Shielding Pain
C2: Surprise
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
Jane's POV
The minute we entered the catacombs, I could feel the girl tensing up a bit, which was completely understandable at this moment.
She pushed herself into my side and smiled at me as my arm instinctively wrapped itself around her waist. "I'm not scared you know, just a bit nervous about the things to come. I really don't know what to expect from today."
I squeezed her side a bit in assurance. "It'll be fine my love, when the Kings hear your story you will see that that it will be fine, and I would dare say that you will be pleasantly surprised about what they have to say. The only worry I have is my brother. He hates humans and will probably be pretty pissed that I haven't turned you yet. So I just wanted to let you know that any anger from him will be turned towards me and not to you."
She smiled at that. "I think your brother will be fine with this Jane. I think he'll be glad you found your mate."
I couldn't help but smile at her, and for once I was glad there was no one else near us to see me smile, otherwise they would surely run in fear from seeing one of the Witch Twins smile.
Like I suspected I smelt Alec come closer, and I just couldn't help the nerves show on my face a little bit.
"Sister, back from America I see, and you've brought a pet." He said with a smirk.
I glared murderously at him. "Even if you are my twin brother, Alec, that gives you no right to insult my mate, now apologize to her before I make you."
He smiled at that. "Don't worry, my dear Jane, I was merely teasing you. Aro knows of your mate already, we had some unexpected visitors in the last two days, although I have to say your mate looks familiar."
"You should know better than to tease me brother, but I am glad you don't seem to have anything against my mate."
"I'm sorry Jane, I just couldn't resist. Aro is expecting you and your mate in the Throne Room. I was merely sent to collect you two, but first I think it's only right if I introduce myself to my new sister-in-law. I'm Alec, Jane's slightly more sane twin brother." He said with a smirk.
"I'm Bella Swan, it's nice to meet you, and I don't think being more sane than my Jane is a good thing here." She said with a slight smile.
I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes at his words, and of course supress the girlish giggle that bubbled up in my throat at Isabella's words, but we followed him to the Throne Room none the less.
"I think Heidi's mate is her mother, the similarities between them are way too similar." He said at vampire speed.
"I think so too, ever since I met her I had a feeling I knew her from somewhere." I said in a similar tone.
He nodded almost imperceptibly as we arrived at the Throne Room, Alec very gentlemanly opening the door for us, and this time I did roll my eyes at him and his childish antics. He was just as selfish and sadistic as I was, and I knew he was only trying to impress my mate.
When we entered I had to contain a smile at the look on Aro's face, which was one of utter glee.
"Well, well Jane, it seems you were more than successful in your task, come, let us see what you've been up to." He said as he stepped forward and held out his hand.
I of course obeyed without question and offered him my hand, which he of course took without asking twice.
"Interesting, my dear Jane, to find your true mate while on a mission to kill the girl. You are quite lucky, but I must admit it was not entirely unexpected." He said with a certain twinkle in his eye.
"Can I ask why, my King?" I asked respectfully.
He smiled at me. "We had some new people added to our ranks a few days ago, and one of them told me most things about the girl already, as well as informing me of her ability to block vampire gifts, but you know I have to see it to believe it, so if you don't mind young Isabella, would you give me your hand so I might try my own gift on you?"
She smiled at him. "Of course, Lord Aro, I have nothing to hide." She said as she offered him her hand.
Aro took it with a smile and closed his eyes, his smile only widening when he opened them about a minute later. "I see absolutely nothing, you are a true enigma young Isabella, but we do have to talk about how to go on from here."
She smiled and nodded at that. "If I may, Lord Aro, a lot has happened over the past few months, and almost all of it can be blamed on Edward Cullen. When he saw he couldn't chain me to his side he tossed me aside without a second thought."
"And then he made the rest of the family leave you behind and leave you all alone again." A bell like voice said with an audible smile.
Bella's POV
The second I heard that voice I turned to the direction it came from, and smiled brightly when I saw Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett standing there.
"Hey Bella, how have you been?" Alice said with a smile.
I looked at Jane, who only nodded at me with a slight smile, which I was sure was only meant for me. I smiled at her and ran to Alice, hugging her with all of my might, and it was getting harder to contain my tears as she hugged me back. "Hey Ali, it's good to see you again."
She smiled at me. "It's good to see you again too, Bella. We've missed you so much."
"I've missed you guys too, but where are Esme and Carlisle?" I asked softly.
