Chapter five:
Volterra
It was a matter of time that Jane would find out about Bethany and that fear became a reality to Alec. Standing in front of Bethany, Alec kept his red gaze on his sister who was harshly judging what she was witnessing. Jane's eyes shifted to her brother, who was defending this human over his sister that he knew his entire life. "Are you not going to speak up, brother? I'm positive that Caius would be curious about this." Jane threatened. Alec knew the stance that Caius took on humans and that Caius was the most strict of the coven regarding humans and werewolves, the last thing he wanted was to see any of his coven kill Bethany.
"Yes, sister. But I felt a connection with her, a romantic connection I haven't felt with any other vampire or human. I know where out coven stands regarding humans, which is why I attempted to hide her from you." Alec explained, he couldn't lie to Jane even if he wanted to, she would just convince Aro to peek into his mind anyway. Jane kept her skeptical expression on her face even though she was slightly worried about her brother being in a situation with a human like the situation they were handling with the Cullens and the human, Bella Swan. Jane didn't want to chance losing her brother. "You do know that Aro and Caius will not be fond of this...do not be surprised if something dramatic were to happen, brother." Jane pointed out.
Bethany furrowed her eyebrows at the words Jane spoke towards Alec, being confused at why it was a big problem being human despite the fact she could end up as a meal to the vampires - that was the only risk that she could see happening. "Excuse me, but why is it a problem? Because I'm a human?" Bethany questioned. Jane looked directly from Alec and onto Bethany, slightly irritated that she was being questioned by a mere human. Alec turned his head to hover over his right shoulder, that he would keep an eye on both Bethany and Jane, though he remained standing in defense of Bethany. "Humans are a threat to our kind with their ability to expose us. So, yes, because you are human." Jane explained in a haughty tone.
"I won't say anything, not all humans are the same. So that's settled right?" Bethany refuted. Jane couldn't help but squint her eyes at the human, feeling slightly insulted that their rule they had made for vampires to live among humans were considered 'simple'. "It's astonishing that every human says that. Too bad we cannot condone it, no matter the human." Jane stated bluntly. Bethany sighed, she was worried about what the outcome of the situation might be, apparently it was serious that she knew of the secrecy about vampires. Alec turned his attention fully in his sister, arching a brow for only a second.
"If the Cullen's can get an option, why can't I?" Alec questioned. Jane studied her brother with her red eyes, thinking of a witty response. "Our coven is held in high regard in the world of vampires. If they knew one of our own is breaking the law we put forward, rebellion may occur." Jane refuted. Alec and Jane kept their ears open for any movement towards them from others in the library but knew they couldn't continue the conversation in the midst of humans. "I advise we discuss this in another place. We take her back to Volterra with us, let Aro make the decision what we do with her." Jane suggested. Bethany knew she couldn't just up and go without telling her parents, they weren't good with spontaneous.
"I need to tell my parents if I'm leaving..." Bethany stated as the three were exiting the library and found themselves standing on the streets of Seattle. "Call them. Or I will take care of them." Jane stated passive aggressively, adding a fake, small smile that disappeared quickly. Bethany took that as a threat and quickly took out her Motorola razr cell phone and flipped it open to dial her home phone with irritation. "I'll call them, make some excuse." Bethany spewed and took a couple steps away from them, placing the phone to her ear.
"Hello?"
It was Bethany's mom who had answered the phone, what was she going to tell her mom? She certainly couldn't mention the fact that she was being brought to Italy by two vampires, could she? Bethany looked to Alec and Jane for a moment, remaining silent as her mom repeated her hello before she looked away from the two pale and stuff vampires to answer her mother. Alec had more of a look of unease and crease of worry while Jane arched a brow in order to challenge the human, making it confirmed that if she tried to flee, it wouldn't end up well.
"Hey mom...I-I have to tell you something." Bethany trailed off. There was a brief pause on the phone for only a moment. "Is everything okay, sweetie?" Bethany's mom asked, voice edged in concern. Bethany's mind was racing, thinking of excuses to use. "Yeah, yeah everything is fine. I met up with that friend of mine, you know my pen pal, Olivia, who lives in Olympia. She sprung up a road trip when we had coffee and since I'm nearly finished with school, I figured why not?" Bethany stated, hoping that her mom would buy it. Jane rolled her eyes as she listened to the excuse while Alec remained frozen in concern, expressionless.
