Chapter 20 Walk A Mile

What If 20

Disclosure:  Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyers.  I take the characters out of time and see what happens.

Pre-Edit Count –   2,188 Words

Song I listened to for this chapter: What It’s Like by Everlast


Previously:

He stands up and leaning over as he kisses her lips, he turns to slant his mouth over hers, claiming her as his need for her skyrockets. Before long, he feels that her newly acquired talent of breathing through a kiss is lost as he is taking over her mouth. Not able to help it, he smirks, as he brings to kiss back to a gentle pace.

Bella opens her eyes slowly to her mate, her hands having found their way into his hair, and she shakes her head. “What was that?”

He kisses her lips quickly and tells her, “That is me on human blood. And I can tell you to add taste to the items that are enhanced.” He starts walking out of the room, then pauses as he tells her, “I think we will call it an early night. I have other areas I would like to explore.   In the name of science of course.” He chuckles as he watches the blush work its way down, knowing by now just how low it goes.

Now:


cooper16f-1-web

In a house set back in the woods with only one other to keep him company, a man writhes in pure agony. He has barely any idea of what is going on, but he does know what he barely heard before the burning got worse, going through the memories he wishes to keep.

He also regrets never having the family he had pushed off, thinking he had plenty of time. Many things he has pushed off , thinking he had time to do them. He has played around and now regrets it and the hearts he may have broken.

He had goals, he wanted to be comfortable in his life, owning his company with no loans he had to pay off for the startup costs. He wanted that life so that when he found the woman who would be everything to him, he could offer her so much. Wealth, a comfortable life and his time. He wanted that 2.5 kids dream.   But now it is all gone.

He is not sure what is happening to him, but he does remember hearing that the alternative would be painful. He gathers that he will live through this and he is selfish enough to want whatever life he will have than to be done with the earth altogether.

He has enjoyed his time with Carlisle and Bella as they turned the farmhouse into a home, a true home for both of them.   When he had been given the task he was unsure whether these people really could do justice to the house. But when they had finished with it, he had been truly amazed, nothing had changed outside of the home, but the inside was more upper-class than the previous interior. They had gone with richer colors, and smoother lines. The main thing throughout the home is comfort. Soft fabrics to go with clean lines. The effect is a home he would enjoy living in and had even planned to use some of the ideas later.

But now, before he had time to even show them the completed house, this happened. He had heard the screams, the bell-like laughter that sent chills down his spine with its evilness. He had heard the murmurs that he had been left to suffer since she was not there and by the time they found him it would be too late.

Now he is burning in hell for sins he doesn’t remember committing. He never cheated anyone, he may have broken some hearts, but he had always been upfront that he was not looking for love. He honored his mother and father when they had been alive, and he cannot think of any of the Ten Commandments that he failed. Nothing to cause him to burn like this.

Movement outside of him makes him focus on it, glad to have something to help escape this torture.

A baritone voice asks, “How is he?”

Another voice, bass this time, answers him, “Silent, but he is proceeding as well as he should be. Though he might not agree.”

A trill voice exclaims, “Carlisle! Your eyes!”

A throaty laugh comes from his side and the bass voice asks, “Are you sure you want her here?”

The first voice, Carlisle his mind supplies, “She is safe. But she has an idea, and I think it has merit. It has to do with my eyes changing. I drank the first of the blood bags and this happened and other abilities presented themselves although they had been hinted at all along.”

The baritone voice asks, “Bella?”

The throaty laugh happens again and then she answers him, “I did a lot of research, which I am kicking Carlisle for not doing himself. And from what I remember you were the last to have human blood and had it in quantities that would allow us to know if they are working. If you wouldn’t mind, Jasper. It would be a better idea for everyone if it works.”

The bass voice, or Jasper, answers her, “I would be happy to work with you, milady. Carlisle, I figure you want to do this as scientifically as possible?”

Carlisle’s voice laughs, “Jasper, would it shock you to learn that Bella is actually taking the reigns of this one?”

Jasper laughs and a southern accent that had been hinted at comes through, “No, Sir. I told ya that she was more like ya than ya would ever guess.”

Then came Bella’s voice, “Jasper, now why in hell would you hide that accent?”

The other voice answers her, not as shrill this time, “It doesn’t fit.”

The throaty voice grows harder, “And Alice Cullen, what makes you the one to determine that? In this day and age, there is no reason for him to hide it. People move all over the states.”

The voice replies back with a slight edge, enough to make Brad want to growl at it, “He is supposed to be Rosalie’s twin. She doesn’t speak with a southern accent.”

