Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters, we all know who does and no copyright infringement is intended.

When I came around, I was once again, unsure of my surroundings. I realized that I wasn't in the same place as before. I felt as if I were lying on a bed. I tried to sit up slightly and groaned as I felt dizzy and felt nauseous like I was gonna heave my guts out. I heard a low chuckle and then Laurent spoke softly, "Mr. Cullen, I am so sorry, but if you're feeling hazy, that will be the Haloperidol. I can always arrange for a little pick me up if you require it?"

I tried to move further, but I noticed I was being restrained. My wrists and ankles were tied to the bed and some kind of IV was feeding into my arm. There were all sorts of machines attached to me too.

"What have you done to me you bastard?" I demanded; trying to keep the pure panic that I felt, from spiking in me from my voice as I wriggled in my restraints.

"Mr. Cullen, as I explained previously, I'm probably the closest thing that you'll have to a friend here. You're being looked after in our infirmary, following your meeting with Felix. As you now know, he doesn't like people talking back to him. He was easy on you this time, next time he won't be so lenient."

I choked back a gasp before managing, "Lenient? Fucking easy on me? I'm being held here, for God knows how long, no one will tell me what the fuck is going on or why I'm here. You hit me, beat me, stun me, inject God knows what fucking shit into me, and there you stand with the nerve to ask me to believe that you're my friend!"

Pure anger dripped from my words. I didn't know how Laurent remained so calm. He simply smiled back at me before continuing, "You're being treated by our medical team to ensure that you don't end up dehydrated. You haven't eaten since you got here, over twenty-four hours ago. We knew that you were drinking heavily in the club, although you did eat a healthy dinner with your family and friends. Your wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us. We have no interest in harming you, well not too much anyway." He said snidely, "You need to rest now Mr. Cullen, soon, you'll be meeting The Boss, and anything less than your best, will simply not do."

He was making it sound as if I were a guest, free to leave at any time. It swiftly dawned on me, that I was a prisoner here and not any type of guest. But why I was being held here escaped me.

I closed my eyes as I replayed what he had said about last night. I was with Bella. How did he know these things? I must've been watched all night, for them to know about the meal and the club.

Thinking back to the earlier conversation, where he said it wasn't about money, it was about 'honor'. I hadn't done anyone a dishonor, as far as I was aware, so this made no sense to me.

"Laurent, why am I here, please? Just tell me. I have family and a girlfriend, who will be worried about me. Please, just free me and I promise nothing will happen to you, I swear on my girlfriends' life." I pleaded, heavily.

I was so close to breaking down, but I had to keep my emotions under control to show weakness would be foolish.

"Mr. Cullen, it's not my quarrel with you. I'm simply a servant who carries out the commands from his Bosses. All will be revealed to you soon. Now I suggest you rest. Do you need for me to arrange for you to be sedated again?"

I choked out a strangled sob. "No, please, just let me go. Please, I'm begging you. I'll do anything. I can't stay here."

I was fighting a losing battle with my emotions. They were running wild through me. I knew this had to be a mixture of the terror, and the effects of whatever shit they had pumped into me, to sedate me.

His expression changed and a glimmer of sorrow was in his eyes as he spoke softly, "Edward, I'm sorry, but there isn't anything that I can do. My hands are tied, in the metaphorical sense of course. Just do as you're told by the Boss, and you won't be badly harmed. This is the best advice that I can give you. Also, watch yourself around James, I have no idea what you've done to him, but he really doesn't like you. He'll take any opportunity, no matter how small, to hurt you. Just be careful."

He left after giving me my fair warning.

I must've dozed off, again, but after what felt like only ten minutes of sleep, Laurent was leaning over me, shaking me awake.

During my short nap, I dreamed, and they were vivid of my Bella, but I swore that she was moving away from me in them; it must have been a side-effect of the drugs.

"Edward, I'm going to remove your restraints, to get you off the bed. But I'll have to put you back in them. The pleasure of your company has been requested by the Boss."

A shudder ran through me, followed by a faint glimmer of hope. If I could speak to the person in charge, then maybe he'll see that this was all a mistake and let me go.

I complied with Laurent's request; aware that James was lurking in the background. I could smell his cigarette, and as much as I would love a rematch with James, given our previous meeting, I would need to be free from the restraints.

"Sorry, but I have to cover your head again. You'll need to trust me to lead you. Do you trust me Edward?"

