Bella Vita

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

  The slime made it hard to find the source of the spell. I could feel when I was going the wrong way, but when I went the other way it felt all the same. It was like a bad game of Marco Polo. Once I was going the right direction, I decided it was best to stop and let my mind adjust to this new element- much like I had to do with the strange-cluttered chaos.

  Since time is different in that state, I wasn't sure how long I sat letting the slime become used to me and me to it- but I knew it was quite a while. After a while I began to feel a subtle undercurrent that only led in one direction. It was like the gentle hum of an electronic device being on, or the tiny squealing sound that you hear when a television has been left on without an image on the screen. Visually nothing had changed, but I could feel the power of the spell now. Following it back to its source suddenly became a piece of cake.

  However, when something presents itself as too easy, you should always be leery. The spell was a snarled, jagged bleeding wound of glass and pain. It tied into all of Issy. I knew I was getting tired, but since I had finally encountered the damn thing, I was not going to let my exhaustion push me away from healing my friend.

  I studied the spell for as long as I could stand. There were gentle differences, like it was color coded for manipulation.

  I need to figure out the right color combination and then it should be a snap. I tried not to pout.

  I had no clue what would happen if I tried to untangle my friend in the wrong order, but I figured it could only be a terrible thing.

  Logic this out... think, Emma. What could the possible order be? My thoughts whirled with possibilities.

  Magic functions on some basic level of nature. It's what manipulates it, but it's still part of nature... what's super colorful in nature?... Trees, plants, rocks, hmm... Rainbows! I turned back to the mess in front of me and I knew it was the colors of a rainbow.

  It took me a few more minutes to figure out the right order for a rainbow, but as soon as I had it I approached the beast holding her captive and began unweaving it.

  The spell wasn't knitted together, it was shaped around the very fabric that made up Isabella. For every strand of spell, I had to work it from its anchor in her subconscious, and then pull it bit by bit out of her. I could feel her sleeping body react to my manipulation of the spell, I knew it was probably a little painful for her, but I managed to keep her asleep as I worked. If she woke while I did this, it would empower the spell and sink it deeper into her... I could feel that, and I knew if it got to that then I would never be able to get our Issy back.

  When I held the violet strand, after freeing it from Issy, I began deconstructing the spell. There were no markers on it which would tell me who made the damn thing, but I could see it was done by a very powerful witch. Once I had it broken down, my only option was to zap it the hell out of her. The pain would flare through her and wake her, but I had no other option- it couldn't stay even in pieces inside her.

  Even with my exhaustion, my energy recoil was like a shock to my system. When I sent it to the spell, it blew me back into my own mind and startled her awake.

  “Em?” Her voice was pinched with pain.

  “Yes... Issy?” I tried to restraint the gasping spasm of my breathing.

  “What the hell happened to me?” I could still hear the pain in her voice, but she was coming through it all.

  “What's the last thing you remember?” I was very aware of Leland hovering next to me with concern all over his face.

  “I remember walking toward that club... you know the one where everyone can go... and then nothing... what happened?” Issy looked at me with serious worry in her eyes.

  “Oh, Issy. Shit, I wish you remembered more. This is gonna be hard, sweetie.” I sat up straight and inched closer to her to retake her hand.

  “Where am I? And why is Leland here?” She was starting to get scared.

  “You're at the vampire palace in Italy. You're home. We brought you here after the accident. Honey, I don't know how to tell you this so it doesn't hurt- Jack's dead.” I let the words hit her.

  “What?” Shocked covered her face.

  “You guys were attacked by the rogue witches that are trying to start war between us. Only Jack was killed because you're a vampire and he was a very public wolf figure. The wolves believe you did it.” I didn't know what to tell her, I figured all of it was best.

  “I killed Jack...”

  “No. The witches did and then they spelled you. It took me a while, but I just got the spell off you. Leland, can you get Dom for me?” It came out more of a statement than a question, but I heard the light knock, whispered talking, and then Leland was standing by me again.

