Disclaimer:- Stephanie Meyer owns the rights to all of the characters from Twilight. Not me!!
Please review, as I would love to know your opinion!!
BPOV
I'm on the cold, stone floor of a cave. It's so dark that I could barely see my hand in front of me but as my eyes started to become accustomed to the dark I noticed a chink of light. I scrambled to my feet and started to walk towards the light, the thought of fear never coming to me until I saw a dark shape ahead of me. I froze but it was too late, the figure had stopped its pacing and was coming towards me. Sam was inches away from me when I noticed that his face was full of menace, I was in a lot of trouble.
I screamed as I sat up in bed. Edward was beside me, putting my face in-between his stone hands and looking into my eyes.
"What's wrong Bella, was it a bad dream??" I was shaking as tears silently slid down my face. I had to keep on repeating that it was just a dream. It seemed so real; I thought I had imagined Edward coming for me. When I had calmed down enough I nodded as Edward circled his arms around me, rocking me gently
"Shhh, it's okay, it was just a dream, and you're safe" His voice was like velvet and so comforting that I relaxed into his arms, leaning my head against his cool chest. After a while I started to trace circles over his chest, relishing the feel of him under my fingers. He leaned back, pulling me with him so we were laid down again.
"You have no idea how good that feels Bella" Edward's contented growl vibrated through his chest as he kissed my hair.
"Are you ready to tell me what the dream was about?" I looked up into his face. Was it a good idea to tell him? I don't want to give him more reason to hunt Sam down. As I contemplated what to do Edward stared back at me, patiently waiting for a response. With a deep breath I answered honestly
"I dreamt I was still in the cave and that you hadn't come for me, Sam was still there. I woke up when he was advancing towards me". I shivered as I remembered the look on his face.
Edward held on to me tighter, trying to comfort me. I let out a yep as he accidentally jarred my wrist. Straight away he loosened his hold and lightly kissed my wrist.
"I'm so sorry, are you okay? I just want to be close to you so much that I sometimes get carried away." Guilt was all over his face as I tried to smooth the frown with my fingers. He responded to my touch and closed his eyes.
"I'm fine Edward. Actually I'm a bit hungry." I looked across the room where Alice had left clothes last time and was relived to see that she had left some more for me. Seeing the clothes reminded me
"Edward, what about Charlie? Does he know anything??" Why didn't I think of it before?
"You have only been gone three days, this will be the fourth. Alice asked if you could stay a week so we have another three days together."
"But has anyone phoned and explain my wrist??" God Charlie was not going to be happy when he sees it.
"Alice told him that you fell on some glass when shopping and went to the hospital in Port Angeles, don't worry it's sorted". Edward got up and received my clothes from the chair. Wow, only three days had gone by.
"Do you think you need help?" Gesturing towards the clothes in his arms.
"Could you help?" I smiled up at him. I could probably do it myself but I loved him touching me. Edward smiled back and helped me out of bed and I made sure that I brushed up against him. Unfortunately he had put some jeans on in the night but at least his chest was still bare.
Edward's hand stroked down my arms and pulled them up so they were above my head. He slowly slipped a t-shirt over my head, making sure he brushed my breast with his fingers. Thankfully Edward thought the same as me. I couldn't have worn a bra comfortably with the marks across one of them. As Edward slipped the panties and trousers up my legs there was a knock on the door. When I was fully clothed Edward yelled, "Come in Jasper". After a slight pause Jasper opened the door and walked in. He stopped just inside the door and looked at Edward questioningly.
"Yes it's fine, you can speak freely I have told her what I asked you to do". Edward placed his arm around my waist.
"I think me and Emmett have found where he is hiding. We followed his scent but after a while it got weird, he knew we would hunt him and tried to confuse the scent. At last we were able to track him back near here, behind the hospital in the woods. We didn't get to close just in case we spooked him."
"Do you think he is still there?"
"Yes, I got close enough to feel immense guilt and anger coming off him. He is still there. Emmett is watching the area now. How are you feeling Bella? You had us worried for a minute there" Jasper looked at me for the first time, a kind smile on his face.