"I'm sorry Bella Bear, but Carlisle and Edward have killed Esme and have gone rogue. He wants you back and will probably be coming here pretty soon." Emmett said sadly.
"Unfortunately for him it will end in his death if he tries to attack us here, every guard is on the lookout for him and Carlisle, and as soon as Isabella is turned, I reckon we have quite the addition to the Guard." Aro said with a smile.
I smiled and bowed "I hope to make you proud, Lord Aro."
He smiled at me. "I know you will, young Isabella, but I think it is time that you and Jane retire to her room, I will have Heidi and her mate bring you everything you might need."
I nodded and turned to the doors of the Throne Room, which revealed a gorgeous blonde and someone that shocked me. "Mom?"
"Bella! What are you doing here?" Renee asked as she ran over to hug me.
I relaxed in her arms and smiled up at her. "Jane came to kill me after Edward left me all alone in the woods, it was only a coincidence that I was revealed to be her mate."
Renee smiled at that. "Then I have another reason to thank her. I'm glad you are here Bells."
I could only smile at her. "How about you Mom, how did you get here, and where is Phil."
"Phil was my first meal sweetie, we were here on holiday and the second I saw Heidi I knew she was the one for me, and when Lord Aro learned of my ability to hear thoughts, I was turned almost straight away and drained my former husband three days later. It's funny how life sometimes goes, isn't it?"
I smiled and nodded. "That's true. I thought I had it all when I met Edward, it was only when I started to see through his 'perfect gentleman' act that I knew he was only trying to chain me, and it is only thanks to Rose and Alice that I survived the attack, and when Jane found me a few days ago, I knew I had found my forever." I said softly.
Renee smiled and turned me back to my mate, while she also bent down a bit. "Then go to your love and go with her to her room, Heidi and I will bring you some more comfortable clothes."
I nodded and went back to my love's side, who wrapped a possessive arm around my waist almost immediately. "There is no need to be so possessive my love, Renee is my mother, so she is bound to be a bit more affectionate to me, and I don't think she would want to upset Heidi, or you for that matter." I said with a soft smile.
She glared a bit more at Renee but soon relented that to give me a quick smile. "I know, but since I haven't turned you yet, I'm feeling a bit protective, since Renee is still a newborn, and she can still slip up, even if her control is as amazing as it is."
I smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Then let's go to your room where you can turn me, my love. I want to be yours as soon as possible."
Jane smiled and gathered me in her arms, running me to her room after bowing to Aro and the others, while I barely had time to wave goodbye to Alice and Rose.
Jane's POV
As soon as we got to my room I laid her down on my bed, while Renee placed some items in my bathroom. "We'll make sure she'll has some more clothes tomorrow, I still know what she likes when it comes to clothes."
I only nodded and turned my attention back to Isabella, who had fallen asleep as soon as her head hit my pillow, which annoyed me a little. I wanted to know more about my mate, even though I had already spent two days in close quarters with her.
I decided to let my young mate rest a bit while I busied myself with preparing a few things for her for when she woke up, mostly just putting her clothes into my closet.
After that was done I took a seat on the edge of the bed, while my beautiful mate slept on. "I promise I will make him pay for everything he has done to you, my Isabella."
She muttered something I couldn't quite make out as I laid down next to her, needing to feel her mate close.
"You're adorable when you sleep, my sweet." I said softly.
"She always was, even as a child she was adorable." Renee said with a gentle smile as she leaned against the door.
I glared at her as I turned around. "What are you doing here Renee, I don't remember calling for you."
She smiled at me. "I just wanted to check if Bella had settled in okay. I've missed so much of her life thanks to my selfish actions, and I hope you will allow me to make amends to my daughter."
"Why did you leave her alone in the first place, that doesn't sound like something a mother would do." I said as I motioned her to come inside.
She sighed as she took a seat in one of my chairs. "Because I was a selfish woman that valued her 'adventure' more than her daughter, and I know she still resents me for it. I forced her to be an adult at too young an age, while I spent more time being her friend than being her mother, and it will be something I will always regret. I'm responsible for her abandonment issues and her trust issues. I just hope she will someday forgive me, although I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't, I really was a horrible mother to her."
"I think she will, from what I have gathered she has a big heart that is capable of a lot of forgiveness, and the fact that you didn't totally neglect her, but instead tried to be her friend will surely work in your favor." I said as I turned to my love again. "But, you know that your time as her mother is now over, because you know that is not how our world works. I will of course allow you two to spend time together, because I am not that possessive, and I'm sure you two will have a close relationship once she is turned and I know you wouldn't want to hurt Heidi. Having said that, I hope you wouldn't mind leaving now, I want to spend some quality time with my mate."
