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Chapter Nine: Welcome, Alice

Alice's POV

I took a deep breath and entered the castle.

"Can I help you?" the receptionist asked politely when she saw me.

"Yes. I need to speak to Aro. Just tell him it's Alice Cullen." I replied.

The receptionist nodded and made a quick call. In a few moments a door opened and Alec stepped out.

"Alice." He greeted. "Aro wishes to speak with you immediately. Follow me please."

Alec turned and left and I followed quickly. Alec led me to the large chamber where the brothers were. He stood off to the side and pushed me forward a bit. I walked into the middle of the room and looked straight at Aro.

"Ah, Alice! Have you decided to change your mind? Where is your mate, Jasper?" Aro asked eagerly.

I closed my eyes as Jasper's name sent a stab of pain through my heart.

"Yes, Aro, I have. My mate…we'll get to him later. I will join you Aro, but I do have a few conditions."

"Conditions!" Caius interrupted, glaring at me. "You should feel lucky, girl, that we will let you in so easily. There will be no conditions."

"Peace, brother. Alice, I will abide by your wishes." Aro contradicted, silencing his brother with a look.

"I will be allowed to stay with my animal diet, I can leave any time I wish—whether it be on vacation or permanently, I don't know how long this will last—and you will help me however you can to find Jasper. He…he was taken by the southern vampire named Maria. She wiped Jasper's memory. He has no recollection of his life before the capture." I explained in a quick rush.

Aro was silent for a moment. "Alice, I must talk with my brothers. If you would like, I can send one of my guard out with you and you can explore the city. There are a few festivities going on right now. If you'd like you can attend those while we talk." Aro offered.

"Thank you, Aro, that would be most welcome." I replied formally.

Aro nodded and waved his hand. "Alec will escort you."

I nodded and followed Alec out. We left the castle and started to roam the streets.

"So," Alec finally spoke. "What brings you here? Really. I know you Cullens, you don't change your decisions easily when you really believe in what you've decided. What changed?"

I remained quiet for a moment as I thought. Alec would surely be reporting back to Aro and I didn't want him thinking I was going to leave as soon as I got Jasper back, though that was the plan. Finally, I decided Aro probably wouldn't care too much. He was too anxious to have me.

"My mate was taken from me." I said quietly. Alec nodded, telling me to go on.

"Maria did it…I just…I just want him back." I let out a sob and suddenly the entire story spilled out of my mouth.

I leaned heavily against a wall as I told Alec what had happened. After I'd finished, Alec remained silent. He watched me with red calculating eyes.

"So you joined the Volturi…only to get your mate back? Not to help…?" Alec inquired tentatively.

"More or less." I whispered, lowering my head.

"The Volturi has no use for those who just want to use us." Alec stated coldly, his eyes going black.

"I—I don't want to use you. Not the way you're thinking. It's true that I want Jasper back, desperately I do. But I do want to help."

Lies! I screamed at myself. You'll split as soon as you get Jasper back!

Alec gazed at me for a few moments before abruptly turning and heading back to the castle. I followed after timidly.

When we got inside, Alec motioned for me to follow him and he went to the brothers' chamber. Alec went quickly to Aro while I stayed in the back nervously. I saw Alec whisper something to Aro and after a moment Aro nodded. Alec stepped back and Aro stood.

"Dear Alice, my brothers and I have considered your proposal. We agree to all of your terms. However, we do have one thing. If we do get your Jasper back, he will have to remain in Volterra until he gets his memory back. We cannot risk having him with you unwillingly."

I considered that for a moment. Aro did make a good point, no matter how much I wanted to deny it.

"You'll help also to restore Jasper's memories?" I questioned.

"Yes, of course. We can put it in writing, if you like. I know how you Cullens like things official."

Trivial as it was, it would make me feel better. I nodded in response and Aro quickly found a piece of paper. In seconds he had a contract made. I read over it several times, making sure I missed nothing. Then, sighing, I lifted the pen and signed my name.

"Wonderful! Welcome, to the Volturi." Aro smiled and I hoped desperately I hadn't just signed away my and Jasper's future.

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Eminnis