Chapter 20: The journey home.

Bella's pov…

After the battle, I felt free for the first time. Victoria was destroyed and I was mated to a wonderful vampire. Now all I need is to become one of them so I can be with him forever. Caius wants to do it in the safety of his chambers where he can watch over my change. The guards we're now in preparation for our journey and I have some business of my own to take care of. I got to say goodbye to my past. I am heading home to be with dad for the last time. I plan on just disappearing. Dad will be upset, and no doubt try to find me, but there is nothing else I can do. He can't find out about them and this is the only way. But I plan to spend some quality time with him, and that will mean a lot to us both before I go. My old life will be just a memory, but I will have to be content with that. Besides, I had forever ahead of me with Caius.

Bree was really doing well under Jake's care. She now belongs to the Cullen family, and Carlisle just took her under his wing. With the loss of Edward, it was hard on all of them. But now they have a new daughter. Alice was thrilled to have a new sister and took her shopping at first opportunity. Bree was extremely sweet and took to their ways so well. Jake always went hunting with her and he explained to her what he was. She didn't mind because she had always loved animals. She proved to be an amazing person and talented too. In life Bree had a great ability for taking care of animals and just had a feeling of what the animals really needed. Kind of like dog whispers. Now that she had become a vampire, she can communicate with animals. It was wonderful because she now can hear and understand Jacob wolf form. Animals did not fear her, and it served her well when she hunted, she can lure them right to her.

Caius pulled into the driveway and I gulped down my rising emotions. This was it, and my life was changing so fast. But I knew what I wanted. I looked over at Caius as he shut off the engine. He sat back and let out a sigh.

''Bella, I want you to know I understand that you want to do this alone,'' he put his arms around me and I leaned into him, needing his support. ''Take your time love. I will be back; I have a few things to prepare before we take our flight home tonight.''

I nodded to him fighting my tears. I didn't think it would be this hard, but it was. When I pull back, he saw me crying. He reached out put his hands on both side of my head and kissed my tears away. As he nuzzled my neck, I wrapped my arms around him again. It was so good to be in his arms. He gave me strength for what I needed to do.

''Alright Caius, I will see you soon. ''I say as I pull out of his embrace and open the car door.

''Call me when you're ready my love. ''He said leaning up to look at me from the driver's side.

''I will. I love you. '' I say as I shut the door and start to walk away.

''Always my dear. Be back soon.'' he called then pulled away.

I produced a tissue from my jacket that I had the foresight to bring and wiped away my remaining tears and cleared my throat. I was determined not to lose it. I will keep it together; this day will be a happy one. I thought bravely as I approached the door for the last time. I did not have to open it; dad was there to meet me and smiled.

''So, how did camping go? ''Dad asked as he held the door for me.

''It was great dad; it was cold but nice.'' I say as I pass him and breathe in the wonderful scent of dad cooking lunch.

''Just in time, I'm cooking steak sandwiches. Want some? '' He gestured going back to the stove to flip some meat.

''Yeah, dad, cool.''

''Cool, huh.'' He laughs. ''Have a seat, it's coming up. ''

Caius's POV…

As my mate visits her father and says goodbye, I went to oversee the preparations. The guard took all the luggage in and made sure Bella had accommodations like food and supplies. I sent Jane to the store for clothes and personal items that she would have need of. Felix was filling the plane with fuel and I informed the pilot of our destination and estimate time of departure. When things were in order, I found myself pacing again. It was about 3 hours after I dropped off Bella and I grew restless. Marcus said it would be difficult for mates to be separate and he was right. Damn, I had to distract myself, so I don't run off to go get her. Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by Jane.

Thank God, what is it? Something I need to get done? Any problem that can't be solved? I can fix it. Anything, but the pacing and worrying.

''Master, I got everything Bella would need and all the luggage is ready to go. Everything is going smoothly and on schedule. ''

Damn. I was hoping I would be needed for something. ''Very well Jane, 'I sigh, ''that's good news. ''

''You alright master? ''She asked stepping back looking me over.

''Yes, but it's Bella, you know…''I begin to say.

''I understand master. It should not be too long, and you will not have to be separate from her ever again. ''Jane said, giving me a reassuring smile.

''Yes, thank you,'' I say and suddenly hear a screech of the fuel truck's tires, then Felix cursed. ''Go and check on that big fool, will you? ''

''Alright master.'' She replied amused. Then took off around the other side of the plane.

Suddenly the phone rang. Bella! I pulled out the phone and answered it. ''Caius here.''

''Caius are you airborne yet, dear one? '' Aro. I sighed.

