Hellmouth’s Twilight Chapter 9 – Mute (Part 2)

Hellmouth’s Twilight

Chapter 9 – MUTE Part ll

Author note: Keep in mind that Bella is completely paralyzed, so she can only see what’s directly in front of her and NOT around her! This is merely her POV on what took place during part 1. So you will need to use part 1 as a reference or NONE of this will make sense.

Bellapov:

“How much did you give her?!”

“I gave her one mL as you said to.”

“Give her another dose. Whatever he’s doing to her gives her unpredictable strength.”

“Edward! Carlisle isn’t here to-”

Bella opened her eyes as she picked up the voices around her. She saw Edward, Alice, and Esme as they hovered over her. Bella had never been more confused than she was at this very moment. She went from having a mental battle with Angel’s soul-snatching evil twin to waking up to Alice hugging her in the alleyway while Esme injected her with something right in fucking spine. Whatever it was, it hurt like hell. Bella remembered locking eyes with Edward and how sinister he looked when he injected Angel with something as well. Only Angel was injected in the neck. Bella tried getting to Angel out of fear that Edward would flat-out kill him, but her body wouldn’t allow it. Bella went from feeling all tingly to having that feeling where your foot falls asleep. Only that feeling had spread throughout her entire body.

“You weren’t there, Alice! Bella… She isn’t herself! She stabbed me like it was nothing! It must be something he’s done or doing. How else would you explain Bella’s change in personality and a human having that sort of ability?

               Of course, it has to be something someone else is doing… Why would I ever be capable of anything other than being a klutzy human?! That’s all I ever was and will ever be in his eyes! Human. Bella thought as she backtracked on what Edward was saying. It’s the way he says it… Like he’s superior in comparison. And where are we? Bella thought as she tried turning her head but couldn’t. Her only concern was Angel, Bella tried calling out to him, but all she could do was lay there and stare at the ceiling. Wait, are we in the mausoleum?! And where is Angel?!

“I want to be alone for this next part,” She heard Edward say.

Alone? Alone for what?! Bella thought in apprehension. She didn’t care for the way Edward said that. This had her thinking back to that little incident in the hospital and how uncomfortable he made her feel when he took advantage of her weakened state. Angel?! Bella thought as she tried yet again to call to him. But her lips wouldn’t so much as twitch. All Bella could picture was the coldness in Edward’s eyes when he injected Angel. She had no idea the Cullens were capable of something so malicious. So much for a peaceful coven… And so much for the peace between us! 

“You can come back in three days once the transition has taken effect,” Edward said, then regarded Bella in thought.

               Three days? Oh, God… He’s going to turn me! But why?! That doesn’t even make sense. He was against this! Again, this had Bella thinking back to that little visit when she was in the hospital and some of the things Edward had said. He mentioned turning her then as well.

“Make it four. We’re going to need that day to ourselves.”

               Is he seriously insinuating what I think he’s insinuating? What happened to “Mr. What’s Wrong With You, Bella? You Know We Can’t Do That?!” Is that what it takes for Edward to finally want me? Me NOT wanting him? It’s the same thing with turning me. He’s all for it once he realizes I’m totally against it! It is all about control with him, isn’t it? It was and always has been about EDWARD and want HE wants. Fuck everyone else!

“And what about him?” Alice said, gathering Bella’s attention.

“I haven’t decided his fate yet. I’ll have to think about that one.”

               Angel… Goddammit! Why can’t I move? I need to see him! I need to know that he’s okay! PLEASE!

“I don’t understand why you didn’t let me kill him! After everything he’s done to Bella!”

               KILL HIM?! ALICE WAS GOING TO KILL ANGEL? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN TELLING THEM, EDWARD? ANGEL HASN’T DONE ANYTHING, ANYTHING OTHER THAN MAKE ME FEEL WHOLE AGAIN!

“You would’ve made his death too quick. He needs to suffer, Alice. And I made it perfectly clear that you and Esme were to let me handle the demon.” Edward hissed.

               Demon? He’s no demon, Edward! You are! I swear to God, if anything happens to Angel, I will kill all three of you, and I won’t even bat an eye on it! YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE!

