A/N: The characters and situation in this story do not belong to me, they are the property of Stephanie Meyer. I've picked taken my own interpretation of what Bella would do in Italy and ran with it. This story picks up in New Moon just after Edward, Alice and Bella are invited to join the Volturi and considers what could happen if Bella decided to take her mortality into her own hands. I was inspired by a couple of other stories on the forum but I'm moving a slightly different direction with it.

Suddenly it was like I was listening through a tunnel. Caius' voice took on an echo that wasn't present in the room before. Edward was arguing with him. Aro was making a point and I had to summon the courage to speak. We were going to die. Edward was never going to change me, he had no intention of it, Aro would know. He was so stubborn sometimes. Then, I was suddenly reminded of what Laurent had said in the meadow. He used the word "pet" to describe me. "Pet," is that what I was? A sudden rush of bravery brought on by anger seized me.

"May I speak?" My voice was clearer and louder than I expected. Edward tensed, his eyes narrowed. I was also suddenly aware that I had interrupted someone. There was silence. Edward pushed me further behind him and I unsuccessfully attempted to move away.

"Peace, Caius." Aro was staring at me as I peered from behind Edward. He touched hands with Caius and Marcus before addressing me. "Bella, you have something to say?" He spoke to me like I was the dog, a loved dog but still a dog, but I guess that at this point I was the cocker spaniel. I regretted speaking but now that I had started I had to finish, there was no going back. At this point I really had no choice. I knew Edwards feelings, he'd rather I die than change me.

"I am tired of being a pet." Edward released me, shocked. Could he really think that there was another word for this? If I couldn't be his equal then what was I? I stepped out from behind him and shakily stepped forward. The blood felt like it was draining from my body; I was colder than before. "I know Edward's feelings about changing me and Carlisle will only change the dying. As you know, last year Carlisle and Edward had an opportunity to allow the change to occur and they prevented it. They have done this at my peril. In the past six months I have narrowly avoided being killed by two vampires while Edward was busy doing whatever it is that he's been doing rather than protecting me."

"Bella…" His voice was weak behind me. I felt a small blush on my cheeks as he said my name. My resolve wavered a hair. I thought of the word "pet' again and my face flushed crimson, tears welled up in my eyes. I was angry again; I needed to remain angry. I clenched my fists.

"Edward, allow Bella to finish." Aro was smiling; it turned my stomach. I didn't know if Edward would forgive me for what I was about to do. I wasn't sure if that would matter anymore. I had come to save him but I had no guarantee that he would come back with me or that he would stay.

"I want the change." Was that my voice? It sounded confident. Oh thank goodness it was confident. I sighed with relief and shook just a bit. "Aro, you know his mind, he will not change me. I cannot pretend to understand his reasons for this but in order for me to have the…" Oh no please don't let me cry. My breath was ragged and I struggled to compose myself. One deep breath down to the toes, in and out. A tear slipped over he edge of my lashes and I reached to wipe it quickly.

"Bella, don't…"

"The respect that I deserve..." I talked over Edward's protests, "the strength that I need to protect myself, or any hope at a real relationship with him. I must be changed. I had hoped that Edw" it hurt to say his name, I let I trail off. "I had hoped that HE could be prevailed upon to change his mind but it seems that he is too stubborn and masochistic to give me what I want…" No, wanting was too weak. "What I deserve." My voice was strong again. Something was happening between Edward and Alice behind me.