The Perfect Storm Teaser

Monday, August 17^th, 2021
6:45am
Elmhurst, Illinois

“Today is going to be another scorcher,” Edward said on the television in front of the green screen. “But, there is going to be relief in sight. A cool front will be dipping through the area later on today. With the front moving through, there is a possibility of storms this afternoon. Remember to bring your umbrella! Before I hand it back Zafrina, I want to wish my favorite teacher an amazing first day of school. I love you, beautiful.”

“You’re going to get in so much trouble, Dr. Heatwave,” Bella said to the television before turning it off, and picking up her coffee from the kitchen counter. She slid her bag over her head and left a note for her still-sleeping boys on the fridge, asking them to mow the lawn and pick up school supplies. Scurrying out of the house, she got into her car. She sent a text to Edward as she waited for the car to cool down. Even in the garage, the car was way too hot.  

Really, Dr. Heatwave? ~ B

Yes, really, and before you get all in a huff, I got permission, Ms. Swan. I’m so proud of you, Bella. I wish I could talk to you, but I need to get back on the air. I love you ~ E

I love you so much, Edward. Thank you for the encouragement. I needed that more than I realized ~ B

Check your lunch box. I’ll see you tonight when you get home ~ E

She opened her lunch box and found a very sweet but slightly naughty love note from her Dr. Heatwave. Bella blushed and smiled, backing out of the driveway, and driving to the high school. She parked in the parking lot, hooking her staff parking pass on the rearview mirror. She slipped on her lanyard with her ID and keys. With a fierce nod of her head, she walked into the building and dropped off her bag into her classroom. She picked up her laptop along with her planner, scurrying to the auditorium. Her department head, an older woman named Shelly, waved her over to the rest of the English department. Bella sat down next to her new boss and was introduced to her team.

After the keynote speaker, welcome back speeches by Dr. Riggs, and introductions of new staff, everyone broke off into smaller professional learning teams. While in these meetings, Bella got the curriculum for the classes she was teaching along with ideas for lessons and copies of exams.

The rest of the day was spent getting her classroom ready. She made a list of what she needed for her room, sighing that it was so empty. She’d had a lot of cheery decorations when she taught in Oklahoma, but all that was scattered or destroyed.

“Hey Bella,” said Shelly. “You’re starting from scratch? I thought you’d taught English …”

“I did, but I recently lost everything in a tornado. I moved up here for a fresh start,” Bella explained. “I’ll be putting in an order to Amazon.” She held up her list.

“Let me see that,” Shelly smirked, taking it from her. “I’ve been teaching for twenty-five years. I’ve got a ton of random shit.” She dragged Bella to her room and handed her armloads of things.

    

Shaky Ground Teaser

Bella was sitting in a well-appointed office. Edward was downstairs getting the grand tour of the emergency room and being set up with his own well-appointed office. The door opened and an older gentleman, about the age of her father, came walking into the office. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Dr. Swan,” he said.

“It’s okay,” Bella replied. She began to stand up.

“Sit! Sit! I know you’re recuperating from a leg injury from the quake in Seattle,” he said. “I’m Dr. Oliver Daniels and I’m the head of pediatrics. It’s so nice to finally meet you. It’s nice to put a face with the name. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you from your old boss, Dr. Volturi.”

Bella’s eyes widened. She never expected that. “Wow,” she whispered. “Um, I … with him dismissing me …”

“Is our gain,” Dr. Daniels chuckled. “Now, I know that you’re still working on rehabbing your leg.”

“Yes. I just met with Dr. Denali. He said six months, at the earliest, but I’m determined and I want to get back to work,” Bella said. “I miss it. I know I have to deal with my license being transferred, but I want to work here. In the PICU, if possible.”

“We have a pediatric emergency department, though. I heard about the phenomenal things you did at Harborview,” Dr. Daniels said.

“While that work was rewarding, it wasn’t nearly as challenging as the few shifts I covered in the PICU,” Bella answered. “Being able to build a relationship with the parents, the kids? That was so much more … I would rather focus my time in the PICU.”

“I understand,” Dr. Daniels smiled. “We’d have to have you start as a PICU fellow. It’s a different animal than the emergency room. But, I have no doubt that you’ll be one of the attending physicians soon.”

“That seems fair. More than fair,” Bella breathed. “And don’t get me wrong about the emergency room. I wouldn’t mind spending time down there, a few shifts, here and there, but I’d prefer the PICU.”

