This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. This is an adult version of twilight and will have lemons and violence (after all it revolves around vampires) so you have been warned! Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.
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Chapter 10 – Alone*
Bella had been living in that dark and gloomy tower for months now. The first month had been tolerable; she not only had her regular lessons with Alec and Demetri but also numerous visits from Marcus.
With every month that went by, her life became more dismal; she yearned for her mate and her freedom!
Shortly after her discussion with Aro over the Cullens she had lost their company and with the coming of her second month in the tower she underwent the departure of yet another friend.
For the second month of her stay Aro had professed that since Caius's disappearance many of the former king's tasks had not only ceased to be performed but had also caused a substantial set-back in the Covens normal schedule. He felt Marcus and he were duty-bound to perform them and after enough complaining Caius gradually accepted the extra workload. This resulted in less free time for him and more free time for Bella. Meaning the cosy talks that she shared with Marcus had gradually become few and far between; the last two months she hadn't seen him at all.
At first Bella had tolerated the change thinking it would ultimately pass; but it had only become only more stringent with time.
In the time that Caius and Bella's had been mates her life had been so vibrant. Now it was pointless and bleak; having only her physicaltraining sessions and her language lessons to keep her busy.
She had applied herself diligently on both fields; her language lessons were going so well that she asked Demetri if they could begin with Spanish lessons next month.
Not to disappoint Aro and thus avoid any further interference in her life Bella had applied herself to her sessions with Alec. In the past months her endurance had improved and she quickly mastered Alec's grounding pace.
One day, as Alec was walking Bella to her room after practice he suddenly veered off the usual route. Bella turned a puzzled face towards Alec only to see the same mischievous smirk she had occasionally witnessed during practice.
A frown creased her smooth pale forehead as she asked "Hey, what is going on?"
"It's a surprise" he answered, a playful smile gracing his beautifully carved lips.
Threading her fingers through the long locks of her dark hair Bella tentatively stopped as she softly murmured "Alec, I'm sorry but I'm not really crazy about surprises"
He only continued to smile as he placed his hand in hers trying to pull her along. Isabella stood her ground so he grabbed her other hand and tugging on the two he pulled her along as he pouted "Please believe me Isabella; I promise you'll like this one!"
Seeing Alec assume a mockingly innocent expression on his face she began to giggle. Taken off guard she allowed herself to be dragged up several flights of stairs and along even more stone corridors; all dimly lit. Upon entering an unknown hallway Bella's fear began to unexpectedly surge as she found herself facing one of many polished wood doors. Alec then went towards one of the doors and motioned Bella to enter saying "this is my room".
Bella regarded his expression and although it revealed nothing she became hesitant suddenly getting the distinct feeling she had been manipulated. Then remembering Athenodora's warning she began to doubt Alec's intentions. She took a step back prepared to escape Alec's company when her ears suddenly picked up the familiar voices of Jazz and Alice and looking back at Alec she asked "Alec, please tell me; what's going on?"
Alec sighed and compassion filled his eyes as he explained "I bring you to practice every day and when I do, I often see your eyes mournfully scrutinising the place the Cullens used for practice. It hurts me to see how the weight of your loneliness has taken the light out of your eyes. It has been like that since Master Aro's insisted you take the queen rooms in the tower and I asked myself what I could do. It was then that I decided; instantly asking them to visit us in my room".
After having said this he knocked on the door and said "I am not allowed to leave you alone so I have to guard the room and your guards will be covering the other exits" after a moment he inclined his head towards her adding "I'm hoping that our friendship will assure that you don't abuse my trust".
Bella's smile grew as she gave Alec a timid kiss on the cheek not knowing how else to show her gratitude; then turning she knocked on the door.
The door opened just a crack but Bella instantly pushed it aside along with Jasper who teasingly attempted to keep it closed. Once inside she saw Alice and they promptly hugged one another then turning towards Jasper she did the same as she moaned "God, I missed you both so much"
"We're sorry Isabella time just flew and we didn't realize that you were so lonely; we thought Marcus was still visiting. Yesterday Alec told us differently.
After a moment Bella realized there was someone else in the room and she turned to see the blond woman she had often seen accompanying Aro. The fact that she was always been in his presence made her automatically cautious in her approach to the stranger.
Then Alec took the woman's hand and said "May I present Messalina?"
After a moment's hesitation in which she took in the woman's appearance, Bella gave her a cautious nod of her head and received the same from Messalina. Bella then announced "Yes, I have seen her often enough".
Alice felt the tension and amicably said "Aro found her around Forks after we had left; it seems Victoria had recruited her in her army".
Bella was surprised by this new information and turning towards the woman asked "How did you escape?"
