Chapter Six

Henrik pulled up to Bella’s house on Monday morning. He parked his car and went to knock on the door.

“Come in Henri!” Bella yelled as she heard the knock on the door, she knew it couldn’t be anyone but
Henrik, “I’m upstairs!”

Henrik entered the house and rushed up the stairs, he found Bella in the bath tub, her tail sticking out.

Bella smiled sheepishly, “I had a bit of an accident. I can’t get my tail to go away while I’m still wet, but I can’t seem to pull myself out of the tub. Help me?”

Henrik smiled and picked Bella up, his shirt and jacket became soaked as he carried Bella to her room. He set her on the bed before he blurred away to the bathroom and grabbed two towels. He hand one to Bella and he used the other to help her dry off her tail. When he got all the water off her tail, he saw Bella was still dying off her hair. “You know if you dyed your hair red, you could really pull off the whole little mermaid look.”

Bella laughed, “Her tail was green Henrik. Anyway, I’m seriously beginning to hate showering.”

“You’ll get the hang of it, don’t worry Belle,” Henrik walked back to the bathroom and got Bella’s hair dryer, he plugged it in beside her bed and handed it to her.

“Thank you,” Bella said setting the towel down and beginning to dry her hair. Henrik walked over to Bella and kissed her.

“I’ll get you some breakfast,” Henrik said, “You can work on getting that tail to disappear.”

Bella smiled, “Thanks Henri.”

“Anything for you Belle,” Henrik said, he hurried down the stairs and made Bella a breakfast sandwich. He laughed as he heard her shout down to him her tail was gone.

“That’s good to hear Belle,” Henrik said as he saw her coming down the stairs.

“What if it rains? Controlling my tail is becoming increasingly harder,” Bella said worried she would unknowingly give up her secret.

Henrik nodded, “If it rains and your tail begins to appear, I’ll get you out of sight. I’ll make sure you’re okay. Most of the day your indoors and away from water, so you should be just fine.”

Bella nodded praying Henrik was right, she took a seat and began to eat her sandwich, “I think you’ll be happy to hear that my truck was sent to the junk yard.”

Henrik smiled, “I am happy, I repeat, your truck was a death trap. Anyway, this just means I have a reason to be driving you everywhere.”

Bella smiled, “You know, you’re getting really good at cooking.”

“Of course I am, I’ve been watching you do it for years,” Henrik smiled, “Belle, these off breeds at school do you come in contact with any of them?”

“Not really, although I do have biology with one of them, his name is Edward, the one with the red-brown hair. He tried talking to me the other day, apologized for his behavior, but I ignored it completely. Why do you ask?” Bella asked setting her breakfast aside.

“Because I think that Edward might have a small crush on you, well you or your blood. I want you to be careful around him. I also want you take a bit of my blood every day, just in case he ever tries something and I’m not there to help you, or something like the van incident reoccurs and I can’t get to you on time,” Henrik said.

Bella met Henrik’s eyes, “You want to make sure that if something happens and I die, I’d come back.” Henrik nodded, Bella took in a deep breath and nodded, “Alright, I’ll take your blood.”

Henrik smiled at Bella, “I promise it won’t be as awful as you’re imagining.”

Bella nodded, “I trust you on this.” Henrik nodded and walked to stand behind Bella, he bit into his wrist and put it in front of her mouth, he kept a hand on her shoulder supporting her to do this. Bella grabbed his wrist and brought to his mouth, she began to drink his blood, and to his surprise she wasn’t flinching away. Henrik enjoyed the feeling of her drinking from him and was sad to feel his wrist healing up.

“You know, that wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It actually tasted pretty good,” Bella said as she cleaned her mouth off making sure she didn’t have any blood leftover o her face.

Henrik smiled and kissed Bella’s cheek, “Glad to know you like the taste of my blood Belle.”

Bella smiled, “Do you ever want to drink from me? I mean drink my blood.”

Henrik paused and moved to stand in front of Bella, he leaned over the counter and looked at her, “I’m a vampire Belle, and you’re a very delicious smelling human, of course I do, but I will never do anything to hurt you. I love you too much to hurt you.”

