Chapter 4 What, no flying carpet available?

I was momentarily stunned. Was his offer for real? It sounded genuine enough. But even if it was, what would I gain from seeing the Cullens one last time? Did I even want to know why Alice had lured me here under false pretenses? Did I want to know who else was involved in this treachery? There was only one correct answer to that question.

"Yes, I think I would like that." I finally answered. 'Even if it's the last thing I'll do,' I added in my mind. I might not be dead yet, but at this point, considering my whereabouts and my company, I was sure it was just a matter of time. I was certain that they would kill me, sooner or later. Or maybe, just maybe they would change me. But one way or the other, I knew I wouldn't leave this place alive, at least not as a human.

It was hard to believe. Only a couple of months ago, I'd wanted nothing more than to become a vampire. And I had a good reason back then. I had been in love with Edward, planning to spend eternity with him. At the time it was the only logical decision. Edward would forever be seventeen, never changing, never aging, while I was doomed to wither and die. I had been willing to give up everything for him … my family, my friends, the opportunity to have kids … all of it.

But things have changed, drastically. I had no reason whatsoever to join Edward in immortality, not anymore. He left me, breaking my heart when he told me that he didn't love me. It took me quite some time to get over his rejection, to find my way back. But I managed to muddle through my temporary depression, finding a reason to live again. And I had found love again, even if it was only in the form of friendship. Jacob had become my sun, my rock, a true friend. Along with the other members of his pack he gave me back my family, easily replacing the one I'd lost.

Sure, the way Edward had broken up with me had hurt me the most, but to tell the truth, the departure of his family came in a close second. Leaving me without a word of farewell did quite a number on me.

I owed them nothing, but they at least owed me an explanation.

Aro watched me very closely. His piercing gaze was a little unnerving, like he was trying very hard to get a read on my thoughts, even though he couldn't. I took solace in the fact that it was, taking his earlier reaction into account, impossible. But even so, he seemed to get at least some answers by reading my facial expression. 'Open book … remember …'

"Very well." Aro nodded his approval, giving me a warm almost tender smile. He couldn't feel sympathy for my situation, could he? My eyes were probably just playing a trick on me. As far as I was concerned, he was just granting me my dying wish.

Aro turned his attention to my shadow. "Alec, please show our guest to her room. I'm sure she wants the opportunity to freshen up a bit. And make sure she gets something to eat as well." My stomach reacted to that statement, grumbling in agreement, not loud enough, but still audible for everyone in the room.

"Yes, Master." Alec replied. I could hear amusement in his voice. 'Stupid vampire hearing …'

With all the stress I hadn't noticed how famished I really was. The last time I ate something was on the plane. I really could use a little snack. 'Or a final meal … morbid much?'

"Good, that's settled then." Aro clapped his hands again, turning around to join his brothers. They had been watching our interaction with great interest, but neither one of them had voiced their opinion on the matter. It was clear that Aro was in charge. He sat back on his throne chair, waving his hand in dismissal. "That's all for now. Off you go. We have another important business to attend to right now." I got the distinct impression that he was speaking in code.

Alec took my hand, pulling me with him to the exit. He seemed to be in a hurry to get me out of the room.

'What's going on?'

Alec POV

Bella and I were sprinting down the hallway leading to the private quarters, at human speed, I might add, but it still seemed to be too fast for her. Bella did her best to keep up with me, but she still managed to trip more than once. I finally had enough and swept her into my arms.

"Hey …" She squeaked in surprise, clearly startled by my sudden action.

I silenced her with a look, and she seemed to get the massage, simply staring back at me with her beautiful brown eyes. 'She trusts me. How oddly comforting …'

I was more than a little surprised that she didn't try to free herself from my hold, but then again, it would have been pointless. I understood her confusion, but right here and now was not the time to explain my actions. All she needed to know was that I didn't mean her any harm.

I had a mission to fulfill … getting her as far away from the throne room, before she would figure out that there was no important business my Masters needed attending to, as Aro had put it so eloquently. Well there was, but not the kind Bella probably thought of.

Heidi was due to return at any moment, bringing a batch of fresh prey with her. And I didn't want Bella to witness any of it, and apparently neither did Aro, which was why he told me to get her out of there, before Heidi would arrive with the food.

As far as I was concerned Bella had been through a lot as it was. And considering what was still ahead of her on today's agenda she really needed a breather.

With her in my arms I was finally able to move much faster. I rushed through the halls of the castle, flitting up the stairs to the upper level. Only seconds later I came to a halt in front of the room that had been prepared for her arrival days ago. I sat her back on her feet, very gently, but still keeping my hands on her slim waist to steady her. Unsurprisingly, she was a little wobbly.

"What was that all about?" She demanded, desperately trying to maintain her bravado while catching her breath and calming herself. It was adorable.

"Believe me, you don't wanna know." I replied, pushing open the door to her room. "After you." I ushered her to go in first. She actually dared to scowl at me, but I held her gaze evenly, not saying another word. When she finally realized I wouldn't give into her interrogation techniques, she huffed and complied. She pushed past me and went inside the room.

"Wow …" Bella breathed, as she took in the interior of the room. She clearly liked what she saw. The room was big, bigger than most of the private quarters of the guard. The centerpiece was a huge four-poster bed, housing mountains of cushions. It really looked quite inviting … not for sleeping but for other purposes.

I smiled to myself. "The bathroom is through there," I motioned to the second door on the right, "You will find everything you need in the cabin under the sink … fresh towels, soap, shampoo, a toothbrush … And in here," I walked over to the other door, tapping lightly on it, "I'm sure you will find some clean clothes that will fit you."

I studied her expression for a second. She clearly hadn't been expecting that kind of comfort. Apparently she still thought of herself as a prisoner, not a guest. 'Silly girl, you are seriously mistaken.' I shook my head.

"Well, I leave you to it then. I'll be right outside, in case you need anything." I said, slipping out of the room, closing the door behind me.

"Fine." I heard her muttering loud and clear, even through the thickness of the door.

I leaned casually against the wall, listening to her moving around the room, probably examining everything closely now that she was alone, and maybe even looking for a way to escape. But the only way in or out of the room was through the door, the one I was currently guarding. Both windows were tightly shut. Not that it would make her any good. We were three stories up, too high for a human to jump … at least not without risking serious injuries.

I was here for two reasons. To keep an eye on her of course, but most of all to make sure that no one tried to lay a hand – or a set of teeth – on her.

I still had no idea why Aro had chosen me for this job. Of course, I hadn't been worried about the first part of my assignment. Capturing a human was hardly a challenge for someone like me. But what I had been worried about was the other part of my task … protecting her.

True, as one of the oldest vampires around here I was very skilled warrior. And usually, I was very good at controlling my bloodlust, but there had been rare occasions when I hadn't been able to restrain myself. And considering it had been over two weeks since the last time I'd fed of a human, Aro was taking quite the risk assigning me with this precise task.

Aro couldn't have known beforehand that the scent of Bella's blood wouldn't do anything to me. He couldn't have known that I would feel overly protective of her the second I laid my eyes on her. Or could he?

Thanks for reading!

Revised and reposted on 2013/12/08.