like I said, it has improvements.” I hit the red button on a straight away and Victoria will be sniffing my exhaust fumes.

“I can’t believe you got Eleanor.”

“I know. I can’t believe your Dad actually got his little alien hunting agency to buy it.”

“He didn’t. He felt really guilty about the argument the two of you had. He paid for it himself.”

Jack bought this. I think I just started loving him again. Did he hurt me? Yes deeply. But buying me a street racing legend will go a long way towards earning my forgiveness. I’m materialistic and do not apologize for it.

“What do you think the top speed is?” Arial asked, running her hand over the hood, almost caressing it.

“Supposed to be around 150 without NOX. You hit that button and we can hit 200 easy. Let that redheaded whore try to catch us then.”

“We can’t drift at that speed.”

“No shit, but we just have to get to a straight away like the one from Forks to La Push. Besides who gives a damn? I don’t have to drive the car bomb anymore.”

“We should pack your truck with C4 and rig the accelerator so it crashes into the Cullen mansion.” Arial suggested.

“I like where your head is at, but Charlie can use it. I will just explain to him that while I love the truck and it was a great first car, vampires have been proven to run faster than the truck could go and I needed this.”

“We don’t actually know how fast vampires can run.”

‘I’m willing to bet they can’t catch Eleanor.”

“I suppose you get to drive first since she is yours.” Arial sighed.

“She’s ours, but it was my idea so you are damn right I’m driving first. Let’s go, we have some dogs to train.”

We slid inside but not before Arial rubbed the leather seats and the dash. The stereo was updated and while I needed to load my playlist, it still worked. Arial pulled out a burned CD she had packed in her backpack in the event that Jack actually pulled this off and the sounds of War’s Low Rider filled Eleanor. Nicholas Cage would be proud if he could see us. We bowed our heads for a few seconds to pay our respects to the spiritual beings who had blessed us with this gift of American Metal.

Then we were on the road.

She handled like a lucid wet dream.

“I swear as straight as I am, I would make love to this sexy bitch.” Arial whispered. “We are so taking her back to Phoenix and racing O’Donnell. He won’t be able to take us in this.”

It was true, we lost quite a bit of Jack’s money to him and his 69 Charger. Payback would be coming.

“It has a roll bar.” she noticed, finally looking at the roof.

“Can never be too safe.” I pointed out.

I took it easy on her maiden voyage. We made the twenty minute trip to La Push in ten minutes. I only pushed her to 120 and she seemed annoyed. Eleanor could have handled this in third gear, I swear. Arial’s stared at the Go Baby Go button in the middle console connected to the nitrous system like I stared at Kate Upton’s breasts.

“Don’t touch yet. Save it for when we need it.” I told her.

“But Bella we could hit two hundred.”

“We will one day, but not today. Savor the moment, Arial. Remember your first time? He didn’t last long right? This car needs foreplay.”

“Please don’t mention that. Bella.” Jack asked.

“Stop listening.” I told him. Arial said nothing but she knew he said something. “By the way Uncle Dodo, thanks a lot. We love her.”

“I’m just glad it has a roll bar inside. Make sure you don’t need to use it.”

When we pulled in front of Jake’s, we had AC/DC Shoot to Thrill blaring from the huge speakers in the back. If nothing else good came out of this assignment, this car made it all worth it.

We got out reluctantly, and Billy stopped gawking at the car long enough to recognize me and immediately turned and rolled himself inside.

“You certainly made an impression on him.” Arial correctly observed.

“Fuck him. Let’s see what he has to eat in the fridge, and then we can get to work.”

Jake was of course glad to see me and very surprised to see Arial.

“Hey guys… I don’t think we have ever been officially introduced. I’m Jake.”

“Arial. Yeah, I don’t come around here often. Have you seen Paul around?”

“Why?” Jake asked quickly, looking at me with a face close to panic.

“I think it is time I have a little talk with him and explain the benefits of forgetting I exist.”

“Uh, I can call Paul and maybe we can all hang out here. You can talk to him alone but I think it best if someone…”

Arial pulled a slim .40 from her purse.