Bella smiled and took Henrik’s hand in hers, “But what if I let you?”

Henrik was startled at her response, “Let me? As in let me drink from you willingly?”

Bella nodded, “Your bite isn’t poisonous, so it won’t hurt apart from the little feeling of your fangs cutting into my skin. I want you to know that I don’t mind if you drink from me.”

Henrik smiled, he moved back to stand behind Bella. He put an arm around her waist, pulling her back against him. He moved the hair around her neck, he let his fangs appear and he moved them down her neck. He felt her shiver, but knew she wasn’t scared of him. His fangs retracted and he kissed her neck. “As much as I love the offer my Belle I’m not exactly hungry right now, and me drinking from you is something you should think about.”

Bella smiled and leaned back in Henrik’s arms. She looked up at him, “I have thought about this, I wouldn’t have brought it up if I wasn’t completely sure.”

Henrik nodded and kissed Bella, “I have eternity to drink from you Belle, but right now we do have to go to school before we’re both late, and that might look a bit suspicious to your father.”

Bella nodded, “Alright, but we’re not done talking about this.”

Henrik chuckled and pulled Bella in for a hug, “I didn’t say I was never going to drink from you, I’m sure I will, especially since you’ve given me permission, but I won’t do it minutes before we have to go to school.”

“So you will drink from me?” Bella asked.

“Is there a reason you want me to drink from you?” Henrik asked with a smirk, something he had picked up from his brother.

“I drank from you, I think it’s only fair you drink from me,” Bella replied with a smile, “Besides, I want to know what it feels like.”

Henrik laughed, and grabbed Bella’s backpack for her, “Alright Belle, I will drink from you I promise, just not right now.”

Bella stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him, “Okay. We should get going.”

“We should, but please Belle, be careful with those off breeds. Especially Edward, I don’t like the way he stares at you,” Henrik said his voice was laced with worry, he knew Edward could cause trouble for him and Bella.

Bella nodded, “I’m always careful.”

-Page Break-

“Bella! I’m so sorry!” Tyler said coming up to Bella and Henrik as they got out of Henrik’s car.

“Don’t worry about it Tyler, I’m fine.” Bella said as she walked passed him with Henrik, “Please tell me it’s not going to be like that all day.”

“It’s not going to be like that all day,” Henrik said, he paused and continued, “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever lied to you.”

Bella smiled, “Thanks, but if people keep asking me if I’m okay, how am I supposed to explain that my stitches have all healed up.”

“You just explain that you didn’t get any, or you just keep your arm covered, if worse comes to show, I can just compel someone to forget about it,” Henrik replied as he carried Bella’s backpack.

Bella went to reach for her backpack but Henrik pulled it out of her reach, Bella smiled, “I think I can pull off carrying my own backpack.”

“I’m sure you can, but I want to do this for you, so let me, please?” Henrik said, looking at Bella with pleading eyes.

Bella laughed, “If your eyes got any bigger, you could be in a Disney movie.”

“We could do a re-make of the little mermaid!” Henrik said with a grin.

Bella laughed, “My hair is not red!”

“I’m sure we can find you a pretty convincing wig to wear,” Henrik replied with a smirk.

Bella shook her head, “There’s no way I would do a Disney movie.”

“Hey Bella, Hey Henrik,” Angela said walking up to the couple in the hall, “How are you feeling Bella?”

“Much better Ang, thanks for asking,” Bella replied with a smile.

“That’s good, I’ll see you guys in class,” Angela said as she left, she waved and hurried off to class.

“We should probably get to class too,” Bella said to Henrik. He nodded, but first he leaned down and kissed Bella. Pulling apart as they heard the warning bell ring, Bella smiled up at Henrik, “What was that for.”

Henrik smiled, “Just wanted to let you know that I loved you.”

“I love you too, Henri,” Bella said, “Now we really should get to class.” Henrik took Bella’s hand and left to their next class together. He smiled as they made it just on time.

-Page Break-

Henrik kissed Bella before she entered her Biology class. “Be safe alright.”

