"I am gifted. I am what our kind calls a tracker."

I pale visibly as soon as Demetri says the word, which catches his interest.

"You know of trackers?" Demetri asks curiously, glancing at me again even as he drives us smoothly down the winding roads. I avert my gaze.

"There… was a tracker last Spring who decided my sister was perfect as his next victim." I mutter. I omit from adding who else was there; Demetri already knows too much about my life and Aro had done enough rooting in my head for me to be comfortable sharing much else. No need for Demetri to know any more details. He doesn't seem to notice my reluctance.

"Why?" Demetri asks, puzzled. I shrug.

"Edward said James liked the thrill of the hunt or the challenge or something. When he saw Bella so protected by a coven of strong vampires, it… provoked him or something, I guess."

Demetri's brow shoots up at that and his skepticism turns to disgusted understanding. I don't know if I feel glad or not at his obvious displeasure at the sick delight James had taken in hunting prey with his skills. It improves my opinion of Demetri slightly, but I'm not sure I want that when I now know who he truly is. I pause briefly, weighing if I should continue or not, before I decide there's no harm in telling him.

"He died as a result," I tell Demetri quietly. "But my sister also ended up with four broken ribs, a broken leg and cracks to her skull."

"Hm. Is that the reason for her poor life choices since?" Demetri asks, his tone purposefully light. It's the wrong thing for him to say though. I glare at him fiercely, my earlier irritation with him returning tenfold.

"I may have spoken ill of my sister in front of you before, but you lost all right to judge Bella when you tried to eat us for lunch." I say sharply.

He sighs impatiently. "I didn't try to eat you or your sister for lunch."

"Do you really think that makes it better?"

He mutters something too low and fast for me to hear (and I'm not even entirely sure he spoke in English) but I guess he's grumbling about how stubborn I am. For a while, we both stew in silence. He's as annoyed with me now as I am with him. But I can't quite help my curiosity or my unease, and finally I have to ask.

"Is that what you do for your master? Do you track down people like James tracked my sister?" I don't look at him as I speak, choosing instead to look out at the beautiful city we're winding our way through. Demetri drives slowly for a vampire, which puzzles me - but I have too many other questions to ask about that yet.

"Well, I don't do it for sport, if that's your question." Demetri answers my question in a very dry tone, glancing at me again. "But otherwise, yes, that is what I do. My gift allows me to… feel a person. Or to be more precise, feel their essence. I only need cross paths with someone or someone else who has crossed that person's path, and I am able to feel a pull to their essence."

I turn to stare at Demetri despite myself. "And then you can just find them?"

Demetri seems almost amused by my shock. "Yes."

I continue to stare at him, a little bit gobsmacked. I knew a bit about how tracking worked of course, what with James chasing us all over the west coast. But Demetri's talent sounded much stronger than what Edward had described of James's. James hadn't been able to sense where Bella or I physically were, which was how we had continued to evade him until he set a trap for us. He'd mostly relied on almost predicting our movements based on a superior form of sixth sense. But if what he's saying is true, then it seems that if it had been Demetri chasing us, we wouldn't have had even the slightest chance of escaping.

Something else occurs to me then.

"That's why you laughed." I realize. "That first night at the motel… I asked what you would do if you couldn't find me again, and you laughed."

He nods. "So long as you walk this Earth, I will always be able to find you."

I let that sink in. "Is that why Aro let me go? Because he knew I wouldn't be able to run away?"

I had to admit, it made sense now - I hadn't really thought about it at the time, but now that I think about it, it did seem odd that Aro would just take me at my word that I'd come back to die when our agreed year was up. Now, however, it all made sense. He had a literal tracker to find me if I failed to uphold my end of the bargain.

Demetri shrugs slightly. "It is likely one reason. But either way, that won't matter. I will persuade you to turn long before Master Aro's hand must be forced."

I can't help but scoff at that. "You think too highly of yourself."

"Not quite; I simply already hold all the cards." He rebuffs and I frown at him.

