This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. This is an adult version of twilight and will have lemons and violence (after all it revolves around vampires) so you have been warned! Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.

Chapter 2 – Visiting old friends

With the arrival of their jet Bella's had difficulty curbing her patience. As soon as they had landed she quickly joined Felix who was busy opening the latch. Caius smiled seeing her enthusiasm, which was something he had always loved about his mate; she was so full of life! For a vampire as old as he was he had forgotten those emotions. As soon as the latch was opened she rushed out to see her friends.

Esme and Alexia were the first she laid her eyes on and she literally flew into their arms exclaiming "I missed you so much!"

Isabella was always grateful for the love Edward had found at Alexia's side. It was different than theirs had been; for Edward it had been the scent of Isabella's blood and the inability of him to read her mind that had been his instantaneous attraction towards her.

The relationship between Alexia and Edward had taken more time; partly because Edward was still infatuated by Bella, making him emotionally blind. Once he was no longer subdued by his past attachment to her, a relationship between Alexia and Edward gradually grew.

Alexia's mind was accessible; he couldn't block it out which he sometimes found difficult. The one big advantage for Alexia was that he could see behind the impenetrable mask and see the vulnerable and loving person she always tried to hide from others.

Her gift or as Alexia would say 'her curse', was that she is able to perceive emotional information by means of trances which are very real for her. In these trances she would suddenly be transported to a situation that had taken place in the past; none of them pleasant. Edward was not only able to read her thoughts but also enter her trances and calm her down and with his help she is able to get out before the fear made her catatonic as it had done in her childhood. They were now devoted to one another.

"Only them?" Edward and Carlisle simultaneously inquired and Isabella's eyes quickly followed their voices.

Quickly turning to see the Cullen men Isabella answered "No, all of you of course!"

She began to walk towards them when Emmett surprised her by grabbing her from behind giving her a typically Emmett bear hug and saying "Hey Swan did you come back to see how the humble vamps live?"

Isabella laughed turning her head from side to side in an effort to see him then she snickered "Why don't you come to the Volturi and see how we live? It might actually humble you."

Once Emmett let go she embraced him and he mockingly chuckled "Hey have a bit of sympathy; you're crushing me!"

"Don't be such a baby" she countered smacking him on his shoulder which set off a new salvo of laughter.

Isabella blatantly ignored him trudging through the snow on her way to Edward and his father then putting her arms around Carlisle she brushed her lips against his cheek. Next she went to Edward and gave him a hug saying "How has life been treating you Edward; it must sometimes be straining to have Emmett as a brother?" Edward grinned shaking his head in agreement.

Anticipating that Emmett would retaliate, Bella ducked; narrowly dodging the snowball he sent her way. Laughing, she ran back to Esme who promptly held her hands up in a mock gesture of surrender. While they walked arm in arm Bella scanned the small group and realized not all the Cullens were present and asked "Hey, where are Alice, Jazz and Rose; I thought they'd be here too?"

Esme quickly explained "Rose is inside; she is still a little hesitant to be one of the first to great you. As for Alice and Jazz, their coming tomorrow; they were held up by the weather. Now let's get inside; I have another couple that are anxious to see you both."

The small group climbed the stairs leading to the Cullen homestead Caius had reclaimed his mate and wrapped his arm around her waist in a possessive fashion. Esme was on her other side endlessly chattering of the different developments that her family had undergone. Entering their home the men took their coats as Bella and Esme walked towards the living room to enjoy the warmth of the fireplace. Bella had just turned the corner when she saw Athenodora and Riley sitting on the couch across from the hearth and quickly walked over to hug her "Athenodora, you and Riley are here too! You can't imagine how much I miss your company: the coven hasn't been the same since you and Riley left; especially after Sulpicia's demise".

Athenodora smiled towards Caius who had just entered the room as she hugged Isabella "I know, I feel the same; after all you're like a daughter to me but it was too dangerous for me to stay in Aro's company".

"What I don't understand is; why Aro is not so affected by his loss as Marcus was when he lost Didyme"

"Has Caius never told you? The bond between Aro and Sulpicia was different than the bond between Marcus and Didyme".

