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 7 – All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward

Once the Bella told the Cullens that they had been freed from all suspicion they began to re-evaluate their situation. They in turn informed the Denali coven of the situation; who opted to stay undercover for a while longer. The Cullens however, feeling the deep loss of Alice and Jasper, decided to return to Alaska hoping to find their family members had silently found their way back home.

They took the next plane out of Paris and after a tediously long trip, clouded by their fears for the welfare of Alice and Jasper they arrived at their home. They saw the damage that Bella's abduction had caused and realized that no one had been here since that fateful event.

Carlisle, Edward and Emmett discussed the necessary reparations and when the others began their work Carlisle came up behind Esme wrapping his arms around her waist and gently pulling her into his arms to comfort her. Losing Alice and Jasper was devastating to all; however he realized that it was pure agony to Esme. Her children had been taken and not knowing what had happened to them would eat away at her.

Miserable and disillusioned Esme turned towards Carlisle her eyes pleading as she asked "Where could they be; it's not like either of them not to call".

Carlisle's looked back into those compassionate golden eyes and knowing her fear he whispered "We just have to be patient"

Soon after that the men began to make the necessary repairs and after a day's work the house was back in its former state. Once that was completed they agreed that they all needed to feed but Esme refused to leave the house so Carlisle told the others to go ahead while he and Esme stayed.

Just as the others were about to leave the phone began to ring and in her fear Esme just stared at it as if it were a snake about to strike. Seeing Esme's hesitation Carlisle swiftly picked it up and looking at the image of Alice on the phone he realised that something was very wrong. He pressed the vision button and the blank wall reflected her image but then much larger so that everyone could follow the conversation.

Alice's normally melodious voice was somehow restrained and her expression was closed; she seemed uncomfortable as she said "Hi, it's me and Jasper".

Esme tried to ignore the tell-tale signs of discomfort and automatically sighed as she looked at her foster daughter saying "We have been worried sick; where are you?"

Alice looked back and after a moment's hesitation said "Volterra Italy, we were on our way to Monaco when we met Jane and Alec"

As soon as she said this the family looked at one another realizing that this conversation was probably being monitored

Esme promptly asked "Are you both all right?

"Of course" Alice chuckled and then her face took on a questioning glance as she asked "Why shouldn't we be?"

Trying to keep a calm façade Esme answered "Well your conversation with Bella was cut short and we haven't heard from you until now"

"Sorry?" Alice said looking puzzled by their words, then she tilted her face to the side and continued "Anyway, the reason we are calling is to tell you that we won't be coming back in the near future; we will be staying here for a while". Watching Esme's facial expression she quickly added "We have no wish to hurt or offend either of you but Aro has asked us to stay".

Esme was stunned by her answer so Carlisle took over the conversation asking "How long?"

Alice smiled at Carlisle as she said "We don't know; now that Caius is missing Aro has need of our powers to help reinforce the guard and we couldn't let this chance pass us by".

Esme panicked and although she was outwardly calm her family knew her well enough to feel her fear "What! But why?"

Then Jasper's smile became a sheepish grin as he apologetically said "Look we really appreciate all you both have done for us but you wouldn't want us to turn up such an opportunity, would you?"

Carlisle made one last attempt to sway them saying "But don't you need to come for your things?"

Alice quickly took the telephone from Jasper's hands and resolutely said "No, don't worry; Aro has provided us with everything we need; he has been very generous and we do not wish to insult him".

Trying to keep the conversation going Esme suddenly asked "Can we come over to see you? We miss you so much"

Alice's voice was strained as she said "Please don't; we want a fresh start. You must give us some time to feel at home here".

Esme was devastated and although her eyes were focussed on her daughter her mind was going rampant at the thought of losing either one of them.

Carlisle took over and quickly said "We understand and hope to hear from you both once in a while; you must know we will always be there for you but we will not stand in your way".

Once the conversation had ended and the connection was broken Esme sat down and looked questioningly at Carlisle "What the hell is going on; why would they be there of all places?"

Carlisle looked at his mate and answered "Because they have no choice!"

Edward quickly filled in "At least they seem to be safe. Aro has always wanted to have her gift at his disposal and it's because of this that she and Jasper are allowed to stay".

He then added "Alice must have seen something she shouldn't have when she called Bella. It was her curse and at the moment, their salvation. Although it brought them under Aro's attention it also keeps them alive, without it the Volturi would have disposed of them both".

Emmett was watching and listening to the discussion and with a hint of scepticism in his voice asked "You mean the Volturi were behind the attack on Caius?"

Edward remembered the first few months in the company of Athenodora so many years ago; in that time they had shared secrets and neither had never told anyone of their suspicions concerning Aro. They had both feared that by doing so they would only bring others in danger; something neither had wished for. Now it was time to at least warn the others so he turned to Emmett and explained "Athenodora has always been warning us and Caius".

Rosalie then let out a sigh as she felt lost in their debate and looked from one face to another asking "But why?"

