Thank you all so much for your feedback! It's giving me the encouragement that I need. :) This chapter was inspired by "Dance With The Devil". It's one of my favourite songs. As always, I own nothing apart from any OC's that may appear in the future.

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Enjoy-x!


Bella's P.O.V:

A couple of days had passed since my mystifying encounter with Aro. Since then, I had asked Edward to stay with me each night after that. I hoped that being near him would make me feel safer; his comforting presence slowly lulling me to sleep each night. Although it didn't make that much of a difference really, Aro Volturi was a powerful man; his whole aura radiating power out from his appeasing figure. If he wanted something he would surely get it. I had long since pondered on the fact that I still hadn't told anyone about my worrisome encounter with Aro. It had somehow felt too personal to share with anyone; although the consequences could have been disastrous that night.

Edward currently lay next to Bella who was starting to squirm slightly in her sleep. Although he was now back in her life, her nightmares still hadn't ceased completely from her mind. He still felt guilty for what he had put her through. He wouldn't have been able to live with himself if anything had happened to her. Her intakes of breath suddenly alerted him of her desperation to wake. He continued to shake her awake.

"Bella... Bella wake up" he soothed gently into her ear, being careful not to startle her.

At the sound of Edward's voice, Bella's eyes immediately ripped open as she gasped for air. Her eyes finally settling on Edward's warm topaz ones as her heartbeat started to slow. She began to feel the undying presence of Edward's hand, stroking her back up and down subtly.

"It's alright Bella, it was just a nightmare" Edward continued to calm her down by pressing a chaste kiss to her forehead. The onslaught of his familiar frozen lips lulling her into a state of calm.

To Bella it was more than just a nightmare. It was almost like the piece to a missing jigsaw puzzle. Jasper had told her of his previous life before now. How Maria had used him as a puppet on her strings and had made him dispose of the newborns. But instead of Maria's face, it had been sharply replaced with flaming locks of red hair and the familiar piercing crimson eyes that made her skin crawl with unease. Alice still hadn't had any visions of Victoria, it was as if she had completely disappeared from the world. Although we all knew this to be untrue.

"Edward" Bella breathed. "Take me to Carlisle".

Edward held her gaze as his face mirrored confusion.

"Why" he asked whilst stroking her back.

"Just please" Bella replied, almost desperate as she climbed out of the bed. Bella went into the bathroom to put on some fresh clothes as she brushed her teeth. Bella splashed her face with cold water. Luckily Charlie was still on duty at the moment so she didn't have to worry as it was late into the night. She came out of the bathroom only to re-enter her bedroom and see Edward still sat on the bed. Edward's eyes locked onto hers as he got off the bed and approached her side.

"I will see you in the car" Edward spoke. Bella nodded her head in agreement as she watched him clamber out of her window.

When Bella was finally ready she almost ran down the stairs as she went outside.

Edward opened up the passenger side to his silver Volvo as he helped a determined, but nervous Bella in. Within a second, Edward was already driving; the view of her house becoming more distant the further Edward drove.

Bella knew that the information Jasper had told her earlier was important. It was as if history was repeating itself once again. Bella was one hundred percent sure that Victoria was behind these horrendous attacks. But why? She questioned herself. Why are so many people disappearing and what was their purpose? The attacks that even made Charlie skeptical, coupled with the fact that Aro had told her of a relishing newborn army, proves that these attacks were not a coincidence.

During her internal battle, Bella hadn't realised that they were outside the Cullen's home until Edward had stopped the roaring engine. She couldn't expect any less from him as he drives like a maniac. To her astonishment, he had already opened the passenger side door and extending an arm to her. Bella took his hand wordlessly as he shut the door behind them. He placed a lean arm around her slender waist, pulling her against him.

Bella and Edward slowly walked up the Cullen's driveway in mutual silence, except for the sound of Bella's beating heart. Edward led Bella through the Cullen home until they reached the main sitting room that was as pristine as ever.

As if they all were already informed, the whole Cullen clan were currently assembled in the living room. Upon entering the vast amount of space that the house had to offer, Esme had approached the couple; taking Bella into her fierce, but loving arms. Bella returned the hug with equal measure.

"We hope that you're alright Bella, Alice saw you coming" Esme soothed, like a mother would a child.

Bella smiled gratefully, but didn't have time to reply as Edward beat her to it.

"There's something that Bella wants to tell us, but she wants all of us to be here" Edward cut in gently. He quickly led Bella to one of the many plush sofas and gingerly sat beside her.