''No Aro, I'm waiting on Bella. So, make it quick. She's supposed to call me soon.'' I snapped.

''Alright Caius, a little testy, aren't you? ''He chuckled, calm and clearly enjoying how the mating bond had a hold on me.

''You know that, so why ask?'' I say harshly.

''Okay, Okay. I'll get to the point shall I, with the situation being handled well over there the stories came to nothing and there is no exposure to our kind. So, mission accomplished and well done. What do you plan on doing with your prisoner Edward?''

''He will suffer for hurting Bella and don't worry about him. I will deal with the filthy wretch when I get there.' 'I growled out.

''I have no doubt that you will get your satisfaction in killing the young fool. Is Bella ready to be one of us? ''

''As soon as I get there, we will prepare to get it done. Right now, she is saying her goodbyes. ''

''Very well see you soon, Caius. ''He said finally.

''Bye, ''as I hung up and not a moment too soon the phone rang again.

''Bella? ''

''Yes Caius. Come pick me up. ''She sounded so tired.

''I'm on my way. ''I say as I flit to the car

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bella 's POV ...

I was a little too silent for Caius to be at ease and he gave me the look ... are you alright? Repeatedly. So, to help him relax, I gave him a weak smile and he took my hand and kissed it. I was OK at times, but I felt sadness too and it hurt inside. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to be with my mate. Whom I love now with all my heart, but I will miss home too. Dad and I had a great last day together. I even went fishing with him and that's something I never did before. I wanted to give him good memories of me and I needed them too. I ended our day when we had dinner at our favorite diner. I told him that I loved him. That look on his face was priceless. I hardly ever say that word, and I can't remember the last time I said it to my parents. I received the most loving hug before I left him and sweet kiss on the cheek goodnight. When I entered my room, I pretend to go to bed, I crept out the window and called Caius to come get me.

We pulled up to the airport and made our way to the private plane. I was surprised to see Caius 's two guards standing at the foot of the stairs, waving. I looked at Caius and he shook his head at his guard's lack of decorum. Jane stepped forward and took my hand.

''Thanks Jane. ''I say between laughs.

I took a seat offered next to the window and laid back. I was exhausted. The ordeal of saying goodbye had me on an emotional rollercoaster. Caius sat next to me and put his arm around me. I couldn't help but yawn and lean into him. I snuggled in for comfort.

''You can sleep now my dear. I will wake you when we are near home.''

''Um hum,'' Was all my reply and soon I was asleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

''Hey there, my love, we're almost there. ''Caius coaxed gently to wake me.

I found myself wrapped warmly in his arms, sitting on his lap. Sun was not up yet, but the bright morning light crept over my face. I blinked and rubbed my eyes and just under the veil of my lashes, I watched the Tuscan planes come into view. I gasped as I saw the sun coming up and I couldn't remember ever seeing a more perfect sunrise. The pink and yellow Hue shone across the Sky, bringing life to the sleepy countryside. I sat up. We were driving in the Volturi's black stretch limousine and I grew excited despite myself. I looked at my new surroundings in awe and Caius chuckled. I felt his cool breath on the back of my neck, and it made me shiver. He put his hands on the small of my back and whisper softly into my ear.

''Are you alright my dear? ''

I nodded and smiled. ''I think I'm just fine, babe.''

He laughed. ''Babe, not exactly a term endearment for a King.

''Get used to it. ''

He clipped his tongue. ''How about stud or lover. ''I giggle and kiss him softly. After a few bliss filled moments he pulled away.

''I know… hot stuff. I always like that one.'' He continued stubbornly.

''Nope, babe. I like it better. ''He gave me his puppy eye treatment and I giggled some more.

''Alright, you win. Hey, look my dove, we are entering the city, ''he says as he points for me to look out the window.

I glance at the ancient city and snort. ''You know what, ''he gazed in my eyes questioningly. His tantalizing lips so close to mine, ''I've seen it. ''

He laughed as I planted a heated kiss on his again and we continued our make out session until we reached the Volturi Castle garage. Caius stepped out and scoop me up and whisked me off through the dim lit corridors. The torch lights went by in a blur as we did not stop until we were going through the familiar double doors. He put me down and then pulled them open with the air of dramatic flair for me to enter the throne room. We saw the other two Kings lounging in their thrones. When Aro saw us, he stood up as we approached. His face reflected joy in his red milky eyes seemed to sparkle as he clapped his hand in childish delight. He came towards us, floating smoothly down the dais and took my hand.

''Welcome back to Volterra, Isabella! ''