This chapter is much shorter than my others I didn't have much time to write this one out.
I doubt it's what you guys were expecting... (If you guys remember the small part I explained about Demetri when Bella told Alice you'd of known the outcome!) ;D
Please review! I'd like to know what you guys think.
Lights! Camera! …Read!
"I've missed you." He said with a thick Italian accent.
"I've missed you too." Bella said as she leaned closer and kiss his cheek.
More jealously filled me.
Is this guy her mate or something? Why didn't Bella tell me about him before…
"Not that I'm not glad to see you or anything, But what are you doing here? I thought you were on a mission in the Amazon." She said still in his arms.
"Well I was, but Aro gave me and Bethany a side mission in Arizona. Some newborn was left there and was killing off a whole town. Since we were so close we asked Aro before hand to see if we could visit you. He said only one may visit and the other must report back to him in Italy. Bethany sends her apologies, but she said she will visit you soon enough."
"Oh that would be wonderful. I haven't seen her in years."
"Though, I must inform you. That is not the only reason I am here. Aro told me in return for my stay, I must investigate the Cullen coven as well. He said they were large coven and for the last couple of years there have been rumors of a human living with them." He turned around to look at me still on the stairs. "And I see the rumors are true. Aro would like for you to plead your case."
My mother was at my side in a flash and held my hand in hers pulling me towards everyone else.
"Edward, Dear. Join us in the living room please."
She sat me between herself and my dad. Bella sat with Demetri next to Rose and Emmett. Alice and Jasper were sitting together in the loveseat.
"First let me introduce you to my family. I am Carlisle Cullen, this is my wife Esme. My children Alice and her husband Jasper, Rosalie and her husband Emmett. And this is my son Edward."
"It's nice to meet you all. But now, what are your reasons behind having this human here?"
My father spoke. "17 years ago in the hospital I worked in, there was a nurse that became a family friend. She was pregnant and we helped her in any way we could because she was alone with no family. Her husband died a month after she got pregnant in a car accident and she was a foster child her whole life and never knew her parents. After she had Edward, she was diagnosed with brain cancer. She didn't make it very long. The night before she died, she told me the only thing she requests before she died was for my family and I to take care of Edward. She didn't want him to grow up like she did, in and out of foster care. When she died we adopted him, legally. He's been with our family since."
"Interesting. So, I assume he knows the secret?"
"Yes he knows everything. I've told him all the rules. He knows of my times with the Volturi and he knows the consequences of not following the law. He has never said anything to anyone and we will make sure that he doesn't. We have raised him and he thinks of us as his real mother and father and the others as siblings. He trusts us and we trust him. We hope Aro will see this."
"I see. Well I'll have to tell Aro all I know. I will be here a few days. I will be observing the boy and report back to the Volturi. Thank you for your honesty. I hope all will work out. Bella?"
Throughout the whole conversation I kept my eyes on Bella and she looked completely entranced by his presence. I tried to read her mind but she must still be blocking her mind from me. Her hand was still in his and my jealousy was still burning in my veins. I felt a sudden wave of happiness and I snapped my head over to look at Jasper. I glared at him and he lifted the happiness away. I didn't want to be happy at his presence. After awhile Jasper gave me calmness and I accepted it, but still unwillingly.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry I missed your birthday yesterday. I meant to come then, but I was still tied up in Arizona. I have something for you." He pulled out a velvet box from his cloak and handed it to Bella.
I hope she likes it. I know how she doesn't like expensive gifts but I wanted this to be special.
What the hell did he get her…
She opened the box and her eyes went wide. She pulled out a diamond necklace with topaz stones on it.
"I know you don't like gifts but this is for all the birthdays I've missed while on mission. The topaz stones reminded me of you and our diet. I thought it would be perfect."
"Thank you Demetri. It's gorgeous." She hugged him again.
He took the box from her and laid the necklace around her neck as she lifted her silky brown curls.
The necklace looked stunning on her. But it looked out of place. She's never been the flashy type. I envied Demetri that he could get her such things and she would wear it so willingly.
I'm surprised she's taken it so easily. I thought I'd have to pry it on her.
Demetri chuckled and I stiffened. I really didn't like his laugh.
"My dear Bella. You look as amazing as ever."
No, she's my Bella.
My Bella? Why am I so jealous? This has to be her mate, and I'm just her friend… she's not mine.
Demetri's thoughts suddenly went into a memory. He thought of a day when he had gone hunting with Bella hand in hand and after her first kill she ran to him and kissed him on the lips.
I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't want to see what else would happen. I needed to get out of here. I stood up abruptly and made my way to the door.
"I need some air… I'll be back later."
"Edward…" Alice looked at me concerned.
She had a vision of me driving really fast on the interstate and then blackness. That could only mean I was going to La Push. They weren't allowed there but I still was. And Alice couldn't see the wolves so it would be the perfect place to get away.