Bella nodded, “I always am.” She kissed Henrik’s cheek before she headed inside her class to find Edward already seated at their desk. She pulled her notebook out and then placed her bag on the floor.

“How are you feeling,” Edward asked trying to start a conversation with Bella.

Bella looked at him and then back the front of the class, “I feel fine, it was only a small cut.”

“It looked like more than just a small cut from were I was standing,” Edward said.

Bella looked at him, “Really, and please explain to me how you were able to see how big the cut was from across the parking lot? Because from what little I saw you weren’t anywhere near me at the time.”

Edward smiled, “I was only a few feet away Bella.”

“No you weren’t,” Bella said with a shake of her head, of course she knew how he saw the cut, but she didn’t want to reveal that she knew what he was. “It’s useless to lie Edward, you were across the parking lot, there’s no way you saw the cut on my arm.” Bella turned her attention back to the class.

“Fine, but my father was the one who stitched you up,” Edward said, “He told me about it, and from what he said, it wasn’t just a small cut.”

“It wasn’t your father’s place to tell you anything about me,” Bella said, “I was his patient, not someone he should be gossiping about to his kids.”

A slideshow began and Bella leaned against the palm of her hand. She felt Edward shift, but didn’t bother to look over at him.

“He’s too dangerous for you,” Edward said, “You should stay away from him Bella.”

Bella looked to him confused, “Who are you talking about?”

“Henrik, he’s dangerous, you need to stay away from him for your own safety,” Edward said his voice was stern and demanding.

Bella scoffed, “You have no right to tell me who I should be around. I choose to be with Henrik, I choose to love him, and there is nothing that will ever change that.”

“You’re in love with a monster,” Edward hissed angry that Bella was in love with Henrik and had openly admitted it.

Bella glared at Edward, “Henrik is anything but a monster.” Bella said through gritted teeth, she was close to snapping. She turned so her back was to Edward, she was over this. She ignored him, the moment class was over Bella headed straight for the door but before she could leave Edward grabbed her arm tightly preventing her from moving.

“Take. Your. Hand. Off of me.” Bella said through gritted teeth she was beyond angry now, Edward’s grip tightened, she was sure he was leaving bruises. Bella looked around the room and sighed in defeat when she noticed the teacher was long now along with all the students leaving Edward and Bella alone together.

“No, you’re being naïve and stupid, he’s going to hurt you,” Edward growled, his eyes glowed with Jealousy and anger.

“You’re the one hurting me you idiot! I don’t even know you, you have no right to try and control me like I’m your puppet!” Bella said angry, she stood her ground against Edward, and didn’t let her fear of him hurting her get in the way or the pain she was feeling cross her face, she knew better than that. “Let go of my am you crazy off-breed!” Just then both doors to the room opened, Henrik threw Edward off of Bella, and the rest of the Cullen’s got into crouches ready to defend Edward.

Henrik growled in warning, he was standing protectively in front of Bella, his vampire face was in full mode as he stared the off-breeds down, “This might be a public place, but I have no problem tearing you all apart for hurting my Belle.” Bella put her hand on his back, it was more to calm herself than to calm Henrik.

Jasper growled in return, “You’re the one who took my brother’s mate. He was only trying to protect her and get her away from your compulsion.”

Bella stepped in, “Edward isn’t my mate! I have a soul mate, and currently he’s standing in front of me.”

“That’s not true Bella! You belong with us, with Edward. I’ve seen it Bella,” Alice said, trying her hardest to try and Dazzle Bella into believing her.

“You’re being compelled,” Rosalie hissed at Bella, glaring at Henrik.

Henrik growled again, “I don’t have to compel Belle, she’s my soul mate, not your brothers. I should rip him to shreds for even touching her. If she gets one bruise I will rip him apart and through a flame to the pieces.”

Edward stood again and went to run for Bella, but Henrik had him by the throat, “Let’s get this straight off-breed, you touch my Belle again, and I’ll make sure you die a slow and painful death. If she gets a bruise from your grip on her, you’ll be seeing me at your home soon.” Henrik turned to Bella and led her out, making sure his body was covering hers in case these off breeds tried something.