  “I was spelled, and Jack is dead.” Her eyes were empty.

  “Yes, I'm so sorry, Issy.” I didn't know what to do.

  “Isabella!” Dominic rushed through the door and threw himself at his sister.

  “Dominic?” Her face flashed confused before it shut down again.

  “Yes, Issy. I was so worried. Thank you so much, mia bella!” He gave me a meaningful look while he continued to hold his sister.

  “Can I have some time alone?” Her voice was distant.

  “Yes, of course. There are people here that will want to see you later... but now rest. If you need either of us, just have one of the attendants outside your door fetch us.” I said to her as I rose.

  “Thank you, Em. For everything.” She managed a weak smile before her gaze shifted out the window.

  I tried my best to walk out the room, but there was a slight limp in my step.

  “Darl, you okay?” Leland whispered as we reached the door.

  “ I will be, I just need to rest.” I gestured for the door.

  “Mia bella, what happened?” Dom's eyes were bright with excitement- I just couldn't reach that level.

  “Later, my love. I must rest.” I said as I stepped through the door.

  “Is she well now, Your Majesty?” Georgie took in my appearance and concern shifted his face.

  “She is once again our Isabella. However, she didn't remember the death of her lover, so she'll grieve. Please keep a sharp ear on her, and check on her in a few hours if she doesn't requested anything. I told her you were attendants, so try not to look frightening should she come out.” I told the two very gently.

  “Yes, of course, Your Majesty. We're proud to serve you. Perhaps you should rest, Milady.” Georgie said with such warmth it made my eyes tear up.

  “Thank you, Georgie. I believe I'll do just that.” I walked myself out of the wing unassisted.

  “Mia bella, let me carry you. No more saving face.” Dom's arms encircled me just as my body gave way to exhaustion.

  “Em, rest. We'll handle everything for a while, darl.” Leland's words echoed in my mind as I fell asleep.

  It took several days for Issy to be willing to talk to anyone. Then it took weeks before she actually wanted to come out into the palace. Our concern was brushed aside by her doctors. Each one of them told us to give her time, but to not let her dwell in her sorrow. I sent Leland to play cards with her.

  Since I forced him to let me go through the ceremony the night I healed Issy, I didn't have enough energy to be aroused by anything, so all we did was the sacred kiss that sealed his servitude to me. I could tell he had to fight the need, but I think in the end we were both thankful.

  I was able to send him anywhere and I knew that he would know if I was in danger and he 'd come. It was a nice feeling, since Dominic had lots of Bella Notte work to attend to away from Italy and his sparse teaching schedule-something I missed dearly, but was glad my students were still continuing their training, and Mike was in Ireland trying to keep his people peaceful while we solve Jack's murder.

  The day I took Issy's guards away was a beautiful day. I could see she wanted to be able to walk in the gardens without someone watching her every move. I had all the wing guards dispatched back to their regular roles. Georgie and Harold would remain on Issy
detail as her bodyguards, but they'd start the following day. I had her brought into the library.

  “Issy, I know that you're tired of being stuck with around-the-clock eyes on you. Part of it was for your protection, and the other part was because I needed to know that you were totally back to yourself.” I said to her.

  “Em, you can see I'm me again.” Her eyes pleaded for me to understand.

  “I know. I've taken the wing guards off, and for today you'll be on your own. But tomorrow Harold and Georgie will start as your bodyguards. We don't know if the wolves will come after you, or if the witches will strike at you again.” I wanted her to know her situation.

  “I understand. Thank you for today. I suppose I'm restricted to the grounds though?” I could tell she was trying to make the best of it.

  “Unfortunately, unless you want to take the boys with you, yes.” I hated feeling like a tyrant, but I wanted her to be safe.

  “Then I'll just walk around outside.” She rose from her seat.

  “Thank you, Issy. I know this is trying. You'll have a little more freedom as soon as we solve Jack's murder.” I stood as well.

