{"id":926,"date":"2024-08-21T16:40:06","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T16:40:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=926"},"modified":"2024-08-21T16:40:08","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T16:40:08","slug":"chapter-08","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=926","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 08"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 08 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Bella didn\u2019t even want to stay in Rome for a few hours, but she had to because Kai needed to be well rested. They had come up with a plan to deal with the Volturi while on the plane and it was deliciously evil. Bella loved it. She was surprised that everyone was onboard with it, but, then again, it was also the best way for all of them to get into the Volturi castle partially undetected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a crazy plan and both her and Kai weren\u2019t sure if they\u2019d be successful, but mostly Bella. Kai was convinced that they were able to pull it off without something going wrong, which eased Bella\u2019s mind somewhat. Hell yeah, they were kickass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella\u2019s whole body was buzzing with excitement and it was difficult to contain, even when they were still on the plane. They all came close to snapping her neck but didn\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as they left the plane, Kol took her to do some things that tourists usually didn\u2019t do. Oh, sure, Bella loved history but Kol figured that it wasn\u2019t really something she could use right now, so he was going to have some fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They didn\u2019t go to the Trevi fountain or climb the Colosseum, no, Kol took her to pasta making class. He then took her to the Copped\u00e8 district, the<\/em> place in Rome looking like a fairy tale. And, because she wasn\u2019t tired enough and still pretty much pumped, he took her to the San Lorenzo district as well, where they looked at the beautiful graffiti which was more of an art and had some of the best food Bella had ever tasted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And alright, fine, when it was late and dark and the Colosseum was deserted, Kol took Bella there and they had sex in the middle of the ancient building. Bella thought it was \u2018wild\u2019. Kol right there and then decided that he was going to make an exhibitionist out of her. Having sex in the middle of an abandoned ancient building wasn\u2019t \u2018wild\u2019. It was tame compared to what he had in mind for future escapades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To hell with taking things slow. They\u2019d done enough of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

~o.O.o~<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMr. Mikaelson, what\u2019s so important that you couldn\u2019t send one of your vampires?\u201d Aro greeted Elijah, who had just walked into the throne room that held the Volturi Kings. \u201cYou always do that whenever one of my kind crosses a line according to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, well, that\u2019s because I\u2019m not here because of one of your kind\u2019s indiscretions. Or perhaps I am,\u201d Elijah said as he took the contract out of his jacket pocket. \u201cI found this on a girl in Forks, Washington.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh.\u201d Aro looked like he was a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, indeed,\u201d Elijah replied, an amused smile on his face. \u201cHave you gone soft, Aro? Isn\u2019t it one of your rules that states that humans are to be turned or killed upon learning your secret?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTell me, Elijah,\u201d Aro said as he approached him. \u201cWhy does this interest you so?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t,\u201d Elijah replied. \u201cI was merely wondering if you\u2019d fallen off your faith. If this girl is so important to you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMiss Swan is none of your concern and you will not harm her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elijah sucked in a breath. \u201cShe is special, isn\u2019t she? Her mind is a fortress, I\u2019m certain you wish for her to join your guard. That\u2019s why you gave her a contract, in the hopes that she\u2019d break it. Tell me, did you punish the Cold Ones responsible for her torment?\u201d Elijah huffed when he saw the look on Aro\u2019s face. \u201cOf course not. They\u2019re special and you still hold out hope that they will join your guard. Oh, don\u2019t look so surprised, Aro, my brother is fascinated by gifted individuals as well, I know the look.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf either yourself or Niklaus—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s not us you have to worry about,\u201d Elijah said amused as he watched the guard come in to protect their masters, just as Bella had predicted. \u201cBut honestly, Aro, I come in peace and you want to threaten me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, the jig\u2019s up,\u201d Kol said as Kai let go of him. The shocked look on the Cold One\u2019s faces was hilarious. You don\u2019t get to see an entire family appear out of nowhere all the time. Yes. Kai was family. He had no idea where Bella was, but she was likely doing something on her own to get the greatest satisfaction. \u201cI\u2019ve touched Miss Swan,\u201d he replied as he watched Kai take apart one of the guards with a spell, Jane, was it? \u201cSeveral times, actually. Last night was amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aro seemingly ignored the demise of his Jane. \u201cYou brought her to us? Where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve come to tell you that you can shove that contract up your collective asses,\u201d Kai said as he shot another spell at one of the guards and made him crumble apart. \u201cBella, come on, we came here to do some killing, when will you let us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella giggled as she appeared in front of Marcus, full vamp face. \u201cHi,\u201d she used her magic to obtain her contract from Elijah and started to rip it apart in front of him. \u201cAs you can see, I\u2019m clearly no longer human,\u201d she then ripped Marcus\u2019 head straight off and kicked it to the other end of the room before she pounced on Caius. \u201cDid you know that I killed a newborn army and<\/em> Victoria? It was an accident, though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDarling, you look as if you\u2019re going to give him a dance,\u201d Kol said, appearing next to her. \u201cBehave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFuck that, I\u2019m not going to have her kill everyone again,\u201d Myriam said as she pulled Klaus along with her and started to take apart the nearest Cold One. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCareful, love,\u201d Klaus reminded her as he ripped off the arms of the nearest Cold One that Myriam was taking apart. \u201cTheir venom hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know!\u201d Myriam laughed maniacally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon enough, the throne room was covered in limbs and venom. Bella had made the mistake of picking a physical fight with Felix and she was slightly dented, if it weren\u2019t for Kai using his magic on Felix she\u2019d have ended up even more dented, but she didn\u2019t feel it. No, she was elated. More Cold Ones poured into the room, Bella slipped out, looking for more Cold Ones in the castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both she and Kai could easily take on the Cold Ones without a fight, but she knew that everyone wanted to get a punch in, and bored with holding back, perhaps slightly horrified by her own murderous thoughts, she went exploring. Maybe the Cold Ones had a human somewhere she could feed on to stop her cheek from itching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She just wanted to kill. And that was a terrifying thought. She also felt slightly disturbed by the fact that she was\u2026 horny? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she found her way to the dungeons, she could hear others there, but they didn\u2019t smell human. They were Cold Ones, locked up for some reason or another. Not all Cold Ones were evil. Bella knew this. Or at least hoped that they wouldn\u2019t be. And for the Volturi to lock up some Cold Ones in their own dungeon likely meant that these people had done some horrific things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, knowing the deceitful nature of the Kings, these people tried to do good and broke a few laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But still, it smelled down here and she was pretty sure she heard some rats walking around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that by now you\u2019ve heard the massacre upstairs,\u201d Bella called out with confidence as she walked down the hall. \u201cTell me your crimes and maybe I\u2019ll let you live.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella\u2019s head snapped to the right and peered into the holding cell from a distance, anger bubbling underneath her skin. And fear. She had not expected him to be here. And she wasn\u2019t sure if it was safe to linger. Taking a few steps back until she felt the wall against her back, she kept her eyes on the Cold One in the prison, he was not going to influence her, not if she could help it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She wasn\u2019t ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella used her vampire speed to find her way back to Kol and let out a deep breath. Safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol pushed the Cold One towards Myriam before turning around and putting his arms around Bella in the midst of all the fighting. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, darling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not ready,\u201d she held him tightly and breathed in his scent to try and calm herself down. \u201cI found their dungeons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAny humans to feed on to heal your beautiful face?\u201d He lifted her chin with his finger to make her look up to him, and he saw fear in her eyes, worrying him. \u201cWho\u2019s down there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJasper.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJasper? That guy who can influence emotions?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol laughed then and kissed the top of her head. \u201cHe\u2019s no match for you, why are you afraid? You can take your revenge on him today!\u201d When he saw the fear make way for confusion, he grinned and took her hand. \u201cLead the way. Honestly, aside from Nik, you\u2019re the most powerful being in this castle at this very moment and you\u2019re afraid of one Cold One?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She blinked as she let his words hit home. \u201cWell, obviously I\u2019m stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNah, you\u2019re not,\u201d Kol smiled at her. \u201cYou just allowed fear to make you forget that you\u2019re no longer a weak little human. But hey, at least you didn\u2019t travel back in time to find me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She narrowed her eyes on him. \u201cI could if you want me to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI came running to you instead,\u201d Bella poked him in the ribs as she led him down to the dungeons. \u201cLess effort.\u201d When they reached the bottom of the stairs, she pointed towards the cell that held Jasper Whitlock. \u201cHe\u2019s in there. And while I really want to hurt him, kill him, I\u2019m also wondering why he\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen ask him, darling,\u201d Kol winked at her as he let go of her. \u201cI\u2019ll be right here. You don\u2019t need me to be by your side.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut what if I want you to be?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got this. This is your party. You\u2019re in control. You\u2019re stronger than him now,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cAnd once you\u2019re done here, you and I are going out to have a snack and compel some humans to clean up the mess we\u2019ve made in this castle,\u201d he brushed her lips with his. \u201cYou\u2019re in control.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKol.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d rather go in and rip his head off, but this isn\u2019t my story, it\u2019s yours. If you want to have a chat with him, go and have a chat with him. Besides, this might be the only chance you\u2019ll have to talk with one of your tormentors as you\u2019ll likely see red when we find Sparkling Eddie and might not be able to control yourself. I know that I won\u2019t be able to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She softly kissed him. \u201cThank you,\u201d she replied before walking back over to the cell that held Jasper, using her magic to kill the rest of the Cold Ones in the area as not to leave any witnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBabe! I wanted to kill them!\u201d Kol laughed as he saw the dust come out of the prison cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella looked at the prison cell which was built to keep a Cold One in, there was no way that she could open it with her own vampire strength, but she could likely with her magic. But she didn\u2019t want to. Because Jasper was still dangerous. \u201cWhat are you doing here? Shouldn\u2019t you be with the rest of your coven, living in Alaska until I cross the line or decide I want Edward back?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI turned myself in for the hand I had in your experience with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella was surprised to hear that, and she couldn\u2019t hide her surprise either but she didn\u2019t know what to say. Jasper looked like he could do with a good shower, his blonde hair a good brush. He looked semi-decent, he was likely feeding off of the rats in the dungeon. The anger in his eyes was still there, but it seemed as if he was more angry with himself now. \u201cWhat? You left Alice?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was strange to see him covered in so many scars. They hadn\u2019t been that visible to the human eye, but now that she had better vision, he was simply covered in them. It only drove home more that he was dangerous. It was a good thing she hadn\u2019t opened the cell, while Bella had her magic, she was likely not fast enough to stop him from killing her. It was best not to give him any opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A small smile appeared on Jasper\u2019s lips then. \u201cI told you, I didn\u2019t have quite the same upbringing as my adopted siblings,\u201d he replied, a slight drawl in his voice. \u201cI joined my Alice with her family because I loved her, I still do, and for awhile it was good. Perfect. Until you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou actively participated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause I was afraid to lose Alice, which inevitably happened as my conscience made that happen. I turned myself over to the Volturi after we left Forks, I\u2019ve been here ever since. Aro doesn\u2019t even want me as a part of the guard. Not until they got you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either he wasn\u2019t trying to influence her, or he wasn\u2019t able to anymore. \u201cAro\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI gathered with all the noise upstairs. Who killed him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI did,\u201d she replied. \u201cThings have happened.