The beating heart of the Volturi
A/N: Demetri is how he looks like in the movies with the dirty blonde hair, I prefer him this way! Bella is a baby in this chapter; she is on the tour of the Volturi Castle with Renée.
Chapter 1 Beating Heart Demetri POV
Thudding hearts, echoed through the throne room. I was thirsty, I haven't quenched my thirst in days and now I'm dying to feed, the burn in my throat increasing becoming almost unbearable. The tourists stood before us staring at the wonders of the throne room, their weak human hearts beating in satisfaction. Venom started to gather in my mouth as their heat radiated towards us.
"Take your pick," Felix whispered to me licking his lips in hunger. I do as he says, scanning the tourists carefully taking my pick. A beautiful scent invaded my nose, i turned to the source to see an awe-stricken woman holding a small baby girl, and the small child caught my gaze her beautiful chocolate eyes meeting mine, softening them. She looked worried, like she knew what was going to happen, her possible fate. An overwhelming feeling of protectiveness washed over me, I couldn't let this small human die this way she doesn't deserve it she's too innocent.
I start to formulate my plan of action I had to save this girl and to control my thirst, I don't care what the guard will think or the masters I will fight to save the small child's life. I analysed everyone's movements, Alec was considering the girl as well, and I'll have to beat him. He can't have her, she's mine. I hold my breath and stand straighter I had to control my thirst I couldn't risk the child's life, she's my destiny now I can't risk having her drained by Alec or myself she's too precious.
Aro gently ghosts down the steps about to greet dinner "welcome to Volterra" Aro bellowed flashing his teeth. This was our Que. Aro lunged at a woman everyone followed suit. I navigated the child my eyes locked on her; Alec caught my gaze and started to head towards the girl. No! I raced towards her determined to beat Alec; I pushed my legs further her intoxicating scent becoming stronger.
I outstretch my arms grabbing the child from the woman's tight grasp, the Childs heat warming my hands "Bella! my baby!" the women wailed slumping to the ground, her face screwed up in desperation. Heidi lunged, draining her instantly.
I backed away from the horrific scene before me clutching Bella tight, her warmth radiating off her like a space heater. I hold my breath not wanting to lose control and drain her accidently. I can't believe I did it! I actually saved the poor creature. I look down at the cowering child, whose deep chocolate eyes were staring up at me in shock. I gave her a small smile, cradling her to me. I look up and everyone's eyes were on me. Felix looked shocked, Jane looked disgusted and Aro, well Aro looked intrigued. I take a step back clutching Bella tightly.
"Demetri…what's going on?" Aro inquires taking a cautious step towards me his eyes transfixed on Bella. What should I say? Aro saw my confused gaze and presented his hand; I reposition Bella and let Aro read my thoughts. Aro's eyes closed in concentration; everyone in the throne room was silent, except Bella's dangerously fast heartbeat.
Aro released my hand, his crimson eyes darting from me to Bella in shock. "Demetri, you want this child to…live?" Aro says cautiously, taking a step closer. "Yes Master, I feel like…like she's mine," I say looking down at Bella's curious brown eyes.
Aro doesn't respond, instead he gently touches Bella's cheek; she flinched at the cool touch, but nothing more. Aro's face went from confusion to happiness almost instantly he pulled away looking between me and Bella. "How remarkable," Aro breaths "I couldn't see anything,"
This was unusual, is she gifted? Muffled gasps sounded through the throne room. "Demetri, keep her, she's yours now," Aro says a smile on his face I couldn't believe this! She's saved! How I wanted to hug Aro right now! "Thank you Master," I say curtly walking towards the throne room doors quickly.
I burst through my bedroom door still holding Bella tightly; I sit on my sofa holding the beautiful child before me. "Demetri, can I help look after her? Please!" Heidi trills sitting next to me leaning over to see Bella. I move Bella away from her reach, I don't know who to trust right now, Bella being the only human who lives here it's going to be hard to protect her from the largest vampire coven in the world.
Felix blundered into my room, sitting to my right his eyes widening as he looks at Bella. "Demetri I think that you should hunt, you don't want to risk Bella's life," Felix countered looking at me seriously. It's true, I do need to hunt I've got this far and only to drain her now would break me, but at the same time I want to keep her as safe as possible, can I trust Heidi and Felix?
"I can't leave her," I whisper looking into Bella's eyes. "Aren't you thirsty?" Heidi asks curiously trying to get a better look of Bella. "Yes, but-"I murmured interrupted by Felix "Demetri, me and Heidi have fed, you haven't your eyes are jet black," Felix says firmly, Heidi nods in agreement. I sighed quietly looking back down on Bella who looked back at me sadly, my throat began to burn I couldn't risk this beautiful Childs life. I hesitantly plop Bella carefully into Heidi's waiting arms, she started to gently coo to Bella who was still looking at me her face full of sadness. I arose from my seat slowly walking to the door; I look back at Bella for reassurance and walk out of my room, thirst taking over me.