Edward recalled Athenodora telling him that Caius had been chosen because of his viciousness but she was afraid that he has outlived his use. That and the fact that he kept Bella away from Aro might be a very good reason to get rid of Caius. He didn't dare voice these thoughts so he quickly said "I don't know why or even if I'm right. All I know is that with Caius gone, Bella is defenceless and Aro can finally incorporate her into his guard. If the loss of Caius has the same effect on her as it has on Marcus, Aro will be able to bend her any which way he wishes".

Carlisle shook his head "I know Aro is ambitious but I can't really believe this. There must be something else that we are overlooking".

Edward looked at them all and then his eyes rested on Alexia as he said "Whatever the reason; I only know that this may have far-reaching effects for the future".

Carlisle turned towards Edward asking "Where was Athenodora? I didn't see her amongst the Denali's".

Edward swiftly explained "She left the group for fear that she would do more harm than good to the Denali coven. She gave me her number before she left and I think it's time we called for advice".

Carlisle said "I think you're right. It's more important than ever that we look for Caius; if Bella is right and he still exists he may be the only key to any possible solution".

Looking at Alexia Edward said "I wish to contact the Quileute tribe and ask for their help".

Carlisle automatically approved saying "Good idea! After all they can cover just as much track as we can and have many connections to the different tribes around this area".

Alexia nodded her agreement and turning to look at his family Edward said "I will call Jacob and as soon as I get a hold of him we will leave"

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Walking the corridors of her part of the castle Bella was indifferent to all around her; without Caius at her side she felt incomplete. Nothing held the beauty that it once had; she no longer wanted to follow the arts or music. Anything that reminded her of him was too painful.

She often thought of the pain she had felt when Edward had left her and how utterly desperate she was. She had been so destitute that her father had threatened to send her back to her mother; if it wasn't for Jake she would have starved herself. Yet looking back she couldn't compare the two.

When she had first met Caius she loathed his touch and feared being in his presence. Gradually they had come to love one another; actually a simple word as love didn't cover it, what they had experienced was more, much more. Losing him had turned her world inside out and upside down. Her body ached for him; their bond had been so close that she was sure she had felt the moment he had fallen. Her soul; well it was as if a part of her soul had been torn away. How could she get through an immortal life without her soul mate?

The only thing that gave her any enjoyment were her Russian lessons which she still received from Demetri. That and her visits to Marcus were her only things that sustained her and make her hopeless and meaningless immortal life somewhat tolerable.

Almost every day Bella went to see Marcus in his study and during those visits he would often talk about the past. She considered those discussions a sort of live history class; something that her school could never match. It was often in those hours that she was able to forget everything as Marcus transported her to faraway lands and old cultures that were long erased from the memory and history books of the humans. Bella and Marcus both suffering the loss of their mates were very grateful for these hours. Although they never discussed their lost mates, in their mutual bereavement they often sought each other's companionship; their need for solace becoming more intense as time grew.

One morning as Bella left Marcus's study she heard a familiar voice and the light tones attracted her as she searched for the origin.

Turning the corner she saw two figures walking down the passageway in the Volturi uniform and hearing their voices was afraid she had finally gone mad. "Alice?" She inquired but as soon as she did both figures turned to face her.

She quickly ran up to her old friend hugging her as she felt a small surge of happiness. Alice then looked at her exclaiming "Isabella, finally, we have been looking forward to seeing you for so long"

"It is so nice to see some friendly faces" Bella replied

Jazz looked at her saying "We are happy to be here".

It was at that moment that Bella felt something was amiss. Looking at the contentment in their faces only gave proof to her misgivings; they weren't the same vampires she had known for so long. She shook her head the obvious concern marred her face "What's wrong; why are you here?"

Alice gave her an open smile "We have been here for six weeks now"

"What?" Bella countered "I don't understand; and what are you doing in those uniforms?"

"Aro has recruited us into the Volturi" Jazz proudly told her.

Bella was shocked by their reaction but did her best to conceal it as she whispered "It is so good to see you after so long, why don't we go to the library and talk?" She tried to usher them towards the room as her eyes scanned the corridors.

At that moment Alec came around the corner and called to Alice and Jasper saying "Master Aro requests your presence in the throne room. I wouldn't let him wait".

Alice and Jasper departed leaving Bella confused behind.

Bella turned to face Alec still baffled by the situation, his request and the way Alice and Jasper spontaneously followed his orders. After a moment's hesitation she asked "Alec what is going on; why are Alice and Jasper here? They would never make such a choice of their own accord. It has taken Jasper a long time to learn to feed of animals; but feeding off humans nearly killed his spirit".

Alex knew this would be difficult for her to accept so he tried to pacify her saying "Vampires can change; unlike humans we live for centuries and in that time we are constantly changing. Some can live years feeding of humans and yet passionately fall in love with one; abandoning all of his or her old values".

Alec having finished his explanation said "Sorry Bella but Aro expects all guards to be at presence. As much as I relish your company I must be attend". He then turned and with vampire speed disappeared leaving her alone to digest his words.