"What is it Bella" Carlisle urged her curiously.

A gasp emitted throughout the otherwise silent room as Bella's heart jumped a beat at the sound. The Cullen's all looked towards the sound as their sharp eyesight landed on the figure of Alice. Jasper was sat beside her, trying to comfort his wife as she went into a vision.

Carlisle ran to her side just as Alice came out of her vision. "What is it Alice? What did you see?" Carlisle questioned her.

Alice took a moment to compose herself as her gaze locked onto a seething Edward. He was clutching at Bella's arm with such intense desperation and disbelief that Alice thought he would break her arm. Edward's jaw clenched.

"Is it true Alice?" Edward asked her.

"What did you see Alice?" Bella repeated Carlisle's question. Bella's face paled at the suspense that would surely grip everyone.

"It's Aro" Alice breathed in. "He will be here soon".

Bella's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name as her thoughts went back to the previous night with him. The atmosphere became tense as everyone was deliberating what to do now. If Aro came with his guards that could be a problem.

Esme gasped as Rosalie gripped Emmett in fear. "Carlisle what shall we do? If he comes here he will see that Bella is still human" Esme rasped.

"Wait a go Edward" Rosalie seethed. "Your human and your stupidness is going to get us all killed!"

As the Cullen's continued to shout over one another, Bella's heart continued to pound in her chest. Maybe she should have told them about her encounter with Aro, he knew she was still human. They would probably be wondering why she hadn't told them straight away. Edward would probably be mad at her for not telling him sooner. There was no point now, Aro was already on his way here. Edward held her close to him, refusing to let go.

The Cullen's all became deathly silent as a knock suddenly brought the Cullen's out of their discussion. But due to their intense hearing, they easily heard the knock. The pregnant silence was almost deafening.

Carlisle left the room in order to answer the door. His eyebrows narrowed in worry and apprehension as he made his way to the door. He hadn't seen Aro in at least 300 years, he was nervous to say the least. After he couldn't persuade them to drink the blood of animals, their relationship kind of took a downside as Carlisle left the Volturi in search of others like him.

It felt like forever when Carlisle finally reached the door. He didn't know how many of them would be on the other side of the door. Carlisle took his chances as he opened the door.

"Good evening Carlisle" Aro greeted smoothly. "It's been such a long time" Aro emphasized as he shook hands with Carlisle, reading his thoughts.

"Hello Aro, what a pleasure it is to see you again. Please come in" Carlisle greeted as smoothly as he could.

Carlisle moved to the side as he gestured for Aro to come in. Aro himself was dressed in an expensive Italian suit that seemed to cling to his frame as he glided in after Carlisle. The Volturi crest hung proudly around his neck. Aro's presence seemed to command respect. He comes across as a purposeful man who is precise in the way he conducts himself; he speaks carefully, weightily. This shows that he's cautious and extremely methodical in the way he goes about his business - perhaps not wanting to make any mistakes. This suggests that he's a man with purpose and intimidating in the way he addresses people. The fact that he seems to make even vampires cower in fear with a hard look implies he delves straight to the point. He is authoritative and he radiates precision.

As other moved into the house he became aware of the residents. Aro could make out the familiar beating of a heart, and the scent of pine and flowers as he stepped over the Cullen fresh hold- her scent he smiled to himself. He didn't expect to find her here although he had tried to see her again. She had purposefully stayed with Edward throughout the nights, avoiding contact with him.

Carlisle re-entered the living room followed closely by a calm Aro as Carlisle gestured for him to take a seat. Unfortunately he chose to take the seat opposite Bella and Edward. Their chairs were separated by a small, rectangular glass coffee table. Aro's gaze moved to Bella's as he took in the sight of her wrapped tightly in the young Cullen's arms. As his gaze moved to Edward, his eyes narrowed slightly, but returned to their usual otherwise happy state.

"Isabella" Aro breathed in her scent as his tongue seemed to caress every syllable of her name. "It's very nice to see you again and still human" he continued almost teasingly.

"Aro" Bella greeted gently as she raised her eyes to regard his chiseled face and blood red eyes. He always looked so pristine that it made Bella want to reach out and touch his skin. Just like how she wanted to in Volterra. His skin held a papery texture that seemed like it would crumble to the touch.

Carlisle chose this time to cut in. "Bella's date is already set. But Edward and Bella would like to marry first" he stated matter-of-factly.

"More like he wants to marry first" Bella silently corrected him.

Aro's smirk widened as he saw Bella visibly tense slightly.

