Chapter Text
JPOV
“And what’s her name?” Carlisle asked Alice as we all gathered in the living room.
“Sophia.” She whispered with a deep sadness hanging in her voice.
“How badly is she marked?” My brother Edward asked, carrying Renesmee, his daughter, in his arms. His wife and the latest edition to our family followed behind, her hand on his back protectively.
“Quite.” my wife added just as sad. I pulled her into my arms.
“She will be away from him soon my love.” I consoled. She just nodded and cuddled into me.
You see, Alice can sometimes see the future and the night before she saw Aro, the head of us- vampires that is- arriving with a woman as an offering, as a gift. A gift of what’s known as a Blood Doll. She was human and he, her Fate, would drink from her either to help sustain his life or just because her blood tasted good. Little did I know I would soon find out just how good she tasted.
Alice had spent the previous night in my arms worrying about Sophia. Telling me about how scarred she would be. Of how frightened and nervous she would feel. She devised a plan of maybe taking her shopping the next day as a way to welcome her to the family though, we didn’t know how long she would be staying, but she wanted her to feel welcome with the Cullen’s. We all did.
“Why is she gonna have marks on her? What colour did she use?” my niece inquired. We all laughed. We needed to. More often than not she acted so much older than her six years but once in a while… she was still a little girl.
“They’re almost here.” Emmett, my other brother asked, rubbing his wife, Rosalie’s back.
“They’re at the end of the drive way.” We all glanced around at each other and steeled ourselves for the worst.
The doorbell rang and Carlisle answered it immediately.
“You’ve been expecting us then?” Aro spoke before my father could even greet him, his eyes falling upon Alice. I growled and worked very hard to keep myself out of a readied stance; I would protect my family and my wife at any cost.
I watched as Aro entered, looking as though he was floating as opposed to walking. Arrogant prick. Then a wave of nervous energy hit me like a truck and I saw her, the tiny little woman trailing behind him, head down and hands behind her back, shaking like a frightened puppy.
Alice took my hand when the new woman entered the room. I smiled reassuringly down to her, before placing a soft kiss on the top of her head.
I felt everyone hold their breath at the sight of the girl’s emaciated face, her tiny trembling frame. She was so afraid.
Carlisle spoke first. “What brings you to our neck of the woods Aro and why haven’t your brothers joined you?” His voice was less than welcoming.
The pale, graceful man ghosted to Carlisle’s side and shook his hand, an amused smile on his face at the unintended pun.
The woman followed silently, keeping her hands tucked behind her.
“I have brought a gift.” He spoke
“Oh?” Carlisle raised an eyebrow as we all stood tentatively in the living room.
“Yes, for young Miss . . . Nessie is it?” he smiled down at my niece.
Alice squeezed my hand to keep me from leaping at him. She was too good to know him. Too pure to ever have to look at such a creature again. I “worked my magic” as Bella explained it to help keep Renesmee feeling peaceful.
She squeezed Edward’s neck tighter and he cradled her in his protective arms. Bella eyed her husband, afraid of what Aro could possibly offer her only daughter. And more to the point, what he would want in return. Aro was not a generous man unless it benefitted him in some way or another.
“That’s very kind of you but there is no need for gifts. We try not to spoil her.” Edward informed. We all knew what he really meant was that he didn’t want Nessie to have anything Aro had to give.
“But I was so rude last time.” he cocked his head lightly. “I didn’t bring a gift for her birth.”
I felt Bella cringe with rage. I did my best to help, sending a wave of calm at her. Aro’s eyes flicked to mine and then back to Nessie.
“Doll!” Aro barked, making Nessie jump in her father’s arms. She curled further into him and before Edward could ask me with his eyes I enveloped her in calm as well, putting a bubble around her. I felt her relax and couldn’t help the smile that found its way to my lips.
The tiny woman scurried to Aro’s side keeping her eyes on the floor. I felt her nerves skyrocket.
