This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. This is an adult version of twilight and will have lemons and violence (after all it revolves around vampires) so you have been warned! Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.
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Chapter 21 - Save your strength for things that you can change*
Jacob tells Charlie the truth
He was still struggling with himself; he couldn't imagine how Charlie would face the truth. Having made the trip to Europe and seeing Bells might help. But Jacob still felt like a pawn in a very bad chess game; after all he was the one forced to confront Charlie with the Volturi and what they were. Maybe Edward was right; after what Charlie had seen he might be more open to the story Jake was about to tell them.
"Who am I kidding; I had to change into a wolf before I believed anything" he mumbled while kicking a pebble across the road. His spirits were low as he opened the door but he was determined to have this discussion; after all these years Charlie deserved the truth.
Upon entering the office he noticed that Charlie was alone and talking to someone on the phone. Spotting Jake's entrance he swiftly put his hand over the receiver and with his other he ushered Jake inside saying "I'll be with you in a minute". Then turning his attention back to the caller he promptly said "He John, I just got a visitor; I'll call you back".
Charlie put down the phone and when he looked up Jacob saw hope written in his eyes as he asked "do you know something?"
"Yes" Jacob reluctantly informed him knowing that this truth wasn't what Charlie was hoping to hear.
"I'll call Sue!" Charlie said as his hand travelled back to the telephone.
Jake came closer and putting his hand on Charlie's he whispered "Don't bother; what I have to tell you is a secret and must never leave this room. Telling anyone else will put them in extreme danger". Then nodding his head towards the office in the back Jacob asked "Can we go to the back and continue our discussion there?"
"Yeah, right!" Charlie said disappointment in his tenor as he realized that this might not be the explanation he wanted to hear. "Back there we can keep our eyes on any visitors through the glass but still keep our privacy".
Charlie walked to the back followed by Jacob, he then opened the door to the back office and ushered Jacob through; following Jake he shut the door. Realizing that the conversation had to be shrouded in secrecy he adjusted the tone of his voice asking "Carlisle once said Edward was involved in the Mafia; She is not involved with them, is she?"
"No, I wish it were that simple" Jacob mumbled as he motioned towards the chair, a silent request to sit in the chair across from him.
Hearing this Charlie's eyes impaled Jake's with a perplexed expression as he asked "Simple? What do you mean simple! Who the hell could easily overshadow the Mafia?"
Jacob, although nervous tried to stay calm as he said "Look Charlie, what I am about say to you demands an open mind; it is incomprehensible that things like this even exist".
Frustrated by Jacob's hesitation he moaned "Just spit it out".
Jake looked around the room as if he was searching for the words that were constantly eluding him and then he began "You have to listen to everything; once I'm finished you can ask whatever you want and I'll answer as much as I can".
"Ok, Ok" Charlie said impatiently while he motioned with his hands for Jacob to continue.
After that Jacob began to relay the story from the moment Edward and Belle met until Bella's acceptance of Caius as her mate.
When he finally ended his story there was a deadly silence in the room.
Looking at Charlie's grey pallor Jacob retorted "Say something Charlie; how are you doing with this? Can I get you something to drink?"
Staring into space Charlie mechanically spoke "If I hadn't seen her and the way she reacted towards me I wouldn't have believed you." Then the turned and looked at Jacob and snapped "Why are you telling me this now? Why wasn't I told earlier; I've been in a private hell for the last six years thinking she is dead".
"Didn't you hear a word I said?" Jacob countered "She is dead; her heart stopped six years ago. She is now a creature that is forced to live in secrecy and because she was a mate to one of the kings; she is part of the most powerful royal family walking the earth".
"Secrecy? If they want to conceal themselves why was I taken to see her?" he asked his face showing his confusion.
Jacob, after a moment's hesitation explained "We think they are using you to blackmail her".
"Do you mean that Aro Scoperto is blackmailing my Bell's?" Charlie said, a frown creasing his face.
