"Then this thing turned out so evil

I don't know why I'm still surprised

Even angels have their wicked schemes

And you take that to new extremes"

Love the way you lie PT III-Skylar Grey

Day Two: Part Two

Every step was filled with a crippling panic that made Eva want to race back to her car without looking back. Another shining example of how pathetic she really was. Small meetings like this gave her horrendous anxiety and add the fact that these strangers could rip her limb from limb or drain her of all her blood in the blink of an eye and Eva was a wreck. Internally, at least. She had calmed her shaking and her face reflected that of an emotionless statue. The look she had perfected so many years ago. She wasn't about to let this group of vamps realize how intimidated she was. They'd easily pick her apart if she did.

As she approached the concrete steps just outside the closed garage, Carlisle stepped to the side; waiting for her politely. He even…offered his hand to her to assist her up the stairs.

"This way, my queen." He said in an angelically soft voice to her but Eva looked up at him in alarm.

"Excuse me?" She asked. Her tone was icy as if he had offended her but she was too bewildered to correct her tone. Queen? That didn't seem like a word that should be associated with the little loser-geek from Florida. The one that sat alone at her high-school lunch table and locked herself in her room while everyone else was at the beach partying. Eva didn't know how she felt about the word at all. She fully understood that her mates were the rulers of the vampire race yet that could only extend to her so far. I mean, what were the chances that the kings actually wanted her to rule by their side? Especially when she was a nineteen year old human that knew little of their world and they had already had their dynasty on lockdown for thousands of years. They knew what they were doing. They didn't need her.

Carlisle raised his eyebrows apologetically and recoiled his hand back to his side. There was something gentle about his golden eyes as well as the mirrored look of confusion on his face that helped Eva regain her composure. Demetri had a knack for calling her "lady" or "milady" which was uncomfortable enough but queen…Did he really think she was someone of importance or something?

"I was leading you into my home, Eva. Or was it the appellation I used that upset you?" Carlisle asked. Eva was silent and tore her eyes away from him. It was an inconceivable concept for her to go from zero to hero in less than a weeks' time. On top of it all? She didn't feel she deserved it. Who was she? Some men of actual worth were linked to her and they were mighty but that didn't mean she was. They deserved their power and notoriety. In reality, all Eva did was walk into a castle. That didn't deserve her the role of a queen. She knew that. The Cullens probably knew that too. So was this somehow going to make everything that much harder on her?

"You do realize…that that's who you are, don't you? Who you are expected to be. If that is something that's unappealing to you, maybe it's something you need to consider in your time away from Volterra."

Eva looked back up at Carlisle and she could swear that she literally heard the warning bells in her mind. Something that she needed to consider? What exactly was he implying? That she should refuse her title or refuse…the life that was laid out before her? Could she? Did she still have that option? Hell…Eva wasn't even sure if she would want to take that option if she could. Even now her hand remained in her pocket with a vice grip around her cellphone. She wanted one of them, any of them to call her. She wanted to list off her fears to them just to hear a calming voice say that she was okay. Though for some reason, Caius came to her mind the most. She didn't know why but she wanted nothing more than to have him appear beside her and take her hand. He wouldn't have to speak or even look at her if he didn't want to. Just having him next to her would make her feel like she could conquer the world. He gave off a presence that demanded respect and attention. He could clear a room with a hardened stare yet when he spoke to her, his voice was so soft and his fierce eyes were so kind the times she got to witness them. She wanted to understand that white-blond titan more and why he was so commanding to the world but so attentive to her.

"Let's just go inside." Eva mumbled and took the first step up to the house, Carlisle following closely behind her. When she walked into the place and took a good look around; she wanted to gasp in horror at the amount of glass that was the outer walls of the house. Who…the fuck would want that many windows in a single home?! She understood they were in the middle of nowhere but all of it just screamed out lack of privacy which Eva was totally against. Then again the entire house was absolutely spotless. She didn't want to touch anything in fear of making it dirty or messing something up.

Carlisle led her to the living room where there was two leather couches and two brown leather matching recliners that seemed to pop out from the cream colored carpet and wooden walls. Eva also spotted a piano that was centered in front of some strange collage of multicolored graduation caps, but her hazel green eyes focused more on…the seven people in the room with herself and Carlisle.

She recognized the pixie girl Alice, the brooding auburn haired Edward and the brunette that sat so close to him she may as well have been sitting in his lap. Her loving cousin. The rest were complete strangers to her, the only thing tying them together being the gold of their eyes and pale skin. Eva first spotted a light blonde haired girl that would have looked drop dead beautiful if her nostril wasn't flared at her and her eyes weren't dancing up and down her form. It made Eva just that extra bit more uncomfortable. Next to her was a broad shouldered, muscular, and short haired guy that was taller than any of the others in comparison. He intimidated the mortal hell out of her. Eva felt herself inching back towards the entrance while looking at him but she stopped herself. The size of them didn't matter in this particular case. All save Bella could destroy her without a hint of effort.

She sat down at the empty leather sofa but how she wished more of them had been sitting. Eva didn't care for having so many vampire eyes on her that also stood, towering over her.

"Everyone, this is Eva. Bella's cousin and the true mate of the three leaders of the Volturi. As you know, we're supposed to ensure she is safe during the remainder of her time in Forks. Also, since she is family to Bella, that means she is family us as well. Treat her with respect." Carlisle said in a soft but authoritative voice. Eva was too busy engaging in her staring contest with Edward to listen properly however. His gold eyes were piercing through hers but she refused to look away in case that signified that he held some kind of dominance over her. Psh, not a whiny, animal drinking, suicidal pansy like him! This whole thing is your fault, asshole. Give me the evil eye all you want but that doesn't change that you're the one to blame. Eva commented in her head but curiously enough as soon as she finished her thought, Edward narrowed his thick eyebrows at her and looked away in disgust. Odd timing.

"Well, aren't you just a pretty little thing." Eva heard a condescending voice say to her and she looked up to see the blonde smirking at her. Those annoyed eyes continued to look her up and down as if trying to find a flaw or point of weakness. "And she's blonde, young and dumb. Go figure that this is who the illustrious Volturi would chose as their 'mate'."