"How?" I ask as Demetri turns the car around yet another corner. I've lost interest in the city though and I eye Demetri warily as he smirks with that arrogance that makes me want to hit him if it weren't for the fact I would break my hand before he felt anything.

"Well, firstly, despite your current discord with her, you care far too much for your sister to see her parted from you forever." Demetri answers with a slight narrowing of his eyes that tells me he doesn't understand it even if he believes his own words. My scowl deepens.

"Bella's choices are her own. Even when we were still close, I had no intention of following her."

"Because of your father and mother." Demetri observes. "But you forget that a mortal can die at any time."

For once his tone is not unkind and I'm reminded of the man I first met. The man who sat with me after I heard the news that Harry Clearwater had died.

"Your family and your 'friends' might all die tonight and you would have to live out the rest of your life without them whether you were mortal or not. Such is life for mortals… but not for your sister. You could have each other for as long as the Earth turns. And I believe I know you well enough that, soon, you will not be able to deny that appeal."

I purse my lips and jut out my chin defiantly. "I will. I'm not stupid and I would never giving up my whole life for Bella."

"But that is where my second card comes in."

He turns his head fully so I'm staring right into his dark eyes. The weird mix of colours throws me at the same time it makes my stomach tighten and I flush just slightly - because the darkness reminds me of the way he looked before I knew what he was.

"You mentioned that I think too highly of myself but I can hear the way your heart reacts when I am near. I can feel the blood that warms your cheeks."

My face reddens at his words, but I refuse to let him be satisfied by turning away from him. Instead, I meet his gaze squarely and, despite my blush, say as forcefully as I can, "So? Or do you really think I'm so shallow I'd give up everything just because a good-looking guy tells me to?"

"Hardly." Demetri seems amused by my defiance, and I hate how it makes me feel like a child. I hate him more when he adds, "But tell me, Mia."

I despise the way my heart skips a beat when he caresses my name with his lips - and I know he knows all of it. His eyes sparkle with triumph.

"Do you really think that you can walk away from me now?"

I swallow. My throat has suddenly gone very dry and I'm suddenly filled with the urge to try and run. But I've never really been the flight type of girl (probably to my detriment) and so I answer rashly, "Yes."

"And you think I would let you?"

His eyes bore into mine and I'm suddenly finding it very hard to breathe. Beneath the dark blue contacts, I can see the hint of red I'm still not entirely used to. But even then, I can't find it unattractive or as disgusting as I did a mere week ago. Instead, I'm pulled once more into the depth of his gaze. There is a darkness and a layer of sarcasm I wasn't aware of before. But underneath that is still the hypnotic sharp intelligence and humour that first drew me to Demetri.

"You might be stubborn, but you are still an impatient mortal. I have waited centuries - do you really think you will win against me?" Demetri asks, his voice softer now. I hate that it makes my heart skip a beat as my body betrays my attraction to this killer despite everything my head keeps telling me.

As the thought crosses my mind, another pops into my head and escapes my lips as little more than a breath of air.

"Why would you care?"

I search his eyes and try to figure out what is going on in his head. Because I can't see the lie and yet it's just not possible. We've known each other for one week out of his probably centuries old life; surely he can go right back to however he was living (killing innocent tourists and chasing down the Volturi's enemies apparently) before I came along? Just as I should be able to just walk away from him without feeling anything except maybe hate. So why?

I know from the Cullens that vampires are much more intense about their mates than normal people are. Carlisle once even shared his theory that it's part of the animalistic nature that is a vampire's true nature, much like the uncontrollable bloodlust that can consume even a sane vampire. But I very much doubt Demetri thinks of me as anything like a mate and I'm just human. I think back to how Edward and Jasper behaved, and I'm still lost because not even they were this weird this quickly. Not that Jasper was ever that weird until that disastrous birthday party… Speaking of the Cullens, I briefly wonder if finding out about my connections with the Cullens and about my powers is what's driving Demetri's sudden, apparent obsession with me. Although I haven't fully ruled out the possibility that he's just doing this under his master's orders.