Before either could continue this conversation she was distracted at seeing Rose into the room.

Athenodora in the meanwhile welcomed Caius, as Rose quietly sat next to Emmett who had instantly monopolized a large part of the sofa when he came in the room. Rose and Isabella had finally made their peace over the past few years.

Emmett had relinquished a part of the sofa wrapping his arm around Rose. She snuggled into his welcoming arms as she asked "How are you Bella?"

Isabella absentmindedly found an vacant spot on the couch across from them and looking over replied "Actually not bad at all, I'm finally getting used to the Volturi lifestyle and now that I have completed my training with Alec I can finally enjoy life as a Volturi queen".

Edward gave her and then Caius a sceptical glans and with a cynical chuckle he asked "and, how did Aro react? I doubt he was pleased with that!"

"Well…to tell you the truth he doesn't really know". She timidly while looking at Caius.

Hearing this, Edward questioningly raised his eyebrows allowing her to explain herself.

You see, thanks to Caius's insistence I has allowed a recess and if Caius has any say to things that recess will last longer than Aro thinks" she giggled while leaning towards Caius.

Caius wrapped his arms around Isabella and kissed her cheek saying "I just believe that your duties should never overshadow our bond and thankfully Marcus supports me on that".

As they gathered Isabella and Caius heard the last news concerning Isabella's father and the Quileute tribe. Her father still had difficulty accepting Isabella's death always thinking it was all very peculiar. It didn't help when he saw a picture of her in Italy. It seemed like an innocent thing at the time and there were no problems; until it had been published in a travel magazine that he had inadvertently seen. Ever since then Jacob had been talking him out of going to Italy; and up till now it worked.

"Bella, are you listening?"

"Of course I have…..well maybe I missed the last few words, my mind drifted a bit".

"Well we were just saying your father keeps badgering Sue about going to Italy and he is planning to do it this summer". Carlisle informed while looking from Caius to her.

"He can't! If the Volturi find my father snooping around they'll kill him!"

"I know but he must be warned, one way or another! He's been determined to go there ever since he spotted that daft picture". Edward explained as he folded arms around Alexia's waist drawing her back towards his chest.

"The only way to stop him is to go to Forks but I just haven't built up the courage. It's bad enough that he thinks I died but if I should suddenly appear and in my present state" she said as her hand motioned towards her body "Well…..let's face it; it can't be good for his health!"

Caius laid a hand on Bella's thigh trying to calm her down as he eyes fixed on Edward "The picture was unfortunate; since then he has become unpredictable, we both knew that!"

Then turning his head toward his mate he added "However we must visit him before we go back to Italy".

Caius had been accepted by the Olympic and Denali covens, although with caution as everyone was aware of his violent history. In the years that Bella and Caius had been together he had learned to be open-minded to them and friendly. It was his character to stay the aggressor but he always treated the Cullens and Denali's with respect in order to please his mate. The last few years the relationship between Caius and the two covens had become comfortable; much to the relief of Bella.

Edward contemplated the situation and remarked as he leaned his chin on Alexia's shoulder "Maybe Jake can help you get in touch without upsetting him too much"

"Upsetting ? Don't you think that word is a little lightweight? I'm more afraid of terrifying him!" Bella complained.

"And yet my dear" Caius said as his mind considered the remark "it's not a bad idea to let Jake break it to your father before we go to see him".

"How are Jake and Sienna anyway?" Isabella probed trying to elude the discussion for a little longer.

Now it was Carlisle who answered as he took the warm glass of blood out of Esme's hand "As you both probably remember; when we left Forks another, less peaceful coven settled in that region and caused so much mayhem that the Quileute tribe were compelled to confront them. It was either that, or wait for the Vampire justice which, most certainly would brought the tribe under the scrutiny of the Volturi. However mere confrontation didn't help; instead they were forced into battle".