Every word dripped with venom and this bitch reminded Eva of those popular girls in high school that got off on making other women feel insecure. Too bad for her that there was little she could say that would make Eva feel less about herself. Her wording didn't sit well with her either. Insulting her wasn't exactly something she was unaccustomed to but saying that the kings had chosen Eva instead of being destined for her as it had been described to her; as well as her usage of the word 'mate' really got on her nerves. Like she thought Eva's purpose wasn't anything other than being an object of lust. And dumb? She knew Bella but she took one look at Eva and assumed she was dumb? Bitch, please.

"Rosalie, you know that that's not how the mating bond works. You can sense as well as the rest of us that what Carlisle said is true. None of us choose who are mates will be." Said a lady that looked to be the oldest of the bunch in appearance but only by a handful of years. She was beautiful and had long, wavy caramel colored hair. From her violet, lose fitting dress to the ring on her finger shouted 'housewife' or 'mother'. Her whisper-like voice was mildly comforting but it was outshined by the blonde's continued rude behavior.

"So you say." Rosalie retorted with an intentionally fake smile. "It's obvious that she shares the same distaste for humanity as her lovers at least. Otherwise she wouldn't be content to let herself and the cousin she claims to love so dearly turn into a monster."

"No, I have no distaste for humanity." Eva said finding her voice. She wasn't sure what came over her since in these situations she would normally bite her tongue and put up with whatever snide remarks that came her way. But something about this valley girl rubbed Eva the wrong way. "I do however have a distaste for rude, classless tarts."

Her hazel eyes lingered on the fellow blonde and while she expected to be assaulted as she always was when she defended herself, she kept her stone exterior and hoped her eyes were as cold as Rosalie's were. The bimbo placed her hands on her hips and scoffed but kept that model fake smile on her face.

"You don't know a thing about me, queenie! You'd be surprised at the things I am capable of!"

"As you know nothing about me in return. I have a few surprises myself." Eva countered. Rosalie rolled her eyes and stormed out of the room. Eva couldn't help but jump when she heard a loud crashing sound follow which always meant bad news for her in the past but the Barbie didn't return. The muscle bound man went after her while Carlisle was busy hiding his face in his hands and the caramel haired lady looked just as displeased. Eva felt her heartbeat calm but she still felt as though she could expect a slap to the face or something similar soon. She really had to stop that.

"I apologize for Rosalie, Eva." Carlisle said with his hand still covering his features. "This verdict has hit our family hard."

"What did I say about apologizing for other people's behavior? It's unnecessary." Eva responded though she was clearly annoyed. She now scanned the room to find Bella still sitting on the sofa opposite of her next to Edward. She didn't look up or even give her a single sign of recognition. She can't even look at me Eva thought to herself and the frown on her face showed her turmoil. How did everything go so wrong so quickly? She was all she had left. Her and Charlie. Eva would probably never see Renee again and Eva so desperately wanted to have some kind of family. At least for a little while. That wasn't too much to ask for was it?

When she ripped her eyes away from her fuming cousin, someone else caught her attention and he seemed to keep it despite her efforts. Standing near Alice who was casually sitting at the seat next to the piano, was a tall; lean and handsome guy. His hair was curly and a beautiful honey shade of blond. His eyes seemed to be a shade darker than his family's, which made them look more amber then gold. Quite frankly, Eva much preferred the color. It made him look unique. They gave off a smoky vibe and Eva had sensed a pair of eyes on her since the moment she arrived. One that took precedence over the many others in the room. Now that she was looking into his amber eyes, she was certain that it was his that hadn't strayed from her. His expression was the essence of both sympathy and unease.

Only a few seconds after they made eye contact, the man took long, fluid strides towards her, his eyes still locked onto hers all the while. Normally such movements would cause her to retract or take a defensive position but she wasn't afraid. When he was at arm's length away from her; Eva felt her mood shift drastically. All her fears, pains and anger vanished as if someone had taken a magic wand and whisked them all away. The emotions that had consumed her for so long were replaced with contentment and joy. Two sensations Eva was not used to feeling, especially so strongly. It was so overpowering, Eva let out a shaking sigh in relief; feeling the last of her negativity leave with it. Eva didn't know how or why but she didn't question it. A break from her thoughts and emotions was very much welcome.

The man stayed close to the arm of the couch next to where she sat and his tense shoulders as well as stance suggested that it would take the lot of them to drag him away from her. Eva didn't know how she felt about that but it wasn't unpleasant. She slowly looked up at him, while her head tried to catch up with her body. Feeling so much positivity and joy at once was so foreign to her…Eva sincerely felt as though she had been drugged.

"Jasper Hale, milday." He said to her. Eva caught onto his slight southern accent and he was truly a breath of fresh air when she was surrounded by so many vampire that looked, talked and acted so similarly. While she examined Jasper's face and tone body she had no idea why Bella wouldn't have swooned over this guy instead of Edward. He seemed far more intriguing and had Eva not already been introduced to the most gorgeous men in existence already, she would have probably been delighted to be pursued by him. Though she oddly enough felt no lust or interest in the handsome southern man. It just made her think of her three Italian gentlemen more and how she was so fortunate enough to even know them, let alone have them as her future lovers.

"I know you know my wife, Alice. The girl that left in a huff was Rosalie and her mate Emmett. And I think the only other you haven't been introduced to is Esme, Carlisle's mate." He gestured to the caramel haired woman, who smiled sweetly to her.

"Welcome to our home, Eva." Esme said to her and Eva just nodded. None of them seemed to bother her now. Nor did Bella's continued cold shoulder hurt her whatsoever.

"We were wondering if we could discuss how we can watch over you more efficiently." Carlisle added. "We thought that you could come here every afternoon and we can have one of us guard your house until you are ready to join us. Night will be tricky but you are more than welcome to stay with us as often as you wish. I think this will be the least conspicuous method."