Bella took Henrik’s arm and led him to the front office. “Where are we going?”

“I need you to do me a favor,” Bella responded, “There’s no way in hell I’m staying in that class with him, so I need to change my class schedule, or I need to change his. Either way, I’m going to need you to compel the front desk lady.”

Henrik nodded, but stopped Bella, “Are you okay?”

Bella looked up at Henrik she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly, “I’m fine, let’s just go and change schedules, then can we ditch the rest of the day?”

Henrik smiled and kissed Bella’s head, “I’m sure we can get the both of us sent home sick, Charlie shouldn’t get too suspicious, and I think we can get you switched into different classes.” Henrik kept his arm around Bella and made sure to keep his senses up, he wouldn’t let the off-breeds hurt her again.

“Shouldn’t you two kids be in class?” The front desk lady asked as Henrik and Bella walked in.

“Actually, we’re allowed to be out, I came here to see if there were any other Biology classes available?” Bella asked.

The lady looked through the computer, “I can have your afternoon classes switched around just a tad bit, and you’ll take Biology a period later than usual.”

Bella nodded and smiled, that was the time Henrik had his class, “That’d be great thank you.”

Henrik moved and looked at the lady in the eyes, “If an Edward Cullen attempts to switch his classes, do not allow him any classes with Mrs. Swan. You will also excuse the both of us for the rest of the day due to health issues.”

The lady repeated everything back to Henrik before nodding, she scribbled two notes for Henrik and Bella and let them leave early.

Henrik walked with Bella to his car, he made sure she was securely in the passenger seat before he became serious, “Did he hurt you Belle?”

Bella shook her head, “I don’t think so.” Bella smiled at him and took his hand, “I’m okay I promise, come on, let’s get out of here Henri.”

Henrik drove quickly back to her home, he parked the car and helped Bella out he took her bag as he usually did. Bella knew Henrik was still on edge from what happened, she stopped him when they were inside she put her arms around him and kissed him pulling him closely to her. “You need to keep calm. I do believe you need to feed.”

Henrik smiled at Bella’s meaning, he moved the hair from her neck and kissed where her vein was, “Are you sure about this?”

Bella nodded against him, she felt Henrik sweep her off her feet and carry her to her room. He closed the door behind them and kissed Bella. Bella lay on the bed with Henrik on top of her, “You don’t have to do this Belle.”

Bella smiled, “I want to do this.” Henrik nodded and kissed Bella’s neck, his fangs ran along her neck, he found the perfect spot and sunk his fangs in, he didn’t feel Bella flinch, he felt her relax into him and tighten the grip she had on him bringing him closer to her. He pulled back and smiled down at Bella, “I love you. More than anything Belle.”

Bella smiled and cupped Henrik’s cheek, “I love you too Henri.” Bella leaned up and kissed him again.

Henrik smiled and helped Bella up, he kissed her again. He sighed as he heard Charlie’s beat up cruiser down the street, “Looks like your dad is home early today. I should get going, but I’ll be back later tonight I promise, just as soon as your dad falls asleep.”

Bella nodded and kissed Henrik before he left. “I’ll see you later, don’t do anything stupid with the Cullen’s.”

Henrik smiled, “It’s not stupid, it’s making sure they know you’re not to be harmed, or I might just get angry and destroy them all like I first planned.”

Bella put her hand on Henrik’s cheek, “Don’t get hurt, just try and talk it out with them first. Leave the killing them for plan B.”

Henrik smiled and kissed Bella one last time before he blurred away and dashed back to his car, he drove away passing Charlie’s cruiser, Charlie didn’t even seem to see him as he drove past him. Henrik didn’t dive to his home, instead he opted to drive to the hospital he wanted to have a chat with a certain doctor regarding his coven.

Henrik smiled as he finished compelling the nurse to allow him inside Carlisle’s office. He ordered her to inform him someone was waiting for him in his office. Henrik took a seat in Carlisle’s desk chair and looked at the assortment of photos he had organized on his desk. A picture of a brunette woman caught his eye and he picked it up. He saw the doctor’s arm around her, and he was smiling fondly at the camera. Henrik realized this must be his mate. Henrik set the picture down as he heard Carlisle’s footsteps coming close to his office.

