Aro began again. "It's just so difficult to understand, even now." Aro stared disbelievingly at my arm wrapped securely around Bella's waist. "How can you stand so close to her like that?"

I thought calmly. That thought baffled me daily. What was it that kept me from killing her, in the end? Sure, our love was unbelievably strong- or at least it used to be. But the thirst had never taken second fiddle to love or and other emotion. "It's not without effort." I admitted.

"But still- la tua cantante! What a waste!" I couldn't help but chuckle darkly.

"I look at it more as a price." I admitted again.

He took a minute to think. "A very high price."

"Opportunity cost." I shot back.

Aro laughed loudly. "If I hadn't smelled her through your memories, I wouldn't have believed the call of anyone's blood could be so strong. I've never felt anything like it myself. Most of us would trade so much for such a gift, and yet you..."

"Waste it." I finished, sarcasm dripping through the two small words. The direction our conversation had turned to was making me anxious. What was Bella thinking about all of this?

He laughed again. "Ah, how I miss my friend Carlisle! You remind me of him- only he was not so angry."

"Carlisle outshines me in many other ways as well." I sighed.

"I certainly never thought to see Carlisle bested for self-control of all things, but you put him to shame." I forced myself to not tap my foot. If he was going to kill us, why wouldn't he just do it? Why prolong the agony? But I knew we had no choice but to suffer through his casual conversing.

"Hardly." The tone of impatience was evident in my voice. Bella's heartbeat quickened beside me, and a few of the other random vampires in the room stood a bit straighter.

"I am gratified by his success. Your memories of him are quite a gift to me, though they astonish me exceedingly. I am surprised by how it... pleases me, his success in this unorthodox path he's chosen. I expected that he would waste, weaken with time. I'd scoffed at his plan to find others who would share his peculiar vision. Yet, somehow, I'm happy to be wrong." I didn't justify his rant with a response. Did he expect me to agree with his disbelief in my father's success? I surely was at a loss of words.

"But your restraint!" Aro let out a heavy sigh. "I did not know such a strength was possible. To injure yourself against such a siren call, not just once but again and again- if I had not felt it myself, I would not have believed." His easy talk of thirst around Bella was maddening. I flinched from the thought of it around her, and yet he talked about it- about mine!- as if she wasn't even here. And the way he belittled my father compared to me! Who did he think he was talking to? Carlisle was the greatest, most caring and perfect man I had ever met, and Aro talked down about him as if he was a small, insignificant being. I locked my jaw shut from exposing this and Aro continued.

"Just remembering how she appeals to you..." He let out a low, evil chuckle. "It makes me thirsty." The room spun around me and I tensed for the spring. Taking out Aro would not be difficult. I could crush him quite quickly. The guard would be another matter. Maybe with my attack, Alice could escape with Bella... The monster plotted, but a commanding, clear voice shot through my head. Relax. Everything's all right. I blinked heavily and found Aro's eyes once more.

"Don't be disturbed. I mean her no harm. But I am so curious, about one thing in particular." Aro wanted to test his power on Bella. I deliberated, and decided it would do her no harm. Besides, I would be in close proximity. "May I?" He lifted his hand, ready to do so even without my acceptance.

"Ask her." I scoffed. How easily he talked of her as if she wasn't a person herself... I could never understand the inner workings of his mind...

"Of course, how rude of me!" I nearly cringed at his loudness. Surely Bella must be terrified. He locked eyes with her, unleashing the full force of his blindingly bright, blood red eyes upon her. "Bella, I'm fascinated that you are the one exception to Edward's impressive talent- so very interesting that such a thing should occur! And I was wondering, since our talents are similar in many ways, if you would be so kind as to allow me to try- to see if you are an exception for me, as well?" She looked to me immediately, fear flooding her eyes, her brows pulling together in worry. I nodded, knowing there would be no harm for her whatsoever.

