44. Missing

EPOV

Hey, this is Bella. Leave me a message and I'll call you back… *BEEP*


"Fuck…"


I leaned back on the tree stump and flipped my phone closed, staring at the little silver device curiously. That was the third time I had called my girl's phone and she didn't answer. I could understand Isabella not answering it, but surely Marie or my Bella would answer…unless she didn't have it with her. That was a possibility too.


I sighed and dialed my sister's number, trying like hell to rid myself of the growing anxiety in my chest. I needed to hear my angel's sweet voice, but she wasn't answering her phone.


Why isn't she answering her damn phone?


"Hello?"


"Alice, she's not answering her phone," I told my sister, not caring in the least that I was giving off creepy obsessive stalker vibes with my impatient statement.


"Edward…she's fine," Alice huffed with finality.


"I will be the judge of that, Alice. Let me talk to her."


"She's not here."


I think I just had a brain aneurysm, if that's even possible. "WHAT?!" I roared, causing a flock of birds to flee from the treetops above me.


"Holy shit!" she squeaked.


"Alice…" I warned.


"I think I've gone deaf," Alice muttered distractedly off to the side, no doubt speaking to Jasper. I heard him laughing in the back round.


Laughing?


"Alice, where is she?" I demanded.


"Edward, calm down," she suggested lightly.


I ignored that ridiculous suggestion. "Where is she?!" I asked, a bit more forcefully.


"I knew he would react like this," she whispered to someone.


"Alice, goddamn it-"


"Calm down!" she demanded.


"WHERE IS SHE?!"


"Oh my hell, Edward - she is with her friend!"


I furrowed my brow. "What?"


"Yes, brother. Relax and take-"


"What friend?" I demanded, interrupting her.


"Angela."


I sighed. "Okay, and which one of my girls is with Angela at the moment? And why isn't she answering her phone? Does she even have it with her? Alice, I can't believe-"


"Will you shut up already? Edward, breathe, and let me talk. Just for a second."


"Fine," I acquiesced through gritted teeth.


"Marie left with Angela about two hours ago. Angela called while Marie was eating lunch and wanted to go see a movie and catch up. She misses her friend, Edward…they haven't seen each other in two weeks because of Bella's expulsion."


"Fine, but-"


"I said shut up! I'm talking."


Ugh.


At my reluctant silence, she cheekily commented, "Good boy," to which I growled. She giggled.


I huffed in annoyance. "Alice, tell me she's alright…" I pleaded desperately.


"She's alright," she said simply.


I was not convinced. "I mean, have you seen anything? What if Isabella-"


"She's fine, and that's why she hasn't answered her phone, genius. She's at the movie theater with her friend and no, Isabella hasn't come around. I would have seen it," she stated confidently.


I gritted my teeth. "No you wouldn't, Alice," I countered, running my hand through my hair in frustration.


"Yes, I-"


"They don't premeditate these things, it's not based on a decision," I said incredulously. "My girls come around sporadically…just whenever, on a fucking whim, Alice! There's no rhyme or reason to the shit, it just is, and Isabella could be in that fucking movie theatre right now, and I'm not there, and she could be scared-"


"Damn it…" she muttered, interrupting my panicked ramblings.


"Why did you let her leave?!" I demanded, yelling into the phone and pulling at my hair.


I heard a shuffling over the phone and a few seconds later, Carlisle voice came over the line. "Son, she is fine. She's out with her friends, let the poor girl have some fun while you are out hunting," he advised.


I clenched my jaw and glared down at my shoes. "I don't have a problem with her being out with friends, I have a fucking problem with Isabella switching out while Marie is with her friends," I finished, standing from my spot on the ground and pacing. I couldn't sit still anymore.


"Mm-hmm, that's understandable. Have you tried calling her phone? I know she has it with her, I made sure of that before we let her walk out the door," he told me.


"Yes! Carlisle, I've phoned her three times…" I informed him with desperation laced in my tone.


"Alright, well she is in the movie theatre right now, and they require that phones be silenced or turned off. No need to panic. Call her again, and leave a voicemail, instructing her to call you as soon as possible, and we will do the same. Also, you can try texting her," he reasoned.


I nodded. "I'll do that," I said quickly, and went to hang up the phone, but Carlisle's voice interrupted me before I could.


"Edward, she is fine. She is safe. Just calm down, alright? And if you do happen to get her on the phone, then remember to think before you speak. Don't yell at the child. She's just out having a bit of fun…like a normal teenage girl. Let her have some normalcy in her life."


I furrowed my brow in irritation and stopped pacing. I slowly shook my head in disbelief at his odd advice. "I'm not…Jesus, Carlisle, I'm not going to yell at her! And even if I was, that's none of your business. But she's not in trouble for going out with friends...I'm just worried, and rightfully so. You know damn well that it could be Isabella in that movie theatre right now, not Marie."


"Right…" Carlisle agreed in a worried tone.


"And Marie may not need me every fucking minute of the day, but Isabella sure as hell does. She needs me for everything, looks to me for everything! Jesus Christ, she even asks me permission to use the bathroom! And she doesn't know any of Bella and Marie's friends, she hates strangers -" I stated in a panicked voice, before Carlisle interrupted me again.


"Edward-"


My breath hitched as I envisioned my little girl looking lost and scared, searching for me in a dark movie theatre, only to find that I'm not there. I clenched my eyes shut and hissed. This is what I get for trusting my family with my mate. They let her leave.


"Edward, she is fine," he assured me in a gentle tone.


I ignored it, though. No one knew for a fact that my mate was fine. I hated that fucking word.


"Goddamn it, I need to get home," I stated in a rushed voice.


"Edward, wait!" he commanded, all business now. In that moment, I knew that he was no longer my friendly father and mentor, but my vampire coven Sire.


Fuck my life.


I did not have time for this particular show of authority at the moment. He would not stand in the way of me getting to my mate.


"What?!" I demanded.


"Have you fed properly?"


"Yes," I replied curtly.


"Don't half-ass it son. We've got things under control over here. Esme is on her way to that movie theatre right now. Do not irrationally jump to conclusions," he told me.


"I'm not," I stated.


"And what was on today's menu?" he asked, his voice relaxing out of alpha-mode, or whatever the hell that shit was.