  “I know. Don't worry about it. I'll catch you later... for an early dinner, maybe we can watch a movie together tonight?” It touched me that she was finally reaching out for me.

  “Of course. I'll have the kitchen make some pizza and we can munch while we watch.” I beamed at her.

  “Later then.” She walked out.

  I made the calls to the kitchen, and to have the media room prepared for us. I wanted her to have an awesome evening. I wasn't sure if I should have all the romance films removed from the collection, but decided against it.

  “Darl, you worry too much.” Leland's words startled me.

  “What? Why? I don't want her to hurt.” I looked at him sharply.

  “She's healing. She'll always have that ache. But she doesn't have the memories of his death anymore. She'll be fine. I don't think she needs eggshells, she needs her mates to help remind her to live.” He shrugged and stepped back into the shadows.

  “Hey, you butt, get back in here. No fading out... I know those passages better than you do.” I tried to make it sound authoritative, but I was laughing.

  “Yes, ya do. What can I do for you?” His eyes were smiling.

  “Do you wanna be there tonight? I know you guys are getting friendly... maybe she would be calmer with me if you were there.” I really worried that she hated me.

  “Em, she loves you. She's thankful for what you've done for her. But she doesn't feel like she fits anymore. I think you two should hang out. I'm always around when you need me, darl.” He smiled and walked back to the hidden passage.

  “Fine.” I huffed out to the empty room.

  I spent most of the day dealing with small problems that needed immediate attention from the vampire community. It was the kind of day where you wish everyone would take their petty problems and shove them where the sun doesn't shine.

  At four forty-five, I was done for the day. I didn't care what else happened, I was going to hang out with Issy. My mood lifted as I walked into the media room and found pizza set out and a whole delicious collection of junk food and soda.

  Wonderful. I sighed blissfully.

  The door creaked open and Leland stepped in. His face was slightly flushed from running and there was panic in his eyes.

  Damn, fucking shit. I blew out a breath.

  “What's wrong?” I marched over to him.

  “She's gone! Isabella is gone!” He was shouting at me and pacing all over like she would appear if he checked under the tables.

  “What the hell do you mean 'she's gone'? Gone like she left or gone like she's been taken!” I shouted at him.

  “I believe she's been taken.” His voice was solemn.

  “Shit! Go get Georgie, Harold, and Derrick, now!” I ordered him.

  Dominic! Michael! I sent out the shout in one.

  Mia bella, what's wrong? Dom's voice was calm.

  Em, something's wrong? Mike's was worried.

  I shared the connection between all of us as I explained what had happened.

  I just got her back! I can't lose her now! Dominic was furious.

  Emma, I think it was my people. There is a tension that appeared suddenly. They can't hold a tribune without Acacia and me. I'll find out. I'll let you know. He broke away from us.

  Dom, we're going to do everything we can. Leland, the Boys, and Derrick just stepped in, we'll trace what we can here. I'll let you know things as I find them. I think you need to come home. I didn't know what to say.

  I've already sent a message to have the plane prepared. I'll be there by ten tonight. He shut me out.

  “Okay, boys, tell me what you know.” I sat down.

  “Your Majesty, we lost track of her around four o'clock. I thought she ducked us and was hiding out in the garden somewhere. It's my fault.” Georgie hung his head.

  “You weren't on duty anyways, don't blame yourself, Georgie. We'll find her. It's been an hour since she was last seen.” I took a breath.

  “All the security tapes during that time went down. But we have trackers out there trying to figure out what or who took her.” Derrick's voice was calm.

  “What do you know, Em?” Leland dropped all pretense of me being above anyone.

  “Mike thinks it might have been the wolves. He's checking and will get back to me. Dominic is on his way and will be home before ten tonight.” I huffed out a breath.

  “We have time. Don't fret, Your Majesty.” Derrick bowed to me.

