A/N: Jeez, put away the machete! I have a lot planed for this chapter and when I first thought of it I almost peed myself because it just kind of popped in my head!

Chapter 32

BPOV

I watched Edward as he curled into a ball on the floor. He was shaking and his perfect face was contorted with pain. I didn't understand it and I didn't like it. His eyes glazed over and instead of the amber color they once were, they were pitch black. What was left of my heart was ripping to shreds.

I ran to Edward's side and shot daggers at the sorry excuse for a man that was causing him pain. "What are you doing to him?" I yelled at him tears flowing freely down my face.

"Why my dear Bella, I am doing nothing. If you want to grant credit to anyone I would suggest my beautiful darling Jane." The small girl smiled through her concentration on Edward.

I turned back to Edward and wrapped my arms around him as he writhed in pain. I didn't understand it though. "Stop it! Please." I begged Jane but her face only showed intense pleasure.

"Jane, help her understand." The man laughed.

I'm sure my eyes were confused as Alice screamed at the top of her lungs. "No, don't hurt her! There's only so much a human can take."

My eyes shot toward Alice and she was sobbing yet tears were not coming from her eyes. Suddenly Jane blinked her eyes and Edward relaxed in my arms. He sat up as if nothing had happened.

"Edward?" I frantically ran my hands over his face and body making sure he wasn't hurt.

"What are you waiting for?" The man screeched at Jane.

"I'm trying." Jane's whine reminded me of a child's.

"What do you mean you're trying? Is it not working?" The man asked Jane.

Her posture relaxed and she turned back to him. "I can't get through to her. Either that or she has a very high tolerance for pain.

Edward moved from beside me and crouched in front of me once again. I was still completely out of the loop. I didn't understand how Edward could be writhing in pain one second and then protecting me the next. I didn't understand this Jane girl, or what in the world she was talking about.

"Well, this changes everything then." The man's laugh was sinister.

"What are you talking about?" Alice's voice came from beside me and I imagined that the guard looking people had let her go.

The man kept his focus on me and he had an amused look on his face. "Well, maybe we can use your…" he thought for a second. "gift to our advantage."

Edward stiffened beside me, as did Alice. "Over my dead body." Edward snarled.

The man laughed once again. "Oh, that can be arranged." He paused. "Guards."

Two cloaked figures started for Edward and I jumped into his arms holding him for dear life. "No! I'll do what you want, just don't hurt him." I pleaded.

The man put his hand down signaling for the guards to stop their pursuit. "Anything?" He raised an eyebrow.

I looked him full in the face for once not too terrified. This was my fate, not Edwards or even Alice's. "Anything." My answer was determined.

Of course Edward had to butt in. "No, don't listen to her. She doesn't know what she's saying." His arms tightened around me and I could tell he wasn't breathing.

I glared at Edward. "Yes I do!"

His eyes grew wide and I knew he was giving me the 'I'm right and you know it' look but I didn't care. "No you don't!" He said through clenched teeth.

"How about I make a deal with you two?" The man spoke up.

I shot my head back to him. "I'm listening."

He chuckled deeply and it sent shivers up my spine as Edward tensed. "No, she's not listening." He growled.

I shot a defiant stare back at Edward. "I can handle my own." I huffed turning back to the man. "I don't know who you are, or what you are for that matter. All I know is that I'm not leaving here without Edward."

I grabbed Edward's stone hard hand but he pulled mine from his. Shock ran through my body. Why did he pull away?

"Go with Alice Bella." An unfamiliar voice came from behind me. I turned to see a young blonde haired man with his hand on Alice's shoulder.

I looked at Edward and he met my glance with a hateful stare. He was completely tensed and he looked like he wasn't breathing, again. I suddenly felt weirdly empty. I reached out for him once again but he slapped my hand away. Extreme pain spread throughout my wrist and I squeaked and held my arm to my chest. When I looked at him again his posture hadn't changed. I felt another tear leak out of my eye. He didn't want me anymore. I could understand though, I never was good enough for him.

"Let's go Bella." Alice urged.

This time I complied and turned my back on the one man I had only ever loved. When I was almost out the door I turned around to face his still form once again. "Goodbye Edward, I still love you."

Alice grabbed my good arm and pulled me through the darkened tunnel. Tears clouded my eyes and I was having trouble walking seeing as my dress kept dragging the ground. I persevered though. The pain of rejection was still fresh ingrained in my heart though. It was the rejection of a lifetime.