I rolled my eyes. "Three dear, one elk," I informed him quickly, but still letting my annoyance leak through my tone.


He sighed into the phone. "Alright son, calm down, and I'll see you when you get here," I heard him tell me before I hung up.


"You fucking calm down," I grumbled under my breath and pressed the speed dial for my Bella's phone, once again.


*RING*


I began pacing. Again.


*RING*


I looked up towards the sky. "Please, God…let her be alright," I whispered desperately to the clouds above me.


*RING*


I sighed and halted my rushed steps. "Answer, answer, answer…" I pleaded quietly to myself.


*RING*


Hey, this is Bella…


I groaned and punched the tree to my side, causing more birds to flee. I watched as three squirrels raced across the branches to take up residence in the neighboring treetops.


…Leave me a message and I'll call you back *BEEP*


I swallowed back venom and tried to relax my throat muscles before I spoke into the phone.


"Hey, sweetheart…I heard you were out with Angela. I just wanted to call and talk to you…see how things were going. Alice told me that you were at the movie theatre…I hope you're having fun, angel. Call me as soon as you can, okay baby? I miss you and I love you. I'll talk to you soon, love. Bye."


I pressed the end button and clenched my jaw as I brought the phone's message box up to send her a text message.


Call me. I love you.


After I hit send, I flipped my phone closed and stuck it in my pocket, then took off in a run, speeding through the woods back to my house.

**********

I arrived home two hours later, still with no call from my girl. I was worried and I was stressed. I wanted to scream and rip my hair out. I bounded up the porch steps and rushed in through the front door, just barely refraining from ripping it off it's hinges, and accidentally bumped into Jasper before I could tone down my speed.


"Is she here?" I asked Jasper quickly, in our unique rushed frequency.


His fake calm immediately started to wash over me, but I didn't want or need the distraction. I groaned, frustrated. "Jasper, please…"


"No. She's not," he stated quietly.


I immediately reached for my phone and dialed my Bella's cell number again, only to get her voicemail. Again.


"Goddamn it!" I roared, and threw my phone.


Carlisle caught it before it could smash to pieces against the wall, and smirked as he handed it back to me. "Calm down, son."


"Calm down? You want me to calm down?!" I asked incredulously, while shoving Jasper's hand off my shoulder. "How can you even ask that of me? My mate is not here! She's not by my side! I thought you said Esme was going to the theatre to pick her up…" I trailed off accusingly.


Carlisle nodded. "She did. The movie was over and she had already left when Esme arrived, though."


"Then where is she? Alice!" I called out frantically.


"Edward, you must stop yelling!" Jasper admonished me as Alice suddenly appeared at his side, looking a little guilty.


She was blocking her thoughts from me.


"Alice…please, tell me-"


"Edward, I'm sorry. Her future disappeared over two hours ago," she informed me calmly, but with resignation. "You know what that means…" she trailed off suggestively.


I growled. I did know what that meant.


La Push. Werewolves.


"Son, there's nothing we can do but wait. You know this…"


"The hell there isn't-"


"Don't do anything rash," Carlisle instructed, interrupting me.


I stared him down with defiance. "I'll do whatever the hell it takes-"


*RING*


I ripped my phone back out of my pocket and forcefully stuck it to my ear. "Hello?"


"Wow, babe. Thirty-eight missed calls. I'm like, famous or something, huh?" Marie remarked cheekily.


"Marie…" I breathed out a sigh of relief. Every tense muscle in my body relaxed at the sound of her beautiful voice.


"Yeah?"


"Where are you?"


"I'm with Jake. Hey, Edward?"


I went quiet for a minute, trying to stomp down my anger at her being with that dog. I swallowed back some venom. "Yes?" I replied as calmly as I could.


"Bell's phone says that I have some voicemails and a bunch of missed calls. Um, I read the texts, and all of 'em told me to call you, loverrrr, so I am. And I cleared the missed calls, but I can't figure out how to check the damn voicemails. And the phone is stuck on fucking vibrate...believe me, it's not as sexy as it sounds. Kind of annoying, really. Ang put it on vibrate while we were at the fuckawesome movies, but now I don't know how to take it off. The phone's been in my bag, that's why I missed all your calls. I didn't hear 'em, but I'm gonna keep the phone in my pocket now, so whenever someone calls, my bum will buzz and then when-"


"Marie, I want you to come home. Come home now," I told her.


"I know…." she trailed off as I heard some murmured talking going on in the back round. Marie huffed. "Ugh, here…Jake wants to talk to you."


"Alright," I said, barely suppressing a growl.


Jacob's breathless panting sounded in my ear then. I held the phone away from my face and grimaced. "We just left but I can't drive all the way out to your crypt, Cullen, I need-"


"That's fine. I'm on my way, I'll meet you at the border. Put Marie back on the phone," I replied in a curt tone, not wanting to hear that mutt's voice anymore. Just the sound of it made my muscles coil and tense.


I waited for my girl's voice to come back over the line as I turned and made my way back out the front door. I was eager to get to my mate, so I ran to my car and had it started up by the time all the shuffling noises on the phone stopped, signaling Marie's return.


"Yeah?"


"Marie, you left to go to a movie with Angela, so how did you end up in La Push?" I asked as I backed out of the garage, then put my car in first gear and sped off down the road towards town.


"Um, Ang came out here after the movie to hang out with her boy toy, Ben. He was at Danny's house, because he stayed the night last night. I said I wasn't sure if you were home yet, so I tagged along to visit my Jake while she was gettin pounded from behind in the back room by Ben. Why?"


I exhaled sharply.


Marie…always so amazingly…blunt.


"Who is Danny?"


"Jake's neighbor."


"Marie, did you forget what I told you about La Push? About how you were not allowed to go there anymore? And if you wanted to visit with Jacob, then he would have to come see you, and not the other way around?" I asked, my patience wearing thin through my voice.


Marie was silent for a minute. "Am I in trouble, or something?" she hedged. When I didn't answer, she went on. "God, Edward…I'm not a child. I'm not a baby, like Isabella. I don't need rules," she stated indignantly.


I squeezed the steering wheel tighter. "We'll talk about that when I get you back home, where you belong," I stated quietly through gritted teeth.