"I was smart enough to see the deceit behind her pretty words; it allowed me to escape her clutches. She would have gotten me eventually if she had survived her assassination; got to hand it to Riley and your former boyfriend, they did a good job! I owe them my life!" she ended with a smile.
"I doubt they even know of your existence; I have never heard them speak of you" Bella answered.
"Messalina is very shy" Alec stated "It took me a long time before we became friends"
Bella's looked at the adoration in Alec's eyes and looking over to Messalina she saw the same. She nodded from one to the other inquiring "So…. You two are a pair now?"
Alec smiled "I hope so; I've been trying hard enough to get her attention"
Looking from the one to the other she said "This is the first good news I've heard in a long time…congrats!"
Then smiling at Messalina she teasingly said "He is worth your time; if it weren't for my mate I might have looked his way; Alec has always been kind to me"
When Alec and Messalina excused themselves and left the room for more privacy Bella turned to the Cullens; like everyone else she expected they had now given their loyalty to Aro so she dared not talk about that fateful night. Instead she decided to probe into their past. "How are your family? Have you heard much from them in the months that you have been here?"
There was a moment of awkward silence until Jasper embarrassingly admitted "no, but to our shame we must admit that we haven't taken the time to speak with them. We have been so busy of late; what with reforming Caius's guards and the directing his household".
Bella shook her head while listening to Jazz and looking at his calm face she refuted "But you know how Esme en Carlisle worry about both of you; you can't do that to them! This is not you; either of you!" Turning towards Alice she gaged her face for confirmation and then pleaded "Alice, you of all people have always doted on them; they were the pillar of both your lives. As soon as you found Jasper you sought them out knowing that your future with them would be a good one".
Alice's was perplexed as she looked uncomprehendingly at her friend then realizing she had to respond in some way she shook her head asking "what are you talking about Bella? I don't understand".
Bella looked in desperation at Jazz but he looked just as confused as Alice so Bella tried again "You mean you don't remember your life with the Cullens?"
"No, we remember some of it but not the way you describe it".Bella could read concern in her eyes and she finally realized that they pitied her and thought she was on the edge of madness. Alice then softly added "Are you alright Isabella? We heard from Aro that you have been quite depressed these last few months".
Then Bella turned to look at Jazz who merely nodded his agreement with Alice's words
In the silence that followed Isabella thought that she was indeed going mad as both Alice and Jazz continued to watch her with growing compassion.
A second later Bella was taken back when hearing a forceful knock on the door, followed by what sounded like Jane's voice asking "Is Alec in there? I wish to speak to him."
All three fell silent and Bella moaned. She turned towards Jasper and silently mouthed "get Alec" as she motioned with her hand towards the room the pair had gone.
Then wrapping her arms around Alice she whispered in her ear "I guess Aro has found me. If I have to go you must promise to talk to Esme en Carlisle; I know they would love to hear your voices".
Searching her crimson eyes Alice saw Bella's desperation and she gave her a warm smile whispering "of course; I promise!"
Alice felt Bella shudder in her arms but then Bella gently and firmly pushed her aside and seeing the arrival of Alec and Messalina she walked towards the door.
It was indeed Jane and as soon as the door was opened she smugly said to Bella "Aro wishes to speak to you!"
Then looking past Bella she searched the room for her brother and once she found him she walked past Isabella saying "I need to talk to you Alec".
Isabella was about to leave the room when Jane turned and said "Not so fast Isabella; you know Aro insists you be accompanied! I am placing you under the care of the Cullens. I have already informed your guards that they will be replaced"
Alec looked up at his sister as he promptly exclaimed "It wasn't their fault; I thought it would be good for Isabella to relax a bit".
Jane's cold voice rationally answered "You're right it wasn't their fault; it was yours! However you know Aro; if he finds his orders have been ignored he will discipline all that have taken it in their heads to do so. You are extremely lucky that Aro cherishes you so, my dear brother".
"Please" Jane said as she turned her attention back to Bella "You have caused enough trouble with this action. I do not think it in your best interest" then scanning all the vampires in the room "or anyone else's; to delay your visit to Aro".
Deciding to try her best to calm the seemingly distressful situation Bella quickly left Alec's room accompanied by the Cullens.
As Bella walked towards Aro's room a set of double doors loomed into view. Standing in front of the closed double doors she studied the thick heavy slab of polished wood in an effort to postpone the inevitable.
Then with a shake of her lose-falling hair she gripped the large brass ring knocker which was held in the mouth of a lion.
There were four deep knocks before it fell silent. They brought Aro out of his manipulative meditations and he looked up from the documents strewn over his desk and said with a soft voice
"Enter!"
Gradually putting her foot over the threshold she felt the walls close in on her. Doing her best to ignore the oppressive atmosphere she watched Aro who seemed to be working on his administration.
