Demetri

I got Bella loaded onto the plane. Since she decided she was going to trust me she had been perfectly accommodating though no less vehement that the Major would come for her. We chatted amicably about the Volturi, her coven, and her past as the plane lifted off. By the time the plane leveled off, Bella asked, "Can you direct me to where I might change my clothes and heat up some dinner?"

I showed her to the restroom and she took her suitcase with her inside. While she was changing I followed the instructions to heat her dinner and got a soda out of the refrigerator for her. I placed her food on the conference table. When she came out of the bathroom she was dressed in a short-sleeved plum-colored pantsuit with matching shoes. It was suitable for meeting the Masters and was a lot less seductive than her dress. I found myself pleased with my decision to allow her to bring clothes with her. She ate ravenously and I wondered how long she'd been hungry.

When she finished her meal I took her dishes into the sink. Someone would deal with them for me. By the time I walked back into the majority of the plane, Bella was writing in a deep purple journal it looked like. I pulled out my book, a manual on warfare through the ages, and let her focus on her work.

I respected Bella. It surprised me because I truly respected so few people. I would protect her. I would guard her. I would keep her safe for both her and the Major. He was a man I had an albeit grudging respect for. He had woken to hell and had pulled himself up by his bootstraps and recreated himself into a man that seemed to want only peace from the fight...and Bella, I reminded myself. He might be a peace-loving man but he would most likely do anything for Bella.

I no longer agreed with my orders to come to pick up Bella. The Cullens, specifically Carlisle and Edward had convinced Aro that Jasper had stolen Edward's mate. Edward offered his services to the Volturi when required in exchange for Bella's return. Aro had been wanting that for centuries so I was sent because I was the only one with a chance of skirting the Whitlocks and getting away clean with the girl in tow.

It was sure to be an explosive confrontation back in Volterra when we arrived.

When Bella put her journal away I asked, "Why are you writing so much in your journal?"

"Jasper got it for me so I could record everything I could remember before I was changed. He was going to read it to me while I was changing so that I could keep as many memories as possible. I've gotten back so far as to record everything that happened with the Cullens and the Whitlocks. I've written down everything. I'll start writing about my family and friends and those memories a little later today. It's tiring to remember everything. Can I have something to drink please Demetri?"

"Water, soda, or juice?" I asked.

"Water would be great," Bella said.

After I brought her a water bottle, I asked, "Did you leave anyone behind?"

"I was going to have to leave my father behind but he discovered the secret. He was going to reveal it. He was so very angry. Peter killed him and staged both of our deaths. I knew what they were going to do and it was so very hard to agree but I had to. He couldn't be changed while he was being so confrontational and it was really the only choice." a tear slid down her face. I wiped it away.

"It's not your fault, Bella," I comforted. "Not everyone can handle the knowledge and of those that can not everyone can handle joining us. It's hard to leave everyone and everything you know behind to start over from scratch. We'll be in Volterra soon and we need to get you ready to show proper respect to the Masters."

"Okay, teach me," Bella implored.

Bella

After the lessons from Demetri, the plane landing, and getting into a black SUV we arrived at the castle. My nerves were getting away from me. Demetri's hand on my shoulder seemed to infuse calm into me. I just looked at him for a few minutes and then helped him get out my luggage. We walked, laden with bags, through the castle. We went up three floors and stopped when we got to a huge set of double doors. They were guarded on both sides but the guards, without a word, opened them for Demetri. We went through into the same circular chamber that I had stood in with Edward.

Aro, Caius, and Marcus were seated on their thrones as they were last time, the only change was that Marcus seemed interested in the proceedings.

Demetri directed me to stand before the thrones and took my bags from me, sitting them in a pile off to the side.

"Bella, how lovely to see you," Aro sang from the central throne.

"Still human as we were informed."

"Masters, three more days would have seen me changed into one of you. Jasper and I had agreed that it would happen as soon as we got to their home just outside of Boulder, Colorado. We were traveling to a safe house when I was, um, directed to come with Demetri. My mate is no doubt on his way to me now."

"You are right, Bella, the Cullens are in fact on their way to reclaim you," Aro said.

"The Cullens," I spat with vitriol that seemed to take the kings aback, "kept me as a pet for their son Edward to feed off of. I am the mate of Major Jasper Whitlock. I am a member of the Whitlock coven and have no wish to ever see the Cullens again unless it is on a pyre."

"Tell us your story child, for there seems to be a great deal we don't know," Marcus said, holding his hand out for Aro to touch. I thought he glared at Aro but I couldn't be sure. "Felix, please fetch a drink and a chair for Miss Swan, I have a feeling this will be a long tale."

"Thank you, Master Marcus, it is a long tale. I can either tell you myself, or I could just let you read my journal. My mate was going to read it to me through my change so I didn't forget anything. It is not finished but it has all about the Cullens, the wolves, and the Whitlocks finished. The only things not in there are my childhood and details about my family and other friends."

"You would allow us to read something so personal?" Caius asked with a newfound softness in his voice.