“I just need you two to keep guard and be on the lookout for Victoria. She’s out there somewhere.” Edward said, then paused.

               She’s out there because you failed to do YOUR job! I don’t know what the hell I ever saw in you! I can’t believe you’re doing this to Angel and me! I’m starting to wish James would’ve ended your ass in the ballet studio! He could’ve! I saw it myself! He nearly snapped your neck! Bella wished he could hear her, but more than anything, she wished she could hand all three of them their asses right now.

“What is it, Esme?” Edward questioned.

“Are you sure we’re doing the right thing?”

               Esme. You tried to kill me! Do Edward and Alice know that? Do Carlisle and the others? 

Even with the betrayal and anger coursing through her, Bella had a hard time believing Esme acted of her own free will. Then again, Bella hadn’t a clue Edward was capable of all this… Maybe Bram was right. Maybe she didn’t know the Cullens like she thought she did. Maybe they were all putting on an act… Everyone but Rose, who made herself clear on how she felt about the situation. Maybe Rose was the only truly sane one out of the bunch. That wasn’t exactly fair to Jasper, but Bella didn’t know what to believe anymore. All she knew was whatever trust she had when it came to the Cullens was officially gone, as well as her love and admiration.

“Esme, I told you Bella isn’t herself. She needs our help. The demon… He’s been in her head and was there long before I came into the picture. I should’ve done something sooner. But I didn’t realize how serious it was until it was too late. But I’m going to fix this, I promise. Bella will be part of our family again.” Edward vowed, then sighed.

               YEAH, I NEED YOUR HELP, LIKE I NEED A BULLET TO THE HEAD! AND QUIT CALLING HIM THAT! 

“All this time, I was worried about damning her. Bella was begging me to turn her. Now, I know why… It was a cry for help, and I ignored it! I let that….” Edward paused, then gritted his teeth.

“I let that monster take her over, and now he’s seduced her into thinking she’s in love with him! Had I done what Bella asked of me, I could’ve saved her!” Edward ironically put.

               Jesus, Edward! Do you even hear yourself? You’re talking like you’re some sort of saint. And the only monster around here is you! 

“You still can, Edward. There is time.” Esme encouraged.

“She’s right. I know I haven’t been able to see past the demon since he’s come into physical contact. But I saw Bella in our future. She will be one of us!” Alice proudly declared.

               I will never be one of you. Turning me would be a HUGE mistake. Trust me, your little coven doesn’t want that!                 

“If only Carlisle and the others saw it that way.”

               Wait… Are the Cullens in the middle of a family feud? Bella amusingly pondered.

“Jasper will come around. You’ll see!” Alice said with that optimistic beam of hers.

Bella used to admire that side of Alice. But seeing Alice like this now only made her nauseous. How could Alice be okay with this?! How could Esme?! How could they not see the truth behind Edward and what he was doing?! How could they not see how cruel this was?!

“And Emmett?”

“That depends on Rose,” Esme uttered, and Edward let out a miserable laugh.

“And we already know how she feels about Bella.”

Yeah, just talk like I’m not even here. 

“Just give it time, Edward. The others will see once Bella’s one of us. Our family will be whole again.” Alice encouraged.

               Not if I have any say in it… Bella couldn’t help but feel enraged by the Cullens’ betrayal. It was one thing after another. As if losing her parents wasn’t enough, she was going to be turned against her will, and Edward acted as if it was the most romantic notion he’d ever come up with.

Edward nodded, then opened the mausoleum door for them.

“I’ll see you two in four days.” Edward sternly reminded.

Bella could hear the pitter-patter of what she assumed to be Alice’s feet as Edward escorted her and Esme out of the mausoleum. She wouldn’t put it past Alice to be wearing some ridiculous platform shoes if they were not full-on heels.

“It’s okay, love. It’ll all be over soon, and we can get back to our lives.”

The realization of what was about to take place hit Bella, and panic set in. Still, all she could do was lay there. Bella even tried activating her safeguard but to avail.

“Please don’t cry.”

Fuck you. Bella thought as that was all she could do.