"Better thank you." I shyly looked back at him with a tentative smile. I looked up at Edward
"Please leave him Edward, let the pack deal with him." I pleaded. I couldn't deal with anything else on my conscience.
"Bella, he is by the hospital, probably hoping that we take you there. Or that Charlie takes you there. You are not safe until he is sorted out. He is still after you and I can't have that. Carlisle has spoken to Jacob and they have agreed that we can deal with him, that if he is not compliant then we can kill him with no repercussions. Jacob will never forgive him after what he has done to you, what he could have done." I gasped and looked at the floor. I felt Edward's fingers under my chin, forcing me to look into his golden eyes.
"He is after you Bella and I can't lose you. Sam needs to be sorted out, he is dangerous." As Edward uttered the last words, something Sam said came back to me
"Besides you wouldn't want to make me angry now would you?" Sam whispered, making it sound more menacing.
The realisation hit me so strongly I leaned into Edward for support as my legs turned to jelly. Sam didn't say that he would kill me but the threat was there and I have made him very angry. Edward held onto me, keeping me upright. I was still looking into Edwards's eyes so he was able to see the fear in mine. He paused at my reaction, confusion passing over his features as he tried to figure out what caused it. After a while he decided to let it pass.
"Lets get you some food okay?" He carefully lifted me into his arms, sensing that I wouldn't be able to walk and slowly made his way to the kitchen. Jasper had already left without a sound.
All of the Cullen's minus Emmett and Rose were at the table. I guessed that Rose was with Emmett. When we walked through Esme got up and lightly kissed me on the cheek.
"I'm so relieved that you are okay" I tried to smile at her but was so consumed by guilt that I couldn't manage it. I started to feel calm as Jasper did his magic on me and after a minute was able to smile a thank you at him. Jasper nodded his head slightly in response.
"Edward put Bella down." Alice pranced up to me as Edward did what he was told and lightly hugged me. She took my hand and sat me at the table in front of some food.
"Eat" Alice commanded. As I started to eat all of their attention fell on Edward who sat next to me.
" I think we should talk to Sam first and if he isn't compliant get rid of him." Edward spoke bluntly, glancing at me when he said the word rid. I hardly reacted because the calmness Jasper was washing over me was so powerful that I was nearly asleep.
"Edward maybe I should … …"
"No Carlisle I want to be there." Edward cut him off abruptly.
"Edward be reasonable. You don't want to let Bella out of your sight, do you want to put her through any more if something happens??" Alice spoke softly but I could see that it had an effect on Edward. After a moment Edward took a deep breath
"She can come but stays in the car with Esme and you. Me, Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett will talk to Sam. That means she is close enough to me but far enough away if something does wrong."
"Maybe we should ask Bella?" Jasper spoke for the first time and released his calming hold on me. I blinked twice as the horror of what they were talking about crashed down on me. After a moment I spoke in a whisper
"I want him to be left alone; I don't want all of you to become murderers for me. I couldn't bare it if Sam hurt one of you either." I felt Edward's reassuring hand on my knee.
"We can't leave it Bella".
"Then talk to him but that's it. Please, I can't take anymore violence and fighting." I felt exhausted as I remembered what I thought about on the cliff before this happened
It would be easier if I just jumped off and save so many people from the pain I seem to inflict on them without meaning to.
How true those words seemed to be but I was too much of a coward to do anything about it. I knew I was to selfish not to take my life, as it would mean not seeing Edward again.
"Okay my love, only talking." Edward looked meaningfully at Jasper as calmness swept over me again. I had enough of Jasper tinkering with my emotions it was starting to make my head spin.
"Please Jasper don't, your starting to make me feel sick with the sudden mood changes." The calmness disappeared to be replaced with guilt and fear at what lies ahead for Sam.
"Thank you." I pushed the plate of food away from me. I couldn't eat anything else if I wanted to.
"When are we going?" I looked around the table. Everyone looked sombre, no one wanted to do this but thanks to me it was necessary.
"Wait, why don't you let me chat to him?" I couldn't believe the thought hadn't come to me sooner. Everyone's eyes darted to Edward.
