Chapter 11

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BPOV

We made our way quickly through the darkened wilderness of Alaska, as the early hours of the morning were slowly drawing to a close. I wondered how on earth I was going to make it through an airport, seeing as I had not been in contact with a human since the last disastrous incident. Of course, I realized with relief that this would not be a problem as we arrived at a small private jet that was resting on what appeared to be an abandoned landing strip. You would think by now I would be used to the excess wealth that vampires in general seemed to have, however it never ceased to amaze me.

Terror gained an ever tighter grasp on me with every step I closed between the airplane and myself, making me doubt my ability to command my legs to move over the threshold of the carrier. However, Edward's arms were wrapped securely around me, reminding me that I was not doing this alone. Reminding me that this was the obstacle that I would have to face in order to secure my forever.

Demetri made his way to the cockpit as the rest of us took our seats, where we remained silent for the length of the ride. I leaned my head into Edward's shoulder and closed my eyes, pretending that we were alone in Edward's room with no other worries than what we were to do that day. Sensing my tension, Edward began to rub comforting circles on my back and placed his head on mine. The moment would have been unendurably sweet, if not for the presence of our current audience. By the time I could see the first signs of Volterra rising from the skyline night had again fallen, as the plane began its decent toward a small runway a few miles outside of the ancient city.

Carlisle was the first to break the absurdly long silence as we were exiting the craft, "I don't know which way you were planning on taking us, but we can't go anywhere near humans at the moment. You see, Bella still hasn't learned the necessary control."

"Ah yes, we wouldn't want their to be any accidents, now would we," sneered Jane.

Demetri intervened by saying, "don't worry, we can use the North entrance. After all, there are always back ways into Volterra."

As the city loomed ever closer, the delicious smell grew more intense. For a moment, all I could think of was that we were mere yards away from such a concentrated area of humans, who were peacefully sleeping in their beds. All that would be necessary to quench my thirst would be for me to climb over a window sill and noiselessly creep over to a bed side and...

Someone cleared their throat, breaking my macabre daydreams. I snapped my head around to find all of Cullens tensed, as if waiting for me to spring. Edward's hand had now become restraining, as I battled every inch of my being not to give into base senses. Just when I thought I was about to lose total control, outside the walls of the metropolis, Jane led us to the entrance an undetectable underground passage.

"I'll just wait here," said Tanya, as she looked fearfully down the channel that seem to go on endlessly, even with the assistance of enhanced eyesight.

Jane looked at her suspiciously and said, "I believe your hosts would feel more comfortable if you were to go to the villas that they have provided for your stay. They too, are outside the city. Demetri will take you."

"Thank you," said Tanya with a smile towards our group, "and good luck." I noticed her eyes lingered on me a moment longer than everyone else, as she watched us file into the musty passage.

I smiled at her briefly, thinking that she was probably concerned, before following the others. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched her and Demetri disappear behind the numerous trees.

The tunnel snaked its way through the bowels of the town, but even the now faint smell of humans was enough to cause my throat to sear and venom to pool. Finally we reached an elaborate waiting room, which due to the early hour, was completely emptied. I could not describe how thankful I was that the thick walls finally seem to grant me so peace from the smell. But as the monster retreated, I was now able to again focus on the situation that I had somehow gotten my new family into.

"I'll announce your presence," said Jane, before sweeping off through a door that looked as if it led to a labyrinth of passages and hallways. Felix remained with us, standing in the corner and glaring at us all menacingly, as if daring us to attack or run. I was practically shaking in fear at this point as I looked around at the faces of my family, wondering the extent of the damage that I was about to cause. Emmett and Jasper looked as if they were having trouble not responding to Felix's unspoken challenge, however they remained in their civilized stances, not wanting to disappoint Carlisle. Carlisle, who of course betrayed outward signs of apprehension, looked as if he had come here on his own accord to visit with old friends. Edwards was the last face that I examined, which was passively blank. The only sign of stress that he betrayed was a slight tightening of his jaw every now and then in response to, what I could only imagine, were the thoughts of the vampires lodged in this building. I placed my hand on his and looked into to his eyes, hoping to convey how deeply sorry I was about being the cause of all of this chaos.

However, I was unsure if he received my message, for the next moment Jane reappeared and said with a smirk on her face and announced, "they're ready. Follow me."