"Ow! Fuck, Jake watch it-"


"What happened?!" I yelled into the phone and stomped on the gas pedal.


"Jake was watching the road and didn't pay attention to where the fuck his hand was goin, so he accidentally brushed against my cheek when he was reaching back to put his hand on my headrest," she explained casually.


I furrowed my brow in confusion. "And that would hurt, because…"


"Because I got in a fight. Yeah, that's why Jake can't take me all the way home. He's gotta get back and give that Leah bitch a ride to the hospital because he's the only one at the house with a working ve-hi-cle right now. That's the right word, right?" she muttered distractedly. "Vehicle?"


"Yeah," I heard Jacob answer her.


"What? You got in a fight?"


"Duh, that's what I just said. Keep up, weren't you listenin-"


"Don't be a smartass, Marie. Now is not the time. Explain what happened," I demanded as I made a sharp left turn.


"Right. So we're sittin on the couch and me and Jake are sharing a blunt, when Leah wakes up and comes into the living room. The bitch just woke up. It's like five in the afternoon and her ugly, zombie ass comes stalkin into the room, and wants to partake in our weedy goodness, but I don't share with people I don't like, so Jake tells her snotty ass to roll her own damn toker. So she's all, "fine, whatever", and grabs the stash on the coffee table, but it's all seedy, so it takes her a minute to pick all that shit out before she rolls the actual joint…"


Okay, calm down. Just calm the fuck down. Don't overreact. You love her, no matter what. You love her. No matter how reckless she is. No matter how many rules she breaks….or how many joints she rolls…


"…and so then she starts goin on about how she thinks I'm fuckin her man! Just because I use'ta help out with sellin his stash, does not mean I'm letting him take advantage of the goods. I mean, come the fuck on! So I'm all "Bitch, do I look like I want to fuck a skeezy piece of ass like that?" But then she takes it as some kind of fucking insult, because I called her boyfriend 'skeezy'. Oh, boo-fuckin-hoo, he is skeezy. He's a goddamn drug dealer, for Christ sakes - who'd wanna hit that? Not me, that's for damn sure, and I'm telling the motherfucking truth, I'm not a goddamn liar, but whatever. So then she wants to come at me, defending her man's honor or some shit, and I'm all for it. I get a big ass grin on my face as I say, "Alright, bring it on, bitch. Let's see what you got…"


"Oh no," I grumbled quietly to myself, almost to the Quileute reservation border now.


"Right, yeah…so, to make a long fuckin story short - I have a bruised jaw and a cut on my lip 'cause that bitch fights with rings on. And she has a black eye, and maybe a few cracked ribs, but I think they might just be bruised…" she hedged.


"Is that all?" I asked quietly, cringing as I awaited her answer.


"No, she also has two missing teeth, courtesy of our darling little Isabella-"


"What?!" I shouted in disbelief.


My baby?


Marie laughed. "Yeah, you should've seen her, Edward. That little one did me proud. I didn't let her have all the fun though, because it was my fight, but she did have some fun playin knock-down-drag-out with that skank. She threw four quick jabs to Leah's face, almost like she knew it would knock her teeth out. Like, that's what she was aiming for. It worked, too…" she finished with a giggle.


"But you were hurt?" I asked in concern.


"Yeah, my cheek and my lip. Edward, we're here…I miss you, where you at?"


"I'm almost there, sweetheart," I placated her, turning down a dirt road.


I was extremely angry with her right now, but I was more worried than anything. I had missed her all afternoon, and I had been stressing out for the passed three hours on her whereabouts, and now I learn that she'd been hurt?


I could kill Jacob for not preventing this. And I would kill this Leah person. If she thought that she could put her hands on my precious angel without feeling my wrath, then she was obviously very stupid. Everyone on their land knew what I was. They all knew that Bella was with me…that she was my mate. How did this bitch by the name of 'Leah' not know that? And if she did, she obviously didn't care about any kind of retaliation, or she was just too fried on drugs to think twice about it.


"Let me talk to Jacob," I instructed.


"Kay…Edward wants to talk to you," Marie muttered, handing over the phone.


"Yeah, what?" Jacob asked, irritation laced in his tone.


"How could you let this happen?!" I hissed at him.


"Hey, you're lucky I was there, Cullen! Quil and I had to pull the girls off of each other while Seth shouted in the back round, "Just throw some Jello on 'em!" Fuck you. If it weren't for me, then Marie would be facing jail time right about now. I threatened Leah with some more missing teeth if she even thought about reporting my girl to the police once I got her to the damn hospital. I wouldn't even be taking her in, but she has to get X-rays and shit…see about going to a dentist for her mouth. Marie and that other one did a number on her face, man," he informed me just as I pulled up next to his red car.


I flipped my phone closed, hanging up on him, and I kept my eyes focused on him with a hard glare. He would pay for that 'my girl' comment. We stared at each other for a few seconds through our respective windshields, before my girl turned around and noticed my car parked in front of them. My eyes flicked over to hers and I softened my gaze as I quickly got out of my car.


I strolled over to Jacob's vehicle and wrenched open the passenger door where my angel sat, patiently waiting for me. I ducked down and hooked my hands under her shoulders. Without looking at Jacob, I lifted her out of the seat and brought her to my chest, keeping her in my tight embrace as I relished in her warmth. I wanted to coat myself in the comfort of her warmth and sweet freesia scent, but was unable to, because when I breathed in, I immediately noticed marijuana and the fucking werewolf stench mixed in with her heavenly aroma. I stiffened slightly as frustration overwhelmed me. My mate needed a bath. I would not be getting the comfort I needed until she washed that stink off.


I slightly flared my nostrils in distaste and loosened my grip to pull her back and get a good look at her. She remained quiet while my eyes critically scanned her face for any damage. I noticed the bruise she had mentioned. It lined her left jaw, closer to her ear, than her chin. And there was a slight cut, coated in dried blood on her lower lip, by the left corner of her mouth. I subtly growled and lightly ran my thumb over her puffy pink lip.


"Do you have everything?" I asked in a quiet voice.


She nodded and pointed to the strap of her purse hanging off her right shoulder.


I nodded. "Your phone?"


She reached behind her and patted her back pocket, next to my forearm.


