Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. All rights go to Stephanie Meyer.

~Schemes are like fruit;

They require a certain ripening~

Charlie

He sat, head in his hands. Daddy. Her voice echoed in his ears. He didn't know what to do. Where was she? Her surroundings gave nothing away, just darkness. Oh God. He hoped that she wasn't scared, that she wasn't afraid. Her knuckles had been red, like she'd been fighting. And there were purple bags under her eyes, turning a bruising purple.

And the weird thing was that it was her who reached out to him. Perhaps she'd discovered that she was something more than human. But that only put her in more danger. What if she was surrounded by vampires and she got a sensory overload? Or worse, she tries to attack them and they kill her. What'd he do then?

A putrid smell shook him out of his reverie. Glancing around, it wasn't long before his heightened senses picked out the dead body. He cursed, pulling out his phone. "Same? Yeah, gather the pack. I've found something." He cut the call before repeating the same thing to Carlisle. In a matter of minutes, the two groups showed up, wrinkling their noses. Jasper walked forward, bending to inspect the human. He shook his head before looking at Charlie.

"Yeah, his heart was ripped right out." He glanced at Carlisle. Esme sobbed.

"No. no, Edward wouldn't have done this. He…he valued human life." Charlie rounded on her.

"Yeah well he didn't value my daughter's. Nor, evidently, did he value his." He sighed. "I'm gonna call the cops."

"Wait," called Jasper. He was further in the woods now. He sniffed, moving deeper into the foliage. "There were others. A female vampire and human boy." He looked back at everyone. "I've got their scents."

Isabella

I shifted uncomfortably. Sulpicia glanced at me, knife halfway through chopping a tomato. "Is there a problem, Isabella?" I shook my head. She frowned. "Well, come help me chop these fruits." I laughed, rubbing my chest at the pain it caused.

"They're vegetables," I corrected. Grabbing my own knife, I started the therapeutic process of dicing the celery and chopping the bell peppers. I was halfway through my fourth pepper when a frustrated sigh brought me out of reverie. I glanced over at Sulpicia. Her hands were covered in tomato juice, slanted slices of tomato's laying pulvered beside the knife.

"How do you do that?" she asked, frustrated.

"Do what?"

"Get them to cooperate! Every time I try and cut it, it moves! Are they trying to run away?" Her voice rose and I just chuckled.

"You have to hold it steady. Like this." I moved her hands. "Then slice. Slowly." I helped her do it, and a tomato slice fell onto the chopping board, perfectly straight.

"You don't do it slowly," she pouted. I smirked.

"I have been doing it for a long time." I turned back to my own veg, finishing off the pepper, before adding it to the bowl of others.

"You are only eighteen. You couldn't have been cooking for more than six years." I sighed, setting down the knife.

"Not exactly. My mother, Renée, was…well, she was Renée. Carefree. Childlike. She went through boyfriends like a passing phase and I had to ensure that she didn't hurt herself, that she ate, that she paid rent. I budgeted, and I did the shopping. I also cooked. It wasn't that she didn't care…." I trailed off, unsure how to finish. Sulpicia frowned.

"Well it certainly seemed as if she didn't care," she replied haughtily. It was my turn to frown. "She was a mother, not some spoilt teen, yet she didn't act like it. How is that justifiable?"

"Well, she had me very young. And I didn't want to get in the way of her youth-"

"While you were a youth yourself? Isabella, your capacity of compassion is immeasurable, and you are a smart girl. Surely you must see how incompetent your mother was? The only thing that made her your mother was the fact that she gave birth to you." I shook my head.

"No, Renée loved-"

"See! You can't even call her mom! What kind of relationship is that?" I fisted my hands in my hair, shaking my head as I squeezed my eyes shut. Cold hands wrapped around my arms and I was shaken firmly. "You know it is true Isabella. And yes, the truth hurts but opening your eyes to it doesn't change it." I sobbed quietly. "You have seen much, mio angelo, and done even more. But here, with me and my family, you mustn't worry about that. I will take care of you, I promise." I collapsed against her chest, crying. I didn't realise how much the subject of my mother affected me, how much responsibility I still harboured. When Sulpicia took it from me, I felt…lighter.