The throaty voice is harder as it replies, “They don’t look enough alike to be twins. Maybe at a quick glance, you can get away with it. Plus they speak differently anyways. Rose has a northern accent, not as noticeable, but it’s there. Alice, there is no need to keep up these elaborate charades. It makes no sense, and it’s not really keeping up with the times.”

A huff sounds as Bella continues, “Why the hell are Rose, Emmett, and Jasper in High School? They are too old for it and by putting them through it again, and again it is pure hell over and over. Have them in College, just move to bigger cities. People don’t notice as much in them. Shit, I think you could live in New York for decades and as long as you move within the city, it will be no problem. None of this charade you guys are doing now makes any sense.” She sounds puzzled as if she is trying to make sense of the plan.

Carlisle’s voice comes over Brad, soothing Bella, “Shh, my lovely. We may have gotten stuck in a rut, but we can change it. Most of it was for the thirst, to allow for hunting. But you are quite right, Jasper, Rose, and Emmett are too old to be in high school. I have heard murmurs the last couple of moves, and was going to suggest otherwise.” He could hear the sounds of something rubbing, maybe Carlisle doing that arm rub thing he does so often with Bella?

Brad’s mind is turning over the information as well as the mention of blood bags. But before he can get further Jasper’s voice brings him back, “…Be happy to take this challenge. But I would like to stay here with Brad.,” he says wistfully.

Bella laughs, “Luckily, they come with these handy little straws and so Carlisle brought the bags with him for your first taste. If you drink it now, then it will be within an hour of Carlisle.”  There is a genuinely teasing note to her voice, and Brad gets the impression she really enjoys being around this Jasper.

Then Brad felt this happiness which alien to him and then smells something that makes his mouth water. A sound like drinking through… a straw? and then Alice’s voice hits that high note again, making Brad want to groan, but he knows that if he opens his mouth he will start screaming again. He barely managed to stop last time and it had been some female voice mocking him for the screams that got him to stop last time.

“Jasper Hale! Your eyes!”

Bella’s voice cuts through the shrill one’s, “Enough Alice!” When there is silence, Bella asks curiously, “What color were your eyes before, Jasper?” He can almost imagine her with that head tilt he had gotten to know from their meetings.

A whisper comes, “Green.”

A smile is evident in Bella’s voice, “Looks like you will get your eye color back before Carlisle then. How are your thirst and senses?”

Jasper’s voice comes out, richer somehow. “Better. No thirst at all. Which is unusual for me. It is part of my…problem. My beast is always hungry, but he is satisfied in a way I have never felt. And everything is actually better. Better than it would be with humans.” Brad can hear the surprise in his voice which makes him wonder what this change is really doing.

Brad hears someone moving around and then Bella’s voice is murmuring, making it evident with how her voice travels with the movement that she is the one doing it. “Maybe because of the white blood cells being gone? Or maybe more platelets. Something has to be affecting them both. What though?” He can’t help the smile as he imagines what she could be doing.  Bella had felt like a little sister to him before, and now? Well, the feeling doesn’t seem to have changed all that much.

Jasper’s voice comes to him, “Why don’t ya ask the Volturi to conduct the same experiments? And when Peter comes back, ya can have him drink with us. Carlisle and I have enhanced senses cause of the Alpha, but Peter has been on human all this time.” He sounds as if he is trying to help Bella, which makes Brad even more likely to trust the man.

The pacing stops and then Bella’s voice comes back, “Yep. Carlisle?”  It is plain to everyone in the room what she wants.

He laughs as he answers her question, “My lovely, I will call and ask. This is of interest to them. I think Caius would be the best to help us. Now come. Jasper will let us know when Brad is closer to rising.” There is nothing but kindness and joviality in Carlisle’s voice, telling him whatever is going on is doing a number on the good man.

Jasper’s voice comes back to them, “Come back when you wish Bella, somehow Brad is calmer right now.”

A growl rings out and Brad winces.  Everything inside of him wants him to submit to the beast who growled.

Jasper’s voice comes out meeker as he informs the growler, “Not like that! She is yours, and no one doubts it, Carlisle. She calms him. And I have a theory. I think if he smells her during the change, it may make it easier for him to be around her. But, I want some of these bags, I want to start him off with them, they satisfied my beast and I am hoping he will be calmer.”

Bella’s voice comes out and her voice is softer, “Carlisle, none but you. You know this and I would never want another.   Now, can what Jasper is speculating be fact?”

Carlisle’s voice is close to where Bella’s is and after a period of time, he finally answers with a growl in his voice, “His idea has merit. Bella. I am sorry, but I cannot have you in here without being here myself. So yes, Jasper, if Bella wants to try, we will be back.”