"As I said, we think so"
"Who is this Aro character anyway?" Charlie continued
"One of the three kings of the Vamp coven in Italy; he has always coveted the idea of adding Bells to his guard, after all she has a strong gift".
Perplexed by this information Charlie asked "What kind of gift does Bells have?"
"She can block others from getting into her mind; something we believe she has inherited from you. According to the note you gave us we believe that is what she was trying to tell you". Jacob said as he took the letter out of his pocket and gave it back to Charlie.
Charlie was silent for a moment and Jake realized how difficult it must be for him to know the truth.
After a long pause he asked "Who are us?"
"Edward and I" Jake explained
"Edward Cullen?"
"Yes"
"Is he still around?"
"We are working together; Bells believes her mate is still alive and asked Edward to search and I'm helping him but now things are getting more dangerous".
"How so?"
"Well" Jacob began "Not only has Bells been taken but also Alice and Jasper Cullen and now you as well".
"I don't understand any of this; what is their purpose?"
"We don't exactly know! All we do know is that although he has a very powerful gift himself he seems to covet Bella's gift as he knows it can make him immune to the gifts of others".
"What the hell gift does he have?" Charlie enquired his eyes rolling from all this strange information.
"He can read minds" Jacob explained "Not only can he read minds; with one touch of his hand he can see your whole life".
Jacob saw Charlie regurgitate the information and then he lifted his head saying "That's what that strange handshake was all about and that explains why Bells was never alone with me after that".
After a moment of thinking things trough Charlie looked into Jacob's eyes and asked "So what happens now?"
Jacob shook his head and explained "We are powerless until we find Caius".
Charlie speared his eyes and retorted "But we can't just let Bells down".
"We have no choice" Jacob sarcastically chuckled "Aro was born around 1100 BC and is the one who together with his brother-in-law built the coven. He is a royal of the vampires which means he has power beyond our wildest dreams. The only one that can change the situation is Caius; to go against Aro now is suicide for a human, hell it is even suicide for a vampire! You must think of your family and Bells".
"But I am thinking of Bells" Charlie retorted.
"No you're not!" Jacob snapped "Bella asked us to keep you safe that was her last request; now if you or anyone in your family dies it would destroy her last hope. You see; you are being followed daily".
"What?" Charlie retorted unbelief clearly written in his eyes.
Jake quietly clarified "Remember that evening a couple of days ago that Seth sensed the danger. That has a reason; some of the Quileutetribe has the gift of perceiving the presence of these creatures".
"I don't understand; why would anyone follow me?" Charlie grumbled
"We think that Aro wants to insure himself that you have no knowledge of their society. When you were alone with Bella she was able to talk to you and Aro couldn't read your thoughts so he isn't sure how much you know. He will want to watch you for a time until he is sure she hasn't disclosed their secrets".
Looking at Charlie's desperate face he sadly added "If you were to behave suspiciously, in any way, your life and the lives of those around you, including the members of the Quileute tribe won't be worth living".
Charlie covered his face with both hands and let out a long sigh "So I have to sit here on my thumbs and try to forget what I have seen or heard"
Jacob cursed the fact, for the umpteenth time, that he was the one to tell Charlie that his only daughter, the apple of his eye couldn't be helped and found himself apologizing for a situation he had no part in "Please understand we are doing our best. The Cullens; their Denali cousins and Sienna and I"
Slowly dragging his hands from his face Charlie looked up at Jacob asking "Why the hell did you get involved with them?"
"It began with my affection for Bells" he said smiling as his thoughts went back to those carefree days. Then falling back to earth he added "After that it was because they helped my tribe out when we were threatened by some of those creatures".
"What do you mean threatened?"
"The Tribe is different; like I said some of us can feel their presence but that is another story". Jacob then sighed feeling drained by this conversation "I think you have more than enough to chew on for a while. Anyway I got to go".
Jake had his hand on the doorknob and was about to leave when Charlie's voice stopped him.
"Hey Jake!"
"Yeah ?"