Laurent took my small nod as yes, and once I was on my feet, he placed a smelly sack over my head. Breathe; just remember deep calming breaths, I told myself. I kept that thought in my head, as I was taken through the endless passageways, it felt like a labyrinth. I would never be able to find my own way out of here, if given the chance.

I became aware that the air suddenly changed, it became clearer. I could hear people talking in hushed tones, and then we walked across, what felt like heaven, to my feet a carpeted floor. I had previously been walking barefoot on an uneven cold stone floor.

My hearing compensated for not being able to see. I could hear, what I thought were birds singing and voices that stopped, as we passed by. Then the muttering started up again, once we passed. I must have looked like some kind of freak show attraction, bound and led with a bag over my head.

I was brought to an abrupt halt and Laurent whispered in my ear. "We're here. Just remember, don't do anything reckless and I'm sure that you'll be fine."

I felt drained and lethargic, no doubt a result of the sedative, but I slowly felt like I was coming back around; becoming more lucid. If there was a chance to be free, any chance at all, I would grasp it with both hands, regardless of the cost to me.

I heard someone knock on a door, before it opened. The hinges creaked slightly. A voice that I didn't recognize, spoke out, "Come in Laurent, we've been expecting you."

After being pushed forward into the room, I heard Laurent announce, "Boss, Mr. Cullen is here to see you as requested."

It sounded like I was being led into a business meeting. I snorted at this thought, only to be hit in my back before hearing, "Shut it, or I'll make you regret it, Cullen."

He was so close to my ear, which I could feel his hot breath through the rough sack and it made me shudder.

My hand restraints were removed, although I had no idea why. My wrists were sore from being held together. I wanted, so badly, to rub them, to get some feeling back, but I stood still; not moving a muscle.

I could hear the ticking of a clock. It was the old fashioned type, like a grandfather clock. It reminded me of home because Esme had one.

The ticking also reminded me of a heartbeat; slow and rhythmical. I could hear someone typing on a computer keyboard, but I couldn't hear any other sounds around me.

After what felt like forever, the typing stopped, and then a low calm voice broke the imposing silence. A chill went right through me when I heard, "Mr. Cullen, welcome to Volterra. You're here at my express invitation, my guest if you will. I hope that you're enjoying your stay?"

"You fucking bastard! You think that I asked to be brought here after being drugged and then beaten, kept against my will and you call me your fucking guest?"

I knew that I would pay for my outburst, but I didn't care. This was obviously the man in charge around here; the person responsible for my incarceration. I was so angry, and he needed to know.

My eyes were blinded by the light when the hood was unceremoniously, ripped off my head. I blinked several times, trying to adjust to natural light after the darkness of my cell.

When I managed to focus through slightly squinted eyes, I saw him. He was sat on a large, black leather chair that reminded me of a throne. It had a high back and regal arm rests. He sat there with serious features, long black hair; his elbows were resting on the chair arms. His finger tips of his index fingers, pressed together, touching his chin. He looked deep in thought. I knew instantly that he meant business and wasn't someone to be messed with.

He laughed manically, before a smile settled on his face. He started to greet me, as if we were old friends and like my outburst had never happened.

"Mr. Cullen, please forgive my apparent lack of manners. I've been away, so this is the first chance we've had to meet formally. My name is Aro, but you can call me, Sir. I understand that you've been, somewhat difficult since your arrival. I will not tolerate insolence or your ungrateful attitude. You're very lucky to still be alive. I could have just as easily, ended you. Trust me when I say that was an option that I considered for a long time."

He stood slowly and deliberately, walking over to a set of French doors, that overlooked the gardens. He looked back and gestured to James, Laurent and the others that were assembled in the room, to leave us. They bowed slightly to him, and obeyed, although I suspected that they wouldn't be too far away.

I stood without any restraints or reminders to hold me back. I could quite easily close the distance from where I stood, to him, and do some serious damage. That thought suddenly became very appealing. I watched him. There was something about him that felt familiar. He was a striking man, in appearance, but I couldn't place where I knew him from.

He spoke without turning back to me, "I know that you're confused at the moment Mr. Cullen, but let me make things clear to you. I've been gravely disrespected, on a most personal level, by you. My honour, pride and reputation were damaged and let me add, almost beyond repair. I simply couldn't let it pass. You see, the others will start to get ideas, my authority and position will be questioned. I cannot and will not allow that to happen."

"What the fuck have I done to you to deserve this inhumane treatment? I need to know, please?" I spoke in a calm voice, which was a world away from what I was feeling inside.