She raised her hand slowly, and I saw that she shook slightly in fear. He walked to her and their hands touched. I watched his mind, hoping that if he was able to unlock the thoughts she held so securely that I could catch a glimpse as well. But I only saw Bella, staring up to him in wonder. "So very interesting." He said, letting go of her frail hand and moving backwards slightly. I fought back a smile, being so thrilled that he was locked out with me.

"A first." He sighed to himself. "I wonder if she is immune to our other talents... Jane, dear?" I couldn't control myself.

"No!" I yelled, snarling. Alice screamed to me in her mind. Stop. She won't be able to. I know it. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. Jesus if only Jasper was here... She grabbed my shoulder, but I was too blinded by the monster. I shook her off, taking a single step towards Aro. Felix appeared at his side, but Aro refused. He looked back to Jane.

"I was wondering, my dear one, if Bella is immune to you." Another angry snarl ripped through my chest. I moved in front of Bella, and glared at Caius as he moved closer as well. Jane appeared in front of all of them, and looked to me, smiling evilly, and then to Bella. Without a thought, I jumped, making it half way to the little witch. Someone from behind me yelled out in protest, but all was lost in a matter of seconds. I fell to the ground with a thud, and clenched my jaw tightly shut, zigs and zags of fire and pure pain ripping through my body. I pushed my mind to realize that it wasn't real, but the pain grew stronger as I resisted and flooded my thoughts. An angel's voice cried out through the darkness, and I frowned. The angel- though so very beautiful and heavenly sounding- was pained and frightened. As abruptly as it had begun, the pain subsided and I lay still, trying not to gasp.

I heard Alice beside me. "He's fine." She whispered in a soothing tone. Realizing I was free, I sat up and jumped lightly to my feet. My eyes met Bella's, hoping she wasn't suffering the pain I had just endured. She looked scared, but not for her own. I looked to Jane, and saw that she was focusing strongly on Bella, but nothing was happening. Bella locked eyes with her and she cringed as I walked to her and grabbed her silently from Alice.

Aro burst out in laugher. "This is wonderful!" He shrieked. "Don't be put out, dear one." He laughed to Jane. "She confounds us all." His eyes met mine once again. "You're very brave, Edward, to endure in silence. I asked Jane to do that to me once- just out of curiosity." He shook his head and I suppressed a shutter at his recollection. Instead, I glared harshly in his direction.

"So what do we do with you now?" Aro sighed. Alice stiffened beside me right when I did, and Bella's heart sped up.

"I don't suppose there's any chance that you've changed your mind? Your talent would be an excellent addition to our little company." Aro persuaded. I thought closely. If I were to join them, would they let Bella free? Alice? I supposed not.

"I'd... rather... not." I cursed myself for not being more polite, but it was the best I could expend.

"Alice?" Aro tried. "Would you perhaps be interested in joining us?"

"No thank you." She smiled politely.

"And you, Bella?" I couldn't help but hiss in terror. Alice's vision of Bella as a vampire reappeared, but now instead of standing along side Alice, she was standing over her dead body.

"What?" Caius demanded.

Aro scoffed. "Caius, surely you see the potential. I haven't seen a prospective talent so promising since we found Jane and Alec. Can you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?" I forced myself to stay still. Surely if I moved an inch, I would attack the man for such suggestions. A small growl built in my chest, and Bella's eyes locked to mine. I did not look at her. But I saw from the corner of my eyes, as her eyes moved from my eyes to my chest. She heard what was building inside me.

"No, thank you." She forced a whisper. Thank god, for her.

"That's unfortunate." Aro sighed. "Such a waste."

I couldn't control it any longer. "Join or die, is that it? I suspected as much when we were brought to this room. So much for your laws." I pictured the lives that had been gathered here in the past and killed. The smell of their blood still stained the air of the place with it's rich and desirable smell.

"Of course not." Aro responded. "We were already convened here, Edward, awaiting Heidi's return. Not for you." Caius' thoughts caught my attention, and I glared at him, daring him to voice them.

"Aro, the law claims them." He protested.

"How so?" I demanded forcefully. Say it. I dared him. Try me.