EPOV

After making our way down a harsh stone hall, we were ushered into a replica of a throne room that seemed strait out of the middle ages. Three magnificent, glided thrones were placed on the far side of the room and held the three ancient vampires that I had seen in Carlisle's paintings, all clothed in pure black robes. In a mockery of a human court, at least twenty vampires in various hues of grey, fanned out around their leaders and watched our procession into the vast chamber, as Jane and Felix went to take their places among them. It was ironic that this clan seemed to draw their ideals of royalty from a species, which they thought was in everyway beneath them.

From the middle throne, arose Aro, who glided forward to meet Carlisle with extreme vigor, while the other two vampires observed from the two flanking chairs. Caius was currently fuming over the fact that Aro had allowed us to accompany Bella and Marcus was just bored.

"Carlisle," sang Aro, his musical voice resounding off the stone walls, "it has really been far too long. And it is so kind of you to bring your entire family!"

"Hello, old friend," said Carlisle, with a look of peace plastered on his face, "I agree with you, it has been too long. Thank you for inviting my family and I. These are my sons, Emmett, Jasper, and Edward, and this is one of my daughters, Bella. My other two daughters and my wife were, unfortunately unable to come."

Aro's interest was peaked when he discovered that there were eight vampires total now in Carlisle's coven, for in his mind, he saw us as a potential threat. However, his tone betrayed none of his internal conflict as he said, "What a shame, however it's I am immensely pleased to meet all of you! I hope you are all planning on an extended stay so that you may sample the delights of Volterra."

"Actually, we were hoping on a short visit," replied Carlisle, "seeing as we all have loved ones at home that we are eager to return to as soon as possible."

"Naturally, naturally," said Aro, displeased to discover this information. "Well, if that is the case, then I believe the time has come to catch up. May I?"

"Of course," responded Carlisle, dryly, holding out his palm.

Aro moved toward Carlisle, with his hand extended and a smile growing on his face in anticipation of the retention of undiscovered secrets. Aro was truly curious as to how Carlisle could have survived so long on his unusual diet and how he had convinced so many of our kind to go against their nature. The second Aro's decrypt skin hit the smooth flesh, memories began to surge through Carlisle's mind, far too fast for me to catch even half of it. Unknown voices and strange places filled my head to capacity. Later, brief images of my family swam before my eyes, until finally Bella's pained face came into view. "How long since she was bitten," asked a calm Carlisle to a frantic Alice, before the scene changed to accommodate more recent events. Suddenly it all stopped and Aro calmly returned to his seat by his brothers, considering the all that he had just witnessed.

"So interesting," he muttered, "so very interesting! It seems you have been very busy Carlisle. And what a talented family you have, its almost as if you have amassed a little collection of your own."

"Yes," stated Carlisle, keeping his face composed as Aro moved on to this dangerous topic, "some of our number have been blessed with extraordinary gifts. However, I would never dream of comparing them to the wonders that you house here in Volterra."

"Now you are being modest! I, myself would be eager to play with both of your sons interesting powers," said Aro, eyeing Jasper and I like a piece of candy, "and I would particularly love to meet your lovely daughter, the fortune-teller, Alice."

"Fortune-teller," questioned Caius, his mistrust growing with every piece of information that was revealed about our family.

"One of his family can actually see the future," responded Aro, "isn't that wonderful." Caius's thoughts took in all the ramifications of having a rival coven possess insight to the future. Aro's mind, however, was now fixated on one goal, which was to discover the best way to collect us.

"And your newest addition, Bella, seems to have not even have touched the extent to which her gift could possibly stretch," said Aro, "I am actually quite surprised to find this young one with you, Carlisle, our informant gave us the impression that she was on her own."

"No, Bella has been with us since the beginning," replied Carlisle carefully. All of my family's minds were buzzing with the mention of an informant that Aro had let slip. I tried to catch the name of this illusive person, however Aro's mind did not linger.

"How strange," sighed Aro, "well, anyway, I do not want to seem as if I am disassembling your exquisite family Carlisle, however it would be remise of me not to offer such talent a spot in Volterra."

"By all means," stated Carlisle, "feel free to ask."

Aro, thus turned his attention on me and asked, "Edward, I have seen through your fathers thoughts the boundaries of your gift. If you want it, there is a place here for you."

"I'm afraid I will have to decline," I said, working my hardest to keep my tone light, so as not to insult them. If Carlisle could play their little charade than so could I.

"Ah, pity, but if you ever changer your mind, we would be honored to have you" responded Aro, moving on the his next candidate, "Jasper, I extend you the same offer."

"I too will have to say no," said Jasper.

"Emmett, your strength would also be a most welcome addition to the Volturi," stated Aro.

"I'm going to stick with Carlisle," Emmett growled, trying to restrain himself as much as possible.