“I don’t need any protection. Call him and tell him I will be waiting in front of your house. Why don’t you and Bella go have some fun? I know how much she loves spending time with you, Jake. It’s all she can talk about. I hardly ever see her anymore since she started hanging out with you.”

“Oh uh sorry about that. I really love spending time with her too, so I guess I’m not too sorry.”

“Jake! You are SOOO funny. Now call Paul.” Arial’s face went from cute to stone cold killer in a half second. The gun was still in her hand.

“You might want to put the gun away. I’m not sure what the laws are but I can’t imagine walking around with a gun in your hand is legal.” Jake tried.

“The only cop on duty in a 50 mile radius is Charlie and he isn’t fucking with me. Hey Bill, I’m hungry. Got any ham or turkey cold cuts?”

“Uh… who are you?” the old man asked from the kitchen where he was hiding.

“A guest. Your guest wants food while I wait for this piece of shit to show up. Fix me a sandwich. I prefer Miracle Whip but if mayo is all you have, I will deal. Thank you.”

Arial smiled at Jake once again.

“Now Jake if you could make that call? The sun is going to be going down soon. I am sure you want to walk with Bella on the beach and watch the sunset, don’t you?”

Arial made my life so much easier.

“I’ll call him on the way. Just don’t… hurt him or piss him off too bad… please?”

“Just make the fucking call, Jake. Bells honey don’t be long. We have plans to try on our new string bikinis and soak in the hot tub later, remember?”

“How can I forget?” I agreed, having no idea what she was talking about. Oh right, I’m straight. “That bikini is so awesome. There is so little fabric it feels like I’m naked in the water. I love to swim naked, especially in a pool. Have you ever swum naked, Jake?”

A quick glance at his shorts and I could tell he had probably had enough.

“No… uh do you want to go to the beach Bella?”

“Lead the way buddy. Bye Wheels!”

Jake and I tried to walk to the beach but he froze when he saw her.

“Oh my God Bella. Where did you get this?”

“My Uncle bought her for me. Beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Bella this car… do you know what this car is?”

Jake moved to touch Eleanor’s hood.

“Jake?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t touch, Eleanor. We were going to the beach remember. I believe you need to call LaHote?”

I have a Navy Seal hiding in the water waiting to train you with a dog whistle. It would be rude to keep him and Arial waiting. I should have asked for a sandwich, too.

Jake made the call and we continued our stroll to the beach. He thankfully stayed quiet until we reached the water. Then he had to open his mouth.

“Bella, I hate that this leech is hunting you but I would be lying if I said I haven’t loved how much time you have spent here on the Rez.”

“I’ve been having fun too Jake.”

At least fun trying to seduce Emily and get her head right. There was some strong juju going on there. I grabbed her ass two days ago in the kitchen and she closed her eyes but told me sadly she felt nothing. I thought of grabbing a couple other things but I could see she was uncomfortable. I have reminded her constantly what my tongue felt like and how she came, soaking my face but she only saw it as a fond memory. She then confided that Sam wouldn’t even go down on her and we both cried.

I felt so bad for her. She was a bigger victim of this situation than I was. At least I volunteered for a dangerous assignment. She had her whole life changed and her face wrecked because she looked at the wrong guy and was cursed by Indian spirits.

Sam had been very friendly. Most of the pack had, if not a bit wary of me. Paul of course stayed the hell away from me.

“Before I could tell you what I was, the day you came over and cried… you said you had been thinking about what I told you at the movie.”

I stayed quiet, hoping for more. That had been an emotional day and I had no idea what he had talked about.

“Bella?”

“Yes?”

“Do you remember?”

“Of course.” not. I really need to learn to keep better track of my lies.

“Do you still feel, I mean do you still want to talk about it, or maybe… awwww!”

I thought briefly that I may have hurt him and not realized it but then I looked into the waves while he rolled on the beach. The sun had nearly set and while I couldn’t see Dante, I knew he was there.

“Jake, are you okay?” I asked, remembering I should be concerned.

“Yeah… I just had… did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Thank you God, it works. Tyrone Gavin is a fucking genius.

“Nothing. I just had a sharp pain when I heard… it was nothing. So what we were talking about, I was thinking that…”

“I’m really worried about Arial. We should go check on her.”

