Thanks to you guys, this story reached 80 reviews! I am speechless.

Edited- 12/18/13

Chapter 10- Epiphany

Caius

I knocked on her door and waited as I heard her walking to the door. She opened it and did a double take when she saw me. I smirked. Getting reactions out of her was fairly easy.

She asked, her tone suspicious and wary, "What is it… Caius?"

I walked in without her permission, knowing that she'd probably never allow me to come in willingly. I took a quick look around. Books were littered everywhere, covering all surfaces. She did mention that she liked to read, but I never realized just how much until now.

She followed behind me and muttered, "Yes, yes, do come in. It's fine with me."

I chuckled lowly and began, "I come here with a proposal regarding our previous deal."

"Yes?"

"I surrender," I replied.

An eyebrow shot up and her mouth fell open. "The amazing, fearless Caius is giving up? Unheard of!"

"Oh, stop it. I just can't stand animal blood. I need to be pacified when it comes to feeding, and animal blood won't satisfy me. So, you can go back to animal blood- I'll ask Aro, myself, for his permission- and I can go back to human blood."

Her expression changed from one of shocked to one of relief. "Oh thank god. I don't think I can handle the guilt."

"But I thought you claimed the experience was pleasing. I thought you enjoyed it," I pointed out.

She sighed and sat down on the edge of her bed. "Yes, at the time I did. But I was on a high. It was my first time as a vampire drinking human blood and it was exhilarating and freeing. Additionally, the human I drank from resembled Edward so closely that, at the time, I felt no shame in doing what I did. But as soon as I stepped into this room, everything just came back to me, and I started to truly understand what I did. And it didn't feel good… at all. I think it's better that we return to our old ways."

Nodding, I replied, "So then it's settled. The deal is over."

"Yes."

I took a look at her eyes and noticed that red still lines the edge of the pupils of her eyes. "The red will remain there for a week at the least, and two at the most."

Confused, she asked, "What red?" And then realization dawned on her. "Oh, I see. Okay."

I turned around to walk out but something stopped me.

It was the sound of Bella's voice- melodic and smooth. Wait, since when was I thinking of the pleasant tone of her voice?

I shook my head lightly and turned back around to face Bella.

"Thank you, Caius," she murmured.

"For what?" I asked, bewildered.

"For ending the deal," she replied.

"It was for my sake only," I responded.

"Sure," she said, smiling.

I frowned and spun on my heels. However, before I walked out, I muttered, "You're welcome."

And with that, I'm gone from her room. If I had a heart, it would be wildly beating right now. I don't know what about Isabella made me feel so… surprised and defensive all of the time. I was never like that around others. Sure, I was angry and temperamental around others, but around her, it was like I wasn't really angry. I was just joking around with her. And I usually caught others by surprise… not the other way around.

She was just different, and I didn't know why.

Do you really not know why, Caius?

What is that supposed to mean?

Let's see. You care about her, you like to joke around with her, you're extra defensive around her, and you think about her when you're not with her.

Who said I cared about her?

You were willing to lose a bet because you were concerned it was hurting her.

Fine, but I would do that for anyone, really.

Would you?

Okay, so not really. But who says I like to joke around with her?

I didn't need to bring up a specific conversation for that. You joked around with her all the time.

I admit I'm defensive around her but it's not like she's the only one. I'm naturally a feisty person.

Okay, I'll give you that, but you think about her when you're not with her, right?

No…

You were thinking about her in your study. And in your study, the only things you think about are books and other arts. It's like your safe haven where any outside happenings just don't matter, and you were thinking about her in there. You never even once thought of Athenodora in there, and she's your mate.

I have thought of Athenodora in there.

Have you?

I suppose not.

And it's obvious that you guys balance each other out. You even said it yourself. The position of cat and mouse changes all the time. There's no dominant leader in this relationship.

We're not in a relationship, though.

You could be if you weren't so stubborn. And you can't deny that she's physically attractive. I mean, c'mon. She's beautiful.

