Disclaimer: Only the new storyline is mine. The rest is Stephenie Meyers.
This story is my entry for the "In love at Christmas" contest. I hope you enjoy it!
In this story, Bella, Caius, and the rest of the main characters got turned between 200 and 100 B.C.
December 24th, 5 B.C.
Bella sighs in relief as the cloaked vampires appear and destroy the monsters that have been wreaking havoc around her home for weeks, with ease. She smiles softly at her two friends as she tightens her shield around them to guarantee that they will stay undetected. After that, Bella turns back to watch the one that seems to be the leader. Bella bites back a sob as she realizes how much his stance reminds her of her human husband Caius or Cay as she always called him.
It's been one hundred years since she was taken from their home while he was out fighting a war. She fought the men that kidnapped her every step of the way, only to come face to face with a much bigger evil. She knew her time had come as she stared into the red eyes of the monster. He had already slaughtered the men that kidnapped her, and she was next. She closed her eyes as she thought of Caius and how much she loved him. She didn't even scream as the monster latched onto her neck and started drinking her blood. A lonely tear escaped her eye as she realized that she would never see Caius again before she let the blackness that surrounded her swallow her whole.
The blackness didn't last. Caius always said that she tended to do things the hard way. Not dying when death tried to claim you is probably the ultimate example of that. Bella turns her attention back to the four vampires in the clearing and watches as they burn the final pieces of the rogue vampires with the utmost care. The one that reminds her of Caius is no longer wearing his hood, and Bella raises her brow questioningly as he turns around to stare at where they're standing. Bella takes a tentative step back as his eyes darken slightly, and she shakes her head in disbelief as she whispers: "He knows we're here… How…"
Diana smiles as she moves to stand next to Bella before putting her hand on her shoulder in a calming move and saying: "He knows someone is here and is puzzled as to why he can't see them. It's annoying the hell out of him. Pull back your shield, Bella. The Volturi won't hurt us, we didn't do anything wrong, and he won't leave until he has found us, believe me."
Bella turns to look at the four strangers with renewed interest as she pulls back her shield. Diana and Michael told her about the laws of their world when they found her a few days after she woke up from her change. Bella owed them her life, knowing her sire left her on the forest floor thinking he had drained her completely. Bella didn't even remember what he looked like. She didn't dare to imagine what would have happened to her if they hadn't found her when they did. They took her in without question and taught her everything she needed to know. They were her family now.
The leader smiles as he suddenly spots them standing near the edge of the clearing and runs their way. The other three follow closely behind, and Bella can't help but notice the resemblance with how Caius's men used to follow him blindly. God, she misses him so much. The things she wouldn't give for one more kiss from her husband.
The strange vampire smirks as Diana bows her head and says: "Since when do you have manners, Diana. Did Michael finally tame you?" Michael laughs as Diana lets out a low growl and says: "And here I thought we were friends, Demetri Volturi. But it seems you don't know me at all if you believe a man could ever tame me. Besides, Michael loves my wild side." I giggle and roll my eyes at my friends as Michael pulls her close and says: "You bet I do. Long time no see, Dem."
I stare in surprise as Demetri gives Michael a manly hug before turning to Diana and kissing her on the cheek. I shake my head as she slaps him playfully against his head and says: "Still the charmer, I see. Let me introduce you to our dear friend and newest coven member, Bella. We found her after our last trip to Volterra, and she's been with us ever since." Demetri turns to look at me and says: "You are a complete mystery, Bella. How is it that I can't sense your mind?"
Diana snorts as she slaps him again and says: "That's the first thing you say to her! No wonder you're still single after all those years. God, you're hopeless." I smile shyly as one of the other vampires takes a step forward and says: "Diana is right, Bella. We apologize for the lack of propriety with which our Captain addressed you. My name is Alec. This is my sister Jane, and her mate Felix. We are glad to make your acquaintance."
Demetri huffs as Diana claps her hands enthusiastically and says: "Hear that, Dem. That's how you treat a lady. Now tell me, Alec. Are you still single?" Bella groans inaudibly as Diana turns and leads the Volturi guard toward their house. She wishes Diane would stop her matchmaking. It annoys the hell out of her. Bella watches as Michael and the rest of the Volturi turn to follow her best friend, and she takes a deep unneeded breath before tagging along. Bella also knows it has absolutely no use trying to tell Diana to stop her meddling. Bella just has to sit and wait for the Volturi to go back to where they came from, and then things could get back to normal. Diana hated seeing Bella all alone but she would stop pushing the moment she saw that Bella wasn't interested.
