A/N: Congratulations to Navywife07 for being the 400th reviewer xx
The end of another story is here again. I will be taking the rest of July off, to try and write more and be back on Saturday 6th Aug 2022. Hopefully, I'll have gotten a couple finished and made some headway into others. I'm feeling a little burnt out, so a break is in order methinks xx Alexis
Aro
I have never felt as much like a prisoner as I do now, I'm usually the one holding others against their will. Fine, I'm not really a prisoner but I'm being watched constantly! Then there's Edward listening to my every thought, he was supposed to spy on them for me, not this way around. I'm being forced to hide in my office for peace and to ensure I'm not overheard in any way. Those fools think they can stop me from getting what is rightfully mine. She was promised to me, she was the bargain, a pledge made and accepted. It's too late to backtrack now; I want what is rightfully mine. I don't care who they say her mate is she belonged to me before they even met! Maybe I should offer Edward a trade his life for her capture! After all, why should he get off scot-free? This is more his mess than anyone else's.
Yes, I do believe that will be the plan and once I have her; I will hide her outside of Volterra until I change her myself! Then her loyalty will be to me and she will forget all about ever having had a mate. I'll just send a few of my private guard along with him and if he fails then he dies and they will take her instead! Now to get the fool on his own and give him the bad news for him and good news for me.
"Edward? Come walk with me!" I suggest and he flinches,
Yes how apropos, I used his own words against him. He's nothing but a child playing in a grown-up world.
Jasper
"Teresa, you know that was all kinds of wrong back there, don't you?" I asked more than a little disappointed,
"I didn't mean to lose my cool, but he said some nasty things to me!" She explained and actually pouted,
"Shit, darlin' that crap ain't gonna fly with us Whitlocks! You ain't livin' with the Denali sisters no more and that kinda thing is likely to get your ass kicked, by Charlotte! Ain't no room for Prima Dona's in this coven" I told her straight and she looked shocked,
"But, I'm your mate, shouldn't you be on my side?" she asked annoyed,
"Not if you're wrong! You were so out of line back there it was embarrassin'. I'll back you to the hilt when you're right, but never when you are in the wrong! Of course, he was angry; you lied to him for over one hundred years! You must have known how he'd react?" I reminded her,
"I thought, I thought now he had a mate it wouldn't matter anymore!" she said startin' to sob,
"Darlin', it's time to grow up and face the music. You did a bad thing, but you're alive and have me now. But please believe me I won't put up with any of the bull, you and Eli let the sisters get away with! We all pull our weight equally from here on in" I stated and prayed she would listen,
"This coven isn't going to be anything like the Cullens or Denali's is it? Nobody is above anyone else, who is the leader anyway?" She now asks, for the first time really takin' an interest,
"I am darlin', I always have been. Even when I wasn't there, Peter deferred to me! They were like you sired by me, many years ago and so they look to me as their leader" I said with pride and overwhelmin' love,
No matter what, they believed in me, they always did. I was just too blind and caught up in my own emotional turmoil to see it. They let me make my own mistakes and although Peter was very vocal about Alice, well it was my mistake to make. I am too stubborn for my own good; I stayed way after I knew I should have gone. But then I'd have missed out on meetin' Bella, she's like a sister to me and I can't lose that bond, no I won't lose that bond!
Kate
New York was an absolute blast; I shopped for ages by myself until I met up with Makenna and Charles. But the best was yet to come, we ran into Randall and a friend, who I now know is Garrett. We were drawn to each other immediately and the rest is history as they say. I had begun to think I would never meet my mate but here he was at long last. But what I didn't expect was the frosty reception I got from my sisters when we all returned to Denali! Weren't they happy for me, should I not find my mate because they haven't? Yes, they go out into the world, but never to meet other vampires. They go to places only women will frequent, like fashion houses. Do they think their mates will just turn up here? I've always been more adventurous and outgoing when it comes down to it.
