Chapter Twenty-One
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Jasper
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“Open the door,” I tell the men guarding the key to my salvation.
My head is still whirling from the information Demetri has loaded upon this family. My first reaction was shock; I could scarcely believe what he was tellin’ us. The next was denial; it just couldn’t be true, and the last was pure unadulterated rage. I think that emotion speaks for itself. The Volturi betrayal goes far deeper than I ever thought to be possible. They have lied, manipulated and ruined the lives of many that no punishment of this earth would be enough.
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Jasper
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“Open the door,” I tell the men guarding the key to my salvation.
My head is still whirling from the information Demetri has loaded upon this family. My first reaction was shock; I could scarcely believe what he was tellin’ us. The next was denial; it just couldn’t be true, and the last was pure unadulterated rage. I think that emotion speaks for itself. The Volturi betrayal goes far deeper than I ever thought to be possible. They have lied, manipulated and ruined the lives of many that no punishment of this earth would be enough.
Emmett clasps my shoulder and internally I am grateful for his presence. I am focused again. I have no time to deal with the screaming thoughts inside my head. My mind could be boggled later but right now, I had a much more pressing matter to deal with.
The guards step aside with a nod of respect and eve a hint of a smile. They too have reasons for wanting Black dead even if Sam Uley was not a favorite among them. They, like us, live by a code and Jacob Black had killed one of their own.
The inner chamber of the Cullen’s makeshift dungeon is brightly lit and the walls are white and sterile. You would almost get the feeling of being in secret government lab. Carlisle had done well when he had this room built. The room’s function is simple to create fear and by the look on Black’s face when Emmett and I enter, we succeeded.
He was terrified and trembling. As much as I wanted to bask in his fear like a dog in the sun, his fear still unsettles me. He had every right to be frightened because when this was over he would soon meet the judgment from whatever God he served. I would see to that myself. Jacob Black has much to answer for; for his involvement with Edward’s sick obsession and for the incredible betrayal against his self-declared friend.
The guards step aside with a nod of respect and eve a hint of a smile. They too have reasons for wanting Black dead even if Sam Uley was not a favorite among them. They, like us, live by a code and Jacob Black had killed one of their own.
The inner chamber of the Cullen’s makeshift dungeon is brightly lit and the walls are white and sterile. You would almost get the feeling of being in secret government lab. Carlisle had done well when he had this room built. The room’s function is simple to create fear and by the look on Black’s face when Emmett and I enter, we succeeded.
He was terrified and trembling. As much as I wanted to bask in his fear like a dog in the sun, his fear still unsettles me. He had every right to be frightened because when this was over he would soon meet the judgment from whatever God he served. I would see to that myself. Jacob Black has much to answer for; for his involvement with Edward’s sick obsession and for the incredible betrayal against his self-declared friend.
“Hello Jacob,” I said and smiled unemotionally as Jacob gulps. “How are you enjoying your stay so far? Is there anything I can get you? Water? Coffee? Life insurance policy?”
From behind me, Emmett is snickering to himself. I’m glad someone finds me funny but I’m not here to make jokes. There’s no denying that my false indifference to the situation only makes Black grow even more nervous. I can almost see the heart hammering in his chest. It makes me smile a true and genuine smile.
He shakes his head to the negative, a little faster than is necessary and I can tell he really didn’t want to think about my last offer but I want him to think about it. I want him to be scared stiff as much as possible before I started my questioning.
“So, Jacob, how about you tell me a story,” I tell him settling on my haunches almost excitedly and Black gulps again.
From behind me, Emmett is snickering to himself. I’m glad someone finds me funny but I’m not here to make jokes. There’s no denying that my false indifference to the situation only makes Black grow even more nervous. I can almost see the heart hammering in his chest. It makes me smile a true and genuine smile.
He shakes his head to the negative, a little faster than is necessary and I can tell he really didn’t want to think about my last offer but I want him to think about it. I want him to be scared stiff as much as possible before I started my questioning.
