Hello! So, I've seen many FF writers, publish short stories, and one-shots in one single "fic". I'm joining in.
From now on, we'll see Bella with different pairings. At the top of each chapter, there will be a short summary.
Let me think what you think about it.
..
Summary: She went with Alice to Italy to save Edward, even when her heart wasn't with him anymore. She saved Edward, meeting him in the process. The one that would make her deal with the ruling clan worth living.
Disclaimer: If you love Edward, this series of shots/short stories are not for you. If you hate Edward, welcome! I don't hate Edward, but I do dislike him.
Pairing: Bella/Demetri.
Chapter 1: Plot twist, part 1.
She met him at the dark alley in Volterra, where she was with Edward and Alice. She had saved Edward from exposing himself in the streets, but that hadn't deterred some of the Volturi from getting Edward to appear in front of Aro.
Her human eyes might have been too weak to see properly, but there was still enough light to see the ones that were there to resolve the issue. That's when she noticed him: tall, muscular, dark hair, and crimson red eyes. She was there to stop Edward, but her heart was not with him anymore.
Spending these last six months being friends with a pack of wolves that give each other shit for fun and that believe in true love made her see things differently; really put them into perspective.
She had loved Edward, but she had been blind to his flaws, idolizing him into this impossible-to-fail persona, which made the fall even more brutal.
The man standing near her noticed her staring and winked at her. She hid her smile because Alice was sort of fighting with the other girl. Maybe flirting with your ...what where they...captors? No, they were not being arrested per se. Anyway, flirting with him in this situation was not a good idea.
She had avoided Edward's touch ever since she broke the embrace she had enveloped him in to avoid him from reflecting the sun on his skin.
He had been given a black cloak that was too big for his frame and made him look utterly ridiculous. She rolled her eyes internally. What had she gotten herself into?
She sighed, gaining the attention of the vampires surrounding her (which she overlooked). She was a good person; of course she wouldn't have let Edward kill herself.
…
…
…
In the throne room, Alice and Edward were being restrained by the two guys that had been in the alley. Now, with natural light filtering through the windows high on the stone walls, mixed with the light in the room, Bella was speechless.
For once, the room was spectacular in itself. An architectural masterpiece. Stones for walls, glass windows high in the walls, letting in the-end-of-the-afternoon sunlight. Torches that had been transformed to hold lightbulbs instead of fire. A huge candelabra hung from the ceiling in the same style as the torches of the wall. Those were the only modern changes that were visible.
It was enchanting.
She came down from the daydream to see the same vampire from the alley (who was now restraining Alice) watching her intently, ignoring whatever was happening around him. Aro, whom she recognized from Carlisle's painting, was speaking to Edward, whose head hung low and who was trying to free himself from the other guy's grip. It was a futile attempt. The guy restraining Edward was easily twice his size. He could be Emmet's size, which was saying something. And while size might not always matter, it did in this situation, he was strong, but the guard was stronger. While Edward was thrashing and moving a lot, the guard was still in his position, seemingly unable to notice Edward's efforts.
So far, she could see that every one of the guards (that's how she called them in her mind) were wearing black cloaks that fit them like a glove, which made Edward's appearance even more humiliating for him. It had been done on purpose, she noticed. Aro kept speaking, and Edward kept fighting. It was sort of funny how she was free to move around the room, it was clear that she was overpowered, and any attempt to leave would end with her death.
She wasn't actively listening to Aro's words, but her brain was registering them either way. He was admonishing Edward for his foolish behavior. He was taking his time with this shit show, recalling the good times he had while Carlisle lived with them. She noticed a petite girl, with the hood of her cloak half down, that kept following Aro with her eyes, but her position behind his chair never wavered. Was she there to protect him? In what way could she offer the protection that his own condition didn't already. Then, it hit her, and she almost facepalmed herself: she was gifted, just like Alice, Jasper, and Edward.
So, the petite girl behind Aro was a gifted vampire whose task was to protect Aro. But why not protect the other two? Was Aro more valuable than the other two vampires that looked extremely bored with this show? Perhaps not more valuable, but there was a clear hierarchy in there that she was missing. Aro was the leader, obviously. The blond guy who looked like he was about to behead Edward was a bit creepy and kind of scary with that red stare that looked like it could read your soul. The other vampire was simply quiet, being. But his eyes kept drifting from Alice to Edward and then herself. He might be gifted as well because Alice was quiet, and Bella was not moving.
