11.

In this chapter we will be drifting backwards in timeline.. We will have a sneak peak of Bella's childhood and why and how she became what she is today. And that is "Black Rose".

Also thanks to my reader (i won't mention your name, as I don't know if you will be comfortable with or not) who noticed a point that I was waiting for my readers to point it out for me. Thanks again..

Now, without further ado, let's jump right in.

Adrian, along with Klaus reached outside his parent's house "Westwood Cottage". One of Adrian's men who was involved in the fight recognised Adrian's car and came running outside.

"Boss, thank God you're here finally. I lost my phone, the intercom. I didn't know how to contact you." He explained trembling, aware his Boss might shoot him on spot.

"That's fine. Where is Ashley?" He asked without looking at the man and he pointed towards the gate. "There, I'll show you there." He said and they all walked up slowly afraid they might alert thr enemy.

Ashley's body was kept covered beside the gate in a corner. Adrian sat on his knees and slowly, with trembling hands slid the cover off Ashley's face.

Neither Adrian, nor Klaus could control their tears. Ashley's face was disfigured and was barely recognisable. "Black Rose saved him from getting more disfigured and sent him here to us. Said it's a return of favour from you." The man replied and Adrian looked upto him.

"What do you mean?" He asked back.

"When we called you to inform about Black Rose, that person had probably heard everything of why were here and all. Since we took care of her friends, she said she would help us. Not long after that, a fight broke out of nowhere, Black Rose warned us not come outside, but just when we were running back to our cars, somebody first shot at Ashley." The man explained and Adrian looked back at Adrian's face.

"We didn't see who shot him. We immediately got the bullet out and bandaged his wound to stop bleeding. While we were getting him back, we were attacked by 4 men. They killed like killer machines on spree. Ashley pushed me aside and I fell, but I hit my head on something, which in turn saved my life. When I was back conscious, only two of us were alive. The one who called you and me." The man told the whole thing to Adrian and he just patted the man's shoulder.

"If he saved your life, then I can't take it away. No one can. You have to live. And live well so that he doesn't regret when he sees you." Adrian said not looking away from Ashley.

"Klaus, take him back." Adrian ordered in a very deep authorative voice. "Yes, Boss." Klaus replied knowing Adrian now, was his Boss and not his friend.

"What about Black Rose?" Adrian asked the man. "He came back later, when I was looking for everyone and that is when he got Ashley's body and covered it and gave the message for you." The man replied and Adrian waved at him to leave.

"Am I being too selfish? Ash, brother you left me and Klaus all alone on our own. Klaus is still young and hence, I can't risk his life. For us both, our lives were never a priority, we only wanted to get back what was ours and set things back to normal. How and what will I do without you now?" Adrian said while looking up at the sky.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breathe. Just then he felt a hand on his shoulders. "You've got me. You can rely on me, you know that. Why say I am young still and can't risk my life for us?" Klaus was there behind him in tears.

Klaus was indeed the youngest and Ashley and Adrian never sent him on any dangerous missions. It was always Ashley who went ahead im the face of danger. Now they had lost their sheild that protected them.

"Fool, come here." Adrian said and hugged Klaus, patting his head.

"I know you're all grown up now. Let's give him a proper funeral. I don't know how long I will live either. This all is gonna be yours if I die leaving you behind." And Adrian laughed.

"Shut the f*ck up!! You're not allowed to. Okay??" Klaus was sulking now. And Adrian nodded, "yes."

After a while they all went back and gave a proper funeral to Ashley as well as Bella's friends.

Now they were waiting for Black Rose to get the antidote back. Adrian had passed the time of saving him, but the hope for living was still there..