“Nessie, sweetie?” Aro’s voice dripped with forced sweetness.
She carefully raised her eyes to meet her fathers’ as she set her tiny hand on his cheek. His heart swelled with love for her. Nodding but keeping his eyes on Aro, he let her squirm out of his arms.
“Yes sir?” She faked her confidence from behind her father's hands which were set protectively on her shoulders.
“I have brought you a Doll.” He motioned with a light gesture to the woman. “Introduce yourself to your new Fate.”
The woman gently dropped to her knees in front of Renesmee and smiled warmly as some of her fear faded.“Miss Nessie?” her small voice questioned respectfully. Renesmee nodded. “I’m Sophia.” Her smile grew; she knew "Miss Nessie" would not harm her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She pulled a small, decorative switchable from a pocket of the grey knit turtle neck and extended her right arm, pulling up the sleeve. We were all too shocked to put an end to it. We couldn’t move.
I slipped my arm around Alice when she whimpered as several long cuts and countless shiny crescent moon shapes made themselves present on the woman’s skin as the sleeve uncovered her arm.
“Where would you like, sweetheart?” her voice shook now. Later Edward would tell us Sophia didn’t want to corrupt a little girl like this. She didn’t want to have to make a little girl commit such an act. Sophia made her eyes meet Aro’s and he growled. “I’m sorry.” She breathed so quietly I almost questioned it. “Why, why don’t you let me do it this time?” she smiled to Nessie.
I was stunned by this woman. She knew Aro would be unhappy about it but she wouldn’t let Renesmee cut her. She was . . . protecting her.
My niece took a step closer to her and set her hand on Sophia’s oval face. We all watched quietly as Nessie revealed her gift and waited for Sophia to react. When she did, she surprised us. She smiled brightly. “I am happy silly.” She giggled and tickled Nessie’s side making her giggle and squirm. “Are you? How is your heart?” She gently set her hand on the side of Nessie’s chest. Her face lit up and she touched Sophia’s cheek once more. “Wow. That looks like a lot of fun but . . . I bet I could beat you.” she nodded with fake smugness. “I am a pretty good swimmer.”
“Oh no. Daddy says I’m the fastest he’s ever seen. I’m even faster than Uncle Emmett.” She ran into her father's accepting arms. “I like my Doll Daddy.”
Edward’s mood turned. “Her name is Sophia.” He tried for a gentle tone.
“Miss Nessie can call me whatever she wants.” Sophia looked at Edward kindly but with blatant respect. “Hey you with the face . . . big ears.” Nessie giggled and buried her face in her hands. “Big ears it is.” Sophia winked.
“I think Jacob is here. Why don’t you challenge him to a race?” Edward suggested.
“Kay.” She jumped out of Edward’s arms and quickly began for the door, stopping at Sophia’s side. “Will you be here when I get back?” she was so hopeful.
“Yes sweetheart she will be.” Aro answered sweetly.
“Kay.” And she was gone.
I immediately felt Aro’s mood darken. “Stand.” Sophia whimpered as he pulled his nails up the back of her neck under the collar of her shirt. Her eyes were back on the floor. I felt my tongue run over my teeth but pulled it back. He made her bleed and I hated myself for it but I wanted to smell more. I pulled my wife tighter against the front of me, wrapping her waist in both of my arms. Burying my face in her hair I kissed the top of her head once more. Her shampoo did little to mask the wonderful scent, though, it did help.
“This is Sophia Williams, she is Renseme’s new Blood Doll.” I felt shock and confusion from my family.
“What’s a Blood Doll?” Bella questioned quietly.
Carlisle spoke before Edward could. “A very kind gift.”
Edward shot him an angry look. Keeping his eyes on Aro, Carlisle clearly explained something to Edward that we couldn’t hear.
Edward had a talent like Alice but instead of seeing the future he was telepathic.