“I thought you didn’t care if she was with Paul alone. She does carry a gun. By the way, what is with the guns? You shot Paul, she carries a gun, why do the two of you carry weapons?”

“Self-defense Jake. We are two helpless females. We have to be safe.”

“You hit Paul with brass knuckles and a tire iron.”

“I was upset that you became involved in this. My mom gave me those knuckles as a gag gift years ago. Once I figured out what had happened to you, I knew Sam and Paul were involved so I came prepared.”

“You were ready to fight a wolf for me?”

“Of course.” not. “You’re my best… I mean you are a great… good… friend. Sort of like my little brother.”

Chew on that fucker. Jake couldn’t accuse me of leading him on now.

“Ouch Bella. Take his balls why don’t you?” Connolly whispered in my ear. Jack must be with Sasha or nearby.

“I don’t think of you like a sister, Bella. I think what we have could be…”

Jake’s thoughts were cut off by the sound of a gunshot echoing through the woods.

“It’s not hunting season is it? Oh wait, that must be Arial.” I mentioned calmly.

Jake and I ran back towards his house. By the time we reached where we had left Arial, we had heard three more shots. I wonder where the three shots went before she ended him with the fourth. That’s great, she gets her second kill before I even get my first.

I followed Jake into the woods and saw Sam and Embry running in the same direction. Over a rise I stood, looking down at Arial who had her gun pointed at Paul LaHote. He appeared to be unharmed but from the sight of his shorts he had pissed himself. He was on his ass, back against a tree while Arial stared at him, gun in front.

“I’m going to say it one last time. You stay the fuck away from me. You ever approach me or my family again I will kill you.” she told him calmly. “You wouldn’t be the first person I have killed and you won’t be the last. Don’t think I won’t do it. Do you believe me or should I put another one between your legs? This time I’m aiming for your fucking average sized dick.”

“I believe you! I swear to God I will never say another word to you! What is with you and your fucking cousin and guns?!”

“What the hell is going on?” Sam yelled.

“I have no idea.” Paul squealed. “I heard something and it felt like a knife going through my skull. I fell over. The next thing I know this bitch is over me shooting her fucking gun between my legs!”

“Did you just call her a bitch?” I asked. I took his silence as an affirmative.

I went to one knee and raised my blue jean leg, revealing my slim but stylish ankle holster where I kept a cute blue .22 caliber pistol. It had no real stopping power but if you were accurate it could be a deadly back up weapon. The bullet penetrated but didn’t have the power to exit, instead bouncing around the body, ripping up internal organs. I read in Guns and Ammo about an autopsy where a man was shot in the head with a .22 and the coroner found the bullet in his big toe.

“Please don’t shoot! I’m sorry!” Paul begged.

“Watch your mouth. You need to learn to respect women. When a woman tells you to leave her alone, she means it. Games are over LaHote. What you did confronting her in front of her Dad was bullshit. She did nothing to you that you haven’t done to a lot of other women. Deal with it.”

“I will! I swear! I just don’t want to get shot again.”

“Again?” Arial asked, already knowing but remembering that she wasn’t supposed to know. She was much better at keeping up with this spy thing than I was.

“I took a shot at him when I found out what he did. It barely scratched his foot. He scares easily.” I told her.

“Bella, I swear I will make sure Paul never has contact with your cousin or her parents again if you will please stop pulling guns on people!” Sam practically begged himself. I should get Emily a gun. If this little imprint thing has a blip, she could use those seconds to end him.

“Deal.” I told him, lying my ass off. I’m a spy, so fuck him, but I needed these fuckers. Not so much now though.

“What did you hear that caused you to fall down, Paul?” Sam asked.

“I have no idea.”

“Arial, did you hear anything?”

“Nope, not a sound.”

“We need to search the area, look for scent trails.” Sam suggested or ordered. I don’t suppose there is a difference.

Yeah, good luck with that. Dante has been following your dumbasses for months and you haven’t caught his scent. Sasha and Jack will cover their tracks as well. I admit I was jealous of their sense of smell. I wish I could smell Sasha. I bet she would smell so sweet.