"I'm sorry." I said and ran to my car.
Bella's POV
As I waited the last four minutes until the Volturi came here I made sure I suppressed Edward's gift from myself. I didn't want him to read my mind and hear me worry. I would do my best to convince the Volturi that he is not a threat.
I heard Edward's footsteps coming down the stairs and I anticipated his arrival. I noticed I anticipated his more than the Volturi.
As he got to the bottom step Alice stood up and went to the door.
"We've been expecting you. Please come in."
The cloaked Volturi walked in and stopped to face us. He lifted his hood.
"Bella…" he said.
I couldn't believe my eyes. It was Demetri. I hadn't seen him in years. He hadn't called for a couple of weeks either.
"Demetri!" I rushed over to him and embraced him in a hug and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
"Not that I'm not glad to see you or anything, But what are you doing here? I thought you were on a mission in the Amazon." I said as I let him go a little. He still held me close.
"Well I was, but Aro gave me and Bethany a side mission in Arizona. Some newborn was left there and was killing off a whole town. Since we were so close we asked Aro before hand to see if we could visit you. He said only one may visit and the other must report back to him in Italy. Bethany sends her apologies, but she said she will visit you soon enough."
"Oh that would be wonderful. I haven't seen her in years."
"Though, I must inform you. That is not the only reason I am here. Aro told me in return for my stay, I must investigate the Cullen coven as well. He said they were large coven and for the last couple of years there have been rumors of a human living with them." He turned around to look at Edward staring at him from the stairs "And I see the rumors are true. Aro would like for you to plead your case."
I felt a little more relieved that it was Demetri here. He would do anything to help me. Maybe it won't be as bad as I thought it would be.
We walked over to the couch and sat down so that Carlisle could introduce the family and tell him of Edward's story.
The whole time I was looking at Demetri taking in his reactions of what Carlisle was telling him. Usually I could read his reactions like a book. He looked genuinely intrigued. I could tell he wouldn't be a problem. He'd help us with the Volturi.
"I see. Well I'll have to tell Aro all I know. I will be here a few days. I will be observing the boy and report back to the Volturi. Thank you for your honesty. I hope all will work out. Bella?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry I missed your birthday yesterday. I meant to come then, but I was still tied up in Arizona. I have something for you."
He reached into his cloak and pulled out a velvet box. I have a feeling this will be something really expensive and I'm sure this was jewelry.
I opened the box and saw a diamond necklace with topaz stones on it. This is definitely something Demetri would buy, expensive and really nice. Demetri always had exquisite taste.
"I know you don't like gifts but this is for all the birthdays I've missed while on mission. The topaz stones reminded me of you and our diet. I thought it would be perfect."
"Thank you Demetri. It's gorgeous."
I leaned in and hugged him.
He took the box from me and motioned me to lift my hair up. He put the necklace on me. I'd only wear it for now while he's here. I didn't want to offend him. This isn't jewelry I'd wear on a regular basis. Not anything like what Edward gave me. I'll never take that off…
Demetri chuckled.
"My dear Bella. You look as amazing as ever."
I smiled. He was always one for complements.
My head snapped over to where Edward suddenly stood up and walked over to the front door.
"I need some air… I'll be back later." He said.
"Edward…" Alice trailed off.
"I'm sorry." He frowned and walked out the door. Then I heard his car roar out of the garage and along the drive way.
I absorbed Edward's gift and looked at Alice for an answer.
He'll be fine. I'll explain later.
She looked worried. I hoped he would be.
"Sorry about that, he just needs some time to think. This is all overwhelming for him." Carlisle spoke and broke the silence.
"I couldn't help but noticed that you said the topaz reminded you of Bella and your diet. May I ask why your eyes aren't topaz now?" Jasper asked.
"My apologies. They are contacts. The Volturi Guard requires any of a different diet to wear red contacts on missions. Aro says that the red eyes would give us more respect from others while on mission. I don't agree with it. But it's my job."
He took out the contacts to reveal his warm honey topaz color.
The family instantly relaxed. The red eyes are always a bit intimidating.
"I had to wear them all the time too while on the guard. I hated those things, so irritating." I said.
"So where will you be staying Demetri?" Esme asked.
"Well I wasn't sure. I was going to figure it out once I got here."
"You could stay at my apartment." I offered.
"Very well then. I must hunt soon. It's been a couple of weeks now."
"Oh, certainly. But we must ask you to refrain from hunting southeast of here. We have a treaty with a local wolf tribe to not hunt or be on their grounds."
"Yes, I've heard rumors of that too. You all are very intriguing. I've never met a coven quite like yours."
"We're not the typical coven. We are family." Alice said proudly.
"I see. I promise to stay off their land. I will hunt in Canada then just to be safe. Bella, I will meet you at your apartment later?"