“Of course, if any of you would like a taste,” Aro ran his fingertips down her hip and onto her bare thigh. She was in rather short khaki shorts that, if I had to be honest, did her lean legs quite a justice. She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth to keep from making a sound. She was disgusted and afraid. I knew he was capable of terrible things but what had he done to her?
“Show them what you have to offer my Doll.” Aro said proudly, smugly.
She took a deep breath and … went numb? Crossing her arms over her stomach, in one lithe movement her shirt was off exposing only a light blue, grey and white plaid bra with grey silk straps and a matching lace bow between her breasts. I slowly breathed in Alice’s hair again. Then my eyes noticed the full damage of her right arm; it was covered in bite marks. Red, swollen half moon shapes from her wrist to her shoulder; buried under them, shining silver scars of past bites.
Bella tried too mask a whimper and curled into Edward. Sophia must have felt Bella’s discomfort because she held the shirt over her front and curled into herself.
“So many other glorious places to drink from.” Aro smiled before snatching the shirt form Sophia. She jumped and rolled out her right leg, pointing her foot to the side. On the inside of her upper thigh there were six columns of a line of four cuts with a line through each row and one lone line to the side. Thirty-one. Thirty-one what? “As is evident, I do so enjoy her thighs.” He licked his teeth.
Edward, she’s ready to cry. She feels ashamed. We have to do something. I silently told my ersatz brother. I saw him nod to me out of the corner of my eye. I wanted to help calm her but I didn’t know how Aro would react, if he would take it out on her. Edward cleared his throat and Carlisle picked up on it.
“She is a very kind gift Aro.” Carlisle nodded. “Bella, she looks about your size, why don’t you take her upstairs and help her find some clean clothes and perhaps some towels for a nice hot shower.” He smiled gently to Sophia she calmed a little.
“Come on sweetie.” Alice smiled, wrapping her arm around Sophia’s shoulder. “I’m Alice. We’ll have you warmed up and well dressed in no time.” My heart warmed at the unbridled kindness of my wife.
“Oh.” Sophia said meekly.
“What is it hon?” Alice rubbed her back gently but she jumped.
“Um, Ar- Aro S- Sir?” she stuttered, turning to him and again looking to his feet instead of his face.
“Yes my Doll, what is it?” he stroked her cheek.
“May, may I ha- have my bl-blade please?” She stuttered.
“Of course my Doll.” He unfolded the shirt and extracted the knife again. The sharp, silver blade caught the light. He held it out to her but pulled it back just as her fingers touched it. She drew her hand back just as quick in response.
“Perhaps ,” he pulled the tip of it across his pale tongue. “you will allow me the use of it just once more.” Desire radiated form him, it was so thick I felt heavy under its weight. “I will so miss your blood.”
“I do believe you indicated she belongs to Renesme now.” Carlisle said through his teeth.
I almost winced at Aro’s sudden anger.
“She is mine until I say otherwise.” he growled.
“Don’t worry Dr. Cullen, I will be Miss Nessie’s soon,” she smiled to Carlisle before turning to Aro and running her finger over his lips. Then I saw why she jumped at Alice’s touch. There were cuts and scratches all over her back. Some looked unhealed and infected. When she spoke her voice completely betrayed her emotions. She was terrified but her tone didn't let on, it was seductive, lustful. “but it would be my pleasure to have Sir indulge in me once more.” She slowly pushed her tongue between her pale, chapped lips toward the tip of the blade which Aro held in front of her mouth. Bella took Edward'shand again and squeezed. She was fuming at how he was treating this woman.
Only tensing slightly when the sharp tip pierced her tongue she moaned quietly as he moved his face toward hers. To everyone else she was enjoying this but Edward and I knew otherwise.
“Such a good Doll.” He whispered before he wrapped his mouth around her tongue. Groaning once more she pushed her body to his. He responded by pulling away but he was not angry, just the opposite in fact. “I like pleasing you Sir.” She purred before sucking on her own tongue, her hands resting on his chest.
