Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters. She and the filmmakers have made a fascinating and beautiful trilogy. I wish to borrow her background and add a plot twist of my own.

Chapter 21 – A change of Tactics

Edward's POV

Having to tell Jacob the truth made it all the more definite to me. I laid on my bed wondering how I would pick up my meaningless life. All desires had been taken away when they had taken Bella and now that Victoria and her group were out of the picture my lust for revenge was gone too. I must have laid there for hours when I noticed a knock on my door. "Come in" I said and heard it open.

Carlisle then put his head around the door and asked "How are you holding out?"

"I just told Jacob" I sighed.

"I know". He said as he sat down beside me "When he came downstairs I saw the pain in his eyes so I had the idea that he had been informed. He and Sam just left a little while ago".

"I'm sorry Carlisle it wasn't my intention to tell him but he was eavesdropping on my conversation with Rose. Once he had heard he couldn't leave without knowing all of it." After a moment of hesitation I added "I really can't blame him, I would have done the same".

Before I was allowed to continue Carlisle signaled me and began "I just spoke to Caius he stresses that you and Alice bring Victoria's head to them".

I was amazed "What? Why does Caius want me and Alice? Aro made it clear that we were not allowed to go back to Italy in the near future. Do you think that this is some kind of trick, to lore us into their coven? I know they want us to join so they can use our gifts, I could read it in Aro's mind".

Carlisle looked a bit distressed as he answered "That may be true but it was Caius who called me back; he usually lets Aro make the decisions. To tell you the truth I was amazed that Caius of all people made this specific request".

"Could it have something to do with Bella?" I inquired

"It's the only thing I can think of".

"When do we leave?" I readily asked hoping beyond hope that I had been given a reprieve.

My father looked at me, sadness filling his eyes "Edward she has been bonded so she can never belong to anyone but Caius; he is in her blood. Please, I don't want you to be hurt more than you already have been"

"But why has he called for us?" I said stubbornly

"I don't know; I really don't. We will just have to wait and find out. Anyway Alice has already been told and Jasper will be accompanying you both. "

"He can't" I said fearing for his future "We don't want Aro's to know about Jasper's gift.

"We can't stop him" he said his voice uneasy "He won't let Alice go without him and Alice has been 'requested' to go".

Caius's POV

I hated to admit it but knew Athenodora was right, I could use all the allies I could get and it was essential that the loyalty of my mate be secured. That and the fact that I longed to have Isabella, body and soul in my bed, helped me make my decision. I called Carlisle and told him that I required evidence of the rogue's demise and that both of his children were to deliver it personally to me. After that I went into the library to see Isabella.

When I entered she looked up in anticipation but when she saw my face she put on her mask of indifference. I tried to ignore it and walked up to her seating myself next to her.

"Isabella, are you expecting someone?" I probed

"No! Who would I want to see?" Her voice was passive.

"I understood that you and Athenodora had a pleasant afternoon discussing your lives with one another." I prodded.

"Were you eavesdropping or did Athenodora tell you this?" my temperamental vixen asked.

A flash of anger crossed my face and I saw her prepare herself for the worse but I was able to control my temper and decided on another tactic.

"Was her discussion disturbing?" I asked and then added "If so I will have words with her".

That seemed to hit a nerve because she immediately looked up and said "I did not say that it was disturbing! Actually it was strange to have someone to talk to".

"So you did like her company? I inquired

Still on her guard she answered "Yes, I must admit it was refreshing"

I then looked at her face and said "Edward and Alice Cullen have succeeded in destroying the rogue Victoria and will bring proof of that tomorrow. They will be coming to staying with us for a while".

Instead of joy I saw fear in her eyes as she said "Why, what are you planning to do with them. You promised you would spare my friends!"

I looked at her and smirked "It is not my intention to harm them; I just thought to please you".

She looked suspicious as she said "Why the sudden change of heart?"

Knowing how to manipulate her I said "Don't worry my love, if you do not wish to see them I will call Carlisle back instantly" and stood up walking towards the door.

"No" she shouted and I stood still "Please, I do wish to see them! I am only afraid for them; will you promise their safety?" she implored.

I turned and looked at my beauty "As I said, it is not my intention to harm them". I walked towards her and looking deep into her eyes saw her hunger. Slowly holding out my hand I said "All these emotions have taken its toll; it is time for you to feed Isabella, you must keep up your strength".

She smirked at me saying "I will do that later, I have no need for that now".