Brad soon ignores the rest of the conversation, thinking back to why Carlisle would be so obsessed with Bella. Thinking back to it, he never saw anything but complete adoration and commitment to Bella. Carlisle was never far from her, but they look like newlyweds, or the fiancés they said they were. And there was never any hesitation of returned affection from Bella.

So obviously this relationship is odd and he wonders what Jasper’s feelings towards Bella are. Jasper was warm towards her, teasing even. Are they close? He has never really seen any of the rest of the family other than Edward.

Brad tries to think on it longer, instead as the pain rolls through him again his mind leaves the issues he would rather puzzle out. Then he hears Jasper’s voice softly advise him, “Think on what you want to remember. I know the pain is bad, but if you forget, you will regret that more. Bella and Carlisle will be back. No worries, you feel for her as you should. Just concentrate right now on the memories, Brad. Let nothing be forgotten.”

After that, Bella and Carlisle did come back, Carlisle explained to Brad what he is turning into, and what they are planning to do. How the blood bags seem to be working and both Jasper and Carlisle tell him that they are there for him.

Brad listens and he burns. Always burning… then…it starts to withdraw. His heart is beating fast and he is hoping the fucked up organ will just stop. He has noticed that when his heart beats harder, the burning is worse, now it seems as if the pain is focusing on that one organ.

He can hear Jasper, Carlisle, and Bella. She has insisted on staying. Jasper agreed. Bella told Carlisle that if he couldn’t protect her, no one could. And that she needs to see what happens. Soon enough she will be going through the same thing.

With that, Brad’s heart gives one last thump and he arches off the surface he has been on. Then silence. Except for one heart beat in the room….


Final count, 2,189 words.

Fairfarren~

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39 Comments

  1. WorldTravelGirl

    I loved how this chapter was structured from Brad’s POV overhearing the conversations around him. You got his insight on what was happening and a glimpse of what he might be like as a vampire. I loved how Bella told them off about how they are living. It was direct but it touched on the control Alice has over the coven. I am looking forward to Bella finally putting her in her place. It will be good for her. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen now that Brad has woken up. I would also love to know how the conversation with the Volturi goes and especially their reaction to Carlisle having a mate. Great chapter! Thank you for writing!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      I can’t wait for you to finish this book it’s awesome I love it. It has held my interest not many do but this one did its wonderful.

      Reply
    • Jennifer Wall

      I love the story. I can’t wait for next chapter.

      Reply
  2. goldielover

    Thanks so much for the update. Glad that it looks like Brad will be ok, although I’m wondering if he’ll make a jump for the only beating heart once he opens his eyes. Also nice to hear that the younger Cullens will no longer be subjected to high school. I always did think that was unfair for them. I know the target audience for the original novels was probably about 14 (which is when my daughter and her friends were enthralled by them), which is why the high school setting would have been appropriate, but being older I usually prefer the fanfics that don’t have a high school setting.

    Reply
  3. angel897

    awesome chapter! loved it 🙂 love how Bella told Alice off that there plan does not work the best. happy you updated again will be here looking forward to reading what happens next

    Reply
  4. trbuie

    Anything that will stop Alice’s controlling and manipulative ways is great! I find it interesting that Brad cringed when he heard Alice’s voice.

    Reply
    • Kittyinaz

      LMAO!!! Wouldn’t you???

      Reply
  5. Cherish Renee Workman

    Oh I am going to love vampire Brad! And I love this blood bag idea working on Jasper!

    Reply
  6. tercat57

    I’m in complete agreement with WorldTravelGirl. Brad’s POV was perfect, and Bella shutting down Alice put a big smile on my face. I LOVE Jasper’s accent, and it pisses me off AND breaks my heart that Alice is so self-absorbed and thoughtless as to make him stop using his normal speech. Go Bella. Poor Alice, I love it when she gets put in her place. She’s such a control freak. I don’t think Brad’s going to attack Bella. If anything, I think he’ll have a very strong connection with Bella that will be apparent immediately. I’m impressed Brad had the strength to hold back his screams and keep holding on to his memories. As for the bitch that was mocking his screams, I hope he gets to put an end to her himself. Justice.
    Terrific update. Really looking forward to reading more about Brad, and Carlisle picking up where he left off with Bella 😉

    Reply
  7. spookygabby

    I was very excited to see this POV to be Brad’s.
    I loved seeing Bella taking a stance against Alice and her need to micromanage things.
    I’m very excited to see what happens next once Brad is awake.

    Reply
  8. 01katie

    Loved it and can’t wait for more.

    Reply
  9. shena03

    What a treat on a Tuesday to get an update! Brad’s POV was awesome and such a perspective on what’s going on. I’m interested to see what his bond is like with Bella when he wakes. Oh Alice… Something needs to be done about that girl… And I’m hoping Bella is the one to finally do it! Great update!!!