But I'd like to think if the shoe was on the other foot, I would be happy for them! Maybe, Garrett, has the right idea about being a nomad or maybe it's time for me to branch out on my own after all these long years? To say I was disappointed in them would be a serious understatement and after two days I packed a bag and said my goodbyes. They were shocked, stunned even, that I would leave. I was angry and said,
"Well, it's not as if you want us here! I told my mate such wonderful things about my two sisters, but you both proved me a liar! I have never been more hurt by your attitudes and petty behaviour, so it seems I can only stay here if I'm single and miserable and as that's not ever going to happen this is goodbye!"
I swept out the door to their shouts of abject horror and too late apologies, but the damage was done and I would find it hard to forgive them their bitterness!
Edward
Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't know this day would come. The day when something I did came back to finally bite me! Master Aro thinks he has me trapped into doing something that will get me killed. I on the other hand have kept Master Caius abreast of everything and he has a counter plan up his sleeve. I will dutifully go and pretend to kidnap Bella; meanwhile, he will get in touch with Eli. I wonder if she has been changed yet, something I refused to do. Mainly because I would no longer have access to her blood. Not to drink, but to lovingly savour. Sick I know, but she is my singer and it's seriously powerful stuff. This was going to be a trap alright but not for her or for me for that matter. The only ones going to suffer for this debacle are Master Aro and his men.
Zar
I was a little surprised to get another call from Volterra, but happy about it regardless. The fact that it was Caius was a tad strange, but maybe it was not. He was a warrior and underhand tactics were to him a sign of weakness within the person or vampire using them. So Edward will come here and pretend to capture Isa. Peter, Charlotte and I will deal with Aro's men who will be following Edward. Finally, Isa will use her shield to trap Aro on their return to Italy, so he can stand trial for his crimes. Although it would be more prudent to just kill him there and then before he can muster a defence or more men. Sulpicia will be pleased; she, of course, is not his mate and never was. Actually, she's Dora's mate and he locked them away together like the fool he is!
"Are you ready Isa? Are you sure you can do this? I know you have been working with us to strengthen your shield. But I'm worried, for you and for me" I say letting fear colour my view,
"Zar, please don't panic, we'll be fine. Edward will take me to the location Aro has set and you'll be following us. Then all I have to do is hold him until Marcus and Caius arrive and then it's either they kill him or take him back for trial!" she tells me calmly and I know she's right,
Marcus
It's so close, Aro's end is nigh and I will be the one to kill him. It's time to call in my marker with Chelsea; I want to be a free man when I do this. It's all set in motion; we will be waiting close by to the place Aro has arranged for Edward or his men to bring Isabella. I can almost taste the revenge on my tongue, but it will all depend on how he behaves. If he tries to lie, wheedle and prevaricate his way out of this, I'll kill him on the spot. If he gives himself up then maybe he'll get a fair hearing. Who am I kidding, he's guilty of so many crimes and this is just one of many. It's not even the most serious, just the one that will finally catch him out. I have waited so very long for this day and it's arrived at last. A man who can callously kill his own sister for what?
To hold on to my mediocre gift, yes it was helpful when we first all got together, but not now. Knowing people's bonds is a small gift compared to others, but it was never important enough to lose your mate over and that is what eats away at me. I wish I was more like Caius and was a warrior instead.
Teresa
I have been so stupid, thinking I could just carry on like before. But Jasper's coven is nothing like the Denali's one. It, like the Cullens, looks to be a thing of the past, Kate has messaged me and I have much to explain to her. She and her new mate Garrett are coming here soon, but Jasper asked them to go to Spain first. He is worried that they won't have enough cover without him there and I ruined that! Yes, I have many real apologies to make, not just pay lip service as I did before. He is right, I knew just how angry Eli would be and yet I had to still make it about me. Maybe Bella will explain to Kate what happened so she isn't too shocked meeting me. I have many fences to mend, starting with my mate who I have hurt and embarrassed.
