If the Boughs Break, Blood Will Flow

Chapter Seven ~ Blood Bonds

Edward stood staring at the open door that Bella had just walked out of his mind still racing from the news. What the fuck had just happened? For months he had thought, hell dreamed of her, but instead of the happy reunion that he had dreamt of, it turned into a horrible nightmare. What the hell was wrong with him to treat her so badly?

"Edward, son," Carlisle said coming alongside him.

"Dad," he whispered.

"We will work this out, but she needs protection," Carlisle advised, concerned for his son and for the mother of his grandchildren.

Fuck he was right. Why had he allowed her to leave without one, or fuck a contingent of guards following her? His mind was racing on how he could find her, then he remembered that Bella had told Robert to give her number to his parents. Turning toward him he looked Robert in the eyes with the look that could cause many a man to quiver in fear. "Where does she live?"

"Get your head out of ass and think," Robert snapped, not caring that he was poking the bear. Bella deserved a man who treated her well, taking care of her and her children.

"Don't you think that if I knew where she lived I would have been with her before now?" Edward fumed, his hand itching to grab his gun and put it between his eyes.

"Where did you see me first this evening?" Robert asked.

"Here you asshole," Edward growled, then he glanced at Robert who held up his hand like he was holding something. The memory hit him like a knife to the gut. "Are you telling me that Bella lives in the apartment one floor below me?"

Robert nodded his head with a grin. "I purchased the apartment for my daughter and her two friends. I have known Bells for years, as she always came home with Rose from school. If she hadn't, she would have been all alone for holidays and school breaks. I liked the building for the reason that it had the best security system in the city."

"What?' Esme gasped. "She lives on the same floor as Garrett?"

"Dr. Martin?" Robert questioned.

"Yes. He is the family doctor," Carlisle answered.

"He has been helping Bella, finding her an OB and checking on her several times a week," Robert replied. "He has formed a special attachment to her. She has this way about her that people instantly love her and want to protect her."

"Who is her OB?" Esme asked, her mind still racing with the news.

"Dr. Rachel O'Neil."

"Thank God," Esme wheezed.

"Is she the best?" Edward probed. Bella and his children deserve the best no matter what it costs. The expense was of no concern to him; his legal enterprises had placed him in the top one percent of the country's wealthiest.

"Yes," Esme confirmed with a smile. "Her father was my doctor."

"Alright. But why didn't Garrett tell us about her?" Edward pondered.

"He didn't know you were looking for her," Carlisle supposed.

"No. Sorry, my mind is going in every different direction," Edward muttered.

"Mo Mhuirnin (my little darling), please come sit down with me," Esme cooed, patting the cushion beside her. Edward came over and sat down. "I want to say that I am sorry for letting my temper get the best of me."

"I deserved it, Mathair (mother)," he confessed.

"You were just shocked," Esme remarked, patting his knee.