EPOV

As much as I wanted to pull Bella in my arms and tell her I was sorry I couldn't. Her scent was taunting me like no tomorrow and if my eyes could water, they probably would have. When she grabbed my hand I thought I was going to break her neck right then and there. I had never wanted something as bad as I wanted her blood. At least that's what I thought.

The more Aro talked about his deal the more I was terrified for her life. Bella jumping into my arms didn't exactly help my situation either though. I guess I couldn't blame her, she didn't know how dangerous I was.

"Carlisle my old friend, long time no see." Aro nodded toward Carlisle.

Carlisle smiled. "Ah yes, it always seems like was meet on the most inappropriate settings."

Aro nodded. "Yes, but you of all people should know my rules on human interaction. Humans are merely food, not our lovers." He spat the last word with disgust.

Carlisle grimaced. "Aro my dear friend, you have to understand the circumstances. We being vegetarian vampires come in contact with humans frequently. Therefore we have grown accustom to their companionship." Carlisle explained.

Aro nodded. "I see your point, but you know the rules. She either dies or you turn her. The Volturi simply can't afford any slip ups."

Carlisle sighed. "This is where you are wrong. Isabella has no idea what is going on here. She is smart enough to know that something is up but nothing more. She's not the kind of person to tell people. I am positive that she will not speak of it to anyone. Not that anyone would believe her." He paused. "She wouldn't dare. She would do anything to protect Edward."

Aro eyed me for a second. "Really, and would you do anything for her young Edward?"

I nodded. "As you have already seen, her blood calls to me more than any other I have been in contact with these past couple of days. Yet, I wouldn't dare harm a hair on her head, and neither will you."

Aro chuckled darkly. "Very well. Eventually she will find out though."

I shook my head. "No, she won't. I'm not going back until I can get my thirst under control completely. Even then, I can make no promises."

Aro clasped his hands together and pondered my statement. "You mean to say that you might never return to her? You would sacrifice your happiness for her soul?"

I nodded. "Of course, I've found the one that everyone dreams of finding in their life. I've found my soul mate. But without me she's got everything. Without me she has a life to live. All I can promise her is death."

Aro nodded and I was aware that Carlisle was still beside me just listening. "Alright then, she may live. If I hear of an uprising, I know who to pin it on."

"Thank you." I bowed my head.

"You are wise beyond your years young Edward. Would you consider joining the guard?" Aro offered.

I thought of the offer. It would certainly be a way to resist the urge of Bella. "I'm a vegetarian and that is how I would like to stay."

Aro nodded his head. "And you will, all I'm asking for is a year. If you would like to go after that then so be it."

I looked to Carlisle for advice. It's not a pretty sight son. His mind told me.

I turned back to Aro. "I'll keep it in mind."

I bowed my head once again and turned on my heel headed back to Bella. Then I thought for a second. I couldn't go back. I had promised myself that I would stay away for at least a year. Just to get my thirst under control.

We exited through the south entrance and I turned to Carlisle. "Thank you."

He patted my back. "No problem son."

I saw a bright yellow Porsche in the distance along with Carlisle's black Mercedes. Jasper was leaned up against the Mercedes and I saw Bella's frail form inside the window. I walked toward Jasper and gave him a brotherly hug.

"I'll see you in a year man." I told him.

A look of confusion crossed his face. "Okay, do what you need to."

The window of the Porsche rolled down and Alice stuck her head out. "I'll miss you Edward."

I smiled weakly. "I'll miss you too."

Bella's scent hit me along with the realization that she was sobbing. I could hear her trying to catch her breath as her breathing came in hiccups. It tore my heart to here her in so much pain. I probably hadn't helped by hurting her hand.

"She's fine. Just a little bruised." Alice reassured me.

I walked around the Porsche and opened the door to see Bella's red puffy eyes and her lip was swollen from biting it. She looked up at me and I saw the pain in her eyes. I knew this was the last time I would see her for a while so I had to make the best of it.

I held out my hand and she placed her good hand in mine without hesitation. I pulled her swiftly from the car and held her warm body close to my own. Although the burning in my throat was almost unbearable I told myself that I could handle it.

I lifted her chin up so she was looking me full in the eyes. Without hesitation I placed my cool lips to hers.

A/N: Oh, what will this mean? A whole year? Tell me what you think! I love to hear your quirky little reviews! Give me some ideas too… Also for all of the people that think he's taking this too fast you don't know what's coming next. Maybe kissing her wasn't the best idea?

Review and maybe I'll post sooner. I would have but I've been swamped with projects!

Kayla