I Do Not Own Twilight

Aro was waiting rather impatiently for Bella. She wasn't normally late. He was growing rather anxious wondering what could have happened to the young woman. He contemplated the numerous things which could cause someone to be late. He had decided she probably didn't fall down a well, gotten kidnapped by Stefan and Vladimir, or eaten by werewolves but her whereabouts were still a mystery. He was beginning to fidget which was something unnecessary for vampire to do and yet he found it somewhat comforting.

She was twenty-three minutes and thirty-seven seconds late. What had happened to her? He began to wonder if he should send Demetri to track her down. Aro was very worried about the girl. She really was too beautiful anyone would be tempted to steal her away for themselves.

Finally, her face appeared on the screen. She smiled but looked rather tired. "I'm so sorry, Aro. I wasn't sure if you'd still be online. I'm glad I get to talk to you today."

"I was running late as well, Cara mia, do not think anything of it." Aro wondered why he felt the need to lie when he actually had logged on earlier but he didn't want to further upset his Isabella.

Bella sighed slightly frustrated today was an Italian day. She thought for a few moments and took a deep breath before she started her story. "Sono quasi stato investito da un furgone e sono dovuto andare in ospedale."

Aro's eyebrows raised and he smiled gently, "I think we are having translational issues, Care mia. It sounded like you said you were almost hit by a van and had to go to the hospital. That cannot be correct, Cara mia?"

"E corretto!"

"Isabella," Aro's smile faltered, "you said it is correct there was a translational issue, si?

"Aro! I almost got hit by a van and I had to go to the hospital this morning. My dad stopped by to check on me because I could have a concussion so he made me late. I'm sorry."

"How did you almost get hit by a van!" Aro was frantic how could someone be so careless he wondered.

Bella smiled, "Inglese o Italiano?"

"English, please." He rolled his eyes at her.

"Okay," she took a deep breath. "This morning I was standing by my truck and I noticed that Charlie put chains on my tires. Just as I stood up Tyler Crowley comes speeding into the parking lot and hits a patch of ice. His van comes skidding right at me!" She was gratified to see Aro staring intently at her. She had waited all day to be able to talk to him about what happened. "Well, Edward was apparently near enough to me that he ran and slammed into me knocking me out of the way. He tried to protect me but I still managed to hit my head on the cement."

Aro's hand was on his chest in horror. This beautiful fragile girl in front of him was almost taken by the carelessness of some reckless hooligan by the name of Tyler Crowley. Aro vowed to himself he would pay Mr. Crowley a visit one day and slam a van into him. He looked at his Isabella and motioned for her to continue her story. He wanted to know every single detail of her rescue.

As much as Bella wanted to tell Aro all about the strange rescue, the speed at which Edward had gotten across the parking lot, his hand prints left in the van, his unusually cold and hard body, and also the behavior he and his family displayed surrounding the whole affair, she knew she needed to protect whatever secret Edward had. She did tell Aro how mean he was afterwards and she swore she thought she heard Aro growl in response. She was curious about Edward but she wouldn't share those concerns with her closest friend and betray him despite his cold attitude toward her.

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Marcus gasped and sat up straight in his chair. "What is it, Brother?" Caius said as he whipped his head in his brother's direction.

"Something has changed with Aro's bonds, brother. It is confirmed that Aro has met his mate and his bond with her just solidified."

Caius scoffed, "How could his bond solidify right now brother? You know this is when he is teaching the American girl Italian online?"

Marcus raised his eyebrow at Caius.

Caius sat scowling for a moment when his face suddenly lit up, "Oh I see! The American?"

Marcus nodded.

"Does he realize yet?"

"Not yet! I think he can't feel it because they haven't met in person."

Caius smirked, "Did you know?"

"I suspected but my suspicions were just confirmed."

"I wonder what could have happened to cause this abrupt change?" Caius mused, "It is good you can see the bonds of people close to you whenever you wish, brother. This is good news." Caius settled into his seat and smiled wistfully to himself.

Normally it was Aro who was interested in all the castle gossip but today Caius felt like squealing like what he imagined a teenage American girl would with the excitement of knowing his brother's mate was close to being discovered. He knew how empty the immortal life could be until you found the other half of your soul. He was also excited for his mate who had been lonely since Sulpicia had left the castle.

"Do you think we should get things ready for a newborn mate in the castle? After all she will be a queen. We won't want her in the catacombs."

Marcus considered, "I think that is a good idea, brother. Be mindful not to touch Aro it is always more fun to let the vampires figure it out for themselves. We wouldn't want to interrupt their mating."

Caius nodded then flitted out to find his mate and tell her the good news. Preparing a place for this girl's change and newborn year would give her something to do. She often got bored and this would be something different to break up the monotony.