AN Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for all the lovely reviews you've been leaving me. I hope you keep reading and enjoying.

One review had some questions, I answered it in private message, but I figured perhaps you'd all like to know the answers as well:

How old is Bella?

I've made her slightly older than the books. She was born in 1936, and changed in 1956 so when she was 20 years old. (I don't really like the forever teen bit, so I'm going to make everyone slightly older).

When is the story set?
The story is set in the present. so smartphones and smarttv's and such are a thing. It's not really defined anywhere... and I've not really set a date for myself. it's just anywhere between 2015 and presentday that this story could take place.

Will the rest of the Cullens be there?

Forks and the rest of the Cullens will be joining the story eventually. At first in a minimal capacity, save for Emmett and another family member (I won't spoil :) ) But eventually they will all be joining in on the fun!

Let me know if any of you have any other questions and I will answer them!

So I just realized I forgot the disclaimer in the previous chapters... so here goes:
I don't own Twilight! all recognizable characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

On to the chapter! hope you enjoy, and as always let me know what you think by leaving a review :)
P.S. Edward is especially a dick here, so bare with him and me ;)

Chapter 4 - Well at least I'm not dead...

'What have you been told about us, Isabella?' Emmett asked. I just shook my head, my hand still firmly clamped over my mouth.

'Just leave it alone, Emmett.' Edward said, sighing heavily before settling back in his seat.

He took his sunglasses off as well though and he gave me a scathing look, pining me with his amber gaze. The orange undertone in his eyes previously made sense suddenly. He'd been wearing contacts.

'She's terrified! I can't just leave it alone!' Emmett shot back, making a move to come closer to me, I shrank further down into the cushions, a whimper escaping my throat. Not even Aro himself could have made me more afraid then I was at that moment. I struggled to bring myself under control. I couldn't let myself get paralyzed by fear.

'Isabella, calm down.' Emmett pleaded.

I shook my head. 'Yellow… your eyes are yellow.' I managed to whisper.

Emmett nodded. 'Yes. What have you heard about us?' he asked gently.

I couldn't answer. What if I told him and he decided to kil me? Or worse? I couldn't risk it, I clammed my mouth tightly shut.

Edward rolled his eyes. 'Just leave it Emmett. What does it matter?' he asked in a bored tone.

Emmet rounded on him. 'It matters to me if the girl is absolutely fucking terrified out of her mind.' He spat at Edward and my mouth dropped open.

How did he dare to be so brazen with his master? This coven was beginning to make less and less sense to me the more time I spent with them.

'Isabella.' Emmett tried again. I swung my gaze to him. 'Our eyes are yellow because of our diet… We sustain ourselves on animal blood. No human blood. Just animals. It changes our eyecolour.'

It felt as though my brain had stopped working.

'Animal blood?' I whispered.

Emmett nodded. Even Edward gave curt nod.

'Animals?' I echoed again, somewhat incredulous. Could the truth behind their eyecolour really be that innocent?

'The predators taste the best, but they're not always plentiful, so usually we have to settle for herbivores like deer or elk.'

'Deer… Elk…' I mumbled, my brain trying to connect everything together.

It made no sense. I'd been told my entire life that vampires needed human blood to survive. Except for the yellow eyes, who survived on other vampires. They were monsters. But as I looked at Emmett. His face kind and open, all his previous kindness shown towards me, sincerity dripping from every syllable as he explained why his eyes were yellow... I just couldn't understand it anymore. Had everything I'd ever been told been a lie?

'Not… Not other vampires?' I asked in a small whisper.

Almost as soon as the words left my mouth I regretted them. Edward rounded on me instantly his face contorted with pure digust.

'What did you just say?'

I cowered away from him.

'Did you just ask if we drank other vampires?' he asked incredulous.

I barely manged a small nod. The fury rolling off of him was tangibale in the air.

'Edward, calm down.' Emmett said softly. 'You're scaring her even more.'