After a couple of moments he looked up from behind his desk and motioned towards the seat across from him saying "Ah, dear Isabella; thank you for coming so swiftly!
He silently observed as Isabella gracefully approached his desk and bowed her head in respect but did not take the offered chair. Veering his attention back towards the other two he asked "Please Alice and Jasper, would you two be so kind, as to give Isabella en I some privacy?" while motioning to the door with a nod of his head.
Just as they were about to leave Aro added "I want you to stay and guard the doors; as Isabella's new guards have not yet arrived".
The Cullens did as they were instructed and quietly closed the doors behind them.
Automatically Aro's eyes began scrutinizing Bella; his lips a thin line of disapproval. After a couple of moments of silence he snapped "Sit"
The sound reverberated through the room and Bella seeing the rage in his eyes decided to avoid aggravating him any further.
Aro's eyes burned absorbing the woman before him as he hissed "I believe you have defied my orders and by doing so have shown others your blatant disrespect towards me".
"It was not my, or anyone's intention to do so" Bella quickly explained. "We were just enjoying each-others company. After all it was your wish that I be safe, was it not? The guards were outside the rooms and Alec, Jazz, Alice and Messalina were inside with me. Surely I was in no danger with all those precautions Alec put in place." She slyly said.
Bella, now alone with Aro; cautiously explained "It's just that I needed to get out; I feel like I'm going stir-crazy!"
Aro gave her a seemingly compassionate smile and with a velvet voice said "I'm sorry Isabell but that is impossible!"
Bella surveyed Aro's impassive expression as she tried to keep her anger in check saying "Why? I have been working devoutly on my gift and my condition, can't I have some time off. I need to visit my friends; the last half year I have been closed off from the world".
Aro only continued to smile slowly explaining the situation as if speaking to a child "I'm sorry Isabella but it is far too dangerous with a killer running lose who's only wish seems to be to capture you. As far as the Cullens are concerned they are living in your old quarters; I won't risk a relapse of your mental state by allowing you to visit them or your old rooms"
Without thinking Bella retorted "There has been no problem with my mental state! As far as danger is concerned I don't care! It's been that way for the six months and probably will be for some time to come. Don't you see I need some time to myself? Let me go visit the Cullens in Alaska: it is essential that I get away from all my memories".
Aro then sympathetically smiled as he responded "So, even though you no longer reside in Caius's quarters your memories still seem to get the better of you; this only proves that my fear for relapse is sound".
Now Bella's eyes scanned the room hoping to come up with something that would sway Aro's decision "Please Aro! Would you allow me to go if Demetri were to accompany me as protection?"
Seeing her perseverance and trust in Demetri, Aro quickly realized he was doing the right thing by sending Demetri to Alaska. The last thing he needed was Isabella to find a confident in Demetri; it was bad enough that Alec was always watching out for her.
"Actually I am sending Demetri out to look for Caius; as you have so often said finding him is essential. Up to now our first priority was the safety of the coven but now that, that has been accomplished I deem it time to adjust our priorities and search for him".
Astonished by his words she looked relieved and an immediate smile bloomed on her lips and she swiftly replied "Thank you very much! Can't I go with Demetri?"
Giving her a shrewd smile he argued "No, that is out of the question; he will be traveling and therefore have little time to watch out for you".
"Maybe you can allow Alec to escort me; after all with Demetri's absence, my curriculum only contains my training with Alec" Bella probed.
Aro turned towards her and although his face was unreadable, his eyes were smouldering as he uncompromisingly explained "No, that is impossible; I cannot miss him as well. However if it is a question of having a full curriculum I can assure you; I will find means to fill your days. First of all more practise; as you will need a long time to perfect your skills". Then looking at her his eyes began to shine as he added "Maybe administration will also be something to consider; after all the many human secretaries have been worthless".
"This is ridiculous you know as well as I that my sessions with Alec have improved my stamina and I don't need any extra practice. Furthermore I will not be a secretary; I never agreed to that!"
Pinching the bridge of his nose he angrily demanded "You will do as I say; I will not repeat myself. If you continue to question my motives, there will be repercussions. Do I make myself clear? Now, you will now go to the tower and spend the rest of the week in your chambers. Maybe it is time that you learn to obey and become the queen you should be".
Bella was furious and refused to let him intimidate her. She tilted her head while looking down her nose at him as she clearly hissed "I am Caius's mate and answer only to him".
Aro, infuriated by her words snatched her wrist and twisted it behind her back causing her to stumble against his chest. Then his free arm snaked around her waist locking her into a possessive embrace. She felt his lips brush her ear as he whispered "Dear Isabella you must accept the fact that Caius is no longer among us!" She tried to escape his grip but the more she struggled, the more intimate his hold became. Once she had calmed herself Aro leaned in and having successfully pinned her hand between them she heard him inhale her scent as his free hand stroked her hair. Subsequently he entwined his fingers in her hair and forcefully turned her head to face him as he softly drawled "My dear Is-a-bel-la; the moment you came here with that Cullen boy I saw the promise of your gift. However being Caius's mate you never learned tact as you were always able to manipulate him. I would suggest you learn to be tactful in the future".