“Scent trails?” Arial asked, raising an eyebrow. Sam and Jake looked like they were about to panic. Sam could be so stupid. It’s a wonder the whole damn world doesn’t know about these guys. There are giant wolf sightings every other day, there is a book being sold that talks about their secret tribal history, they walk around together, wearing nothing but cutoffs and all built like bodybuilders with the same tattoos. Amazing how bad they are at keeping secrets. They would never make it as spies.

“Yeah Arial, it’s some Indian thing. These guys think they are trackers or some shit like that. They think they can smell animals or people. It’s ridiculous but I ignore it. Boys being boys and all that.”

“Oh I see. We really need to be going Bella. The hot tub awaits, and I believe I have said all I need to say to Paul. Right, Paul?”

“Yes.” he answered too quickly.

“And Paul? You weren’t that good. It was okay but I had to fake an orgasm because I was bored. Take care.”

God, I hoped Jack was not in those trees by now and heard that.

“Ouch Arial. Take his balls why don’t you?” Connolly whispered in my skull.

“Bella, how about I give you two a ride home? I would love to drive your car and show you what it can do.” Jake offered.

“Touch the car and you will be sharing a pine box with LaHote. We know the way home.” my bestie informed him.

Arial stormed off and I shrugged my shoulders, gave Jake a sorrowful smile and followed. My girl is awesome.

She drove us home and opened up Eleanor a bit more. We reached 150.

Charlie was of course waiting for us in the drive.

“Where the hell did you get that? Arial, is that your car?”

“No Charlie, it’s Bella’s. Dad’s agency bought it for her. She argued that she really loved her truck but since a vampire can run at 60 miles an hour and her truck could barely make that speed, Dad thought it would be best for her to have a faster car. It’s all part of the assignment.”

“That’s right, Dad. I love my truck but Jack had a point. I can never be too safe and you know me, all about being safe.”

“It’s gorgeous.” Dad whispered. He moved towards her.

“Dad? Don’t touch, Eleanor.”

“Oh… right. Sorry.”

“No problem. Maybe I will give you a ride next week. Or even better we can head out to the Port Angeles airport and maybe you can use your connections to get us a runway for thirty minutes or so? I would love to see how your cruiser does in the quarter against my baby.”

“Bella, police cruisers are made to chase down any vehicle.” Dad just got that doubtful look on his face.

“On second thought maybe you should get a helicopter.” I offered. “I promise I will lose you in that too.”

“That’s okay Bella. I think I will just take the ride.”

The next few days were pretty laid back. I spent time in La Push trying to find out more about the wolves and quickly realizing that while they were good at keeping Victoria away from me, they didn’t have a chance of catching her. My little dog whistle hadn’t been tested on a vampire who wasn’t Eddie either so we were basically taking a leap of faith that it would work on the walking, talking corpses.

Thursday afternoon Jake accompanied Arial and I to a salon in Port Angeles because I decided I wasn’t really up to a trip to Seattle and had my hair colored dark red and bought some green contacts in the mall. I had let my hair grow a couple inches, just to give it some body because I liked to change shit up. It would never be the bag of frizz I carried when I first arrived here but it was a look I dug every now and then. We stopped at a tattoo parlor where Arial and I both debated the merits of having an eyebrow pierced but decided the chances of the ring being ripped off while sparring was too great.

Jake was a good guard dog and sat in the back quietly, happy to be allowed in Eleanor finally. Unfortunately on the drive back he decided to speak.

“So Bella why the hair color? It looks a lot like… you know.”

“Victoria?”

“Yeah.”

“I figured if she does get close enough to see me it would be a nice fuck you. Anyway it isn’t the first time I have gone red. But I can’t do red with brown eyes so contacts are a must.”

“Oh. I was wondering if you wanted to go…”

“Jake?”

“Yes Arial?”

“I like this song. Could we keep it down back there?”

“Of course. I’m sorry.”

Thank God. Jake took rejection more optimistically than even Mike Newton. At least Newton gave up eventually. I was beginning to wonder if a wolf was as much of a clinger as a repressed gay vampire.