“So, Jacob, how about you tell me a story,” I tell him settling on my haunches almost excitedly and Black gulps again.
“A story?” He asks as his eyebrows draw up in confusion. I can see the uncertainty in his face. He’s scared to tell me anything and I guess my last meeting with him at Bella’s apartment had more of an affect on him than I had counted on. This was good and I know I can work with this. Jacob had seen me off duty, so to speak and out of control. I was ruled by my own anger that day and Black has no idea who he’s fuckin’ with now. I am focused; an entirely different beast from what he had witnessed before.
I turned my head and smirked at my brother. He knew what was happening.
Edward has, in the past, called it my monster or demon. Emmett and Carlisle had always referred to it as my second personality. However, I personally think that the Voodoo Priestess I came across in the Big Easy had it right.
I had been wounded during one of my bigger fuck-ups and I was taking refuge in the French Quarter. The woman was old, you could even call her ancient but she showed no fear of me. She tool me into her home and cared for me the way a mother would. She told me the Devil had sent her a dark angel and that one day I would avenge her. She called me Le Diable Blanc; The White Devil. I thought she was crazy but I was grateful nonetheless for her hospitality. I might have died that night waiting for Emmett.
With my hand propped on my knee, my fingers drummed out a silent tune. I started to whistle as I turned my attention back to the dead man if front of me and I smiled again. “Yes, a story. I want you to tell me all about the Black Swan and the Big Bad Wolf.”
“I c-cant,” he stutters and my smile turns truly diabolical. I am expecting this reaction and I will take the utmost pleasure in breaking him. Before the next day dawns he will have begged for mercy and would be scrambling to meet my every demand. Not out of loyalty mind you, no he will do it only to make his suffering end quickly.
I nod at him and he blows out a breath of relief he’s been holding. I almost laugh. The poor fool, he thinks I’m giving up.
I turned my head and smirked at my brother. He knew what was happening.
Edward has, in the past, called it my monster or demon. Emmett and Carlisle had always referred to it as my second personality. However, I personally think that the Voodoo Priestess I came across in the Big Easy had it right.
I had been wounded during one of my bigger fuck-ups and I was taking refuge in the French Quarter. The woman was old, you could even call her ancient but she showed no fear of me. She tool me into her home and cared for me the way a mother would. She told me the Devil had sent her a dark angel and that one day I would avenge her. She called me Le Diable Blanc; The White Devil. I thought she was crazy but I was grateful nonetheless for her hospitality. I might have died that night waiting for Emmett.
With my hand propped on my knee, my fingers drummed out a silent tune. I started to whistle as I turned my attention back to the dead man if front of me and I smiled again. “Yes, a story. I want you to tell me all about the Black Swan and the Big Bad Wolf.”
“I c-cant,” he stutters and my smile turns truly diabolical. I am expecting this reaction and I will take the utmost pleasure in breaking him. Before the next day dawns he will have begged for mercy and would be scrambling to meet my every demand. Not out of loyalty mind you, no he will do it only to make his suffering end quickly.
I nod at him and he blows out a breath of relief he’s been holding. I almost laugh. The poor fool, he thinks I’m giving up.
I stand up with a pep in my step and head for the metal table that is used to store my tools. I was gleeful as I inspected the shiny items upon it. Carlisle had spared no expensive for this little affair with Black.
Picking up the electric surgical saw I started to sing, “Yankee Doodle went to town A-riding on a pony-”
“Wait!” Jacob yelled. “They’ll kill me. They’ll kill me.”
I stopped as I spared him a glance and I’m sure my expression was akin to, ‘duh’ and went on about my business. Did Black think I wouldn’t kill him?
“…stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni.” I resumed my song as I nodded to Emmett to removed Jacob’s shoes and tourniquet his legs. Once again I found that Carlisle had supplied all that would be needed to sustain Black’s life during the extreme mutilation he was about to suffer.