Bella plops down in her favorite chair as they arrive in the living room and watches with an amused smile as Diana urges their guests to sit down while trying to get Alec to sit close to Bella. Demetri smirks as he ignores Diana's obvious hints and sits down in the chair next to Bella. He ignores Diana's glare as he turns to Bella and says: "Bella, you do intrigue me. I understand why Diana and Michael have kept you hidden for so long. Your gift is amazing. I would love to learn more about you."
Diana smiles smugly as she moves to sit across from Bella and starts a conversation with the other three Volturi guards and Michael. Bella rolls her eyes at her before turning to Demetri and saying: "There isn't much to learn. I was changed one hundred years ago by an unknown vampire. He left me behind after almost draining me, thinking I was dead. Diana and Michael found me and took me in. I can never thank them enough for saving me and teaching me the laws. They are more than just my coven members. They are my family."
Bella bites her lip as Demetri moves a little closer and says: "And there's no one that has captured your heart so far… How can that be? Do you not wish to find your mate?" Bella smiles softly as she says: "I could ask you the same thing, Demetri. How can a handsome, born leader like you still be single? Was Diana right when she said you lack the necessary people skills?"
Bella relaxes in her seat as the Volturi captain laughs at her comment. She smiles as he shakes his head and says: "How refreshing to find a female who doesn't weigh her words more than she should. I long thought that Diana and Jane were unique in that way, but here you are. And I can assure you; there is absolutely nothing wrong with my people skills. You are still talking to me, are you not? Finding my mate would be a dream come true. With my position as Volturi Captain, comes power and that power attracts the wrong kind of women. They want the power they would have as my mate. They don't want the man that lies inside me. I hope to find her one day, the woman that will see me for who I am. Maybe I found her today as she tried to hide from me in a forest with a shield to keep her hidden…"
Bella swallows inaudibly as she hears the longing in Demetri's voice and wishes for a second that she could be that woman for him, but there will never be place in her heart for anyone but Caius. She leans forward slowly and puts her hand on top of Demetri as she says: "Love is eternal, and the heart, once given, can never belong to another. I hope you find your mate soon, Demetri, but I'm not her. My human husband was my true mate, of that I'm sure. For me, there will never be another."
Demetri lets out a big sigh as he stares at my hand on top of his for a second and says: "He was a lucky man to have you love him. I hope he knew that." Bella smiles gently as her mind drifts back to the times where Caius would tell her that he was the luckiest man alive just because she loved him, and says: "He did, and he made sure to tell me so many times over the years we were together. He was the best husband a woman could wish for."
Demetri smiles softly as Bella pulls back her hand and leans back into his seat as he says: "Would you mind telling me about how you met?" Bella shakes her head softly as she says: "Not at all. Talking about him helps me keep the memories alive. It's my greatest fear that my human memories of him will fade over time. Not remembering him and his love for me, the thought alone terrifies me. So, please, ask me anything you want to know until you get bored."
Demetri laughs at her remarks, and Bella smiles as she continues: "I met him when he moved to our town after his parents died. He bought the house next to my parent's. It was love at first sight. He came over to introduce himself, we crossed eyes, and that was it. He owned my heart, and I owned his. He asked my dad if he could court me the same day, and we married exactly one year after that first meeting. It was the best day of my life."
Bella stares off in the distance for a second as she loses herself in the memory of her wedding day, and Demetri smiles softly as she regains focus and says: "Was he with you when you got turned?" Bella shakes her head no at his question and says: "I got kidnapped from our home as he was away fighting a war. I still remember the day he left, looking all handsome in his gear, his men following behind as they marched toward battle. I wished I had told him I loved him once more as he turned the corner. I mean, I know that he never doubted my love for him, but I still wished I told him one more time to make sure."
Bella lets out a sob as venom tears fill her eyes, and Diana rushes to her side as she says: "The love you shared was the love of fairy-tales and legends, Bella. He may have doubted many things in his life, but you know he never doubted your love. Don't hurt yourself this way." Bella nods as she hugs Diana close and takes a deep breath to calm herself as she says: "I know, Di. I just miss him so much." Diana sighs as she hugs Bella close and says: "I know, sweetie, I know."