Yes, she does have silky, long mahogany brown hair. And her creamy, pale skin is something to marvel over. And she does have a nice figure- very hourglass like. Wait, what am I even saying?

What you're saying is very simple: You like her.

No, I don't.

Denial… tsk, tsk, tsk. It gets you nowhere. Acceptance, well, that gets you somewhere.

I pulled myself out of my inner debate with myself and quickly walked back to my study.

Pacing rapidly around the room, I began to wonder.

Did I like Isabella?

All of the points brought up earlier were valid, and I couldn't deny those. And even my mate, Athenodora, thought that Isabella and I were meant for each other. My own mate- well, ex-mate- was pairing me up with another woman. And Marcus was hiding something and now that I thought about it, it was just too obvious.

Isabella and I were meant to be mates.

But she didn't know it, and that's what made me nervous. What is she didn't like me back? What if she hated me?

The next day, I visited Aro in his study. As soon as he saw me standing there, he gestured towards the chair opposite him, and asked without looking up, "What may I help you with, Brother?"

"May I let Athenodora go?" I asked.

"Sure."

"Wait… what?"

Amused, he replied slowly, "I said it's fine by me."

"But why? You're not this lenient...ever."

He pushed the book he was reading aside and looked at me. "You see, the other day, I accidentally brushed against Marcus's hand and saw some interesting bonds between some unexpected people. I think you know exactly what I'm talking about and I'm telling you this so you don't doubt a thing you decide or do: I approve. I hate to see two people pretend to love each other when they really don't. And I strongly believe in mates being the real thing."

I did know what he was talking about. If, at this point, I didn't know, I would be a really stupid vampire. "Thank you, Brother."

"It is my pleasure. Now, can I get back to my book?"

"Yes."

I walked out of his room and headed straight to Athenodora and I's bedroom. I saw her there, talking to Sulpicia, looking sad. They were murmuring things to each other quietly and I cleared my throat to get their attentions. I really should've knocked, but it was my own bedroom. I didn't think I needed to.

They both looked up, looking startled. Sulpicia got up quickly, bowed her head slightly at me, and then scurried away. Athenodora looked up at me, her big, crimson eyes wide with curiosity.

"Caius, you're not usually here at this time of day."

"I have something to tell you."

I sat down next to her and continued, "I know you requested your leave earlier today and I am granting you it. I finally understood what you said was… true and I understand that you want to find someone you love and that loves you."

She smiles softly and replied, "Thank you, Caius. You haven't been this gentle with me since our marriage day. She really has changed you for the better."

I nodded and she continued, "Thank you for the past centuries. Maybe I'll see you again in the future. May Cupid be with you and Isabella."

"Thank you. I'll leave you alone now to gather your things and to say your goodbyes. I know you will be missed dearly, especially by Sulpicia."

"And I will miss them as well. Bye, Caius."

"Farewell."

I left her room and noticed that I felt no tears trapped in my eyes. Instead, I couldn't help feeling as if a weight has been lifted off of me.

She was a lovely vampire, but not for me.

I sighed and was about to head back to my study, where I could escape all the troubles of life, when Heidi hurried up to me.

"Aro called everyone to the throne room. It seems we have visitors."

Visitors? This should be interesting. I follow her to the throne room and enter, seeing everyone assembled there. I took my place on my throne and glanced out of the corner of my eye. Isabella looked withdrawn. I wondered why. Could it be because of the visitors?

I asked, "Aro, who are the visitors?"

He sighed. "The Cullen's."

I growled. Edward Cullen was coming back and he was the one who hurt Isabella. I balked at my protectiveness of her. This was moving much too quickly.

Aro chuckled. "Don't worry. We'll talk to them and figure things out."

I turned away from him and glared at the doors.

They opened as if in slow motion, and everything became silent. All previous chatter ceased. The Cullen's walked in, looking furious and determined. I took a look at Edward. He was glaring at the whole Volturi and evaluating their thoughts.

Aro seemed to notice this and turned to Bella. He softly requested, "Isabella?"