Despite having a homicidal vampire out to kill me, which was becoming the norm, life was pretty good. Three months to go and Arial and I graduated. Of course we would have to stay here until the dog pound killed the redhead but Jack seemed to think we could use Ty’s device to slow the whore down if we only knew when she was arriving or where she hung out. I may have to set myself up as bait and hit her with it, then let the dogs have their chew toy. If that is what it took to get out of here, I didn’t give a damn. Jack already had Arial and I registered at the prestigious University of North Florida. Okay it wasn’t prestigious but Arial and I would be reunited with Renee. The three of us together were a club force to be feared. No one did partying like me, my bestie and my mommy. Jack wouldn’t be able to stay away so he and Sasha and the jolly giant would be moving shortly afterward. We would simply move our little party to Jacksonville. What can I say? Even though Renee did fuck my booty call, I missed the gold digger.

We dropped Jake off and Arial and I headed to the casa, where me and Charlie proceeded to literally catch the kitchen on fire. Who the fuck knew you couldn’t put metal in a microwave? They should really put warnings on those things. Luckily Arial had a fire extinguisher handy and saved the house once again.

Friday had finally arrived and Spring Break was next week. I needed the break. Despite my general happiness, there was one thing, one person who still hurt me more than I wanted to admit.

It sucked seeing Angela every day. She looked so miserable and I wanted to hold her but it wasn’t my place. She hurt me; I didn’t hurt her. I found myself wishing she had pulled an Eddie. If I would have actually been in love with him like I pretended to be, it would have sucked seeing him every day after being dumped. I would have preferred him to disappear. Instead she was there, every single day and despite sitting at the same table at lunch and sharing some of the same classes I never felt so far away from her.

It sucked. A week away from her and I would be fine. Everything would be perfect.

Arial and I drove out to La Push after school. Jake sent a text telling me that Victoria was around and the pack was chasing her around Forks. Jack insisted we leave. I opened Eleanor up and we made La Push in eight minutes. I passed a lady who was probably going 60 or so and I don’t believe she ever saw me.

Once we arrived, I parked in front of Sam’s house and debated attempting to bring Emily back to the winning team. Arial nixed the idea.

“She is cursed Bella. Sometimes you have to except your losses.”

“You never felt her tongue on your…”

“Bella, please stop!” Jack whined.

“Sorry Jack.” I put on earbud in the offending ear and turned on Nicki Minaj. Jack hated listening to this music so it made life easier for me and worse for him.

We left Eleanor in Emily’s driveway and walked towards the beach, until we saw a different path that led to the top of a cliff. I remembered those idiots cliff diving before Jake turned into a wolf.

“Hey, you want to go cliff diving?”

“We don’t have suits.” Arial fairly pointed out.

“So? Don’t be a pussy. What if we had to jump in an emergency?”

“You are wearing $300 jeans. The salt water will ruin them.”

“I hate these pants.”

“I like these shoes.”

“Stop being a girl. If you don’t think you can make the swim in with your clothes on just say so.” I challenged her. Judging by the look on her face she knew I had her.

“My top is white?”

“Bra?”

“Pink.”

“You had me flash a black bra under a white shirt in a storm in front of Jake, right before you told me my ex-girlfriend died in a car wreck.”

I was still a bit bitter about that. I would get her back though. No big. I had plenty of time and a long memory.

“Fine, let’s do it. I can’t believe you are talking me into this. We are going to get Eleanor’s interior soaked on the way home.”

“We can borrow some of Emily’s clothes. She won’t mind. I may undress in front of her.”

“Cool, let’s do it.”

We reached the top and looked down. That didn’t look good.

“Damn those currents look rough.” Arial observed.

“Storm is coming in.” I observed. I was crazy but I wasn’t stupid. Most of the time I wasn’t stupid.

I would say 50% of the time I wasn’t completely stupid.

“Okay, I go first. Head to the beach. If it looks like I’m caught in a current come and help me out. When I reach the beach it will be your turn. Fastest to leave the water wins.”

“The prize?” she asked.

“Same as always. You win I watch an hour of straight porn without complaining. I win and you are watching a serious lesbian gangbang for an hour. I have just the vid picked out too.”

“Deal. Timer starts when you jump. I’ll keep it on my phone and then you can have it.”

“Here take this.” I handed her my electronic dog whistle.

“I have one.”

“I don’t want to lose it in the water. Just hold on to it. Take my phone too.”

“Fine.”