His reaction startled me, somewhat. He spun around; eyes blazing pure anger, "You defiled my property Mr. Cullen. You disrespected me in the most serious of ways. You need to pay for that insult. You're nothing to me, but I will have my vengeance. I could rape your whore or maybe arrange for James to do it. I'm sure that she would love to know what a real man feels like inside her, not some pathetic imitation. Bella is it? Or does she prefer Isabella?"

My anger boiled as he smirked at me; taunting me with threats toward the woman that I loved. He called her a whore, he would pay for that. I moved before I thought it through; screaming I launched myself across the room, at him. I was ready to rip his throat out with my bare hands.

I only made it a few steps, before I was brought to my knees,. My back, and groin, felt like they were in flames. I was down on the floor, rolling around to try and make it stop. Screaming out in agonizing pain.

I glanced up, seeing him walk slowly toward me; bending down, he sneered at my, pain ridden face, saying, "I see that you like my new toy, Mr. Cullen. You're wearing the REACT belt. Very effective at stopping people, and much cleaner than a gun. I had this one specially upgraded from the 50K volts, it now has a little extra kick to it. The shock you're feeling is delivered via remote control, directly around your body. I did warn you not to disrespect me." He motioned to a couple of his minions who must've re-entered the room. "Restrain him."

The pain started to subside, slightly and I knew my legs wouldn't hold my weight if I was forced to stand. I was yanked off the floor, pushed to my knees with my arms behind my back. My head dropped down, before it was grabbed and held up, so that I could see his face clearly. To say I was terrified was an understatement, fear ran through my blood, seeping into every part of me. I feared that this was the end, that I would die here.

He walked back to his desk, sitting back down in his throne, where he picked up a remote control. I instantly flinched, thinking that I would be receiving more shocks like I just had. He saw my reaction and laughed.

The lights dimmed and a large flat screen TV lit up. More buttons were pressed on his computer, suddenly I was greeted to a slideshow of images, firstly of me. They were taken at different times and places; they are of me doing normal everyday things such as hailing a cab, getting coffee from Starbucks near my office. I was confused.

My heart sunk when the images changed. There she was, Bella, my Bella. I drew in a sharp breath. I knew these were very recent because she had her pride and joy on her arm, the Prada Handbag, Tanya her boss, had bought for her as her work anniversary present.

My heart sank even lower, if that were possible. Images of my family started popping up. I was even more confused as to what was going on here. How did he know them? And why were they being photographed? I wanted answers.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, you piece of shit! Are you some fucking pervert, getting your rocks off by taking these photographs?" I spat out in pure anger and rage, "I swear I will kill you. I'll rip your fucking heart out, if you harm any of them!"

I expected to be shocked again, and I wasn't disappointed. This time, I was held in place, while the punishment was delivered to me. I had tears streaming down my face; the pain was is so intense.

"Hold your fucking filthy tongue or I'll remove it!" Is was only response that he gave before motioning to someone and the next thing that I knew, a ball gag was being placed securely in my mouth so I couldn't speak further.

"You've been warned - again Cullen." Spat James, as he moved away from me.

I struggled to get myself free, but I knew it was a pointless task. Adrenalin kicked in and I was sure that I was about to be killed here and I wanted at least want to go down fighting. My head was once again, forced to look at the screen. I watched the video that was being played. The images that confronted me were ones that I had tried to erase from my memory. I watched me and Heidi, in Twilight the night I made the biggest mistake of my life. It was obviously security footage and it showed us drinking, flirting and touching each other before she got up and suddenly left, with me leaving shortly afterwards. The video turned to the lobby of her apartment building, then the elevator. Oh, God! When I remembered how I nearly took her in the elevator, I was ashamed. The footage switched to the interior of the apartment and my ultimate shame was laid bare for all to see. I wanted to badly, to die in that moment. I wanted him to kill me, more than anything. How could I live with myself? I had done my best to block out that night and here it was taunting me in high definition color (luckily no sound).

I closed my eyes; squeezing them shut, as more tears started to fall down my face. I was sobbing uncontrollably, but the sound couldn't escape past the gag, they had put in my mouth. I fell to the ground as both, James and Laurent let me go. I laid on the floor; desperate sobs escaping from my chest.