Edward took a deep breath and sat down again.

'I knew Aro was low. But I dindn't think he would go that far.' Edward scoffed. 'Other vampires... Who ever could think of such a thing?'

'Isabella was Aro the one that told you that yellow eyed vampires were dangerous?'

I nodded, unable to deny it now.

'God what a man.' Emmett shook his head in disdain. 'We're not dangerous. Well.. We're still vampires, so we're a little bit dangerous. But we don't drink from other vampires. That would be insane. We drink from animals because we don't agree with killing humans.' Emmett explained in a soft voice.

'You… don't… kill?' I asked thoroughly confused.

Emmett shook his head.

'How is that possible?'

'Another little lie of Aro's I assume.' Edward scoffed. 'Vampires can sustain themselves on a pure animal diet without trouble.'

'We've been actively participating in a animal blood diet for well over a century now.' Emmett said. 'I myself have only been around for the last 80 years, but the rest of the clan has been doing it for longer.'

'How long?' I quietly asked.

'Our founder started in the 1600s.' Edward said, throwing a look towards Emmett.

'You're not the founder?' I asked dumbfounded.

Edward looked at me with a drawn up eyebrow. Then he shook his head. 'No. I took over leadership some sixty years ago.'

'How long have you been a vampire Isabella?'

'You can call me Bella.' I mumbled. I had hated the name Isabella for as long as I could remember. Therefor the volturi had insisted on calling me that. Whenever I had a chance though I referred to myself as Bella. Emmett gave me a warm smile and waited. I took a deep breath.

'Aro found me in 1956. He was the one that turned me.' I looked down at my hands.

Emmett nodded to himself. Just as he was about to ask something else, the stewardess made her reappearance to warn us that we were about to descend. Edward put away his laptop and put on his sunglasses again. Emmett followed suit.

'We'll be landing in a commercial airstrip. There will be people there.' Emmett said smiling at me. 'There is a car waiting for us at the terminal. We will all be in the same one together.'

'Actually. I have some other business. I'll join you later.' Edward corrected. Emmett whipped his head around.

'What?' he asked incredulous.

'You heard me.' Edward said, crossing his arms.

Emmett's jaw clenched shut and he stared at Edward. Edward's eyes tightened and his lips pulled down, but he made no other comment, neither did Emmett. Finally Edward shrugged and Emmett looked away. I looked between the two men, confused what had just transpired.

'Fine. You and me will take the car, Edward will be in time for the ceremony.

'Okay.' I agreed easily. Perhaps these people weren't so bad as everyone had had me believe.
Could things finally be looking up for me?

As the plane landed, Emmett got up and went to get our bags. I got to my feet as well, but somehow managed to trip over my own feet as I got up. Before I could right myself, Edward had wrapped his arms around me, keeping me from falling. He pulled me up slowly and I was suddenly very aware that I was pressed against his very firm chest.

I blinked as I looked up at him. He stared back, his mouth slightly open. I was struck again by how handsome he was and how his eyes seemed to pull me into his soul, now ever more than with the contacts he had in earlier. I couldn't look away. His hand reached up and he slowly swept a lock of hair that had falled from my bun out of my face. My breath caught. Where his fingers touched my cheek a path burned. Electricity seemed to spark the air between us and a content sigh escaped my lips. I closed my eyes and basked in the feeling that was competely and utterly foreign to me. I felt safe.

But as abruptly as the feelings had started, they stopped. Emmett came back through the curtain, announcing we could disembark when he stopped in his tracks. Edward released me immediately as if I was something disgusting and put three feet of space between us. I could barely catch myself this time. Edward crossed his arms over his chest and grabbed his laptopbag. He then turned around without sparing me another glance and marched off the plane.

Emmett placed a soft hand at the small of my back, steering me gently in the direction of the exit. I was numb. What had just happened?

We headed into the terminal with Edward walking slightly in front of us, when a sudden girlish screech filled the arrivals hall.