"I didn't know you two had coffee, how did it go?" her mom asked. Bethany sighed, her heart racing as she never lied this big to her mom and dad. "It went well. Mom, I will let you know when I get to the first hotel or motel." Bethany explained. "Okay. Do you have your things packed?" her mom questioned. Bethany forgot about her clothes and things she may need for a trip but figured that the two vampires wouldn't let her go home to get them, they would have to get her some in Italy. "I have a few things to get but I'll get the rest on the trip, you know trip t-shirts and such." Bethany stated before getting off the phone with her mom. "Okay, be safe hun. Call me every night, okay?" her mom stated. " Of course. Love you mom." Bethany replied before they both hung up. Luckily her mom was out doing errands.
The moment the phone call ended, Alec walked over to Bethany before Jane motioned them forward. "Get your passport then we will head to the airport." Jane ordered. Bethany looked from Alec and onto Jane as they began walking. They went to Bethany's house, which nobody was home, and she got her passport with a few things for carry on before leaving her house. When they came to the backside of the city, Jane and Alec sped off, Alec having Bethany hand in hand before arriving a block from the airport. "What was that?!" Bethany blurted out in shock, not sure on what had just happened. "Enhanced speed, one of the abilities our kind obtains when turned." Alec explained quickly. Bethany took in the information before two men approached them, causing Bethany to question the two strangers.
"I see we have a human." Felix remarked as he and Demetri approached the group. Bethany arched a brow to the word, wondering if she should be offended or not. "This is Felix and Demetri. They're part of the guard in my coven." Alec informed Bethany. Felix and Demetri kept their red eyes on Bethany for a moment before turning to Jane with a dubious expression among their faces. "Alec found himself a mate." Jane said, tone was flat and expression was placid. Felix and Demetri looked at each other dumbfoundedly, knowing what was bound to happen with Aro, Caius and Marcus when they return to Italy. It was up in the air because none of the Volturi had to deal with an infatuation with a human before, their mates were usually already vampires or they turned them immediately once confirmed that's who they wanted.
"Mate?" Bethany refuted, feeling as if she was being labeled without permission. They all walked off to the terminal without a response, causing Bethany to feel iffy on what's going to happen. Alec motioned Bethany to the terminal as well before the five of them boarded the plane, having already purchased their tickets, having last minute gotten Bethany's ticket. Jane, Demetri and Felix sat behind Alec and Bethany in first class, watching as the flight attendants offered champagne, soda and water to each guest as the plane took off. "Would you like anything?" one attendant asked. Alec turned to Bethany to have her speak first. "Oh, um, I'll take a Coke." Bethany stated, keeping her hands folded on her lap. The attendant handed Bethany a cup of ice and the soda can before turning to Alec. "A water is fine." Alec stated, he couldn't ingest any human food or beverage, so he didn't want to waste anything. The attendant placed the cup of ice water in his hand before going to the other customers.
"You can have my water, I can't ingest anything but..." Alec offered to Bethany, pausing at the end, not wanting to say the word out loud around other humans. "Blood?" Bethany questioned in a low tone. Alec nodded gently, keeping his red gaze face forward. Alec was nervous about facing the three leaders of his coven about a ham, knowing the worse case scenario would be that they would kill her and possibly punish him for chancing the exposure of their kind. "So, what did they mean when they called me your 'mate'?" Bethany questioned. Alec knew that question would come up and of course knew that his sister and two coven members were eavesdropping behind them.
"We use that term when we have found the one we feel we are meant to be with." Alec explained. Bethany blinked for a moment, taking it in as she placed her soda back onto the folded down table in front of her. "Like a soulmate?" Bethany asked. Alec turned his red gaze towards Bethany and gave her a nod. "Yes. I felt our connection and was, more so, hoping to get to know you even more if you had been in Italy, unnoticed by my coven but it didn't work as I planned." Alec explained. Bethany wasn't sure what to think regarding Alec's response. She felt a connection with Alec as well but she also felt like this was rushed and though she didn't want to admit it - she was scared on what was going to happen and the information that she had gotten.
"Why were you going to try to hide me?" Bethany asked curiously. Alec sighed as he checked on the three coven members behind him with his side vision before turning his attention back onto Bethany. "Because i was afraid of what Aro and especially what Caius would say. We're not to have humans as mates. I worried they'd.." Alec trailed off. Bethany nodded as she looked out the window to watch the clouds move. "Kill me right? That's what's going to happen, isn't it?" Bethany questioned. Alec studied her body language and expression as he furrowed his eyebrows, remaining silent for only a moment or two.
