Chapter 2 - For the first day in hell... it's not so bad

I shivered, but not from the cold. Aro squeezed my arm harshly in warning. I turned my eyes to him and met his drak gaze.

'Don't even think about doing something stupid, Isabella.' He muttered under his breath.

I gave minute nod of my head. We turned back to the dock. The boat was already mooring. It would be any moment now that Edward himself would walk down the plank and take me away from this prison to join him in his. I suprresed a second shudder, knowing Aro would not appreciate it.

'Stand up straight.' Marcus barked from behind me. I immediately straightened up.

'Couldn't we have done something to make her more presentable?'

'She's already wearing one of the finest dresses we have. She's adorned in jewelry. The ladies did what they could with her face and hair.' Caius drawled.

I tried not to slump down. They always knew how to tear me down. I knew I was fine looking. But that was all. I wasn't an exceptional beauty. Perhaps I could be if I had been nurtured, allowed to bathe regularly and do my hair…

'Shut up. She's fine.' Aro said firmly.

The brothers shut up and I wanted to breathe a sigh of relief. My time with them was almost over. If I was lucky my time on this earth wouldn't last that much longer either. I could only hope Edward Cullen did whatever he had to do to me quickly and then let me go.

The ship finally docked and I looked over the deck. A few servants were tying the ropes to the dock and shutting off the engine. A big burly shape appeared at the cabin door, opening it and ducking down to fit through the doorway. My mouth dropped open in shock. I could feel Aro tense beside me as well.

Jane hissed behind me, but Marcus quickly silenced her.

The man stepped on the walkway and I stared at him. Was this Edward Cullen? The man was intimidating to say the least. At least six feet, but probably well over. Broad shoulders, muscles rippling with every step he took. He screamed bad guy in every way possible. I couldn't help but shiver again, earning myself a quick jab in the side from Aro. I swallowed hard.

'Mr Cullen.' Aro said stepping forward. My stomach clenched. This was him then?

'Emmett is just fine.' The big burly shape said, his voice surprisingly jovial for such a large man and the situation we were in.

'If you insist.' Aro acquiesced. 'Will Mr Edward Cullen not be joining us?'

'He will.' Another voice said from behind the giant man, apparently name Emmett.

Was he a guard? Or were they actually family? They shared the same name, but then again, I had been dubbed Isabella VOlturi when I was turned. Perhaps Edward Cullen worked the same way. Aro froze when the second voice spoke and looked expectantly at Emmett. Emmett sprung lightly down from the walkway, revealing the most intimidating man I had ever laid eyes on.

He wasn't as big physically as Emmett was. Nor was he as imposing. But there was something about him. Something dangerous that oozed from every pore he had. He was clad in dark dress pants and a black snug sweater. A heavy silver watch adorned his left wrist.

He had his arms folded over his sculpted chest as he regarded me for a moment. Then his eyes flickered to Aro.

'This is her?' he asked, his voice not betraying anything. His gaze had been cold and I felt myself suppress yet another shudder.

Aro nodded. 'Isabella Volturi.' He said, grabbing my wrist roughly and pulling me forward.

I stumbled slightly and struggled to regain my footing. I heard Jane snicker behind me. I quickly straightened up and cast my eyes down to the floor. I heard the planks creak as Edward made his way down. I felt the air move as he come to a stop not very far from me. I struggled to keep my breathing even and normal.

'She'll do.' He muttered finally. Jane gave another snicker. 'Contain your pets, please.' His voice suddenly whipped out, low and cold.

It sent shivers down my spine and Marcus immediately shushed Jane. 'Excuse her, Mr Cullen.' Marcus said in a kind voice, escusing Jane's behaviour. 'She is a youngster. Unfamiliar with these situations.'

Edward didn't respond.

'The dowry?' he instead prompted.

'As agreed.' Caius motioned towards a chest that was near my feet. 'It's all in there. Including a copy of the treaty, as previously signed and agreed upon.'