"Yes, I should be going back sometime later tonight. You'll be able to find me, right?"
"Of course. I bid you all goodbye. We'll see each other again soon." He bowed and I led him out through the front door.
"Wow, that was just… wow." Emmett said.
"Bella, how will he know exactly where you are? How did he find us anyways…" Jasper asked.
"Well he's a tracker. Probably the best tracker there is. It's why the Volturi has him. He's Aro's right hand man."
"Oh, very convenient don't you think." Emmett said sarcastically.
"Aro never lets his guard down. He's quite paranoid really." I giggled.
They all joined in my laugher.
I sat back down immediately turning to Alice. The rest did the same.
"Now, what happened with Edward? Where did he go? He shouldn't be alone at a time like this…"
"He freaked out. He does that sometimes. When he's pissed or just wants to get away. He'll be fine but I'm still a little worried. He's going to La Push." Alice said whispering the last sentence.
The family bowed their heads. They weren't all too happy about him going to La Push either.
"Will he be ok there with all the wolves?" I asked.
"He's human so he'll be fine. They won't hurt him. They will probably question him since his sent is mixed with ours."
I didn't like that Edward would be around wolves at all. I was worried he would get hurt. But Edward is smart and strong. I hope he'll be back soon.
The day turned to night. It went by slowly. Edward still hadn't showed up.
"Alice, can you still not see his future?" I asked.
"No, I'm sorry. Bella, Demetri will be at your apartment soon. You might want to head back now. I'll call you as soon as Edward gets home."
I nodded and stood up to go to my car.
As soon as I pulled up I saw Demetri waiting for me.
We sat on my couch to talk and catch up.
"Bethany really misses you. All of the guard misses you. And I definitely miss you. I know we're not together anymore. But I hate not having you in my life, Bella."
"I know, I'm sorry. But you know my reasons for leaving. I couldn't take helping the guard doing that to innocent vampires and humans. I can't live with myself knowing I took part in unjust killings."
"Well, at least come and visit us sometime. I'm sure Aro would love for you to visit again. He isn't the same without you there. You actually made him in a good mood. Now he's always just so monotone. It's annoying really."
I laughed. Aro was quite the character. He was always so curious about everything. And he loved to be in my presence. We would have deep conversations on my diet of course. I tried to explain why I choose to drink from animals and he finds it amusing. He found entertainment in the most random things.
"Bella, you really like this coven don't you?"
"Yes, I really do. Demetri, Alice Cullen is my sister. I've finally found her!"
His face lit up. "So she wasn't killed? After all this time… I'm so happy for you Bella. How did you find her?"
I told him the story about the first day of school and how I almost killed Edward and met Alice.
"I'm glad you've found your happiness, Bella. I wish you all the luck."
"Demetri, I really hope you can convince Aro that Edward isn't a threat. If they hurt him… I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing it was my fault for them asking you to investigate them while you where here…"
"Bella, why are you so attached to this human? He's your singer and you don't hate him for tempting you so much?"
"No. I could never hate him. Demetri, I've fallen in love with him."
"Oh... I've never heard of a vampire falling in love with a human before though. What do you plan on doing about that?"
"I don't know. But I will keep him safe any way I can. Please tell the Volturi I would make it my duty to make sure the secret is safe. I'm hoping they trust me enough to know I will keep my word."
He nodded.
For the next couple of hours we just talked about his different missions and the latest additions to the guard.
At about 2am my phone rang. It was Alice.
"Is he home?"
"No, But I just got a call... He'll be here shortly."
"I'll be right over." I said right before I hung up the phone.
"You truly do love this boy." Demetri stated with a small smile.
"Yes, I do."
"Well then, I will take my leave. I will not intrude any longer. I've heard theirs and your reasons. I will go back to Volterra tonight."
"I thought you were going to stay for a few days... You don't have to leave so soon Demetri. You're always welcomed here."
"No, it's fine it's nice to see you again but my place is with the Volturi. I think I've seen and heard enough to report back."
I nodded and gave him a final hug and he left.
I got in my car and drove as fast as I could to see Edward.
So did I throw you guys off? =D
I'm sure you all thought I'd have some kind of love triangle thing going on huh?
I thought about it, but I figured I'd just make Edward think that and not have it actually happen.
This chapter's purpose is just to show Edward's feelings start to change and bring back in Demetri's and Bethany's characters back into the story. And of course to introduce the Volturi into the mix.
The next chapter will be in Edwards POV and maybe someone else's towards the end. I'm not sure yet.
OH! and there will be a definite surprise in the next chapter... I'm sure you guys will be like 'Dude...what?! What the hell was she thinking? That would never happen...' But what ever! I liked the thought of it... so yeah. Tough =P lol no really...I thought it was an interesting idea that Edward would make a couple of new... Er 'friends'
I'd love your feed back!
-Jan