Unforgivable Lacerations

Chapter Fifty-Four

Edward's P.O.V

Reluctantly, I left Bella in the basement with Alice;  each step I made was heavy on my feet as if each leg weighed the mass of the Eiffel Tower. My heart was in my love's hands now and would sit there until I returned, to which I promised her I would- and I would try my utmost hardest to stick to it. I couldn't break any more promises to her.

Listening to Bella's fast breaths until I was in the small clearing, still contemplating replacing Alice with myself, or running far away with Bella on my back, protecting her, I stood slightly behind Carlisle and looked out through the mob of trees ahead, where Alice said the trail disappeared in her visions. 

While waiting, my head would turn in the direction of the house, towards Bella, and read Alice's mind instinctively. I had to know how she was at all times as if there was any sign-even just a small notification- that she was becoming too restless, affecting her health, and putting her in the risk of a panic attack, I would sprint back to the house, the fastest my legs could carry me, and be beside Bella. 

I don't know how to calm her! Alice's mind obtained concern, modifying my desperation to go to Bella even more; I was acting like a magnet, and I knew that without Jasper attempting to control my fearful emotions, I would have returned to the house by now. 

'It's okay, Bella,' I wanted- needed- to say to her as I shifted in my spot, forcing myself to stay stationary. 

The beasts who hurt my Bella, trampled over the winter leaves on the ground, sprinting to where my family and I were patiently waiting. They only faltered once as they caught the scent of my family, a smell so malodorous that it assaulted their noses. 

They were foolish to believe they had the element of surprise, whereas, with them unaware of mine and Alice's gift, we were the ones who held possession of that element. 

Finally, after listening to their footsteps for the past mile and a half, the dogs come into view, seven in their dog form and two in their 'human' form.

Did they know about our arrival?
The leeches are finally here! Where's the whore?

I growled at the latter thought that radiated from one of the mongrels. How dare they?! When Bella had relayed her issue with confidence to me, telling me all of the disgusting words that had come out of their mouths, I struggled to believe it. Of course, without a doubt, I didn't question Bella, but I couldn't imagine anyone saying something so nasty. So untrue. Therefore, with the display of hideous words being directed at Bella before me, I struggled to prevent a fight from starting. 

How fiercely I wanted to run to the body who thought that and slowly rip their neck from their shoulders, bathing in their screams as I tortured them until their last breath. 

Edward, calm down, you don't want to give your gift away yet. Carlisle's thought called to me. I can understand that their thoughts and words are going to be hostile and extreme, but that may be their plan; to antagonize us. 

Taking a deep breath, I looked at each one of them in the eye with pure rage and loathing. The leaner human, next to who I predicted was Sam, the alpha, smirked at me, goading me to do something. 

The flashing thought of how easily his head would crush in my hand after I had destroyed the rest of his body streamed through my mind. It would be as easy as popping a party cracker. Snap. Crackle. Crunch. 

Edward! Hold it together, you're making it difficult, Jasper thought, shouting at me in desperation.

My patience was running thin with the beasts, but, I knew, I shouldn't rise to it if I wanted to keep the promise I made with Bella. I wanted to return to her and not run to my suicide. Why flirt with danger, and risk my chance of survival? I listened to Alice's thoughts briefly, checking Bella was not in harm's way.