"Although your presence is welcome, what is it that you're here for Aro?" Carlisle questioned, his gentle smile never faltering.

"I came here to discuss an important matter with you Carlisle" Aro stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "As you were already aware, there have been more deaths than accounted for in Seattle".

"Yes we know" Carlisle agreed. "We have been tracking their movements for a while now. In fact Bella wanted to tell us something" Carlisle gestured towards Bella.

Aro's curiosity increased as his gaze locked onto her face, never straying far.

Bella felt nervous as all the attention was on her, including the powerful leader himself. They all waited patiently for her to speak. Bella felt sick to her stomach, her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap as she tried to find the courage to speak.

"I think that Victoria is behind these attacks. I believe that she's the one creating the army" Bella spoke clearly as everyone seemed to weigh up her words.

Alice's brows furrowed as she was pondering the concept. "But that's not possible. I would have seen her in my visions as I've been observing her decisions".

"Yes it seems stupid, but what if she's getting someone else to do the decision making for her to evade you Alice?" Bella retorted. Alice seemed to consider that a possibility as she said no more.

"I believe that Isabella is right, you clearly do not realise how smart she is" Aro spoke up whilst his gaze locked onto that of Edward's for a few seconds before returning to Bella's. His hands were clasped together under his chin, as if in a prayer. Bella observed him in disbelief, not expecting his support.

"After all, I have seen the redhead for myself" Aro continued darkly.

At the mention of her, Bella froze, bile pooled in the back of her throat. Dread piled in the pit of her stomach as sweat glazed her palms like a glove and second skin.

Edward's arm wound itself around her waist as he pulled Bella to him. Aro's eyes continued to observe them with an unknown mask.

Emmett decided to break the silence as the atmosphere became tense. "I also think that Bella's right. After all Victoria has been after Bella for months now" Emmett reasoned.

"So that's what she's been trying to get to. Well she's been going to extremes just to get her hands on Isabella. How close has she gotten to her?" Aro questioned seriously whilst continuing to concentrate.

"Victoria has managed to get within our territory" Carlisle answered. "We need to ensure that Bella is protected at all times" Carlisle clarified.

"What does she want with Isabella?" Aro questioned curiously.

"She wants Bella because I killed Victoria's mate, James. He almost succeeded in killing Bella. And now she wants Bella dead as she is my mate for revenge" Edward answered.

Aro didn't realise that he had clenched his hand into a fist until he realised that he was on the edge of his seat. He immediately returned to his usual façade as he tried to calm down. He also noticed that Jasper, the newly addition to the coven had been observing him strangely as he realised it was him who helped to calm him down.

"That is a shame" Aro mused more to himself than to anyone else.

"Maybe the wolves can help us out" Emmett cut in. "After all Bella is close to Jacob and he said he would protect her".

Edward growled out audibly making Bella tense. Aro noticed that Bella visibly clenched her jaw.

"I don't need your help" Bella said through gritted teeth. She clearly has had enough of how they were discussing her well being as if she wasn't there.

"I'm not God or anything but I've nearly died so many times. Maybe you should just let her get to me. I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me".

Bella removed herself from Edward's embrace as she stormed out of the room. Bella didn't make it far as she suddenly banged into a solid body. Bella stumbled back a few steps on impact; but an arm shot out to steady her. The arm that had gripped her forearm lingered there for a few more seconds than was necessary. Bella looked up and realised that it was actually Aro who now blocked her path, blocking any attempt at an escape. There was only an inch between them as Bella clenched her hand into a fist in irritation.

"It would be safe for you not to go out alone. Do you not value your forever with young Cullen?" Aro replied as smoothly as he could, his muscular body still blocking the doorway. He didn't know what had suddenly come over him lately, ever since their first encounter he had been acting strangely.

"Please move" Bella forced out whilst trying not to let his presence intimidate her.

Bella tried to move around him, but not before his arm came out and slammed hard against the wall. A few bits of plaster fell from the slightly crumbled wall in his rage. The noise made everyone silent; too stunned to move. It was now that Aro realised he had scared her. Fear shone in her eyes as she tried to back away from him. That was not his intent as his facial features returned back to their normal state.

"I will take Bella home" Aro murmured as if trying to regain himself. Bella started to protest, but the rise of Aro's hand kept her silent.

Edward shot out of his seat as he went to pull Bella by the wrist. Her fragile body meant that she was pulled flush against him. Edward cupped her delicate cheek with the palm of his hand as he covered her soft lips with his frozen ones. After a while Bella pulled back slightly as she turned around to face Aro, who was now looking elsewhere. She bid her goodbyes, but not before Edward kissed her again. Aro turned from the room as Bella hesitated, but followed him out nonetheless.