"I'm sorry…I can't do that." Eva said firmly. The brief vision of Charlie coming home to an empty house corrupted her thoughts and she didn't like the idea of it. At all. He would be forced to come home to that in the very near future. The least she could do was give him a week with his family before whatever tragedy reached his ears and altered his life. Luckily enough, she and Aro had worked out a pleasant solution concerning her state. You know, before she fell asleep on him! He was going to fax over some papers that made it look as though she had been accepted into a pristine school for the arts in Italy and just say since she moved to a different state; the papers had gotten lost in the mail. Thus the reason she had to rush to leave. He promised her she could still call him, send him a few "altered" pictures to show him that she was alive and well too. He even told her that when she was able to 'restrain' herself she could go on a few short visits with him…whatever that meant. Since Bella was still in high school such a solution wasn't as possible for her and Eva felt extremely nervous about whatever it was the Cullens had planned for her. If it was the way she imagined—then hell no she wouldn't leave Charlie!

"These are possibly my last days with my family. I'm not going to just run off all the time and leave Charlie alone before I go to Italy. He means a lot to me. I want to get as much time in with him as I can."

Alice was sitting next to her in the blink of an eye and Eva jumped in surprise. She felt her heart beating rapidly in her chest but Jaspers assuring hand on her shoulder helped her calm down. Damn these guys could really move, huh?

"You know, they don't have to be." Alice said with her chipper tone and friendly smile on her face. "If you don't want to leave Forks so soon, you can talk to your mates. They are the ones who made the ruling and they are the ones that can change it. You can tell them that you can't leave your family so soon and that all of this is too rushed for your liking. I'm sure they can rent out a hotel room from time to time to visit with you in the meantime. You can have them delay your departure and Bella's turning."

"You can ask them to wait until Bella's graduation so we can come up with a more harmonious reason that she can't see her family and friends anymore. The change is extremely different then what you could possibly imagine. It will be impossible for Bella to be around any humans for a while which includes her father and all the students at her school. By forcing the change so soon, you are damning her future. The only way we can follow through with the Volturi's orders is to fake her death. Do you want Charlie to believe he lost his daughter so early in life?" Edward said stiffly. It was apparent that he was still unsatisfied with turning Bella at all but this way seemed to be the lesser of two evils to him.

"They seemed pretty determined when they explained everything to me…" Eva said as politely as she could but Edward seemed to bring up all her fears and regrets in one swoop. It sounded like this was the best way for Bella but at the same time she didn't want to try and argue with the kings. It was like establishing that she would try and sway them to get her way which was a message she didn't want to get across to them. She just wasn't that kind of girl.

"They'll listen to you." Alice assured her. "You're their mate. The Queen they have wanted for so long. It will be very difficult for them to deny you if you speak to them from the heart."

"Why don't you speak with them if you are so concerned? Why is this left up to me?"

"Because they won't listen to us no matter how rational we appear to be. The Volturi are power obsessed creatures that view all other vampires to be inferior to them. You on the other hand will be the only one that could cause them to loosen their choking grip over the vampire world." Edward said venomously and Eva narrowed her eyes at him in detest.

"Why do you speak so harshly about men you barely know?" Eva asked in confusion. She couldn't defend them completely because well—she didn't know them all that well either but his quick judgment made her curious. Was she getting involved…with the bad guys?

"But I do! Standing in a room with them; hearing their unhindered thoughts—I've never met such self-loving, power mad and arrogant vampires in my life! That is the type of men that you're bound to, Eva. Get used to it! They consider humans to be ants in their presence. So insignificant that snuffing out their lives doesn't even register as thought! They would have killed Bella—your cousin just as easily if you hadn't showed up! Realize now that you will witness cruelty the likes of which you can't fathom if you choose to stay with them." Edward continued to argue, raising his voice as he did. Eva felt herself panicking again and she damned herself for fearing him but how she hated yelling of any type. It scared her. It was a warning that pain was to come and she hadn't quite gotten out of that frame of mind yet.

Jasper's hand on her shoulder tightened which caused her to be at ease again. She looked up at him to see him sending Edward a disapproving look and she could swear…she heard him growl a quiet growl at Edward in warning. Edward looked just as surprised as she was at Jasper's gesture but the southern man's expression didn't change. Carlisle quickly tried to regain control of the situation.

"The Volturi's ways are not our own, that's all that needs to be said on the matter. However, Edward is right. If anyone can change the verdict it is you. Most of the family was turned by me because it was a life or death matter. A majority of them either wish they had never been turned or that they had more time to live their mortal life. We want only for you to have the privilege they were denied." Carlisle stated and Eva didn't know what to say. She really didn't want to ask anything of the kings so early. It was an awkward position to be in. What if they did tell her no? What would that do to the relationship then?

"As much as I wish that Bella didn't have to go through it this way, I really don't think there is anything I can do on the matter. I won't go against my mates."

"So you would your family instead? You sit there and claim for them to be your main concern yet you do nothing to help! You could at least try!" Edward continued to yell at her.

"I'm not going against my family, it wasn't my decision! You think I like the idea that Charlie will be absolutely heartbroken after all this? But no matter when it is done, Bella has to be turned into a vampire because of the laws you broke!"

"He's not your father!" Bella at last spoke and the ice of her voice and dead expression in her eyes literally made Eva's heart break. "Stop acting like he is or that losing you would matter to him near as much as it would if he lost me. You won't even stay here until your week is up because of him? All you're doing is being complicated and trying to show that you have a little bit of power. Stop being so stubborn and start looking out for someone besides yourself! Or better yet go ahead and go back to Italy! No one is going to miss you and no one in this town even knows you exist except me. Big deal if Charlie loses his 'fishing buddy' he's got plenty of others. If you realized how big of an inconvenience you are, you'd keep your head down and fit in while you can. No wonder you have no friends!"

Eva didn't know why Bella's vile attitude continued to hurt her but it did. She supposed she still had the image of Bella as a kid in her head; in her heart. The times when they would hangout everyday she visited and promised that they would always look out for each other. Eva felt like she had kept true to her promise but Bella seemed to have either forgotten hers or no longer cared to uphold it. She had the sinking feeling that it was the latter. Edward and any of the other veggies were easy for her to get angry at. Only she found it hard to be mad at Bella. Her words were more painful than they were infuriating.

