Chapter 11

Trial

I do not own twilight or any of the characters.


OK GUYS I KNOW I CONFUSED SOME OF YOU BEFORE…so just so no one gets more lost. When I said Edward killed Marcus I meant Caius. I caught that after sorry for not fixing it. Anyways if anyone has any other questions just ask!


BPOV

We walked down the hall in silence, Edward held my hand tightly. I could hear voices down stairs. Only one I recognized. We reach the top of the stairs and I looked down into the face of my deceiver, Zander hadn't changed. He still had the look of arrogance and cockiness all over his face. I made want to jump down to where he was and scratch his eyes out. I must have tightened my grip on Edwards hand because he pulled me closer to him.

Next to Zander was a female vampire I only remember from the memory of the car ride of death. Carrie was every bit as beautiful as Rosalie. Her short blonde hair was longer then I remember seeing the night I was in her car. She was tall and slender; her chest area was fuller then any other women in the room. She had a sly, smug smile on her beautiful lips. It made me sick. Carlisle was standing in front of them, making it impossible to come any further into the house. I couldn't help but inwardly cringe at Rose's face. It looked like she was about to kill the next person who spoke.

"Bella, who nice to see you again. Keeping out of trouble?" Did Zander honestly think he still had the right to converse in small talk with me? I glared at him fiercely and let go of Edwards's hand. I had already killed one vampire today, all the same if he died too. He didn't back down as I walked closer. Edward grabbed my arm, pulling me back. Alice stepped in front of me. They acted like they were my protectors.

"Why are you here?" She sounded chaotic, her voice cut threw the air like a knife. It sent shivers down my spine. Alice could be scary it the situation called for it.

"What? You haven't seen already? Aro must have been wrong about her abilities. Doesn't surprise me, he's been wrong before." Carrie laughed and looked at me. Alice growled. The only thing keeping me from ripping her pretty blonde hair out was Edward, who continued to hold me back.

"Clam down, love." He said against his teeth, obviously having problems controlling his temper too.

"Bella aren't you happy to see me? I've come to take you back with me!" It sounded like he actually believed I would. I shock Edward off me and pushed past Alice.

"You lied to me! How dare you show your face here?! Have you no idea what you and the Volturi have done to this family!" I was right in his face, Esme tried to hold my arm but I moved before she could touch it.

"Me?! I would think your anger would be better directed at Emmett." He lifted his hand to his mouth and acted shocked. Rosalie let out a snarl at Emmett's name. Carrie turned her attention to the rivaling beauty in the room.

"Oh that's right; you're the hag he left behind. If it makes you feel any better, he's moved on, found someone better." I thought Rose's head was going too exploded. She took a quick step forward, but Jasper stopped her. Carlisle finally spoke. His voice was loud and commanding.

"Speak you business and get out of my house. I don't know if you noticed but you're not exactly welcome." Zander looked down into the old vampire's young face. They were so close it looked like they might kiss. Zander's eye looked at me, but he didn't move away from Carlisle.

"We've come to get Bella, Marcus has ordered her present for a hearing…not so unexpected really. She's had some problems keeping the human count down." I was enraged by him; his very presence drove me mad. I lunged at his throat but Carrie was faster, she back handed me and I was fling into a near by wall. For the second time that day, all hell broke lose. Edward and Rose drove in toward her, Alice jumped on Zander's back. I rose to my feet and joined Alice. It was hard to see anything but the fighting, but when I got the chance to look around it seemed like there were more people. An additional three people were now in the room throwing around the Cullen's, some where being thrown around themselves. I turned my attention back to Zander, he had a smile on his smartass face the whole time. Alice was now fighting with Jasper.

"Come-on Bella, We don't have to fight! I never liked fighting with you. It does nothing for your beautiful face baby." He was taunting me. I didn't break eye contact with him. He ran forward at me but I was too fast for him. I grabbed hold of his neck and smashed him against the wall.

"You were like a brother to me! I trusted you with everything!" My voice was rough.

"Bella it's not my fault you were to stupid to realize what was going on. By the way, where's Thomas?" He chuckled, he knew exactly what had happened to Thomas. His large hand grabbed my arm. His grip got tighter and tighter, until I thought I couldn't take it anymore. I dropped him but he still held on to me. His other arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer to him.