"Yes, Master Caius, The story is involved and begins months before we met last. I know Aro can not read my mind and it is the best way for you to get all the details. As long as I can have it back. It was my first gift from my mate and very dear to me."

Felix came back in with a high-backed chair for me to sit in and a Jane followed behind him with a tray that had food and drinks on it. They arranged things and I sat down gratefully. The food was a small platter of fruit and cheeses and I had been brought grape juice or soda to drink.

"Thank you, Felix, Jane," I whispered as I sat.

"Very well, we will take young Isabella's diary into evidence. After it has been read it will be transcribed so we can keep a record of it." Marcus declared and I shuffled quickly to my luggage to get my journal. Once I had it in hand, Demetri put a hand out and I reluctantly handed it to him, but he just took it to Master Marcus who immediately started reading."

I picked at the fruit and cheese plate but drank the juice gratefully.

"Child?" Marcus asked gently, "With all of this happening why did you not come to us?"

Marcus passed the journal to Aro who waited for my response before reading.

"First, I was human, not yet vampire. Second, sir, with all due respect, I was told that Carlisle was Aro's friend and he might not be impartial about the situation." There were titters in the crowd. "As I have been brought here at Aro's command to be reunited with the Cullens I have to agree."

I looked at Demetri to see if I had said too much but he only caught my gaze and nodded. My eyes flicked to Marcus who looked unhappy but from what I could see, not surprised by my response.

Aro read through my diary quickly and then passed it off to Caius who also began to read.

The silence in the room as they read my most private thoughts was unnerving. Caius stopped reading and looked up at me. "You are friends with children of the moon?" He said.

"No, sir." Jasper had educated me about other supernatural creatures and I was never more grateful for it. "I am friends with a tribe of shapeshifters, or I was."

"They do not need the moon to phase?" He asked.

"No, sir, they can turn during daylight hours, or on a moonless night. They are also not insane. Only a little hot-headed. They saved my life." I explained.

Caius went back to reading and I sighed in relief. Caius made me a little nervous.

"Felix, have this transcribed" Caius directed when he was finished reading. "I watched worried as Felix took possession of my diary. I didn't want it out of my sight. Felix seemed to sense my gaze.

"I'll protect it for you and return it to you young one," Felix promised. I looked into his eyes a moment then nodded. I felt like he would do what he said.

All three kings watched me. Marcus's eyes seemed to be filled with pity. Caius seemed contemplative. Aro's eyes were filled with avarice. I waited for the next round of questions.

"Now, who should we have change you," Aro said.

There was buzzing in the courtroom and then Demetri stepped forward. The buzzing paused. "I would like that honor Aro," he said.

"Demetri, you have never been a sire," Marcus said.

"I have given my word to protect the young one," Demetri said.

Marcus's eyes seemed to penetrate into my very soul. I shifted and Marcus turned away.

"Demetri will change the girl." Marcus insisted.

"But," Aro said.

"Demetri is suitable Aro," Caius said. "He will change the girl."

"Very well, but I want it done immediately." Aro groused.

I watched Demetri's face and he nodded stiffly. He guided me from the room after instructing someone named Afton to bring my bags.

Demetri directed me to the elevator and we got off on the fourth floor. I was scurrying along trying to figure out a way to delay for Jasper. I wanted Jasper to change me. I wanted his venom in my veins.

When we were in Demetri's room and Afton had come and gone Demetri directed me to his couch. He sat down beside me and took my hand gently in his.

"I know you are probably trying to think of ways to get out of this and wait for your mate to arrive but Aro ordered you to change immediately and I can not disobey him. Your mate is still hours away over the ocean. There is no way for us to delay long enough." He explained. "What do you know of the change?"

"I know it begins with a bite. Jasper was going to bite over this old scar James gave me. Can you do that for me? I would prefer that memory not be one that stays on my skin."

"Yes, I can do that. I will bite your neck, your wrists, and your ankles."

"No!" I shouted and stood up.

"What is wrong Bella?" Demetri said looking confused.

"Jasper said he would mark my neck when he claimed me please don't bite my neck," I panicked.

"You've got to understand that is what is best for you to have the fastest transformation," Demetri explained.

"I don't care, so I'll burn a few minutes more. Please?" I begged.

Demetri sighed. "I've never seen a female human as devoted to a mate as you. Very well. Go change into something comfortable and we'll get you changed.

I sighed. This was going to happen I got my bag that had my nightwear in it and changed into a satin short set.

This was going to happen and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I was scared but I trusted Demetri. I opened the bathroom door and followed him into his bedroom.

"Lay down Bella," Demetri directed me to the bed.

"You'll be with me till Jasper gets here?" I asked hesitantly.

"I'll be with you. Now just close your eyes and try to relax. It will be over as soon as possible.

I closed my eyes and felt Demetri sit on the bed. He took the arm that held James's bite and I felt his teeth sink in. He drank for what seemed like forever and then I felt the burn start.

I didn't feel any other bites, so consumed with the burn but soon my other arm was burning too. Then my right leg, then my left. He was finished. I tried not to cry out. I tried not to scream. I failed. I fell into the burning and did not rise again.