"I was afraid of that, yes, but on the contrary I feel that Aro might see my side of things." Alec stated, trying to remain positive, he wants going to let Aro or anyone harm Bethany. Alec was beginning to feel what Edward Cullen has been feeling regarding a human mate and this had only just occurred to Alec how protective one can become over a feeble human. Jane had let out a light, airy snort behind them at the idea of Aro or any of the leaders seeing their side of things regarding a human knowing about their kind - it was already hard enough for the Cullens to try to weasel out of it with that human named Bella Swan, imagine one in the ranks doing the same.
Alec ignored his sister's snort behind him, knowing she only wanted the best for him and that a human wasn't best in her eyes, but he already knew how strict their coven was. The rest of the plane ride was silent apart from Bethany getting small snacks as she wasn't very hungry and Bethany was in deep thought and worry about what will happen when they land in Rome, Italy. She had already known enough about the vampires so far from Alec and that's what also worried both she and Alec. Did Alec truly care about her? Or would he step aside if his position in his coven or life was threatened because of her? The only way she will find out would be when they got to Italy.
The flight was fifteen hours and none of the vampires aboard could sleep, so Alec sat beside Bethany, watching her sleep curiously. It has been so long since Alec was a human, not exactly remembering how it felt to be human. Alec and his sister Jane were turned when they just turned thirteen years old, many many centuries ago. The last thing Alec could remember as a human was being able to eat food that his mother would make, food that was available in England at the time. Alec could remember the smell of the fresh baked bread his mother would make and the fish and game his dad hunted to bring home for their meals.
That was when the memory came to him about their last day as a human. Something he began thinking about but became interrupted when the plane was about to land. They got off of the plane and passed the luggage area, flipping up their dark hoods to exit the airport before finding a finding a rental car to fit all five of them, having Felix drive to Volterra. The nerves got even worse for Alec now that they were in Italy. Once they got into Volterra, the five of them made their way to the Volturi palace where they would greet the leaders of the coven. Bethany stayed close to Alec as they walked through the city and began walking up the steps into the palace.
Bethany found it strange for the four vampires to wear dark hoods and cloaks but she figured it was because of the myth that the sunlight would burn them, though this wasn't the case. Jane's heels clicked against the hard, cold tile floor upon entering the palace where the four vampires took off their hoods and headed to the elevator. "We have to consult to Aro, Caius and Marcus about this situation." Jane ordered as the elevator closed and began operating down a floor, taking only a minute before stopping and it's doors opened to the stairwell. Alec knew it was going to happen, having to face the leaders about this situation but he felt a little betrayed by his sister, Jane, for wanting to report him - she was more dedicated to the coven than he thought if it came choosing between them.
"I know, sister." Alec replied to Jane as they stepped down the stairwell, obviously giving Jane the cold shoulder for the time being as they made it to the hallway that passed reception. Bethany spotted the female behind the desk who stood up with a planted smile upon her face. "Benvenuta." the receptionist greeted as they entered. Bethany questioned to herself if that receptionist was human or vampire before deciding to remain silent on asking, noticing the receptionist give Felix a wink on the way out. Alec walked stiffly beside Bethany, trying to stay confident but he would be lying to himself if he were to say he wasn't worried about the outcome with Aro.
Bethany gripped Alec's hand spontaneously, surprising Alec at her warm touch but held it in a way to attempt to comfort her. Bethany noticed the ice cold temperature on Alec's hand immediately at touch but that would only remind her that he was, in fact, a vampire. Jane walked ahead of the group to approach the center of the meeting room where Aro, Caius and Marcus sat side by side with Renata, Aro's shield, by Aro's side before Aro stood up upon spotting the groups arrival. Bethany spotted the three elder vampires, noting how they were planted in their chairs before the black haired male vampire stood up almost instantaneously. Aro had spotted the unfamiliar face in the group and noted her heartbeat immediately, detecting she was a human.
"What a pleasant surprise! You are back earlier than predicted, I assume it has been taken care of?" Aro asked as they came to a stop in the middle of the room, keeping his red gaze on Bethany. Aro had noticed Alec's closeness with the human and this had only enticed Aro further. "Of course. I do have information about the human the Cullens are looking after. She's still human, but duly noted she has set a date." Jane explained. This made Caius slightly irritated that Bella Swan was still human and not turned immediately since it has been nearly a year since they ordered the issue to be resolved. "We will keep a keen eye on the Cullens, make sure they do what they were ordered to otherwise there will be severe consequences." Caius stated sternly.