"I've never been so attracted to you before Bella, your making me hot!" I raised my other hand to his face in an attempt to slap his mouth. He caught it and pushed me up against the wall. I was trapped, he laughed dryly. Before I could blink he was thrown aside. Edward had him pined to the ground. He raised his fist to punch Zander.

"Enough! Enough of this, we didn't fly all the way from Italy to fight!" Everyone stopped what they were doing except Rosalie, who had a large dark skinned vampire pined under her feet. She was viciously stomping on his head. Esme walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. Rose kicked him once more before she turned her attention to the small girl who had stopped the fighting. I looked around. Everyone seemed to have been fighting someone different, except Alice who had one person by the collar of his black cape and another under her feet.

Zander pushed Edward off and walked over to the girl. I watched him and glared at him while he smirked back at me. It made me disgusted. Edward was at my side again.

"Jane, why are you hear?" Carlisle held Esme behind him, most of the Volturi members had gone to stand behind the one named Jane. She smiled politely.

"Like Alexander said, we've come to get Bella. Marcus wants to put her on triall for all the humans she's killed in New York." Her little voice was amused and she smiled up at Zander. I bit my lip to keep from screaming out my hatred. How did the Volturi even know? I suppose Zander tipped them off.

"We expect her to be ready with in the next hour. No exceptions and Edward dear you are not invited." Edward tensed at my side.

"She doesn't go if don't go with her, Jane dear." She smiled back at him, he fell to the floor, crying out in pain. I dropped to my knees at his side.

"Edward?! Edward what is it?! Stop it!" My head whipped around and she directed her gaze at me. Nothing happened, she looked immediately disappointed. Edward stopped trashing about and slowly stood-up. He looked her in the eyes.

"She doesn't leave without me." Jane and him stared at each other for a moment then she nodded.

"Just be ready in an hour." And then they were all gone. Then only trace of them that was left were a few broken picture fames and some holes in the walls. I looked around at the Cullen's. They all seemed to be deep in thought, except Rosalie.

"I'm coming too, there's some business I need to take care of." Everyone looked at her.

"No, you can't Rose. It's a lost cause, he doesn't want to be apart of our family anymore. Don't do this to yourself." Alice was at her side pleading for her to stay.

"You think I'm going to bag for him to come back? Don't make me laugh!" Alice stopped and looked fare off. She was silent for a moment and then a small smile came to her face. She nodded and Rosalie smiled. I looked-up at Edward, his face was set and his jaw clenched. I touched his arm softly and he looked down at me. Conflict was in his eyes.

"Bella…I- We…" I put my hand to his cheek and he buried his hand in my palm.

"There's nothing we can do about this, lets just go and get it over with so we can come back and be together. I don't care about my memories anymore, I know we have to be with each other." He frowned.

"I'm not sure you understand the severity or this situation. We might not get to come back, their putting you trial, a trial to determine your death." He looked down.

"That's not going to happen Edward. Not after all I've been through, after all we've been through."

"I heard it in their thoughts. No one indents to let you leave. I can't let anything happen to you Bella, I love you so much." His voice was quite, I could feel the pain emitting from his beautiful body.

"I have to get ready." Why couldn't I say I loved him back? Was it so hard to just say what I was feeling? I didn't have turn back to know his face showed all the hurt I was inflecting on him. I left the house to go back to the tree that still had my backpack in it. It took a little longer to find then I thought. The bag was hidden underneath some dead leafs; I put them aside and grabbed my bag. Next to it was Thomas's. I looked at it for a minute and then unzipped the zipper. It was full of his clothes, wallet and some other things. I dumped the contents out onto the ground. A small piece of paper floated to my feet, I was hesitant to pick it up. On the outside fold was a name.

Bella

I breathed in before I unfolded the rest.