I nodded and shut Jacob's car door. "Okay, baby…let's go."


I kissed her forehead, then palmed her bruised left cheek with my cool hand, coaxing her head down to it's spot on my shoulder. I kept her held tightly to me and started walking back towards my car, quickly heading over to the passenger side.


"This will never happen again…" I told her as I reached down and opened the car door. I bent down and eventually squatted as I shifted her body away from mine, and placed her in the seat. After I had her all buckled in, I paused to fix her with a hard stare. "It is past your dinner time, Marie. When we get home, you will eat the food that Esme has prepared for you, and then you will take a shower and get ready for bed -" she gasped and furrowed her brow, looking for all the world like she was going to protest, but I held up a finger and gently pressed it to her slightly swollen lips to stop her. "I don't want to hear it," I said in a curt tone. "You will do as your told, there will be no arguing. You're already in enough trouble as it is."


She scowled at me then, and looked away to glare straight ahead. She focused her gaze out the windshield as she crossed her arms over her chest, her face fixed into an adorable pout.


"Good girl," I commented, before I kissed her bruised cheek and stood from my crouched position by her door, shutting it with a soft click.


Jacob had already sped off, back to his home when I made my way around to the driver's seat and got in. I started the car back up and turned us around, intent on going back home to deal with my indignant mate.


The car was completely silent, neither one of us spoke. There was no music, she would not be singing. I was very angry and I needed to concentrate on calming the fuck down. Her tainted scent wasn't helping matters any, so I cracked the windows and held my breath. She huffed a few times, fidgeting and shuffling her feet on the floorboard. We were almost to the mansion when I decided to take the bait and break the tense silence.


"What is it?" I asked in an eerily calm voice…I certainly didn't feel calm.


"It's 6:38 Edward," she whined.


"So?" I asked with raised eyebrows.


"It's too fuckin early to go to bed," she stated petulantly.


I subtly shook my head. "I didn't say you were going to bed, Marie. I said you needed to get ready for bed. There's a difference."


"Why the hell am I in trouble anyway?"


"Watch your attitude Marie," I warned through gritted teeth. At her silence, I continued. "We will talk about that later…after you've eaten and are ready for bed."


"Why not now?"


"That's enough for now…no more questions," I stated with finality, my patience wearing thin.


She huffed again and I rolled my eyes. She'd better lay off that attitude if she knew what was good for her. While I found it adorable and endearing at times, now was certainly not one of those times.


I pulled into the garage four minutes later, and angled my body to face her as I pulled my keys out of the ignition. "Remember…dinner, then a shower. We will talk after you are fed and ready for bed," I reminded her.


She subtly nodded, not making eye contact with me.


"Go," I instructed, and watched as she opened the car door, got out, then slammed it shut. She stomped her way over to the garage door leading into the house and swung it open before she went inside.


I stayed in my car just so that I wouldn't give in to the temptation to bust her ass right then and there for slamming my car door and stomping around like an indignant little brat. I took a few calming breaths and waited until I knew she was sitting at the dining room table, to get out of my car.


Instead of sitting at the table with her, I went up to our bedroom and took a quick shower. I was in and out in less than three minutes. I just needed to wash the forest debris off and change into some clean clothes. I kept my mind focused on Alice's so that I could monitor my mate's progress with her dinner downstairs, as I dressed in the usual sleepwear. Tonight I chose some black cotton pants and a black cotton wife beater. I noticed that Marie was unusually quiet while she ate her pizza slice, and Alice was quiet as well.


From everyone's thoughts, I could tell that the entire family was somewhat upset with my mate right now. She had us all frantic and worried for an entire afternoon. All so that she could hang out with Jacob on the reservation while she had the chance. I don't believe for a second that she didn't know what she did was wrong. Between going to La Push, smoking, and fighting, she can't say that she didn't break at least one rule. There's no way she forgot about those rules…granted, she may have forgotten some, but not those three in particular, and certainly not at the same time.


While Alice continued to ensure Marie ate all of her food, I decided to pick out some pajamas for her to wear after her shower. After some debate, I chose a soft cotton light-blue nightgown that would come down to her mid-thigh. It was light and free-flowing, with thin shoulder straps. She would look beautiful in it. I chose a pair of blue lace panties to go with it, even though she wouldn't need them and I doubt she would even want them on after I was through with her.


I noticed then, that the extra large recliner was placed in the corner of my bedroom. It was wide enough to seat two people comfortably…I remember when we bought it a few years ago from a store called Garden Ridge. It was Alice's favorite seat in the whole house, but when we moved here to Forks, it was placed in the basement because it didn't match the new living room furniture. The color scheme downstairs seems to be white and cream colors. This chair is a light tan color, and it goes surprisingly well with the Maplewood furniture in our bedroom.


I furrowed my brow, trying to figure out who brought it up here, and why, but soon got my answer from Esme's thoughts. She was thinking of Isabella and how she liked to be rocked to sleep at times. I smiled and whispered a quick, "Thank you", to my mother, then went and sat down on it, keeping Marie's pajamas in my hand. I angled the rocking recliner to face the TV for future use. I knew Isabella would enjoy me rocking her in this thing while she watched one of her Disney movies on the flat screen.


A few minutes later, Marie came strolling into the bedroom. Before she could do anything else, I instructed, "Come here."


She hesitated in the doorway for a moment, but eventually walked over to where I was sitting in the recliner.


"Where'd the fuckawesome new chair come from?" she asked, eyeing it curiously.


"The basement," I informed her as I held out her nightgown. "Here, trade me," I suggested lightly.


"Trade you what?"


"Give me your phone."


She reached into her jeans pocket and retrieved my Bella's cell phone, then handed it over and took the sleepwear from my hand. I looked down at the little cell phone and murmured, "Go take your shower."


She didn't respond, just turned and quickly walked into the bathroom. While she was taking her shower and singing along to Paramore's 'Misery Business', I tried my best to ignore the sounds of her dancing around the tub and the water's spray splashing off of her body. I felt a small smile creep onto my face as I imagined her using the shampoo bottle as a microphone, but quickly banished that thought from my head and turned my attention back to my new task at hand.


