AN: Wowzers. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far! I was surprised that the last chapter got as much response as it did...it wasn't my favorite, but I'm glad everyone liked it! This chapter is short, I know, but it's important. It sets the stage for things to come, and it's a new POV. Please read and review! I'm sorry it's taken a few days to get this up...I'm kind of in a slump right now (not necessarily with the story, but my personal life). I found out my best friend is pregnant, and she's only 19. Things haven't been good between us before, but now that she's pregnant, I'm trying to be there for her and be the best friend...so if updates come less frequently, try to understand.

Once again, thank you SO very much for all the support this story has gotten. 3 days, 12 hours, 15 minutes and 38 seconds until Breaking Dawn!!

Disclaimer: We've all established that Stephenie is a bamf, because she pwns.

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Chapter Ten: Time Has Come

"How long has it been now?"

"Too long, Aro. We should go back." My brother, Caius, was angry and I knew it.

I sighed. I trusted Carlisle. I loved him as a brother and as a son. It pained me physically to see that Caius did not trust him. I sat back in my chair, contemplating our next move. I saw two options before me. First, I could remain here and trust the Cullen family. I could believe that they, in fact, have changed their precious Bella and she is one of us now. I felt sorry for her—if she were to live with them, she would never taste the sweetness of human blood. No vampire should ever be denied that in our long existences, but that was the path the Cullen family had chosen. My second option was to leave. My brothers were agitated, for we had not had any word on Bella's transformation. I grew impatient as well. There was an incredible gift residing in Bella, and I wanted it. It was greedy of me, but such a talent should not go wasted living as the Cullen family lives. We could leave and visit the Cullen family once again—this time, I expected to see the results that we had agreed on. Something told me I would not, but I buried that part of my thoughts. I had to trust Carlisle. After so many years…surely he would not let his family go back on their word?

"Well?" Caius pushed. He sat in the chair to my left, perched forward eagerly awaiting my response.

If the Cullens were true to their word, there surely would be no harm in visiting them. I know Carlisle would see our actions as doubt over him, but I could explain to him our reasons. I wanted to see what Bella would become. I wanted her to become a part of our family, and I could possibly persuade his son Edward, as well as the small girl…what was her name? Alice, oh yes, Alice. I could try and convince all three to join me. I knew they were set in their ways, but I saw in Edward the lust he still carried for human blood. I would coax that side out of him, begging him to release the animal that resided within all of us. If I could lure Edward, I would surely have Bella and Alice. My family would finally be complete.

I looked at my brother's pale face. Anger and impatience radiated off of him, and I had to placate him. "Very well," I said quickly, "we shall visit them. I would love to see how the newest member of the vampire family is doing." Caius saw that I truly believed Bella was already changed, and he would have to live with that fact. I knew he was still carrying resentment towards me for allowing her to leave Volterra, but she was too precious of a commodity.

"Yes, we shall see," Caius responded, coolly. He rose from his seat. "I will inform the guards. When shall we leave, brother?"

I rested my hand under my chin. "I do not know, Caius. How long has it been?" I asked again.

Caius sighed. "Six months, Aro. That's plenty of time, and—"

"Enough," I interrupted with a wave of my hand. I was tired of his persistency. "We will give them some more time. I will decide when we leave, but it will be within a reasonable time." I paused and examined Caius's face. He still looked angry, but he knew there was no questioning me. "Now leave, brother. I have a headache," I said with another wave of my hand.

Unwillingly, Caius rose from his seat at my left and drifted out of the room, leaving me to myself. I let out an unnecessary breath of air. I did not like not knowing whom I could trust. But I knew the time had come for me to test the relationships I had so hoped would remain true.