Demetri gives Bella an apologetic smile as Diana moves to sit next to Bella and says: "I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to upset you with my question." Bella smiles softly as she straightens her back and says: "You have nothing to apologize for, Demetri. Your question didn't upset me. Diana will be the first to confirm that I do this to myself all the time. I don't wish it upon anyone to lose the one they love. It tears your soul apart. I wouldn't have survived without Diana and Michael to guide me. They helped me find my human home, almost two years after I got turned. No one had been there for quite some time.
We tried to find out what had happened to my husband, but no one knew. Cay was nowhere to be found. He didn't come home from the war, or he died trying to find me. But, either way, he was lost to me. Michael was willing to turn him into a vampire so that we could have forever together, but death had already claimed him. It just wasn't meant to be, but I will love him forever."
Demetri nods as he leans back and says: "And rightfully so. I can only pray to find the kind of love you and your husband shared, Bella. Will you allow me to be your friend? A listening ear if you ever require one?" Bella smiles happily as she moves over to give Demetri a quick hug and says: "That's more than I dared to hope. Most men run with the speed of light when they find out they won't get anywhere with me. I would love to call you my friend, Demetri Volturi."
Demetri smiles widely while Bella plops back down in her seat and says: "Would you like to visit Volterra, Bella? Diana and Michael can come along. It's been too long since they honored us with their presence anyway. I can show you the sights, and I bet the Masters would love to meet you." Bella misses the flash of hope in Demetri's eyes as she turns to look at Diana and Michael. She smiles as they nod in agreement and says: "I would love to come to Volterra and meet the rest of your coven. Please, tell me about them. The Masters, I mean. What are they like?"
Demetri snickers as he settles back into his seat and says: "Where to start? I assume you know that there are three kings. The eldest is Master Marcus; he got turned about 200 years ago and quickly realized that he had a special gift. He can read the emotional ties between people, he just needs to take one look at two people, and he knows what they are to each other, whether it is parent, child, sister, brother, or mate. He sees it all. It made him leave his sire behind to search for that most important bond of all, the bond between true mates. He was lucky and found her only ten years after starting his search.
He turned his Didyme immediately, and she begged him to change her brother as well. That day, Marcus didn't only find his true love, but also the brother he never had, Master Aro. The three of them settled down in Volterra and founded our coven. It was there that Master Aro, who has the power to read every thought you once had with one touch, found his true mate in a human girl named Sulpicia. He turned her, and she helped Aro and Marcus with the recruitment of the first guard members. It was then that Felix and I joined the guard.
Jane and Alec got turned by Aro five years later because Aro believed them to be gifted, and he was right. Eighty years passed, with Marcus and Aro having their fair share of differences because they are opposites. Where Marcus is calm and righteous, Aro is exuberant and fickle. They both lack tactical insight and strength, something our third master has in abundance. Aro found him amid a group of soldiers that got slaughtered by a rogue vampire, and after reading him, Aro just knew that he was what they needed to balance them out. Master Caius joined them in Volterra and has been there ever since."
Bella gasps in surprise as Demetri mentions the name of the third king, and she wonders for a second if it could be her Cay. Demetri raises his brow questioningly at her and says: "Is something wrong, Bella? Was it something I said?" Bella shakes her head slowly as she feels the hope grow inside her. It really could be her husband. The timing fits perfectly, but what if he moved on without her. Could she live forever knowing that he hadn't died as she thought, but that he lived in Volterra with some other woman? A low growl escapes her lips as Bella turns her head to look at Demetri and says: "Is he mated as well?'
Demetri ignores her growl but frowns as he says: "No, Master Caius doesn't believe his true mate is still out there. Master Aro has tried to force him into marrying Sulpicia's best friend Athenodora more times than we can count over the last century, but Caius blatantly refuses to marry her. And I understand why. Athenodora is in love with his power and with the position she would hold as his wife. She would be a queen, just like her best friend. Caius once told me that he already experienced the gift of true love as a human and that no other could ever compare to the woman that he lost all those years ago. He will love her forever. He is like you in that way."
Bella sighs in relief as Demetri tells her about how Caius taught him everything he knows. It really wasn't a coincidence that Bella recognized her husband in Demetri's stance. Caius was still alive, and she couldn't wait to get to Volterra and see her husband. She was finally going to be complete again.