I went through her call history list and found that all thirty-eight missed calls were from me and my family. She had five voicemails and several already read text messages, also all from myself or my family. I sighed and relaxed into the soft micro-fiber recliner, rocking it a bit. I could start to smell my angel's heavenly concentrated scent. She was clean now…saturated and wet from her shower. I took deep whiffs of it, gulping down my addiction, while I listened to her dress and brush her teeth.


When the bathroom door opened, letting foggy steam creep into the air in the bedroom, I crooked my finger at my girl, silently telling her to come to me. She did, without hesitation this time, and she had her hairbrush in her hand. She took her position on my lap and I let the task of brushing her damp hair relax me even further.


"Marie…" I spoke into the quiet of the room after a few minutes of silence.


"Yeah?"


"I missed you."


"I missed you, too."


I wrapped my free arm around her waist and hugged her to me for a moment. "I was so worried about you," I murmured into the warm skin behind her ear.


"Why?"


I started rocking us then. "Because you were supposed to come straight home after your movie with Angela. When none of us could get a hold of you on the cell phone, we all just sort of panicked…" I trailed off as I stopped the slight rocking motion and pulled back to focus on her hair again.


"I'm fine, though. I didn't hear the fuckin phone ring because it was on vibrate," she offered.


I nodded and smoothed some hair behind her ear. "I know, but you still should have come home after the movie. You know that you went against everyone's wishes and broke more than one rule today," I told her, my voice hardening at the end of my statement.


She subtly shook her head. "Edward, I don't need rules. I'm not a child," she insisted.


I didn't reply to that remark, instead I just paused my brush strokes and hit the voicemail button on the cell phone, turning it on speaker. I put my mouth to her ear then. "We were all very worried about you," I repeated in a firm tone.


I sat back in the recliner and gently brushed the long hair down her back as the messages began to play.


"You have…five new messages," came the operator's voice over the line.


*BEEP*


"Hey, sweetheart…I heard you were out with Angela. I just wanted to call and talk to you…see how things were going. Alice told me that you were at the movie theatre…I hope you're having fun, angel. Call me as soon as you can, okay baby? I miss you and I love you. I'll talk to you soon, love. Bye."


*BEEP*


"Hello dear, it's Doctor Dad just calling to remind you to have fun while you're out, and to please call Edward, or one of us, when your movie is over."


*BEEP*


"Hey darlin', how ya doin…um, give us a call. Edward sure misses ya and Alice keeps talkin' about makeovers, or nails, or sumthin or other. Alright, well, I'll see ya later, sis."


*BEEP*


"Hey chick! Call me! Oh yeah, and Edward keeps buggin us about where you're at. I told him you were okay, just at the movies with that girl from school. Anyway, call me back and let me know you're okay! I love you girl."


*BEEP*


"Sweetheart, I'm at the movie theatre. I wanted to come pick you up so your friend wouldn't have to bother with bringing you home, but it looks as though you're not here. I must have just missed you…well, I hope you're alright dear. Call me, or Edward, as soon as possible, please. We're beginning to worry. Okay. Oh, and have fun! That girl seems really nice…maybe she can come over and visit once in a while, hmm? Alright, well we'll discuss that later. I'll see you soon."


*BEEP*


"To delete your messages, press seven…to save, press ni-" I hung up the phone then, and set the hairbrush down on the desk to my right.


"I didn't mean to worry everyone…" Marie mumbled quietly.


"I know, but that doesn't change the fact that you did, and you did it so that you could break the rules."


She twisted her body around to face with me a huff. "I don't need-" she started, but I interrupted her.


"Yes. You. Do. You need rules, Marie, possibly more than Isabella needs them," I insisted, my 'stern face' in place.


I softened my gaze at the sight of her bruised cheek, though. I reached up and gently cupped it in my cool hand with a sigh. "If you had followed your simple rules, then this would have never happened," I informed her in a slightly strained voice, lightly running my thumb over her puffy bottom lip.


She subtly shook her head. "I'm fine," she insisted in a light whisper.


I softly patted her bottom then. I'd had enough of this conversation. "Get up."


She stood then, and I followed suit. When she turned to look at me questioningly, I stated the obvious.


"You know you're in trouble."


She gritted her teeth and squared her shoulders, then subtly nodded at me.


It became very obvious to me, in that moment, that she was going to accept her punishment without putting up a fight, but she was still very nervous about it. I could smell her adrenaline and see her worried eyes. I squinted my own eyes at her, wondering how long that determination would last.


I walked over to the edge of the bed. "I'm going into the bathroom for a minute. When I come out, I want you bent over the bed…right here…" I instructed, pointing to the spot where I wanted her to lay.


She looked at the spot, then turned her stare on me. "Edward, how many goddamn times do I have to tell you? I'm not a fuckin child, I don't need a spankin," she stated with finality.


So much for that determination…


I glared at her. "I'm not going to repeat myself. You'd better be in this spot when I come out of the bathroom. You won't like it if I have to put you into position," I threatened, then turned and casually walked off to the bathroom.


I stayed in there for a minute, steeling my resolve and giving Marie a moment to compose herself and comply with my request. My family's thoughts were actually encouraging me, especially Jasper's. He was angry with Marie for making him deal with our stressed emotions today…not to mention, Marie had made Alice worry, and that was just unacceptable to him. He was understandably upset when his mate was upset.


I grabbed the small box of tissues and the bottle of lotion off the counter, then took a few calming breaths. I heard the mattress slightly creak then, signaling Marie had decided to cooperate for the time being. After one more pull of her lingering wet scent in the steamy bathroom, I went back into the bedroom.


Marie was obediently laying in the designated spot on the bed, with her head turned to the side, her bruised cheek facing me. I set both items down on the desk, and silently stepped up behind her bent over form. Her little feet slightly dangled in the air, just a few inches above the ground by the bed frame.


"Marie…"


She jumped slightly at the sound of my voice. "Hmm?"


I noticed the now-familiar angry scowl on her face. Her eyes were squinted into a glare, and her pink lips were pursed. She obviously thought that this was an injustice…completely unfair. More proof that she has a child's mind. If she were really 'grown', then she would realize the error of her ways and take her punishment in stride. But that doesn't appear to be the case…at least not today, anyway.