I stepped back, wiping my tears. "Thank you," I blubbered. She smiled at me.

"I never did get the chance to have children, Bella, and I will not force you to be mine. But I will take care of you like you were my own." Her smile was warm. She suggested I go clean up before my daily session with Caius and reminded me to wear the training outfit she'd bought me yesterday.

I washed my face, and grudgingly, swapping my comfy hoodie and tracksuit bottoms for the tight fitting top and leggings. I pulled on my running sneakers and left. Passing Felix in the hall, I gave him a playful fist-bump, laughing.

I didn't find Caius in the training room as per usual. Instead, Xavier leant against the wall, eyes closed. I scowled. What did I do to deserve him being here? I sighed, and started my stretches.

I felt him looking at me, but made no move to acknowledge his presence. "I can help you stretch if you want?" he sauntered over. "You know, increase you flexibility and all." I said nothing, moving onto my arm stretches. He frowned. "You've been no fun these past few days," he whined, moving into my line of vision. Gritting my teeth, I rolled my shoulders, turning so that I was facing away from him. He moved into my face, whispering lowly in my ear. "What's the matter, love? Cat got your tongue?" He smirked. I looked at him, face blank. Then I punched him.

He went flying, and the satisfaction almost made the throbbing in my hand painless. Almost. Standing, he dusted the wall plaster from his hair.

"What the hell," he growled. This time, I smiled.

"What's the matter, Xavy?" I asked mockingly. "Did the big bad human hurt you?" Growling, he charged, too fast for me to move. I was slammed into the wall. His snarling face was in mine, and I wriggled, dropping before rolling out of the way of another punch. He came fast and mercilessly, alternating between punching, grabbing and kicking. I narrowly escaped each attack, and in comparison to Aro, it was relatively easy.

When I was clear on the other side, having used Xavier's own momentum against him, I glanced around. Still no sign of Caius. I shrugged. Xavier was charging me again, and I couldn't help but notice how he favoured his right side. When he was close enough, I feinted right before rolling left. I hardened my shield, hitting it into his side. He tumbled, off balance. My shield surged with power, and I gasped at the tingly feeling that ran down my spine.

Dropping to my knees, I grasped at head, grunting. I felt the rush of air around me and I knew that more had come. I bit my tongue, tasted the coppery liquid as I tried to hold in my screams. My leg twisted and a surge of pain ran through me. I couldn't keep in my screams this time, couldn't stop the howl that escaped.

"Bella? Bella!" my name was shouted repeatedly and I didn't have the energy to try and recognise whose voice it was. My heart hammered in my chest. I felt cold hands on my arms, and I shook even harder. I shook my head from side to side, face pinched. It wasn't like when James bit me and I almost started to change. No, this was different. It was bone deep, rooted inside my very being. It wasn't a foreign substance wreaking havoc on my body, it was my soul twisting, turning. I screamed again, my back arching. I heard the rush of blood race through my veins, felt the tendons on my arms and legs rip. I felt every single nerve in my mind twist and turn, bending in ways I would have deemed impossible if not for the fact that it was actually happening to me. I tried to move, but it only served to make another wave of pain roll through me. "Domine adiuva me," I whispered, and though I didn't understand it, it made it feel better. Slightly.

"She's speaking latin," muttered a voice. Hand wrapped around me and I felt myself being lifted. The hands burned. I cried out. "Stop!" commanded the voice.

"Diane, Minervae, Venus, dah mihi potestatem, sic non potest vincere hostes." It was a chant that I didn't know but felt…right. Something flowed through me, something other than blood rushing through my veins. Then it was all dark.