As Bella followed him out, she tried to remain as far away from him as possible. That was until he suddenly appeared before her. His sudden presence made her jump away from him as Aro grinned down at her in amusement.

"That wasn't funny" Bella glared at him.

"Of course not" Aro mused as he led them to his hired car.

Aro opened up the passenger side of the car as Bella cautiously got in. A second later Aro was sitting in the driver's seat and was pulling away from the Cullen residence.

Curiosity got the better of her as she observed him from underneath her lashes. "I didn't know you could drive" the words had left her mouth before she had even realised she said it. Aro turned to regard her as she took the time to study him, his face was angelic and perfectly sculpted. His eyes were a captivating shade of crimson, and rightfully so. Bella moved from his face to his silky tresses. She realised that his usually pinned back hair wasn't restrained with a clip, but his jet black hair framed his face perfectly. It looked silky to the touch.

"Technology fascinates me" Aro replied, noticing the way she was studying him, deciding not to say anything as he was doing the exact same thing to her.

Bella suddenly felt sick and it was only up until now that she realised just how fast they were going.

"If my father catches you driving like this on his turf, I'm afraid he will try to shoot you" Bella reasoned with him, hoping to God that he would slow down. Her heart was pounding in her chest as they looked at each other.

"He can try" Aro teased her. "But he won't get very far" Aro smiled at her as he caught her gaze.

"Aro please slow down" Bella almost screamed as she huddled back in her seat. Aro laughed at her, not expecting his voice to sound so sensuous she gazed at him. He looked so relaxed, but he slowed down for her nonetheless.

Bella didn't attempt to speak to him after that, realising the horrifying truth of who she was currently sharing a car with. It felt like forever until they finally stopped outside of her familiar sanctuary. Bella got out of the car and slammed the car door shut, although more forcefully than she had intended to. Aro also got out of the car just as Bella had begun walking up the drive, intent on getting to her front door.

"What makes me seem so despicable that you have to ignore me?" Aro finally fell into step with her. Bella observed Charlie's police car in the driveway as she turned around to regard him through narrowed eyes.

"You tried to kill me and Edward, how do you expect me to feel around you? From what I've heard you're not very likeable" she retorted.

Aro ignored her last comment.

"You? No my dear. I had no intention of killing you, or even hurting you for that matter. I knew one of them would speak up for you and thankfully Alice did. Caius would have questioned me if I had just let you all go." Aro showed her the emotions that suddenly flickered through his eyes as he looked her in the eye.

Bella saw the emotions that had suddenly appeared in his eyes, guilt. She tried to ignore it and not let it affect her. Just thinking of that blonde vampire made her want to run.

"So you decided to gamble with my life?" Bella seethed, whilst walking away from him.

"That's not true" Aro called out softly to her. The sound of his voice made Bella turn around, it almost sounded genuine. "Although my nature wasn't so forgiving when it came to young Edward" he continued. "Also if you two were mates, Edward wouldn't have left you the way that he did".

"Unbelievable! You don't know anything about us!" she growled out as she walked away from him.

Without warning Bella felt a sharp pressure tug on her wrist as Aro spun her around quite forcefully. Although it didn't hurt her, it was enough to send her crashing into Aro's solid, but lean chest with a muffled cry. Aro cupped her chin in between his thumb and forefinger, just as he had done the last time he saw her. Bella's eyes had no choice but to look up at him.

"You didn't let me finish my dear" Aro's lips curled upwards into a genuine smile.

"It was you who made me stop. When you were willing to give up your life for him in such away, I had ever seen so much bravery" Aro murmured as his whole hand moved to cup the side of her cheek.

"Someone will watch over you tonight" Aro continued whilst releasing her cheek. "I don't think you would feel comfortable with me around".

Bella's gaze held his as she spoke. "Goodnight Aro".

"Sweet dreams Isabella" Aro replied gently. Aro went to walk away but he turned back around to face her. "By the way, why don't you use your whole name? I think it's beautiful"

"I don't like my whole name. My parents only use it when they're angry with me. You're the only person who calls me it" she replied.

Aro smiled at her. "And I will be the only one who continues to use it. Until next time". He gave her one last smile before Bella watched him walk back to his car.

However, unbeknown to both of them, someone had been watching their interaction with thoughtful eyes.


I hope you liked this chapter! Please review!