Bellezza Swan | A Carlisle Cullen Love Story

Chapter Seventeen: Family

          Carlisle's POV: Belle's scent was still on me when I arrived home. I was in such a rush to get home that I didn't notice I had company over until it was too late. I opened the door and couldn't stop thinking about her.

          "So," Rosalie hissed, standing at the base of the stairs inside, "would you care to explain why you're still here?"

          I actually jumped and was greeted by my children and Annie, "Well, hello to you, too."

          "Don't play dumb with us, Carlisle," she snapped.

          I flinched and shuffled, "I can't leave."

          "Why not?" Emmet asked.

          "Because," Edward spoke up, "he's dating Belle."

          There was an eruption of opinions that I couldn't make out.

          I cleared my throat, "Belle's sister was murdered by a vampire coven."

          Everyone was quiet and Annie stepped forward, "I-I warned you about them!"

          I snapped on her, "What could I do alone? What do you expect me to do now?"

          She withdrew completely and Alice began to have a vision as she held her head, "C-Carlisle! It's Belle!"

          I kneeled in front of her as Jasper aided her, "What about Belle?"

          "She'll be in danger!" she cried out.

          I twitched, "You're sure?"

          She nodded and Rosalie grabbed me aside, "Enough!"

          For the first time, I fought my own children and threw Rosalie off, "Get off!"

          Emmet went to Rosalie where she landed, "Both of you! Enough!"

          Edward came to restrain me, "Carlisle, calm down."

          My fury took over, "All of you were given a second chance as my children! You have your partners! You found your love! For once in my life, I have love! If you don't like it, then find another coven!"

          Rosalie got up angrily with Emmet restraining her, "She's a human! No, she's a child, Carlisle!"

          "She knows I'm a vampire!" I yelled.

          "Does she know that our kind killed her sister?!" she yelled back.

          I held my tongue. I didn't tell her. How could I?

          "I'll tell her," I said finally.

          "You do that. She has no idea what type of world we live in, Carlisle. Even if Alice's prediction comes true, do you think she's willing to give up everything? She's all that Charlie has left. So much for her just being your intern. Did you play doctor with her?" Rosalie hissed.

          I lunged towards her but Edward and Jasper restrained me. Rosalie's face was hurt for a mere split second but she hardened it. She left angrily. Emmet assisted Alice in standing and confronted me.

          "We can all smell Beauty on you. Carlisle, are you sure about this? We all know Bellezza but we know you best. Will you be ok if she runs?" he asked.

          I shrugged off my children and adjusted my shirt, "She deserves to know the truth. She hasn't run yet, I don't think she will now. I appreciate the concern but I can take care of myself. I'll bring her tomorrow."

          "I'll bring her now," Edward said, much to Annie's obvious dislike.

          "Why?" I asked, a tinge of jealousy striking a chord within me.

          "To give her a better warning. Relax, it's obvious she's your mate," he said with a cheeky smirk.

          I cleared my throat as Emmet began to smile at me, "Carlisle? Is that true?"

          "Shut up," I said and left as he began to snicker with Edward.

          I went to my room and began to pick it up. I had a collection of collared long sleeve shirts as a doctor and I kept my slacks well organized. It was something I was proud of owning. My shoes were all shined and I kept my many ties organized with my socks. When you've been alive as long as we have, the accumulation of money was more than we needed so we often splurged on clothes while also remaining humble to an extent.

          As I was putting away my many CDs, Annie knocked on my door frame, "Um, Dr. Cullen?"

          I looked up and saw her looking small despite her tall stature, "Yes, Annie?"

          "Who exactly is Bellezza?" she asked sheepishly.

          I felt some conflict within her, "She's my girlfriend. A human. She was Edward's classmate-"

          "I know about that." she said curtly, "He talks about her a lot. He tells me how much you two like each other. I want to know who she is for you to be interested in a human. Is she really the victim's twin?"

          I began to realize the danger that was a possible threat, "Annie, is there a problem?"

          "Edward didn't tell you?" she asked, her eyes wide.

          "Edward doesn't add much to any conversation," I said dryly.

          "Dr. Cullen, I'm not a vegetarian," she said bluntly.

          "Where's Edward?" I asked as I rushed past her.

          Rosalie was sitting beside Emmet on the couch and they both shrugged at me. Alice shook her head when I saw her in the foyer.

          Jasper was returning from the front door, "He just left."

          Rosalie and Emmet were now approaching us, Emmet speaking for Rosalie, "What's going on?"

          "How many of you knew?" I asked angrily.

          "Knew what?" Alice asked concerningly.

          "That Annie wasn't a vegetarian," I snapped.

          They all took a step back and Rosalie looked around, "We didn't know. I don't know where she is now."

          I whipped around and sure enough, Annie was gone. Shit! My children and I split up and we ran through the forest to look for her. Her scent was already too faint. She's fast. We regrouped at the house and waited impatiently for Edward. Please bring Belle here safely. {END}