'Edward!' That same voice continued. I glanced over at the noise and saw a gorgeous blonde running towards us. 'You're finally back!' she gushed as she practically jumped into his arms. He caught her easily and she wrapped her arms and legs around him, planting her mouth firmly on his.

My eyes widened. What. The. Fuck.

I couldn't stop staring. Emmett shifted uncomftably behind me. Finally he cleared his throat.

The woman pulled way slightly to scowl at emmett.

'What?' she demanded rudely.

'We have somewhere to be.' Emmett said gruffly. 'You're blocking the way.'

The woman rolled her eyes, but then she settled her gaze on me. 'Oh this is her?' she asked, sliding her legs down Edward's frame and stepping around him.

God, she was gorgeous; tall, blonde, unbelievable body, dressed in a skintight dress with heels that added another foot to her height it seemed. She sauntered over to me, towering over me and flipped her long hair over her shoulder.

Her eyes were golden too I noticed. 'He's mine.' She growled into my ear as she bent her face close to mine.

I swallowed hard and quickly looked down at my feet. I couldn't very well tell her I hadn't chosen this. That I knew I was unwelcome here, just like everywhere else. I wanted to tell her I had no designs on him that she was welcome to him… but something in my heart stopped me. She turned on her heel and stomped back over to Edward. Once again putting her lips to his.

I frowned. This hurt. But why? I had no claim on him. Sure he was going to be my husband. But we both knew what that meant… nothing. There was no law that said we had to be faithful. There was nothing stopping him from killing me. I was his property. I had no say in this and he could do as he pleased. So I kept my mouth shut and after some internal debate, finally averted my eyes.

Edward broke free after a few more agonizing seconds of her loud and obscene moans.

'This is Tanya Denali.' He said. I looked up. He was talking to me, it seemed. 'Tanya, this is Isabella Volturi.'

I cringed at the name he used. It was clear he was putting gas much space between us as possible, completely disregarding my wishes on how to be called.

'She's plain. Are you sure she's the right one?' Tanya asked giving me another once over. I wanted the ground to swallow me.

Edward nodded. Then he took her hand in his own and turned to me once more. 'Tanya is my mistress.'

I gasped at his brazen statement.

'She's everything I need. Although we will be married, it is in tradition only. You will never replace her.' he sneered at me.

Emmett bristled behind me, but I was numb. I had expected this after all. I quickly shot down any hurt feelings. I knew he would use me, I knew there was no hope for a better life. I knew this was all a punishment for being so incompetent. But some part of me, over the course of our journey had started to hope. I shouldn't have let myself do it, I scolded myself now. I shoul've just kept my mouth shut and my eyes averted and been a good little girl that made no scenes. It would have saved me this pain.

'I never wanted a wife, but Aro would only accept that deal. So here we are.' He took a deep breath and Tanya giggled, her fingers twirling around the hair at the nape of his neck teasingly.

Suddenly I realised what his business was. He was going to fuck her.

I shuddered, unable to supress it. God I hoped he was telling the truth and that he didn't want me. I couldn't bear the thought of his hands on me after he took her to his bed just hours before.

'Get her to the house.' Edward ordered Emmett.

Emmett nodded and put his hand on the small of my back again, giving a little push. Edward and Tanya stepped aside to let us pass. I gave Edward one final glance and I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes, but it was gone too quickly for me to be sure. He quickly looked way and focussed on Tanya's tits like they were the most interesting thing in the world. Although to him they probably were.

'Let's go.' Emmett said in my ear soflty. He quickly guided me away and we climed into a waiting car right outside the terminal.

The car ride was tense. Emmett was clearly stewing about something. But whatever it was he wasn't about to share it with me. So I sat in silence, demurely, with my hands folded in my lap and my eyes down.