"I want to talk to Edward Cullen; can you tell him that?" Charlie asked
"OK, but I think that will take a while; we have to wait until you and your family are no longer under surveillance. I'm sorry, but otherwise it will be too dangerous for all of us".
"Ok; how long do you think that will take?"
"For vampires; time is endless. But you can call I have written his number on the back of Bella's note. Please be careful and use an untraceable cell phone for all our sakes. As far as being able to detect their presence; Seth will be able to identify them".
He then turned to leave for a second time but again was stopped by Charlie as he said "And another thing Jake"
"Yeah Charlie".
"Thanks for telling me. Not that I'm happy with the news but at least I'm not drowning in ignorance anymore".
Jacob turned his head to look at Charlie and said "To tell you the truth, I wish you had gotten you out of Europe before you saw her. You were starting to enjoy life again and I know Bella wanted that but when Aro brought you into this there was no way to get around it. If I could; I would have kept you oblivious to everything".
With that said Jacob opened the door leaving Charlie alone with his thoughts.
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Bella and Aro must return to Volterra
Bella was lying in bed as Aro rolled off her body purring like a cat that had just lapped up a bowl of cream. Both extremely exhausted by their last few hours together as Aro's hunger seemed to be insatiable. She had accepted Aro as her new mate; she didn't have much of a choice knowing that not doing so would have far-reaching consequences for all those she loved.
She and Aro had stayed in Greece for two weeks and because he couldn't enter her mind he had taken full control over her life, body and gift.
Their sex had become as it was with Caius. Aro was extremely dominant, in some ways more than Caius; as he had been emotionally bonded with her as well. However having been bedded by Caius she knew the routine and quickly was able to please Aro's most carnal desires. These last two weeks had been Utopia for Aro; although she could not love Aro her body was willing and able to do it with expert skills.
He slowly came down from his high and wrapped his arm around her waist as his leg possessively crossed hers. "Isabella my love, with your talent you would put a whore to shame; it seems that my brother taught you well".
She gave him the smile he expected and mentally cringing by the thought of her loss.
As they lay there Aro's cell phone began to produce a soft melody. Aro moaned his displeasure and turned over to grab it off the bedside table. Bella was about to leave the bed when he hissed his disapproval so she remained. He then clicked the phone saying "Aro" listening to the caller as his free hand played with her breast seemingly mesmerized by it. He then said "we will be coming back today" and hung up.
He sighed and looking into Bella's eyes while his hand continued to roam he said "Isabella my dear you are enticing and it seems almost impossible for me to get enough of you, however duty calls and we must go back". Bella was grateful with the news knowing that once Aro was back in the Volturi coven he would have less time for her. The last two weeks had been intense both physically and mentally.
"This will mean telling the coven of our new union" he said as his eyes held hers. Bella became uncomfortable and gradually tried to look away. Aro then held her chin in his hand and said "you will of course conduct yourself in the appropriate manner" he warned "after all the life of your father and others depend on it".
"But how? If I am to show the same devotion to you as I had for Caius they will quickly assume there is something wrong" she answered as he pulled her closer to his side.
Their heads were close together and Aro's eyes pierced hers as he uttered "There will be no need for that; we will announce that we have chosen each other for reasons of practicality. You will openly declare your support to the coven by binding yourself to me as my mate and you will fiercely defend our bond. I think that will do for now".
Aro quickly ordered the plane and when Bella started to gather her clothes he said "Leave those things I will instruct Heidi to buy you new ones; something more, let us say…inspiring. I will not have you walking around in office attire.
She boarded the plane and sat next to Aro he smiled as he placed his hand on hers and she accepted knowing that this would be her future position.
As the plane left the runway Bella looked past Aro and towards the mansion realizing how important it had been in her immortal life. With Caius her bonds of slavery had dissolved when they came here whereas with Aro, new bonds had been fused into place; bonds that would hold her as long as Aro wished it.