His arm shot out and his finger pierced the air, pointing to Bella. It held accusation and hatred, and I wanted to kill him for it.

"She knows to much. You have exposed out secrets." How wrong of him to use such an argument.

"There are a few humans in on your charade here, as well." I accused. He smiled and suppressed a laugh.

"Yes," He admitted. "But when they are no longer useful to us, they will serve to sustain us. That is not your plan for this one. If she betrays our secrets, are you prepared to destroy her? I think not." He scoffed.

Bella spoke up now. "I wouldn't-" she demanded in a small whisper. Caius glared at her demanding silence, and I wanted to rip his eyes out.

"Nor do you intend to make her one of us. Therefore, she is a vulnerability. Though it is true, for this, only her life is forfeit. You may leave if you wish." I bared my teeth to keep from making any very big mistakes.

"That's what I thought." Caius accused again. Felix leaned forward, ready to spring if I did.

Aro's thoughts were hopeful. "Unless...," He interrupted. "Unless you do intend to give her immortality?" I should have prepared. I should have known he would ask this. Could I? Would I? Will I?

"And if I do?" I questioned.

He smiled. "Why, then you would be free to go home and give my regards to my friend Carlisle." Aro hesitated. "But I'm afraid you would have to mean it." Aro raised his hand for silence, and Caius' tensed expression calmed slightly. I looked to my side, and found Bella's eyes boring into mine. Her eyes were hopeful and filled with tears threatening to break free.

"Mean it," She whispered. "Please." I nodded. Surely she wanted to live. It was in her mind- in a place she couldn't dream of reaching. The will to live. But after all of this, she would shoo me away with hateful words and I could oblige. As long as she was happy, I could survive. No matter how horrid of a life I lived, I would survive. For her, I would do anything. I heard movement beside me, and looked up to see Alice move towards Aro. We turned to watch as Aro met her and their hands touched. I watched too, as she played several of her visions of Bella as one of us. I watched as a few more appeared that I had not yet seen. Bella's eyes moved slowly from striking red to a dark brown again as they are now, and to the bright gold we were accustomed to. My teeth smashed together to hold back the smile I felt forming. What I wouldn't do to have her be mine again. And to be mine again forever. A few more visions rushed by and then it stopped. I left her mind and stole a quick glance back at Bella, whose eyes were wide open with exhaustion.

Aro laughed openly. "That was fascinating!"

Alice smiled, only for his benefit. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"To see the things that you've see- especially the ones that haven't happened yet!" He mused.

"But that will." She reminded him hopefully.

"Yes, yes, it's quite determined. Certainly there's no problem." Aro replied in agreement. Caius, Felix, and Jane all stared disapprovingly in our direction. I suppressed another chuckle.

"Aro," Caius nearly whined.

"Dear Caius," Aro laughed slightly. "Do not fret. Think of the possibilities! They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine the joy young Alice alone would bring to our little household... Besides, I'm so terribly curious to see how Bella turns out!" Bella's stare looked confused and tired. But fear no longer controlled them. She seemed to realize we were going to leave here.

"Then we are free to go now?" I asked coolly.

"Yes, yes," Aro rushed pleasantly. "But please visit again. It's been absolutely enthralling!

"And we will visit you as well." Caius added darkly. "To be sure that you follow through on your side. Were I you, I would not delay too long. We do not offer second chances." He warned.

I was upset about the decision, but knew it was the best deal we could get. I forced a single, quick nod, eager to leave before they decided otherwise. Felix groaned and I took a quick look into his thoughts. I pulled back immediately, when his thrust mixed with the slight thirst I held. He had obviously been looking forward to Bella in ways others were as well, and was upset he wouldn't get his chance.

"Ah, Felix." Aro laughed. "Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience." I pictured them as soon as their 'guests' arrived. I pictured myself feeding and how I became bewildered and unfocused and shuttered at the thought of having Bella anywhere near that.

"Hmm. In that case, perhaps we'd better leave sooner rather than later." I suggested, eager.