“I know you don’t understand. I drugged you because I wanted to make this painless as possible. You are completely paralyzed and will be until the transition has been completed. You won’t be able to move or talk during this.” Edward explained, and Bella fluttered her eyes in a frenetic manner.

Bella was screaming on the inside. Screaming for help that she and Angel weren’t about to receive.          

Edward used his thumb to wipe Bella’s tears away.

DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH ME! 

“It was the only way, Bella. I need you to know that. I love you and will do anything to get you out of this immoral situation and have you back by my side where you belong.” He said before kissing her.

Love? LOVE?! This isn’t love, Edward! This is MENTAL!

Bella couldn’t feel it but knew Edward’s tongue was in her mouth. He’d NEVER kissed that passionately before. Knowing Angel was somewhere in the room and watching this sickening display made everything ten times worse. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what was going through Angel’s mind.

“I hope you’re ready to live your eternity with me. I just hope the sire bond fully takes. Something tells me you will get a little out of hand without it. You need control and discipline in your life. That much is obvious, granted your most recent decisions. Hanging out with the wolves against my wishes was one thing. I can’t believe you befriended a demon, Bella! Can’t you see how much you need me? These are the kind of decisions you make without me! You’re acting like a child! That will come to an end once we’re married.”

               What the hell does he mean by sire bond? I’m certain the Cullens never mentioned anything about a sire bond before. So it wasn’t exactly shocking for Bella to hear Edward refer to her as a child. He’d said something along those lines before when they were dating. And it wasn’t surprising for Edward to degrade Bella on whom she chose to hang out with. It was the whole “eternity” thing that got to her. If Edward succeeded, Bella would be stuck as a Slaypire or whatever the fuck Bram called it, and with the way Edward was acting, he was going to kill Angel. Meaning she truly would live a very lonely existence. If Slaypires were as dangerous as Bram said they were, she couldn’t be around Xander or Willow, and public school was absolutely out of the question. But would she even become a true Slaypire with the venom of a cold one? Bella hadn’t a clue how that worked and was terrified of finding out. But more than anything, she was scared of losing Angel.

“I will walk you through everything I’m about to do. That way, you’re fully prepared. I will start by removing what I’m assuming is the demon’s shirt. This will leave you without any clothes on. But you will not feel the cold due to the paralyzing effects of the drugs we gave you.” Edward said before tearing the shirt off her body.

“Bella…” Edward muttered like he was out of breath.

Are you fucking kidding me right now? Pencil dicked Edward is aroused?! SINCE WHEN?!

“All those times you thought I didn’t want you… You have no idea. The thoughts I had… But you were human, so I couldn’t act on them. Not without hurting you or worse. Bella, it’s like I told you, I thought about killing you constantly. More so after finally having a taste. If Carlisle hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have been able to stop. Turning you will put an end to that fear.

               So, you’re admitting that there’s no one to stop you if you decide to turn me into your personal buffet? Great! Not sure which is worse, becoming one of you or flat-out dying! 

               What are you doing? Bella thought when she spotted the top of Edward’s arm. The angle itself revealed that he was touching her and somewhere he had no right to be touching!

               Is he touching my breasts? It looks like he’s touching my breasts. COME ON! AM I SUPPOSED TO JUST LAY HERE AND SERIOUSLY TAKE THIS SHIT?

“I know we talked about your soul and how I wouldn’t damn you to that. But considering the mess you’ve gotten yourself into, it could be no worse than what you’re facing now. Can’t you see how much strength it took? I could’ve acted those fantasies out a long time ago. Easily. The way you threw yourself at me….” Edward said with a look of disgust.

               Read my fucking mind for once, Edward! Don’t you even think about doing this! Bella repeatedly warned as she hoped and prayed he’d actually hear her, come to his senses, and stop.

“You’re better than that, Bella! I could’ve had you, anyway, I wanted!” Edward lustfully growled as he took his shirt off.

I’m better than that?! I’m?! I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I. Hate. You. 

“Do you know how many times I pictured myself feeding from you while we made love?” Edward said, then let out a miserable laugh.