Lastly, Aro turned his head in the direction of Bella, "Bella, we could show you how to handle your powers and help your transition into your new life. Will you join us?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't," said Bella, softly.

"Ah, what an unproductive night," sighed Aro, "but, no matter, no matter. I have the next few days to change your minds, but for now I will allow you to clean up and rest in your lodgings. I look forward to seeing you all in the morning." Aro was deeply offended that all of us had turned down his offer, but he was not about to break his own laws before almost thirty witnesses. I could see in his mind that he was already formulating a plan that wound induce at least one of us to stay, not only to gain another talent, but also to reduce the size of Carlisle's cove. I would have to speak with Carlisle to determine our next move.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Carlisle said in a conversational tone, "and we too look forward to seeing you again."

I sighed and hugged Bella close to me as we finally exited the tunnel and made our way to the secluded villas that the Volturi had supplied us with. When we entered the beautiful house, which was stationed far enough away from the city that the trees blocked it from view, I waited for Bella to disappear down the hall. Then I turned to Carlisle and whispered, "we have to talk. I don't believe that Aro will allow us to leave until he has convinced at least one of us to stay. He has not concrete plans yet, however his thought process revealed he was definitely less than thrilled at our refusal."

Carlisle nodded and said somberly, "I was afraid of this. I will speak to Jasper and Emmett about this. Are you going to tell Bella?"

"No," I whispered, "she already feels guilty enough."

I could tell Carlisle did not agree with my decision, however in his mind he resolved to speak to me about it later.

"I'm going to go check on her," I sighed, turning toward the room that she had disappeared into.

I found her sitting on a window seat staring off into the surrounding trees, as if hoping that they would give her the answers to her troubles. She had not even bothered to turn on the lights, giving the luxurious room an ominous tone.

"They are not just going to let us leave," she asked, still facing the opposite direction, "are they?"

'Perspective,' I thought, 'as always.' But instead I replied, "you heard Aro, he will allow us leave in a few days."

"Yes he did," she whispered, finally turning in my direction, "but he was lying then, just as you are lying now." Her eyes delved into mine, looking for the answers to her many questions.

"I promise I will never let anything happen to you," I whispered wrapping my arms around her and inhaling her intoxicating scent, as I place my forehead onto hers.

Pain laced her eyes, as she considered her next words. Then she said, "I am the reason why we are here. I seem to be the catalyst for every tragic event that has taken place in your family since I came into your lives. It's not fair that you and your family should have to sacrifice so much for me." She backed away a little, as if trying to escape, but escape from what I did not know.

"Don't say that," I mumbled in her ear, refusing to let her go, "you've have done nothing but enhance my life in every possible way. I love you Bella. Don't ever forget that."

"I don't know," she muttered, "I think I need to take a walk to clear my head. Its all just too much to deal with right now."

"I'll come with you," I replied, stroking her cheek.

"I love you as well, Edward," sighed Bella, "but I just need to be alone right now. I promise I'll be back before you have time to miss me." She even worked up a smile, however it did not touch her eyes.

"Of course, love," I kissed her, while slipping my cell phone into her hand, "if you need anything, call." I did not like her going out by herself in her emotional state, especially in enemy territory, however, I knew better than anyone that sometimes you just needed to be alone for a moment to process your thoughts. And this would give me the perfect opportunity to speak with Carlisle, Emmett, and Jasper about how we should best approach the situation at hand.

"I will," she mumbled, her eyes searching my face. She must have misinterpreted fear there, because she said, "you don't have to worry, Edward I will always come back to you."

"And I you," I replied, pleased that she did not see the real reason of my concern. With that she pulled away from me and quitted the room. Through the large window I watched her exit the building making her way down the manicured paths that gave way to the untamed woods. The moonlight bathed her figure as it rescinded into the night and I hoped against hope that in the coming days we would find a peace that had eluded us from the very beginning. I could see myself with Bella, years from now, surrounded by our family, all of us completely happy. I could see a time when our love would not have to be a constant struggle, but as easy as breathing. At that time, we would have started a life in some new town and maybe even be married. This was the first time that the thought had struck me, however nothing sounded more natural. I could practically hear Alice squealing all the way from Alaska, as I made up my mind, that when the time presented itself, I would ask her to have me. Yes, one day we would spend eternity by each others side. With a final glance in the direction that Bella had disappeared, I made my way into the other room to discover a way to secure this perfect dream of happiness.

No would notice until it was much to late that Tanya had disappeared without a trace.

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