Last Kiss (Queen of Death)

Summary: What if Bella got over her heart ache when Edward left sooner than indicated? What if she spent that time getting closer to her friends and family? How will that alter her trip to Volterra?

Rating: M

Paring: Aro/Bella

Disclaimer: All rights belong to Stephanie Meyer

Notes:

Chapter 4

BPOV

"Bella!" Before I knew it, Alice was on me, her hight arms around me as brought me into a tight hug, Jasper smiling at me behind her. "How are you? We were so worried when Aro took you away. I knew he wouldn't hurt you, but I was still worried."

"Alice, please, I need to breath." I gasped as she hugged me a little too tightly. She loosened her hold on me but didn't let go. "I was fine, I went to Aro's office, he treated my scrape which seemed a bit unnecessary, but I suppose in a place like this a simple thing like a scrape would nearly make me dinner."

"The bruised, clearly ravished lips completely unrelated to you being alone with Aro then darlin'?" Jasper drawled, a friendly grin on his face as he mocked me.

"Totally, yeah…there was actually a giant octopus that tried to take me away. I don't know where it came from but Aro saved me." I rolled my eyes as Alice let me go, going to Jasper to give him a hug as well. I missed the banter I always had with Jasper and Emmett.

"Ah, I see. Well, I sure hope the evil giant mutant didn't get you anywhere else." He laughed, accepting my hug warmly, spinning me in the air slightly.

"It wasn't a mutant. Just giant" I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Oh really, that big? I'll have to tell the others about Aro's giant-"

"Alice. Really" I couldn't help but laugh. I missed these guys so much. Felix came to join us then, informing us of his orders to watch over me. I rolled my eyes. I didn't need to be watched over like a child.

"But please, don't stop on my account, I'd love to hear about Master Aro's giant…squid" He laughed, and I couldn't stop the blush rushing to my cheeks.

"But I – I didn't…we didn't…Can we just drop the Octopus thing?" I hid my head in my hands, this was so embarrassing.

"So, Bella, when did you get an actual fashion sense? I haven't seen you look so great since…well I haven't ever seen you dressed so well." Trust Alice to bring the topping of conversation to fashion, I'd almost prefer the Octopus based conversation. Almost.

"Oh, well, after I came out of my depression, I went to Port Angeles with the girls once a week. I slowly got into shopping. Not full-on shopping like you do, but just casual browsing and lunch or dinner out. It helped they let me go to the book shop as well, I must admit. I actually got this dress for Angie's birthday party." I explained, trying to smooth down the rumpled creeses. "But then I had to jump on a plane to Italy last minute, unable to pack a spare change of clothes and it got crumpled so now Edward owes me a dress. I spent more on this than anything I've ever owned."

"How much was it?" Jasper asked with a frown.

"Like $250. Charlie helped cover the cost, I was going to wear it to senior prom as well, so he was simply happy I planned on going." I laughed, trying not to think about how I wouldn't be able to go to prom now or how I'd probably never see Charlie again. I couldn't think of these things just yet. If I went back, then my friends would probably die by the hands of Victoria.

I think Jasper could feel my sadness as a wave of calm washed over me. I gave him a thankful look.

"Oh my gods, Bella, that's amazing. You're wearing dresses, going to parties…you go shopping for FUN!" Alice practically bounced around the room in excitement.

"Yeah, I know…I still need a change of clothes, so I'll have to do some online shopping soon. Is there even Wi-Fi here?" I asked turning to look at Felix before throwing myself on Alice and Jasper's unneeded bed.

"Yeah, I think so. I'll give it to you when you have a laptop or something to connect to the internet with" He nodded. "But in the meantime, I can get you something of Heidi's? She's slightly taller than you, but you're roughly the same size."

"That would be amazing, thank you." I smiled, already liking the vampire.

I thought he'd leave but instead he called out to for someone called Renata to bring us some of Heidi's 'least trashy' clothes. That did not bode will, I feel.

Shortly after a dark-haired woman walked in carrying a small pile of clothing. She smiled politely at me before leaving. She seemed nice enough.

I went to the pile of clothes and gasped.

It was a black lace v-neck mini dress. It didn't leave much to the imagination.

"Oh, Bella, this would look amazing on you. And it would go nicely with the leather jacket you have!" Alice squealed, pushing the garments into my hands and shoving me in the direction of the bathroom.

Part of me wanted to keep the dress I was already wearing on…but I had been wearing it for an awfully long time now. Plus, I think Aro's reaction would be most…pleasing.

So, I shrugged off my dress, slightly sad to see it piled on the floor like worthless junk. I suppose I could get it professionally cleaned.

I took a quick shower in the amazing one provided with the rooms.

The entire room was overly fancy, every surface seemed to be made from marble, a sunken tub in the corner almost looking like a jacuzzi instead of a bath. This wasn't just fancy. This was fancy fancy.

