Chapter nine: Volturi Slave.

We need your Help

EPOV

I watched Bella limp away back down the hallway and sighed because I knew that she would stay here as long as Aro didn't hurt us. We all stood there and waited for everything to sink in. It didn't seem fair – we are going to change Bella, maybe we didn't do it as soon as she found out but it has always been the plan (even though I wasn't thrilled about it, there is no other reasonable option). Carlisle was the first to turn around and go into one of our rooms. Esme and Alice soon followed, eventually we were all situated in the room – Carlisle and Esme on one of the two loveseats, Alice and Jasper on the other, Rose and Emmett on the four-poster-bed (which had blood red curtains and quilts) and I was leaning against the wall, my arms crossed over my chest trying to keep the desperate sob from escaping. ./four_poster_

Everyone had someone they could lean on, Esme had Carlisle, Alice had Jasper, and Rose had Emmett and vice versa, but me… I had no one, the one person I did have is limping down the hallway and Aro is doing God knows what to her.

"What are we going to do?" Alice asks quietly, "I mean the things they do to her – it's horrible. I'm so sorry I didn't see it before, Edward." She continued her voice trembling slightly as though she might start crying even though we couldn't.

"It is ok Alice, don't worry… Bella will be fine, we'll figure something out – we have to." I told her without looking up from the floor.

Everyone was quiet and no one spoke for what seemed like hours – but I'm sure it was only minutes. That was until Alice had one of her moments.

"WHAT!!??? NO!! This can't be happening! Not now!! NO, NO, NO…no…" She went from screaming at the top of her lungs to a quite sob all in one sentence. Everyone looked confused so I read her mind. She was trying to see the future but it was coming up blank. There are only two times when that happens, either the person she is looking for has died or the wolves are involved…

"I need to make a call…" I said as I pulled out my mobile.

I dialed the number I needed and braced myself for the reaction. "What the fuck do you want bloodsucker?" His harsh voice asked.

"We need your help. Bella's in trouble." I told him. I knew the last bit would be what convinced him to help us, if I didn't mention Bella there is no way he'd help us.

"What did you do?" He asked so I explained the situation to him as briefly as I could. "We'll be there by night fall."

"Stay outside the city walls until 10pm. Otherwise they might smell you coming…"

***

The guard was going around to all the rooms to tell the guests that the ball would be starting in 20mins so we all left to our separate rooms to get ready. I stayed in this one and got ready – not really caring about what I wore, I knew Alice wouldn't approve either way but hopefully tonight she wouldn't chuck a fuss about it since we had more important things to worry about.

Once I was done I started walking down the numerous stairs to get to the main hall… little did I realize I was actually following Bella's scent. Eventually I found myself outside Aro's office. I kept walking and turned a corner waiting there to listen to what was happening, hoping no one noticed me.

"Yes master…I only wish to please you." I heard her say. I shook my head; she shouldn't be calling anyone master – let alone Aro. I leave and head back towards the main hall. When I get there everyone is already down there waiting.

Alice walks up to me and fixes my tie and collar. "Where have you been? Esme was getting worried."

"I got distracted…" Well it isn't a complete lie. I smile at her to show that everything was ok… or as ok as it can be.

We turn and head over to our family and the Denali's. Just as we get there Aro makes his grand entrance. Marcus and Caius walked in first followed by Aro and Bella. They began their decent from the grand staircase once Aro's name was called out. I kept my eyes on Bella the whole time. Bella sits down to the left of Aro's thrown and he begins his speech.

"Welcome my friends; it has been a long 500 years since the Volturi began ruling the Vampire world. Yet I must give my thanks to most of you for obeying the number one rule 'KEEP THE SECRET' we do not ask much from you, apart from this and as thanks we put together this little ball for you." Applause broke around the room and once it died down Aro continued to speak. "As those of you who stayed in our home last night, I have a pet, her name is Bella. Say 'hello' to our friends, Bella." He ordered her; she took a deep breath before looking out of the crowd.

"H-H-H-e-l-lll-o" she says timidly.

"Bella is not to be harmed if any of you try to harm her you will be dealt with swiftly and severally. Am I understood?"

There was a chorus of yes and Aro seemed happy that Bella would not be harmed. Like hell I'd let anyone in this room harm her again! I will get my Bella back, even if it's the last thing I do.

"Well without further ado let's get this party going." Aro said and as soon as his last word was spoken the curtains behind him dropped. My family and I grimaced and I heard Bella gasp – and Aro was not happy with her reaction…