"You will keep your hands out of my way. Tuck them underneath you and keep them there," I instructed, trying to keep my voice soft, but firm.


She didn't speak, but complied nonetheless. She lifted her midsection for a second to cross her arms under her belly, effectively keeping her hands pinned between her body and the mattress.


I gently lifted her pretty blue nightgown then, letting the fabric softly skim along her upper thighs until it was gathered up onto the small of her back. I sighed and tried to focus on this daunting task, but seeing her delectable little bottom framed in those tiny blue lace panties was not helping. At all. I figured some tears would help with my situation, but I really didn't want to make her cry. I guess we were past that point, though. The tears would come eventually, it was inevitable. I furrowed my brow and swallowed back some venom, letting my fingertips lightly trail along the curve off her ass while I spoke to her softly. Almost conversationally.


"When I ask you a question, I expect an answer, do you understand?"


When she just nodded her head against the mattress, I replaced my gentle fingertips with a sharp smack to her ass.


She gasped, "Yes."


"Good. Now, why are you in this position, Marie?"


"I don't know," she huffed indignantly, that adorable scowl still remaining on her face.


Wrong answer, sweetie.


*smack* "You don't know?" I asked in mock concern.


"No," she mumbled.


"Well, let me remind you, angel…" *smack*


She gasped again and bit her lip, but otherwise remained silent.


"You belong to me, your body is mine to do with as I see fit." *smack*


She clenched her eyes shut.


"You are mine to protect." *smack*


"You are mine to punish." *smack*


"And you are mine to pleasure." *smack*


"Right now, you need to me punish." *smack* "Right, lovely? You need me to correct some of your bad behavior?" I prodded.


She whimpered and her eyes shot back open.


"You were a very naughty little girl today, Marie," I admonished in a low voice. *smack*


"First, you went to the Quileute Reservation." *smack*


"Then, you smoked some marijuana." *smack*


"Then, you got into a fight." *smack*


"Sound familiar, baby?" *smack*


She gasped again, and her teeth finally released her swollen bottom lip. "Fuck," she whimpered in a panted breath.


I slowly slid her panties down to the tops of her thighs, and noticed the already slight pink tinge to her skin. After assuring myself that she was fine, I continued on with her punishment, choosing to leave her bottom bare for the remainder of it.


*smack* "I asked you a question."


She wiggled around a bit. "Edwaaard, my panties-"


*smack* "Answer the question."


She whimpered, "Yes."


"Good. And, as I've said before, princess…if I want to spank you with your panties down, there's not a fuckin thing you can do about it." *smack* "Understand?" *smack*


She started to cry then. "Y-yesss."


I nodded to myself. Tears did help. "Right. I'm glad we got that all straightened out. Now I'll ask you again…why are you in this position?"


"Because I went to see Jake and I got high and I punched that skanky hoe right in her fugly face," she said in a rushed voice right before the first sob tore through her throat.


Good girl.


"That's right. And are you willing to cooperate now?" *smack*


"Yes," she cried.


"Why?" *smack* "Why now, and not before?"


"B'cuz I don't want you to fuckin spank me anymore," she stated truthfully in a shaky voice, trying to hold back her small sobs now.


*smack* "Hurts, does it?"


"Yes!" she yelled as another sob slipped through her lips.


I peeked down to her rounded flesh again. I hadn't been hitting her hard at all…there was barely any force behind my hand, but I knew it would hurt her regardless. When my eyes were graced with her slightly blushed bottom, I decided that I could finish. She was fine.


*smack* "Don't worry, kitten…you can handle it," I assured her.


"Nooo…" she cried.


*smack* "Oh, yes," I stated in a casual tone.


She sobbed again and turned her face to muffle her cries into the gold comforter.


"My girl is tough." *smack*


"Independent." *smack*


"She doesn't need rules…" I trailed off. *smack*


"Because she's not a child." *smack*


Marie turned her face back to the side again, and gasped for air between her cries. I could see the salty tears streaming down her bruised cheek, and hoped that this would be over soon. Once I made my point and she learned her lesson, then this would all be over and I could cuddle her and make it all better. But as for now...


*smack* "Isn't that right, love?"


"Yes…" she mumbled through her cries.


I leaned over her bent over form then, and gently wiped away some tears from her cheek with my cool fingers. I whispered in her ear, "Then why are you getting spanked like one?"


I straightened back up as she replied, "Because you're fuckin mean."


Aw.


*smack* "Nope, try again," I quipped.


She let out a frustrated cry and wiggled around a bit.


*smack*


She groaned and swallowed back a sob. "Because I acted like a goddamn child," she finally answered.


"You're so smart," I remarked cheekily.


"Whatever," she grumbled into the blanket, sniffling and continuing to cry.


"So, going to the Quileute Reservation, smoking marijuana, and fighting with that girl…why are those activities against the rules?"


Instead of answering me, she balled up her tiny fists and let out another sob.


*smack*


"Because you fuckin said so, and I could go to the slammer for drugs and fighting," she squeaked out in a rushed voice before I could land another swat to her bottom.


I nodded. *smack* "Hmmm…so you do know these things are wrong, and why they are wrong, but you still chose to do them anyway?" I voiced out loud.


She groaned. "Ugh…fuck my life," she muttered, then cried out as I spanked her again.


*smack* "Why is that?"


"I d-don't know, I jussst d-did," she stuttered around a sob.


*smack* "Are you going to do it again?" *smack* "Defy me again?"


"Nooo…" she groaned in pain.


*smack* "Are you sure?"


She gasped. "Edwaaard, owwie…st-stop," she whimpered.


I furrowed my brow. "Isabella…" I muttered softly, recognizing her usual plea for me to stop a spanking.


When she started to roll onto her side, I placed my hand on the small of her back to keep her still. "You stay still, young lady," I instructed in a firm tone.


"Whyyyy?" she cried.


*smack* "Why did you hit that girl?"


She burrowed her face in the gold comforter and cried into it.


"Answer me…" I warned.


"Sh-sheee, she hit us first!" she insisted with a sob.


I nodded and lightly ran my cool fingertips over her sore bottom. "Tell me what happened, baby…" I coaxed gently.