My dearest Bella,

I know I haven't always been the picture prefect gentleman I know you dream about. I sometimes wish I could be better for you. You deserve better then any man in this world can give you. It's hard to put my feelings for you into words, so I've decided to write instead. After seeing you tonight, I've though long and hard about what I want from you…nothing. Yes, I love you very much. I want you so bad sometimes it drives me crazy. That's exactly why we shouldn't be together anymore. I'm scared of myself when I'm lost in thoughts about you. So I've left, don't worry I'll never be too far away, just far enough not to bother you anymore. Thank you for everything. I'm truly sorry.

Love always,

Thomas.

My heart sunk, he knew he was going insane. He must have written this the night I went out to hunt. He didn't want to hurt me and he didn't want to turn into the monster he did. This was his way of trying to keep us both safe. I laughed miserably.

"You idiot, a lot of good that did you." This moment was very bittersweet, but I couldn't help smiling at his stupidity. I grabbed his wallet, and his credit cards. With one last look at his clothes, I turned and ran back to the house. Everyone was outside waiting for my return. The Volturi had shown up yet, but I could smell them getting closer. Edward pulled me into a gentle hug. He still treated me like I was human, being ever so careful with my body. I crushed him to me. If there really was a chance that I and Edward would only get so mush time together, it wasn't going to be full of half hearted hugs.

"Bella…please be careful. We all love you so much." Esme's worlds warmed my heart and made me smile.

"When you get back, we have so much to catch up on." Alice sounded a little sad, but I caught a little excitement. I hugged everyone and said my good byes. Right on que The Volturi pulled up in two black cars. Edward pulled me to his side. Carrie stepped out and held the door open for us, Rosalie went into the other car. I looked at her as she got in, a large smile had taken over her mouth. It made me very uneasy.

"If you knew the plan she had for Emmett…" Edward shivered. I looked back at the family I was leaving and something like guilt hit me. These people were so kind and so understanding, even after all I'd put them through. They still loved me, and so did Edward. We slid into the back seat of the black car. I instantly tensed when I saw Zander would be sitting next to me. He had a frown on his face.

"What are you two attached at the hip? I was hoping you'd come alone." I could almost hear the sexuality in his disgusting voice. Edward most be dying to kill him right now. I was practically sitting in Edwards's lap, just so I wasn't close to the perverted monster next to me.

"Stop, she would never." His voice was full of rage. Zander laughed loudly. Edward never took his eyes off Jane. She was sat silently in front of us humming. How could such a small, cute little girl be so damn horrid?

The drive was long and uncomfortable. I tried not to look over at Zander, he seemed to think if he starred at me I'd talk to him. I wasn't about to say anything to him. He had betrayed me in the worst way; nothing he said would change my resentment towards him. The car finally stopped and I looked over into Edwards eyes. He looked back at me and smiled weakly.

"Please don't worry, everything will work out." I tried to comfort him. I kissed his cheek, I heard a gagging sound come from beside me. The doors of the car were opened for us. We were on a large cement lading pad, there was a small private jet waiting for us to board it. The whole time I looked around Edward didn't speak, he didn't move. I started to walk toward the jet but he held me still.

"We don't have to do this, please let's just go. I can run faster then anyone here." He sounded extremely worried.

"Edward everything will be fine." I tried to sound confident, but I was starting to question the situation more. What if this was the last time I'd get to see Alaska? Would I get to see Alice again? Or hear Esme's sweet voice? I couldn't think about that. Not now, I just needed to do.

We walked up the steps and into the small plan. It was very classy looking on the inside, with leather chairs, peach colored walls, golden cups and plates. Being a long living vampire sure had its perks. Edward gave my waist a small squeeze, Jane and the rest of the Volturi had climbed into the plan now and everyone was taking there seats.

"Please make yourself comfortable, they flight is long." Her voice was soft but full of sarcasm. If only Edward wasn't standing between us, I'd love to smack that smug look off her face. Edward led me to the back of the plain; we sat alone and away from everyone. I was glad I'd get some more time with him. I still couldn't remember my love from before but a new feeling was rising. It didn't take much to re fall in love with a person like him.

"Bella I love you so much, no matter what happens in Volterra that wont change." He looked into my eye with so much intensity I nearly gasped.