“Yankee Doodle, keep it up. Yankee Doodle dandy…”
Picking up the electric surgical saw I started to sing, “Yankee Doodle went to town A-riding on a pony-”
“Wait!” Jacob yelled. “They’ll kill me. They’ll kill me.”
I stopped as I spared him a glance and I’m sure my expression was akin to, ‘duh’ and went on about my business. Did Black think I wouldn’t kill him?
“…stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni.” I resumed my song as I nodded to Emmett to removed Jacob’s shoes and tourniquet his legs. Once again I found that Carlisle had supplied all that would be needed to sustain Black’s life during the extreme mutilation he was about to suffer.
“Yankee Doodle, keep it up. Yankee Doodle dandy…”
“PLEASE! PLEASE NO!” he begged.
Sweet music to my ears.
Placing the blade of the saw to the flesh of his legs must have finally ingrained in him that I would cut his legs of to get the answers I wanted. Poor bastard, he just didn’t realize I was going to do it anyways.
“PLEASE! I’LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING!” He cried out in desperation.
I smirked at him as I hit the small blue button with my thumb and the saw buzzed to life. “Oh, I know you will.”
“Father and I went down to camp. Along with Captain Gooding. And there we saw the men and boys. As thick as hasty pudding. Yankee Doodle keep it up…”
Sweet music to my ears.
Placing the blade of the saw to the flesh of his legs must have finally ingrained in him that I would cut his legs of to get the answers I wanted. Poor bastard, he just didn’t realize I was going to do it anyways.
“PLEASE! I’LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING!” He cried out in desperation.
I smirked at him as I hit the small blue button with my thumb and the saw buzzed to life. “Oh, I know you will.”
“Father and I went down to camp. Along with Captain Gooding. And there we saw the men and boys. As thick as hasty pudding. Yankee Doodle keep it up…”
“You have your orders,” I started as I adjusted the straps of my Kevlar vest. “Nobody tries anything stupid. If she dies…” I trailed off eyeing the small army of black fatigues surrounding the caravan of blacked-out SUV’s. “…you die,” I said pointedly checking the straps to my vest once more.
I knew this move was a long shot. They could have easily relocated her by now since Jacob hadn’t returned but I had to try.
Bella was being kept in an abandoned county jail belonging to Caius Volturi. I knew he had them scattered around the country but I knew he had one so close to home. It made me more than nervous that Bella was with that animal. If you were to rank the skill of torture between us I would be a Major. Caius however, would be a general. The man was truly awe inspiring. It was like his own art form and I had seen firsthand some of his works.
As Emmett loaded ourselves into the first vehicle I caught to sight of Edward and Carlisle in the one directly behind me. I said a silent prayer for my families safety through this endeavor.
As the purred to life I looked out at the full moon ahead and vowed to bring her back.
I’m comin’ for you, Baby.
I knew this move was a long shot. They could have easily relocated her by now since Jacob hadn’t returned but I had to try.
Bella was being kept in an abandoned county jail belonging to Caius Volturi. I knew he had them scattered around the country but I knew he had one so close to home. It made me more than nervous that Bella was with that animal. If you were to rank the skill of torture between us I would be a Major. Caius however, would be a general. The man was truly awe inspiring. It was like his own art form and I had seen firsthand some of his works.
As Emmett loaded ourselves into the first vehicle I caught to sight of Edward and Carlisle in the one directly behind me. I said a silent prayer for my families safety through this endeavor.
As the purred to life I looked out at the full moon ahead and vowed to bring her back.
I’m comin’ for you, Baby.
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Bella
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I was in darkness again. I felt weaker than the last time I woke and I was starting to fear for the life that was growing within me. I had only received water once since being stuck in this miserable place but in the haste to we my dry and burning throat I guzzed the water only to have it come back up.
There was no hint to where I might be and the only light I had seen had come from the thin pie-slot in the heavy steel door, when my small bottle of water had slid through. I had heard voices twice but there were too muffled to discern if they were male or female.
I knew the Denali sisters were responsible for my capture but that didn’t necessarily mean they were ones keepin me here. I wished I had some answers or to know what I was being punished for.
