NC-17 Some lemony dream fun. Definitely the only way Bella can have her cake and eat it too. Lemons not your thing? Then start reading near the end of page 3.
I sighed in frustration. I'd been cooped up in this room with only my thoughts for company because Aro seemed to think I was in a fragile state. Marcus gave me the occasional update, but he was editing things. Each time he visited me he looked a little more tired and seemed to choose his words very carefully. Right before my eyes he was becoming that cold, intimidating, blasé vampire that couldn't care less about anything. Demetri had clued me in on Marcus's sad tale – about his marriage to Aro's sister and her untimely death.
Supposedly, she'd wanted to leave Volterra to get out from under Aro's thumb. Makes one wonder what really happened to her. She'd possessed no special talent while Marcus had. Would Aro kill his own flesh and blood to retain a gifted vampire? Something told me he would. He was practical that way. The other part of me didn't want to think too hard about it since I'd already signed over two years of my life to his service.
So, Marcus was handling me with kid-gloves, afraid that I was going to try and off myself at the first hint of bad news. It wasn't true. I hadn't been trying to kill myself yesterday; I just took a couple pills more than usual and hadn't eaten anything in almost thirty-six hours. My nerves had been too frazzled to leave me with any semblance of an appetite. I hadn't realized how long it'd been since my last meal when I popped the pills. Believe me, I was kicking myself for my neglect. If I'd had any food in me, those pills would've simply relaxed me, helped me push all the shit from my mind allowing me some peace, and maybe even a dreamless sleep. I hated to close my eyes because of all the nightmares I had; the pills kept them at bay.
No one would believe me when I said I wasn't suicidal, so now my visitors were limited. Seemed Aro didn't want anyone to upset the mental case – this meant none of Cullens were allowed near me.
My visitors consisted of Marcus and a small human girl of about twelve. Her name was Maryanne and she was an orphan that Heidi had picked up like a stray animal five years ago. I know, surprising, huh? Heidi didn't strike me as particularly sympathetic or caring, but I guess my opinion of her was slightly biased since she'd been nothing but a trampy bitch around me, not to mention she's Dylan's ex.
I tossed and turned, trying to shut my mind off, but Charlie's fate and my argument with Edward kept replaying over and over. Needless to say, my medication had been removed; I'd asked for my prescribed dose, but all I was allowed was some soothing tea that they swore would help me relax.
I rolled over, my eyes finally heavy with sleep and said a silent prayer that my nightmares wouldn't make an appearance tonight.
Dylan stepped out of the shadows; his blonde hair falling across those evergreen eyes in that charming way it had a habit of doing. "I spend more time brushing your hair out of your face." I smiled, so happy to have him all to myself for the first time in days and carefully smoothed his hair back.
"Don't leave me, woman," he replied as another shadowy form stepped into the pale stream of moonlight.
"Demetri," I breathed, my eyes traveling up and down his body appreciatively. He stood before us completely naked. Utter perfection. His dark hair grazed his broad shoulders, but as lovely as that sight was, it wasn't enough to stop my eyes from roaming down that ripped chest that didn't have on single hair on it, to the deep V pointing my eyes further downward. I swear to god, I was salivating just looking at all that hard promise.
I knew firsthand how gifted he was with that piece of anatomy. My body remembered every shudder, the flames licking at me, the orgasm roaring over me. Yeah my body remembered him, and it wanted him all over again.
I felt Dylan move against my back reminding me he was still there. "I'll share you," Dylan whispered from behind, his lips skimming the thin skin behind my ear making my heart race faster and faster. "Just don't leave me."
Demetri was suddenly in front of me and somehow he was no longer the only naked person in the room. He reached out and traced my lips with his index finger while Dylan's tongue ran over the outer edge of my ear, his hand wound tightly in my hair pulling my head to the side to give him better access. I could feel Dylan's erection against the bare flesh of my lower back and my hips seemed to have a mind of their own, moving seductively against it forcing small moans from his mouth while Demetri's gaze was locked onto mine as his hands grazed the side of my breast.
Demetri stared at me with human eyes of grey. "I play well with others," he smirked, lightly tweaking my nipple. "Trust me, there's enough of you to go around." His lips captured mine, and whatever thoughts I'd been having about the conversation we were trying to have were lost in the sensation of his hot, slick tongue dancing sensuously with mine and Dylan's hands now cupping my breasts, kneading them ever so gently.
