Chapter 9

The air outside was warm against my body – and I took a deep breath in to savor the smells of the garden.

I'd found I could limit my senses or stretch them out. Like now, I could smell just the garden, but if I wanted to – I could probably smell the scent of every vampire that had ever walked through it, too. I sat down on a bench, and leaned back. The sun felt heavenly on my face, and my eyes slid shut. I was so lost in the moment of relaxation I forgot Jane and Aro were with me. Until they started talking…

"Ugh – Master, look at this deplorable work. You should fire that gardener. For every leaf that man picked up, there are at least two that were left."

Remembering the sound of the gardener raking leaves during my change, I glanced around – trying to see what she did. The grounds looked perfectly fine to me. The wind was blowing and there were trees everywhere. Surely, the man couldn't he held accountable for the forces of nature?

"Seriously, Jane? Look at all these damn trees. Is the gardener, himself a supernatural? Because surely you are holding him to a supernatural standard."

She huffed, clearly having no rebuttal – the man must have been human.

Aro finally spoke up – "Isabella is right. No one could clear every single leaf. Not even you, Jane."

That seemed to be the end of it. But now I was curious about mortals working at the castle…

"So, are there a lot of humans that work here?"

Aro responded, "Just a few, it would look strange to the townsfolk, if I didn't hire a few locals to tend to simple things like yard work and the like. I tell them I have my own live in staff for cooking and cleaning – but landscaping isn't something anyone here really finds enjoyable."

"What about the gardening? Everything is set up so nicely. I love the arrangements."

Both Aro and Jane looked uncomfortable at this – which I couldn't understand. Wasn't that a simple question? Or more a compliment for whomever was taking care of the gardens? What was this pinched look on everyone's face?

"Yes, it's very lovely. Why don't you come inside now, and we'll have all the guard convene so you can meet them, finally?"

It was obvious something was being hidden, but I was new – and perhaps they were allowed their secrets. So I pretended not to notice the lapse, and pasted an enthusiastic expression on my face.

"I'd love to! How many guards are there total, anyway?" The change of subject was obviously welcome, and both Jane and Aro crowded me a little as we headed back towards the castle.

"Twelve," answered Jane, "myself, Alec, Felix, Demetri, Heidi, Renata, Corin, Chelsea, Dominic, Sierra, Afton, and Santiago."

"Twelve?" I whispered incredulously – "How have I not managed to see a single one of them the entire time I've been here?"

Both Jane and Aro looked uncomfortable. It was starting to become a pattern with the two of them.

"Well, you were human before – which was a risk, and we didn't want you to be overwhelmed right after waking up. So we asked them to give you space. It's not like we've been hiding you forever – it's only been well, today makes 6 days."

I couldn't really argue with that – though I felt it was a bit of an overreaction on their parts.

"Is that everyone that lives at the castle? What about mates, are any of the guard or –" looking Aro – "your brothers mated?"

"No." came the succinct answer, "No one here is mated. It is exceptionally rare. My brother Caius is married to a companion. Marcus is the only one of us to ever find a mate. And he lost Didyme a very long time ago."

I grimaced at this – the next question came out of my mouth without any forethought. "If mating is so rare – why did Edward think I was his mate?"

Aro appeared disconcerted by the question, but seemed to answer honestly. "I have no idea. Vampires cannot mate to humans. I can only assume it was due to Alice's vision of the two of you. But her visions would have only shown your mutual desire to stay together. Not whether or not you were mated. Vampires commonly take companions. In fact, most vampire couples are simply companions. The term mate is now widely used for any companion that is fully committed to his or her significant other. But we here in the Volturi respect the term mate, and keep it sacred. After witnessing what Marcus and Didyme had – the difference between the two was made very clear to me."

Huh… I took a few moments to digest Aro's words. It was hard to imagine that Edward just liked me enough to call me his mate – but had no idea if we'd ever be more than companions.

"How many truly mated pairs have you ever met?" I asked.

"Two in the whole of my existence. One was many years ago, a couple named Sera and Jonas. I did not get the opportunity to read them, but they were very devoted to one and other. The only pair I've read the thoughts of were Marcus and Didyme. And their bond was incredible. Awe inspiring. I do not believe there are enough adjectives in the dictionary to accurately describe it. They were truly a sight to behold. But, as I said – Didyme was lost to Marcus many years ago." Aro's tone was very somber. I assumed he'd been close to Didyme, as well. What a tragedy.

I changed the subject – not wanting to stir bad memories.

"So are all the guard here at the moment?"

"Yes – Alec has since returned from his trip, and you've caught a few others just before they are planning to depart."