\u201d Bella wasn\u2019t surprised that Jasper wasn\u2019t even apologizing. Or not in the right words. \u201cAnd you\u2019re an idiot for turning yourself in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Jasper replied with a small shrug. \u201cYou didn\u2019t deserve the treatment we gave you. We should have lived by the rules set by the Volturi, we should have killed you or turned you. Not try to make you absolutely perfect for Edward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Bella knew it, Kol was reaching through the bars and pulled Jasper against them. \u201cShe is<\/em> absolutely perfect,\u201d he said venom dripping from his voice. \u201cYou lot are nothing but vermin, a blight upon this earth. You are lucky that I\u2019m trusting Bella to do the right thing for you or I\u2019d have killed you myself!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI suppose that\u2019s a fair punishment,\u201d Jasper said evenly. \u201cAro kept me here, unsure of my loyalty or my willingness to join the Guard to pay for my sins.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have a better idea,\u201d Bella said as she put her hand on Kol\u2019s arm. \u201cI think. Let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol snapped his head to her before letting go of Jasper, relenting. He wanted to help her get rid of her nightmares so she wouldn\u2019t have to, but she was determined to do it herself now. And her ideas were wicked, she was the one who came up with the idea of going in invisible aside from Elijah. \u201cWhat is it, darling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan you compel his kind?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good point. \u201cI can\u2019t, but perhaps Nik can, seeing as he\u2019s the Original Hybrid, and more powerful than any of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled widely then before running upstairs and pulling Klaus along with her to the dungeons. \u201cCan you compel Cold Ones?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Klaus looked at his brother and his girlfriend with some confusion on his face before he looked at the Cold One, Jasper<\/em>. Oh, he knew who he was. \u201cMajor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKlaus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know him?\u201d Kol said surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve met a few times before he joined the Cullens,\u201d Klaus sighed. \u201cAnd I have no idea if I can compel a Cold One, but I\u2019d like to try, what\u2019s going on in that pretty little mind of yours, Bella?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d like him to rejoin the Cullens in Alaska, inform them what went on here and that he wants to be safe. He won\u2019t tell them that we\u2019re coming for them, but when we do come for them, he\u2019ll kill his wife.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd then what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella thought for a moment. There was no doubt in her mind that apart from the Denali\u2019s, they had other Cold Ones gathered around them in Alaska for protection or company. \u201cHe\u2019ll then fight on our side and we\u2019ll see after the fight what we\u2019ll do with him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI say kill,\u201d Kol nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Bella replied as she looked at him. \u201cBut Jasper never lied to me, he was always honest. Apart from the whole emotion control thing. He might come out as a good man after all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol wasn\u2019t too happy about this idea. But Bella had a good heart, and she knew the Cullens and their family better than any one of them. \u201cWe\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Klaus compelled Jasper to go along on his merry way, they went back upstairs to the throne room where everyone had stopped fighting and according to Kai there was no Cold One left in the castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cSo, can Kai and I set the place on fire?\u201d Bella asked as she used Aro\u2019s head as a football and kicked him to the other side of the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Elijah said shocked. \u201cHave you lost your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella looked at Kol and Kai, who both shrugged before she nodded. \u201cYep! But tell me why.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to salvage their ancient books and items,\u201d Elijah remarked dryly. \u201cYou can use your magic to get all the bits and pieces outside of the castle and set them on fire outside, but do not ruin this castle just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella pouted then. \u201cOr Kai and I could use our magic to get the books out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol let out a snort and put his arm around her shoulders. He would have said the exact same thing, although he also had to agree with Elijah. The Volturi could have some priceless knick knacks for their own collection. \u201cHow about you and I are going to find us some humans to eat and to compel to clean up our mess? Then, once they\u2019re all outside, we\u2019ll make a bonfire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot you, Mr. Parker,\u201d Elijah quickly grabbed his sleeve. \u201cYou may be more useful with us inside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrust me,\u201d Rebekah purred as she put an arm around Kai and started to follow her big brother. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be around Kol and Bella right now, nor around Myriam and Niklaus. Besides, we couldn\u2019t possibly know if an item holds magic and if it will hurt us, and you can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Klaus, Rebekah and Myriam went back to America while Elijah and Kai remained in Volterra to sort through the Volturi King\u2019s library and artifacts and Bella and Kol went to Egypt. Kai didn\u2019t care as long as Elijah allowed him some fun too. Granted, he wanted to stay with Bella and Kol, but it was all about divide and conquer, wasn\u2019t it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella wanted to be sure that the Egyptians couldn\u2019t step up and grab power. They were really hard to find though and it took Bella and Kol two weeks to find them, but only two minutes for Bella to end them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol happily tagged along, feeling a bit useless as he did, because Bella did all the work. She shouldn\u2019t do all the work by herself. And it also made him wonder what she\u2019d do when the Cullens were dead. When she had her revenge and could live her life freely. What would she do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He knew what he wanted. He wanted to take her all over the world and enjoy themselves. The occasional killing spree here and there, but just enjoy the beauty of the world. Hang out with witches, have her learn from other people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol wanted Bella to be completely his. Not distracted by her past, or having to take care of her father. He wanted her carefree and by his side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that couldn\u2019t happen until all her demons were gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Egypt, they went back to Forks for a week, Bella wanted to spend some time with her father and show the awesome pictures they\u2019d taken\u2026 without showing the pictures of their Cold One massacres of course. Kol stayed clear of Charlie Swan while Bella was home and instead ran some errands – such as picking up their diplomas. For Bella it was something special, and he was going to frame it for her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, he was glad that Chief Swan didn\u2019t know that his daughter was dating. Or that he was a vampire. Or that his daughter was a heretic. Bella had already texted him pictures of strands of garlic hanging in the house because it was claimed by the people on the rez that it kept out bad spirits. That gave Kol a proper giggle. Those people didn\u2019t know anything about vampires, only Cold Ones and even then, their information was scarce. They were dumb as bricks. It was hilarious. People were such playthings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On their third or fourth day back, Kol was thoroughly enjoying his new music setup and his gaming setup, kicking ass on Call of Duty, when all of a sudden he heard Myriam yell for him. Choosing to ignore her, he kept on playing before the power went off. \u201cNik!