"You know you want all of us; no point denying your desires."
"All of you?" I asked a little confused, because he didn't seem to just be referring to himself and Dylan.
He glanced pointedly over his shoulder towards the bed and my gaze followed like an adoring puppy.
I drank up the sight of Edward's nude form draped over the bed. "Edward," I sighed my voice full of longing.
Edward rolled over staring fixedly at me, no trace of emotion on his extraordinary face as he watched two men feast on my flesh while his own hand moved languidly up and down. I held out my hand to him wanting him more than all others, but uncertain if he'd be able to do what I was asking.
His emerald eyes darkened when Demetri slipped a finger inside me. I cried out in pleasure as he moved so slowly in and out. Lust consumed Edward, and he was on his feet in one swift motion.
The feel of his hands on me was more electrifying than anything that Dylan or Demetri were doing, and all Edward had touched was my face as he tipped my chin up to feed from my lips. The contrast between Edward's animalistic kiss and the gentle touch of the other two men was like fire and ice and it was driving me insane. I was certain there was a volcano residing within me which was mere seconds from erupting in what would be the most earth shattering experience.
I didn't recall disentangling myself from the other men, but I was suddenly straddling Edward, the hard length of him sheathed deep inside me. "Oh god, yes!" I screamed, the sound of his moans spurring me on.
Demetri stood in front of me, and I took all of him into my mouth while I rode Edward. Trying to keep rhythm with both guys was difficult and further compounded by Dylan taking my breast into his mouth and sucking hard, his teeth scraping against my skin before he bit down. My small yelp at the pinch of his teeth was muffled by Demetri's flesh. He'd taken control of the act, his hips now moving furiously leaving me breathless and choking.
Edward groaned, oblivious to my plight. It wasn't my talent in bed that had him crazed; it was my blood spilling down my torso, splashing across his pale chest like an abstract painting.
I found myself sprawled out on an antique dining room table, my legs spread wide so Demetri could feed from my femoral artery, his hair lightly tickling my wet mound leaving me an edgy, writhing mess. Dylan was still feeding from my chest, and when he raised his eyes to mine, they were vivid red.
I gasped in shock as he lost all his human features. Suddenly playing with vampires seemed like a really bad idea.
"I won't let them hurt you, Bella," Edward said before he dipped his head down to my stomach and lapped at the blood that had trailed down my skin. "God, how I've wanted this. Since James…your smell…your addictive flavor has driven me mad for months. Days went by where all I could think about was how good your blood tasted as it slid down my throat and sometimes I wish I hadn't stopped. At least you wouldn't be able to continue tormenting me."
Threatening growls were echoing in the dark room, and the grip of their hands tightened in unison as they sucked harder stealing my precious blood.
"Edward," I screamed more frightened than I'd been when James had tried to kill me. "Make them stop." My voice was breathy and filled with panic.
Demetri's teeth pierced me deeper, and the edge of my vision began to blur. "Please, I'm dying."
"Shh, it's what you wanted, Bella."
"No." I shook my head and tried to push Dylan away, but the harder I tired, the more forceful he became, his sharp teeth tearing at my flesh.
As I drew another breath to scream at the pain of the two men mauling me like crazed animals, Edward kissed me stealing my air and, for a second, the pain. "You could have been mine for all eternity."
"Don't leave me, Edward. I love you. I never stopped. Don't let them kill me."
"Bella? Bella?" His words were as firm as the hands shaking me out of my dream.
I groaned as I fought the last bit of sleep and sat bolt upright, tears streaming down my face. Automatically, my hand slid over my chest where Dylan has been savaging me, but it was as smooth and perfect as it had been earlier. Just a dream. Just another damn nightmare.
I drew in a deep, calming breath in an attempt to expel the nightmare from my mind and caught a familiar scent. It was fading too quickly for my human senses to distinguish, but I would almost bet that a vampire had been in here while I slept.
The grandfather clock chimed startling me the rest of the way out of my sleepy stupor and from the corner of my bleary eyes I saw the mauve drape fluttering even though the window should've been closed. Had Edward been in here? The smell was so faint, but I was almost certain it had been him. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking. Still, he did have a penchant for windows and mine was now open.