Demetri just stares back at me silently. He seems to be thinking, although it's anyone's guess about what as he continues to gaze back into my eyes with a thoughtful expression. There's something else there too, something I don't want to recognize. Finally, I look away and I realize we stopped a long time ago.

But when I realize where we are, all colour leaves my face and fear and anger shoots through me.

"Why are we back here?" I hiss, whirling back to Demetri. Only this time, I'm glaring at him fiercely as panic continues to sweep over me while we remain parked in the shadows of the Volturi's castle, right next to a side door I would bet most of the city doesn't even know exists as it blends into the stone walls so well I only noticed it because we're parked right by it. I can't believe he's brought me back here, to the place where Daisy died and I learnt everything we'd built over a week was a lie.

'He's absolutely insane.'

Demetri seems to have been prepared for my reaction as he remains completely unmoved while he answers.

"I understand you can't appreciate the beauty of the buildings here anymore. However," he cuts the car engine at last, "we have the loveliest gardens in all Volterra. I'd even say in the world, although very few humans know it."

"But, why are we here?" I demand, my voice edging toward a shriek. Demetri turns to stare at me, his expression completely neutral. This helps calm me slightly; if he wore that infuriating amused smirk this time, I was sure I'd punch him even if it meant breaking my hand.

"Because I've wanted to show you the gardens ever since I first saw you in the Rosa della vita."

His honest response surprises me and I'm a little stunned as Demetri gestures toward the castle again.

"At the time, I feared I would not have the opportunity. But now… I wanted you to see it at least once before you return home."

I bite my lip as I glance from Demetri to the stone walls. The walls behind which a whole clan of vampires reside. The walls behind which I discovered the horrifying truth of what Demetri was. The walls behind which Daisy died. Hearing the way my heartbeat has increased rapidly, Demetri reaches over. I flinch a little at how cold his skin is but he doesn't pay it any notice as he turns my head with a firm grasp to my chin and makes me look back at him.

"Trust me just this once. I promise you, it will be worth the visit."

"And this isn't some ploy to get me inside so you can bite me?" I ask, my voice trembling despite myself. He smirks at that.

"If your imperfect human memory will recall, I believe I've already told you before that I do not make empty promises." He reminds me. My fear dissolves then, replaced by annoyance.

"Yes, because you haven't lied to me before." I say as I shoot him a sour look. And that's twice now he's flat-out mocked the fact that, as a mortal, I am limited in ways he isn't.

He doesn't seem bothered by my reaction; if anything, he appears pleased. And without bothering to respond to me, he exits the car; before a second has passed, he's standing next to my now open door and he extends a hand to me. I glance back at the walls outside warily before giving in reluctantly.

"Just so you know, if you are planning to lure me in to eat me for lunch, I hope I make you choke."

He stares at me for a beat before a laugh escapes him almost like a surprised breath of air. The laughter builds though, and soon he's all but shaking as he laughs at me. I frown.

"It wasn't that funny." I mutter, because I was being absolutely serious.

"Oh, it was." Demetri is barely able to get himself back under control, but he's still chuckling to himself as he takes my hand in his and pulls me out of the car. "You'll see it one day, too."

"I somehow doubt that." I mutter under my breath. Of course, he hears me but Demetri doesn't deign to respond to that either as he instead puts my hand on his arm and leads me inside.

I'm somewhat grateful to find that we're in a part of the castle that doesn't look familiar. I highly doubt I'd be able to stomach walking through the same hallways I had with Daisy without throwing up. This hallway is darker than anywhere else I'd seen the last time I was here, but it's also much shorter. Within moments, we're at the end of the corridor. But before we can reach the door, it opens and someone steps through.

"Demetri." The vampire greets immediately although his red eyes land on me first.

I recognize the brunette vampire as the one who had been in a stand-off with Alice after I'd accidentally attacked Aro. He apparently recognizes me at once as well, and his lips curl into a mocking sneer.

"Back so soon, human? Didn't get enough the last time?"