\u201d He stormed out of his room to find the circuit breaker and when he did, Myriam was next to it, with a devious smile on his face. \u201cI wasn\u2019t making that much noise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, but you didn\u2019t come downstairs when I called for you, either,\u201d she said as she flipped the switch back on and dragged Kol with her. \u201cYou\u2019ve been home for 3 days and already in trouble with the law?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo?\u201d Myriam echoed before opening the front door, revealing Charlie Swan standing on the doorstep. \u201cIf you\u2019re not in trouble, Kol, then please do explain why Sheriff Swan is here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay so Kol was a big, scary vampire, the one his brothers tend to use as an attack dog – and Kol let them – but Charlie Swan could make any tough guy shiver in their boots. Especially when that guy was dating their daughter without informing him. \u201cI did pay that traffic fine, sheriff,\u201d he eventually said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Charlie replied. \u201cI\u2019m here to invite you to dinner, seeing as you\u2019ve been spending so much time with my Bells. Tonight at seven. Don\u2019t be late.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut I can\u2019t, sir. I have plans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie sighed. \u201cEither you come to dinner tonight or I\u2019ll arrest you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s abuse of power!\u201d Kol sputtered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie shrugged. \u201cSeven. Bella will be cooking.\u201d With that, Charlie turned around, walked off the steps and went back to his car and Kol just looked at Bella\u2019s father with a shocked look on his face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, young love,\u201d Myriam laughed as she slapped Kol on the shoulder and closed the door for him as she pulled him back. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you just compel him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella would kill me,\u201d Kol groaned as he ran a hand over his face. \u201cI don\u2019t do in-laws, Myriam. If I date someone it\u2019s just me and her. Not everything around it. Like parents!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd her friends, too,\u201d Myriam laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHer annoying friends! Did you know, that not once they messaged her while we were gone? That she was always the one to message them first? Sure, they might be busy, but still. I don\u2019t do stuff like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myriam merely smirked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re being domesticated. I love it,\u201d she replied with a shrug. \u201cYou may want to get cleaned up before you go over tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol grumbled as he headed back to his room, turned on his music again and continued to play his game after texting Bella. WTF?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Couldn\u2019t stop him, he saw too many pictures with you in it. I refused to invite you over as I know you don\u2019t like stuff like this. Charlie\u2019s going to interrogate you about me and your intentions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh great. Just great. I should have just allowed him to arrest me!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relax. You\u2019ll be alright.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. I will. Because I will compel him and you can\u2019t stop me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol didn\u2019t like the silence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fine<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, it wasn\u2019t fine. He was fucked. I\u2019m sorry<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, it\u2019s fine, but if you\u2019d just give him a chance. He\u2019s concerned for his only daughter and worried. I didn\u2019t tell him that we were together, though. Just friends who like to hang out with each other.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe he wasn\u2019t fucked. He just didn\u2019t do parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

~o.O.o~<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella felt nervous. Not for herself, but for Kol. Kol likely didn\u2019t have to deal with fathers in the past, other than his own, and Charlie wasn\u2019t just any father. He was Charlie. And the Chief of Police. It had been different with Edward, it had been brief, and she was the one telling her father that Edward wanted to meet him, officially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And a gun was involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But for Charlie to invite Kol over like that? Yeah, that was scary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad,\u201d she said as she looked at him from her spot in the kitchen. \u201cCould you be nice to him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy? Because he\u2019s important to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t that what you said when that Cullen boy wanted to introduce himself to me as your boyfriend?\u201d Charlie countered. \u201cAm I going to be nice? Sure. Will he have it easy? No. Even though you\u2019re old enough to make your own decisions and don\u2019t have to listen to your old man, you are going to listen to your old man,\u201d he added. \u201cI will not allow a boy to hurt you the way that the Cullen boy did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not like Edward at all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s from a big, well-established family, living in the same house, driving ridiculously expensive cars – although I believe he did get a suitable car last winter – and there are many parallels between him and the other boy,\u201d Charlie berated her. \u201cAnd, he took you on trips.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She let out a snort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMultiple times in the last few months,\u201d he took a sip of his beer. \u201cSo, you\u2019re going to allow me to be a hardass to make sure that I\u2019m satisfied that my little girl will not be hurt anymore, got it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGot it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie walked over to the kitchen and pulled Bella into a hug. \u201cI rarely get to see you these days. All those school trips before your graduation\u2026 I just don\u2019t want him to manipulate you the way Edward did. Like him telling you you needed to leave me after your baseball outing\u2026 that still hurts even if he returned you later. With a broken foot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love you too, dad,\u201d Bella smiled at him. Yes, if anything would go wrong, they\u2019d compel him, but she didn\u2019t want that. She wanted her dad and Kol to get along the normal way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo be honest, I thought you\u2019d have a thing for Kai but yeah, that surprised me,\u201d Charlie deadpanned as he went back to his beer. \u201cHe\u2019s a good kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKai?\u201d Bella laughed. \u201cDad, please. He\u2019s so not my type. We\u2019re having fun, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUhuh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shook her head as she could hear Kol park his car outside. \u201cPlay nice, it\u2019s been a while since he had to deal with a parent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She then wiped her hands on a towel and opened the door for Kol, he was slightly fidgety but he carried a six pack of beer for Charlie and a box of chocolate for Bella and he just looked so out of place and adorable, she couldn\u2019t help but laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Kol whined. \u201cI made an effort!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou look cute,\u201d she grinned and kissed his cheek before letting him inside. \u201cDad, Kol\u2019s here. Dinner\u2019s ready in 15 minutes,\u201d she said as she lead Kol to the table where her dad was sitting before she took the beer from Kol to put it in the fridge. \u201cPlay nice you two.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m always nice,\u201d Charlie huffed. \u201cNice to see you again, Kol.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou too, Chief Swan,\u201d Kol said as he sat down and put the beer down in front of Charlie. \u201cMy apologies that we were gone so often for extra credits for school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie eyed him for a moment. \u201cIt was a little strange, I have to admit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMyriam arranged it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUhuh,\u201d Charlie nodded. \u201cWell, at least you two graduated. What\u2019s next? What college have you been accepted into?\u201d Charlie nodded towards Bella in the kitchen. \u201cShe was late sending in her stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs was I,\u201d Kol grinned. \u201cI\u2019m not certain what\u2019s next. Perhaps travel the world for a year, learn new things that way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith my daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf she wants to, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie took a sip of his beer. \u201cAnd how are you two going to afford all of that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol smiled then, slightly embarrassed. Bella was surprised by his acting. \u201cI do believe that it\u2019s no secret that my family has money, Chief Swan. My brothers are more than happy to fund our trips, making sure that your daughter is very well taken care of. They\u2019re even happy to put us up in safe, secure hotels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be a lot of money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot really, at least not for my family. It\u2019s slightly embarrassing, you know. But they believe that I deserve it and if Bella wants to come along, everything will be paid for as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeperate rooms?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol nervously ran a hand through his hair. \u201cChief Swan, your daughter and I are dating, while I promise to be nothing but honorable towards her, are you really going to insist on seperate rooms? We\u2019re both 18.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella glared over to Charlie as she was finishing up on dinner. She could almost see the cogs spin inside his mind. \u201cAs long as you guys do things safely,\u201d Charlie eventually said, surprising Bella as she brought one of the dishes to the table. \u201cI\u2019m not old enough to be a grandfather yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol let out a snort. \u201cThere are no plans for that, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If only Charlie knew. Bella kissed her dad on the cheek before returning to the kitchen to get the rest of the food. \u201cNo, dad, we\u2019re still too young for that. Give us some credit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie hummed. \u201cWhere do you see yourself in five years, Kol?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, hopefully your daughter won\u2019t have gotten bored of me by then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Bella said defensively. \u201cI\u2019d never!\u201d She set the plates down and made sure everything was off in the kitchen and on the table before sitting down next to Kol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019d preferably live somewhere away from my family,\u201d Kol added as he thought for a moment. \u201cAnd be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about a job? College?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat too,\u201d Kol pointed out quickly, knowing that humans liked that sort of thing. \u201cPerhaps become a teacher.\u201d Something low-risk would appease Bella\u2019s father, right? \u201cIn any case, there\u2019s plenty of time to figure it out. I\u2019m still young.\u201d Ha. If only. \u201cMy family lives to enjoy every single day there is with people you love to spend time with, because life is short enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201d Charlie hummed. \u201cWill you ever get in Bella\u2019s way if she decides she wants more?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMore?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf she\u2019s tired of traveling around with you or if she chooses to go to a college that\u2019s not the one you want to go to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course? What kind of question is that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlate up, don\u2019t want the food to get cold,\u201d Bella muttered as she got up to pour her and Kol a drink before returning to the table. \u201cThis is very embarrassing, dad. Kol\u2019s nothing but good to me. Treats me like a princess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie eyed his daughter before relenting with a sigh. \u201cVery well,\u201d he replied as he looked at Kol. \u201cI did a background check on you,\u201d he deadpanned, causing Kol to spit out his drink. \u201cAnd up until recently, there\u2019s no trace of you and your siblings. I found some newspaper articles dating as far back as the 1800s in New Orleans about your ancestors, but it appears that you never existed. What are you hiding?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol didn\u2019t pale and didn\u2019t hesitate with his reply. \u201cNothing, because you\u2019re right. Our family lived off grid, akin to nomads, very anti-government of any country and didn\u2019t bother to register or get a social ID.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen how did your family earn your money?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. \u201cWe had someone in place for us, their entire family, actually. I\u2019m sure that if you\u2019d look up Richard Smith you\u2019d get a lot of information.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the most common name there is!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol shrugged. \u201cI understand that you may be a bit wary about the lack of history my family has, but I assure you, we all have identification, social security numbers and whatnot. We wanted to belong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella saw the look on her father\u2019s face. \u201cYeah, maybe that\u2019s too much of a conspiracy theorist kind of thing and he won\u2019t like that, at all,\u201d she said as she looked at Kol. \u201cJust compel him. He asked all the questions he wanted and he was satisfied by your answers, and make him forget what you just said.