Next chapter up. Enjoy!

Ally POV

I sighed internally as our plane touched down. It had been a very nice honeymoon, but it was still nice to be home.

Marcus seemed to sense my conflict, taking my hand and squeezing it supportively.

"What has you so worried?" He asked.

I smiled at my husband. "I'm not worried, just conflicted about coming home. I miss home, but I loved being alone with you. It was nice to be able to just be us for a while.

Marcus chuckled. "We are still us and will always still be us. Whenever you need us time again, we will plan another trip. We have all eternity, after all."

I leaned into him, cuddling close to him. "You're right. I have no worries. Except maybe being tackled by Jane when we walk in the door."

The plane landed and we exited to find two vampires waiting for us. Fortunately, it was a cloudy day, so they could wait out in the open. I recognized them as two of the newer members of the guard, who had joined us shortly before our wedding. Their names were Nomi and Geno, if I remembered correctly.

"Welcome back, Masters." Geno said. I was being called Master, since I was one of the wives now. It was odd to me and something I wasn't sure I could get use to.

"Thank you, Geno." Marcus replied. Nomi went to retrieve our bags and load them into a car.

"Master Aro has asked if you could accompany me to investigate a possible new guard member before we return. He is concerned about a possible bond he may have with a less desirable vampire. Nomi will take Ally home, if Master agrees."

I chuckled. "Aro must have been itching to get you back. Wonder how long he has been waiting to check this new guy out?"

Marcus smiled at me and kissed my cheek. He then turned to Geno. "We might as well do this now." He turned back to me. "You go home with Nomi. I'm sure Aro is very eager to see how our trip went."

I cringed slightly. I wasn't entirely happy to show Aro everything that happened between Marcus and I over the time we were gone. Most of our time was spent in very intimate situations, which should be kept private between the two of us. Marcus found my apprehension amusing. He had lived with Aro far longer and was use to being an open book to his brother. He assured me I would get use to the personal openness.

Marcus dashed off with Geno and I got into the car with Nomi. Nomi was very quiet, which was not unusual, since I did not know her well and she obviously wasn't comfortable talking with me on a personal level. At least not yet. She didn't know the non-leadership me.

When we got to the compound, Nomi got out of the car and began to unload the bags. "I will take your things to your quarters. Aro wishes to see you in his audience chamber right away."

I nodded and headed down the hall, mildly curious as to why Aro was so anxious to see me. I didn't see anyone on my way, which was unusual, but I figured the main guard were off on a mission. It was probably why Aro sent two of the newer guard to collect us.

I entered the audience chamber, noticing that Aro stood alone by his seat. He stood motionless, not registering that I even entered, except for his eyes. They seemed more focused than normal. I left the door open behind me.

Suddenly, the door slammed shut. I whipped around and found Caius standing behind me. Before I could comment, Caius slammed into me, one hand on my neck, squeezing, and the other arm pressed against my upper chest, pinning me to the wall. I could feel sharp stabs of pain where bones gave way under the pressure. I could barely breathe, let alone talk. I struggled under the vampire's arm, but there was no hope of getting free. I was strong, but Caius was stronger.

Aro walked slowly towards me, his hands clasped behind his back in a very casual way.

I watched him approach, terror painted on my face, as I gasped for breath.

"I've heard some interesting gossip, while you and my brother were away. Some gossip which concerns me. You see, it's very important that my brother stays a part of the Volturi . I refuse to take the chance that Marcus will leave us. Now, or in the future."

My mind was reeling. Why in the hell did Aro think Marcus was leaving the Volturi?

"It is unfortunate. I have grown very fond of you. Caius, brother, kill her."

I braced for the end, but Caius didn't react with his usual vampire speed. This was my chance and probably the only one I would get. I reached my hand out to Aro, palm up, the usual way I did when I wished for him to view my memories.

"Caius, wait." Aro said, just as I started to feel the pressure increase on my neck, feeling several more bones snap. I could taste blood in my mouth.

Aro took my hand and I allowed my mind to open up to him. He saw everything. I focused on how much I loved my life here and how much I never wanted to leave. I envisioned how much I loved to watch the three brothers interact. Tears formed in my eyes as I thought of how much I loved Marcus.

Aro closed his eyes and watched. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open. "Release her."

Caius let me go and I slumped to the floor. I gasped in a breath the best I could, though my airway was at least partially crushed. I coughed and tasted more blood, a few drops landing on the floor under me.

The door to the chamber burst open and Marcus entered at full speed. He saw me on the floor and rushed to my side, eyeing his brothers. "What is the meaning of this?" He demanded.

"I apologize, brother. It would seem I have been naive and believed some false information. In my haste, I may have overreacted." Aro replied, calmly, as if he hadn't just ordered my death.

Marcus growled, cradling me in his arms.

Aro held up a hand. "Not to worry, brother. This injustice will be rectified." He looked over to Demetri, who had just entered the chamber with Jane and Alec. Jane rushed to my side, not caring that Aro hadn't permitted her to. "Did you track where our little canine visitors went after leaving here, as I asked?"

Demetri nodded. "Yes, Master."

Canine visitors? Did he mean werewolves? Did he mean my father's pack? I had so many questions, but could not speak to ask them. All I could do was focus on breathing, which was a chore.

"Take the guard and exterminate the wolves." Aro looked down at me. "Your father will pay the price for attempting to deceive me."

I once again held my hand out to Aro and whispered the word please. He took it and I began to think everything I could not say.

"Hmm, interesting." Aro said. "Guard, wait. Our dear Allyssa will be going with you and she will give you instruction on what to do when you get there." He looked down at me. "You might want to leave now, or you will not stop Marcus from doing something overly harsh."

I looked to my side and Marcus was gone. I was in so much pain and confusion that I hadn't felt him leave.

To Be Continued...