I stared at the clock as the last chime tolled announcing that it was nine o clock and realized that Dylan was now a vampire and blushed furiously as images from my dream kept creeping in. How would I ever be able to face the three of them again?
I didn't have a good answer to that question, but it wasn't something I had to deal with anytime soon as Demetri was in Washington and Dylan was off limits. Aro had forbidden me from having contact with him since he was more likely to eat me than talk to me. I'd been warned to stay in the upper portion of the West Wing so my human scent didn't send him into a frenzy. Aro was personally taking care of him. I'd heard that Heidi's punishment was over and that she was helping Aro deal with Dylan, much to my chagrin.
Maryanne slipped silently through my door, my dinner tray in her small hands. She had a private school girl outfit on, though I knew she didn't go to private school. She was clad head to toe in black as was accustomed around this place. Everything from her button-down shirt to and pleated skirt to her knee socks and mary-janes. A little Wednesday Adams, minus the long braids. Instead, her sun-kissed waves were pulled back in a French braid.
She smiled timidly as she always did when she dealt with me. "It's not much," she began slowly, clearly enunciating each word. They'd been teaching her English for the past year, but she still struggled with some words. "Lord Aro said liquids only in preparation for your transformation." She placed the tray on the nightstand.
I glanced at the nearly clear broth and sighed before thanking her. Bon appetite. I patted the bed and she immediately hopped up. She wasn't allowed to pollute her mind with television but Aro had provided me with one, and it had become our ritual to eat in silence while watching mind numbing kid shows.
"Are you scared?" she finally asked, her eyes studying my every movement as I spooned soup into my mouth. Now that my transformation was imminent, I was full of second and third thoughts.
I shrugged. "A little." I sipped a few more spoonfuls thinking about her life here. "What about you? Do you want to be a vampire?"
She shook her head sharply. "I do not wish to," she stated firmly in that stilted speech that showed how new to English she was.
I smiled, slightly taken aback by her firm decision. "Why not?"
"I want to die. Someday. So I can see my parents again," she commented softly, her gaze thoughtful as she stared out the darkened window that overlooked the immense courtyard with its intricate fountain.
She turned the TV up to an uncomfortable level then leaned in close to me, her words hard to hear as she was barely whispering. "I heard something."
"What?" My heart sped like I'd just run a race. The look on her face was conspiratory, and I suddenly knew she meant she'd heard some important piece of information that pertained to me, otherwise why risk telling me? I leaned in, eager to listen since I'd been denied information for a day and a half because of my "episode."
She glanced uneasily around the large room as though she expected Aro to be skulking in the shadows listening to our conversation. I suppose it wasn't that far from the truth, since I was sure that a vampire had been doing just that while I slept.
"Demetri's been injured."
"What?" I shrieked and she shushed me, casting a very stern look in my direction. Librarians across the globe would've been proud of that look.
"He's fine." She motioned to my poor excuse of supper, "Please. Eat," and went on to tell me that the wolves were protecting Charlie and that none of the vampires had been able to cross into La Push. That's how Demetri had been hurt – a small skirmish as they attempted to cross the boundary lines. Carlisle, ever the voice of reason, was trying to calm things, but Jane had asked Aro for reinforcement, which apparently he'd agreed to. A small army of vampires was about to descend on Forks – on my dad and my friends - and I was just sitting here like a helpless twit, while it all went down.
"Finished?" she asked, wrenching me from my reverie.
I nodded and she gathered up my tray and left with a small, encouraging smile, closing the door firmly behind her.
Where the tray had been, was a small black cell phone. I'd have to thank my little partner in crime later, but for now I had to get a hold of Charlie, which would be hard since he didn't carry a cell. It's not like I just happened to know any of the wolves' phone number off hand. Or did I? I knew a lot of the La Push crowd, and I remembered Jacob talking about Sam and his weird cult. Could that be it? Not a cult but a pack?
I decided to try Jacob again since Charlie was likely hanging out with Billy if he was stuck hiding out in La Push. The phone rang so many times I almost hung up when an unfamiliar voice picked up. I glanced at the number I dialed making sure it was the Black's because I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out who was on the other end. Jake was too young and Billy had a deep rumbling voice.