Hearing this and feeling his hands on her body made her shiver as she realized just how helpless she was. With an angry thrust, Aro pushed her away from him; just as abruptly as he had grabbed her. Sending her body sprawling towards the room he hissed "Be careful Isabella or you will force my hand".
Disorientated by the sudden move Bella was barely able to keep her balance; then her instinct kicked in and she quickly turned to face Aro, her body ready to pounce as she huffed "What can you do to worsen my situation? I have already lost Caius".
Aro gave her a deadly but smug smile replying "As your king I can order you to make a new bond allowing your new mate control over your actions. This way you will no longer be allowed such a headstrong and disrespectful conduct. In my opinion that is what you need; a strong hand to guide you and teach you your place".
His eyes raked her from head to toe, a curl of dismissal on his lips. All of a sudden his eyes began to gleam as if he smiled at the possibilities. Watching the gleam appear in his calculating eyes; Bella took a deep breath, fighting the nausea that threatened to overtake her. She hissed "You wouldn't dare!"
Aro didn't need to look into her mind; only looking into her eyes he realized how appalled she was by his plan. He kept his smile saying "Yes my Isabella, I think we understand each other now. After your outburst I believe it is time for you to learn obedience. You are dismissed and will stay in your apartments until I come to release you. In the future you will have to earn your freedom".
Opening the doors Aro called the new guards that he had assigned to Bella and gave them explicit instructions to bring her to the tower and not allow her to leave her rooms.
Upon leaving Aro called Alice and Jasper to his room and Bella was furious when she overheard "Yes our Isabella is quite disturbed over her loss but I will do everything in my power to help her through this appalling ordeal".
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Accompanied by the guards she walked back to her rooms; Bella's mind was struggling between rage, indignation and dread.
She felt trapped; the guards never left her sight. Not noticing the things around her she suddenly came face to face with Messalina who was waiting in front of her apartments.
At first the guards would not allow her in Bella's room but Bella quickly pointed out that she was ordered to go to her rooms and that Aro had not stipulated whether or not she was allowed visitors.
After a moment of hesitation they allowed Messalina to accompany her.
As soon as the door was closed Messalina said "I came here for Alec's sake. He can't come and is being held in his room for a day or two as punishment for this afternoon".
Looking at Bella's distressful expression she asked "how did it go with Aro?
Bella sighed saying "I have been ordered to stay in my apartment until he comes to get me"
Messalina sighed "I'm so sorry; Alec and I had only hoped to help you; it seems we have only made the situation worse"
Bella absent-mindedly looked at her, still contemplating Aro's outburst and innuendos. When the dazed glance lifted she saw the quizzical expression on Messalina's face and relaxed a little. Although Bella was grateful to find a sympathetic ear she knew that Messalina worked closely with Aro. Though Messalina may be trustworthy; Bella found it wise not to divulge her thoughts or fears to the soft-spoken woman instead she smiled and said "It is no-one's fault! All the Volturi are the same; they were born in a time when women were submissive; I however am born in a different time- hence Aro and I have different opinions of a woman's function".
Messalina looked at her unable to conceal the amazement on his face "what do you mean?"
Bella leaned with her back to the door of her apartment and sighed "Aro thinks I'm headstrong and disobedient. You see I want to leave the Volturi for a while and he won't let me; he says it is too dangerous"
Observing the frustration clearly written on her face Messalina tried to comfort her by lying "Isabella, I have to admit he is right; it's too dangerous".
"Ok! I get that" she argued "but now, he even refuses to allow me to see Jazz and Alice or even my former suite".
Then, with a sarcastic chuckle she added "He acts as if I am going mad and tells everyone that I have difficulties with my loss. He blatantly insinuates to all that will listen that I my mental state is not as it should be".
She looked down at the ground struggling to formulate her words and then looking back she tried to convince Messalina of her opinion saying "Ok, maybe I have difficulties with my loss but not the way he suggests! Locking me up: isn't helping it only smothers me. Everywhere I look the images of Caius follow me; I feel so unhappy. I have never had time to recover from his loss and I must say I don't think I ever will. I don't want to become the same as Marcus but I understand his misery".
As Messalina walked out of her room Bella contemplated her loss of Demetri; yet another that had helped by distracting her. She would miss his friendship and support.
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* "Alone. Yes, that's the key word, the most awful word in the English tongue.
Murder doesn't hold a candle to it and hell is only a poor synonym."
Stephen King