Henrik grinned widely as he saw Carsile enter.

“Hey Doc,” Henrik said, “I’m having a bit of an issue,” Henrik smiled at Carlisle’s confused and slightly fearful facial expression. “You see, it’s come to my attention that your coven seems to believe that Isabella Swan is mated to Edward. Bella is my soul mate, not that ignorant boy’s mate. Your so called son hurt my Belle today Doctor, and well, I want to rip him to shreds and throw him into an open flame, and I hope that he dies a painful death at my hands. But, I am a person who believes in getting second chances, so I thought I’d make this clear for you and you can run home and replay this conversation to your coven. Bella is my soul mate, not Edward’s, she is with me willing, and not being compelled. I’m going to make this clear to your coven, Bella does not belong with your coven or your family, she’s a Mikaelson.” Henrik stood up and picked up the picture of Carlisle’s mate, and showed it to him, “You would do anything for her correct? Give your life for her? Make sure she was always safe and protected correct?” Henrik saw Carsile nod slightly and continued, “Bella is my everything, and I will kill you, along with anyone else who tries to come between us. This is my first and final warning Doctor, next time, I’ll just act on instinct.”

Carsile nodded, “I’ll speak to my family.”

Henrik set the picture down and walked past the doctor to the door, he stopped and without turning back he said one last thing to the doctor, “Your son is walking on a tight rope doctor, I’d watch over him if I were you.”

Henrik left the office, and headed to his home, he’d have to pass the time since Bella was at home with Charlie, and he knew neither of them spent as much time together as they wished they could.

-Page Break-

Bella sat laughing with her father as they watched a football game together. Charlie had been trying to explain the point of the game to Bella for the last couple of hours, but Bella hadn’t understood any of it, she was just glad she could be spending time with her dad.

“Why aren’t you with Henrik?” Charlie asked seeing as Bella hadn’t mentioned Henrik since he got home, it was beginning to get dark out and knew Bella wasn’t going out that night.

Bella smiles, “I see Henrik every day at school, and most days after school, this is the first time in a while you’ve been home early from work dad.”

Charlie nodded, “So you in this kid, it’s serious?”

Bella nodded with a grin, “He’s special dad.”

Charlie sighed looking at the look on his daughter’s face, she was a goner, “Just no sleepovers Bells.”

Bella laughed, a small blush creeping over her face she gave her dad a nod, “Got it dad.”

-Page Break-

Henrik worked alongside Klaus as they silently worked on the indoor pool. Henrik was helping sand down some shelves that were going to be put up.

“Where’s Bella?” Klaus asked curiously his brother had yet to even mention the small brunette since he arrived home, and Klaus was curious if there was something wrong between the two.

“Spending time with her father,” Henrik replied, “After today, I thought it might help her to be with her dad.”

“After today? Something else happened?” Klaus asked looking at his younger brother, with concern all over his face.

“Those stupid off breeds,” Henrik said, his hands tightly clutching the shelf in anger, “One of them decided to claim my Belle as his mate.” The wood snapped and Henrik sighed, he was about to apologize when Klaus stopped him waving for him to continue with his story. “He shares a class with her, well more like shared, he confronted her after that class was over. Claiming that I was a monster, and then he put his hand on her.” Henrik growled, “I wanted to rip him apart, make him suffer for putting my Belle in danger, but then the rest of his coven came in, and I had to protect Belle first and foremost, so I got her out of there. To her request we switched her classes around, and made sure she wouldn’t be near any of them. After I left her home, I went to visit the Doctor, the head of the coven, and we spoke. I warned him to keep his children in line before I decided to just follow instincts and tear them all apart to keep Belle safe.”

“Why didn’t you just tear them apart already?” Klaus asked, it was what he would’ve done, so he curious to know why his brother hadn’t acted with the way he would’ve if he were in his place.