    Reply
  10. pmcdaniel5406

    Awesome hon. I enjoyed reading this update and can’t wait to read more…thanks, until next time…bigg huggs.

    Reply
  11. Sassy Mami

    Loved it. I can’t wait to see Bella in action putting Alice in her place. And Brad, sounds like he will be an awesome big bro for Bella. Please update more soon 😉

    Reply
  12. Casper22

    Loved it. Impeccable writing as always
    I can’t wait to see what happens next
    Best Wishes

    Reply
  13. 1tinac

    Ah I was so excited by the New update. Just really love this story. Loved it being in Brad’s POV. I like how Bella stands up to Alice but how far will Alice be push and dismissed before shell breaks out. I mean Alice is dramatic so I could see her flipping out over the eyes. Bella was shocked also just voiced hers in her way. So I was shock Bella snapped at her.

    Reply
  14. Jennifer

    Love, love, love this story! I love Feral Carlisle; he’s just so hot in this role as a king and Coven leader. Bella is one lucky lady. I wish my husband gave me all the love, devotion and adoration Carlisle gives Bella.
    Jennifer
    Antioch, IL

    Reply
  15. Together24x3

    Amazing chapter! I love that Bella is starting to stand up to Alice and I can’t wait to see her being taken down a peg and put in her place!!

    Reply
  16. Therese

    I love how Bella called Alice out again. It always bothered me that Jasper never got to use his accent. My theory is Alice didn’t like it so she forced him to drop it. It also always bothered me that SM had them go to high school. That’s no life. can’t wait for chapter 21.

    Reply
  17. Sasha

    Where’s chapter 21?

    Reply
  18. S

    First read it on A03. I keep coming back to see if there’s a new chapter. I can’t wait.

    Reply
  19. Amber

    UPDATE AS SOON AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN PRETTY PLEASE?!!??!?!?!?!?!?!? I am loving this story and I want to see how Brad reacts around Bella since he said that he has felt like she was his sister. I also want to see the conversation with the Volturi and how they take the news of Carlisle being mated.

    Reply
  20. nette0602

    Awesome story! I am very curious about Brad

    Reply
  21. Ashley

    Hi. Will you update soon? I read your story in 1 day ☺️

    Reply
  22. Annie Jo

    Wonderful story! I miss reading your stories in fanfiction.net, so I went to this website to seek them out! The website could be a little more user friendly, the next button wouldn’t work for me for the last half of the story. But that won’t stop me from reading more. How will I be updated if you post more? Or do I have to check back in?

    Reply
  23. Tosha

    I reread because I had forgotten this story as it sits in my bookmarks bar. Great as always.

    Reply
  24. Alybethed

    Come on Alice, his name is Whitlock, Jasper WHITLOCK! Get on with the program!

    Anyway amazing story! I absolutely love the concept of Carlisle being the fourth King, and the change in color using a combination of blood cells. I guess is the student in me lol. Alice, like is getting on my nerves but I cheer when Bella put her in her place and shown her she (Bella) was the one in charge. I like Brad’s POV, it shows how he would turn into when he finish his change and who he would be more comfortable with.

    Hope you update soon

    PS I actually made an WordPress account just to read & review your stories since I couldn’t on ffn. Keep up the good work 🙂

    Reply
  25. Jodi

    Again another fantastic story. Hope you are able to update soon.

    Reply
  26. Megan

    I really really really like the story please keep up the good work and thank you for all your beautiful writings.

    Reply
  27. Bobbers

    I absolutely love this story, just binge read the whole thing!
    Its very interesting take with the forth King and really enjoying it! Your work is amazing and can’t wait to read more!

    Reply
  28. Silversimon

    Reread again. It’s been a while. 🙂 And I love this story even more. Looking forward to seeing a new chapter alert in my inbox someday (soon). 🙂 Best wishes.

    Reply
  29. Danielle

    I love the way Alice was put in place I love the weathers bad it was in brads POV Waiting anxiously for the new chapters

    Reply
  30. Danielle

    I love the way Alice was put in place I love the was in brads POV Waiting anxiously for the new chapters Hopefully new chapters will be up soon been reading this since I found it on fan fiction looking forward to anything new

    Reply
  31. Alexis A Cambell

    plz update

    Reply
  32. Sylver Moon

    Just wanted to let you know that this the third time reading this and I hope you’re going to update it soon. I know you are one busy woman but I just thot’ I would ask.

    Reply
  33. Kathryn

    I’m hoping for an update even though it has been years.

    Reply
  34. Kellie Bledsoe Holley

    Please, please, please update this story. I really want to know how Bradreacts to Bella in the room and how Carlisle takes it.

    Reply

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