A/N: So so sorry for the delay. Real life hasn't given me much free time lately. I hope it flows okay...I wrote it in fits and starts.

Chapter 21

EPOV

Finally, I was allowed to be alone. And not just in my cell. I was granted freedom from the dungeon when Aro and Caius got the better of me. I let them think that they had won, so they did not fear any further reprisals from me. Satisfied that I would bow to them, they had given me the dark grey robe that signified my elevated rank in the Guard, and set me on my way to explore the grounds of my new home. Aro was confident that I would do nothing to sabotage them - he would see everything the next time he touched me anyway.

For my whole existence, I'd always been alone. I was used to loneliness, though I didn't enjoy it. I was an only child as a human, and had no mate for over a century as a vampire. Even with Bella, I couldn't really be myself - I always had to play the role of the knight in shining armor (quite literally). Finally, with Jacob, I was able to share who I really am with someone who accepted me fully. And now, that was gone. How cruel fate was, to give me a taste of the freedom and companionship I longed for, only to take it from me and throw me head first into this. So now, I was alone again, without even my family for support. Everyone here was against me because I was Aro's new "pet" and thus, rose through the ranks of the Guard before others who had worked hard to gain the triad's respect. Little did they know, I was by no means respected.

The only escape I could find from the bombardment of cruel thoughts and scornful eyes was in the library. It was immense, filled with more books than I could have dreamed of. It was also mainly abandoned, as any Volturi that enjoyed reading had already combed over the shelves multiple times. It was the perfect sanctuary for me - I wouldn't be disturbed, and I had plenty to distract me here. Also, the room was devoid of mirrors, so I could pretend that my eyes were still amber - not the crimson shade that reminded me of my failure. The library ensured that I was hidden from Caius too - he was not very interested in literature. I wasn't ready to face him yet, but I couldn't hide from him forever. They expected me to aid them in judgements now. One victim would arrive at the Hall shortly and I would be forced to condemn the vampire. All it wold take was Aro's hand upon my arm. I shuddered to think that I would be reduced to being a grim reaper of sorts.

I tried to lose myself in some classic novels. Unfortunately, the books weren't doing much good in the distraction department. My mind kept turning back to Jacob, remembering with perfect recall our one and only mating. It wasn't my first sexual experience - I'd been with Bella before him. While she was human, I couldn't really lose myself in the act for fear of crushing her, and when she was changed, it was wonderful, but she was just as cold and dead as I was. With Jacob it was different. I'd felt more alive than I ever had before. It was as though his heat penetrated my icy skin, making every long-dead nerve sizzle. The rush of blood pumping through him, his rapid heartbeat against my chest, made me feel like my own dead heart was beating too. It was just more. Nothing else could be comparable. I missed him terribly. I longed to feel that way again.

It disgusted me that Aro was privy to my intimate experience. I felt violated that he knew everything. He saw the whole scene, and knew how I felt about it. It was so invasive, and I resented him for it. I found some solace in the fact that I knew his dark secrets though. He had murdered his own sister - I'd seen it clear as day in his mind when his recollections slipped through in my presence. He'd slain her for his own gain - to keep Marcus from leaving Volterra and weakening his plans for domination of our kind. Aro would stop at nothing in the name of ultimate power, and he planned to use Marcus to do the same to me. I vowed to reveal Aro at some point in the future, when it would benefit me the most.

My musings were interrupted as I sensed Marcus' mind approaching the library. He had been sent to convince me to mercifully murder my mate, should he ever decide to try rescuing me, so that Caius would not have a chance to torture him. Of course, I already knew what Marcus was sent for - Aro was good at masking his thoughts from me, but the others were not. They simply didn't know the extent of my ability, and only tended to block me when I was in the same room. They had no idea that I could hear their thoughts from across the castle and beyond. As Marcus thought of his dark purpose for visiting me, I struggled to control my anger. I had to pretend to acquiesce - I repeated this to myself over and over, making it my mantra.

But then, Marcus' thoughts shifted. He couldn't find it within himself to follow through on Aro's plan. Marcus felt a kinship with me. The ancient being could sense relationship bonds, and the strength of my connection with Jacob reminded him of his own with his departed wife. Marcus could not bring himself to condemn another to the life he led - which was not a life at all, but an eternity filled with emptiness. No, he would not attempt to brainwash me into killing my own mate. He wanted to help me. Marcus was on my side.

I set my unread book down as Marcus opened the door and glided into the library. I smiled slightly, a signal that I had heard his sentiments of kinship and his decision to help me.

"Thank you, Marcus."

So different from Aro's talent.

Marcus smiled despite himself as he realized that I had heard everything. It was strange to see him show any sign of humanity - his face was usually as blank as a fresh piece of paper.

I suppose we do not need to speak of the main reason for my visit to you? I shook my head no. "Then let us go to the Hall. A defector awaits judgement there. It will be your first trial."

I stiffened, dreading this new duty of mine. I would stand next to Aro, and he would touch me somewhere inconspicuous, listening to the victim's thoughts via my own. But I feared he would know Marcus had not followed through on their plan for me. Marcus was watching me curiously, so I voiced my concern.

"Won't he know what you were thinking?"

Marcus was nonplussed. "No, he will be focused on the thoughts of the defector. Of that, I am confident. He has no cause to distrust me." A small, wry smile played across his thin lips. "I've never failed him before."

I smiled back and nodded, rising to follow him to the Hall to perform for Aro. I hoped Marcus was right - I didn't want to cause trouble for him, especially when I knew what Aro was truly capable of. After all, he had no problem murdering his own sister to secure his "friend's" loyalty. But Marcus didn't know that, and he wasn't worried.