"Oh yes my love I can see the hunger in your eyes, do not be stubborn. Newborns need to feed regularly, the younger the vampire the stronger the need. You must be parched! She tried to pull away but I held her hand possessively and lifted her out of the chair.

When she stood I wrapped my arms around her and nuzzled her neck. After that I released her and put my arm around her waist leading her towards her room where the men had been tied up.

As soon as she smelled the blood pumping through their veins my beautiful warrior walked towards the men, her thoughts focused on one thing only. As she began to drink her motions were that of a lioness, I marveled at how erotic her movements were and it heightened my senses. This was the best moment to enjoy her bountiful delights. When she was finished I walked up behind her and let my hands rove over her body enjoying her deep moans as she pressed her back against my chest, famished for sex. She then turned and pulled my top over my head her mouth burning kisses on my chest eventually licking my nipple and then nicking it with her fang. I snarled my approval, all reasoning gone as I picked up my mate straddling her across my waist. Smelling her arousal I went into a frenzy as my need to possess her became an all-consuming fire. I ripped her panties and backed her up against the wall my lust screaming for release while I felt her nails clawing my back. I roared as my shaft plunged into her, filling her completely. She snarled in response leaning towards the wall and tipping her hips to give me full access. I was beyond any form of restraint as I pounded into her over and over again and when I bit in her neck I felt her walls contract as she screamed her release taking me over the edge and into the abyss.

Alice's POV

Here we were going back to the deadliest place for a vampire; summoned by none other than Caius. I tried to talk Jasper out of coming with me but he was determined to join us.

I was glad we could finally visit Bella. The Bella I had betrayed by bringing her to the Volturi and leaving her there. I would never forgive myself I had lost my most cherished sister to Caius and of all the vampires in the world; he had proven himself the most deadly.

Watching Edward I saw the pain etched in his face and knew that he was worried about what he would find. As mate to Caius, the Bella we knew and loved had probably changed. It would be impossible not to! Unlike the gifted Marcus and Aro, Caius had gained his throne by his viciousness; it was that which had attracted Aro. I had heard of his cruelty and lust for blood and although I had only seen him once the memory of his face still haunted me.

When we arrived at the home of the Volturi we were met by Demitri and he walked us to the west wing of the castle. I felt like a deer being led into the lion's den and I felt Jasper grasp my hand using his gift to calm me down. While we walked I saw a woman gracefully walking towards us; the same woman I had seen behind Caius's throne the day Bella was taken. Now that my mind was not in overload I was able to examine her and wondered if this might be his former wife. She was beautiful but was totally different than Bella; she had long blond hair and reminded me of a Barbie doll. Her facial features were small and delicate but her body was full and well proportioned.

She walked up to us with a smile and said "I am so glad to meet you all, my name is Athenodora. I am sorry but Caius is momentarily unavailable so I have taken it upon myself to welcome you to our home. She then looked at us as we introduced ourselves bowing our heads respectfully and as we did she nodded her head to each of us in response. When she saw Edward searching the corridors behind her she said "I'm sorry Isabella is incapacitated at the moment but will soon be coming to greet you" and with this she turned and motioned us to follow. "I have given you rooms not far from Isabella but not in her corridor as Caius is viciously protective of his new mate"

After about ten minutes she brought us to a door saying "Edward, I hope this will be to your liking" as she opened the door to a large room allowing him to pass "Please make yourself at home I will be back when Bella is ready to meet you" and with this note we left our brother.

After closing the door she turned towards us and motioned us to the next door saying "I hadn't expected Mr. Whitlock to accompany you so the color arrangements might not be to your liking". She then opened the door and entered the room and signaled us to follow. The room was large and beautifully done in a peach color hue. "Please make yourself at home I will come for you when I pick up Edward" she said

As she was about to turn Jasper asked "Thank you very much for your kindness but may I ask you a question?"

"Well of course Mr. Whitlock but I don't know if I can answer"

"Has Bella been transformed?"

"Yes she has. Caius changed her a few days ago"

"How has she adjusted to the change?"

She looked him in the eye and said "She is a strange newborn her mind has not suffered because of the transformation and her body has adjusted beautifully"

"May we go to our brother and tell him this?" I asked "It is also a primary question that weighs heavy on his mind and I know he will be relieved to hear this."

She looked at us measuring our honesty and said "You are allowed to go to his room but please go no further as the halls are heavily guarded" then she turned to exit the room.

When she was at the door she suddenly turned and said "Mr. Whitlock I would caution you not to use your powers while in the Castle it could be hazardous to let anyone know of them" with this she left.

Both Jasper and I were stunned by her warning.