"You have surprized and pleased me my love and therefore I know this will be a good union; after all you can morn the dead but not live with them". Aro said as he brought her hand to his mouth and planted a light kiss on her knuckles.
She tried to ignore the pain that the words caused her as he continued to talk. "I will arrange to have your things moved to my apartments".
Bella was about to object but decided against it; logic telling her that discretion is the better part of valor.
In the meanwhile she tried to take some down time as Aro had pulled out his phone to make the necessary arrangements with Jane.
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Announcing their union to Marcus
Arriving that evening they were met by Jane who lovingly smiled at Aro and simply nodded at her; she then bowed her head at the couple.
Aro held on to Bella's hand and looking back at Jane he asked "Does anyone else know of our bond?"
She gracefully inclined her head to the right saying "I have been very discreet just as you asked Master Aro".
"Then my love" Aro's seductive smilegrew and he turned to look at Bella with a darkly amused gaze he cooed "it's time we spoke to Marcus and tell him of our blissful union; after all your welfare is of the utmost importance to him". He courteously held out his hand and there was a nanosecond of silence as he watched her slowly put her delicate hand in his; as if assessing her actions. Once they touched he gave her hand a gentle squeeze and led her towards Marcus's part of the castle.
It seemed that he was even more restricting towards her that anyone else. Having shared his company the last few weeks she had become well aware of this and assumed it had to do with the fact that he could not read her thoughts. After a long walk through the various corridors they came up to Marcus's quarters.
In the short time that Bella had shared and intimate relationship with Aro she quickly learned the necessity of reading Aro's erratic mood changes by perceiving the different nuances of his body language. Upon seeing the piercing look he gave her she knew, without the use of words that he was warning her to behave as he said "come my love".
Planting a smile on her face she walked at Aro's side. Every step towards Marcus's quarters brought her closer to a concrete bondage with Aro which caused her feet her falter. Aro would then squeeze her hand as warning and pull her along; her heart was heavy but her body instantly obeyed.
Once they arrived at Marcus's library door Aro turned towards her, a smile playing on his lips as he let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. Turning towards the door his smile reverted into a determined look as he knocked.
Inside the chamber Marcus quickly stood up to greet them "My dears, you have arrived! I am so happy to see you both" he gave Isabella a light kiss on her cheek he motioned them to sit.
"You look tired my dear, I thought you would be more rested after your stay in Greece"
"Actually I must say I am at fault" Aro said looking at Bella with affection "you see while staying at our mansion in Greece we became very attached actually Isabella has honoured me by accepting me as her new mate"
Marcus was stunned by this new information and looked at Bella with compassion in his eyes while at the same time his mind was searching for some explanation.
Bella wanted to tell Marcus everything but doing so would bring Charlie under the scrutiny of the Volturi. Knowing Marcus was a devout believer of their secrecy she was afraid that although he cared for her, he would have no problem ordering Charlie's death. She therefore smiled as she turned her head towards Aro saying "Aro is right; by binding myself to him I will openly declare my support to the coven".
"But Isabella" Caius said looking confused by her statement asked "must I remind you how you have been complaining about Aro since you came back here. How can you change your opinion in such a short time?"
With both Aro's and Marcus's eyes boring through her she stood strait and pleaded her case saying "I have lost Caius; everything points in that direction. I have been a fool in believing otherwise and now comprehend that by doing so I have brought disorder to the coven".
Marcus was about to protest when she held up her hand imploring him to remain quiet and allow her to continue "As everyone knows, Caius was always devoted to the Volturi coven and would want me to support it now that he no longer can. To do so, I have taken Aro as my mate and together we hope to bring the Volturi coven back to its former strength".
Both brothers were silent for the first few minutes after Bella's declaration and then Marcus said "you seem to be quite animate and your words have a ring of logic; I wish however that I had Aro's gift so that I could see the emotions behind your words"
Aro looked at his brother and shrewdly smiled saying "Have you forgotten, my gift does not work on her"
Marcus had no choice but to accept Bella's words at face value and turning to Aro he beamed "I feel I must congratulate you with your new mate; if it were not for Didyme I would have pursued her myself"
Aro laughed and looked appreciatively towards Bella as he replied "I am very grateful that she has accepted my offer"
"When will you announce it to the coven?" Marcus asked.