"I know…" Say it! Just tell him you love him back. "I lo-"

The plain suddenly move forward causing a small glass of red wine to spill across my chair. I jumped up to avoid getting wet, there were a few chuckles. Rosalie looked around and snarled. Edward took off his scarf and dried my seat.

"Thank you." I sat down again and buckled up. He grabbed my hand.

"There are so many things I still have to say to you." His velvety voice clamed my nerves some what.

"Edward there will be tones of time to tell me whatever you want. I'm not going anywhere, I promise." He turned his head, a soft smile spread across his lips. I put my head on his chest and smiled back. His hand stroked my arm gently. This was perfect, a heaven amongst a hell. We were surrounded by vampires who would gladly kill us if they were asked. But I was happy just being together with Edward.

They flight was long, just as Jane had said. No one talked much except Zander and Carrie, who seemed to find Rosalie's facial expressions humorous. It started to feel like we were prisoners; there were more Volturi members when we landed. Edward never let go of my waist, I wasn't complaining. We were lead to another set of black cars. Jane accompanied Rosalie this time, we were stuck with Zander and Carrie.

"So Bella, how have you been feeling since we left you in New York? I mean you drank from enough people I'd imagine you feel pretty damn good." Carrie smiled evilly at me.

"That's not really any of your damn business." I snapped at her.

"Now now, wouldn't want freak out in front of your boyfriend." She glared at Edward. He had killed her sister Victoria; I wasn't surprised she hated him. Zander chuckled.

"Oh I can't wait for you punishment Bella, this is all so exciting." He went to slap my arm but Edward pulled me closer growling. He was almost at his breaking point. The car stopped in front of a large old building, I suddenly felt very afraid, and Edwards words rang threw my head.

I killed someone very important to them. I squeezed his hand.

"What will happen to you now that you've come here?" I didn't exactly want to know. He was silent, that made me feel even worse. Inside the building looked just as classy the plain had. There was a large front desk with a human sitting behind it, she smelled so wonderful. It had been so long since I had been in contact with humans. If Edward hadn't have been there I would have taken her. She looked up at us when we entered. Her smile was directed at Edward but she was talking to Jane.

"I'll let them know you've arrived Jane, how was your trip?" Jane smiled at her.

"Invigorating." She chimed happily.

We waited in the front room for what seemed like forever. Then the phone rang and the lady at the desk answered.

"Their ready for you know please follow Jane." Rosalie walked a head of us, the rest of the Volturi guards walked behind. Edward was deathly silent, if he hadn't of been holding me I wouldn't have even known he was there. It made me even more nervous. I had to gain my composer before seeing the Volturi, I had a lot of time to do so. The corridors seemed to reach on and on forever. Once or twice I would hear a scream and then smell blood. I was so hungry, when we got out of here I defiantly need to feed. We walked threw another door, which lead to more hallways. I heard Zander groan loudly. Apparently he didn't enjoy walking around down here. Finally another door was opened for us and we walked into a large round stone room. There were three chairs spread out evenly around the walls. The three of use stopped in the middle of the room. No one said anything.

Two tall hooded figures walked in the door we had just come from, The Volturi guards bowed there heads, and the two figures took their seats. There was an empty one; I figured it was Caius's. Once they settled everyone's eyes were on me.

"Bella! How beautiful you've become! A siren among sirens!" The figure removed its hood and relived a very old vampire. He still looked about 40, but you could see his age by the way his skin was. Almost transparent, white and fragile. I smiled out of fear.

"This is not the time Aro, she had committed a serious crime!" The other remained hooded. He must be Marcus, I only knew that because if the other was Aro and the third was dead it couldn't anyone else.

"I see you've brought along a few friends, much unfortunate." Aro eyed Edward. When he turned his attention to Rosalie, his face looked shocked.

"Not in my whole life would I have expected to see you here! To what do I owe this pleasure?!" Rose tensed.

"I did not come to see you Aro, I have other business." He looked slightly saddened and then he smiled. The door was opened.

"Of course. Go, take care of your business." Rosalie hesitated for a moment, turning back to look at me and Edward. She smiled quickly and walked out the door.

"Aro…I don't have all day." Marcus sounded annoyed.