I frown and I'm ready to snipe back at the male when Demetri cuts in. "Afton. Leave us."

There was nothing in Demetri's tone that I can say was particularly menacing nor had he said anything else in his flat tone. But instantly, the other vampire backs off and Afton murmurs in a tone of mixed fear and respect, "Of course, Demetri."

I raise a brow at Demetri questioningly as Afton disappears down the hallway we'd come through and out the door in a blink of an eye. Demetri notices my look but he apparently misreads it.

"Don't mind Afton. None of us do." Demetri assures me as he opens the door Afton entered through. I follow him silently, filing away the information I've just learnt. Apparently, Demetri is as important in the Volturi as I'd suspected. All other thoughts leave my head the moment we walk through the door.

We've stepped out into the courtyard and I suck in a sharp breath of surprise and, despite myself, delight. Demetri wasn't lying. The gardens in what I estimate to be the outer back courtyard of the castle is absolutely stunning. I'd seen pictures of the famous French gardens of the palace of Versailles before, and even that would be put to shame by what I see now. It's bigger than I thought it would be and the beautifully sculpted hedges that are planted to create a beautiful pattern all around the courtyard encircle a truly stunning gold fountain. The whole place is simple but complex, breathtaking but relaxing, beautiful yet heartbreaking. Because no one in the world, aside from a select few immortals, probably knows such beauty exists.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Demetri asks.

I can't respond. Instead, I stare all around, drinking in the view and letting the fragrances of all the flowers wash over me. It's not quite as appealing as the smell of vampires ('You mean Demetri?', my traitorous mind whispers before I banish the thought) but it's still amazing as the wind blows a mix of roses, freesias and lavender with hints of lilies, gardenias and hyacinths. And that's only the smells I can recognize.

"What do you think?"

A waft of the most delicious smell hits me as Demetri leans down to peer at me, genuinely curious. I close my eyes despite myself as the familiar scent of honey and spice mixes with the smell of the flowers all around, and I wonder if this is what heaven smells like. Even if it should be hell.

I open my eyes to find Demetri waiting for a response. I open my mouth, but a delighted shout interrupts us.

"Demetri! You're back!"

I'm startled by the blur that comes rushing towards us - startled, because for once it's not an inhuman blur. It's more a blur of white fabric and long, pale-brown hair that's so similar to Jane's that for a split second I'm rooted to the spot in terror. And then I see the smiling face just before it launches up and toward Demetri. A pale but slightly flushed face with a hint of freckles dusted across rounded, young cheeks. And most stunning of all, bright blue eyes that sparkle with innocence and joy before they crinkle shut as the soft warm body collides with cold stone.

Demetri's chuckle breaks me out of my trance and I blink rapidly while Demetri pats the young teenager's head.

"Good day to you too, Lulu. Were you good today?"

"Of course, but where did you go? I've been looking everywhere for you. Heidi said you'd gone out without telling!"

The girl, Lulu - who looks about thirteen or fourteen now that I can get a better look at her - pulls back from the vampire beside me to look up at Demetri accusingly before she focuses on me. I'm startled when she brightens up at the same time blue eyes turn shrewd and she glances slyly at Demetri.

"But now, I can see you really are busy!" Lulu sing-songs before asking in a stage-whisper, "Is this your princess?"

"Excuse me?" I ask at the same time Demetri lets out a weary sigh.

"Lulu, you are being rude. And no, she is not a princess." Demetri chides before he turns to introduce us properly. "Mia, this is Lulu. Lulu, this is Amelia Swan."

Lulu beams at me. "Nice to meet you!"

"Yeah… you too." I answer while glancing at Demetri. A thousand questions have popped into my head, not the least of all the question of what a human girl is doing inside the Volturi castle.

He smiles indulgently and I can't tell if he means to tell me later or just keep me guessing, but Lulu doesn't seem to notice our silent exchange. Instead, she's bouncing up and down with excitement as she stares up at me with utter fascination. I find out why in the next second.

"I haven't met another human in years!"