I watched her run to the beach and after a few minutes she seemed ready to go. She gave me the thumbs up.

I looked over and figured I would need an easy six foot jump to be clear of the rocks below.

“Hey Bella?”

“Yeah Jack?”

“What are you doing?”

“A little cliff diving.”

“Is Arial on the beach? Please tell me one of you is watching the other.”

“Got it covered, Jack. Looks like a storm is blowing in. This is going to suck.”

“Then don’t do it.”

“I made a bet.”

“Do I want to know?”

“Nope.”

“Standby.”

I let out a breath and waited. I could be patient.

“Okay, the currents are strong and flowing out and to the south. If you swim at a 50 degree angle from your jump point, you should be able to slide out of it and surface about fifty from the end of the cliff. Do not try to take a direct route or you will get washed out or slammed into the cliff. The water by the base of the cliff is going to be a washing machine and it will be dark. Feel the bubbles leave your nose if you get disoriented and follow the bubbles up. You remember how to handle rough water right?”

“Yeah, it’s been a while but I remember. Head up, bob, go down, feel the waves, feet in front of any waves pushing me towards a rock, protect my head with my arms because I can swim with a broken arm but not knocked unconscious.”

“Good girl. Have fun.”

I took a deep breath and then heard howls. They sounded close. Maybe the wolves actually caught the bitch this time. Oh well, I had a bet to win.

I took five steps back and ran. Jumping I did four complete flips before executing a perfect head first entry into the frigid waters.

Spring break my ass. I don’t think the water is ever warm here. Of course Alaska isn’t far away I suppose so it makes sense.

I tried to see in the darkness but the murky water was a mess, rolling and pushing me around. I may let Arial out of this bet. She didn’t need to be in this in her skirt. It would be ripped to shreds. My short tee that fit me like a second skin was perfect for this. She didn’t stand a chance of coming out of this half naked.

Once I got the feel for the water it was time to surface. I peeked out of the water, keeping my eyes low, treading water.

A wave rolled towards me and I dove under it, popping up once again. I saw one that would push me away from the rocks and prepared to body surf it. With luck it would give me an edge against the current.

Then I was hit from above.

Dazed, I must have blacked out for a minute, because when I opened my eyes, I was under the water again. One of the crazy currents swirling around the bottom of the cliff slammed me into a rock before I could protect my head.

Fuck that hurt.

I felt a warm hand on my arm.

Then I blacked out again. Waking up I found myself on the beach, coughing up water with Jake and Arial over me. Jake looked worried and Arial did not look happy.

“Thank God. I thought I lost you Bella. What were you thinking, jumping in a storm? Were you trying to kill yourself?” Jake asked.

“You landed on top of her you fucking moron! She was doing fine until you decided she needed saving.” Arial yelled at him and slapped the back of his head twice and once in the ear.

“What do you mean she was doing fine? No one could have survived jumping into that!”

“My Dad was a Navy Seal! You think we don’t know how to handle water? We can swim a hell of a lot better than you!”

“You should have stopped her! Charlie can’t take anymore! If he had lost her…”

“Charlie can’t take anymore what. Jake?” I asked, trying to fight off the wooziness in my head.

“Harry Clearwater died. He had a heart attack. We have been chasing…” Jake looked at Arial.

“Yeah I got it. Harry? Isn’t he your Dad on legs?”

“What? You obviously have a concussion. I need to take you to the hospital.”

“The fuck you will. You nearly got her killed you damn idiot.” Arial told him. “I will take her home. Get! Shoo! Leave now. Do I need to shoot you?”

“Hey fine, whatever.” Jake finally stood up and Arial reached her hand out. I took it and pulled myself up, rubbing the back of my head with my other hand. I didn’t know what hurt worse, the pain on top of my head from that two hundred pound slab of muscle landing on me or the one in the back of my head from slamming into that rock.

“Bella, you doing alright? You have a concussion? Have Arial bring you here and Sasha can take a look.”

“Okay, Jack.” I whispered.

I did love being treated by my love bird.

“She’s talking to herself. She needs a hospital. “I heard Jake trying to argue with Arial which will only end bad for him.

“My step mother can check her out.”

“Is she a doctor?”