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He smiled knowingly then before compelling Charlie. Charlie was satisfied with all the answers Kol had given him, they had a great chat, and were now going to eat dinner while Charlie accepted Kol as Bella\u2019s boyfriend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie\u2019s face stiffened, his eyebrows furrowed. \u201cGet the hell out of my house,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to believe Joshua Parker, give you the benefit of the doubt, but get the hell out and stay away from my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella felt the color drain from her face as she looked at Kol who had a flabbergasted look on his face before looking back at her father. \u201cDad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUsed to be the stuff of legends, vampires. Then Joshua Parker called me,\u201d Charlie said as he rose from his chair and headed to his weapon\u2019s locker. \u201cSaying that my daughter came for guidance because she\u2019s a witch, and that she had her vampire boyfriend with her. Told me all about vampires, he did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad, Joshua Parker was an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s exactly what I told him when he said that you were an abomination, Bella, you\u2019d never hurt anyone, but him? He lives on blood and violence,\u201d Charlie turned around with his crossbow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh please,\u201d Kol scoffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella got on her feet. \u201cDad, don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI won\u2019t, unless he leaves this house. Right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Bella said as she walked to her father and pulled the crossbow out of his hands without even as a struggle, but Charlie didn\u2019t seem to notice. \u201cHave you lost your mind? Why listen to some random stranger and not me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause you told me that you went to Portland for a school trip, Bella, you lied to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m an adult, and more importantly, I wanted to shield you from this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella, I\u2019m your father and it\u2019s my job to protect you from everything. Even vampires,\u201d he replied angrily. \u201cWhat else is there? Unicorns? Werewolves?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood job, where were you when she was in deep with the Cullens?\u201d Kol muttered as he uncomfortably shifted on his feet. Bella thought the world of her father, and to see him like this hurt, mostly because it hurt Bella. He didn\u2019t care, although some acceptance would have been nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad, whatever Joshua Parker has told you, not all vampires are bad, just like not all humans are criminals,\u201d she said calmly as she placed the crossbow on the table. \u201cYou see, Joshua Parker was the monster. He didn\u2019t care about his children, only about his coven and power. He was afraid of me, and he hurt me when I met him. I had to defend myself. And he killed me. If it wasn\u2019t for Kol, I wouldn\u2019t be here right now, talking to you,\u201d she added before seeing the look on his face. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry, dad, but you can\u2019t remember all of this if we want to continue to have a normal family relationship, so while we can\u2019t use our vampire gifts to make you forget, I\u2019m going to have to do that by magic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDarling, magic won\u2019t stick. He\u2019ll likely remember some eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d Bella said sadly as she knocked Charlie out with her magic and caught him before he fell on the floor. She dragged him over to the couch and made sure he was comfortable. \u201cBut hopefully he\u2019ll stop taking vervain and then we can make it stick. We can check in a few months or so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can bleed him out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKol!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m just saying,\u201d he shrugged. \u201cBut very well, do it your way. I\u2019m sorry for this, Bella.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not going to tell Kai about this, either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo one will know what happened,\u201d Kol agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella sighed as she sat down on the coffee table and looked at her dad. \u201cKol, could you grab my clothes and stuff from my room? It seems like I\u2019ll be coming home with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Kol was happy to do what she asked him to do, especially because she was coming home with him, it was a sad occasion. Making Charlie forget was for his own protection, although he wouldn\u2019t have anything to fear from them. This was the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he was done, Bella was stuffing the crossbow into another bag and had cleaned up. \u201cI made him forget that Joshua called him and everything that he has learned since, especially the research into your family. I planted a nice memory in his mind that we had dinner and that he was confident that you\u2019d keep me safe and that he doesn\u2019t have to worry about me while we travel around the world on a budget to see how far we can go, a year long of adventure before starting college. I made him think he agreed to it wholeheartedly because traveling on your own builds character.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd then in a while, we\u2019ll come back to make the story stick permanently if it comes back, I\u2019m pretty sure I know what I\u2019m doing as it never triggered you after I wiped your memories of me in Denver.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because I didn\u2019t have anything around me to remind me of you, darling,\u201d Kol kissed the top of her head. \u201cYour father is your father. The only way to make it stick is to make him forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to do that to him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOr to yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella let out a breath and nodded. \u201cYeah. He doesn\u2019t deserve that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. Let\u2019s go before he wakes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

~o.O.o~<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That night, Bella wondered many scenarios to see if she could travel back in time to avoid Charlie being called by Joshua Parker and exposing the supernatural world to him. If she\u2019d go back in time a bit earlier to the point that she met him, and killed him, the whole coven would be dead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She wasn\u2019t sure if that would affect Kai as well, but it was likely that the prison world he was in would collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If she\u2019d go back even further, and kill Joshua Parker, she\u2019d kill Kai for sure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If she\u2019d go back to after her visit, she\u2019d run into the same problem. So it was unavoidable that the asshat would call Charlie and that sucked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She could go even further back and just make sure that Joshua was never born, but that also included not having Kai, and while she wanted to fix her father, she wasn\u2019t sure if she was willing to sacrifice Kai for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was frustrating to be able to do something and not change a thing because it wouldn\u2019t matter. It was either, or. Kai was family too and should Charlie ever find out about the past or what could have been future with Kai, then Charlie would be disappointed in Bella. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go to Alaska tonight,\u201d Kol suggested as he took a sip of his bourbon. He\u2019d seen Bella retreat into her thoughts all evening and it sucked. She needed a jolt. A distraction. \u201cWe\u2019ll have a great snack on the way and we\u2019ll have some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about Klaus and Myriam?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol shrugged \u201cThey wanted to come along to the Volturi because the Volturi are big players. The Cullens and their family, are not. You and I are strong and powerful enough to wipe the floor with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella hummed and nodded. \u201cAlright, let\u2019s go to Alaska.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