“Belle isn’t one for killing, so I thought maybe I’d give them a second chance,” Henrik said with a shake of his head, “I have a feeling, by the end of the week I’ll have the Cullen’s in a pile of ashes. They’re not exactly the type to give up easily.”

“You’re not alone in this Henrik,” Klaus said resting a hand on his brother’s shoulder, “I’ll help you destroy the Cullen’s if your warning wasn’t enough.

Henrik nodded, “Thanks Nik.”Henrik got back to helping Klaus do some construction. His mind wandering off to Bella wondering about how her day with Charlie was going.

-Page Break-

It was getting dark, but both Bella and Charlie were still in the living room watching T.V.

Charlie’s phone began to ring, sighing heavily he picked it up. Bella could only hear a muffled voice on the other side, she could hear the occasional grunt from her dad. He finally spoke, his voice was tired and it had a bit of anger in it. “Yeah, I’ll be right in.”

Bella sighed in annoyance, she was finally able to spend time with her dad, and now that time was being taken away from her. “Do you have to go dad?”

“Sorry Bells, duty calls,” Charlie said standing up, he was still in his uniform from earlier, he grabbed his gun and the rest of his utilities and put them on his belt. “I’ll be home before you go to school, don’t stay up worrying about your old man Bells.”

Bella sighed and nodded her head, “Alright dad, just be safe.” Bella stood up and walked her dad to the door. she watched him leave the home, and called after him, “Love you, dad, be safe.”

Charlie smiled, “Love you too kiddo, don’t let anyone in the house, if you need anything just call me or the station.” Bella nodded and waved her father off, she took a step back and got inside the house. She turned the T.V. off in the living room and opted to spend the rest of the night in her room doing some school work she was behind in. She would wait until Henrik came to go to sleep, she didn’t feel safe without him there with her, especially knowing that off-breed thought he had some sort of claim on her.

Bella drummed her pencil against her notebook as she sat at her desk, she was trying hard to focus on her math book, studying for the upcoming test, but far too tired to get any work done. Bella closed her book and moved to lie down on her bed, she stared up at the ceiling looking at the plastic stars that littered the ceiling.

Bella heard a knock at the front door and got off her bed to go answer it, she had a feeling it wouldn’t be Henri, he would just come through the window.

“Hello, can I help you?” Bella asked as she opened the door, there was a cop standing in front of her, one she knew probably worked with her dad.

“Chief Swan is at the hospital, I was told to alert you of the news,” The officer said, Bella’s eyes went wide as the news sinking in, the worst possible outcome coming to mind.

“What happened?” Bella asked tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at the officer in front of her.

“Drunk driver, the Chief was on his way to investigate a robbery, when the driver swerved off his lane and hit your dad’s car,” The officer said, “He’s been flown to a hospital in Seattle for emergency care.”

Bella nodded, she was about to say something when she felt Henrik’s arm come around her waist. It was at the perfect time as she felt she was close to collapsing. “Thank you officer.”

He nodded and left, feeling intimidated by the stare Henrik was giving him. Henrik kissed Bella’s temple, “Everything is going to be fine. Why don’t you go upstairs and pack a bag? We might be staying in Seattle for a while.”

Bella nodded and hugged Henrik, crying into his chest, “I can’t lose him Henri.”

“I know Belle, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you don’t,” Henrik said, he kissed Bella’s head. He held her in his arm a bit longer, before she finally went off to get a bag ready. He sent a quick message to his brother knowing Klaus would help him with Charlie, not to mention his brother had grown to care immensely for Bella.

“I’m done,” Bella said wiping a few tears away.

Henrik nodded and opened his arms for Bella, she didn’t hesitate and wrapped her arms around him crying quietly into his chest. He picked her up along with her bag, and took off with her to his car which he had parked down the street. He set her down and got her strapped into the passenger seat, he was careful to make sure she was comfortable. Putting the bag in the backseat Henrik strapped in and took off, Bella had a tight grip on his hand. He knew it was out of fear that he would somehow disappear. He took her hand and kissed it.

“Charlie will be fine, I promise,” Henrik said he gave Bella’s hand a gentle squeeze as he drove past the speed limit to try and get to Seattle faster.