"Uh…is Jacob there?"
"Yeah, it's me," replied the too old voice that certainly didn't fit with the fifteen year old boy I'd left earlier this year. "What do you want Bella?"
"Charlie. I need to talk to Charlie. Is he staying with you guys?"
"Why? So you can tell those bloodsuckers your living with where to find him?" he sneered, his tone sharp as a knife.
Wow, what a waste of space he must think me to believe that I'd betray my own father. Still, I held my tongue and replied as calmly as possible. "No, I just wanted to check on him. I'm in a bit of a bind; otherwise, I'd be in La Push right now."
"Uh-huh. Are you a leech now?"
I couldn't wrap my head around this being. The Jacob I knew was exhaustingly happy and nice. This alien Jake was cruel and incapable of happiness. "Not yet. Can I please talk to my dad?"
"He's not here."
I sighed. This was going nowhere fast. "Do you at least have a number where I can reach him?"
"Sure. Sure."
I wrote it down hastily and said a quick goodbye which was wasted considering he'd already hung up.
My father was bunking with the Clearwaters. Not shocking considering how close he and Harry were, but he'd died a few months back. I'd been in Florida, but Renee had told me how torn up Charlie was over it.
"Bella?" Charlie sounded on the verge of hysterics. "Are you all right? Some guy came to Forks looking for you. Said that a…Victoria had been looking for you." His words were rushed and I barely had time to make them out before he plowed on. "Billy's talking nonsense. I swear everyone's gone crazy. Vampires…werewolves…I don't know what's going on, but I want you to stay in Italy where you're safe from this Victoria."
I felt my stomach fall at that familiar name.
"Charlie…it's true. The La Push boys are werewolves and Victoria is a vampire. The Cullens had to kill one of her coven in Phoenix to save me and I'm afraid that she's looking for revenge."
"Revenge? What the hell happened in Phoenix?"
I explained it all quickly, but had to cut things short because the doorknob jiggled enough to let me know that I'd been caught. I crammed the phone in the pillowcase just as Felix entered, his eyes taking in the whole room.
"Who are you talking to?" He frowned, and crossed the room to the opened window sticking out his head for a few seconds before firmly closing and locking it.
I didn't want Maryanne in trouble. The vampires had a tendency to overreact, and I couldn't live with myself if she was punished for supplying me with a phone. "Myself." I shrugged trying to look embarrassed. "I've been stuck here for a day and a half…got to amuse myself somehow."
He nodded, but I could tell he wasn't buying it. "Maryanne was here, was she not?"
"Yes. She left about twenty minutes ago." He just stood there staring at me, so I asked, "Was there a reason you stopped by?"
"Oh…Yes. Aro wished me to update you. Dylan's transformation is complete and he's doing…as well as can be expected."
"Can I see him?"
He shook his head, his expression grave. "It's too dangerous. He is more animal than anything right now. Perhaps once you are a vampire…"
I wanted to see him in the worst way. I missed my best friend and found that I didn't care what had pushed him to befriend me; I knew in the end, it was all real. Dylan had fallen in love with me. I loved him…as much as I could. Edward would always have the bulk of my heart, but I could've been happy with Dylan.
Felix sat on the edge of my bed, his face full of concern for me. "I thought you would be happier. Dylan has wanted this all his life, and from what the Cullens have said, you longed to be a vampire, as well."
"Yeah…when I was with Edward. What's the point of living forever without him?"
"Things are not as bleak as you think, Isabella."
"Bleak? I caught him getting ready to have sex with Tanya, and I just screwed Demetri. I don't think things can get much bleaker. Even if he really believes he can get past everything…and we try to make things work…he'll never be able to trust me nor I him. He'll always wonder if I'm in love with someone else, and I'll always be waiting for him to take off and leave me the way he did last September."
He chuckled. "I did not say it would be easy, but Marcus can taste your relationship, and it is still strong. Unlike any he's ever encountered. Do not throw such a gift away." He stood and ruffled my hair. "I will be back in the morning to escort you to Aro. He is most eager to get your transformation under way." He started to leave then turned back, a naughty smile on those sinful lips. "Though, if you are in need of a distraction, I would be willing." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. That was the Felix I knew. I was more comfortable around the player version than the considerate one that had just been perched on my bed offering advice. I was already too close to too many vampires, and I had no intention of adding anymore.