A question from Felix interrupts Demetri's story, and he smiles at her apologetically as he turns to his coven mate to answer him. Bella turns to Diana and says: "Are you sure this isn't an inconvenience for the both of you, Di. I don't want you to feel obligated to come along." Diana shakes her head at Bella and says: "No, sweetie, Demetri is right. It's been too long since we visited Volterra. Before we found you, we visited Volterra every five years. It's high time we went, and a trip to Volterra is the perfect excuse to buy new fabrics and make myself a few new tunics. I'll make some for you too, don't worry."
Bella gives Diana a quick hug before returning to her seat and smiles brightly as she stares out of the window while playing with her wedding ring. It was a good thing she was a vampire, or she would have thought this was all a dream.
December 25th, 5 B.C.
Bella shakes her head as she fails in her attempt to stop staring at the gorgeous landscape around her as they run through the Italian countryside north of Volterra. It is so entirely different from the mountains that surrounded her hometown. And nowhere near as green as the forest where she lived with Diana and Michael during the last century. She can very easily imagine living here in the middle of the widespread olive groves and acres full of grain and wheat. She smiles as she realizes that Caius will have no problem convincing her to stay.
Demetri can't help but stare at Bella as they run toward Volterra. He finds himself hoping that maybe one day she will find it in herself to love him, for it seems impossible to find another woman like her: beautiful, smart, and capable of loving the man inside him. He snickers as Bella stops running the moment Volterra comes into view and stares at the little town on top of the hill in wonder. He moves to stand next to her and says: "It's not much, but it is home." Bella shakes her head, and Demetri notices the venom tears pooling her eyes as she whispers: "It's perfect. I can almost see the beautiful city it will become in the years to come. I understand why Marcus and Aro decided to settle down here."
Demetri turns to look at his hometown and smiles as he says: "I do too. I can't imagine living anywhere else. Now, come on. The Masters will be wondering what is taking us so long. We should have been back hours ago." Bella nods as they start to run and says: "Will you be in trouble?" Felix laughs at her remark, and Demetri shakes his head as he says: "Not at all. Aro will be so delighted to see Diana and Michael that we could get away with almost everything right now."
Diana giggles as they run the final distance to Volterra and says: "What can I say? He loves my sparkling personality." Alec snorts at her words and says: "Keep telling yourself that, Di. We know better." Bella smiles as Diana and Alec continue their banter but can't stop her nerves from growing as they get closer and closer to Volterra. What if Caius only remembers loving someone but doesn't remember what she looks like?
Bella fidgets with the side of her tunic as Demetri leads them toward a water well at the edge of town. Bella gasps for air as he disappears down the old well and turns to look at the others in surprise. Jane snickers as she motions Bella to jump down and says: "We can't risk exposure by running in and out of town in brought daylight all the time, so Master Aro created a secret entryway decades ago. The humans believe this well dried up and dug a new one inside the town walls. No one comes here anymore, except us. Just jump down. Demetri will be waiting for you at the bottom."
Bella nods as she turns and jumps down. Demetri is waiting for her with a smile on his face, just as Jane said. He pulls her to the side, and she gives him a gentle smile as they wait for the rest of their party to make their way down as well. Bella gets more nervous with every passing second and would have passed out for sure if she was still human. Demetri leads them further down the narrow tunnel, and Bella swears she can feel her heart becoming lighter with every step she takes. She wonders if Caius can feel it too.
Bella takes a deep breath as they exit the tunnel and enter a spacious room that looks like a waiting room of some sort. Diana smiles brightly as a female vampire rushes her way and hugs her tightly. Bella never realized that Diana and Michael sacrificed so much when they took her in. She sighs as Michael hugs her from behind and says: "Stop it, Bella. We love you. We always knew there would be more than time enough to come back here. You are family, and you needed our help and guidance more than these guys." Bella nods as she turns around to hug Michael and says: "I'm so thankful you two found me when you did. I love you so much."
Demetri smiles gently as Bella moves out of Michael's embrace and says: "Are you ready to meet the rest of our coven, Bella? Almost everyone gathered in the Grand Hall. Word of our arrival traveled fast, and it seems everyone is anxious to welcome the three of you."
Bella's nerves reach an all-time high as she nods hesitantly and says: "I hate attention, so I'll never be truly ready." Bella smiles as Demetri laughs out loud, and she finds herself hoping that this man will find his mate soon. He has so much to give, and he deserves to be loved equally in return. Whoever his mate is, she is a lucky woman.