They drove to Vancouver to catch the ferry to Alaska, while Kol wouldn\u2019t have minded breaking many speeding laws on the 45 hour car drive in a super fast car, but Bella wanted to be in Alaska, fast. Maybe they\u2019d drive back or continue traveling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ferry took about eight hours, and to entertain themselves, Kol had Bella play with compelling the humans aboard the ferry and they discreetly snacked on just about everyone. Kol hadn\u2019t been afraid that Bella couldn\u2019t handle all the blood, she wasn\u2019t prone to addiction like Myriam was. Or like Rippers were. And without anyone supervising them, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There was no need to hide and there was no need for moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol knew that Bella was hurting, and he kept her distracted in more ways than one. After not having slept on the way to the ferry, he booked a hotel room – which was nothing fancy but it had a bed – and there was a simple restaurant. He didn\u2019t like Alaska much, he supposed that nobody did, apart from the inhabitants and if you needed to hide from someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold Ones didn\u2019t feel cold, they were<\/em> cold. And Kol wanted comfort, so they found a house they liked to stay in, found one of the owners outside by their truck, compelled them to let two strangers inside the house before compelling them all to go and stay at the hotel that he\u2019d booked for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past, he\u2019d just had killed them all. However, there were several reasons why he didn\u2019t do it now. He didn\u2019t want to attract attention to his and Bella\u2019s presence, and Bella wouldn\u2019t appreciate the bloodbath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, Bella shot Jasper a message, demanding him to tell her the current location of the Cullens and much to Kol\u2019s surprise, he actually sent it. \u201cI\u2019m so stupid,\u201d Bella muttered as she pocketed her phone. \u201cI\u2019m such an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoubtful, darling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, we know that the Cullens are hanging out with their cousins, the Denali, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an actual fucking place here in Alaska, it\u2019s a National Park and Preserve and the highest mountain range of North-America.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol stifled a grin. \u201cThat could have happened to anyone, darling. It doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re an idiot.\u201d How he managed to say that with a straight face was beyond him, he just started laughing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella was unamused. \u201cIt\u2019s about 2 hours away by car.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can be there in less when running,\u201d Kol offered, knowing how badly Bella wanted to have this over with. Complete and utter freedom was close, and she could taste it. And he could sympathise with her, he had felt the same way, many times over. \u201cMight be a good way to calm yourself before you end up hurting yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shoved her hands in her pockets as she entertained the idea of running or traveling by car. \u201cI think the car is a better option, I really need to calm down so I\u2019ll be level headed when I kill them. I don\u2019t want to get hurt. I only want them to hurt, and I want to do it without magic, that\u2019d be too easy for them. They deserve to suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol shrugged. \u201cThere are plenty of ways to hurt them creatively with magic, darling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah\u2026 but it\u2019s the easy way out. Only Jasper and Rosalie deserve that, I guess. Sort of? I mean, Rose didn\u2019t like me and tried to stay away from me and Jasper handed himself in to the Volturi\u2026 and he\u2019s going to kill Alice the moment we show our faces.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s remorse. I think they should all die.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was hesitant. \u201cOr, I could take them to Klaus and have him compel them a different life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne filled with agony?\u201d Kol said hopeful. \u201cThey don\u2019t deserve anything but.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Bella replied, sighing as she sat down on a bench and looked up at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol sat down next to her and put his arm around her. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, darling? You\u2019re being indecisive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded. \u201cThis isn\u2019t\u2026 I don\u2019t know how to explain this but\u2026 it feels\u2026 wrong and good to take my revenge but\u2026\u201d Bella let out a sigh and ran a hand through her hair. \u201cI need a different solution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know that we killed the Volturi, and they deserve that because I wasn\u2019t the only human Cold Ones manipulated\u2026 and that was a lot of fun,\u201d Bella let out a chuckle. \u201cThrilling and fun. But, on the other hand, we did kill them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we do, darling. We\u2019re vampires, we kill anyone who gets in our way or has hurt us. Or, in Nik\u2019s case, keep some of them alive to play with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd I get that,\u201d Bella nodded as she looked out over the bay. There were some birds on the water, diving and coming back up again, the sound of the water and the splashing of the birds almost distracted her from her thoughts. \u201cI can feel that rage, that need to kill to get even. Killing Victoria and the newborns was an accident, we slaughtered the Volturi,\u201d she let out a small chuckle. \u201cAnd it felt good. But it\u2019s\u2026 not me? My dad\u2019s a cop. Protect and serve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe taught me how to defend myself, not that I should inflict harm on others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProtect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy killing the Volturi, and the Cold Ones and their cousins, aren\u2019t you protecting the rest of humanity by ridding the world of them? They won\u2019t be able to hurt anyone else,\u201d Kol countered, afraid he wasn\u2019t going to get some killing in now. \u201cYou have the power and strength to protect people now. If you don\u2019t want to do it for you, do it for the people they can still hurt in the future, innocent non-superpowered people, defenseless, like you once were.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She just looked at him blankly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLook, we just like killing things and play with our enemies, we keep the damage to a minimum. But those Cold Ones\u2026 they say they keep to themselves but honestly. You\u2019ve seen first hand what they can do to people. The ultimate revenge is to make sure they won\u2019t hurt anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know. Small lapse of sanity, I guess?