"Forgive me if I don't want to stay somewhere I am clearly unwelcome." Eva said finally but she refused to look up from her shoes. "And I wish there was more that could be done but I don't see the kings changing their minds."

"Whatever, Eva. Keeping listening to your killers and see how far that gets you!" Bella shouted and stormed out of the room. Edward remained long enough to send her a hate filled look before stomping away himself. Eva sighed but this time it wasn't near as refreshing. Eva doubted that she could get Bella to respect her or be close to her again, even if she did everything she was told to do. She sincerely hoped they could come up with something to tell Charlie that wouldn't seem…too devastating. Maybe she was right, maybe Charlie didn't care that much about her but she cared about him. That fact wasn't going change simply because of Bella's moody behavior.

"I thought she wanted to be a vampire. She's yet to express any concern for Charlie or losing her friends so why is she so against this?" Eva asked stiffly as one would while sitting on the stand before a grand jury. Eyes forward and hands in her lap.

"She's afraid it's going to put a strain on her and Edward's relationship. Edward doesn't want to damn her soul but he's willing to do so under certain conditions. The major ones being that she graduates school and marries him first. To him, it would be more proper that way and Bella is afraid he's going to blame himself for ruining her chances at a semi-normal life and denying her the experiences of growing up. If she is forced to be frozen at the end of the week; he will refuse to do it himself which leaves it to one of us and Bella wants Edward to change her. There is an even greater bond between mates if they share venom." Alice explained quietly. From out of the corner of her eye, she saw Carlisle nod his head and at that both he and Esme left the living room. Leaving only Jasper, Alice and herself in the room. Eva didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad.

"Sounds like that is more something the two of them need to work out on their end instead of involving the Kings. Has she come up with anything to tell Charlie?"

"Not yet. We were hoping we could avoid that altogether but as we've said that responsibility rests on your shoulders. If you refuse to help us then we will start planning more accordingly."

Why did she have to put it that way? She wasn't trying to refuse to help them; Eva often had troubled refusing anyone in their time of need. Mostly because she knew what it was like to have no one in your corner when you were desperate for some support. But what could she do? She would either have to compromise herself or compromise the fragments of a family she had left. Either option wasn't desirable.

"I don't know what I am going to do. Three days ago I knew nothing about your world and had no place in it. Now, suddenly, I am expected to change laws that have been in place before I or probably even a great deal of my ancestors were born." Eva sighed. It was overwhelming to say the very least. She could barely wrap her head around everything.

"You're right." Jasper said suddenly and when she saw that he attempting to sit beside her, she and Alice scooted a bit so he had the room. "It is a lot to ask of you so soon. None of this is your doing, Eva and therefore you should be exempt of the responsibility it bears. Whatever your decision is, we'll understand. The only thing I want you to understand is that we aren't reckless outlaws. The laws we have broken was to preserve a human life which matters greatly to us. Just like you, we don't want to see anyone get hurt."

His honest smile combined with a new wave of comfort had Eva smiling shyly back. That much was true, she didn't want to see anyone get hurt. She may not know the Cullens very well, or hell, like many of them but that didn't mean she wanted them to die. The Cullens seemed to stand out from their race as more human, more angelic then the rest. They kept a strong hold on their humanity. Though she was a little curious about their views on the men she was promised to.

"You think…are they inclined to hurt the people that wrong them?"

"The Volturi aren't known to attack without cause. If they were, they would've destroyed Edward the first time he asked it of them without him resorting to exposing his true self to the humans like he planned." Jasper replied but Alice quickly commented on his assuring words.

"Yes, but they have other methods to acquire what they desire." Alice warned. Her normal nonchalant tone grew dark and Eva feared what she had to say before the words even life her pale lips. "It's rumored that Aro has a habit of collecting members of our kind with unique gifts to join his coven so they can remain powerful. They'd even go as far as to destroy whatever coven they were already a part of, so they had little choice but to accept their offer. It's also said most of the Volturi guard are there against their will. They have a vampire in their midst that can force a feeling of loyalty which makes them stay."

Well…that certainly didn't sound good. Though she missed it, Jasper sent Alice a quick look of disappointment before Eva could look up. Was she getting involved with the bad guys after all? Alice pressed forward despite Eva's obvious discomfort.

"Have you thought at all about how you will survive? It may seem like a difficult thing to conceptualize but the moment you awaken as a vampire; your need for blood will be extraordinary. The Volturi strictly feed upon humans. Are you ready to be responsible for the deaths of millions over the course of your existence?"

Eva still didn't know how to respond. She did everything she could not to look at it that way but the way Alice had worded it what was she supposed to say? Sure, she was totally cool with killing people? She wasn't even sure if she had it in her to kill anyone. Though Eva had met plenty of cruel humans in her short life that would deserve such a fate. If she did decide to feed from animals would that upset her mates?

"If you decided to stay with us, we could teach you how to fight the need for human blood and when you were ready you could rejoin them in Italy. That would also give Bella a bit more time which could improve matters on our end as well. By being related to Bella, you're already a part of our family. We're here to help you too." Alice continued her proposal but before Eva could let what she had to say sink in, her cellphone began to ring.

She pulled it out of her pocket and sighed in relief when she saw Caius' name appear on her screen. She wanted to speak to him so badly but knew this wasn't the best setting. She explained that she had to take the call and rushed out the front door. Once she was down the steps she answered.

"Hello, Caius."

"Good morning, gorgeous. Ah, see, you knew it was me this time." He said proudly and Eva smiled sheepishly at this.

"Kind of. I just programmed the number you had called me from previously with your name in my phone." Eva confessed.

"Oh? Well, I'll take it. At least you took the time to remember me."

"You're hard to forget, babe." Eva heard herself saying. It surprised her but she didn't regret saying it to him or try to cover up the small amount of affection she just revealed even though she normally would in embarrassment. She was too happy just talking to him to save face.

"Just as I couldn't forget you if I tried, my love. I apologize if I've been a little…stand offish Eva Dearest. This experience is just as new to me as it is to you."

