Chapter 9

Hey guys, Just want to say a massive SORRY for such a terrible 5 YEAR break... it doesn't seem like it has been that long since I last updated! Well since I still seem to be getting story favourites for it, I figured I might as well give it another go! So apologies in advance for it my writing style has changed or if the stories isn't going the same way as it was, just let me know if you guys have an ideas or advice on where it's going!
Thank you for all your support!
Jessie

Bella POV

After the plane took off and the tension of take-off had abated, I allowed my mind to wander. He kissed her. After all of the promises of his faith and love for me, one tiny mistake sent him straight into the arms of another. Surprisingly, I found myself devoid of anger. It's true that I had lived in a constant state of disbelief that such a wonderful being such as Edward could be in love with me, could have chosen me to be his mate. So his actions weren't really that surprising; the fact that he hadn't realised soon was. Taking a deep breath to centre myself, I allowed myself to close my eyes and sink into a meditative state, the closest a vampire could get to sleep. A small smile curled my lip as I thought of the peace which I would soon be granted.

I felt the change in pressure as the plane began its descent. Opening my eyes slowly, I was graced by a beautiful Italian sunrise which was casting beams of golden light through the hazy morning sky, the rays skipping lightly over the thin clouds and casting rainbows in the surrounding vapour. I could feel my eyes beginning to well up with unshed-able tears at the beauty of a new day. A better day. A new beginning. The words skittered through my mind unbidden, but not unwelcome. I quickly pulled on an oversized hoodie to cover my skin, which was already beginning to shimmer in the sun; the seat next to me had remained thankfully empty.
Stepping out of the door, I took a breath of fresh air; stale plane air is not a good smell, especially with my newly enhanced senses. Another unmistakable scent quickly dominated, raising the hairs on the back of my neck. Vampire. They knew I was coming. I suppose that made my job easier. I caught sight of them easily enough. Standing just out of the way of the walkway as to not draw attention (which is pretty difficult when you're wearing ancient robes of black and red velvet), the five figures stood silently and watchfully, no doubt trying to anticipate my next move. The vampire in the middle stepped forward and dipped his head in greeting. A flash of white-blond hair peeked out from under the over-sized hood as his ruby red eyes met mine in a steady gaze.
"Well met, Bella Swan. It's a pleasure to finally meet the woman whose human form captivated a vampire."
"Sorry, I don't think I caught your name?"
"My apologies, I am Alec of the Volturi guard. I am here to escort you to the castle. My masters wish for a meeting with you."
I could see the wary look on his face as he spoke; he was waiting for me to make a crazy move to expose myself as a vampire or something equally as stupid.
"Well met Alec. But in other words, you're here to make sure I don't do anything stupid in your city."
Alec smiled wryly whilst the other members of the guard shuffled uncomfortably.
"Exactly. I think I might come to like you, Miss Swan. Now, if you would kindly follow me…"

The city of Volterra was a stunning. The ancient streets and alleyways wound around and inter-crossed in a seemly random fashion, sort of like the threads in a ball of string. The crumbly stone buildings loomed overhead, with washing and drying herbs strung out between the structures. Without warning, the castle sprung into view. It was majestic and grand, and definitely had a sinister feeling radiating off it.
A hand gently touched my elbow to steer me into another, darker alleyway. I jumped slightly, expecting the touch to feel cold and hard, but it felt surprising warm. A low chuckle sounded behind me.
"We are nearly there, if you would just step through this doorway."
I looked around in the near darkness, trying to find the doorway.
"But there isn't anything here-" I was cut off as a hand reached out from the darkness and yanked me through a hidden door, followed by sinister laughter.

"Dimitri, knock it off. She must be scared enough already without you fooling around." Alec's annoyance was almost palpable, but a small smile graced his full lips to soften the admonishment.
"My apologies my lady, I only acted in jest." Dimitri turned to Alec. "But you have to admit, her face was simply hilarious."
I mock-glared at him, encouraged and relaxed by their banter. In my mind, I was already planning my revenge.
"Careful, I recognise that face. She's not going to forget that anytime soon; my sister is exactly the same."
A flash of fear passed across Dimitri's features so quickly that I couldn't be sure I had actually witnessed it before he was grinning cheekily again.
"Yeah yeah, this one doesn't have it in her" He threw a wink my way, brushing off the brief tension.

"Brother, what is taking you so long? Aro is not accustomed to waiting." A cold feminine voice cut through the corridor we were walking down, and a blank mask took over Dimitri's face. Alec started, before stepping forward to greet the newcomer.
"Well met Sister. My apologies for the delay, we were slightly… distracted coming through the city." I could hear the restrained smile in his voice; he was speaking of my obvious fascination of Volterra. I nearly laughed to myself in remembrance, before Alec's sister turned her ice-cold glare on me which quickly sobered my expression. Without saying a word, she turned on her heel and swept away with a swish of her cloak.
Alec and Dimitri shared a look, before quickly and wordlessly guiding me down me the walkway.
"And that was…?" I was quickly hushed, both men looking around nervously.
"That was my dear sister, Jane. She's…different. I'll try keep her in check, I won't let her hurt you, but you should be wary of her," Alec murmured.
"No shit." Demetri snorted, earning a darkly amused look from Alec.

The corridor eventually gave way to a large room, the walls decorated lavishly with expensive materials in a deep rich burgundy colour which was draped artistically across the bare stone, and was dotted with flickering candle sconces whilst a white marble floor lay underfoot. In the far corner sat a heavy mahogany desk, behind which a red-headed woman was chatting away on an invisible headset. On our arrival, her eyes grew wide and she jumped up with a speed which almost rivalled a vampire. She quickly composed herself before approaching us, wriggling her hips seductively as she looked up from under her eyelashes at Alec. My stomach coiled tightly at this, surprising me at the sudden burning feelings.
"Master Alec" She purred his name. "Master Aro is expecting you." She wriggled to the side of the huge carved wooden doors, then shot a flirty smile at Alec as the doors were thrown open. And on the other side of the, what seemed like the entire of the Volturi guard were stood to attention with their ruby red eyes all resting upon me.
Ah hell.