Bella smiles as Demetri offers her his arm and takes a deep breath as she realizes that she's seconds away from seeing her Caius again. Demetri gives her an encouraging smile as she places her arm through his and says: "There's no need to be nervous, Bella. The Masters are going to love you. Come on. We can't keep Aro waiting any longer. Patience isn't his forte." Bella nods as Demetri leads her toward two big ornate doors and says: "Let's not keep him waiting then."
Jane and Felix move in front of them to open the doors, and Bella stares in awe at the beauty of the grand hall behind it. Her attention, however, is quickly pulled to the three thrones that sit upon a dais at the other end of the hall, as an enigmatic dark-haired vampire rises from his throne and says: "Our lost friends return to us! What a joyous day this is turning out to be! Demetri, may I?"
Bella watches as Demetri takes a few steps forward and offers Aro his hand. Aro throws her a quick glance, and Bella raises her brow questioningly as she notices a gleam of recognition in his gaze before he turns away to look at Demetri and takes his hand in both of his. Diana moves to stand next to Bella as Aro reads his Captain's thoughts and rolls her eyes as she says: "Aro hasn't lost his love for dramatics, it seems."
Aro chuckles as he releases Demetri's hand and turns to look at Diana as he says: "Life would be very boring without drama, dear one. I should be angry with you for staying away so long, Diana, but how can I be when you bring such an intriguing vampire to me. Bella, would you do me the honor? I would like to see if you are immune to my gift as well."
Diana snorts as Aro holds out his hand to Bella and says: "So easily replaced. You wound me, Aro. Don't you want to read every thought that sprouted in my mind over the last century?" Aro laughs out loud as Bella puts her hand in his and says: "Oh, Diana, how I have missed you. But can you truly fault me for wanting to meet Bella when you've kept her hidden for a hundred years? I wish you had visited much sooner. So much time lost, it's a good thing we live forever."
Diana raises her brow questioningly at Aro's words. Aro snickers as Michael puts a finger across her lips as she opens her mouth to react and says: "We apologize, Master Aro, for not visiting sooner." Aro gives him a gentle smile as he releases Bella's hand and says: "Apology accepted, Michael. We're glad you're here now. I had Chelsea prepare your old room when we heard of your visit. We missed you." Aro then turns to Bella and says: "You, my dear, are a true mystery to me. I see nothing when I touch you."
The rest of Aro's words get lost as the doors at the back of the Grand hall open, and a male vampire enters. Aro turns around with a bright smile on his face and says: "Brother, Diana, and Michael have returned. Isn't that wonderful?" The male vampire moves to stand next to Aro, and his hand touches Aro's as he briefly stares at Bella while saying: "Most wonderful indeed. Now, are you not going to introduce me to the lovely lady in front of you, Aro?"
The kings exchange a look that Bella can difficultly place, but it makes her think that Aro knows exactly who she is to his other so-called brother. She smiles softly as both men turn to look at her while Aro says: "Brother, let me introduce you to Bella, the woman that was taken in by Diana and Michael one hundred years ago. Bella, meet my brother Marcus Volturi."
Marcus nods as he bows his head slightly and says: "It is an honor to meet such a beautiful young lady. You have the most wonderful bonds with the people you care for, dear Bella. It makes me curious for what's to come." Aro smiles widely at his brother's words as he turns toward the rest of the vampires present and says: "Jane, will you please tell Caius that we require his presence in the Grand Hall. I'm quite certain that he will want to meet Bella. Don't you think so too, Bella dearest?"
Aro smirks as Bella bites her lower lip and mutters: "I do hope so." Aro pats her shoulder as he moves back to his throne and says: "You don't need to worry, my dear. All will be well." Diana and Michael move to Bella's side, and Bella can see the worry on Diana's face as she whispers: "Are you all right?" Bella takes a deep breath to steady herself as Jane rushes from to room to find Caius and says: "This might be the first day in over a hundred years that I'll actually be all right."
Diana rolls her eyes at Bella as she says: "Nice and cryptic, Bells. You can give Aro a run for his money. Just let us know if we need to rush you out of here for whatever reason you see fit." Aro snorts as he plops down on his throne and says: "And you dare say that I have a love for dramatics. Really, Diana, like I said: all will be well. Just wait and see." Bella lets out a nervous giggle as Diana rolls her eyes at Aro but quickly turns her gaze back to the door Jane left through.
Exactly seventy-eight seconds later, Bella hears the sound of two pairs of footsteps coming closer. Bella takes another deep breath to calm the millions of butterflies swarming inside her as Jane slowly opens the door. A second later, Caius enters the Grand hall. Bella can't help but stare at the man that captured her heart so many years ago as she raises her hand to reach for him and whispers: "Cay."