So, out of the five vampires that were standing in front of them, most likely, three were gifted, seeing as Aro had read Edward's life from a simple touch of the hand.
She was a few steps behind that scene, so the vampire watching her was actually turning his head to see her. He also seemed unfazed by his task of restraining Alice. Were these Volturi vampires physically stronger?
She blushed at his attention; this wasn't flirting anymore; it was something else. Something she didn't understand. Something powerful, she felt. It called her, scared her, and excited her at the same time. While his eyes were unable to leave her, she exercised all her will to break the eye contact. It made something to her insides. It made her want to jump, to stop this shit show and get it over with. She felt a pull towards him, and it was getting hard to ignore his eyes until Aro made her pay attention with all of her senses.
"Demetri will know if you try to leave the area." She only heard that because it made the guy turn his face toward Aro and nodded menacingly when Edward stiffened.
Demetri, that was his name. She mulled the name in her mind, savoring it. She's never been an avid wine drinker, but she imagined that was what savvy people did when drinking wine, savoring the taste, the smell, the fruit.
"No!" The force of Edward's scream frightened her, making her take a few steps back.
Demetri growled slowly threateningly in Edward's direction. Marcus tilted his head curiously, and that caught Bella's attention, momentarily distracting her from Edward's anger and Demetri's threats. Marcus moving his head between Bella and Demetri was the most active he'd been. Even Caius had stood up when they entered the room. He signed for Renata to come closer, which she immediately did, putting one hand on Marcus's shoulder and one in Aro's when they reached him. Yes, she was something; she protected with her touch. Aro's eyes widened when Marcus grabbed his hand. Marcus stared at him directly in the eyes, without blinking, and Bella thought he might be the bravest person in the world. Aro palmed Marcus' hand, letting him go.
Aro didn't speak until Renata was back at his side. He motioned for her to come closer and keep the contact, to which she bowed her head and obeyed silently.
"Isabella is to stay with us. She's innocent in this mess you Cullens created."
Bella's heart beat faster at Aro's words. She was sure everyone heard her heart, but she couldn't care less. What did Aro's words mean?
"Can we at least discuss it?" Alice asked.
Aro looked at his brothers, who shrugged. He already knew what Marcus thought. It was merely a courtesy with him, but he was genuinely interested in the blond guy's opinion. So, whatever hierarchy they had, they made the decisions together, at least.
"Alright." He allowed hesitantly. "Demetri, you may escort Isabella and the Cullen's to the waiting room so they may discuss." It was clear to Bella that this discussion was ridiculous to him. He, along with the other two, would decide their fate. There was basically nothing Bella or either of the Cullens could say that would change the train of thoughts that Aro was following.
Demetri let go of Alice and made a signal to Felix to do the same to Edward.
"Do not try to run." Demetri groaned when Edward was free.
Edward came to her side in a flash and grabbed her hand. His touch was unwelcome, and she snapped her hand out of his, making Edward frown. "What's wrong, love?"
Bella stared at him for a full second before snorting and walking straight to the door.
Alice eyed Demetri cautiously when she saw herself free, which was understandable, given his growls and overall behavior. But it didn't bother Bella. She saw it as protecting their secrets and their rules. Wasn't that what Carlisle had said was their number one rule? Edward had broken it once and almost did it a second time. How he was still alive was beyond her comprehension.
Demetri waited for her to reach him, and once she did, he gave her a tentative (and genuine) soft smile, barely a lift of one of the corners of his mouth. Bella nodded so softly that if she hadn't been the one realizing the action, she wouldn't have been able to see it.
She expected him to walk behind her, closing ranks, but she was surprised when he walked next to her. She couldn't help the blush that crossed her cheeks once more, just as he couldn't help the small playful nudge he gave her with his arm. She snorted, wanting to return the playful gesture, but she had enough state of mind to know that she wouldn't be able to move him, and she would probably hurt herself in the process.