She screamed then, frustrated. "Edward, I'm fuckin sorry, okay? I'm sorry! I swear I won't toke on a joint anymore and I won't go see Jake," Marie vehemently promised.


I sighed, "Good girl."


Finally.


"I'm sorry…" Marie brokenly mumbled around sobs.


"Okay," I said softly.


"S-s-sorry…" she repeated.


I continued my fingertips trail across her hot flesh as I bent down and kissed her bruised cheek. I used my free hand to brush some stray strands of hair out of her eyes and face, sweeping them behind her delicate little ear. She cried as I kissed her cheek three more times, then let my lips linger on her temple.


"Stay still, baby," I whispered in her ear.


She nodded in response, so I straightened back up and went to the desk for what I like to call, 'The Aftercare Kit'; lotion and a box of tissues.


I placed the tissues by her head so that she could use them at her leisure while I went to work on her tender pink flesh. I squirted a dime-size amount of lotion into my marble hand and began slowly rubbing it into her sore skin.


I watched as she blew her nose and wiped the tears away from her eyes, chin, and cheeks. Her throat constricted in it's efforts to swallow back sobs. After a few minutes, her tense body began to relax and her breathing began to even out as I continued my soothing touch, rubbing the hurt out for her.


When I was done, I slid her lacey panties the rest of the way down her legs. She whimpered in protest, but I shushed her and folded them into a tiny little blue square, then placed them on the bed, ready for her to put back on when she was ready. I smiled down at her shiny pink bottom then. It was so pretty.


Mine.


After one last peek, I gently slid the soft fabric of her nightgown back down and smoothed it over the tops of her thighs. I slowly rolled her over onto her back then, and quickly grabbed a tissue to clean up the wet mess that was left on her right cheek. When I was done, I balled up the tissue and reached for my girl.


"C'mere baby," I said softly, as I hooked my hand underneath her shoulders and shoulder blades, then lifted her off the bed with ease. I brought her to my chest and tried to ignore the direct heat coming from her sex as she pressed it directly into my abdomen when she wrapped her legs around my waist.


Mmm, so fucking warm…

Now is not the time.


Right.


I swallowed back some lust-induced venom and carried my mate into the bathroom. I flicked the light switch on and kissed Marie's forehead.


"I'm going to sit you down on the counter, okay love?"


She nodded and sniffled. When I sat her down on the cool marble countertop, she whimpered quietly, cringing a bit in pain. I cupped her bruised cheek in my palm and lightly kissed her pouty pink lips.


"Shhh…" I shushed her, running the pad of my thumb along the small cut on her lip.


She nodded and sighed while I reached for a soft washcloth from the linen shelf. After I ran hot water over it, I wrung it out and brought it to Marie's flushed, tear-stained face. I gently wiped her skin, being extra careful when I reached the bruise on her lower jaw by her left ear.


After she blew her nose one last time, I fished into the drawers in search of the Neosporin and some Q-tips. Once I found them, I used the soft Q-tip head to spread the clear creamy substance onto the small cut at the corner of her mouth. It was already beginning to scab over.


"Does it hurt?" I murmured quietly into the silence of the room, concentrating on my task.


I withdrew the Q-tip from her lip as she subtly nodded. I kissed her forehead and picked her up, bringing her back to my chest. She laid her right cheek on my shoulder and mumbled, "Will you walk me?"


"Pace?"


"Yeah…fuckin pace," she muttered in a tired voice.


"Yes. In fact, that's just what I was getting ready to do," I assured her as I walked out of the bathroom, flipping off the light switch on my way out.


"Kay."


And so it began. I took to the usual pacing path by the foot of the bed, in front of the dresser and flat screen TV. I used my index finger to lightly trace circles and hearts along her spine. I could feel it easily through the thin barrier of her nightgown and delicate skin. I didn't like that. Every time I held her, or even looked at her, I was reminded of how small and underweight she actually was.


I sighed, knowing that there was nothing I could do, but keep up the occasional protein shake and feed her three complete, balanced meals a day. I would weigh her in three days to check her progress…or, Carlisle would, anyway. And soon, she would be introduced to the room next door; the weight room. I smiled, imagining her going to town on the punching bag and playing with all the 'fuckawesome cool new machines'. That's what Jasper said she had called the gym equipment, this afternoon while I was away hunting.


"Edward I can still see Jake, though, right?" she asked me in a small voice that cracked.


She was so tired. This was why I wanted her to be ready for bed before I started her punishment. I knew it would wear her out.


"Yes," I assured her, turning to walk back in the direction we had just come from.


She clung tighter to me. "He's my fuckin friend…" she mumbled.


"I know, baby," I said softly, then turned my trailing fingers into massaging ones.


"And I gave that bitch a black eye b'cuz she gave me a bruised jaw," she informed me.


I nodded in understanding. "I know, sweetheart, I just don't like you fighting. It makes me nervous, " I told her as I buried my face in her hair, nuzzling her neck.


"But I like it."


I tightened my hold on her small form and sighed. "I know," I muttered despondently.


It was silent then until she yawned a few minutes later.


"Edward…"


"Yes?"


"I'm tired," she mumbled sleepily.


"I know."


"I don't like it."


"I know."


"I love you."


I kissed her neck, her bruised jaw, then her cheek. "I love you too."


"Edward?"


I smiled. "Yes, angel?" I whispered softly in her ear.


"My binky?"


I nodded and walked over to the closet. I used my free hand to reach for the small package and brought it in between our meshed bodies. I quickly walked over to the rocking recliner and gently sat my little girl down on it, then held up the package for her viewing pleasure.


"Which one, baby girl?" I asked.


"Yellow with pretty stars, Edward," she muttered decisively with a little nod, rocking in the chair a little.


"Excellent choice," I agreed and smiled down at her.


She flashed me an adorable smile in return as small giggles leaked through her lips.


I held the pastel-yellow pacifier out to her in offering. She grabbed it and stuffed it in her mouth with a quickness, the smile remaining on her face. When I walked back over to the closet to put the package away, she asked, "Edward?"


"Yes baby?" I responded, turning around to face her.


"My princess bell movie?" she asked with hopeful eyes.


I clasped my hands behind my back and squinted my eyes in thought as I walked over to the dvd shelf. "Hmm…Beauty and the Beast?" I asked, looking back in her direction. "Is that your Princess Belle?"