Caius stumbles at the sound of the nickname Isa gave him so long ago and takes a deep breath as he turns around slowly to look at the woman that spoke his name with so much love. His voice is barely a whisper as he falls to his knees at the sight of the woman he loves more than life itself. "Isa, my love…" Bella lets out a sob as she rushes toward Caius and kneels in front of him. She carefully cups his cheek with one hand and smiles as Caius briefly closes his eyes and leans into her touch.
The smile that forms on his face as he reopens his eyes is breathtaking, and Bella finds herself falling in love with her husband all over again as he softly strokes her cheek and says: "Not a day has passed without me wishing you were here with me. I never stopped loving you, Isa. Please, tell me that you still love me too."
Bella smiles as she places her hand on top of his and says: "I have loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you, Caius. Nothing will ever change my love for you. You are everything to me, Cay." Bella sighs happily as Caius pulls her into his arms and gently kisses the top of her head as he says: "I'm never letting you out of my sight again, Isa. Now, who do I need to thank for keeping you safe and bringing you back to me, mia stella * ?"
Bella smiles as she turns to look at Diana, Michael, and Demetri and says: "Diana and Michael are the ones that found me right after my change. They took me in and gave me a home. They helped me look for you and were there to comfort me all those years that I believed you were dead. They are my family in every way that counts. Demetri was the one that invited me to visit Volterra. I'm forever grateful he did because he led me back to you."
Caius nods as he leads Bella toward Diana, Michael, and Demetri, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, and says: "Diana and Michael, I can never repay you for keeping my Isabella safe. I'm forever in your debt. Demetri, my loyal and trusted friend, words cannot express how grateful I am. I…" Demetri smiles as he lifts his hand to interrupt Caius and says: "Seeing the love between you too blossom once again is all the thanks I need. I can only hope to find the same kind of love one day soon. Never stop loving her with all your heart, Caius. She deserves nothing less."
Caius nods in agreement as Bella hugs Demetri briefly and says: "Thank you so much, Demetri. I hope you will find her soon. You deserve to be this happy too." Demetri smiles softly, but the smile doesn't quite reach his eyes as he takes a step back and says: "Only time will tell, my lady."
Bella squeezes his hand gently before stepping back into Caius's arms and smiles brightly as he pulls her close and says: "I can't believe you're really here. There is so much I need to tell you, Isa. Can I show you our quarters so that we can talk in private?"
Bella's response gets lost as the doors of the Grand Hall swing open with a loud bang to reveal a stunning blond female. Bella cringes as the blond opens her mouth and screeches: "What is going on here?! Caius, why are you hugging that poor excuse of a woman? Let go of her this instant! You're my fiancée, for crying out loud."
A loud growl resonates throughout the Grand Hall as Caius and all the guards move to stand in front of Bella and drop down in an offensive crouch. Athenodora's eyes widen in fear as Caius takes a deliberate step forward and hisses: "You dare insult your queen?! You dare call me your fiancée when I'm not?! You are nothing to me, and you know that well enough. Isabella is and always will be the only one for me. Do you see how the guards already move as one to protect her? She is my wife and therefore their queen. You overstayed your welcome, Athenodora! Jane, help her pack her bags. She is to leave Volterra to never return. We had to put up with her for much too long already."
Athenodora turns to look at Aro to plea for help but sees a stern-looking king who shakes his head as he says: "Sulpicia will miss you dearly, Athenodora, but Caius is right. There is no place for you in this coven. I do hope you find happiness elsewhere. Jane, please escort her to her chambers. Heidi, inform my wife of the fact that Athenodora is leaving us. I'm sure she will want to say goodbye."
Caius turns to look at Bella as Jane leads Athenodora out of the room and raises his hands apologetically as he says: "I can't imagine what you must think, Isa. I never encouraged her. It was Aro's stupid idea that I should marry her…" Bella smiles lovingly as she lays her fingers across his lips and says: "I know, Cay. Demetri told me all about Aro's awful matchmaking skills. I must admit it worried me for a second, the thought of you not remembering me or not loving me anymore, but deep down, I knew you would never betray me like that. I love you so much."
Caius sighs in relief as he leans down to kiss his wife, while Aro says: "Oh, I do love a happy ending. They are so rare. Don't you agree, Marcus?"