My head hurt, my entire body aching. I groaned, trying to sit up. The world spun as I opened my eyes. Scents of all kinds hit me, and I blinked dazed. "Alec," I croaked. I frowned as I sat up fully. I thrashed, twisting. "Alec," I repeated, more panicked. I leapt out of bed, spinning as I took in the room I was in. It was dark, walls painted a deep brown with a scarlet feature wall. The bed had a dark green sheet on it, with what seemed like a thousand pillows on it. The rug beneath my feet was soft. One scent in particular wrapped around me and hung thick in the room. I breathed it in deeply, sighing. It was spicy and musky and made my toes curl. And as much as it calmed me, I was still agitated. I needed something, someone; I needed him.

"Isabella." My name was breathed, a sigh in the air. I spun almost too fast. And there he was. And he didn't look good. His hair was tousled and bags hung under his eyes. Frankly, he looked like crap. Then again, who was I to judge: I probably didn't look much better myself. I went to take a step towards him but stopped. He looked tortured, like he was fighting a battle and losing. Fast.

"You…you don't look too good," I offered lamely. He smiled, walking closer. I backed up.

"I could say the same for you." I chuckled with him. He stopped. I stopped. We stood, perfectly still, not talking, not breathing, not moving. Then something inside of me exploded. I couldn't hold on anymore. I raced towards him and jumped into his arms, not caring that his rock hard body would probably leave bruises on my delicate skin. I clung to him as if I would never see him again. My chest tightened as I curled my fingers in his hair. And I kissed him. And, God, if I didn't die and go to heaven. He was…tasted…felt…

I pulled back for air, gazing into his eyes. He looked at me, and in that look I found everything I was looking for and more. It clicked in my brain that he was mine. Mine to love and hate, to cherish and fight with and make up and mine. I kissed him again. And again. And again. And, at some point, we ended up on the bed, with him hovering above me, gazing at me with these wonderfully intense cherry red eyes.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. He smiled, before kissing the corner of my mouth.

"It's okay. And I'm sorry too. It's just…" he took a deep breath, closing his eyes and he leaned his forehead against mine. "I can't bear the thought of you with another man." I smiled at him. He frowned. "Why are you smiling?"

"You're cute when you're jealous. Kinda hot too," I growled playfully, kissing him. He frowned. I sighed. "Alec, Lucas was just a summer fling. We didn't even kiss. Nothing more, nothing less. I…I'm just worried about him. I want to know what happened, and that he didn't suffer because of me." I looked down at our intertwined fingers. I heard him sigh.

"And I understand that, il mio amore. And I will do everything I can to ensure that your friend is found. I promise." And then he kissed me. Again.

Elsewhere in the castle….

Mandy

I sighed, slumping against the wall. Angela groaned as she helped me to my feet. "Bet Bella doesn't have to do this," she grumbled. I frowned at her, taking a swing of water.

"Actually," piped up a voice. I jumped, turning. There he stood, beefy arms crossed over his broad chest. My heart gave a flutter. He smiled. Crap. I forgot he could hear everything. Guess I'm not having any fun in the shower tonight… "She's got it worse. Five hour training with Master Caius." My eyes widened. Angela faltered, brow creasing.

"Well, we have two hours every day."

"Hers is daily, too." Angela stopped dead, staring at him with her mouth open. I felt like my own eyes were going to bug out of their sockets.

"What?" I shouted. I didn't care. I'm sure that by now everyone knew my voice and temper. Serves them right. They're the ones who wanted to change us. Deal with it. "How is that even physically possible?" He shrugged, pushing off from the wall and coming closer. I gulped. I saw Angela narrow her eyes at me but I ignored her.

"She's going to be part of the guard, Elite one considering everything. She has to be the best of the best…and even better than that. Honestly, that's the standard." He was close now, and I nearly fainted at his musky scent. All man, no boy. Jeez, I needed to get a cold shower before I jumped his bones. And undoubtedly hurt myself. Yeah, time to go. I turned to Angela.

"Shower?" I asked. She gave me the look- you know, the look that tells you that she's onto you and once we're out of earshot, she'll grill you kinda look? Yeah, that look- and nodded.