"Bella wishes to wait one more month so that she will be mentally prepared" Aro explained as he wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a small kiss of affection on her cheek. He then turned his head towards Marcus as he added "She will be staying in my apartments until then".
Leaving Marcus's office Aro walked her towards his apartments whispering "An excellent speech my dear; I knew you could do it. Now it is time for you to settle into your new living quarters".
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Demetri comes back to Volterra and finds out about the bond between Aro and Bella
When Demetri came back he was surprised to hear that Aro had gone to their Grecian mansion and taken Bella with him.
The next few days he contacted his friends and quickly heard their praise concerning Bella's ability to transport the secretarial and financial administration of the Volturi coven to the 21st century. Smiling at the thought of her capabilities he decided he would pick up her language lessons as soon as his work would allow it. He had never realized how much he had enjoyed their lessons until that moment.
A couple of weeks after Demetri's arrival Aro came back and quickly summoned him to come to his office.
Smiling down from his throne he Aro said "So Demetri, it is good to have you back"
Demetri bowed his head saying "It is good to be back, Master Aro"
"How was your stay with the Olympic coven?" Aro inquired as he saw the coven in his mind's eye.
Demetri smiled saying "It went very well actually; the Cullens were very hospitable once they no longer felt intimidated by having a Volturi member of the guard visit".
"How was your search for my brother, Caius? Did you find anything at all?" Aro asked as his eyes fixed on his guard.
"Not in Alaska! We were about to go out of the Alaskan territory and move our search to more southern areas when you called" Demetri explained and then went on to explain " I understood, from your call that our coven was having problems with the Romanian coven but haven't heard a thing about it from the others".
"Actually I wished to have you back here" Aro admitted as he leaned back into the throne "You see if you stay away for too long there is a chance that they will try our defences as they have in the past. Now that we are not at full strength, it would be an unnecessary risk".
After a moments silence he added "I do however very much appreciate your efforts at trying to find my brother".
Demetri face was clouded with disappointment as he said "I am just sorry we weren't able to find him!"
Aro's face was a mask of misery as he spoke "No one can blame you! I know you have done your best; no one can expect more"
It took a while but the silence that had fallen was broken as Aro spoke "Welcome back home Demetri! Try to shake off the gloom and join the others".
After a moment of hesitation Demetri asked "Master Aro, I heard Isabella was with you in Greece; but have not yet seen her; did not come back with you?"
"She did; however, at the moment she is resting. She was devastated when she heard your search did not bear fruit and is not yet ready to face coven life. Marcus and I have excused her from court for the time being".
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The Announcement
It had been a month now and in this time Aro had educated her in etiquette as never before; accepting nothing less than perfect. He also instructed her on her how to behave as a queen for in his eyes Caius taught her poorly as he often gave in to her whims.
In the daytime she had read the by Aro chosen, historical literature that he felt useful for her personal advancement. The scholar in her found it exhilarating; sometimes she would ask Aro about his personal recollections of that time and the stories were, as always, fascinating.
The morning of the announcement she was interrupted by a knock on the door. She moved her arm in an attempt to find Aro but it seemed that he had already gone so when the caller persisted she said "come in" and the door opened. Jane entered the room.
Having not yet opened her eyes she heard rather than saw Jane as the girls said "good morning mistress Isabella".
Bella moaned and pulled Aro's pillow over her face.
Remembering her manners she peeked from under the pillow and saw Jane holding a beautiful emerald dress in her arms.
Jane bowed to show her respect and carefully hung the dress on the door of Aro's exquisitely carved wardrobe. Bella looked at the small clock on the mantelpiece and quickly realized that she had been resting for longer than she had expected.