'We've added these lovely jewels that adorn dear Isabella.' Aro added, gesturing a hand towards my neck and wrists, which were weighed down with real gold and actual diamonds.

Again Edward didn't respond.

It was quiet for a beat all around until he stepped back. 'Very well. Our agreement stands then. You keep to Europe, I'll keep to America.' He said, extending his hand towards Aro.

Aro nodded and they shook hands.

Edward turned on his heel and started walking back up the walkway. Emmett came over and took the trunk at my feet. Then he turned to me and held out his hand for me to take. I threw one lat glance at Aro who nodded and then placed my hands in Emmett's.

I kept my eyes down as he pulled me forward and we started walking towards the walkway. I took a deep breath as I climbed the planks and made my way on board. Emmett busied himself with loosening the ropes again before turning back to me.

'Do you wish to say goodbye to them?' he asked, the kindness in his voice startled me.

I gaped up at him. He looked back, his eyes sincere and his face open. I shook my head unable to form any words.

His face softened for a moment before he nodded. He took my bag from my shoulder, grabbed the trunk and gestured for me to head into the cabin.

'Let's get you inside. It will be a few hours until we reach the mainland. Then another two before we reach home.'

I nodded once, indicating I understood.

He opened the door for me and lead me into the cabin slowly. He placed my bag on a little table just inside the door and placed the chest at the foot of some stairs leading to a lower level.

'Well then, sit down and I'll go get Edward.'

I frowned, but again nodded.

'I'm Emmett by the way. I'm Edward's second. You can call me if you need anything.' He added before turning and going away.

Again I was left flabberghasted. For supposedly roguish and terrifying vampires, they were surprisingly domesticated. I hadn't been around this level of kindness in a long time. I was unsure what to do with it. It could have been a trick, to lull me into a false sense of security. Or perhaps they thought this is how I was treated at home as well and they had to keep up the pretense… Either way I wasn't sure what to make of it or what to do about it. So I decided to keep myself quiet and sit down as I had been told.

A few minutes later Emmett returned. In tow was Edward. Both men sat down on the couch opposite me. Emmett was looking at Edward, something like anger in his eyes.
But I wasn't sure. Perhaps this was the real Emmett? Perhaps they had decided we were far enough from shore by now that I couldn't go back.

'Your name?' Edward demanded.

'Isabella Swan.' I said, keeping my eyes down. His agze was too intimidating.

'Not Volturi?' he asked.

'Isabella Swan Volturi.' I corrected immediately.

'And you came here to be my… wife?' he said the last word with complete and utter dismay.

I could only nod. Edward scoffed. I cringed. Why was I here if edward didn't want a wife?

'I'll be honest with you here.' He said, leaning forward slightly. Emmett leaned back, but his whole frame was tense. 'I don't want a wife. Never did. I don't care who you are or why you came here. I agreed to this because it would get Aro and his band of little trigger happy morons off of my back.'

I nodded once to signal I understood.

'I don't care what you do when we get to the house. I don't care where you go, but you cannot go back to Volterra. Ever.'

I nodded again.

'We will be married when we get to the house. Simple ceremony, nothing big or fancy. Aro will receive confirmation and then your job is done.'

'Okay.' I muttered quietly.

Edwrad stood up then. 'Good. Emmett will take you to your quarters for the journey, please remain in there. After we've arrived he'll take you to your rooms where your ladies in waiting will take over preparation for the ceremony. You'll have one regular servant, you'll meet her after the ceremony.'

I nodded again.

'Thank you.' I whispered as he turned to leave.

He stopped for a moment, and I chanced a look up at him. He was looking down at me with a strange expression on his face, one I couldn't read or figure out. But the reason I couldn't look away wasn't his expression it was his face and his eyes…

He had the most handsome face I had ever seen. High cheekbones, a sharp nose. He was a classic beauty. His hair was unruly and a beutful mix of copper and brown. But his eyes… those were trappig me. There was a sort of orange tone to his red eyes, which entranced me. But more than that the depth of them seemed to pull me in. I couldn't look away. I couldn't be sure but it seemed for a moment that he was trapped in my gaze as well. Something seemed to spark in the air between us.