She nodded and gave me a smile. "Of course Jane, I appreciate you wanting to talk to me and soothing my nerves about Bella."
I only gave her a curt nod before she left, finally leaving us alone.
The hours seemed to fly by and sooner than I thought her breathing quickened and her lovely brown eyes fluttered open. "Good morning Jane." She said sleepily.
"Good morning my sweet, how did you sleep?" I asked softly.
She smiled and slowly sat up and stretched. "I slept okay I guess, my nightmares seem to be lot less when you are next to me, so that is a bonus."
I smiled at her. "I'm glad you slept okay, I wanted to give you at least a peaceful night before I turn you, and I think your pixie friend is waiting outside with breakfast."
She smiled brightly at that. "If it is going to be my final breakfast, at least for a while I'm glad Alice made it for me, she also knows exactly what I want."
I growled softly at that, since I wanted to make my mate happy with that breakfast, and apparently she heard me. "Don't fret angel, you will always be my number one reason to be happy, just as Alice will always be my best friend, my heart will always belong to you." She said softly.
I couldn't help but smile at her as she got off the bed to get her breakfast from the pixie.
As she opened the door she smiled at the pixie. "Thanks Ali, you always know exactly what I need.
"I figured you needed a good breakfast for what is to come. We'll see you two in a few days." She said with a wink to my mate.
Bella just smiled as she closed the door and turned back to me. "Would you like to join me for breakfast, my love. I don't think I can eat all of this by myself."
"No Isabella, thank you for asking. I fed recently, and as delicious as it looks, I wouldn't want to spoil the flavor with the taste of blood still in my mouth." I said with a soft smile.
She nodded and gave me a shy smile as she started eating her breakfast, clearly enjoying her coffee a lot more than most of the food.
After she had finished her breakfast I turned to her. "Is there anything you want to do before I turn you, my love?"
"I want to talk to my Mom before I am turned, I think it is a good idea to hash some things out before I am turned." She said softly.
Without even replying I walked to the door and opened it to reveal Renee. "You are free to use my room, I need to talk to Alec for a bit."
Bella nodded and gave me a quick hug before I left her alone with Renee, although that took a big effort on my part. Renee was still a newborn and I had noticed that my Isabella was a bit clumsy at times.
Bella's POV
Renee took a seat a bit away from when Jane had closed the door. "So Mom, I wanted to take this time to hash things out between us before I am turned, because we both deserve closure. I'll be honest and say that I resented you for a long time for the way you left me mostly on my own during most of my childhood, but now that I'm older I'm grateful for that. You taught me to fend for myself and be independent. Thanks to you I could see through Edward's lies and deception. So thank you for the things you have taught me, and for being there for me when I needed you most."
"I'm sorry Bella, I know I haven't been the best mother throughout your life, and I understand that you are not ready to forgive me just yet, but having said that I'm grateful that I could have played a part in the shaping of the way you see the world and of course the way you see people. I'm sorry it had to happen the way it did though." Renee said softly.
I had to smile and moved to hug her. "Thank you for apologizing Mom, I really hope we can keep our friendship, because your time as my mother is over, and I think we both know that."
"Jane said the same thing last night, and I would love to a part of your life in that way, I've never been much of a mother, so I will try my very best to be your friend." Renee said softly.
I gave her another hug as Jane reentered the room. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Kings have requested our presence. Aro has some things he needs to tell you before you are turned."
I nodded and after giving my mother a hug I followed Jane back to the Throne Room, and I had to admit some nerves were settling in about today.
Jane seemed to notice and pulled me close. "You don't have to be nervous Isabella, Aro just wants to talk to you about what your plans are when you are turned, there are a lot of options available to you, although I would enjoy it if you were to stay at my side."
I smiled and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. "Do you really have to ask, Jane? There is no place I would rather be than at your side."
She smiled and I'm sure if she could still blush, she would be right now, but instead she smirked at me. "I'm glad to hear that Isabella, because I would do anything to keep you here."
I only smiled as we entered the Throne Room. "Good morning, young Isabella, I hope you slept well?" Aro asked with a sincere smile.
"I did, Lord Aro. I slept better last night than in the past two months since he left me." I said honestly.
"Wonderful, I also see Jane has not turned you just yet, but I think that will be not far off. I was merely wondering what your plans were once you are turned." Aro asked with what I think was hope in his voice.