"Yes," Aro agreed. "That's a good idea. Accidents do happen. Please wait below until after dark, though, if you don't mind."

Bella cringed but I tried to ignore it. "Of course."

"And here," Aro demanded, calling to Felix with a swift pull of his finger. Felix came to Aro's side and removed his cloak, handing it to Edward. "Take this. You're a little conspicuous." I placed it on my shoulders and fastened it in the front, leaving the hood down. I shuttered at the feel of it on my skin, feeling as though even with my decline to joining them, I was betraying myself.

Aro sighed. "It suits you." There was an unfortunate tone of his voice. I couldn't help but chuckle. Suddenly, a rush of air blew from behind us, holding the scent of several humans. "Thank you, Aro." I hurried. "We'll wait below."

"Goodbye, young friends." He agreed. He did not meet our eyes, but instead stared over our shoulders in delight of what was to come.

"Let's go." I whispered forcefully in Bella' ear. Demetri rushed in front of us to guide us out. I took off at a quick pace behind him and pulled Bella along swiftly. She shouldn't have to experience this at all, and I didn't plan on adding another depressing memory. Alice walked next to Bella.

"Not fast enough." She muttered. Bella looked up to her and Alice chagrined. A babble of voices neared and I sped up slightly. They gathered near us and as Demetri wished, we moved to the side to make room. I listened as Aro shrieked his overjoyed welcome to the crowd. The group rushed into the room where Aro waited as we rushed out the opposite door.

Heidi stood waiting in the next room, and her eyes lingered on each of us. "Welcome home, Heidi." Demetri mused. Heidi smiled and locked eyes with Bella.

"Demetri." She responded.

"Nice fishing." Demetri complimented. I prayed that Bella would not understand. That we could get far enough away that she wouldn't hear. Wouldn't know...

"Thanks." She smiled. "Aren't you coming?"

"In a minute." He sighed. "Save a few for me." Heidi nodded quickly and stole out the door we'd left from, with one last wanting look at Bella. I walked faster, using the full length of my legs to create more distance between us. Bella was nearly running, and it broke my heart to make her go through this. Alice followed quickly behind her, ready to catch her under the arms if she fell. We were nearly to the door, when I heard the party suck in a large breath. I moved faster, trying to reach the door, when they started screaming.


A/N: Here you go, guys! I didn't go to school today, so I had time to work on it. It's a bit longer than the last chapter, so enjoy! I regret to let you know that I'm pretty sure that there'll only be about six to seven more chapters left of this story, if I continue with the current length of my chapters. I'll most likely to the Epilogue too, seeing as it really, really brings Jake in, and I couldn't bare to right a fanfic without him. Yes, I am team Edward, but Jake is one of my most favorite characters ever. I think my favs are Jazz, Alice, Edward, and Jake. Yeah, that sounds about right... and of course Seth and Quil and... umm... I don't know... probably Emmett are all on my list of honorable mention peeps who didn't make it on the list... Anyway, I'm rambling.

So, a handful of chapters left. I'll try to keep my updates quick, seeing as I get out early from school on Friday and then there's the weekend... Let me know what you guys think. Uhm, I still don't want to hear about typos. These long chapters are making it impossible to read over and check by hand, and I don't trust the spell checker, so you're just gonna have to deal with it. I mean, would you rather have short chapters and no typos or awesomely long chapters and a few typos here and there? Seriously, let me know if you don't like how I'm doing it lately. I'll make them shorter...

Okay, yeah and I think I'm going to dive right into a new story that will also mostly be EPOV that has been building up strength in the back of my mind for about a month... and I might do a sequel to my fanfic 'A Single Mistake' which has also been assulting my other thoughts for control... and I've kinda been considering doing SOME of Breaking Dawn in EPOV, seeing as you all love my EPOV so much... but to do that, I'd have to reread it, and even then, I'd only do book two. I didn't like the other books of it, so, what ever. Any opinions? Do any of those ideas sound horrible? Do you guys want a little preview for the new story I've been considering? Let me know! How? REVIEW! NOW!

hah,

-dsmldejection