Jane turned to her saying "Master Aro had asked that you wear this tonight as he wishes to present you as his new mate".
This was a surprise as Bella was sure Aro would keep to his schedule "Thank you Jane that will be all" Bella said in hopes that she would leave for she always felt uncomfortable in Jane's presence.
Jane stayed there and after a moment's hesitation she said "I'm sorry Isabella but Master Aro insists that I prepare you for the event".
With a nod of her head Bella motioned toward the dress and replied "He likes green and seeing the dress you already covered that".
"Yes but there is so much more" she explained. "He has told me how he would like your hair and makeup arranged for this evening me and wants me to point out his favourite scent so that you will wear it tonight at your presentation.
Bella knew Aro was a control-freak but this was beyond normal but she was too tired to fight about something so trivial so she gave herself over to Jane's care.
Jane quickly brought a small box which held scented bath oils and perfumes as she explained which scents she must use and when; making sure that Bella made a note of everything.
Jane was busy making last minute adjustments to her hair and makeup as Bella stood before the mirror. Bella heard a sound behind her and looking through the refection on the mirror she saw Aro entering their bedroom. Slowly advancing from behind Aro took in every detail of her Jane's workmanship. Jane stepped away and Aro stood behind her his hands skimmed her dress and hair as he said "Dear Jane you have exceeded your usual perfection".
Finally standing beside her he looked at her reflection. Gently seizing her hand he kissed her knuckles as he whispered "Bellissimo".
Jane smiled grateful that Aro was so pleased and said in turn "You both make a very handsome couple"
Aro turned towards Jane as he replied "Why, thank you my dear!" then turning back to look at their reflection he saw a distant look in Bella's eyes and asked "What are you thinking of my love?"
This shook Bella back to her current situation and blinking her eyes she conjured a smile on her face as her eyes absorbed their reflection. Seeing Aro and herself in front of the mirror as a couple for the first time had shocked her. Telling him this would only incite his wrath so instead a soft smile bloomed on her lips as she said "I think Jane is right; we do make a handsome couple". Aro was pleased by her response and put his arms around her waist as he kissed her neck.
"It is now time to announce our bond to the coven".
Bella walked with Aro through the dark corridors and as they advanced toward the throne room she hesitated. Aro quickly sensed it and immediately corrected her by whispering "Isabella!"
Hearing the threatening tenor in his voice Bella quickly recovered and continued to keep the pace Aro had set. As they arrived at the throne room two vampires opened the doors allowing Aro and Bella to enter side by side.
All eyes turned to watch them for this was the first time they had come into the throne room as a pair. The crimson eyes of all members of the coven slowly follow them as they proceeded towards Marcus's throne. Both Aro and Bella smiled as they approached Marcus; then stopping a couple of meters in front of him they both bowed their head in respect. They elegantly lowered themselves resting their left knee on the ground and bending their right.
Marcus stood up and looked around the room at all those present. "Having lost the company of our dear brother Caius this coven has been crippled. Although we will always grieve for his loss we also realize that we cannot allow the coven's power to weaken. When Isabella first came to join us it was not of free will; instead it was her destiny. Now that she has lost the mate that destiny had chosen for her she wishes to honour what Caius always stood for; the strength of our coven. Both Aro and Isabella believe their union will help to accomplish this. Let us now rejoice in their bond as it will be the beginning of a new era".
Aro gracefully stood up and holding Bella's hand he helped her to stand and face the members of the coven. Both turning to face the crowd their fingers still entwined, Aro bowed and Bella curtseyed and the coven all nodded in respect showing their approval.
Possessively wrapping his arm around her waist Aro steered her through the crowd. Bella was never a chatterbox at the best of times but now she was completely out of her element and was grateful that Aro did the talking. She did her best to follow the discussions remembering Aro had emphasized that she always be observant to what was going on around her in the office.
She looked to her side and saw Aro thoroughly enjoying himself as the hours ticked by. Bella sometimes had difficulty keeping up with his fast pace but dared not ask to be excused. Sometimes he would hold her closer or caress her backside but Bella said nothing.