The car ride was short mercifully and within only half an hour we pulled up into a seclueded drive. The forest was lush and green around us and I stared at the scenery in awe, before it suddenly opened up into a circular driveway in front of a large stately home. It was a Victorian style mansion, but with a modern twist, there were large columns around the front porch leading all the way up to the second floor. A wrap around porch circled the front of the house and was overgrown with wisteria. The brickwork was grey and blended into the surrounding area beautifully, but here and there, the brick opened up to incorprate enormous panes of floor to celing glass.

I blinked. Unable to believe this was his court. It seemed… so… homely.

Emmett chuckled as he took in my reaction. 'Not what you expected?' he asked, his voice working to regain its kindness.

I nodded once.

'It's home.' He said after another half minute of staring at the property.

'It's beautiful.' I whispered.

'Come on.' Emmett said, opening the door.

We stepped out of the car and Emmett headed towards the front door.

Halfway there he stopped me. 'Look… I know you probably won't believe me, or don't want to believe me…' he said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. 'but… hell here goes. Please don't judge Edward too harshly.'

I frowned.

'I know he's come across as mean and standoffish, but he's not really… he's a good guy. You should give him a chance.'

I raised my eyebrow at him. 'I think he made it pretty clear where we stand.' I muttered.

'I know. It seems that way… but there is more going on here.' Ememtt said, sounding more uncomfortable by the second.

'More? What do you mean?' I asked my curiosity peaked now.

'I can't tell you… I just want to ask you to bear with him.' Emmett said cryptically. 'I know if you let it, this place can be your home and you can be safe and happy here.'

I snorted at that. Emmett gave me a sad smile.

'I know it seems hard to imagine, but just… try okay?' he said.

I gave a noncommittal shrug and started towards the house again. The conversation had made me uncomfortable. It seemed there was something more going on here. And I was being kept in the dark. I knew Aro always had ulterior motives for everything. When he'd told me I was heading here I had suspected there was more to this deal. Was that what Emmett was talking about as well? Was there something else?

Emmett took a deep breath and started after me. When we climbed the steps to the mansion, the doors swung open and I blinked in surprise.

'Angela?' I asked bewildered.

'Bella!' she exclaimed. We both let out an excited yelp and fell into each other's arms.

'I can't believe it!' I yelled. 'How?! How are you alive?' I asked.

Angela had been one of my only friends in Volterra. Around fifty years ago she had disappeared. Aro had told me she had gone into the city alone and was killed by a mob of angry townspeople. He had tried to instill a fear of the outside into me. Except it had worked differently. It had made me start sneaking out. I had found no angry townspeople anywhere. But also no trace of Angela. When my status fell and I hadn't managed to find her, my hope began to fade that she was still alive. I was almost certain these past few years that Aro had killed her himself just to spite me. He had already been getting frustrated with em by then. So it wasn't a stretch.

'You're alive!' I yelled again.

'You're here!' angela yelled in return. 'I can't believe it!'

'How did you get out?' I managed when we had calmed down somewhat.

'It's a long story.' Angela said, smiling wryly up at me. I could only imagine.

'Ladies. If you'd please head inside.' Emmett said, standing over us with a small smile on his face. We nodded and headed into the house fully. Ememtt closed the doors behind us.

'Thank you.' he said. 'Angela is one of your ladies in waiting. She will show you to your room and explain what will be expected of you at the ceremony. She will also tell you your day to day tasks every morning and help you adjust to your new life.'

I blinked and looked at Angela. Back in Volterra she had been my confidante, my servant as well. I couldn't help but feel strange having her for a servant again. I felt lower now than ever before. I didn't deserve a servant, aro had made sure of that. I was supposed to be the servant.
But Angela didn't leave me room to argue, she hooked her arm through mine and started dragging me up the giant staircase that veered off the entry hall.

'Come on. I can't wait to show you your room.' She gushed. 'It's so pretty!'

Emmett trailed up the stairs behind us, a bemused smile on his face. He was still carrying my bag. We headed into a corridor to the left and started walking along. There were doors on each side of the corridor but Angela passed by all of them. She also didn't explain what they were so I just walked beside her silently. Finally she stopped at the double doors that were at the end of the hallway, facing us.