“Let me reword that… Feeding while fucking you. That’s what you want to hear, right? You want me to talk to you like that… Like that demon does! That’s right, I pretended not to hear what all was said during those dreams of yours, but you were extremely vocal and made it perfectly clear how you wanted it!” Edward said while positioning himself over her. “So, I’m going to give you what you want while I spread my venom.”

What I want? What I want? Bella hysterically thought. Bella’s mind flashed back to when she woke up with Jesse on top of her. Jesse was seconds away from raping her. Seconds. And now here she was, with whom she once thought was the love of her life. He swore he’d give his life to protect her. And this was someone she would’ve given her life for in return and planned to. She would’ve given up everything to be with Edward. But he turned his back on her, and now here he was. Edward Cullen was going to rape and kill her. Whether he turned her or not, he had chosen to kill her. And he did that by ignoring her every wish and going with whatever he chose to do.

“YOU SMELL LIKE HIM!” Edward possessively growled as he buried his nose into the crevice of her neck.

That’s right. Get mad. I’m dripping in the yummy demon’s semen. He taught me the entire Kama Sutra and had me riding him like there was no tomorrow! Bella knew the semen part wasn’t exactly possible, but she was too far gone to give a fuck. What she wouldn’t give for Edward to hear her thoughts right now. She wanted to scream them out, one by one, knowing it would be sheer torture.

Edward made his way down, then cruelly spread her legs apart.

“BELLA, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” Edward shouted after smelling her sex.

I finally got laid. That’s what! God, you’re so fucking pathetic!

“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU LET THAT-THAT…”

That-that-that-that… Bella mocked with an eye roll.

Bella heard what sounded like metal colliding against something, but she hadn’t a clue as to what it was. She could make out Edward’s sadistic laugh as he looked at what she assumed was Angel. Did they fucking chain him up or something?!

“Perfect timing.” Edward darkly muttered before sitting up just enough to undo his pants.

NO! NONONO! NOT IN FRONT OF HIM! 

“I want you to suffer the way you made me suffer. Night after night of hearing her call YOUR name! Now, you can watch as I release some much-needed frustration, and when I’m done, you can watch as I sire her to me. That’ll be your last image before I let the sun turn you to ash. I will erase any memory Bella ever had of you, you soul-sucking demon!”

Bella could hear Angel’s battle cry as that metal-like sound returned.

“WHO’S THE DEMON NOW, YOU RAPIST PIECE OF SHIT!” Angel thundered, and Bella shut her eyes in response to hearing his voice.

He’s alive. Angel’s alive. But is he okay? Is he hurt?!

Edward laughed.

“Bella’s been wanting this for years. You have no idea the number of times she literally begged for it!”

               God, you fucking dick.

“Again, you old charmer you! Fuck, you and Angelus would get along great, you demented bastard!”

Angelus? Who is Angelus? Bella questioned in wonder.

Just as Edward was to do the unthinkable, someone entered the mausoleum and grabbed Bella.

“It’s about time.” They said as Bella locked eyes with Angel. His horrified expression said everything she needed to know. That all too familiar copper smell hit, and Bella knew it was coming from her.

“Well, come on now. What are you waiting for? A dinner bell?”

               Victoria…

“It’s what you always wanted, isn’t it? One taste just wasn’t enough… You need more.” The cold one said before giving Bella’s neck a little lick.

“Mhm, so good.” Victoria purred.

               Angel managed to break free, but it was too late. Edward had his teeth plunged into her neck, and he and Victoria were sharing her. The startled look on Angel’s face would forever haunt her.

I’m sorry. Those were Bella’s last coherent thoughts before the venom started to spread. Edward was wrong about Bella not feeling a thing. She felt EVERYTHING! And it was ten times worse because she couldn’t move or talk.

               It burns!

               God!

               Please!

               It. Burns.

               Please.

               STOP!

“You know what’s funny about all this?” She heard Victoria say.

“She isn’t even your mate, you fool. She’s his!” Victoria taunted.

Bella was in too much pain to gather what was going on around her.

“What the bloody hell is going on here?! You realize this is my home, right?! I didn’t invite any of….”  

Billy? Bella delusionally thought as the room spun out of control. Her current state had Bella thinking that was Spike’s real name for whatever reason.