I heard footsteps approaching and arguing voices outside my cell door. I wanted to scream at them to shut up and this if I was going to die miserable and alone I could do without their bickering. It was a foolish thought but I was weak to the point of not being able to raise my head.
I heard the loud clang of the lock being sprung free an the loud screech of metal on metal as my door slowly opened.
Strong florescent lights flooded the room and I had to shut my eyes from the painful throbbing it caused my head. I could only make out two large shadowy figures though, I heard more than six voices.
I was still trying to gather my bearings as I was approached in haste by two strong bodies. I asked in a squeak what was going on but I was slapped, hard, for the effort and told to ‘shut my mouth’.
It was followed shortly by a strong reprimand of another male voice in the distance. “She is to be unharmed. My master wants her in fair condition when she is presented to him. Clean her up.”
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Bella
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I was in darkness again. I felt weaker than the last time I woke and I was starting to fear for the life that was growing within me. I had only received water once since being stuck in this miserable place but in the haste to we my dry and burning throat I guzzed the water only to have it come back up.
There was no hint to where I might be and the only light I had seen had come from the thin pie-slot in the heavy steel door, when my small bottle of water had slid through. I had heard voices twice but there were too muffled to discern if they were male or female.
I knew the Denali sisters were responsible for my capture but that didn’t necessarily mean they were ones keepin me here. I wished I had some answers or to know what I was being punished for.
I heard footsteps approaching and arguing voices outside my cell door. I wanted to scream at them to shut up and this if I was going to die miserable and alone I could do without their bickering. It was a foolish thought but I was weak to the point of not being able to raise my head.
I heard the loud clang of the lock being sprung free an the loud screech of metal on metal as my door slowly opened.
Strong florescent lights flooded the room and I had to shut my eyes from the painful throbbing it caused my head. I could only make out two large shadowy figures though, I heard more than six voices.
I was still trying to gather my bearings as I was approached in haste by two strong bodies. I asked in a squeak what was going on but I was slapped, hard, for the effort and told to ‘shut my mouth’.
It was followed shortly by a strong reprimand of another male voice in the distance. “She is to be unharmed. My master wants her in fair condition when she is presented to him. Clean her up.”
I struggled to the best of my ability as I was no less roughly moved from my confines and out into the harsh lights of my prison. I snorted at my own ironic statement as I surveyed my surroundings and came to the realization that I was in fact in a jail of sorts. It was run down and carried a musty smell that made my empty stomach lurch. The smell was sickly; like death, old death and I could pick up the faint hints of copper in the air…blood. I gagged as I was none to gently sat in a cool metal chair.
My head lulled to the side; my neck unable to support the weight and I slumped forward. My skin was burning up and my vision was badly blurred. As my eyes shifted about the room looking for clues; anything that would tell me how long I had been here or what time of day it was, something in the corner of the room made me growl.
Tanya and Kate Denali.
She tsk’ tsk’d at me shaking her head and pursing her lips. “Now, don’t be like that Bella. This is your own fault. I told you to leave Jasper alone.”
I shook of her comment. “How much are they paying you?” I snarled out as the rage flowing through me brought my prone body back to life. I struggled against the two sets of meaty hands that kept me in place with little effort on their part.
She laughed at me then; throwing her head back as he dark curls bounced with her mirth. “Poor little Bella,” she sang condescendingly and I made it my vow to one day make her choke on that vile tongue of hers. “You think I was paid? You stupid girl. I put your head on the chopping block for free. Jasper will be so distraught when he finds his little wife missing her head. I wound who will comfort him?”
She approached me like a panther approached its pray, a dark grace that only someone as fucked in the head as she was could do.
“Jasper would never touch you!” I spit but it only made her laugh harder.
My head lulled to the side; my neck unable to support the weight and I slumped forward. My skin was burning up and my vision was badly blurred. As my eyes shifted about the room looking for clues; anything that would tell me how long I had been here or what time of day it was, something in the corner of the room made me growl.