  “Thank you, Derrick. You're all free to go... if I hear that the wolves have her, I'll let you know.” I just sat and looked down at my hands, I just couldn't see how this could end well.

  It took an hour, but by then I knew that the wolves had her. Our trackers confirmed the presence of unknown wolves just as Mike was making contact.

  Dammit, Michael. What the devil will happen now? I tried to restrain myself.

  She'll be held prisoner until the next full moon, then she'll have a tribunal. I don't see that going well, Em. I can't force my people to let her go without having the real murderer. He sounded drawn out and without hope.

  Then we'll find the damn murderer. Where will the tribunal be? And don't try and tell me that it's a wolf thing- we'll be there, period. Anger filled my body.

  I'd never even think of it, Em. It'll be done in the basement of the school. It's more like a huge cavern. I want you to know that once you're in, it'll be hard to protect you. You'll have to pick your party very selectively. I knew that I'd be risking my life for Issy, again.

  I want Dom, me, Leland, Kelly if she'll go, and Issy's two bodyguards, oh and Derrick. Will that be too large? I was trying to cover all my bases.

  Your party of seven will be granted access. Be safe and smart in your planning, Em. I've got to go see to Isabella and to the tribunal. He left me to think.

  The first thing I did was let everyone know that the wolves had taken her. I had Leland call Kelly and see if she could go. Derrick and the Boys were assigned to prepare what we'd need and could conceal. The full moon was a day away- so we'd have to move quickly.

  Dom's flight arrived on time. By the time he was back at the house, he looked like the angel of death. His hair was standing up in sharp angles, he was wearing black cargo pants loaded with weapons, and he had his battle vest on.

  “Dom, we don't leave until tomorrow. Temptation will be too strong to go try to steal her back. We will not cause more problems.” My voice was final.

  “She's my sister and I will not have her killed for a crime she didn't commit.” Rage roared through him.

  “You'll calm down and think this through.” I crossed my arms- I knew that Leland and Derrick were in the shadows watching in case Dom lost control.

  “You are right. We need to do this smart. I'm sorry, mia bella.” He clasped into a nearby chair like a deflated balloon.

  “We'll get her back, Dom.
You have to have faith. I've got everyone we can spare trying to trace the witches. If we can't get a body to the wolves then we'll present the evidence to them. If worst comes to worst, I'll take Mike hostage.” My eyes flickered cold and hard.

  “Em, that's like an act of treason. The wolves would never trust us again- if we lived to see the next day.” I could feel the fear rolling off him.

  “Then let's hope it doesn't come to that.” I stood and gave him a hug before I walked off to get more gear together.

  “We can't look like we're going in ready for war. The four of you can look like bodyguards, but I'm positive any weapons that aren't hidden well, will be taken. I've got my boots with the daggers in the tips... which also have hidden niches for more, but I think they would check that. Do we have any collapsible weapons?” My mind was running a hundred miles per minute.

  “We have a short sword that is created by putting two pins together. They're hairpins. We also have a brooch of your house symbol that can leave an explosive opinion. And a silver whip that is concealed in a bracelet. For Master Dominic, we've retrofitted a pair of boots. Also, we've got a belt buckle that becomes a double-ended dagger. He'll wear two silver cuffs that can be expanded to protect his arms. We can't cover him in jewelry, so he'll have to fall back on his skills.” Derrick's voice was gruff.

  “Understood, old friend.” Dom clapped him on the back.

  I didn't ask what they'd carry or how they'd hide it. I just knew they would.

  “I think it's time for us to rest before we've to take that flight tomorrow, goodnight.” I gathered my new toys and walked out of the room.

  My night was plagued by images of those closest to me being ripped to shreds by very angry werewolves. When I woke in the late morning, my eyes were crusty and heavy. They felt like a thin layer of slime had been spread across them like a nice cheese spread. My entire body felt achy with fatigue.

  Today's going to be a very long day. I dragged myself into a small dining room where I was hoping to run into more of the group. I wasn't disappointed.