I flung my pillow at him and laughed. "Good night, Felix."
The room was small and unfriendly. The only thing saving it from being a dungeon was the lack of shackles and the fact that I was not locked within; though, I did get the distinct impression that I was not free to leave. Felix was definitely my guard, and I had no illusions of what he'd do if I decided to just get up and leave.
I could hear Aro and Edward arguing down the hall, but their words were garbled by my human senses. They'd been going at it for ten minutes straight. I could tell by Felix's expression that he was shocked that Aro was putting up with Edward's dramatics.
They moved closer. I felt like I was stuck in a horror movie and the big baddie was about to catch me. I used to pester Edward about turning me, but now that the moment was at hand, I was terrified.
Edward spoke too low for me to hear, but Aro's reply was loud in his exasperation.
"We shall let Isabella decide." He rolled into the room like a storm, his eyes glinting dangerously. Something told me, Aro was at the end of his patience. I understood how difficult and stubborn Edward could be. I guess, I didn't have to really hear their argument to know what it'd been about. Edward was still trying to dissuade him from transforming me.
"What's up? I asked as they both squished into the tiny room, their anger seeming to take up the remaining space.
"I do not know how you put up with him!" I tried not to smile because Aro was being serious, but his expression was comical.
I glanced at Edward, my heart tightening sharply at the sight of his gorgeous face. Edward never looked better than when he was pissed; don't ask me why…it was just a fact. "You've made your opinions on me becoming a vampire painfully clear, Edward…why not let it go? You lost this round. I'm sure you'll find something else to bitch about soon enough."
Felix burst out laughing. Edward shot him a look that silenced him, but it didn't erase the laughter from his eyes. He winked at me, and I just shook my head.
"I have resigned myself to the fact that you'll become a soulless monster just like the rest of us, Bella. I was merely suggesting that I be allowed to…bite you."
I practically had to pick my mouth off the floor. Who was he and what had he done with Edward, because my Edward would never make such an offer. I just didn't understand the inner workings of his mind. After our argument yesterday, I'd think he'd want to stay as far away from me as possible, not bind himself to me in just a complete way. Once upon a time, I would have jumped at the chance.
I shook my head as exasperated with Edward as Aro was. I glanced at Aro. "And you have a problem with this?"
"Not precisely." But it was a lie. I knew he wanted to sire me. He was hoping that it would afford him total access to my mind.
"Then what were you arguing about?"
"He's deliberately keeping certain facts from you, Bella," Edward blurted out.
"Silence." Aro barely spoke, but he may as well of screamed it because not one of us made a sound for several heartbeats.
But Edward was never good at following orders. "He's sent an army of vampires to-"
Aro moved so quickly all I saw was Edward's body sailing through the air, landing in the hall with a sickening crack.
"Edward!" I jumped to my feet only to have Felix push me back down.
"Do not," he warned.
I shot him a murderous look and he just shrugged which all but said, 'Just following orders, miss.'
I groaned. Edward had risked Aro's wrath to tell me something I already knew. Not that they knew I already knew…Maryanne had been in a sharing mood last night. But what the hell did Edward expect me to do about it? It's not like I could jump on a plane and avert his vampires.
Again I tried to follow, but Felix kept me in place like a good little soldier while they continued to fight in the narrow corridor, the sound of stone colliding with stone was so loud that it hurt my ears. Not to mention all the snarling going on. Then nothing. Just blessed silence.
I held my breath waiting for some sign. I knew that Aro wouldn't really hurt Edward; he valued him too much, but he had to make a point.
"I brought you down here as a favor, and this is how you repay me?"
"She has a right to see you for the monster that you are."
"Stop," I said completely frustrated with both of them. I knew what Aro was and all the things he was capable of, but it didn't change anything. I was a prisoner here for two years because the Cullens had sucked me into their world and left things unfinished.
They both came back into the room bearing no signs of the physical altercation. That was a relief. I wouldn't want to go up against a three thousand year old vampire when I only had a century under my belt.