After the gathering Aro and Bella went back to their apartments and upon approaching their room Bella heard the sound of heartbeats and smelt the human blood.
Puzzled she looked at Aro but he ignored her and proceeded to open their apartment ushering her to enter and then leading her to their bedroom door. Stepping inside Bella saw two women sleeping on their bed; they were both very beautiful and heavily sedated. Aro leaned over and she felt his warm breath was against her neck as he said "you must follow my lead; remember the longer it takes the more pleasurable it will be"
He then joined the two women in bed, Aro leisurely enjoying their company and slowly undressed one of them to expose her treasures to his eyes and then motioned Bella to do the same with the second. Their process was painstakingly slow taking nips from pulse, neck, thighs. Different parts of their bodies were bitten and both Bella and Aro enjoyed the tantalizing taste of their victims. The victims themselves enjoyed the bites as they seductively moved their bodies to give them full access; their minds intoxicated and filled with lust.
Aro was exceptionally fascinated while watching the erotic movements his mate made as she enjoyed her dinner. The delightful purring sound and the suggestive movement of her hips as she drank all helped to heighten his pleasure and his eyes absorbed every detail. She was very careful enjoying the taste of her meal without maiming her victim.
Gradually taking off his garments he neatly laid them down on the chair beside their bed when he was finished he came over to Bella. Bella was in her own trance as she drank from her victims so he slowly removed Bella's clothes inch by inch leaving trails of kisses on her body as he threw the garments aside.
Both Aro and Isabella gradually built up the passion which heightened the pleasure for both them and their victims who gradually slipped into the endless sleep of death. Once the bodies of their prey were drained they deposited them on the floor. Aro then pulled Bella towards him entwining their bodies as their sexual appetite became an inferno of passion that took hours to douse.
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Surprise
It had been a half year now since she had been officially announced Aro's mate. He remained dominant but was less severe in his corrections. Above all he began to show more tenderness in their lovemaking.
Looking back at all her time with Aro she realized that they had both now settled into a routine. Although she feared his quick anger and unreasonable demands she had learned how to use her sexual skills to gently tame him. The only thing that she still had difficulty with was the grief she felt by the loss of Caius which was why she was always grateful that Aro could not read her mind.
While stuck in her contemplation she didn't realize she was being watched and was shaken when she heard Aro's voice behind her saying "Eccoti la mia bellissima compagna"**
Aro quickly positioned himself behind her, his face buried in the nape of her neck as his arms encompassed her body. Then leaning towards her ear he whispered "I was about to go to Venice and would like to ask if you would do me the honour of accompanying me?"
She inclined her back towards him pressing it against his chest as she said "I'd love to; is there a special occasion?"
He grinned into her neck saying "Of course; first of all we have been official mates for a half year and I wish to celebrate it by going to the Venetian carnival!"
She looked up totally perplexed by the information as he continued "While you have been so busy being a valued mate to me, I ordered costumes to be made for both of us. It's time you accompanied me to the carnival; after all people come from all over the world to see it. I know you have been there with Caius but it's about time for you to spread your wings and present yourself as my mate. There are many vampires who come visit Venice specifically to attend such proceedings and I wish to introduce you to them. It's about time you reacquainted yourself with one of the most treasured holidays in Italy".
Giving her a seductive smile he let his hands travel the length of her arms and when he reached her waist he wrapped his arms around her. He then gave her a heated glance and said "I have already ordered the Volturi home in Venice to be prepared for our visit".
Smiling and looking into Aro's gaze she was conscious that he expected her praise and quickly said "Thank you, I would love to accompany you! It would be nice to get out for a while"
Aro tilted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes and whispered "You deserve it; you have been extremely good since our bond and I wish to reward you".
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* Save your strength for things that you can change. Forget the one's you can't. You gotta let go.
Zack Brown Band
** "Eccoti la mia bellissima compagna" means "There you are, my beautiful mate"