"No way, he is not getting that close to you ever again." Edward slammed his fist against the table as he glared down at me. His growl was frightening. I shrunk into my seat.
"Edward chill, you're scaring her". Jasper's voice was sharp and it brought Edward back. Edward took a shaky breath
"Sorry, I just can't stand the though of him anywhere near you. " He took my hand in his and kissed it. "No Bella, I will sort it, this is not your fault". I looked at the floor and nodded. I could feel my wrist start to burn again and my claw marks were stinging. I ignored it. I deserved this pain.
"Right" Edward turned to his family "I think we should go now while we know where he is."
Everyone got up and started to get ready except Edward and me. Carlisle came by me and put some painkillers and water next to me
"Am I right in thinking the painkillers are wearing off?" His voice was kind but my eyes didn't leave the floor as I nodded and thanked him.
"Bella, you are worth it". I looked up to see Jasper staring at me. I hated it when he knew what I was feeling when I wanted to keep it locked away.
"No I'm not," I whispered but I knew he could hear me. Jasper shook his head and walked out.
As I took the painkillers everyone left so I was alone with Edward.
"I'm sorry for scaring you, I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at myself. Can you understand that you mean to much for me to even consider you being near him?" He spoke softly in his velvet voice and squeezed my hand gently.
"I know, sorry, I shouldn't have even thought it." I didn't want to fight with Edward so I just gave in. I stood up and hugged him. His body relaxed when he realised he had won.
"Everyone is waiting for us. You will be in the car with Alice and Esme." I gasped when he didn't add his own name panicking. I didn't realise that it would be painful to leave his side. "Shhh, I will be running next to the car with Carlisle and Jasper. You will never leave my sight." I relaxed into his chest and kissed his shoulder.
Jasper walked in and tossed a shirt at Edward who caught it with ease. He let me go to put it on and then led me into the garage to Emmett's jeep. My cheeks turned red when I looked at Edward's Volvo. As Edward lifted me into the jeep and started to buckle me up he brushed his fingers across my cheek and whispered into my ear.
"I wonder why you blush when looking at my car". He was trying to lighten my mood with a weak attempt at teasing. His voice was to strained and the ghost of a smile didn't reach his eyes for it to lighten my mood. He kissed me deeply, not caring that Alice and Esme had joined me in the car. When we parted I felt my heart go with him.
"I will be close" Then Edward turned and stood next to Jasper and Carlisle, waiting for the car to start.
As the car started up and backed out of the garage I leaned my head against the window. One minute I was looking at Edward the next he was gone, running out of sight in the forest. I sighed; I hope everything turns out okay. Dealing with any more violence that I caused would tip me over the edge.
"Everything will be fine Bella." Alice's voice sounded as if it came from far away. I pulled back from my thoughts to reply.
"You can't see the future when it comes to Sam so you don't know" I was in no mood for people to try to make me feel better. I wasn't worth it.
For the rest of the car journey everyone was silent so I got my wish and brooded.
The car started to slow down when it got near the hospital. I don't know why but it surprised me that the car turned right and down a trail instead of into the car park. As the car came to a stop a couple of hundred yards in, on the edge of a little clearing Esme climbed over the seat to sit in the back with me.
"Bella I am going to take the seat beats off now. Just in case there is a need for you to run. Which there won't be," Esme added the last bit when she saw my face turn slightly green. I couldn't speak, as I didn't want to vomit on Esme so I just nodded and let her undo me.
Edward appeared by my window along with Emmett, standing still like a statue looking into the clearing. Jasper and Carlisle were on the other side. There was no sign of Rose. Movement ahead caught my eye and as I looked up Sam emerged from the other side of the clearing. His eyes searched until they met mine. I mouthed I'm sorry to him and he replied me too. Edward caught Sam's side of this exchange and growled. My frightened eyes turned to Edward; his face never looked so much like a vampire as it did now.
"Edward only talk, you promised" I squeaked. I knew that he would hear me and I could see him battling with himself for control at my words. He took a deep breath and walked forward with Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper a couple of meters behind him. Sam's eyes flashed between Edward and me. I mouthed don't fight at him and thought I saw a small nod.