I only smiled at him. "I go wherever my Jane goes, Lord Aro. I don't need Alice's future seeing gifts to know that I don't see my future without Jane in it."
Aro smiled brightly and I'm sure I heard a giggle from him. "Absolutely wonderful, exactly what I was hoping for, I'm sure you will be a valued member of our Guard."
I bowed as he dismissed us, Jane immediately leading us back to her room. "I do hope you are ready, Isabella, chances are that we are not going to see anyone for quite a few days."
"I still have to feed when I wake up, so we'll see someone then." I said cheekily.
She smirked at that. "Oh, we're going to have some fun here. I will get Heidi and Renee to find a few people for you to drink, so we won't have to see people for a few days."
"That's just cheating, but I'm okay with that coming from you, although I must admit that I'm a bit nervous about making love to you, with you being my first and all." I said with a slight blush.
"At least that is one point in Fuckward's favor, but we can take this at any pace you are comfortable with. If you're not ready to make love, then I will wait for you to be ready for me, although I must say it will not be easy. I don't have a lot of restraint." Jane said with a soft smile as we entered the bedroom.
I blushed as she led me to the bed. "I think I won't be able to restrain myself for long as well, but I think it's best if we try anyway, we don't know each other that well after all."
She only nodded at me as she went to her closet to fetch a form fitting nightgown for me. "That's most certainly true, and because I love you I will honor your wishes, but you should get changed into something more comfortable. You deserve to be as comfortable as possible before you spend the next three days in excruciating pain."
"That's a nice thing to look forward to. Will you be here for me Jane?" I asked softly.
Jane nodded as I put the gown on, blushing a little as I felt a bit embarrassed about undressing in front of her.
I then laid down on the bed and blushed again as Jane hovered above me. "You are so beautiful Isabella, I can't feel anything else but honored that you are my mate."
My blush darkened at that. "May I ask one thing before you turn me?"
"Of course my Isabella, you can ask me anything."
"Will you kiss me before you turn me. I want to know what it feels like to be properly kissed by my mate."
She smiled and lowered her lips towards mine, capturing them in a passionate kiss a second later.
I couldn't help but moan into her mouth, feeling things that I never felt before in my encounters with Edward.
Jane pulled me closer and tangled her hands in my hair, moaning softly into my mouth before she pulled back. "Now it almost feels like a shame that I have to turn you. I could get used to your warm lips on mine."
I blushed again and allowed myself to be guided down to the matrass, where Jane hid her face in the crook of my neck and inhaled deeply. "You smell divine, I can't wait to taste you, sweet dreams my love. I'll be here when you wake up." She said before biting into my neck.
Jane's POV
The second I pulled back I took one of her hands in my own, caressing her skin softly as she started to groan in pain.
"It'll be fine my love, I'll be here the entire time." I said softly.
There was a soft knock on the door, and I just couldn't help the growl that escaped my mouth. "Now, now Jane, there is no need for you to be so defensive. "Sulpicia said as she and the two other Queens entered my room.
"I'm sorry my Queens, but my mate has only just started her change, so I can't help but feel protective of her right now."
"It's quite alright my dear, we just came to see how she is, as well as deliver some news. Due to the growing number of our Coven, we have decided to split the existing Guard a bit. You, Alec, Isabella, Heidi, Renee, Rosalie, Alice and Jasper will be our personal guard, while the others will be the personal guard of our husbands, but this will only affect the business within the Castle." Sulpicia said with a smile.
"The reason we have decided on this course of action is because we intend to be a bit more involved with the daily comings and goings of the Coven and Volterra. Our husbands of course will need some time to get used to this new situation, but they are in agreeance with this. We wanted you to be the first to know of the new situation." Didyme said with a similar smile.
I smiled at that. "I will try and serve you well, my Queens, but I must ask you for a few days of free time to take care of my mate."
"Of course you can have a few days off, but we expect regular updates from you or Alec on her condition, and of course we expect to be notified when she wakes up." Athenodora said seriously.
"Of course, my Queens, I will send word the moment she opens her eyes." I said with a smile.
They nodded and took their leave, only to have Renee and Heidi take their place.
"You know, I think I have failed the to see the notification that people could come into my room uninvited." I said with a growl.
"We're sorry Jane, but we were wondering if we could do anything for you two at this point." Heidi said cautiously.
"You two could go and find two girls for her to feed on when she wakes up, everything else I can provide for her." I said a bit annoyed.