"Uh huh," she replied. I smiled tensely before moving towards the doors.

"Hey, you think I could join you? So that you don't drop the soap?" He wriggled his brows playfully, but I didn't have a response. No, I was too busy with my jaw on the floor. I'm pretty sure that if this was a cartoon, my tongue would be halfway to China by now. Angela clicked her tongue, turning to him.

"No, but we'll remember your offer if ever the soap holder breaks. Thanks." She threw him a sarcastic smile, took hold of my arm and forced me out of the room. "What the hell was that?" she screamed once we were in the bathroom. I groaned, burying my face in my towel. "Seriously Mandy. You have the hots for Felix? Of all of them, Felix?" Her voice was incredulous.

"I don't know," I groaned. She laughed, and I laughed. We looked at each other. "How are you and Ben?" She turned away, folding her towel before refolding it.

"We…we're on a break." I spluttered.

"What? When did this happen?" she shrugged.

"A few days ago. He said…" she sniffled. "He said that we needed to start distancing ourselves. That if we were going to be separated forever in a year, we need to start now so it doesn't hurt so much." She started sobbing, and instantly I ran over, hugging her. After a while she calmed down. "I guess he's right. But it doesn't hurt any less now. I mean, what if we turned out to be mates? What if this just destroyed our chances of ever loving each other and being with each other? Surely Aro wouldn't separate mates…didn't Bella say something about a law against it?" I sighed.

"I don't know, but we can ask her together." There was silence for a beat. "God, it seems like we haven't seen her in forever. We really need a sleepover. Guess she'd appreciate it after all of that training that she's doing." Angela shivered.

"Yeah. With Caius, no less. The Psychotic One." I giggled at that. And so did she. And for a moment, just a moment, it felt alright.

Upstairs

She smiled, sliding onto her mate's lap. She placed the book he was reading down, kissing him deeply. He purred. "To what do I owe the pleasure, mi amore?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper. She hummed, smiling.

"Can't I kiss my husband without an ulterior motive?" she asked coyly. He smirked at her.

"Of course. But I know you, Pica. What are you up to?" his eyes narrowed at her. She sighed.

"I am up to nothing…" she smirked. "Apart from the fact that I have established a maternal link with Isabella." She smiled. Aro groaned. Marcus looked up from his own book and Caius sighed from his armchair. The three Kings and their mates were convened in their personal common room. Athenodora was draped over her mate, purring in content.

"Sulpicia, you will confuse the poor girl," sighed Marcus. Sulpicia frowned.

"How? Her own mother was lousy at her job. I will simply be stepping in. Besides, it will ensure that once she is turned, she won't even consider running."

"Alec would have already done that," replied Aro. She raised her brow at him.

"Really? And if I were truly unhappy here, you wouldn't take me away? Find a way for me to escape without harming me?" Aro sighed. "Exactly. She has everything and everyone she would ever need here. There will truly no reason for her to want to leave." She smiled in victory, turning her bright eyes to Marcus. The ancient vampire shook his head.

"Her bonds…she loves deeply and wholly. If she views you as her mother, she will be confused on how to think of Aro. Her real father is alive and well, and while she still harbours this knowledge, she will be conflicted on how to think of him. Her behaviour may get increasingly worse, and with her shield and the training she's been receiving from Caius, she could easily escape. We best not push her." His eyes were hard as he looked at the gorgeous blonde. She waved her hand.

"Please. I will simply tell her that her father has died. Aro will be there as a paternal figure. Problem solved." She shrugged. Caius sighed.

"Except from the part where she's recently spoken to him."

"And the fact that she has some kind of psychic bond to him. She'll know you're lying and it will only serve to push her away further. Please, Pica, leaver her out of your devilish schemes," muttered Aro, resuming his reading. Sulpicia frowned, huffing as she left to go to her chambers. She would find a way. Isabella would be hers, and she'd be damned if she let a human come between her and her plans.