It was only a moment of brief silence before the attention was now turned into Bethany, being the only human in the room. Bethany noticed that all the eyes were on her and she began feeling quite awkward, clinging a little closer towards Alec than she normally would. "I couldn't help but notice you have brought a guest. Alec?" Aro pointed out curiously as he stepped closer to Alec and Bethany. Alec glanced at Jane before looking back at Aro, parting his lips in reply. "I have found my mate." Alec stated forwardly. There was no way around the subject and to put it bluntly, Alec didn't want to stretch out the situation. Bethany's eyes widened at the words Alec spoke but eased them when she figured that Alec was trying to better the situation, although she did find herself attracted to him.
Aro found himself a little shocked by the idea of one of his coven members, especially one of the twins who happen to be his favorites, end up falling for a mere human - just like one of the Cullens. Alec stepped a little closer towards Alec, now only being one foot apart and motioned for his hand. Alec knew this was the usual, having Aro read every thought that he ever had with one touch. Bethany watched as Alec placed his empty hand into Aro's, who clamped them together and closed his eyes. As Aro read every thought Alec had up until the point they returned to Volterra, Aro had then realized Alec's true feelings for Bethany, for this human.
Caius and Marcus watched on curiously, when Aro opened his red eyes immediately, dropping Alec's hand from his own. "Met at the library? Intriguing...it is, Alec." Aro trailed off, turning his glance onto Bethany. "I presume you are...Bethany?" Aro questioned. Alec turned his head to look at Bethany, while watching Aro with his side vision. "Yes, I'm Bethany." Bethany replied. Aro placed a small smile onto his lips for a moment as he thought through his options for this problem. Aro favored both of the twins and wanted them to be happy if they had found a mate of their own, but he was hoping they would find one that was already a vampire.
Aro motioned to take Bethany's hand, curious if she would possess the same ability as the human Edward Cullen had brought in, in hopes it was negative. Bethany insecurely looked at Alec when she saw Aro's hand, having Alec give her a reassuring nod and gripped her hand that still held his own. Bethany placed her hand into Aro's hand, watching as he quickly clamped his other hand onto hers like he had done to Alec and close his eyes. To Aro's favor, he could read her thoughts and was pleased that she didn't possess the ability to shield if she were to become a vampire. But Aro had seen something, something that indicated what could contribute to the coven, if she were to become a vampire like them. He needed to be certain of it, in which he would need to have the use of one particular vampire that was able to identify abilities, which would be their former member, Eleazar.
Caius, Marcus and the guard knew that look that Aro made whenever he would find a person with a possible vampiric ability that would benefit the coven and one that he desired to have in the coven. Alec found that look reassuring that Bethany may not be killed - but only if she were to become a vampire. "You do know that I do not approve of any vampire, especially among our coven to have a human mate...neither do I want our kind exposed to humans..." Aro trailed off, slightly lecturing Alec as he stepped back a few steps. Bethany squeezed Alec's hand tighter, though the tightness didn't effect him.
"Yes, I know...but I haven't connected to any female vampire over the centuries like I have with Bethany." Alec stated, adding, "Many of our kind also fear us which makes matters slightly difficult despite looks of my physical age, sir." Alec added. Bethany figured Alec looked young for being what he told her, but how old was he exactly? "I sincerely doubt that your thirteen year old appearance would deflect any female vampire, Alec. But if you insist that this human female is who you are interested in being your mate, then...there is only one proposition to discuss." Aro stated, remaining calculative.
Proposition. Alec knew what that meant and that meant Bethany will be offered immortality - to become a vampire. Bethany was a little surprised to hear Alec's real physical age, how mature he sounded for a thirteen year old though she didn't know how long he had been a vampire for. "What proposition?" Bethany asked forwardly. The sound of her voice caused Aro to flicker his red eyes back onto her with a charming smile, in hopes that she would turn to benefit their coven. "So brave to stand amongst vampires..." Aro trailed off, walking over to the steps where the three chairs stood before turning around to face the group.