Bella giggles as Caius rolls his eyes at his brother's statement and carries her out of the Grand Hall bridal style with a mischievous smile on his face as he says: "I love you too, Isa, more than words can ever express. Let me show you our quarters so that we can talk in private." They both laugh out loud as they hear Diana snort as she leans into Michael's embrace and says: "Is that what they call it nowadays?"
It goes unsaid that the rest of their coven didn't see them for days as they got reacquainted after being apart for so long.
December 25th, 2021
Caius smiles as he watches Bella as she stands on their balcony and watches the busy streets of Volterra down below. He moves to stand behind her and sighs happily as Bella leans back against his chest as he says: "Why are you outshining every Christmas light in the entire town, amore mio?" **
Bella turns to look at him and says: "I was remembering why I love this day so much." Caius smiles as he gently strokes a lost strand of hair behind her ear and says: "Ah yes, how could you not love this day when it gives you the perfect excuse to turn our home into a big winter wonderland and buy everyone presents?" Bella sighs exasperatedly as she slaps Caius playfully and says: "Really, Cay, sometimes I think that you exist solely to annoy me with your teasing. You know damn well that's not the reason why I love this day so much."
Caius snickers as he pulls his wife closer to kiss her and says: "Forgive me, Isa, for I love how adorable you look when you get all riled up due to my teasing. Of course, I know why you love this day so much. We both love this day for the same reason: it's the day on which our heart was given back to us so many years ago, the day we finally felt whole again. It was on this day that you walked back into my life and let me love you again. It is my favorite day of the year, even though the humans turn it into a spectacle with all their hideous Christmas decorations nowadays."
Bella gently caresses his face as she smiles softly at her husband and says: "I can't fault the humans for wanting to celebrate the birth of their savior, as long as I can celebrate finding mine. I love you so much, Cay." Caius's eyes soften as he leans in to kiss her forehead and says: "I love you too, my Isa, with all my heart. Now, come. Everyone is waiting for us in the throne room. Even Demetri made it back in time."
Bella giggles as they walk toward the throne room and says: "I guessed as much when I heard Marie squeal about an hour ago. She was so worried he would miss the party. That girl still doesn't realize that Demetri would move heaven and earth to please her. He loves her more than life itself." Caius nods as they reach the hallway to the throne room and says: "That he does. He had to wait long enough to find her, and if anyone deserves happiness after all those years, it's him." Bella nods in agreement as Caius moves to open the doors to the throne room and says: "Ready to celebrate the most special day of the year, mia stella * ?"
Bella blows him a kiss as Caius swings the doors open to reveal the beautifully decorated throne room. It never ceases to amaze him how good his wife is at everything she does. He smiles as he leads Bella into the throne room and places a soft kiss on her temple as he whispers: "You have outdone yourself, Isa. It looks absolutely perfect."
Aro claps his hands enthusiastically as he spots Caius and Bella and says: "I couldn't agree more, dear sister. You achieved perfection. I can't wait to see what you come up with next year because it will be difficult to top this." Bella smiles as Marcus rolls his eyes at Aro and says: "You know better than to underestimate our sister, Aro. Sulpicia is still mad at you from the last time you did just that."
Everyone laughs as Sulpicia moves to his side and says: "You bet I am." Aro sighs exasperatedly as he pulls Sulpicia into his side and says: "Amore mio **, it was only a little experiment. No one got hurt. And we restored your garden to its original state. You can't stay mad at me forever." Bella snickers as Sulpicia throws her arms around her husband and says: "Forever is a long time to stay mad, that's true. Just stay away from my garden the next time!"
The rest of the evening passes quickly as Bella walks around the room to talk to everyone present and hand them their Christmas present. In the century after her change, she would have never believed she could ever be this happy. Caius made her the happiest she could ever be, as did her family.
Bella smiles as Demetri and his mate walk over to greet her, the love clearly visible in his eyes as he looks at Marie. Bella snickers as she remembers the day Isabella Marie Swan walked into their lives in a brave yet fruitless attempt to rescue Edward Cullen from his own stupidity and was forever grateful she did. Demetri took one look at her and gave her his heart right there and then, in the central hallway of the castle, as the bond of true mates snapped into place. Felix still loves to tell the story of how he removed Edward Cullen from the castle, kicking and screaming while Demetri and Isabella stared into each other's eyes, oblivious to the world around them. Demetri changed her that same day, and when she awoke as Marie Volturi three days later, the Volturi family was finally complete.