I nodded – pleased to be introduced to them all at once. We were walking the hallway towards the throne room when Aro suddenly spoke, in a slightly louder tone of voice than usual.

"Please convene everyone." That was it. Seriously? He expected everyone to just hear that and come running?

Apparently – because by the time we reached our destination, half of the guard and one of the rulers were already there.

I was suddenly nervous. I really wanted everyone to like me. Did being recruited to the guard mean I would be here forever? Hmmm... something to ask Jane when I cornered her. She'd certainly been here long enough for it to be considered a permanent move. And, Aro had sired her, as well. Hmm... yet another good question.

Did it mean anything that Aro was my sire? Would I need to stay with him? Did I really want to leave him?

My thoughts were interrupted by the last few members arriving. As soon as they did – Aro stepped away from my side, presumably to address them.

"Everyone. I'd like you all to meet Isabella – she has just completed her change, and agreed to become a member of the guard. I'd like us all to formally welcome her to the Volturi Coven." He waved his arm at me, like I was a prize on a game show – and I wondered if everyone would break into applause in recognition.

Definitely not. Instead, they formed a line – and began introducing themselves to me, one at a time.

The first in line was a burly, dark haired man. He held his hand out for mine, and shook it vigorously for several seconds before speaking.

"Hello, Isabella. My name is Felix. I'm glad to meet you, and welcome you to the guard. If you ever need anything or have any questions – I hope you'll seek me out."

His voice was only slightly accented and his expression was very open and a huge smile split across his handsome features.

I returned his greeting, "Hi Felix. Thanks very much – I'm glad to be here."

I wasn't at all sure what to say to his friendly overture of "seeking him out." Surely, if I said something about doing so, it would be taken the wrong way. And as good looking as he was – he didn't move me like Aro.

Felix stepped back, and a voluptuous red head took his place. She grabbed my hand before I could even offer it, and began speaking without prompting.

"Isabella, I'm Corin. I'm so happy you're here. We need to even out the numbers. It's been predominately men the last few times people have been recruited. I'm so glad to have more females. We'll have to get together soon."

Well. "I look forward to it, Corin." I smiled widely and shook her hand once more before she moved away.

She was replaced by a small dark haired boy – he was very young, and I had to assume this was Alec.

He held his hand out for mine, and shook it very gently and briefly before dropping it and saying, "Isabella. I'm Alec, Jane's twin. I'm very glad to meet you. I hope we'll get a chance to speak again, soon."

Hmmm... cryptic. I answered politely, anyway - "Alec, very nice to meet you. I'm sure we will." We shared a look – that clearly said message sort of received. And a nod ended our exchange before he vacated his place.

Next was a small some what plain looking brunette. Suddenly, I felt several eyes on our encounter, and I had to wonder why. She held her hand out for mine, and I grabbed it – shaking politely. She still hadn't said a word. I figured it would help if I started.

"Hello. It's nice to meet you..." I purposefully let my voice trail off. Why wasn't she speaking?

Aro laughed in the background, and I found myself looking at him questioningly.

"Renata's gift is a shield – more like a deterrent. If she's focused on you, as she's doing now – while maintaining physical contact – you should be disoriented and confused about your purpose and want to leave." He responded.

My eyebrows rose, and I smirked a little - "Sorry about that Renata. Your gift wouldn't be the first one to not work on me. Don't take it personally."

Her gift obviously developed because of her personality – she was painfully shy.

She smiled at me nervously and muttered a "nice to meet you" before scurrying away.

I wanted to call out "Next" so badly. Too bad that would have been in poor taste. It took a few moments, but finally a dark haired man, dressed in what looked like hiking gear approached.

He began to speak, as he reached for my hand. "Hi Isabella. I'm Demetri. Very glad to meet you. I must ask. You said abilities don't work on you? Are you a shield? I'm a tracker and I'm not getting any sort of signature from you at all. Even your scent is extremely light. It's a nerving."

I had no idea how to answer that – I'd spent no time at all contemplating my "power" since I woke – and as far as I knew there was no shield. My talent was simply rendering other gifts useless. That's all I'd been able to do so far.

"Sorry, Demetri. I wish I could tell you, but I have no idea."

"I'd be glad to work with you on it – when I return." He smiled winningly, and for the first time since our meeting, I noticed how handsome he was. It must be a vampire thing. Really. There was no way they all had such good genes. I just realized I hadn't looked in a mirror at all since my change. Maybe I was attractive, too? I vowed to go look as soon as I was done here.

"I'd appreciate that, thanks." I gave him a big smile, too. And he looked a little more dazzled than I was prepared for. Hmmm...

The next was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen in my life. Unlife. Whatever.

She seemed to know it, too. I'm sure I looked appropriately shocked and she seemed to revel in it.