"My proposition is...in order to be a mate for my darling Alec, you must be willing to become like us, a vampire. Our kind is not to be exposed to humans and there is only two options in handling such a situation." Aro explained. Bethany wasn't sure if she was ready to become a vampire but she did want to date Alec. "What is the other option?" Bethany asked boldly. Aro glanced at Alec and the guard before turning his gaze back onto Bethany with the false persona of sadness, in attempt to manipulate the decision. "This is a sadness, if you prefer the only other option." Aro sighed, turning his back towards Bethany and exchanging glances with Caius and Marcus.
Bethany looked at Alec, wondering if she should've even asked about the other option but had an idea that it was a possibility it was to be killed. Aro turned back around slowly to look at Bethany and Alec once more, he wanted what was best for Alec but also to empower the coven. "The other option, sadly, ends in death my dear. We cannot risk the exposure of our kind." Aro pointed out. Bethany felt her heart began to race but in a panic. This wasn't something she could decide on the spot but she also didn't want to die. "I won't say anything, I promise." Bethany offered with a discouraged tone. Aro simply shook his head, he had heard the same offer many times over the centuries.
"I will give you overnight to decide. I, however, need to speak with Alec after he shows you to your guest room...Alec." Aro ordered. Once Bethany and Alec began to leave the room, Aro motioned for Felix to follow them as he watched them leave. "Demetri, Santiago..." Aro called over. Demetri and Santiago sped up to the steps immediately. "Pay a visit to Eleazar in Denali and express my need to speak with him in person. I need to find out the possibility of this human, if she will be beneficial to us." Aro ordered. The moment Aro finished talking, Demetri and Santiago sped off, heading to Alaska.
Alec directed Bethany down the empty hallway of the palace after stepping off the elevator that brought them a level lower to the bedrooms as Felix trailed behind them while silence was deafening between them. Alec could tell that Bethany was deep in thought and knew this was a lot to take in just in one day. Alec and Bethany came to a stop in front of one of the several guest rooms in the hall where Alec's bedroom was at the end of the hall, along with Jane's and rest of the guard, having Alec open the heavy, mahogany wood door that had a hand carved design. Opening it, the bedroom looked medieval with the luxurious comforter and sheets on the bed that were a color of eggshell and the emerald canopy that was over the bed.
The emerald rug on the wood floor was huge and covered most of the floor, complimenting the black velvet chairs and couch. The mantle and fireplace was of stone with a fruit bowl portrait and windows were big. The walls were charcoal with white embroidery and the mahogany wood nightstand stood next to the bed. Bethany thought the room was gorgeous and surprised that she would be staying in this overnight but was curious at what Alec's bedroom looked like if this was the guest room. "This is the guest room?" Bethany asked in surprise. Alec looked at her perplexed, not sure how to take the comment. "Is it not suitable?" Alec questioned. Bethany smiled softly, thinking it was sweet that Alec thought she didn't find it suitable, in attempt to make her comfortable.
"It's very suitable, thank you." Bethany smirked. Alec was glad that the room was good enough for her and entered the room with her for a brief time. "Make yourself comfortable and do think about what Aro had proposed." Alec suggested, trying to sway her mind to become his mate. Bethany was looking at the portrait on the wall above the fireplace before turning around to face Alec while Felix lingered outside the bedroom door. "I will think about it. I have a whole lot to take in, but I do feel like I'm starting to fall for you." Bethany explained. Alec knew they had just met not long ago but felt that perhaps their bond will grow more each day they were around each other.
Alec took her left hand and kissed the top of it before parting his lips to speak. "I will return to take you to dinner at night fall." Alec stated before turning to leave the bedroom, having to meet with Aro to discuss what he needed to about Bethany and what to do next. Bethany watched Alec leave the room and the door shut before deciding to sit on the bed. She wondered why Alec wanted to wait until nightfall to have dinner but she figured it was because of the sunlight myth.
Once the door shut, Alec looked at Felix who had been standing outside the door with a smug on his lips at the scene. "I will be guarding this hall for the meantime." Felix informed. Alec pierced his red eyes up at Felix, not liking the idea because he knew how careless Felix can be. "I rather you not." Alec refuted. Felix wouldn't touch Alec or Jane due to the favoritism Aro placed on them plus their abilities were dangerous, especially together. "Take it up with Aro. You really like this human don't you?" Felix pointed out. Alec remained placid for another moment before giving a gentle nod before walking off to meet Aro back in the meeting room, hoping this would go well.