"Hm…well…I like the idea of us learning together then." Eva smiled and she was absolutely dumbfounded as to how this quick exchange of words made her feel so much more at ease. Like she was already safe and sound. As she sat on the hood of her car a new image came to the front of her mind. It was a simple one but one that made her feel on top of the world. It was the idea of Caius' strong arms wrapping around her in a loving embrace. Could anything touch her if he did? Could anything in this world drag her away from him? She doubted it. If he was as devoted to her as they said he was…she was a lot luckier than she realized.

"Me too." Caius said softly and her heart fluttered a bit at the change of his pitch. When Caius spoke his voice was gruff and low but when he put forth the effort to be tender, it sounded like the entirety of his voice changed, as though it belonged to a different man altogether. Eva didn't know why but the gesture alone made her feel special. From what she knew of his ruthless and hardened nature she didn't think he'd put forth that kind of effort for anyone else.

"How are you fairing today, amore?"

"Honestly…not the best." Eva confided but she felt guilty for it. She didn't really have anyone to vent to though she knew he was probably the last person she should be talking to about these issues. Lest he bring a rain of fire and brimstone to Forks.

"What's troubling you, darling?" His voice was back to its rough self but she could hear the sense of concern as well as urgency in his words.

"I'm with the Cullens right now. And if I had to guess, they don't like me very much." Eva said sarcastically, trying to find the humor in the situation.

"They don't have to like you, they have to respect you." Caius said angrily.

"From my understanding, they are unhappy with your ruling. Bella being turned into a vampire so suddenly doesn't seem to fit well with their plans."

"Perhaps they should have considered that before bringing a human into our world from the start." Caius said rather coldly but it made Eva chuckle. Just the sheer bluntness of his remark stated everything she had already been thinking and he did so without a care in the world. Without even an ounce of anxiety she was feeling which somehow grounded her fears. Like there was always a simple resolution despite how she worked herself up. So it was a relief to know that finally, someone was on her side.

"That's what I was thinking. Still…I'll admit that there are some conditions to this that aren't to my liking either."

"Such as?"

"Aro and I discussed how my leaving Forks won't cause too much alarm, he's supposed to fax over some official looking papers that say I got accepted into an art school where you guys are and-"

"I knew you were an artist!" Caius blurted out in pure glee. He sounded positively giddy. "I knew those splatters of paint that decorated your jacket was accidental and not some new age fashion statement! This is so thrilling my darling, I have so many techniques and tricks I can teach you! I have an entire studio of pieces I can show you when you arrive! I would be honored to have your work alongside mine."

"You're a painter too?" Eva asked excitedly, completely distracted from the current topic and the pit fall of dread she felt from it, which all and all was a wondrous thing.

"I suppose you can use that term, yes. I've taken to both painting and sculpting over the past two thousand years and I admit that I enjoy it immensely. It's rather sobering to see how much my art and technique has changed over the centuries while my overall style has stayed the same. I don't think I can change it if I attempted to. Though I did try painting blind folded and with my opposite hand once. It turned out…interesting to say the least."

"You've kept all of your paintings? For thousands of years?" Eva asked a little baffled.

"Absolutely, even the ones I think turned out disastrous. Because of this, I can look back and see how much I have advanced and if a particular piece truly irks me, I will just recreate it. It's harder to do that without the physical piece before you and using only your mind's eye." Caius explained and Eva smiled once more. What a mature outlook. Lord knows more of her work saw the trash can then they did the wall. To him, if he just didn't like something, he improved it. A way of taking a defeat and making it a victory in the end.

"That's really humbling, Caius. I get too frustrated with my paintings sometimes. Anything I don't think is perfect, I throw away."

"Never do that, darling. How are you to see your growth if you're not reminded of where you began?" Caius said sweetly and Eva hid her face with her free hand as if it could see her doofy smile and blushing cheeks. Everything seemed to make so much sense when looking at it through his eyes. Lord…she really, really needed someone like him in her life.

"Um…anyway, like I was saying, I can tell my uncle I got accepted into a good school but Bella is in high school and isn't given that option. Now I'm afraid they are going to have to make it look as though she passed away to come up with something believable as to why she can't be around her family or go to school anymore. This disturbs me because I don't want Charlie to suffer because of his daughter's mistakes. He has been a great comfort to me since I've been here and has treated me as if I was his own daughter. It will be hard to leave him but it will be even harder if he is grief stricken." Eva confided. She hoped it wouldn't make him mad but…he asked.

"Ah, I see. That is an unpleasant consequence to this arrangement." Caius agreed and grew silent for a few moments. Eva wondered how she could find a way to ask (without asking) how he would feel about pushing back their literal 'deadline' but she still didn't want to. Any time she tried to form the words on her tongue they just wouldn't comply.

"Is Swan of age? An adult in accordance to you American laws?"

"She is."

"Then why doesn't she withdraw herself from school? It's not the typical option but it's not as though her education would've aided her greatly when she is one of us. I think Carlisle's family have all attended various school in their lifetime, so she will have her chance to make up what she missed a few years in the future in a different city. If your uncle finds this news unsettling then Carlisle can explain that she wished to work with him and that only certain tests or procedures are required to work in their field instead of focusing on a diploma. That and I am sure it is obvious to her father how much Edward means to her. You could say she ran off to elope with him and knew he would disapprove. It doesn't make her look the best but her reputation is hardly my concern. I want only to ease your worries in whatever way I can. He may not agree with it but she is an adult and can do as she wishes without him causing a fuss. Either option still permits her the ability to contact him via telephone as long as she is supervised and therefore her father has no reason to believe she is deceased."

Eva felt like a giant boulder had been pushed off of her chest. She hadn't thought about that! Any of it! If she just dropped out of school, all they had to worry about was providing an explanation to Charlie why she was away and that was much easier if she didn't have a responsibility. And as Caius said she could always make up the classes she missed later on in life! It was brilliant! Hell, Eva could calm Charlie easier if he thought his daughter just made a few poor life decisions than she could if Bella had died! Bella could even keep in contact with him like she could! It was perfect! So in the end there really wasn't a great need to go against the kings ruling after all! The Cullens may not be thrilled (or more so Edward) with turning Bella but it was their fault that she was even in this situation. They would just have to reap what they've sown.