Jasper? Will you help me? Will you teach me to fight and how to become a good mate for you? I don't want to be a burden on you or the others!" I ask nervously,
"Yes, I'll teach you to fight darlin', but learnin' to become a good mate we'll learn together. It's all about listenin' to each other and time, it takes time" he replies hugging me closely,
We have not fully joined as mates yet and I want to rectify that soon.
Eleazar
I was very surprised when Kate turned up with her new mate, she like me has been lucky recently. Though I'm really disgusted with Irina and Tanya's behaviour towards them. I've heard much of Garrett and his gift is very tactical. But it's like Isa's a shield of sorts, so shows up as a blue haze around him. It appears they were going to the Whitlocks and Jasper asked them to come here and back us up. He really cares for Isa and if he can't be here he sends in replacements. I will find it hard to forgive Teresa, but it doesn't seem out of character for her to do something so crazy on the spur of the moment. I knew back then she had feelings for me, but I was happy with Carmen, well I thought I was! But compared to how I feel now with Isa it was nothing but a crush and I was a means to an end for her, to get out of Volterra!
Well, I'm happier now that they showed up, making us five strong and Isa of course but she won't be fighting. Edward will be here tomorrow and the fun will begin.
Bella
Here he comes now, how on earth did I ever fall for him? Next to Zar, he's basically a pimply-faced child! Oh dear, looks like he isn't happy to see me as a vampire, did he think we would wait? Did he think my mate was as stupid as him? No, Edward just doesn't think full stop and that's how we're in this whole mess, to begin with. The second thing to make him pinch the bridge of his nose was the 17th-century engagement ring on my hand. Zar had given it to me just before I set out to meet Edward accidentally! It had been his mother's ring and he asked me to wear it to honour her and I was delighted. It was gold with a single diamond set in a raised dome shape. Very understated it seems his mother and I had similar tastes in jewellery.
"You are going to marry him, but refused me?" He demanded still ever the fool,
"Yes Edward, he is my eternity, my mate! You were not and that makes all the difference" I retorted sick of him already,
"Yes, well I'm sorry! It was just a shock" he back-peddles,
"Let's just get this show on the road, shall we?" I say with a sigh,
It was a nightmare of epic proportions of course; Edward tried to do everything for me and even told me where to sit on the empty plane. I of course gave him the finger and went into the private bedroom at the rear and locked the door. I was not sitting with the imbecile, I know the plan and what more is there to say. I can safely say without fear that there is nothing I miss about Edward Masen. It's not like he can call himself Cullen anymore, the coven is defunct and Carlisle is dead! Once things are back to normal and Zar and I have had some time alone I must invite Rose, Em and Esme to visit us. The shopping is supposed to be good here, not that I would know, but Char mentioned it. I'm sure Esme will enjoy the house and its architecture, not that I would change a thing! I like that it's lived in and well worn, that's how it should be.
Ah, looks like we are about to come into land, then a car will take us to Lucca; this is where I'm supposed to be ensconced until Aro changes me! As the vampire runs it's not that far from Volterra. He is supposed to be there to meet us!
Caius
At last, the fool has overextended himself, he thinks we don't know what he's up to! Stealing another's mate is despicable, if I had one I would never let her anywhere near him! Granted everyone thinks Dora is my mate, but of course, she's not! She's Pica's mate, the only one not aware is Aro himself. He's too blind or too stupid to see it. It's not as if he's actually sleeping with her and hasn't for centuries. Aro believes Corin's gift makes the wives unresponsive, but this is just a ploy and Corin is well paid, to not disabuse him of the fact. So it looks like this is the end of the road for Aro, he went from affable to megalomaniac in just a few centuries and we, unfortunately, didn't notice until it was too late. Killing your own sister tends to make everyone sit up and take notice!
We were close enough to hear everything, especially the bickering child Edward, he really is very slow to learn and I blame Carlisle. He isn't un-trainable, I just don't know if we or he could stand it! I have a feeling he's about to lose a limb if he doesn't stop trying to tell Isabella what to do. Ooh! Well that's one way to shut him up, ripping out his tongue was understandable but shoving it up his own backside was masterful. He's certainly quiet and humiliated, and contrite it'll do him the world of good! Her turn of phrase is if nothing else colourful. Suggesting that his balls would be the next thing she's shoving up his ass! I can imagine he'll be horrified by both the threat and her terminology! At last, Aro has arrived and he's actually shocked she's a vampire.