Isabella remembered the situation; how could she forget! She was extremely grateful that the Cullens had felt honour bound to help them. In the process they had become good friends; the Olympic coven vampires and the Quileute wolf shifters. Knowing the background of both parties it was deemed impossible and yet they it was true.

After the battle the Cullens had informed Isabella of their alliance with the Quileute tribe knowing how important the tribe was to her and also knowing that Aro could not read her thoughts. The information never reached the Volturi and she never told it to Caius; although they shared everything, this was one little titbit she kept to herself.

"Well" Edward continued as he swept Alexia's hair to the side "Sam Uley died in that battle giving Jacob no choice but to take command and now that he realizes he will have to leave the tribe in a few more years they want to elect him as their honourable leader".

Bella was stunned by the news and waved her hand to halt his words "Hey, wait a minute! Back up a bit; what do you mean? Why would he leave?"

"Haven't you noticed Swan girl" Emmett teased, immediately causing Caius to snarl his disapproval. Emmett understood that Caius found his pet name for Bella demeaning but sometimes he let it slip. Looking towards Caius he nodded his head as apology and then continued. "Neither he or Sienna have gotten any older? They often faze to protect the tribe from vampires and that prevents them from aging. They can't stay at La Push for the same reason we can't stay in Forks; people will see they don't age".

"But, where will he go?" she asked looking from one to the other concern clouding her eyes as she grasped how difficult it would be for the couple to leave their roots.

"That's where we came in; we have different homes all over the world and he can use any of them. We have been having difficulty convincing him but I think you can help with that. He and his wife are planning to visit the day after tomorrow. They will be staying in the town Healy; close by".

Isabella often met Jacob and Sienna and still remembered how gratified she had been when she finally saw Jacob happy. His wife was beautiful and had touch of the exotic; her parents were relatives of the Quileute tribe but somewhere in their blood line there must have an exotic mixture of Filipina, Malaysian, or Indonesian.

Sienna had dark brown almond shaped eyes and a beautiful flawless oval face with full lips. She had the same beautiful, silky and russet-tinted skin as Jake; something Isabella had always envied as a human. She was slender and about the same length as Jake but also well-toned as she often phased to join her mate while he guarded the forests of Forks.

It was difficult to believe a human of Sienna's beauty was also unbelievably nice; the only hitch in their relationship was the fact that she couldn't bear children. Because her body phased she had to bear the same cross as Leah Clearwater, the female Quileute wolf. They were both young and beautiful but also barren and they couldn't go to a doctor for help because their genetic makeup would expose their tribe.

Isabella had heard that Leah had met someone in Hawaii while visiting one of Jake's sisters. After a long engagement she finally married leaving the tribe for good. That was about four years ago and everyone was happy for her, remembering how difficult her life had been while in the tribe.

Being lost in her thoughts Bella suddenly realized that the conversation had taken yet another wending when she heard Carlisle say "The Denali coven thinks they have found Nikolai´s accomplice and we are going down there tomorrow to see him".

Emmett then smirked as he added "He doesn´t know that yet and when we go there, Edward will be with us. He will be able to tell if they have the right person".

Caius leaned forward; his eyes blazing with the possibility of vengeance close at hand "Let´s go out tonight I want to solve this as soon as possible; I want to know who was behind it"

Bella's felt an ominous chill slither up her spine, then inadvertently leaning her body closer to Caius she asked "We just arrived, can't it wait until tomorrow?"

While she spoke Carlisle's phone began to ring and by the expression on his face all of the vampires present saw that something was wrong. "Try to stall him" he said while looking up towards the group.

Then looking towards his watch he said "we can make it there in about an hour".

Carlisle quickly told them that the person he had been talking about had decided to leave early so without further discussion the men got ready to leave.

When Caius stood to join them Isabella seized his hand and looking towards her he saw the concern radiate from the depths of her crimson eyes as she uttered "Please don't go; I don't trust it"

Caius was touched by the concern which marked her expression then placing his hands on both cheeks he gave her a loving smile as he explained "Don't you see my love, I have to! Otherwise you will never get over what happened and neither will I".

Isabella started to protest but Caius put a finger to her lips saying "Don't worry my love; I will be back before you know it!"

