Chapter Seven

Revelations (Part Two)

Steve POV:

I saw the mix of emotions flickering across Bella's face as Director Fury told her the news of her parent's. Her hand was starting to get cold and clammy as I held it.

"Bella," I said gently. She looked at me and her eyes were shining with tears yet to fall. I gulped feeling bad for her. This was horrible news to learn.

"Oh sweetie," Natasha said as she rose from her chair to give her a reassuring hug.

"H-How?" Bella choked, "How can this be possible? This is insane!"

"Miss Swan," Director Fury continued, "We did learn who your biological father was."

Bella stiffened immediately at the information, "Who is it?"

"I am," Stark said solemnly, "I'm your biological father Kitten."

Bella looked at him in disbelief as she processed the information. No wonder he was strangely silent when Bella received the news. The amusement that shone in his eyes was replaced with concern. He was worried, rightfully so. I pondered how long he knew about this development?

"That is the reason I'm here today," He said quietly, "I just learned myself last night."

"Who is my mother?" Bella asked weakly.

"A girl that went to my college. We had a short relationship that ended abruptly," he chuckled darkly, "now I understand why."

"What do you mean Stark?" Natasha questioned.

"I never knew she was pregnant. My father…" Stark scowled in distaste, "paid her to keep it secret. She was beautiful Kitten, just like you. You look more like her. The heart shaped face, the big doe-like brown eyes, and porcelain skin. Her name was Nicole and she was so intelligent and funny. You would have loved her Kitten."

"We found files that suggested that Howard also took you to a secret lab in Upstate New York as soon as you were born. There you were kept until age two and tested on. That's when we believe that the serum entered your system."

Bella was trembling, "So your saying that my real Grandfather had me tested on like some lab rat?!"

"If it helps Kitten," Stark started, "I'm just as mad as y-."

"No!" Bella snapped rising out of her chair quickly and letting go of my hand, "This isn't right! How could h-he do this to me!"

I rose quickly to try to calm her down, but a foot away from her I was blocked by an invisible force. My eyes widened as I realized this was the shield that we theorized she could use.

"Bella," I said urgently being pushed back further from the force, "You need to breathe and calm down. You are manifesting your ability and you may hurt someone."

Bella gasped, "I didn't even realize, but I-I don't know how to stop it."

"It's okay sweetie," Natasha reassured, "Just breathe and try to calm yourself down."

Bella nodded and closed her eyes. She started breathing deeply and I could see a slight shining to something that looked elastic, but thick gather back into her body. I inched closer as it she settled and I was finally able to reach out and touch her. Before, I could her eyes rolled back and she started to collapse. I lunged and caught her before she hit the floor.

"I think this meeting is over," I said in a commanding tone as I cradled Bella.

"Yes, this was far too much information in one sitting for her," Natasha said bitingly at Director Fury, "She isn't one of your spies Fury. You should be a little more sympathetic when sharing the news with her."

Director Fury looked taken aback that his Top Agent had the nerve to reprimand him. He nodded slowly taking it into consideration, "Very well. Take her home and make sure she, um, gets some rest."

I didn't need to be told twice as I picked her up gently and headed for the door. Natasha and Stark followed me out both looking troubled about her state. We soundlessly made it back to the car outside and never said a word as I put her in the car and strapped her in.

"You think she is okay?" Stark asked breaking the silence.

"She should be fine," I said looking at her breathing evenly in the backseat, "I think she over exerted herself pushing that out combined with all the alarming news."

Stark nodded as he reached into his pocket, "When she wakes up and feels better give her this okay? She can call me and we can have lunch together or something."

I looked down at the small business card he handed me and smiled, "She would appreciate that."

LATER THAT NIGHT

Bella POV:

I groaned as I opened my eyes my head pounding like I was hung-over. I looked at the clock and was surprised that it was already four in the afternoon. That was a big time lapse from it being ten in the morning.

"What caused this God awful headache?" I wondered as I stumbled out of bed. Not so luckily, my clumsiness decided to make an appearance again as I got twisted in the sheets and promptly fell on my face.

"Ow," I whined, "Haven't done that in awhile! I was getting so used to being graceful too!"

The door slammed open to reveal a frantic looking Steve rushing in, "Are you okay!?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I reassured. Steve didn't look entirely convinced though. He suddenly lurched forward pulling me into a hug. I instantly blushed at the sudden contact.

"I was worried about you." Steve said placing a kiss on my head.

"I told you I'm fine," I murmured into his shoulder. The result was an even tighter hug.

"You didn't see how you collapsed though," Steve explained, "We were all so worried."

I nodded in understanding, "I don't remember some of it, but I felt scared, angry, and confused mostly."

"It must've triggered your power," he reasoned letting me go and helping me up. I followed him to the kitchen and open the fridge door grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. I grabbed an Advil and popped it back as I sat down at the barstools.

"Makes sense," I mumbled, "Everything seems to be triggered based on my emotions."

"That was a lot to take in yesterday. They should have been more thoughtful of that." Steve murmured, "If it weren't for Romanoff and I, you probably would of done some serious damage."

"I didn't even realize it was happening. It felt so natural." I confessed, "I-I think I've used it before without knowing too."

Steve's eyes widened, "When?"

"I think it was when James attacked me. He stopped a couple feet ahead of me and for a second I thought I saw frustration. It was confusing then, but knowing what I can do now…" I trailed off.

"So you have instinctively protected yourself from danger," Steve mused.

"It didn't last long because he finally was able to get ahold of me. That's why I wasn't so sure what happened. It made no sense to me at the time."

"Just theorizing here, but maybe that you are aware that you have this power it has grown stronger?" Steve questioned.

"Possibly," I groaned taking my head in my hands. This headache can be gone already! "I'm done talking about it right now. I'm starving right now."

In reply my stomach growled. Steve's eyebrow quirked up as he smirled, "I can hear that," He joked.

"Yeah, so I don't feel like cooking, let's go out." I said grabbing a sweater and threw on some tennis shoes. I didn't bother getting out of my sweat pants that I wore for bed.

"Let's call Mr. Stark," I paused at Steve's suggestion, "He would love to get to know you more. He left his card for you to call."

I sighed, "Fine, let's call him. We should hurry though, I don't think I can wait any longer.