"She's a vampire Edward? Who did this to my prize?" he demanded of the tongue-less boy,
"Whoa, buddy I can talk for myself! My mate changed me of course, why wouldn't he? Besides I am not now or ever was your anything! You can stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Whatever schemes you cooked up with them have nothing to do with me and you know it! I don't play by your rules Aro and I never will" Isabella spat back at a stunned Aro,
It's been a long time since anyone spoke to him that way. Even though we all should have it was easier to say nothing, and do nothing.
Eleazar
Isa is afraid of no one; she's giving Aro what for and no respect. He's not going to like it and he'll like it even less when he finds she has him trapped. We have managed to get close and signalled Marcus our location. Peter is beside himself about something, he looks like he's bursting to tell us.
"She, she ripped out Eddie's tongue. But she stuck it where the sun don't shine! He's mortified and refusing to put it back in his mouth!" he sniggers as quietly as he could,
Ah, that's my girl; she's got a bit of a temper that has shown itself since her change. Here we go; Marcus and Caius are moving in for either the capture or the kill.
"So Aro, you just couldn't help yourself, could you? Isabella my dear you are looking well, Eleazar is a lucky man. Cat got your tongue, Edward?" Marcus says barely keeping from laughing,
"Get back to Volterra Edward, soak it overnight in detergent and it will be fine. The thought is worse than the fact since we don't defecate anymore! Then write down for me in detail, how a newborn with no fight training managed to relieve you of your tongue!" Caius barked at Edward and he scuttled away,
"There you are Eli, come to retrieve your mate have you? Peter, Garrett, Charlotte and Kate too, I'm surprised the Major is not with you! Well anyway, on to business, since you insisted on keeping me and I see bonds let me confirm they are mates and you broke the law, Aro!" Marcus states calmly, but his eyes are flashing dangerously,
"She was promised to me! A bargain was made!" Aro sneered,
"By someone, no two someone's who had no right to do so. Isabella belongs to no one she's not a piece of meat to be bought and sold!" I spat back,
"I belong to you my love and I'll kill anyone who tries to take me away from you. Hell, we just got engaged and I aim to plan the perfect wedding!" Isa snarked back and the other two women smiled at her,
"Enough!" Aro shouted trying to regain control,
But as he tried to move away he realised he could not. Isa wagged her finger at him and he started to look worried. This was not turning out as he planned and then Peter held out his hand with six Volturi pins in it. These were taken from the guards we killed.
"I believe these were yours!" he said crushing them to powder in his hand,
"Yes, I believe it is enough. Aro, I can't be bothered with a long-drawn-out trial, you understand, don't you? Great, well goodbye, this is for killing Didyme and all the others you separated over the years!" Marcus announced,
He then rushed forward and removed Aro's head before spitting in his face and holding it out for Caius to light. It was over, not with a bang but with a whimper!
Bella
I was ready to get out of here as soon as possible and taking Char and Kate's arms said,
"Would you help me with my wedding plans? Rose with be my matron of honour of course, but I could do with the help of some good friends. Weddings were never my thing, but I want this to be right because it will happen only once"
On the plane back home I snuggled into Zar and asked him,
Zar, I want Jasper to give me away. Will you be alright with Teresa there for our wedding? Rose will be matron of honour, who would you ask to be your best man?"
"How would you feel if I asked Kate to be my best woman instead?" he quizzed me and we heard her squeal from three rows back,
"I think that's a great idea and Marcus gave me a note before we left. It says he would be honoured to marry us in a proper vampire binding and I think I'd prefer that too. Were not human so it doesn't really apply" I said kissing him lovingly.
So my perfect marriage is underway, a villa in Spain at sunset high up on the mountain is the perfect setting, the most romantic of settings.