Chapter Thirty Six
Jasper
We walked through the forest towards the house and Darius told me what success he'd had.
"There are a lot of people willing to bet on you on Major but a lot less prepared to stand beside you, especially against the Volturi. However I have received quite a few pledges of support, more than I thought."
"Did you tell them it might not come to a fight?"
"Nope, let them think the worst then they can be pleasantly surprised. Oh yes, talking of surprises I heard from my connection in Volterra, Bella arrived and she's driving them all crazy. Not a whimper out of her on the flight or since she got to the town. Carlisle is looking after her at the moment by all accounts."
"Is she sick? Is there something wrong?"
"No, I don't think so. If you're interested in my take on the situation I'd say her gift kicked in to protect her and she's playing possum until she works out the score. I don't know how long she can keep it up, with Carlisle's help a little while at least."
"What about her thirst? How can she control herself so well?"
"Your lady is a very special one Major. Now its your turn to do the magic."
I nodded as we walked into the clearing at the back of the house to be met by Emmett, Rose, and Alice. She rushed to me and hugged me,
"I saw you coming Jazz. Any news on Bella? Carlisle contacted us to say she's in Volterra but not awake yet. I think he was lying though, ears on the line."
"I hope so Alice. Em, Rose you up for a fight?"
Emmett nodded but Rose held back, I knew she hadn't been Bella's greatest fan but even so.
"She's one of us now Rose and she's my mate."
Rose's eyes opened wide in shock,
"Your mate? Bella Swan? Well in that case I guess I have no choice do I? Family sticks together but I hope you have a plan Jazz. The thought of walking into Volterra and demanding her back wont cut it."
"I'll have one by the time we leave. The pack are coming too."
"The pack? The wolves? They're coming along? Why?"
"Hey Rose, we'll take any help we can get. How did you swing that one Jazz?"
"Charlie was lost on their watch, its down to them to get him back."
"Do they realise he's probably dead or one of us by now?"
"I didn't mention it but they aren't dumb so my guess is that's a suspicion they harbour. Alice you got anything for me?"
"I saw the Volturi crash but I'm not sure if you did it, I couldn't make it out. The brothers, Aro and Caius die but I think Marcus survives."
"What about losses on our side?"
"I couldn't see but you had help, the help that obscured my view."
"Bella?"
"That would be my guess."
"That means she's OK. What about Charlie?"
"I didn't see him at all but I wasn't concentrating on him so it could mean anything. However I doubt Bella will leave without her dad or those who killed him."
It was better news than I dared hope for, now all we had to do was work out our numbers."
"Come in the house Darius and let's plan strategy."
We sat in the dining room around the huge table Esme had commissioned especially for this room and Darius listed the help he'd gathered,
"I contacted Electra and she's bringing Hercules, Jason and Chaos. The Greek coven have an issue with Aro and Caius and are more than willing to help out. Then I contacted the Italian rebels who jumped at the chance especially when I mentioned the Greek involvement so we've got Diana, Ceres, Vesta and Maia. There's also Garrett, Liam, and Corey, who just happen to be travelling together fortunately for us plus a few oddments, Berengaria, Storm and Archie. I spoke to the Fraternidad too but they weren't interested if Diana's people are. It seems there's a feud going on at present. How does that sound?"
"It sounds like a small army along with us and the wolf pack. Enough to give Aro waking nightmares anyhow."
Bella
I gazed on the people I had known as a human, Carlisle, Esme, and Edward and recognised them although they were even more beautiful through my new keener eyes. I got up and walked around the room slowly checking my new muscles, delighted I was more graceful now. Edward was staring at me and it made me uncomfortable, then I heard a low growl and found to my surprise it was coming from my own chest.
"Don't stare at me Edward. I don't like it"
He stepped back a few paces and held out his hands,
"I'm sorry Bella I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable its just that you are so beautiful. I always thought so but now...well as a vampire you are magnificent."
I ignored him turning instead to Carlisle.
"How long can you keep me here?"
"A few hours, perhaps a day, but no longer, Aro will become suspicious if you don't wake up soon. How are you so calm Bella? Are you thirsty?"
I nodded rubbing my throat.
"But I wont kill to feed Carlisle."
"That's OK I have animal blood I brought with me, they don't supply blood here except on foot so to speak."
He went to a huge portable fridge and brought out three bags of cooled blood. The smell was enticing but not as sweet as the blood of the pilot that I'd smelled. The thought of drinking blood seemed alien and nauseating until he opened the first bag, then it was all could do to stop myself snatching it from his hand. By the third bag the burn in my throat had eased to a manageable level and I refused more.
"What is your plan Bella?"
"Where's Charlie? Have you seen him?"
"No I'm afraid not, they wont let me talk to him but I understand he is unharmed at the moment. How long he'll stay that way now Aro has you I don't know."
"Aro doesn't have me Carlisle. No one here has me. I'm my own person and I answer to no one."
"Brave words Bella but things are different in Volterra. The Volturi have gifts you couldn't dream of. Powerful gifts that keep everyone in line as you will soon realise."
"Really Esme? Well perhaps they've finally met their match."
"Isn't that a little arrogant Bella? Believing you can take on our government as soon as you open your eyes?"
"That would depend on what you knew wouldn't it Edward? Carlisle if you could stall Aro for a few hours while I speak to Jasper."
"Jasper? He bit you then left you for the Volturi to pick up like a pint of milk."
"Edward, I always thought you were an idiot, now I'm sure. Carlisle can I get a call in to Jasper?"
"No Bella. All calls go through the Volturi switchboard, even cell phones. If Aro found out a call had gone through to the outside world, to Jasper Hale, he would know it was you and hear everything you said. I'm afraid you're on your own while you are here."
"Not alone Carlisle, Bella has us."
"Esme there's very little we can do without putting ourselves in danger. Don't forget we came here to ask Aro to allow Edward to return with us. If he thinks we're hatching some plot with Bella or others then we would all be in danger. He could kill us or make us stay here indefinitely. No, Bella has her own plans and she must work alone. I'll give her a day but that's as much as I dare do."
Hearing footsteps closing in on us I lay back down and closed my eyes listening for the slightest hint of treachery from the Cullens.
"Carlisle, I thought I'd check on Bella. Do you have any news for us?"
"I think Bella is having a problem with the venom in her brain. The body has turned but the brain has been shocked. Give it a few hours, maybe twenty-four and she should come out of it then."
"That long? Oh well we have waited a long time for her to appear so I guess a few more hours wont matter too much but as soon as she is conscious I want to be informed. I'm leaving a guard out in the corridor, you can send a message through him."
"Very well Aro, of course. By the way have you had time to consider Edwards future? After all surely he would be no danger back in our family now."
"Possibly Carlisle, we'll see. Esme, good to see you again. I'm surprised you haven't found a partner for your..."son" yet. It would help him enormously. Perhaps we can help there, we have several new guards who need mates, plus the humans who work in the building. H should look around see if there are any he likes."
He went out shutting the door behind him and I heard him giving orders to the guard outside the door so I was effectively a prisoner in here.