Bella nodded and extended her shield over the whole Volturi. Edward momentarily looked confused before glancing accusingly at Aro. Aro smiled deviously and shrugged in return.

"We value our privacy and now that we have someone who can give it to us, we might as well use it," he said.

Everyone in the Cullen family growled threateningly and I laughed quietly. Edward glared at me- what a moody boy- and then turned to Aro.

"We know you forced Bella to join you."

And that's when I laughed, loud and clear. Everyone turned to me and I smirked.

"Tell them, Isabella," I lazily said.

Isabella looked annoyed- probably because Edward thought she actually wanted them to save her- and spoke, "You guys think they forced me to join? Ha! No, that's not the case."

"Once again, we're going to regret listening to Edward," the blonde haired girl, Rosalie, muttered while sighing.

The muscular one, Emmett, nudged her gently and she slumped forward, as if expecting the worst. What a smart vampire.

And then, Edward said something that makes Isabella freeze. "Bella, your eyes… they're red."

"It's not like you guys have clean records. It was just one human, and I'm not doing it again. You know what? I don't really feel the need to have to defend myself," she replied furiously.

I look at the Cullen's. Carlisle looked disappointed, Esme looked surprised, Alice looked angry, Jasper looked... relieved- I wondered why-, Emmett looked confused, Rosalie looked uncaring, and Edward looked appalled.

Isabella glared at them, and her message was clear: Don't question it. Just keep your mouths shut.

And then she continued her previous thought, "Moving on, I came here on my own accord. You see, I moved on from you guys. I'm no longer the Bella that you used to know. I'm different now; stronger and better. You didn't need to come. It's just a waste of time for you."

Edward shakily replied, his eyes wide, "Bella, they have a vampire in their guard who can manipulate relationships, form relationships, and cut off relationships."

Bella snickered. "Did you forget I have a mental shield? Almost none of their powers have an effect on me. Or do you still remember me as weak… and foolish?"

Edward looked down. "I never thought of you in that way."

Isabella raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Silence filled the air. No one spoke, awaiting Edward's response. But he didn't need to reply. We all knew the answer: he did think of Isabella in that way once upon a time ago.

"Do you still love me?" He asked, surprising me and everyone.

How dare he even ask her that? He left her, claiming that he didn't even love her anymore. He has no right to ask a question like that!

Isabella said one word that made Edward's face crumple in pain. "No."

He murmured, "You have to understand. Vera, the woman in the vision, had the power to seduce single, males, and I was under her power in the vision. As soon as Alice and I figured this out, we sent her on her way."

Isabella's strong demeanor faltered before putting itself up again. "So, why should I care? I'm pretty sure her seduction wasn't the only reason why you liked her. And I'm pretty sure Vera wasn't the only reason you left me."

He looked down at the floor and didn't look back up.

Carlisle cleared his throat and asked, "Bella, would you rather we left you here?" It's obvious that he doesn't want her to stay here, but knows that if his family tried to fight us, no one from that side would get out of here alive.

She nodded, not looking at him. He closed his eyes and then opened them. He nodded and says, "I extend our apologies to you. We didn't realize that Bella truly wanted to join the guard."

Aro smiled tightly. "It's fine, but next time, I request that you not barge in and threaten to take one of our own."

Carlisle nodded again and gestured towards his family. They were leaving. They all sulked away, looking defeated. But before they left, I heard the future-reading one mutter, "You're making a mistake, Bella."

Isabella answered quietly, "No, I'm not, Alice. I don't want to live with people I can't even trust will take my side when the time comes."

Alice looked at Isabella with puppy dog eyes and Isabella looked away, carefully avoiding them.

And then, they were gone. I sighed in relief.

I turned to Isabella, who looked triumphant and relieved. She explained, "I feel like they're finally gone from my life now."

I smiled. "And thank God for that."

And that's that. I don't know if I'm that happy with this chapter, but I tried my best to make it flow.

Oh, and Caius finally realized!

I am glad that the Cullen family is gone. They were pretty annoying in this story. (Yes, they're gone for good.)

Thanks for reading.