Chapter 3-Bella Cullen

Bella is on the run from everyone, Jacob is no longer chasing her and thinks it's for the best…

Volturi City was just as I remember it- the sight of the castles, the scent (coupled with new smells), and it was minus Alice. The ambiance is extremely gorgeous and is located in Volterra between the rivers Bra and Cecina.

While in cab, the driver looked back at me and he smiled a lecherous smile.

"Is this where you want to stop, Miss?"

"Certainly." I looked up at the huge clock, where Edward tried to expose himself many lifetimes ago. The sun nearly hit him, and he would have shimmered and gotten himself killed by the Volturi. I still loathed them, but there was someone here I wanted to talk to, badly.

"Hey, do you know that you are exquisite, Madame?" The old guy turned from his steering wheel to look at me. His eyes droopy, with puffy bags underneath them. I could smell his foul liquored blood and could see the tiny capillaries beneath his puffy eyes, broken from late nights working and maybe old age.

"Thank you," I wrinkled my nose and handed him some money, while I dodged out of the car quickly. I had strong will, but something ugly tried coming out of my chest and I wanted to slurp up his blood. Yes, it isn't me, maybe I am losing it. I should have listened to Edward and hunted.

I heard the cab driver say he wanted to take me out, but I was already down the walk of Volturi City, heading in direction of the clock and hurrying to meet up with her.

Once inside, I removed my hood from my dark cloak I donned. Felix was right there. His face stern and his arm stretched out to the nearest exit. I remember falling into a hole, but he led me down to some stairs- down the left, right, and finally the elevator.

"Where's Jane and the rest of the Guard?" I asked him.

"Away. Aro and Caius were so shocked that you were actually coming; they decided to keep it to a minimum. In fact," he scratched his white chin. " Chelsea wanted to see you in main hall as well as a few others."

"You know who I am here to see. Why did Gianna tell everyone?"

"She didn't" Felix licked his red lips. "We heard, we know everything, especially those with particular gifts."

We rode the elevator to the floor where the huge receptionist desk was and Gianna was there, behind it, looking elegant and delicious. I was hungry. She told Felix she can handle it from here, he almost didn't leave, but he did anyway and closed her door.

"Bella." She held out her arms. It always shocked me how she can be so close to vampires and not be afraid. Did she want to turn so badly? "You look hungry." She actually touched my face, looking into my eyes like a worried mother.

"I need blood, Gianna, I whispered.

Bad move.

She leaned into me and gave me a hug. She was so warm and smelled decadent.

"I won't bite you."

She stayed close to me, her wiry arms wrapped around my neck. "But you can, and I won't tell anyone you did it."

"It's not right, Gianna. " I sounded like Edward. "I don't want to be responsible for your soul; you shouldn't want to be like this."

She jumped back. "Like what? Gorgeous, strong, quick…even enhanced powers?" She shook her head in frustration. "I remember when you first came here, human, like me, and I saw how you looked at me and then at the other vampires and I saw you thinking: Why her? She doesn't belong. Am I right?"

She had me there.

"Gianna-"

"Look, I am working for the Volturi because hopefully they will give me what I want. See you- you had it easy. You were turned by love." Her eyes watered. "He wanted you to be with him forever."

"It was the other way around." I sat across from her. "I wanted to be with him badly, but it took so much to get him to turn me." I sighed. Sometimes I forget I don't have sigh, let alone breathe, but it's an old habit.

Gianna shivered from the frosty air I emitted. "I'm telling you Bella. You made the right decision."

"Now I will lose my daughter."

Gianna looked confused. Her green eyes glowing in curiosity. "How is the little runt?"

"Fine." I said a bit snippy. Gianna was not fazed. "I didn't know where to turn, or what to do. I am actually glad Chelsea will be here."

"I called her. Once you told me a bit of your situation, I called. She obliged quickly. You know, she is different from the other vampire in your camp."

"Jasper."

"Yes, he controls emotions, and Chelsea can destroy heavy bonds. I've seen it at work."

"She will be perfect for the job." I replied. I never thought Gianna would be so available to me like this. Something told me, she has her own story she hasn't revealed yet.

"I kind of see why you'd want Jacob away from Nessie. But you and Edward, do make a good couple." She looked up as someone knocked on her door.

"Gianna, this is for our guest." Felix and another nameless vampire came in with a flask, a heavy gold plated one.

I smelled blood.

"For me?" I looked up at him, while taking the flask.

"You need to feed on something. This is from the blood of an animal."

"I know. I can tell." I took the flask and pulled on it long and hard, letting the thick warm to hot blood run down my throat. I needed more. As soon as I thought it, more flasks were coming my way being handed down to Felix and the nameless pale guy. From the corner of my eye, I saw Gianna eyeing us solemnly, and with envy. After they left and I wiped my mouth, Gianna talked.

"You drink as gracefully s you walk. How does it feel?"

We didn't come to talk about me.

"Can we not go into this right now?"

She sat on the corner of her table. "One question. Is it exhilarating when you two make love?"

"Me and Edward?" I said my tone sharp.

"Or you and Jacob?" She smiled. I said nothing so she continued. "One day I will be more, I will not be a lackey."

"You will be feeding all the time on blood and when you first turn, you may go into a frenzy. I'm sure you know the deal."

"I do."

"Then why?" I stood up and moved close to her. My heels digging down into the plush carpet. Gianna's eyes never wavered from my face.

"I like you Bella. I think we are kindred in a way. I don't want to grow old, but I also want a family."

Like me. How did she know me so well? Very perceptive, I suppose.

"You are still young Gianna. Live your life, do it for me, and do it for yourself."

"Not convincing enough, Bella." She still hadn't noticed I was breathing on her neck, or she didn't care. I was full, but she smelled sweet nonetheless. I could bite her now and let it be. I will not stay and watch her turn. I teased her neck a bit, tracing my fingernail down the veins in her smooth dark brown neck. She shivered twice, subtle but there.

"Edward loved me so much," I began, "that he wouldn't turn me if I begged him."

"What changed his mind?" She said leaning into me, my mouth was inches from her neck.

I traced my tongue down her long neck, liking the sweetness of it. "I loved him more, I guess. Forever is attractive, Gianna." I said softly in her ear. I tickled her neck again with my nail. Then I turned from her just as quickly, facing the vanilla wall.

"I know Edward will come. At least I can convince Chelsea to do me this favor."

"Will Jacob be here too then? This can't work unless Chelsea is in everyone's presence." Gianna's neck was still crooked to the side, waiting for me to come back and bite her.

"I have a feeling he will come. He has to, if my plan works out well." I went back over to Gianna and rubbed her neck.

"Oh come on, Bella. You of all people know how I feel about immortality. Bite me! Please?" She begged with her hands clasped as in prayer, looking up at me like a Savior. I was no savior. I was a woman with a husband who had flaws, but who was in love with a wolf, who deep down wished that her daughter was dead, a carcass at her feet. A vampire who needed blood from the living to sustain herself.

I was no Savior.