Angels and Monsters

Chapter Twenty-Two

I've got a plan for these two. A good plan. At least, I think it's a good plan. We'll see. Thanks for sticking with me on this one. Too many plot bunnies, not enough hours in the day...I tell ya! I do apologize for the sporadic updates for Angels and Monsters. Not enough time in the day and too many ideas floating around in my head. Ya know?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Edward wouldn't let me go. His arms were banded around me and he was torn. Jasper was the same way. It was nearly time to meet up with James and hopefully put an end to all of this bloodshed. This carnage. I was sick at prospect of seeing my sire. I prayed that the 'bond' I had with him wouldn't rear its ugly head, but Jasper assured me that since it had been so long since I was created, the bond had long since dissipated. If anything, I had more of a sire bond with Jasper than with James since it was Jasper who cared for me once I woke up from my change.

"It's time," Alice said somberly.

Edward took my face in his hands and kissed me. My arms snaked up behind his head and I returned his kiss with fervor. My shield, acting of its own volition, pushed us closer together. Taking an unnecessary breath, Edward held me close to his body. I will be within earshot, Angel. Do not do anything heroic. I can't lose you. Come back to me. Promise!

"I promise," I whispered, caressing his damp cheeks. "I love you, Edward. I will come back to you."

"And when you do, I'm stealing you away. We're going to enjoy each other, making up for lost time," he said, his eyes dark with sorrow and worry. "We'll go anywhere you want. Even Antarctica to hang out with the penguins."

"I just want you and me. The location means nothing to me," I whispered, brushing my lips with his.

"Be safe," he choked out, pressing his hand to my chest. I did the same, massaging his diamond hard skin. Take care of my heart. I'm giving it to you...

I promise, Edward. I will be back, I murmured mentally. Alice rubbed my back. "I promise..."

"I'll hold you to it," he rasped, kissing me again. I love you so much. It seems WRONG to do this. Another vision of our victory invaded our minds. Edward needed the reminder and he reluctantly let go of me. "I want that to happen. Make sure it does, Tink."

"Got it, Edward," Alice replied with a sober grin. Alice threaded her arm in mine and we walked out of my condo. Emmett and Rose were saying goodbye in the hallway. With a choked sob, Emmett joined us and we rode down the elevator to the street level. Our family was positioned around the Art Institute, to ensure that no funny business was going to happen.

With Jasper and Carlisle, the five of us walked to the Art Institute. We could smell scents of various different vampires. Most of them were new, their human blood tainting their scent. I could also smell Victoria, with her sweet, obnoxious fragrance. My nose wrinkled at her sickening scent. Poker face, Bells. We don't want them to give us shit.

"Right," I hissed. Pushing my thoughts to Alice, I just hate the way Victoria smells. It reminds me of eating too many chocolate chip cookies and then puking them up.

"Gross!" Alice giggled. But so true!

We reached the stairs of the Art Institute. Jasper was on alert, his eyes moving quickly, ever assessing any threat. Emmett was growling lowly while Carlisle was checking his phone for the time. "I wonder why James changed the location?" he asked.

"We did," Alice answered. "We wanted more control on where and when we were to be transported. He's getting his way, so he was willing." She gasped, her eyes turning blank. I saw a few glimpses. "They're nearly here."