“Perhaps you have a room we could use Carlisle.” Aro suggested as Sophia turned back to face Carlisle. Her eyes caught mine and for a split second I felt something new. I didn’t know what it was but I wanted to; desperately.
“Not in my home.” he said sharply.
“It’s been so long since you’ve taken me outside and I know how you enjoy when the fresh air mingles with. . . other scents.” She pushed her hand over her bare stomach and onto her scarring thigh. “My scents . . . and there is nothing but trees for miles.”
Aro’s lust built. “Maybe another Doll for Miss Nessie.” He ran his hand down her arm, his eyes locked with hers. A strong wave of panic filled Sophia.
“Maybe, though Renesme has already gotten rather attached to Sophia.” I tried for calm logic also trying to ignore the way her name tasted on my tongue. When Aro sighed I knew I’d won.
“Well then. Carlisle, Esme, Cullens, it has been a pleasure seeing you again.” He nodded politely all be it out of show and held out his hand. She took it willingly. I was perplexed by the relief she felt. I had known her calm before but this was newer, stronger. We stayed silent until they were out of sight into the woods.
“Edward, what’s a Blood Doll? Why is she so cut up, so bitten? I don’t want her around our daughter.” Bella poured all of her concerns out immediately. He clearly had not told her everything. Bell was the newest to our family in more than just the latest marriage. She had only been a vampire for about three years. Edward was still trying to protect her though she had proven she was strong enough.
“I need to run to the hospital to get some things, will she be all right?”
“He isn’t coming back today but I don’t trust him." Edward confessed.
Carlisle spoke up again. “Rose, go find Renesme and Jacob, bring them back here. I don’t trust Aro either. Emmett, maybe you could get a pizza, something to drink for her. I’m sure she’s starving. Some electrolytes, protein.” His voice quieted. “She certainly looks malnourished.”
Esme, Carlisle’s wife spoke for the first time. “Carlisle, wouldn’t it be easier . . . I’ll do it.” Her face was so sad; it mirrored her heart. “She’s been through so much.” We all froze at her suggestion.
“That’s very kind of you love but she’s had too many choices taken away from her and her body is not there yet.” he touched her face lovingly. She set her hand over it and forced a smile. She really was meant to be a mother. "Edward, Jasper, go find her. I won’t be long.” He kissed his wife with a little more passion than he usually afforded in front of us and flew out the door, Edward and I in toe.
“What did you get from her?” Edward asked as we traced their scent through the trees.
“She is very afraid. Though she already loves your daughter.” I offered honestly.
He chuckled once. “How could she not.” Ever the proud father.
His arm stopped me at the same time I felt Aro and Sophia. He was in utter pleasure and she was in so much pain. Edward and I split up, hiding in trees on either side of them.
Aro lifted his head from her thigh for a second before returning his lips to her skin after she laced her fingers through his hair. She was anxious, anticipating something. I looked to Edward, his face was curled into a scowl and he was ready to pounce.
'We must wait. He is growing satisfied; it won’t be much longer now. We must be patient Edward.' I thought, glancing to the watch that I only ever wore for show. Two minutes and 36 seconds later Aro rose, licking his lips thoroughly amused.
“She is all yours now.” He called aridly to no one in particular. “I will be back to check on my Doll to see how Nessie is enjoying her.” He tossed the switchblade onto her stomach and left quickly.
We were at her side immediately, kneeling. “What is it?” Edward shook his head and I noticed her moving her lips. Her words were too low for even my sensitive ears to hear. “What is she saying?” I asked but he didn’t have to answer, her whispers floated out almost inaudible.
“Let me die. Let me die. Let me die.” her head dropped to the side and I couldn’t help but stare into her closed eyelids. She wanted to die, that’s what she was waiting for. She would rather her life end than chance a new Fate. I scooped her up into my arm; Edward followed us back to the house.