"Caius, that's genius! I hadn't even thought about the idea of Bella dropping out of school, which makes this so much easier. Oh my god, thank you so much!" Eva said excitedly. She felt like she had been brought back to life. Now she could leave knowing Charlie wouldn't be too heartbroken.

"Not at all, my love. As I said I am here to dissolve as many of your fears as I am capable of. You are a good woman to care so deeply for your uncle's wellbeing, darling. I've witnessed many people care little for their family's state once they are given the promise of immortality. To know that you still take the time to think of the ones you love is quite inspiring."

"Thanks," Eva said simply but she was blushing. Did they have to compliment her as often as they did? "I try, you know, to think of how I would want someone to treat me then act accordingly."

"That is a very sympathetic and beautiful mindset Eva dearest. All I ask is that you give that sympathy to those who are worthy of it. Remember that kindness can and will be taken for granted." Caius said with true concern. The likes of which was…a little sobering to Eva. This wasn't a dream, this wasn't her imagination; this was real. She was really the true mate of three remarkable men and they honestly cared about her. They wanted to be there for her. She'd be scared…if she wasn't so happy at finally accepting this. If they were actors they should win awards because she was a believer.

"I'll try. It's just…hard for me."

"What is?"

"Being…mean I guess. Being cold or uncaring. There were times I wanted someone to care…even when I was being a heinous bitch but I was rarely shown such a courtesy. I don't want to turn my back when I can be that one person that someone needed to show them an ounce kindness." Eva sighed. It was true, a lot of people who came out of horrible living conditions like her tended to be rougher around the edges and lose their faith in humanity. Eva did the opposite. She knew hardship, she knew pain and she didn't want anyone to go through that. No one she cared about at the very least.

"I understand that, my love. But being kind to people who don't deserve it will get you walked on. People are cruel by nature, darling. I will always accept you for who you are. Even that 'heinous bitch' you described. Honestly, I'd like to meet that side of Eva Hawkins. One that is unfiltered and raw. By all means darling, offer your hand to whoever you feel is in need. But remember that that same hand can choke as easily as it can caress."

Eva liked the way he worded things. Aro was more refined and fluid and Marcus was soft and poetic. But Caius was blunt and spoke in idioms or metaphors while keeping to his straightforward nature. It was exactly what she needed on a day like today.

"I'll keep that in mind, babe. Promise." Eva smiled and knew she had been outside for some time now. She should probably go inside but how she wanted to stay outside, sitting on her car just talking to Caius. As happy as she was with this new idea, she knew the Cullens probably wouldn't be so thrilled. After her sigh, Caius took it as another sign of distress.

"What troubles you, darling?"

"I just know that this new option won't sit well with the Cullens. They want nothing more than to keep Bella human as long as possible."

"I'll say once more darling, they don't have to like the ruling. They just have to obey. Walk back in there with your head held high while remembering that they have no power over you. They can't make you do anything."

"They could if they really wanted. I am only human. They are much stronger than I am." Eva said meekly. She was intimidated by them and it was clear to her she wasn't exactly favored by them too. Nor did they think highly of her mates or their coven.

"When I was still flesh and blood I led one of the greatest armies this world has ever seen to victory, amore. Being human doesn't prevent you from being mighty. Don't let them push you around dearest, I can't bear the thought. You were given a backbone for a reason, Eva. Use it."

She knew he was right but she was still fearful. A lot of what Alice had to say entered her mind and she half expected him to be setting her up for failure. Like they were really these dark and demented creatures that had her fooled. The Cullens referred to their members as family. They feed from animals, they looked out for each other. She hadn't gotten that vibe from the Volturi. Were they really just trying to warn her of their horrors and she was too naïve to see it?

"Caius…if I decided not to feed on humans…would you be upset with me?"

"If it was truly your decision and not something dripping with the Cullens influence then no. Though I don't think you should limit yourself to one or the other. There is so much more to being one of us then our need for blood. I'll hold your hand through all the experiences, and when you find out what suits you best, I will support you."

Could he be that evil when he said things like that to her? Could he or any of them be so committed to deceiving her? Eva may have been a fool…but she really didn't think they were. So could that mean that this seemingly innocent, angelic creatures around her were the ones that were plotting against her?

"One last question babe…do you guys…do you destroy other vampires just so you can use the ones with powers in your coven?"

"Ah, this bit." Caius said in amusement. He even chuckled. "We have recruited a few vampires from covens that were all but destroyed but a lot of our kind speculate that we were the cause of their destruction. The truth is, we have destroyed covens but only the ones that have broken the law. We gave the survivors we thought could be useful to us a second chance. The stipulation being that they join our ranks and declare loyalty to us, or join their decapitated allies in the afterlife. But it's not as though we waltz up to civil covens and destroy just to add to our numbers, as it has been rumored for centuries. Though make no mistake my love, we are malicious and powerful creatures. Our enemies as well as our entire race fear us for a reason. No one crosses the Volturi. Sometimes a second death is a mercy compared to what we are capable of."

Eva felt a chill running up her spine and she was glad she was mindful enough to cover the end of her cellphone with her thumb so that Caius couldn't hear her gasp. Now, Eva knew she needed to be analyzed by a psychiatrist. Was their evil qualities and the sheer amount of power they had; really turn her on?! She liked it. She liked the idea of having fearsome creatures with actual power looking after her.

"All I ask darling is that if you hear something about us, to ask us for verification before you assume the worst. We won't lie to you and I have no intention of hiding anything from you."

"Alright…um…thank you. I should go back inside now but can I talk to you later tonight?" Eva asked hopefully which made her feel a little pitiful. She wondered if she could talk him into speaking to her on the messenger as she did Aro. It would be nice to see him…

"Of course my love. Now remember, stay strong and if they give you too much grief call me back and I can straighten them out for you. Any excuse to see you sooner is welcomed, I assure you. I'll find Aro and fax over your papers right away. Once either of us figure out how to do that, that is." He chuckled.