He gasped audibly enough just for her to hear. She laughed loudly when she saw him pouting theatrically and putting his hand on his heart, pretending to be heartbroken by her actions.
Demetri smiled widely at this. He liked her laugh. She looked beautiful, and when she laughed like that, it was indescribable what his dead heart felt like.
"I'll be close enough." He whispered to Bella before retiring, completely ignoring Edward and Alice. Apparently, these two weren't on the Volturi's good side.
She appreciated his concern, but she could handle Alice and Edward. She turned to see them watching her intently. Edward was angry, and the jealousy was noticeable in his features. Alice, on the other hand, looked pensive. She didn't know what to make out of Alice's expression.
"Aro wants me to stay here." She began. "What does it mean?"
Edward tried to reach her again, but she avoided his touch. She sat on the only couch there was, facing the doors they just went through. She could make out Demetri's frame; he was talking with another guy. It wasn't the other big guy that had been outside; this one was slender.
"Bella." She turned her attention to Alice, who was frowning. "It means he wants to change you and join his guard."
"That still doesn't clarify anything." She was sick of being treated like a child. She was a big girl, and she deserved to know.
"Aro knows I cannot read your mind. He thinks you have a gift, and he wants you." Edward clarified.
Carlisle had thought something similar once.
Did she want to be there? Did she want to be changed? She saw Edward, and where she would have found the object of her love, she found something different. No more she felt the trust. Now she felt empty when she looked at him. It was sad.
He had broken her heart, scared her, taken her friends with her, disappeared from the face of the earth, taken her birthday gifts with him. He had dilapidated her self-esteem. It had taken a long time to get some of her confidence back, and she was still learning.
Why was she discussing this with them? It was her choice, not theirs. Had things always been this way? They making the decisions for her?
She made up her mind. She stood up, and before she attempted to make her way towards Demetri, Edward appeared in front of her, successfully scaring her, which made her take a step back.
"Edward, leave her be." Alice ordered, much to Bella's surprise. Alice sent Bella a wink, letting her know she was on her side. Alice had always been on her side, in her own way. "This is her decision, not yours."
Edward looked at Alice as if she had slapped him with a flaming whip; that surprised and angry, and taken aback he looked. Bella took advantage of this momentary distraction to make her way again, only to be intercepted by Edward again. What game was he playing?
"Please, move." She asked strongly.
"You don't know what you're doing." He tried to grab her hand for the third time.
This angered her. "I don't want you to touch me." She was now on the verge of tears.
This interaction and the wavering of Bella's voice caught the attention of Demetri and Alec, who immediately moved to get Edward out of the way and protect Bella. Alec understood what Demetri saw on her, and driven by that and Aro's desire to have her as part of his collection, he let out his mist, covering Edward, seeing as he was the threat. Alice groaned in annoyance. Why does Edward always have to make things more complicated?
Demetri had pushed Bella behind his back, ready to protect her and attack the idiot if it came to that. A tap on his shoulder made him relax his stance. She was fine, and Alec had the situation under control. He didn't trust the pixie, but he knew Alec could handle the pansy and the pixie with his eyes closed.
He turned around; she gasped softly, noticing that his expression had changed from sweet to menacing. It was scary, but a good scary. "I want to speak with Aro." She congratulated herself on sounding confident and not at all nervous.
Demetri nodded, he didn't want to, but he had to ask about the other two. "Cullens." He called a little louder than average. Alice followed without being asked twice, while Alec restrained Edward once he freed him from his numbing mist.
Alice mumbled something under her breath, and judging by Demetri's tight fists, it wasn't something pleasant.
Aro was surprised at how quickly things had resolved themselves. He silently enjoyed Bella's stance; she led the group, walking side by side with Demetri. She had an air of authority that simply made the others follow.
"Bella wishes to speak with you, Aro." Demetri informed.
Aro signaled Bella that it was her turn to speak. He could have asked for her hand, but he seriously doubted he could get a read out of her. And there was the reason that he wanted her to say out loud. He might love Carlisle dearly and might miss his friend, but his son was a pain in the ass.
"I accept your offer." Edward growled and once more yelled 'no.' Bella ignored him. "But I have a petition to make." Aro smiled amusedly. It was the first time someone asked to negotiate.