---

“Come on, baby. Drink.” Angel pleaded.

Angel… 

               What is that? Bella thought when Angel laid her down, and a cooling sensation hit her throat.

                God, that feels so good. Bella thought as the liquid running down her throat was equivalent to an ice-cold drink after being stranded in the desert, only with a small dose of ecstasy.

“SPIKE!” She heard Angel shout, but she hadn’t a clue as to why.

Bella was battling images she knew she shouldn’t be having, not at a time like this. But she couldn’t control them. All she could think about was Angel and how badly she wanted him.

“DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!” She heard Angel heatedly roar.

She thought Angel meant that toward her at first.

It wasn’t until she saw Spike hovering over her that she realized whom that was intended for.

OH, COME ON! WILL EVERYONE JUST LEAVE US ALONE ALREADY? Bella thought with Angel’s warning about Spike in mind.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Spike sarcastically muttered.

“You’re in a bit of a pickle, aren’t you, love? Naked and afraid. Only… you’re…” Spike sighed as if disappointed.

“Dying…” He stated as the pain gradually returned, and her heartbeat started to fade.

“Well, that’s a pity. I was hoping to get to know you! Such a pretty little thing.” He said while crouching down and cupping Bella’s chin.

Spike curled his lip once he realized what was taking place.

“Not so sure how I feel about that. If you’re going to be turned, you could at least become a real vampire and not some dried-up Nancy with a sparkling personality.”

               Spike lifted his head as he checked on the situation between Edward and Angel. Bella wished she could see what was going on. But all she could make out was Spike’s chin from this position.

“Angelus?” She heard Spike whisper.

               Bella got the feeling that was in reference to Angel. She just wasn’t sure why.

Spike sighed as he lifted Bella off the ground, then flung her over his shoulder.

               What are you, an idiot?! Angel’s going to kill you!

---

“That should do it!” Spike said after laying Bella down in one of the other mausoleums.

Bella was doing everything she could to keep that heart of hers ticking. That wasn’t easy, considering the amount of pain she was in, and it was only getting worse as time progressed. Bella tried not to think about the instant relief she would feel if she just gave in and died. Bella wasn’t fighting for herself. No, she was fighting for Angel, Willow, Xander, Oz, Giles, and Bram. She was fighting because they needed her. That was a foreign feeling to Bella – knowing she was needed. She had never felt needed before.

Bella ignored Spike’s frown as she went through a series of self-encouragement. But it didn’t matter what she told herself. The pain became increasingly worse, as well as the desire to give in and call it a day – permanently.

“None of that now! After all, I did save you. The least you could do is keep that heart of yours ticking. If nothing else, long enough for me to figure out what you are.” Spike murmured.

“Maybe for a little rendezvous even. You’re giving me quite the appetite, love.” He uttered while running a hand between her breasts.

               GOD DAMMIT! WHAT IS IT WITH YOU RAPEY ASSHOLES?! CAN’T YOU SEE I’M GOING THROUGH SOME SHIT RIGHT NOW?! THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS WAIT UNTIL I HAVE A FIGHTING CHANCE. THAT WAY, I CAN NEUTER YOUR SORRY ASS! 

Spike was quick to move his hand, however, when he saw a single tear drop run down her cheek.

“Bloody hell, love. You can’t even speak, can you?”

Bella closed her eyes in response, and Spike tilted his head.

“That’s perfect! I’ve always wanted a woman that can keep her gob shut for once! Not so sure how I feel about you being a literal stiff in the sack, though. But we can….” Spike stated as he was lying right beside her and with his chin propped up on his knuckled fist.

Bella fluttered her eyes, hoping to God to get his attention. She was not okay with this, and she wanted to make that clear!

“You think I’m going to rape you? Is that it?”

That’s what you’ve been hinting at, right?! Bella heatedly thought. She could feel Edward’s venom coursing through her veins as it erased what little Angel had given her. Bella felt like she was being burned alive, only from the inside out.

Bella did her best to focus on what Spike was saying. So, she blinked once again.

“Blink once for yes. Twice for now.” He said, and Bella blinked once.