'So that door.' she pointed to the one of the right. 'Leads to my room. This room here…' She pointed to the left. 'is Rosalie's. She's your other lady in waiting.'

I nodded. Then she opened the doors right in front of us. They were double doors, heavy wooden ones by the looks of it. There was an intricate pattern carved into them and there were heavy brass knockers as well.

she opened the doors with a flourish and then stepped aside.

I gasped. If I'd thought the boat had been luxurious, it had nothing on this. I stepped into the room not believing my eyes. It was amazing. The walls were stucco'd smoothly and painted a calming beige. The floors were hardwood cherry. The ceiling was white but had intricate details, flourishes and swirls made into the plaster. In the center hung a modern chandelier that lit up the room. Opposite the doors were two French windows, opened to reveal a lovely balcony with a small table set and a few potted plants. There were heavy dark curtains, pulled ot the sides to the view was uninterrupted. And what a view it was… I stepped closer to the doors unconsciously. Trees stood as far as the eyes could see it seemed. a lush green oasis that stretched endlessly out from my window.

'Beautiful view isn't it?' Angela asked, stepping behind me. I could only nod.

She turned me away from the view then and started a tour of my suite. Yes it was a suite. There was no bed in the room we were in now. There was a sitting area with a couch, a settee and a chair. A plush carpet in lovely blushtones was underneath the coffee table. There was another flatscreen tv. Off in the corner there was a desk facing the window with a laptop placed on the top.

Angela opened a door in the left corner of the room and gestured me to go through. It was a bedroom. My bedroom.
The colourscheme was similar to the sitting room. It was calming and homely and warm. Words I had never applied to the castle in Volterra. That place had all been about opulence and riches and showing off that wealth. The floors in the rooms were cold harsh marble. The walls lined with gilded pillars or windowsills. It was always just an assault on your senses with the varying textures, smells and colours.

This room was spacious. There was a large four poster wrought iron bed in the middle of the opposite wall. It was a king size. Linnens wrapped around the posters, giving it an almost ethereal look, the slight breeze from the opened windows made the fabric flow across the floor. There were lovely endtables with nightstands. A lovely painting hung over the bed, a countryscape that reminded me of the countryside around Volterra. Opposite the bed were bookcases filled with row upon row of books. I sighed happily as I walked past the shelves, trailing my hands across the spines. There were old books here, some even dating to the 18th century, I was sure of it. But there were also new paperbacks sitting on some other shelves. It was a strange selection of varying ages and hardcovers and paperbacks across all genres.

'Edward wasn't sure what you liked to read, so he stocked it with pretty much everything.' Angela said with a shrug. I frowned at that.

'Why?' I asked before I could stop myself.

angela frowned in return. 'He wanted you to be comfortable in your new home.'

I scoffed at that. Before Angela could comment there was a knock at the door in the sitting room. Angela gave me one last strange look before turning and heading over to the door.

I trailed after her, still looking around the room in wonder.

Angela was speaking softly at the door before she turned back to look at me. She opened the door wider and revealed Emmett and a beautiful blonde woman standing at the door. Emmett walked into the room, my bag slung over his shoulder.

'Your things, Ms Swan.' He said formally. I nodded to him. He placed the bag on the table near the door.

'Bella.' Angela said, drawing my attention. 'This is Rosalie Hale.' She gestured to the gorgeous blonde.

Was this another one of Edward's mistresses? She seemed like his type. Tall, absolutely beautiful, and long blonde hair that fell past her shoulders gracefully.

I nodded once in acknowledgement.

'Ms swan.' She said, her voice was cold and my eyes immediately dropped down to the floor.

'She's your other lady in waiting.' Angela said. I nodded once again.

'The ceremony will be in a few hours.' Emmett said, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled in the room. 'Please make sure she is ready by then.'

The ladies nodded and Emmett left the room, closing the door behind himself.