“No, she is too smart for that. I think you have done enough today. You may go. Don’t you have some friends or family to comfort? I need to get Bella checked out so she can be there for her father. Leave now.”

“Fine. Bella, I will see you later.”

I had a feeling this incident may have hurt Arial and Jake’s nonexistent friendship. I shot the finger at him as we drove off because body slamming from above is not cool.

I can’t believe he was so bad at cliff diving, the asshole landed on top of me.

After being given a clean bill of health by Sasha who told me I was not concussed and would be fine with a little ice on my head, Arial drove me home and then left to clean off Eleanor’s interior since we never got to change clothes. I was so out of it that I didn’t notice the Mercedes parked on the street.

I didn’t even notice Jake behind me.

“Stop Bella!”

“Holy shit you scared the fuck out of me! I almost stabbed you!” I would have if my knife hadn’t been washed away.

“Bella. there is a vampire in your house.”

Oh fuck. I reached for my dog whistle and realized Arial still had it on her.

“What is going on, Bella?” Jack asked.

“There is a vampire in my house? Is it Victoria?”

“No, but we need to leave.”

I looked past Jake and noticed the black luxury car. It was Carlisle’s.

Okay. What to do? If he was here, he would find me regardless. May as well see what he wants while Jake is around.

“That’s Carlisle’s car. I need to see what he wants.”

Jake grabbed my arm. I looked at his hand and looked back at him. He let go.

“Sorry. Look if that is a Cullen I can’t phase. The treaty is clear on that.”

“Does anyone even have a copy of the damn thing? I doubt it was notarized. Besides if he attacks me the treaty is broken and all bets are off right?”

“I… I guess.”

“Then relax. If I need you, I will scream sic em boy.”

I strode inside more confidently than I felt.

Once I was in the door, before I could flip on the lights, Alice Cullen scared the fuck out of me.

“Bella! What are you doing alive?”

“Uh…” was someone supposed to kill me before I made it here?

“And what happened to your hair? Is your tongue pierced? Why are your eyes green?”

“Hi Alice. Why are you here and what did you mean by what am I doing alive?”

“I saw you jump! You jumped off a cliff and I couldn’t see you any longer. I thought you had died! Why did you try to kill yourself?”

“I didn’t. I was cliff diving. You know, for fun?” and making my bestie sit through an uncomfortable hour of lesbian porn.

“For fun?! You promised Edward you wouldn’t do anything reckless!”

“No I didn’t.” who did this fucking bitch think she was? “What are you doing here?”

“I came to comfort Charlie. I knew he would be grieving. I am so glad you are alive. I was so frightened.”

“When did you see me jump?”

“Yesterday.”

“I didn’t make the decision to go cliff diving until like four hours ago. How did you see that? I thought someone had to make a decision for you to see the outcome?”

“I don’t… I don’t really know. I guess I just… why didn’t I see you come out of the water?”

“Why didn’t you call me yesterday and say hey Bella, how about laying off cliff diving tomorrow because I see you dying?”

This fucking bitch.

“I didn’t know how much time I had.” she tried.

“You see the future right? It would have taken you, what? Thirty seconds to dial my number. It hasn’t changed. You thought you saw me thirty seconds into the future? If that is all the warning you get your gift isn’t much of a gift is it?”

“You need to leave!” Jake practically yelled, walking into my still opened door.

“Oh my God, you stink. You’re a wolf! You must be the reason I couldn’t see her after she jumped. You were with her, weren’t you?”

“I saved her life.”

“You landed on top of me and knocked me out Jake! Stop being an asshole!” Saved my life? He nearly killed me!

“Bella… can I talk to you in the kitchen? Now?”

“Excuse me, Alice.” I didn’t really want to hurt Jake in the kitchen but I was a little upset the bitch thought I was dead and could take the time to drive to Forks but not pick up the fucking phone.

“What?” I asked him when we were behind a closed door that we both knew she could hear perfectly through.

“So that’s it? She shows back up after the way they hurt you and all is forgiven? Are they all coming back? How long is she staying?”

Okay all valid questions except the one about hurting me. Why the hell is this guy such a fucking whiny asshole?

“Jake, she can stay as long as she wants.”