They said their goodbyes and Eva let out an elongated sigh once she hung up. She was sure she was blind to these beautiful boys negative aspects while that's all that the Cullens seemed to see. Yet, she didn't have explain herself or them to this group of unique vampires. She'd just have to pitch her new idea on how Bella could be turned in accordance to the kings ruling and be firm with it. She wasn't going to try and change her mates' mind, it wasn't fair to them. Her mind was made up.

As she made her way towards the door, she heard a commotion coming from the open window of the living room. Out of curiosity, she crouched down, just enough that she wouldn't be seen in the window and waited. If they were willing to discuss whatever it was out in the open, then it couldn't have been anything they didn't want her to hear right? Still something told her she needed to remain there for a while.

"Why do you keep defending her Jazz?!" she heard the voice of the Barbie girl shout. "She is Volturi! Chosen to help lead the wickedest coven in existence! She's nothing more than a threat! We're protecting the world from having another vicious beast unleashed upon it."

"That's not fair, Rose. You didn't feel what I did. That young woman harbors a pain and misery I haven't felt in years. To feel that at her age is…appalling. She's also more in tune with the emotions of others than most are. I doubt she will be the bloodthirsty queen you think she will be."

"We all have pain." Rosalie hissed coldly. "And no, she won't be, because we can't let it happen!"

"Rosalie is right. If she is to have the gift Alice has already foreseen, the Volturi's cruelty will know no bounds. We're doing this for the sake of our kind as well as humanity." She recognized Edward's voice and cringed. Big surprise that he was against her.

"If Eva stays human she wouldn't feel the bond she has with the kings. So that will help us convince her that this entire ordeal is wrong." Said a male voice Eva didn't recognize so she assumed it belonged to Emmett.

"But is it? Now that Edward has revealed the whole truth to the Volturi they are never going to let Bella remain a human. Their urgency stems from their mistrust of Edward and their need to get their mate back. No matter what we do, they are going to search for Bella and either kill her or make her one of us. That's the only two ways they can uphold the law." She heard Jasper argue.

"That's not the only problem. If Eva becomes one of us and is allied with the Volturi we are all in danger. It may not seem like that extraordinary of a gift but it is in the right hands." Edward countered.

"What have you said to her?" Rosalie asked though Eva couldn't see who she was talking to. When Alice responded she got her answer.

"I told her about some of the accusations made about the Volturi and she did seem wary after that. I also don't think she likes the idea of killing humans so if she does become one of us, I think we can make her an ally. If we do we don't have to fear what she could do, she'd be on our side."

"So you think you can make her reject her mates?" Rosalie continued.

"If given time, yes. It will hurt the kings in more ways than one and as you know after being rejected by their mate; they will lose the will to live. I doubt they will pose as a threat to anyone afterwards and we can finally live without fear of their wrath." Alice responded.

"But we have to act fast. The bond grows every day and if we're not quick, she could fall in love with them. It will be impossible to drag her away after that." Edward continued in the upmost serious tone. Eva's jaw dropped and she felt like she was sinking into the ground. Was this real? They were trying to use her to hurt the kings? When she barely knew what their names were yet they were happy to take control of her life?

"You know what else will make her an ally? If we are good to her and protect her as we were asked. If she likes us and we are genuine, Aro will see that and be more inclined to give us some leniency. Eva might be more willing to speak up for us too if we show her that we're not criminals and we just made a mistake. I mean do you even hear yourselves? I know the Volturi have had a tight grip over our world for generations but to take their mate from them? Do you realize what they will have the right to do after this? How would any of you like it if someone took your mate hostage?" Jasper argued and sounded genuinely disturbed.

"We're not taking her hostage, we're just making sure she doesn't grow up to be the new evil monarch. We just have to make sure she knows that her mates are vile and she needs to remain a human instead of an undead consort. The entire ordeal makes me sick and sorry if I don't believe that the mating bond can actually connect three vampires to one mortal girl. If we get her to believe that too then the problem is solved. The Volturi kings will either off themselves or become lifeless statues; unable to hurt anyone." Rosalie said in a commanding tone.

"It's not exactly hard to get her believe that her mates are nothing but beasts. They have given us plenty to work with over the centuries." Emmett said assuredly.

"We'll be saving her pain in the long run, honey. As joyous as it is to be with your mate, she's just too…frail to handle their lifestyle." Alice said calmly to Jasper or so Eva guessed.

"Keeping her from her mates will leave her incomplete for the rest of her life. She'll always feel lost, alone. Are we ready to condemn her to that life? She already feels such pain, it will only escalate now that she's met them. The Kings aren't the only ones that could lose their will to live, even if she remains mortal." Jasper said in concern.

"Who cares about the little bitch? If I had it my way we'd just silence her for good so that she doesn't pose as a threat and the supposed kings would follow soon after her. That way Bella can remain a human and we can continue existing without worry." Rosalie offered as if it was as simple as stating the time.

"She's nothing but a burden, I agree. You may be willing to see the good in her but mark my words Jasper, there is a darkness in her the likes of which you wouldn't believe. If she becomes frozen that beast will be released and we're all doomed to follow the Volturi's will for the rest of our existence. If we can get her to shun her mates the Volturi are no more. Or if we convince her to stay here with us, they will have no choice but to comply to their queens wishes. If we're precise about it…we'll be the ones controlling the controllers." Edward added and Eva had had enough.

So she was frail, huh? She'd just…crumble to dust if someone touched her? These assholes had no idea how many times she had already seen hell and come out alive. She was just a dumb little blonde they could toy with to get their way! A pawn, a fool! Well, maybe her mates weren't exactly knights in shining armor but they already treated her better than most people she knew. They hadn't asked anything of her and only wanted her to be safe and happy. She may not be on the right side but she sure as hell stopped caring.

Eva didn't know what possessed her but that rage inside her kept her motivated to give these bastards a piece of her mind. They were willing to kill her, let her mates die and keep her from feeling complete all her life. Just so they could have it their way. Some sympathy for humanity.

"You know for vampires…" Eva stated as she walked into the living room. "…Your senses are shit. I'd get a tune up if I were all of you."