"Quite right. Bella dear, you've been brought here today because it has come to our attention that you can no longer control your bloodlust." I opened my mouth to speak but the silent Edward beat me to it.

"She hasn't killed a human in almost half a month." His voice sounded strange, dangerous even. He pushed me behind him. "So that's obviously a lie, Aro" Aro's smile never left his face but his voice changed.

"I believe this is Bella's trial, you're lucky to even be alive Edward." It was fast and crisp, making everyone freeze. Edward just glared back.

"Now, where were we?"

"Punishment!" Carrie piped up; she sounded a little too excited.

"Yes punish- NO! Not yet, we still haven't read to her all her charges. Not only have you recklessly killed humans but you have also attacked a human and let him go. Is this not true?" I thought back to the night I attack the boy from the gang.

"He dissevered it…" I said threw my teeth. I should have just killed him.

"And finally, you almost exposed yourself." I couldn't believe they knew all this. When I got out of here, Zander was going to die.

"But I didn't." It was all I could say.

"All the same, the intent was there." Aro raised his finger to his chin.

"Now for your sentence..." Carrie snickered quietly, I felt Edward squeeze me hand. He snarled. "…death or slave to the great Volturi!" I couldn't believe my ears. I wouldn't be leaving after all? Edward lunged forward, only to be stopped by two guards. He growled loudly.

"No! She will never join! She will not die either!" His heart was being torn, he didn't want this just as much as me.

"Then perhaps you will take her place…in death?" Marcus finally spoke. I snarled loudly, Edward turned and looked at me. Was he seriously contemplating this?

"No…no no no. There has to be something else! Anything, just don't do this to Edward. He has nothing to do with any of this!" No matter what happened Edward would return to his family. Edward shook his head and came over to me. He took me into his arms and pulled me into a tight hug. I looked up and he crushed his lips to mine. Finally a kiss, it was at a horrible time but it was a wonderful thing. He didn't break his grasp on me until Aro spoke again.

"Bella please hurry and decide we are very busy." I closed my eyes and held Edward. No one was going to ruin the moment, if I never saw Edward again then it would end as good as it could. I slowly pushed him away. He looked into my eyes. A confused look on his face.

"Don't Bella, don't do this. Not now. I'd rather die them have any of those things for you. You deserve better! I won't let you stay just so I can live. " I shook my head and put a finger to his mouth.

"I have too, please…please; this is how it has to be." He looked down at me, he knew it was true. There was no other way.

"Say it. Say you love me." My heart ached. He was hurting so much. I wanted to make it better.

"I love you Edward. I love you, I love you, I love you." And I did. It was the truest thing I said in a long time. He smiled under my finger, and exhaled. "I'm sorry it took me so long to say." I smiled up at him, I was about to break down.

"Marry me." I nodded.

"Yes, I'd like that very much. Please understand this is something I have to do. We will be together I promise." He kissed my palm and brought it to his cheek.

"Promise…promise me you won't forget." His words came out shaky. I laughed back my hysteria.

"I promise I won't forget." I took my hand away and turned to the old vampire. He was still awaiting my answer.

"I will join you, But on one condition. Edward leaves and never, ever has to come back. Give me that and I'll be your damn slave." He smiled broadly.

"Great to hear! Edward may leave…and he will never have to come back again. But if he does, you'll both be dead." I nodded, Edward still looked fearful. Before anything else was said, the door to the chamber flew open. There stood Rose, we Emmett's head in her hand. She let out an ear splitting scream.

"NOW BOTH OF YOU! LET'S GO!" It was clearly time for Edward to go. I let go of his hand, he looked from her to me and then back again.

"Go Edward, please before I change my mind." He hesitated and then turned and ran after his sister. Before they disappeared he turned to look at me.

"Forever…" He mouthed and then he was gone. To my surprise none of the guards chased them. I slowly dropped to my knees. Apart for two whole seconds and already I was losing it. But it wasn't over; we would be together again. I promise and he loved me, so we would be together. It just might take a little longer then we both thought.


THE END!!!! Ok so this is the end….or is it? NO! I will defiantly be writing a sequel. Well that is if enough of you want me too! Let me know!! Review review review! please and thank you!