"Hi Isabella, I'm Heidi. It's very nice to meet you. Let's speak again soon."

I sputtered a little, and I swear I was blushing on the inside. "Yes- yeah, I'd like that. Nice meeting you, too Heidi."

She freaking sauntered away. What the fuck? Was I attracted to a woman? Did that shit just happen? I shook my head sharply, and brought the world back into focus just in time for the next person.

"Hi Isabella. I'm Sierra! I'm so happy to meet you! I swear we're going to be the best of friends! Come talk to me later!" She grabbed my hand and shook it hard before bouncing away without waiting for a reply. She reminded me so much of Alice, I blinked my eyes hard to dispel the image of her doing the exact same thing.

A blond man replaced her – seeming to sense my bemusement with her departure – he just reached out and grasped my hand lightly. "Isabella, I'm Afton. I'm pleased to welcome you to our coven. Along with Demetri, I'd be glad to assist you with training. I will not be accompanying them on their trip – so any time you like you may seek me out for assistance."

"Thanks very much, Afton. I'll do that." I nodded at him with a smile and he walked off.

A small blond woman stepped forward. A curt nod, no handshake - "I'm Chelsea. Welcome to Volterra."

Well. What the fuck was the deal with the animosity there? I had no time to figure it out – because a tall, slightly Spanish looking man approached me.

"Isabella," he seemed to purr out my name, it was disconcerting, "I am Santiago. It is a great pleasure to meet you, lovely one." He grabbed my hand and kissed it. Lingering a little too long, in my opinion. I heard a growl. I whipped my head toward the noise, but it was suddenly gone – and there were too many people crowded around me to determine the source.

FINALLY – I was down to the last guardsman. Jesus – was I getting tired? Was that even possible?

He had medium brown hair, just a few shades darker than blond – and the first beard I'd ever seen on a vampire. Interesting.

He was brusque almost to the point of rude - "Isabella. I'm Dominic. I hope you like it here." He nodded to me, and left. Huh.

Now, it was time for the other two rulers. Oh, and the women behind the thrones. Who are they?

I turned and made eye contact with Aro – hoping he'd introduce me – and I didn't have to wait long. Apparently he'd been waiting for this. He rose off his throne and turned around, and stumbled. What the fuck?

He glanced back at me – and I swear he looked panicked. What the hell could be wrong with him?

"Ah, Isabella – this is my brother Caius, co-ruler of Volterra." The blond king had a cruel smirk. I gave him a nod and a small polite smile, and he returned it sans smile. Well, I guess we'll skip the pleasantries. Aro seemed to expect this; he moved right on.

"And, this is my other brother, Marcus – the other co-ruler of Volterra." The brunette king was somewhat expressionless, but seemed intrigued by something, over my head? His eyes kept bouncing between Aro and I – back and forth, back and forth. I decided he was probably senile, if such a thing was possible. I mean he looked crazy... I nodded at him, but he was too preoccupied to notice.

I made eye contact with one of the women standing behind the thrones and looked at Aro again. He seemed to be avoiding my gaze, and looked a little sick.

She seemed confused by Aro, too – and looked back at me with a smile – that I returned. It froze on my face with his next words.

"This is my wife, Sulpicia."

I will not show any emotion. I will not cry. My heart cracked in my chest. It hurt. I just looked at her with my frozen smile and gritted my teeth to keep the sobs inside.

Of course he was married. Of course. I nodded my head, and hoped my eyes weren't glassy.

He sounded choked when he gave the last introduction - "and, finally – this is Athenodora, Caius's wife."

I nodded to her, as well. I had to get out of here. I could feel my facade breaking. My frozen smile would crack at any moment.

I willed myself out of there. Let the ground swallow me up and remove me from this place.

It felt like my body dissolved. The agony overshadowed my surprise. I didn't care. I was just grateful to be gone.

I wanted to be outside. A bare second after the thought processed through my head, I found myself in the garden. I raced as far from the castle as I could get.

Hold it together for another minute, Bella. One more minute. I choked a little, and ran. I ran so fast, so quickly the world looked blurred to me. I didn't care. I had one thought now – escape.

I willed no one to follow me. I willed myself invisible. Just let me be gone. By the time I came back to my senses, I was in a forest.

I collapsed against a tree and screamed. I picked up a stone and threw it so hard it whistled as it flew through the air. I think I screamed again.

Why would he lead me on when he was married?

I'm a fucking home wrecker.

My mind was a kaleidoscope of my memories with Aro.

I sobbed hard, if tearlessly. Christ. I didn't even realize I wanted Aro so much until this moment.

The world was so unfair.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Please review. A