The room was silent. The guilt on their faces told a story but Eva already knew the ending. She was however surprised to see Bella sitting next to Edward. She hadn't spoken at all during that little debate but Eva wasn't surprised. It was all about what Edward wanted. It was always about what Edward wanted. She'd just sit there and nod her head.

"Eva-" Bella started but Eva wasn't about to hear anything from this lot ever again. Not an apology, not a goodbye—nothing! She heard everything she needed to hear already.

"Save it!" Eva snapped and she did her best to make eye contact with every vampire in the room. "Instead, let me tell you exactly what's going to happen."

She marched towards the center of the room to ensure that all eyes were on her. Caius' words were buzzing in her ears and she may be a human still but in this moment; she felt stronger than the entire group combined.

"You were given a week to get your affairs in order. That isn't changing. Instead of being grateful or humbled you aspire to take that little bit of courtesy you were given and take it for granted. Tomorrow Bella and I are going to the nearest Board of Education and she is withdrawing from school. You can either break it to Charlie that you have a job lined up or we can wait until the end of the week and we can make it look like you ran away to elope with Edward. That way Charlie isn't heartbroken by the loss of his daughter and both of our absences are explained."

"I can't drop out-" Bella began to argue but Eva just shouted over her.

"You can and you will! I've had enough of all of you. You don't want Bella to be immortal? Try not breaking the law next time! Yeah, it's short notice but instead of plotting against me you should be on your knees thanking me that she and your coward of a family member are alive at all! Aro clearly stated that if Bella wasn't kin to me, he would have killed her for disrespecting me and Edward's survival was permitted in association to Bella's happiness, which is, again, a courtesy done on my behalf. Or did they not share that detail with the rest of you?!"

"Eva you have no idea what the Volturi are capable of-" Edward interjected but Eva cut him off as easily as she had Bella.

"Oh but I do! I know they are capable of coming to Forks and ripping each and every one of you apart with ease for your defiance! And don't act like you're concerned about me! I heard enough to know that you will fear me when I am a vampire and that's all you care about. Which I think is the wisest decision you made during all your idiotic babble." Eva was so angry she was shaking and if she was capable of it, she'd destroy half of their house in her rage. She wasn't going to be used anymore. Not by the Cullens, not by her mates, by no one!

"Oh, so you think you're tough shit now do you?" said Rosalie and she marched up to Eva to where she was but inches away from her but Eva didn't budge from her spot nor look away from her in fear. Not this time.

"Let me tell you something princess, you are nothing! I could snap your neck with a flick of my wrist and you think you can come in here and bark orders? You're not queen yet. You're just a sad little human girl who is in over her head!"

"Do it." Eva hissed out in a dangerous whisper to Rosalie's comment that she could kill her. She kept her eyes locked onto hers so she knew she was deadly serious. "But let me ask you something: Do you think there is anywhere you could run that could keep you safe from my mates? Do you think they would just kill you once they found you? I promise you one thing, Barbie, if you kill me it will be the last thing you do and you'll be begging to join me long before you are given that mercy."

Rosalie opened her mouth to argue but to Eva's pleasant surprise, she watched her jaw drop and she took a few steps away from her. Jasper and Alice who stood behind Rosalie shared the same astonished expression and Eva assumed it was because the meek little geek finally had the guts to put them back in their place.

"I'll repeat it one more time because I can see that you're a little slow." Eva said in a venomous voice. "Bella's going to drop out of school and she will be turned by the end of the week as planned. If you don't abide by this and the law is broken once more there will be consequences. I believe Caius has faxed over something for me, I would like it now so I no longer have to look at your deceitful, lying faces a moment longer!" When no one moved she raised her voice once more and said "Now!"

Carlisle was actually the one to enter the living room with the papers in his hand. He may not have been a part of that discussion but he also did nothing to stop it which made him just as bad as the rest. Before he could speak she ripped them from his hand and stomped towards the door.

"Eva, please reconsider this. I know you want what's best for Bella as we all do, anything you heard was just words spoken in desperation."

"I don't give a fuck." Eva said turning to meet his eye. She was a little displeased with herself because she had a much more elaborate vocabulary but not when she was this angry. "So to sum up, no you're not forgiven, no I won't be brought back to this house for any reason and no I no longer put Bella's happiness above my own. You may have lost a valuable ally but she lost a family member that would've went to the ends of the earth and back for her." At that her eyes found Bella so she decided to add something else to her tirade.

"Oh and Bella you will be home for dinner no later than 6:00 so we can eat dinner together as a family like Charlie wants. If you're not there, I'll come back here and drag you back by the hair if I have to. Don't fucking test me!"

"Hope you like being locked in a tower, bitch! Ask your beloveds how they treated their former wives before you and see what your destiny has in store! Go cry to your mates, it's all that you're good for! This is far from over!" She heard Rosalie shout to her but Eva didn't stop her dissent towards her car.

"Oh but it is!" Eva shouted back.

She slammed her car door shut, put the key in the ignition and sped off. She was lucky that she didn't run herself off the road because she was still so furious that she could barely see straight. The nerve of these supposedly 'good' vampires was appalling and she never planned on being that level of 'bitch' to them or anyone but she couldn't help it. Yet another reason why Eva never acted out on her anger. It wasn't just to preserve her kindness it was because her rage actually scared her. She didn't even think before she spoke, all those hate filled words left her lips effortlessly. She couldn't even quote everything she had said to them if she was asked. But she didn't regret it. Now all she wanted to do was go home and take a nap to try to forget about this disaster. Well no actually…she contemplated calling Caius once she calmed down. Maybe he would be proud of her. Maybe they should know how the Cullens were plotting against them even though Eva would feel like a weak tattletale for doing so. Despite this, she was glad she was so far away from the town because she was going well over the speed limit. A ticket on a day like today would've probably sent her even further over the edge.

Curlykisses: That's it for this chapter! How did you guys feel about seeing a glimpse of "Dark Eva"? Was she out of line or did the Cullens get what was coming to them? How do you think the kings will react if they find out? Anyway the rest of day two and all of day three are in the next chapter with a few little twists. Review please and you'll get the next chapter in just a few short days. Thank you! Hope you continue to enjoy this tale! Review…