Sam started walking towards them; they all stopped when Edward and Sam were a couple of metres apart. I had no hope in hearing what they were saying but Sam nodded a lot and after a while stopped looking at me.
In what felt like an eternity Edward turned his back on Sam as he said something. After a pause and with lightening speed Edward turned and closed the gap between them. He drew back his hand and slashed Sam on the arm and chest. Jasper and Emmett pulled Edward off before he could do any more. Carlisle was bending over Sam, making sure he was okay but Sam shook Carlisle off, said something and walked into the forest. Before he went I could see that the cuts were deep but already healing. He was shaking from head to foot but didn't try to attack Edward.
I stared unseeingly in front of me. Why? What would possess him to attack like that? He promised. I was in shock and too deep in my thoughts to realise that everyone was by the car and that Edward had opened the door. He lifted me onto his lap so he could ride home with Esme, Alice and me. Edward didn't say anything and just held me to his chest. I didn't respond to his touch. Too much had happened because of me and my mind was shutting down, going blank because I couldn't cope with any more. After a while Edward's worried voice penetrated my mind.
"Bella? … … Bella? Can you hear me?" I couldn't respond, I was too lost in my head. His hands were on my face, stroking my cheek and trying to get me to look at him in the eyes.
The journey back to the Cullen's didn't take long and as Edward lifted me out of the car and into the house I heard him speak to Carlisle.
"Carlisle what's wrong with her?" As he said this he laid me on the sofa. Almost instantly I felt Carlisle cool hands on me, feeling my pulse and looking into my eyes.
" I think her mind has shut down, remember she has been through a lot the past couple of days and seeing you attack Sam must have pushed her over the edge."
"What can I do?" Edward had a note of pleading in his voice.
"Let her mind protect itself, she will come around when ready. Why don't you take her to bed?" Carlisle moved to one side so Edward could pick me up again. As Edward lifted me I closed my eyes and went into a deep sleep where no dreams could trouble me.
I don't know how long I had been unconscious but as I started to open my eyes everything that had happened in the last couple of days hit me so hard I gasped in pain. As I sat up clutching my chest I noticed Edward sitting on the chair near the door. He looked as if he was in pain. As my memories assaulted me I needed something to hold onto before I fell back into the black hole where everything went numb and I seemed to seize to exist.
"Edward" I gasped out, finding it hard to catch my breath. I held out my hand to him and suddenly he was enveloping me in his arms, rocking me gently. After a while my heart went back to its normal rhythm and my breathing slowed. With Edward to hang onto I was able to come away from the edge.
"It's okay, everything is over now. I'm so sorry Bella. I couldn't help myself and he was right in front of me. Will you ever forgive me for breaking my promise?"
"Was … … my fault in the … … first place. Of course I forgive you. What… … happened when you left the car? What did you say?" I could not be comforted until Edward told me the whole story.
"Well, Sam was the first one to speak. He said that he didn't know what had come over him but it wouldn't happen again. He said that he would accept any punishment that we thought necessary." Edward shifted so he could look into my eyes, examining my reaction before he continued.
"I told him that if he ever came after you again we would kill him but because of your wishes we weren't going to do anything this time."
Edward hesitated before continuing, still examining my reaction.
"As I turned away Sam asked what would of happened if you went looking for him because it was inevitable. I lost it Bella and hit out. I regretted it the moment I did it and am thankful to my brothers for stopping me" I tried to keep my face as smooth as possible
"Its fine Edward, it sounds like he provoked you. But answer me one thing, when I woke up why were you in the chair? You had such a look of pain on your face." I place my hand on his granite cheek and he turned his head so he could kiss my palm. "I thought that I had finally scared you away. I couldn't let you leave my sight but I wanted to be far enough away so you felt like you could run." His eyes spoke of an ancient sadness.
"How can I leave someone who has my heart and soul?" The relief that grew on his face was amazing, like the sun appearing after a weeklong storm.
"And you have my heart and soul." Edward kissed the top of my head. I sighed and began to think off all the things we could do with three whole days left.
Please review, as I would love to know your opinion!!