I stepped up to the walk-in shower and tried to figure out what did what. There seemed to be about 5 different shower heads, all at different angles to clean the person trying to shower.

I finally managed to get the shower going, the cold harsh spray an unpleasant shock. It took me a moment to try and find the correct knob to adjust the temperature.

It got to temperature almost immediately as I relaxed under the spray, the hot water washing away that nasty long plane journey feel. The shampoo's and stuff looked expensive, but I found them overly pungent in their floral fragrance.

I could spend hours in here just letting the hot water consume me. But I pulled myself away, grabbing for one of the giant fluffy towels, the kind of fluffy you only seem to get in nice hotels and dried myself. I decided to put my hair up in a towel, wrapping it around my head so it would stay in place as I got changed.

I walked back to my pile of clothes, trying to see what I had. Thankfully, everything still had the tags on, I draw the line at wearing someone else's underwear.

A thong and a push up bra, both in soft black material and black lace. Not my usual attire but it sure beats wearing my used underwear. I quickly slipped them on, surprised at how well the fitted me seen as they weren't purchased for me.

Now the dress.

I guess the guards must have assumed it's what I usually wore or something, I wasn't sure how I felt wearing a dress practically two days in a row. The only time I've worn dresses before had been for Homecoming, my mum's wedding and when I was too young to argue against them.

It's definitely better than running around naked though and I couldn't help but giggle slightly as I shimmied the dress over my body.

"Bella?" I heard Alice called as she knocked on the door- she must have heard me giggle. "Did you need a hand?"

"Oh, um, yeah. I'm actually struggling to reach the zip." I said as I tried to reach it. For such a short dress the zip sure was a long way away.

She swift entered the room and was by my side, zipping me up.

"Bella, please tell me you're going to let me do your hair? I could make is so pretty!" She pleaded me. It was like Bella Barbie all over again…part of my kind of missed it. I nodded my assent, so she pulled me from the bathroom and plonked me down at the vanity, a happy smile upon her face as she rattled on about different products and styles. I just nodded my way through it, not really even understanding what she was on about.

It seemed to take ages, Alice pulling and tugging at my locks, different creams and sprays and all sorts scattered across the vanity. Every form of hair styling tool laid out in a wrap, some of which I hadn't even see Alice touch let alone use. I wasn't even sure what they all where.

I could see some curling wands in various thicknesses, some crimpers, some straighteners and something that, quite honestly, looked like something from the toy section of Victoria Secret. It was all bumpy and long…I decided it was best not to think about it. I just closed my eyes and let her get on with it.

When I was told to open my eyes again, I was stunned at what I saw before me. I looked like a completely different person. My hair had loose bouncy curls in it, half of my hair pinned up somehow that must defy gravity. I felt her apply make up while my eyes were closed but didn't expect it to look so good. I had simple make up on, just some light foundation, eyeliner, mascara and a dark pink lipstick. It looked amazing- I looked amazing.

I jumped up and flung myself at Alice. "Alice, thank you so much! You did an amazing job!"

I think Alice must have been in shock. She didn't respond to me and it took a minute for her to hug me back. She was just about to say something when my stomach growled.

"Felix, I think the human is hungry. Don't suppose you have anything for her do ya?" Jasper asked, relaxing against the window.

I looked at Felix hopefully, I wasn't sure what the time would be back in the states, but it had been a while since I'd last eaten. I was rather disappointed when she shook his head. I suppose the secretary brough in her own lunch to eat.

"We should head into town then! We can get some food and maybe have a look around the shops! We can buy that dress Edward owes you and I'll send him the bill!" Alice practically shrieked. They must have been able to hear her on the other side of the castle!

I looked at Felix, unsure if I were able to actually leave the castle seen as my arrangement with Aro was that I would stay in the castle…but surely that must include the town?

He looked pensive for a short while before nodding slightly. Yes! Alice began getting her bag ready, getting all the things she might need while we were in town and I just slipped my shoes on. By the time I had both on she was by the door, bag in hand waiting for me. I smile as I took her hand, letting her lead me into the town.

Just as it hadn't taken long to get here from the town, it didn't take us long to get to the town. We looked around all the different eateries until we came across a nice little place, away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

We all went in, even Felix, and we were greeted by a lovely gentleman dressed in a nice fitting grey suit. He welcomed us and escorted us to a booth at the back of the restaurant away from the window and handed us four menu's before leaving us to decide.

I looked at the menu and was shocked to see the others do the same, but I suppose they had to keep up pretences.

"What are you all going to have?" I asked, smirking slightly. "The garlic bread?"

"Very funny darlin'. Just remember that when you get attacked by a giant Octopus again." Jasper laughed, a sound I so rarely hear but hope I would hear more.

"I'm going to order the garden salad, that way you could have some as a side if you wanted?" Alice asked, putting her menu down. "And a glass of red wine I think, that will probably go with whatever you have as long as you don't choose fish."