They nodded and quickly left, making sure to close the door again, and I couldn't blame them. I was feeling very protective of Isabella and I was surprised that I hadn't put Renee and Heidi under my gift when they came in unannounced.
I was brought out of my musings when Isabella started to scream in pain, while I tried to comfort her as best I could, but all my sweet whispered words fell on deaf ears as my venom ravaged my mate's body.
…
Three days later her heart gave its final sickening thump and I waited anxiously to see how she had transitioned. She was beautifully pale and her hair had a shimmer of red in it, and I was sure I had never seen a more beautiful woman.
When she opened her eyes she gasped softly, probably because she saw me for the first time with her new eyes.
"I thought you were beautiful before, but now that I can truly see you, you are downright gorgeous." She said with the most angelic voice I had ever heard.
"So are you, my love, welcome to your new immortal life." I said softly.
She smiled and hugged me tightly, and I couldn't help but groan from her strength a bit.
"Sorry baby, I guess I don't know my own strength just yet." She said bashfully.
I smiled at that. "It's okay love, I never got a hug from a newborn before, most know better than that, but what surprises me is that I don't have to hold you down to make sure you don't massacre the town."
"There is a slight burn, but it is manageable, although I am a bit hungry." She said with a smile.
"Then let's get some blood in you, Heidi and Renee found you a few victims to feed from." I said with a soft smile.
She nodded and gave me a quick kiss before she got off the bed to put on her new Volturi robe, which fit her like a glove. It really brought out her curves and I had some difficulty not staring at her.
She noticed and smiled at me as we made our way to one of the training room, where her Renee, Heidi and the two Cullen women were.
When we entered I saw that Heidi and Renee had procured two sisters for her, both redheads and both smelled absolutely delicious, and one look at my mate was enough to make me smirk, her eyes were pitch black and it looked like she had tuned out the entire world around her.
Heidi pushed the girl she was holding forward and Isabella wasted no time in biting her neck, sucking her dry within a minute.
When the girl was drained she threw her aside and ripped the girl Renee was holding out of her hands, doing the same to her as she did to her sister.
When the second girl was also drained she took her place next to me. "That was certainly lovely. Thanks Mom and of course Heidi for bringing me these tasty snacks."
The two women smiled at her. "It was no problem Bella, how do you feel?" Renee asked with a smile.
"I feel absolutely amazing. Now I wish Edward would have let me turn when I was bitten by James, it would saved us all a lot of trouble. I would have immediately known he wasn't my mate and I would certainly have kicked his ass a lot sooner." Isabella said with a bright smile.
"That was exactly the reason why he didn't turn you back then. He was afraid you would find out the truth and free yourself from his and Carlisle's grasp." Alice said softly.
Bella chuckled darkly at that. "I figured as much, all he sought to do was chain me at his side, but I am glad I finally found my mate in Jane."
I smirked at her and pressed a kiss to her cheek, although I had to stand on my toes to do so. "Now that you have fed, we should go and see the Kings and Queens, Athenodora wanted to see you when you woke up."
Isabella nodded and wrapped an arm around my waist as we made our way to the Throne Room, which I knew had some modifications made to it to make room for three more thrones.
When we entered I had to suppress a smile. The now six thrones were empty as the Kings and Queens stood in the center of the room, clearly anticipating our arrival. "Ah Isabella, immortality suits you. you were clearly meant for this life." Sulpicia said with a smile.
Isabella bowed for them. "I have heard that before, my Queens. I'm glad to be awake again." She said with a kind smile.
The three Queens smiled at each other. "So proper already, it seems you have found yourself a keeper in your mate, dear Jane." Didyme said with a smile.
I couldn't help but smile at that. "Thank you, my Queen."
The three women smiled at us. "Now that you all have graced us with your presence, we want to let you officially know that from now on you will be our personal guard, although I'm afraid to so Aro has requested Alec and Jasper to stay in his Guard, so we have an old boys versus girls thing going on from now on, so instead of Alec and Jasper, we have Renata and Chelsea, but we would never dream of splitting up our favorite twins, so you and Alec will still go on missions together, with Renata and Isabella by your sides of course." Athenodora said with her usual serious tone, although a slight smile was visible beneath her steely features.
"Now Jane, you take your mate to the library to teach her our rules, and at the end of the day you will bring her to the Training Room where she will be trained by Jasper and Alice. Feel free to take her hunting if it is needed, we will talk about what comes next tomorrow." Sulpicia said with a smile.
We both nodded and bowed before we made our way to the library, where we could take our time in each other and her lessons.