"Please, go on."
"I still have one year of school to finish, and I want to finish. It will give me time to put my affairs in order and say goodbye to my dad." It wasn't a hard bargain. It was something easy that they could give her without appearing weak. She wasn't saying no. She was asking for a bit of time. That, they could give.
"Alright. One year. Once your last year of high school is over, you'll come here immediately, and we'll set everything in motion."
"Exactly."
Aro looked at Marcus and then at Caius. The two of them nodded. Demetri wanted to protest, but what could he really say? Don't go? He didn't have any claim over her. He liked her a lot. She had captured his heart in these short hours.
It was one year compared to an eternity of her company. He could deal with one year.
…
…
…
Edward still was wearing the ridiculously big cloak. Alice walked between them in silence; sometimes, she would look at Bella and smile reassuringly. Alice agreed with Bella's decision. It was her life, and she decided what was the best way to live it. She now understood what Jazz was saying the day Edward risked exposure to save her from the van.
"Bella." She turned around to see Demetri urgently running to try to reach her. His cloak flying behind him with the speed of his steps. It wasn't full vampire speed, but it was faster than the fastest human.
She stopped immediately. "Demetri." She smiled.
"I want your number." He wasn't one to beat around the bush. He went straight to business.
Bella blushed deeply, delighted at the turn of events.
She extended her hand, palm up, where he put his phone. She saved her number, and then she offered him her own phone to save his number.
Alice's smile couldn't get any bigger, and when Demetri kissed Bella's cheek, Alice was about to jump. Edward's jealousy was like a green monster walking on glass; it was very noticeable. However, they all ignored him.
When Bella walked back to Alice, she couldn't help the giggle that escaped her mouth at Alice's face. At least, she had Alice's friendship back. It didn't mean all was forgiven, but it was water under the bridge. She wasn't going to be living with the Cullens, so she had all the time in the world to sort out her feelings towards each of them.
And so started her countdown to return. In the following year, he never stopped writing for even one day. It was an unofficial relationship. She ignored Edward and his tedious advances. Somehow, he still had the delusional idea that they could get back together. Charlie was the happiest man alive when she informed him of her feelings toward Edward. Bella laughed and called him a terrible person for smiling the whole day after the news.
She realized that that left her with only real friends inside the Cullen Family: Emmett, Alice, and Jasper. Rosalie still resented her choices, and she was getting on her nerve. Perhaps it was wrong to distrust Esme and Carlisle, but they were too soft every time she complained about their son.
…
…
…
She wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye to her dad, but she was desperate to start a new life. She had fallen for Demetri in this last year, and she wanted to explore what was there.
She sighed nervously. Demetri had said he had been sent on a mission where he couldn't talk to her for two days. She worried every time he went on a mission, regardless of the many times he's told her that he was in no danger in any of those missions.
She saw the time on her phone and quickly headed downstairs with her graduation toga and hat. She was excited to leave Forks High finally.
Charlie had vanished any Cullen from his house after Bella told him what had happened in the days she was missing. Edward had given Charlie a lot of crap that she didn't appreciate, and she gave him a version that was closer to the truth. She even mentioned having met someone that she had liked. That set a precedent for any sudden plans to Italy.
Charlie couldn't deny Bella her desire to study abroad. She had plans, she had friends there, a possible job lined up, and a place to stay before moving alone. That was the plan Bella had told Charlie.
That's why Charlie wasn't surprised when he saw Demetri hiding behind a tree when he went to the designated places for the students' companions. He was a bit disconcerted that he hadn't talked to him, but after thinking about it, he realized that he was terrible at keeping secrets, and he probably would have spilled the bins to Bella.
When the ceremony ended, Bella walked to her dad and gasped surprised when she saw who had decided to show up.
She jumped in his arms. "You're here!" She whispered excitedly.
He laughed and hugged her tightly. "I asked for special permission to come today." Bella understood that there was more to that special permission.
She was leaving for Italy the following day, so Demetri must have come to help her with everything.
What did Marcus show Aro?
Part 2 of this short story will hopefully come soon :)
Review please, let me know.