\u201d A small smile appeared on her face. \u201cMaybe I\u2019m nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat for? They\u2019re nothing but marble statues. Easy to smash, especially with your magic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll the more fun to crush them,\u201d Kol grinned. \u201cI mean, if you really don\u2019t want to go through with it, that\u2019s alright, I\u2019ll do it by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Kol replied sheepishly. \u201cTwo good reasons for me to do it; one, I like killing things and two, I promised you that nobody was ever going to hurt you again and that you\u2019d be free. By killing the Cold Ones, you will be. And once you are, you and I are going to travel the world. That was the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She softly brushed his lips with hers. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alright, darling,\u201d he smiled at her. \u201cIt\u2019ll get easier, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

~o.O.o~<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella stepped aside as she could hear something come off the ceiling and looked at her and Kol\u2019s handiwork. A lot of emotions had come out as she\u2019d dismantled Edward. Anger. Sadness. Rage. Fury. Seeing Kol go to town on Emmett and Rosalie made her feel horny and Jasper not only killed his wife but everyone else who came close to Bella.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jasper was now standing in the doorway, looking lost and in shock with himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella hadn\u2019t used her magic at all, she had merely used her raw vampire strength which was enough to break Edward. It had been enough. Easy. Satisfying. Liberating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weight that she had felt on her shoulders and in her chest was gone and it felt so good. She proudly looked around in the living room where parts of Cold Ones were laying around, leaking, and she just had the biggest grin on her face as she moved through the house, kicking some parts away from others so they wouldn\u2019t be able to reassemble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything that could break, was broken. Cold Ones, furniture, paintings, the works. The only thing that was still standing was the house with flammable Cold One venom smeared across the walls, ceilings and of course on the floors. Bella might have used her magic for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She found her way downstairs again and was pushed against a wall by Kol, who smothered her with a kiss, his hands roaming over her body. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of you, darling,\u201d he eventually said. \u201cWhat are we going to do with the two remaining Cold Ones?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol nodded as he thumbed over his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella looked over his shoulder and looked at the extra Cold One that was now standing next to Jasper, sporting a stupefied look on his face. He was almost as tall as Jasper, had the same long blonde hair and had red eyes. This was a vampire who fed on humans. And he looked like someone who tried too hard to look like a cowboy. Peter. Unpredictable and dangerous Peter. He was Jasper on steroids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRelax, I ain\u2019t here to hurt ya,\u201d Peter said as he put his hands up in defense. \u201cJust makin\u2019 sure ya not hurtin\u2019 my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI should be,\u201d Bella replied as Kol let go of her. \u201cGive me one good reason as not to kill you both.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy wife an\u2019 I lead a peaceful existence. We feed on the human bottom feeders, the no-good, twisted kind, and are no danger to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crossing her arms over her chest, she stared at the Cold One. \u201cYour so-called brother emotionally manipulated me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s his gift. It\u2019d be akin to you not using your magic to aid you. I ain\u2019t making excuses for his actions, I want to ask ya to hand him over into my custody.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd then what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy wife an\u2019 I will make sure he\u2019ll pay for what he\u2019s done to you an\u2019 to others, make an honest man outta him an\u2019 we\u2019ll be in your debt,\u201d he looked over to Kol. \u201cI know ya like havin\u2019 strong vampires in ya debt, Kol Mikaelson. For a rainy day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t be in my debt, mate, you\u2019ll be in hers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop the bloodshed, Bella, ya made ya point by killing the Volturi, the Cullens an\u2019 their cousins. Ya won\u2019t be messed with again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t have happened and Jasper is one of the reasons why it happened in the first place.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a thing called mercy. I solemnly swear to keep him away from humans. An\u2019 if ya hear otherwise, then ya can come and kill us. Please, have mercy, Bella, allow us to live in peace. Jazz ain\u2019t a bad person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She had been indecisive about Jasper ever since they found him in Volterra, and knowing the history of Peter and Jasper, she thought it might be a good idea. \u201cWhere will you be living?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur territory is North America, we ain\u2019t go anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She let out a breath and nodded. \u201cOkay. But I will keep my eye on you, and I\u2019m not telling you how. One step in the wrong direction and I will come for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d Peter replied as he put his hand on Jasper\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe won\u2019t let ya down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better not.\u201d She watched Peter and Jasper leave and turned back to Kol, letting out a breath. \u201cPlease tell me I didn\u2019t just make the worst mistake ever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNah,\u201d Kol replied, putting his arms back around Bella. \u201cIt\u2019s always good to have powerful beings be in your debt, and I know you have been thinking about sparing the Major anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded and softly kissed him. \u201cLet\u2019s set this place on fire and go home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a great idea,\u201d he kissed her back. \u201cAlthough I\u2019d rather we just start our travels now. You\u2019re free.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella giggled. \u201cWhatever you want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, hey now, that\u2019s a dangerous thing to say! You have no idea what I have planned!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m at your mercy, Kol Mikaelson.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laughing, she pulled him out of the house and used her magic to set it on fire. For a while they watched from a distance before Bella\u2019s phone beeped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLEASE COME SAVE ME FROM ELIJAH – K<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Letting out a giggle, she showed the message to Kol. \u201cWhat do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow\u2026 that will make my ideas a whole lot more interesting\u2026 Look out world!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n