She nodded, the yellow plastic of her pacifier subtly moving against her lips. I turned back to the dvd shelf and removed that particular movie case from the large collection, then brought it over to the flat screen and dvd player. While I was loading up the movie for my little girl, she spoke again.


"Edward?"


"Yes, angel?"


She pulled the pacifier out of her mouth. "My panties…panties all gone," she mumbled with a blush.


Shit.


"I'll get you a pair," I assured her as I quickly made my way over to the dresser.


After I grabbed a pair of cotton panties, I handed them to her and instructed her to go to the bathroom to slip them on. While she was in the bathroom, I dimmed the lights and hit PLAY on the remote, then sat down in the extra large rocking recliner. She came out of the bathroom a few seconds later, binky still firmly attached to her mouth.


"Do you wanna cuddle with me in the new chair?" I asked invitingly.


She smiled shyly at me, blushing and twirling the fabric of that pretty blue nightgown with her small right hand. She swayed from side to side for a few seconds before she eventually nodded.


I smiled and held my arms out for her, "Okay, c'mere baby girl…"


She stepped closer to me and I wrapped my hands around her thin waist, then brought her over to sit on my lap. She giggled and snuggled into my side, nuzzling her warm face into the side of my neck. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close while the movie started.


About ten minutes later, Isabella wanted to switch positions, so I loosened my hold on her while she got comfortable. She ended up laying on her back across my lap, her head resting on one arm of the chair, her legs dangling off the side of the other.


"Rock-a-bye-baby, Edward…" she mumbled around her pacifier.


I looked down at her with a smirk. "You want me to rock you, baby love?" I asked softly while I started the slow, smooth rocking motion of the recliner.


She smiled and nodded, looking up at me. "Mm-hmmm…"


I lightly placed my hand on her belly, keeping her in place, and continued to rock her. She turned her attention back to the movie, but I kept my eyes on my little angel. She was so small…so petite. I spread my palm out and splayed all my fingers, only to find that it covered most of the width across her belly, where my hand was. I kept my palm there, and used my other hand to gently play with her hair, trying to lull her to sleep. I knew she was exhausted, but she was fighting it because she missed me. She had barely seen me all day. Her little hand was fisted tightly to the material of my cotton shirt, keeping me close to her.


"Edward?" she turned her head back to look up at me.


"Hmm?"


She moved the pacifier over to the corner of her mouth and held onto the rubber nipple with her teeth while she spoke. "Marie saw a movie today, in a big dark room, and it was good. I dunno if it had any ucky R's on it, though…"


I nodded. "What was it called, angel?"


"Chanceformers…" she mumbled.


"Transformers?" I clarified.


She nodded. "Mm-hmm."


"Did you like it?"


"Yah-huh, the big robots are funny, but scary," she told me with slightly wide eyes.


I nodded and hummed in agreement.


"She was with a girl, but I didn't like her. I don't know her."


"You don't like people that you don't know, sweetheart?" I asked curiously.


"Strangers are bad, Edward. They will hurt you," she informed me matter-of-factly in a light tone.


"That's right, angel," I confirmed. "Strangers are bad, but that girl wasn't a stranger. Her name is Angela and she is Bella and Marie's friend."


Isabella slightly glared at me then. "Bella doesn't need any friends. I'm her friend," she stated with finality.


Woah…possessive little thing.


"You are…" I muttered quietly in agreement.


She softened her gaze then and nodded. "Edward?"


"What baby?"


"Hummm the pretty song to me?" she asked sweetly, then moved the pacifier back to the front of her mouth.


I nodded and softly hummed along with the current song playing on the Disney movie. Isabella smiled up at me the whole time, her eyelids becoming heavy and her features becoming more relaxed. I kept my playing fingers in her silky hair and I never stopped the rocking motion. When the song was over, I stopped humming and Isabella's eyes popped right back open.


Damn it.


"Shhh…" I tried shushing her.


She furrowed her brow at me, then turned her attention back to the movie, her death grip on my shirt never relaxing. I slightly turned the TV's volume down.


"Edward?" she mumbled around her pacifier.


I caressed her forehead, smoothing her bangs back and combed my fingers through her long locks. "What is it baby?" I asked in a quiet voice.


She hooked her thin finger around the pacifier handle then, and slipped it out from in between her pink puckered lips. She kept her voice soft and quiet when she spoke. "That girl hit me…" she told me, touching her cheek.


And I will hit her.


I nodded. "Tell me what happened."


"She was fightin with Marie, and when she hit us on the cheek, I grabbed her hair and yanked her down with me b'cuz we fell on the floor. I got off the floor and squatted down, like Daddy taught me, and then I used fisted-fulls of her hair to bang her forehead into my knee lotts'a times," she told me, pointing to her own forehead and bringing her knee up to gently palm her bare kneecap.


I nodded. "Mm-hmmm…"


"Mm-hmmm, and then she was screamin and it was hurtin my ears. I wanted her to shut the fuck up, so I punched her in the mouth lotts'a times," she told me with a small nod, before she added, "Because Edward, she hurt my mouth," she told me with a pout and put a small index finger to the small cut on her lip.


"I know, baby," I said softly while I gently cupped her cheek and lightly skimmed the pad of my thumb below her left eye.


"She in trouble?" she asked then.


I nodded. "Yes."


"What you gonna do?" Isabella hedged curiously.


Kill her.


"Kill her," I blurted out before I could stop myself.


Isabella smiled brightly up at me and giggled. "Kay," she said, then lightly kicked her feet out and stuck her star-clad yellow pacifier back in her mouth.


"Okay…" I whispered when she turned her attention back to the juvenile movie on the flat screen.


I never stopped gently combing my fingers through her hair, and I never stopped slowly rocking her on my lap, and when the next song on the movie played, I softly hummed along with that, as well.


I slowed all of my movements as Isabella's breathing became more relaxed...deeper, somehow. When her heart slowed it's pace, I knew that I had successfully lulled my violent little angel to sleep.


I sighed, and closed my eyes, relaxing back into the chair as my baby lay curled around me on my lap...peaceful and still. I caressed her bruised cheek and suppressed a growl.


Well, today fucking sucked.