Looking towards his former wife he asked "Athenodora, please keep Isabella company while I am gone" When she nodded Caius turned to face Bella and suddenly his lips were sealed against hers, searing her very soul with its burning heat. Then turning, he followed the others leaving her breathless and speechless.

When Caius was gone Athenodora quickly moved over to put her arm around Bella as the other women watched. She was happy to see her former mate so enthralled by his new one; Marcus had been right all along and seeing their goodbye kiss only confirmed it.

Athenodora put her index finger under Bella's chin and smiled as she said "In all our time together I have never Caius so happy". Then scrutinizing Bella's face she noted the apprehension on her face and asked "What is wrong my love?"

Isabella whispered, her voice strained as she tried to explain "I don't know why but…I'm afraid"

Athenodora smiled saying "Nonsense; the past is only a bad memory."

Bella shook her head saying "No, you don't understand! It's not the past that I'm worried about; as you say it is only a bad memory. No I'm afraid for Caius; I have a bad feeling about this! "

Athenodora laughed at this trying to brush Bella's fear away with a flick of her hand as she replied "Caius is more than capable of taking care of himself. So there is no reason for you to worry"

"I guess your right" Isabella said and then looking at Athenodora's face she added "I really miss you're company and advice"

"I'm sorry but I had to leave; Aro kept insisting I visit him and knowing that he only had to touch me to realize I had been plotting against him, made my stay at Volturi impossible. Those creepy twins were constantly watching me so I am convinced it would only have been a question of time before their request to interrogate me would overrule Caius's protection".

Isabella remembered Athenodora's theory concerning Didyme's demise and had difficulty controlling her fear for she felt that it had a definite ring of truth to it. The only reason she had escaped Aro's control was the fact that Caius would not allow it.

Athenodora and Riley had been staying with the Denali coven for the last two years and in that time she had often spoken with Eleazar over his time with the Volturi coven. Her mind began to ponder the discussions she had with him. He told her that while he was with the coven he had helped Aro in his desire to maintain order; namely by using his ability to see potential gifts in a humans or vampires.

Aro would send Eleazar all around the world looking for humans or vampires with potentially useful talents. It was his job to detect them and then pass that knowledge on to Aro who, in turn would change the humans and analyse the vampires. If the gifted vampires were part of a coven, the coven would be tested for their loyalty to the Volturi. Aro's reasoning being that if the wrong people had control over these persons; they were a potential danger for the balance and safety of the vampire world. If the coven was found wanting he would destroy it and convince the gifted vampire to join the Volturi ranks. What followed was the destruction of many covens which gave Eleazar reason to believe that justice was 'not the only thing' that was being served.

These thoughts had taken only seconds to work themselves out in Athenodora's mind but seeing Isabella's reaction to her hesitation she quickly smiled "As I said, don't worry, Caius is three thousand years old and has been through many vicious battles. A discussion with a traitor will be one of the easiest things he has had to do in his immortal life".

"You're right, I guess it's just my nerves; Alec is always telling me not to be so tense".

In answer to this Athenodora subsequently grasped Bella's hand and looking into her eyes as she asked "You are careful when you're around Alec?"

"Of course" Bella replied chuckling at Athenodora's intense gaze "Up to now he has only ever been a friend to me and helped me develop my skills". Then looking at the disbelief in Athenodora's eyes she shrugged and added "I don't know what you have against him although, I understand your apprehension towards Jane. Now she…...gives me the creeps!"

She looked into Bella's eyes and warned "Just be careful with that one. While I was living with the Volturi, I frequently witnessed him observing you from a distance; he regards you with the intensity of a lover rather than a friend".

Isabella looked at her in disbelief saying "It's true that Alec was very adamant that we spend more time together to hone my talents but I have no doubt it has more to do with Aro than with Alec. In all our years of training he has never done anything compromising!"

He wouldn't Athenodora thought, not as long as Caius is at your side but not wanting to agitate Isabella more than she already was she only said "Maybe not, but I still don't trust him".