As angelic as could be, Nessie answered that it had never crossed her mind. "I've always wanted to see such places though." She confessed.
Aro beamed as if he knew he had won. His thoughts mirrored his look.
"But," Nessie continued confidently holding her head up high in defiance, "if its all the same to you sir, I'd rather stay here."
For one brief moment Aro faltered, but he recovered quickly.
"Dear child, Volterra would be such an exotic home and I could show and teach you histories the world has never known." Aro's voice purred as if to lure her away.
As a father I let my feelings be known by growling deeply in threat if Aro dared take my daughter. It both pleased and surprised me when Jacob echoed my feelings with an impressive growl of his own.
Thank the good Lord that Nessie also inherited her mother's stubbornness as well as her shielding abilities. She wouldn't be swayed.
"Perhaps we will make a visit to Italy one day Mr. Aro." Nessie said with an edge growing in her voice.
I was sure that the 'that's-my-daughter' pride was beginning to show on my face.
Aro took one step towards Renesemee. Without thinking I sunk into a crouch ready to spring on him. But quick as a flash Aro's thoughts changed. Well, not completely. He was still thinking about Nessie, but his thoughts were mostly wonder.
In the same instant Aro turned to Carlisle to take his leave.
"Carlisle, this visit has been most educational. It was quite interesting to experiment with your lifestyle here. However, I must say that after so many centuries my preference remains the same."
"Aro, it was a pleasure to show you an alternative feeding style." Even Carlisle's voice was stressed. However, he bowed graciously as a proper gentleman should.
"Come dear ones. Let us return to Italy."
As the remainder of the group exited, Aro looked back at Carlisle with a grin. "We must get together some time my old friend…for old times sake."
With that they were gone. But their presence still hinged with everyone. And Aro's final memories were still with me. As I watched Carlisle, I could see he had picked up on the meaning of Aro's little invitation and he was now reliving the same memories.
"Creeptastic." It was Jake who broke the silence. He shuddered. "Doc, is it normal vampire behavior to get freakier with age?" He asked coming up behind Carlisle and patting him on the back.
Carlisle grinned marginally in response. "Not that I'm aware of, Jake. But every personality is different."
By this time everyone had come back to life. Nessie and Bella were quietly talking, as were Emmett, Rose and Esme.