One day, I would return this favor. Marcus was putting himself on the line for me and I promised myself that he would learn the truth behind his mate's demise. But first, I needed to focus on my own situation. I needed to make sure my mate would never fall to danger - even if it meant never seeing him again.

JakePOV

During the 12 hour plane ride, I vomited three times. I had no idea I was subject to air-sickness. There wasn't even any turbulence. The flying was fucking miserable for me. I cursed my bad luck as I heaved in the tiny restroom that barely had room for me to kneel. When Silvia and I finally arrived at the youth hostel, I was exhausted, and I couldn't wait to lay down on the dingy-looking twin bed.

My feet flopped over the end - I was way too big for this bed. Staring at the ceiling, I thought about my puking episodes on the airplane and what might have influenced them. I kept feeling emotions that weren't mine - Edward's emotions. Some were stronger than others, and they ran the gamut - all except for happiness and comfort. Edward never felt those emotions, and it pained me to think of what my mate might be going through.

The most consistent feeling I got from Edward was hopelessness. He thought he was stuck there and that he would have to accept it. He didn't believe I would save him. I guess he thought I wouldn't care enough to get my mate back? He's my imprint, and he can read my mind! He should have no doubt that I would come to rescue him.

I shut my eyes tightly to cut off that train of thought. It wasn't helping me. I focused instead on my recent memories of Edward. Him getting all excited watching The Amazing Race. Him celebrating beating Emmett in a footrace. Him and Alice playing chess. Him fighting the impostor Rosalie to defend my honor. The reason he was defending my honor...

That familiar heat rushed to my groin. I stifled a groan as my rapidly stiffening cock pressed firmly against the zipper of my jeans. Fuck. I wished I wasn't laying out here in the open in this godforsaken hostel. I wished I was with Edward again - like that.

Biting my lip, I bent one leg at the knee in an effort to hide my problem from any onlookers and continued to daydream about my mate. So youthful and beautiful. His face looked so angelic, so innocent. But it was an illusion - he knew how to fuck. I thought back to that day, three nights ago now, that he took my virginity. The cheesy but romantic set up in the cottage. Those ice cold expert hands massaging the tight muscles in my back. His lips pressed to mine, our bodies flush, grinding against each other. His mouth on my cock, his cock - piercing me, filling me. My cock strained against the barrier of my jeans and I felt a small drop of liquid escape, dampening my briefs slightly.

Abruptly, I opened my eyes again, and shook my head to clear thoughts were not helping me right now - I was seriously distracting myself. I wasn't going to get any more of Edward anyway if I didn't come up with a plan before we got to Volterra. It wouldn't be long before the tour bus arrived. What were the Cullens doing? Maybe they would get there before I could. No - I had to be the one to save him. I wanted him to see just how much I can't bear to live without him.

After some deliberation, I discovered I really couldn't form a plan. I had no idea what I was walking into. I'd seen the powers that those vampires who captured Edward had. I mean, they were able to capture a mind reader - there's no telling what kinds of abilities the other vampires in the coven possessed. And on top of that, one of the main guys hates wolves!

Out of nowhere, the ceiling started to spin and I promptly puked in the little waste bin that was (thankfully) right next to the bedside.

Shit. What the fuck is wrong with me? I'm supposed to be an Alpha wolf, and here I am puking from nerves! And I have NO plan. I couldn't feel like a more worthless mate.

"Geez, Jacob," Silvia was suddenly beside me. "Are you okay?"

"Sure, sure. Maybe it was the airplane food. I feel fine now."

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood to face her, forcing my queasiness to the back of my mind. She held out a ticket for the bus, which I took from her gratefully.

She smiled brightly, excited for our little adventure. "Time to go!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The moment our tour guide climbed onto the crowded bus, my nose was overwhelmed by a familiar sickly sweet scent. The bus was dim, but I noticed she did not remove her sunglasses. She wore a flowing, ankle-length dress, three-quarter gloves and a wide-brimmed hat. I had no doubt that the strikingly beautiful woman was a vampire. What was she doing on a bus full of humans? Was she like the Cullens? I seem to remember that vampires like the ones I knew were extremely rare.

Silvia sucked in a sharp breath as she took in the sight of the immortal woman. "Whoa, she is gorgeous." I nodded my agreement, never taking my eyes off the vampire.

The female smiled wide and addressed the group with a strange cheeriness that felt somehow sinister to me. Her Italian accent was thick, but her tone was lyrical. "Welcome, friends. My name is Heidi, and I'll be leading your group today. I'm so happy you all will be joining us for our tour of the ancient castle of Volterra. We will be there in a little less than two hours, so sit back, relax," she gestured towards the windows, "and enjoy the scenic vistas."

The rest of the humans applauded as the engine roared to life and Heidi sat down in the front seat. I couldn't believe it. This bitch was a vampire and she was going to lead me straight to Edward. I smiled to myself. This was almost too easy!

Suddenly, the vampire turned in her seat and looked directly at me. I made eye contact and smiled. I noticed that her cheeks didn't reach her eyes when she smiled back politely. Turning back in her seat now that she had been caught staring, I saw Heidi's nose crinkle. So, she could smell that I was different. But I look human and that confused her. Heidi was suspicious, but she seemed to push that uneasy feeling aside and let herself believe I was just another tourist.

The bus pulled out of the lot and I settled in for the two hour drive. Time that would be spent taking in the "scenic vistas", and steeling myself for what was to come.

A/N: I don't have another chapter written, so I can't do a teaser this time - but please review all the same :) This story is nearing the end now...only a few more chapters to go.