“I won’t lie. I thought about it more than a handful of times. But what’s the fun in that? I rather enjoy a good challenge! I’ll just chase you to the ends of this earth until you….” Spike paused yet again.

Angel. Think of Angel. Bella told herself as the urge to give into that final rest hit yet again.

“That is incredibly rude! Would you quit trying to die?! We’re having a conversation! I can’t very well do that if you’re dead, now can I?”

Spike took his jacket off, then placed it over her nudity. He sighed in disappointment afterward.

“I was enjoying the view, you know. You’re a perky little thing. I was engrossed in those succulent pink nipples. It’s been a while since I’ve had someone of your stature.” Spike bitterly complained as he reached into his leather pants and adjusted himself.

God, please! Somebody! HELP ME! MAKE IT STOP! Bella screamed within.

“Relax, I’m not going to do anything. I even covered you up. I’m just getting to know you, love.” Spike murmured as he reached over and moved a strand of hair away from her face.

“That gaping wound of yours is making me awfully hungry,” Spike muttered, taking a good whiff, then vamped out.

“I’m afraid to even a small amount would do you in.” He said while taking his finger and dipping it into the wound.

THEN DO IT IF YOU’RE GOING TO DO IT! TAKE THE CHOICE OUT OF MY HANDS AND PUT ME OUT OF MY GODDAMN MISERY! 

               Spike licked his finger clean; then he let out a hunger-filled moan.

“What is that? There’s something about your blood. Something awfully familiar.” Spike murmured, then went on to nurse and licked the remaining blood off her neck.

“What do you say, darlin’? Tit-for-tat? I’ll give a little if you give in return?” Spike said before biting his wrist, then bringing it toward her lips.

NOOO! Bella knew damn well what would happen if she ingested Spike’s blood. And that was the last thing she wanted or needed. She wanted no part in that whatsoever.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Bella heard in a deafening voice.

Something or someone zipped past, and Spike disappeared right before her eyes.

“I WARNED YOU, DIDN’T I?” Bella heard Angel yell.

“Angelus? Is that you?” Spike grunted.

Angelus… Is that who I saw when Angel almost died? Bella thought, but another jolt of pain hit, and Bella let out another internal scream.

“He looks and sounds like daddy, but he isn’t daddy. He’s a part of daddy – a very angry daddy.”

Who the fuck… 

“Dru?” Spike called out in shock.

Bella shifted her eyes in that direction as a beautiful brunette sat beside her. Like that of Spike, she took a finger and used it to test a drop of Bella’s blood.

“Mhm, sweet like strawberries. Mummy likes that, I do.”

“Dru, she’s not a snack!” Spike scolded.

The woman made a pouty-like face, then screamed. She backed away from Bella, then regarded the Slayer with fear in her eyes.

“What is it, Dru? What did you see?” Spike questioned.

Bella focused on Angel and Angel only as he was holding her now. Bella wasn’t even sure when or how he got a hold of her, but he did. And he was the only thing keeping that dying heart of hers ticking.

---

“Come on…” Angel pleaded as they were back in his apartment.

Bella heard him but hadn’t realized he was trying to give her some of his blood.

“Bella, I know you can hear me. Please. Take my blood. You need it.”

Angel tried yet again, but Bella was having a hard time swallowing.

“DAMMIT, BELLA!” He said before shooting to his feet with Bella in his arms.

He headed for the bed, then laid her down.

“LOOK AT ME!” He shouted, and Bella’s eyes darted in that direction.

“DO YOU WANT TO DIE?!” He yelled, and Bella blinked her eyes once.

               She was too weak for anything else.

Angel narrowed his eyes.

“You understand what I’m saying, right? Blink twice for no and once for yes.”

Bella blinked once but was surprised she could even muster that. Angel let out a sigh of relief.

“You’re dying. Do you understand that?” He asked, and Bella blinked once again.

“Do you know what happens if you die with Edward’s venom in you?”

Bella blinked once again but couldn’t hold back the tears. She’d never been so scared in her entire life. Sixteen-year-old Bella would’ve been over the moon at the opportunity. But Bella wasn’t that same girl anymore. The mere idea of having a permanent connection to Edward was absolutely terrifying.

