Story

Aro was waiting patiently as I turned back to him. "I will come with you, with the understanding that my son will not be harmed. He is mine and I will not allow anyone to hurt him."

"Yes, yes of course, Bella. We would never dream of hurting one who is beloved by a family member." I grimaced at the mention of becoming his family member. "But we will need to discuss his extracurricular activities." He smirked at me. "It would never do for that to happen within our city. Let us discuss this some more as we begin our journey." He turned to the side and gestured for me to come close beside him. As soon as I did so he grabbed one of my arms and laced it through his own, leading me towards the woods away from my real family.

I didn't dare look at them again, for fear my resolve would break, so I stared ahead and asked; "Will you be able to help me teach him control?"

He looked at me curiously. "We can certainly try." Smiling he started running. Twisting my son to my back I told him to hold on piggy back style. His mind was confused and sad. He did not understand why we were leaving.

But I kept pace without any problems and I could hear the rest of his party following. We continued this way for many hours until we came to what seemed like a deserted airport. And as Aro still had my arm, he led me to a very shiny and very large private jet.

Aro lead me up the stairs and had me seated by his side in no time. Ian was now snuggled into my lap. I tried to stare out the window and control my broken heart, but Aro's stare was distracting me. He wouldn't stop looking at me.

Sighing I turned toward him. "Yes, Aro?"

"I am so very happy you have decided to join our family. I must know your story. I usually don't have this disadvantage. As you could imagine." He smiled at me. "It is very rare that I don't know all there is to know about someone entering my family."

"Could I just show you? I really don't feel like talking." I sighed.

"If it pleases you. I have to admit I am quit eager to witness your powers again." So without any more hesitation, I entered his mind. "Ahhh." He groaned.

His mind practically danced with glee. He was gloating about his newest acquisition. Please. Stop calling me an acquisition. My name is Bella.

He chuckled. "That might become inconvenient."

I understand your need to keep certain things secret and I will not expose you, but I will not be lied to. I know why you want me; I even know why you want my son. And now you know that I know, and you know that I am only here because you offer my son safety.

He stared at me. I could see that he was hiding his small moment of fear. He was just beginning to realize the extent of my powers. I had to admit he was very good at controlling his facial expressions and he even suppressed his thoughts once he realized he was thinking them.

I will do as you ask and live among your "family". I will be loyal to you because you are the one who offered me safety for my son. But I am not to be toyed with. I can and will do as I wish and make everyone else think that it was their idea. I will no longer be manipulated.

"Well. This will certainly be the most interesting partnership." He smiled at me, then I proceeded to tell him my story.