Aro smiled, but there was nothing happy about it. "You wish her to be informed?" he asked Edward. By that tone I could tell Edward wasn't going to be happy, but he nodded.
"Those wolves," he spat, "nearly killed your Demetri."
Maryanne had said he'd been hurt, not that he'd nearly died. I couldn't hide my concern. I might not be close to Demetri, but sex had a way of forging bonds, and I was sick with worry.
Edward looked like he'd choke on his next words, but he managed to say, "He's fine now, Bella. Vampires heal remarkably fast. He'll be as good as new by the time you see him again."
Aro leaned against the wall, thoroughly enjoying Edward's reaction to my anxiety over Demetri's wellbeing.
"I must admit that I am most surprised that you would want me to disclose the fact that her lover has been injured."
I hid my flaming red face in my hands. Why-oh-why had I gone drinking? With Demetri, no less. No good could come out of that considering the mental state I'd been in. That one stupid act was going to haunt me for all eternity. No one here would ever let me live it down.
"That wasn't exactly what I was referring to, Aro, and you know it."
"No?"
"No, I was thinking more along the lines of Charlie engaged to Sue Clearwater and the fact that her soon to be step siblings are werewolves. You know…the wolves you've sent your vampires to slaughter."
Aro stood there looking, for all the world, like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar while he waited for me to reprimand him.
Charlie was engaged to his best friend's widow? And …ew…Leah Clearwater was going to be my sister? What did I do to deserve that punishment?
"Why keep this from me?" I finally asked. "You knew I was going to find out eventually?"
"Isabella, you have been under an enormous amount of stress lately; I simply did not wish to burden you unnecessarily." What a slippery little fiend he was. His voice rang with truth and his eyes pleaded with me for understanding and forgiveness.
"Unnecessarily? You're talking about killing my dad and his new wife and kids. I think I have the right to know."
"Why? Does it make you feel better? It is not as though you can prevent what is going to happen."
"No, you're right. Only you could do that," I stated pointedly. Felix moved closer to me as Aro glared in our direction. I think good ol' Felix was actually trying to protect me from Aro. Boy, that wasn't going to go over well.
I let out a long breath pushing my anger and fear aside so I could think rationally.
"Maybe there's another solution. One that doesn't involve the massacre of innocents."
"Innocents," he scoffed, his mask slipping to reveal fear and hatred boiling just below the surface.
Edward chuckled from the back of the room. "Aro fears the wolves," he supplied, derision thick in his words.
I groaned as Aro wheeled around to resume his argument with Edward. At least some good came of it – I was able to glean a few snippets about the happenings in Forks. Apparently some seventy years ago, the Cullens made a treaty with the La Push locals. They'd believed that the tribe had lost the ability to shift and hadn't been aware that this generation had produced a new pack of wolves. Edward revealed all of this in an attempt to make Aro understand that not all wolves were like the ones that Caius had encountered and certainly didn't need to be exterminated.
"They, appear, to guard their secrets as closely as vampires do, Aro," I added reasonably. "From what I understand about the La Push wolves, vampires have always been a part of their legend – something they've grown up knowing about. They haven't spilled the beans on your race yet, what makes you think they're going to do it now? It would put them at risk, too. They are no threat to you."
"Regardless, it is the policy of the Volturi to kill werewolves. Their sole purpose for existing is to kill vampires. They are our natural enemy, and the only being that can kill a vampire aside from another vampire."
"You're the head of the Volturi," I said completely frustrated by his stubbornness. "You can change policy."
He waved his hands in the air wiping my sensible words away. "Enough. I will think upon in. Let us get your transformation underway."
His patience with me was wearing thin, so I let it drop. I knew a lost cause when I saw it.
Aro motioned Edward forward and pushed him closer to me. "I was prepared to allow Edward the pleasure of being your…" he seemed to be searching for a word that eluded him, and then continued, "creator."
Aro smiled and that smile left me cold inside. "But since he misbehaved and ignored my direct orders, I see no reason to indulge this particular request. In fact, I think making him watch me bite your lovely flesh, drink your exquisite blood, pump you full of my venom making you mine for all time, will be punishment enough. Wouldn't you agree, Edward? Magnus…Angelo…"
Two vampires roughly the size of a house entered the already cramped room.
"Restrain him!"