“Is that what you want? To become one of them?” Angel sympathetically asked.

Bella blinked twice, and Angel nodded.

“Then I need you to take my blood. Don’t worry about hurting me. It doesn’t hurt, and you take as much as you need.”

Angel came to his feet. When he returned, he had a wooden stake in hand. He used it to slit his throat open. Bella didn’t understand why not until he crawled on over and brought his neck over her mouth.

“Drink, and don’t even think about stopping until you have your strength back!” He ordered.

Bella could feel the blood as it oozed down her throat. All she could do was wait and hope to God it went to work before her heart gave.

“That’s right, baby. Take what you need.” She heard him murmur. Bella hadn’t realized she was nursing on his neck.

That thirst-quenching feeling returned, as well as that feeling of ecstasy. Bella would’ve never dreamed that drinking someone’s blood would have this effect on her. Especially considering the mere sight used to make her woozy and to the point of damn near fainting. But there was something about Angel’s blood. For one thing, it didn’t taste like blood. It didn’t taste like anything, really. It was the feeling it left her with. Had she not been so weak and paralyzed still… Bella would’ve been unapologetically humping Angel.

Angel lifted his head long enough to look her in the eyes.

“I should’ve said it by now… I love you. I have loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you, and I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything or anyone in my entire existence, that includes my human years.” He professed.

And that was all Bella needed to hear…

Bella allowed herself to drift off, and she hid in the one place she felt safest. Where she always felt safest…

---

“You know, you’re starting to spoil me with these little visits.” Angel huskily murmured as he held the door open for her. He hadn’t a shirt on and wore a pair of his usual black slacks.   

               Bella smiled as she entered his apartment. 

“So, breakfast or straight to the sex?” Angel said after locking the door behind him.

               Bella laughed. 

“How about sex and then breakfast?” Bella suggested.

“Hmm… There’s only one problem with that….”

“Oh?” Bella asked as he made his way over.

“You’re looking a lot like breakfast, Isabella….” 

---

“Angel! Stop! That tickles!” Bella said as she cracked another egg and separated the yolk from the shell.

“Hmmm. I don’t think I will.” He said before tickling her waist again. 

               Bella laughed and then squirmed out of his hold. She crushed one of the eggs as she did this.

“Angel!” Bella scolded as eggshells landed in the bowl she had prepared the yolk. 

“Now we’re going to have crunchy omelets!”

               Angel shrugged.

“I’ll eat whatever you cook. You know that.”

“We’re not eating that!”

“Fine. Then I’ll eat you.” He said, then lifted her up on the counter. 

               Angel was pressed against her and kissing her neck when Bella covered her face and burst into tears.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t want to go back….” Bella muttered once she felt that pull and recognition hit her like a ton of bricks. 

               Angel smiled, then placed a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I know you don’t. But this little visit has served its purpose, and you’re needed out there….”

“Angel…” Bella pleaded as she clung to him for dear life.

“Bella, it’s going to be okay. You know why?” Angel softly murmured, then cupped her chin.

               Bella shook her head no. 

“Because I’m going to be there. I will always be there, and you know that. That’s why you came to me. But this right here, as wonderful as it is… It isn’t real, but I am. And I’m out there, waiting… So, don’t keep me waiting.”

               Bella nodded in understanding.

“Now, here comes the pain.” He warned, and Bella screamed as she was yanked out of his arms, and that burning sensation returned.

“It’s okay. I’ll make it go away. You just need to trust that.” 

               Everything went black, and the pain stopped as Angel said it would. This was followed by an incredibly bright light that flashed before her eyes.  

“GRAB HER!” Bella heard in what sounded to be Bram’s voice.

Angel caught her, then brought her against his chest. He caressed her cheek afterward.

“Angel,” Bella called in bewilderment.

“Hey, baby,” Angel greeted with a tearful smile.

“Don’t ever leave me like that again,” he said but lost all composure as he sat on the bed and hugged her.

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Please remember to review, like, or comment on parts 1 and 2 of chapter 9, please. Thank you!