Chapter 2
"Carlisle," Aro played with strands of Jane's hair nonchalantly, "There is something that we need to discuss.
The reason for my sudden….. visit."
"Oh, Aro, I never doubted that you had something other than a casual stopover planned." Carlisle Cullen stood taller and stiffened as he realized that Aro was finally getting to the point.
"Ha, ha, I see you still have your delightful sense of humor." Aro's eyes narrowed as he watched the Cullen patriarch. "I do so miss that still, in spite of the fact that you've been away from the family for so long, Carlisle."
There was silence in the room.
"Yes, well….." Carlisle watched the ancient vampire intently.
"Carlisle, I really must ask an enormous favor of you."
"And what would that be?"
"We would like to have the child – the child of Edward and Bella – what did you say her name was again?"
"Renesmee?" Carlisle and Esme exchanged glances. "What on earth would be your need for Renesmee?"
"We wish to study and examine her. As you are aware, she's one of a rare type. We want to know more."
"You are out of your mind, Aro. I will not tolerate this, and neither will Edward or Bella."
"I'm afraid you won't have much choice, Carlisle." The smile never reached his eyes. "It's already been decided. Caius and Marcus both agree this time. We want the girl in Volterra….. as soon as possible."
Carlisle strode quickly toward Aro, his hands raised defensively. Esme watched in horror as he dropped to his knees, his face filled with agony. Her glance flew to Jane, who was smiling sweetly at Carlisle.
"Not a good idea, Carlisle. Release him, Jane. How many times do I have to tell you not to do that unless I speak your name first? Is it so very hard to follow instructions?" The muddy, blood-tinged eyes turned to the powerful vampire who looked to be no more than a child.
"I'm so very sorry, Master! I thought –"
"You thought wrong. Carlisle knows better." Then as he turned back to face his friend, "Now, Carlisle. We will expect the girl to be in Volterra within the month. That should allow her parents time to make whatever arrangements and plant whatever stories you "vegetarians" seem so fond of taking care of to cover yourselves with the humans that you insist on interacting with in such non-dietary ways." Without moving his gaze, he spoke to his guard. "Jane – Alex – let us be on our way. The Cullens have much to prepare for."
"But, Aro –" Carlisle's usual cool demeanor had vanished, as had the three visiting vampires. He had been shaken to the core by the demand the ancient vampire had made. Renesmee, the darling of the Cullen clan, was being ordered to appear before the "royal family" of the vampire world. If Aro had come around the world to make this demand himself, this could not bode well for the Cullens. Any of them.