Could it be…?

I quickly stopped myself. No this man, this absolutely intimidating vampire was not my mate. This was simple fear that was filling the air between us.

Yet some small part of me wondered.

Emmett cleared his throat and that seemd to snap Edward out of whatever it was that had been holding us captive. He turned to look at Emmett and I took that moment to immediately dropped my eyes back down again. Edward's footsteps quickly receded down the stairs and Emmett slowly got to his feet. He took my bag and held his hand out to me again.

'Let's get you settled in.' he murmured.

I nodded demurely and got to my feet. Emmett led the way downstairs and started pointing out various rooms, including his own and Edward's suite. Then we stopped at the other end of the hallway.

'This will be yours whenever we use this ship.' He said, turning the knob and opening the door. He stepped through and placed my bag on the bed.

I stopped in my tracks at the door. The room was a suite. A royal suite. There was a large king size bed against the far wall. The walls were coated in a rich burgundy colour, The floor had expensive hardwood flooring. There were mahogany side tables beside the bed. There was a small sitting area opposite the bed, with a lush couch and two comfy looking charis. A flatscreen tv hung on the wall. There was a door off to the side, it was open and through it I could see a richly decorated bathroom, with marble floors, and a large clawfoot tub.

Emmett turned towards me with a questioning look.

'This is probably a mistake right?' I mumbled quietly, not willing to step into the room just yet.

His brow furrowed. 'what do you mean?'

'This room.' I gestured. 'It's too much for just me… it's a mistake right? Mine is somewhere else?'

'Ms Volturi.' Emmett started. I cringed at the name he used. 'Ms Swan.' He started again seeing my reaction to the other name. 'I'm not sure I follow.'

'The room is too nice for just me.' I said again.

'It's a queen's room, Ms Swan. One that befits your station.'

'Are you sure?' I asked again, taking a tentative step into the room.

Emmett nodded. 'Please come inside and get settled. Edwrad said to stay in here, but just call for me if you want to take a walk around the other rooms or if you want some fresh air.'

'Are you sure?'

Emmett nodded again, still some incredulity in his eyes.

'Arlight then.' I said finally stepping fully in the room. Emmett stepped back and gave me a small bow before walking out of the room again. He close the door softly behind him.

I sank down on the bed with a sigh. Was this real? I hadn't had this much comfort or luxury for at least forty years now. I couldn't believe it. I rubbed the soft comforter beneath me, reveling in the softness underneath my hand. I gently laid myself fown on the bed. It felt amazing. I sunk down into the lovely matrass and closed my eyes. The gentle swaing of the boat on the water lulled me into a state of relaxation I hadn't felt in decades. I couldn't believe this.

Was there more to this Edward than I'd been told? Was he not the monster we'd been led to believe? He was cold, that much was true. He was distant as well. It might be a mask, of course. I couldn't get a good read on him.

But if he was giving me such opulence, he was at least willing to treat me better than the Volturi's… wasn't he?

I headed into the bathroom after a while, deciding to take a bath. It had been a long time since I had enjoyed a bath, something I had always enjoyed during my first decade of this existence.

I filled it up with nice hot water and a nice lavender scented bathoil and some bubbles. I took off my dress and jewels and placed them on the vanity carefully. Then I turned towards the bath and sank into the hot water with a content sigh. Part of me was still on edge, expecting seomone to burst through the doors and drag me away from all this comfort at any moment.

But another part of me, however small it might be right now, was starting to think there may be more to Edward, and the Cullen Coven, than I had been told. For now I resolved to simply enjoy the luxury for the next few hours, or however long it would last.

The first day of hell at least didn't have a bad start, I comforted myself.