Aro stood tall, over me without a glimmer of emotion before he spoke, "Now Mr. Cullen, you know the truth about why you're here. She was my property, not yours. You can't just go around fucking whatever catches your eye and expect there not be repercussions." He knelt down in front of me. "You're here now because I had to clean up the mess that you left behind. Not only did you fuck my property, you had the audacity to leave behind a permanent reminder. Imagine my surprise when the little whore tells me she's pregnant. Especially since I knew that I couldn't have children, so I knew that she had fucked someone else. Then I find that it was in the apartment that I pay for, in my fucking bed!"

I heard the emotion in his words, it made his voice crack. He took a deep breath, but he swiftly brought whatever emotions he felt back under control before he continued, "You've been a very hard man to track down, but as you can see I know all about your life and family. Make no mistake; I will not hesitate in striking out at them if you disappoint me. I'm a man of my word. I have plans for you, but first I need you to accept that you're not leaving anytime soon. You will remain here until I see fit. Escape and I will have my revenge. Your mother, Esme, isn't it? Well I would hate to see her or your father Carlisle have some terrible accident, one where maybe they were not killed, but lived the rest of their lives wishing that they had been. As for Isabella, well, she would make a lovely mate for any one of my guard, willing or otherwise, she wouldn't have a choice." Pausing for a moment he moved over to his desk and produced my cell phone. "She has been quite relentless in trying to reach you. She obviously loves you very much, but I managed to put her off with minimal responses."

He leaned forward; removing the gag from my mouth. I sobbed uncontrollably. That night was the biggest mistake of my life and now I was being told that there was a permanent reminder of it? I wanted to be sick, but my stomach was empty.

Then it clicked, I realized where I knew him from. He was the guy that I bumped into while trying to leave the apartment the next morning. He must be the lover she was so scared of, obviously with good reason. I managed to compose myself enough to utter, "She's pregnant, and it's mine?"

I was greeted with a hand across the back of my face before he growled, "Yes, you fucking piece of scum, you managed in one night to plant your inferior seed into my lover. Then she had the nerve to try and pass your bastard growing inside her, as mine."

He quickly regained his emotional calm before simply stating, "Don't worry, it has been taken care of and is no longer of any importance."

He waved his hand in the air, dramatically as he spoke. I felt like I had been punched in the gut. There had been a baby but not anymore.

"Now we need to put the next part of my plan into action. You're to go with Laurent and James, who will supervise you while you write letters home to your whore and family, explaining your absence. If you try anything, think about what I said, Aro Volturi does not offer second chances."

With that, he motioned to James and Laurent, who each took an arm, dragging me out of the room. We went back down to the underground area where I was previously held. Apart from this time I was taken, to a new room, which contained a small table and single chair. I saw a pen and paper waiting for me. Unceremoniously, I was pushed onto the chair, and I let more sobs out, that I hadn't been able to hold in. What had I done?

My hands were slammed onto the table and a pen thrust into one of them, "You are to write 2 letters home. One to your fucking filthy whore, the other to your family. You must be such a disappointment to them." Sneered James. "Any funny business and well, you don't want me to tell you what I will do to Bella." He laughed.

I knew in that moment that there was no way out of this. I had to protect Bella. Hearing her name, on that bastards lips, made me feel sick. The only choice that I had was to stay. That way, she would be kept safe. I obviously needed to pay for that one night of madness. I had lied to everyone that I loved and cared about. This would be my penance.

I managed to get another woman pregnant. What exactly happened to her and my unborn child, was still a mystery to me. However, that didn't stop the guilt washing over me, in waves. I didn't deserve happiness, to be free and enjoy my life. I had committed the worst sin imaginable and I risked breaking not only Bella's heart but also Esme's.

I had to protect them; deep down I knew that Aro would have no second thoughts, in carrying out his threats of violence or worse, against them. I truly deserved to be here and they deserved to be happy and safe. I knew they would want to find me, part of me wanted to be found so that I could finally tell her the truth and see if she would find it her heart, to ever forgive me.

Taking the pen in my hand what I really wanted to do was ram it deep into James's neck with the hope of killing him. But what would happen to me then? To Bella dna my family? I couldn't face that though so I took a deep breath and pulled a piece of paper towards me. A little voice in my head told me to make this good.

Authors Note:

Phew! He is in a bit of a mess here isn't he, will things get any better? Thanks as always to DreamofRob10 for being my beta and helping me fix this up to re-post it – MWAH!

I would like to say Happy Birthday also to Kirst74 who asked me in the early hours of this morning if I had any updates, this is her fave so I sent her this chapter early :-X

As always thanks for reading and please do let me know what you think with a review.