“Are you up for a tour of the facility?”

“Walking is a challenge right now,” Bella said, wrinkling her nose. “Plus, the rain is causing the bones to ache. I want to be able to walk and interact with the nurses, patients and families. I don’t want to be on crutches or in a wheelchair.”

“Fair enough,” he laughed. “Can I, at least, show you where your office will be?”

“I get my own office?”

Dr. Daniels nodded and helped Bella to her feet. They slowly walked down the hallway to a large office just outside of the PICU. He unlocked it and Bella stepped inside. It was just as large as his office, but with bright colors on the walls and deep cherry furniture. “Anything you don’t like, we can change.”

“No, it’s great,” Bella smiled. “I really want to start now.”

“Six months, Dr. Swan,” Dr. Daniels said. “Six months and you’ll be a part of our family.” He reached into his pocket and handed her an envelope. “Our official offer, including salary, insurance and tentative schedule, upon your return. Dr. Denali needs to clear you medically. I do look forward to working with you, Dr. Swan.”

“Thank you and thank you for the opportunity,” she said. “I … I couldn’t go back to Seattle. Not with what happened. That quake … it was hell on earth.”

Out of the Darkness Update

OOTD Chapter 29 on FicPad

OOTD Chapter 29 on Stars

OOTD Chapter 29 on AO3

OOTD Chapter 29 on FFn

OOTD Chapter 29 on Wattpad

I woke up, my stomach snarling and my body aching. I checked for any injuries, but realized that it was residual pain from Alice’s almost lethal attack. I stretched, getting up from the bed, showering and dressing before going into the kitchen. Bella was curled up on the couch with Felix snuggled to her side. She was sleeping, her face almost serene. Felix looked at me, his tail thumping. “Stay with her, bub,” I said, going into the kitchen to eat some breakfast.

Devouring a hearty breakfast, I felt a call in my heart. It was Carlisle. I was not ready to see him. I responded, thinking to him that I needed time, but he reached out to me again, almost insistent. I looked at my mate, my Bella and I couldn’t leave her. Alice was still healing. Charlie was back up with the other Lordships and Esme was in charge of the clean up behind the Forks Police Department, then going up to Heaven to see if Bella was punished for Charlie’s indiscretions.

He landed on the patio. I huffed out a breath and snuck out, casting a glance at Bella. She’d be safe for the time being. I wasn’t leaving my yard. “What is it?” I asked.

“I researched that human,” Carlisle said. “Jane Hopkins? She checks out, but I’m concerned for her level of pride. Lucifer could use that to his advantage, twisting her to the dark side.”

“Using one of the seven deadly sins?” I growled. “Has he done it before?”

“Hitler? He was a prideful man and look where it got him,” Carlisle replied, wrinkling his nose. “I think that it’s okay for Bella to interview, but you need to stay close by. Lucifer could use his newly formed power of controlling humans to manipulate her, Jane or Bella.”

“We’ll keep that in mind. Now, I’m going to check on my mate. Throughout this whole ordeal, her needs and her fears were neglected. It’s why she’s so hesitant to trust,” I said.

“May I speak with her?” Carlisle asked.

“She’s resting and I don’t have the heart to wake her. Her world was thrown into a tailspin. First, when I entered in life and then again when she was told that her father was a Dominion Lordship who had his powers stripped, effectively abandoning her to the wolves. Now, I don’t know what His feelings are regarding this whole thing is, but there’s only so much that a human can take. I’m going to care for her, love her and give her the protection she needs and the reassurance she desires.” I turned and went back inside, picking up Bella easily and tucking her to my side. I wrapped my wings around her, pressing my lips to her forehead. I’m here, my beloved. You’re safe. I’ve got you and I vow to never let anything happen to you.

The rest of the weekend was spent recuperating. Alice slept the entire time. Charlie went back to work as the police chief in Forks, only to keep up appearances. Esme was doing her own research up in heaven and I could feel Carlisle hovering nearby. Bella was quiet, but she was demonstrative and always needed to be near me. I was more than willing to accept her kisses, her snuggles and her need for reassurance. Her world had been upended and she was finally healing. I could feel her acceptance, her growth and her love bubbling inside her. The pain was still there, but it was not the most prevalent feeling in her emotions.

Felix

Angelward

Dominion Carlisle