Let’s see how the fucker likes that. Of course I didn’t want her to stay but he landed on me, nearly caused me to drown and now barged into my house. If her staying for a few minutes would piss him off, Tiny could have stay until he was gone.

“You need to call, Charlie. He is grieving. Can you at least be there for him?”

“Get out.” The thought of spending time with psycho fairy was beginning to be more appealing than having this controlling ass in my house. He wouldn’t move.

“Get out!”

The house phone rang.

That asshole answered my goddamn phone!

“Yeah? No he isn’t. He is planning a funeral.” Jake said, not sounding friendly at all and then hung up the phone.

“You just answered my phone? You arrogant fucking dick! Get out of here before I castrate you with a damn butcher knife! First you nearly kill me and fuck up a good bet, then you follow me home when I told you I didn’t need you too and now of all the damn things to do you answer my phone? Who was that? You know what? I don’t give a damn. The fucking IRS could be calling and it still wouldn’t be cool to answer my damn phone! I don’t go to your house and answer your phone, do I?”

“N… No.”

“Get the fuck out!” I screamed. I was at the end of my rope today and I still had one more monster to kick out.

‘Bella, maybe he should stay there.” Jack suggested. Normally he would be racing over but I suppose he didn’t see Alice as a threat. Honestly, I didn’t either.

Jake looked like he wanted to break my counter top but instead snarled. Fucking dogs and their communication skills.

“Fine. See you around Bella.”

Jake stormed off nearly breaking the kitchen door.

Okay. Get rid of undead fairy and go find Charlie.

“What did he do?!”

“Shit Alice! Would you please stop doing that?!”

“Bella, who was on the phone?”

“I don’t know. Asshole answered and then hung up.” I walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs. My shirt was still a bit soggy so I pulled it off. I guess Alice was behind me.

“I had a vision of… is that a tattoo?”

“Yes. The artist did great work, right?”

“You… that shirt you are wearing… are those jeans made by…”

“Alice! You said something about a vision?”

“Oh right. Edward thinks you are dead. I have seen him going to the Volturi to ask for death. That must have been him on the phone. I heard Jake say Charlie was planning a funeral! He thinks it is your funeral!”

I shrugged my shoulders and pulled a black half tee from the closet. I kicked my shoes off and peeled my pants down slowly, imagining her looking at my barely covered thong clad ass. I decided on some simple white tights that were cut low enough to show off my abs.

Angela loved this outfit on me.

“Why did you tell him I was dead?” I asked like I gave a damn.

“I didn’t. Rose must have called him. He called Charlie to see if it was true.”

“Why didn’t he call me?”

“What?”

“Why didn’t he call me? You guys have super vampire brains, right? You remember my number. Why didn’t he just call me?”

“You have changed. Edward destroyed you by leaving. We all did.”

“Are you out of your fucking mind? Do I look destroyed? I look fucking fabulous. Okay the salt in my hair defintely needs to come out quickly before it fucks up my coloring but other than that, I am hot as hell.”

“Bella, I am so sorry. Edward still loves you. We have to go to him before he is killed.”

Whoa.

“How about I just call him?”

“He will think it is a trick.”

“No he won’t. I can call from my phone.” Oh wait, I left it in Eleanor.

“It won’t work. I’ve seen it.”

“What do you mean it won’t work? Let me use your phone.”

“He will think it is a trick!”

“I will tell him it’s me. He will recognize my voice, right? I can tell him the date and time so he doesn’t think it’s a recording. We can send him a selfie with me holding a newspaper, hostage style to prove the date and time. You catch my drift?”

“No Bella. The only way I see this working out is if we go after him.”

“No. Eddie told me about these guys. Most dangerous coven of vampires in the world? Big castle? Not no, but fuck no.”

“Bella, I can understand you are afraid but I swear Edward still loves you. He never stopped.”

“Alice there is no way I am going to Italy. Sorry about your brother. Your family needs to work on its communication skills.”

“Edward will die, Bella. This has all gotten out of hand. You have had some sort of psychotic breakdown; Edward is depressed and suicidal. We have to save him.”

“Edward can go fuck…”

I couldn’t finish that sentence because her cold fingers were on my neck and all I saw was darkness.