Caius finds himself staring at his beautiful wife as Demetri and Marie join her across the room to talk. It still baffles him how much Marie looks like his Isa. She is almost a carbon copy of her with the same reddish-brown hair and heart-shaped face. Even her gift mirrors Bella's. Caius suspects that Demetri had secretly loved his Bella for centuries while waiting for a girl just like her that was free to love him as he loves her. Bella, however, will always be important to him. You can see it in Demetri's eyes as he talks to Bella while Marie rests her head on his shoulder and joins the conversation. No matter how much he loves Marie, he will always love and protect Bella too. And Caius finds himself strangely okay with that.
Aro briefly touches Caius's hand as he moves to his throne to sit down next to his brothers and shakes his head as he says: "You still manage to surprise me after all those years, brother. You just cost me a whole lot of money." Caius raises his brow questioningly as Marcus stifles a laugh and says: "What are you talking about, Aro?"
Aro sighs exasperatedly as he motions toward Marcus and says: "I was so certain you would tear half the castle down when you realized how he felt. Marcus was certain you wouldn't, so he won the bet." Caius snickers as Aro crosses his arms like a petulant child and reaches out to touch Aro's hand again as he thinks: "Well, that will teach you to bet on matters you know nothing about. Demetri loves her, but he will never act on it. He has known from the start that Bella loves me wholeheartedly. Their friendship is important to them both, and he would never risk hurting her by damaging that bond between them. And to be honest, I can't fault the man for loving her. She is by far the most beautiful and loving woman on this planet."
Aro snickers as he looks at his sister-in-law and says: "Many men agree with you, dear brother. You are a lucky man to have her by your side for eternity." Caius nods as he moves to stand and says: "And forever still won't be enough."
Aro and Marcus smile as their brother makes his way to his wife. Bella had not only saved Caius from a soulless existence when she came to Volterra more than two thousand years ago. No, she had saved them all. Bella became the heart of their coven that day, her loving nature capable of turning even the strongest enemy into a humble ally. They both still remember one specific day when Romanian spies infiltrated the castle and tried to kill Didyme. If not for Bella, she would have been dead. Marcus shivers at the thought. He spots his wife across the room and sighs happily as Didyme moves to sit on his lap. He couldn't imagine living without her.
Bella sighs contently as Caius hugs her from behind and joins her conversation with Demetri and Marie by saying: "I'm glad the mission was a quick success, Demetri. It wouldn't have been the same without you." Demetri bows his head slightly and smiles softly as he says: "Not being here was never an option, Master. Marie would have been so disappointed, and I haven't missed a single one of Bella's Christmas parties to date, so I wasn't going to start now. I know how much my queen values everyone's presence on this day."
Caius smiles as Bella steps forward to hug Demetri and says: "And yours more than others because you're the reason I found my happiness here in Volterra on this day so many years ago. This party would not mean the same without you." Demetri smiles as he takes Bella's hand to place a kiss on top of it and says: "That's why I'm here. Now, my lady, would you excuse me? I promised my mate a dance."
Bella nods and smiles lovingly as Demetri leads Marie to the middle of the dancefloor, followed by Jane and Felix and Alec and Renata. Caius pulls her back against his chest and kisses the top of her head as they watch the couples dance around the throne room. It isn't until he hears the first notes of Bella's favorite Christmas song that he leads her to the center of the throne room. It had become a tradition over the years for them to dance to this song, and they never seem to notice how everyone leaves the throne room quietly so that they can celebrate the rest of the anniversary of their reunion alone.
Bella rests her head against Caius's chest as the last tones of her favorite Christmas song fade away, and whispers: "I love you, Cay." Caius smiles as he places a kiss in her hair as they sway across the dance floor to a song only they can hear and says: "I love you too, Isa. When you whispered my name in the Grand Hall all those years ago, I thought I had finally gone mad with grief, but it was really you. You were alive, and you still loved me. You saved me. You are my Christmas miracle, Isabella Volturi, and I will love you forever."
Bella says nothing as she leads her husband to their quarters, the love for him clearly visible in her eyes. Every member of their family knows not to expect them back the next few days as they celebrate their love in the privacy of their quarters. That is also part of the tradition.
The end!
Merry Christmas!
* mia stella = my star
** amore mio = my love
I wrote this story for the "In love at Christmas" contest. Please check the other entries on the forum or my Facebook page. Just search for VeldanTwilight!
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it.
Please review!