Tanya and Kate Denali.
She tsk’ tsk’d at me shaking her head and pursing her lips. “Now, don’t be like that Bella. This is your own fault. I told you to leave Jasper alone.”
I shook of her comment. “How much are they paying you?” I snarled out as the rage flowing through me brought my prone body back to life. I struggled against the two sets of meaty hands that kept me in place with little effort on their part.
She laughed at me then; throwing her head back as he dark curls bounced with her mirth. “Poor little Bella,” she sang condescendingly and I made it my vow to one day make her choke on that vile tongue of hers. “You think I was paid? You stupid girl. I put your head on the chopping block for free. Jasper will be so distraught when he finds his little wife missing her head. I wound who will comfort him?”
She approached me like a panther approached its pray, a dark grace that only someone as fucked in the head as she was could do.
“Jasper would never touch you!” I spit but it only made her laugh harder.
“Oh no?” She asked arching a perfectly sculpted brow. “Who do you think his lover was before you came back into his life?”
As much as I tried no to let it, her words stung me. I felt as if I had been slapped in the face by Jasper himself. As much was I wanted to deny her statement, I could tell she was telling the truth.
Salty tears left my eyes without my permission and a strangled sob left my throat. I was so tired. I knew with all my heart that Jasper carried no feelings for her. She was nothing more than a random fuck to him but I was so weary of everything that I couldn’t stop the pain her presence brought.
I wanted to kill her for that and if I ever made it out of this alive, I would.
“I will kill you for this,” I told her.
She started forward again, this time with murder in her eyes.
“That’s enough, Tanya,” a deep masculine voice carried from behind her; effectively stopping her in her tracks.
As much as I tried no to let it, her words stung me. I felt as if I had been slapped in the face by Jasper himself. As much was I wanted to deny her statement, I could tell she was telling the truth.
Salty tears left my eyes without my permission and a strangled sob left my throat. I was so tired. I knew with all my heart that Jasper carried no feelings for her. She was nothing more than a random fuck to him but I was so weary of everything that I couldn’t stop the pain her presence brought.
I wanted to kill her for that and if I ever made it out of this alive, I would.
“I will kill you for this,” I told her.
She started forward again, this time with murder in her eyes.
“That’s enough, Tanya,” a deep masculine voice carried from behind her; effectively stopping her in her tracks.
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| Caius Volturi |
“Do not fret, sweet Bella. I mean you no harm,” he told me with a thick Italian accent. “But you must behave for I can not make the same promise of my Master.”
Using the back of his hand he traced the curves of my face but stopped as I winced from a particularly sore spot just above my cheek. His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits and I could see the coldness in them. This was a very cruel man; one I should consciously shy from but I was curious as to what had upset him so.
“I told you she was to be unharmed,” he said with a calm detachment but I could tell on the inside he was anything but.
A guard stepped forward bowing at the waist as he explained. “It was Timmins, sire. He has been taken care of.”
The blonde man just nodded as Tanya scoffed. “Come on, who cares if she has a little bruise?” She asked as indifferently as if she were filing her nails.
The man turned his paralyzing stare on her and I could she her visibly shake under the weight of it. “You will not address me so informally, Madame and I’ll mid you only to speak when spoken to.”
“Yes, sire,” Tanya replied with a shaky breath as her sister cowered in the corner.
I was intrigued by this man and very frightened.
“Who are you?” I whispered not wanting to earn myself the same treatment.
“Forgive me, my lady.” he said taking one of my hands and laying a chaste kiss to the top. “My name is Caius Volturi.”
I jerked my hand back as if it have been burned. Caius Volturi.
That name has invoked more fear in the hearts of men than Small Pox.
“You have nothing to fear from me, Cara,” Caius promised with a debonair smile. “But your presence has been requested and I mean to have you there on time. Please forgive me for this.”
His rueful smile was the last thing I saw before a black shroud covered my face and I was carried off to another destination unknown.
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