"But Alice, I'm only 18!" I exclaimed. How did she expect to even order wine, her ID said she was below drinking age as well? Although she probably had multiple from the many times they'd done high school.

"Mistress, the drinking age here is 16." Demetri said, putting his menu down as well. "I'm just going to order some flat bread and a glass of wine."

"I'm going to order the…" Jasper started looking thoughtful. I suppose it's probable that he didn't know much about Italian food "Aranchini?" He looked at me questioningly. I smiled and nodded, just glad he hadn't ordered- "And a glass of wine! That's what happens when you throw garlic jokes about."

This time it was his turn to smirk.

"Well, I'm going to have the pancetta and cheese ravioli. With a glass of water." I muttered, not sure how I was going to be able to drink at least half of 3 glasses of wine.

"Bella, to truly experience Italy you must have wine with your meal. You're old enough here and it's probably even frownd upon if you don't or something." Alice tried to convince me.

"Isn't that like racist or something? I'm sure it's fine for someone to eat without a glass of wine in Italy. You make it sound like every Italian is an alcoholic." I laughed, there was no way I was drinking 4 glasses of wine.

"The lady is right" the waiter spoke up, coming back to our table with a pad and pen. "To truly experience Italy you must try our amazing wine. We have several local wines and it would break my heart if you did not at least try one of them."

I couldn't tell if the man was being serious or just trying to make more money, but 4 against 1 were odds I wasn't fond of.

"Fine. But just a small glass. I'll take whatever you recommend" I conceded, much to the delight of my lunch friends.

Alice told the server our order and he was back quickly with 4 glasses of wine, all in various sizes and 4 tall glasses of water.

I noticed Felix and I had the smallest glasses of wine while Alice had a medium and Jasper had a large. I mock glared at him as I took in the size of the glass in front of him.

"Edward better buy me a VERY pretty dress." I muttered darkly before I reached for my own glass of wine. I timidly tilted it, letting a small amount of the dark red liquid into my mouth.

It was bitter and…tangy? But kind of sweet at the same time. It would definitely take getting used too but I think it could be quite nice.

Through out lunch I found my plate with more and more of my tables' food and my wine glass with a never changing water line. I must have had at least 2 glasses of wine now and most of the food was gone.

I could feel the wine.

Everything just felt weird. My bad balance had gotten even worse as I almost tripped every time I got up to use the bathroom, which was getting more and more frequent, and it almost felt like I kept zoning in and out of conversations.

I looked at my glass- still as full as when it was placed on the table.

I grabbed it clumsily and drank. I needed it to at least be partially empty before we leave after all.

As soon as I set it down it was filled back up again.

I turned to glare at Jasper so simply shrugged and smiled at me.

"Darlin', there's not much left now so don't give me that look. And the faster you drink it the faster we can go shopping and head back to the castle." Jasper laughed.

"Hmm, I do miss Aro." I said, not even intending too. "See what else I can put in our deal." I laughed and winked at Alice.

Of course, she asked me what deal.

I burst out laughing. She must have seen it.

"I made a deal with Aro," I said, gasping for air as I kept laughing, "I'm going to stay in Volterra, become a vampire and all that shit and he'll try and make sure Edward doesn't get executed. Plus, he's going to send people to deal with Victoria. Then we kissed. We kissed a few times. He's so caring and sexy, like dude, can that man kiss." I giggled, raising my glass back to my lips again.

"Holy shit." Jasper said, looking at Alice. "Did you see this?"

Alice shook her head. "No. I saw her here in Volterra, but I didn't see anything about a deal…or about the other things."

I picked up Demetri's half empty glass and brough it too my lips, sloshing it back and put it back on the table.

"Shopping?" I asked, happy to be spending time with people I loved so much. I loved Alice so so much, she was like my best friend. I loved Jasper too, he was amazing and just such a good person despite everything. I loved Felix, he was so frickin' cool, he helped me stop falling over whenever I went to the bathroom. I loved them all so much.

I Alice called the waiter over, asking for the bill. He cleared the table and brought us back the bill. I went to grab it, but damn vampire speed meant Felix had it in his hands before anyone else could.

"I imagine Master Aro would he horrified if he found out we hadn't provided you with food for your human needs, especially given your recent…information" He smirked and stood up to go pay. What information?

It didn't matter long as we were quickly out the door and headed for the nearby shops. I looked up and saw the pink sky. The sun must be setting. How long were we in there?

Alice grabbed my hand and pulled me in the direction of some swanky looking clothing stores, I stumbled behind her, everything kind of blurry and not burry at the same time. Was I drunk? OOOOHHH, those skinny jeans look cool!

I walked over to the clothing rack and went through the jeans, finding my size. Super skinny high-waisted jeans in black. I have got to have them. I put them in the basket Alice had in her hand.

"So, what kind of thing are you looking for?" A saleswoman said. I hadn't even seen her walk up to us. She seemed nice. She was blond and pretty and kind of reminded me of a nice version of Rosalie.

"I want something sexy." I explained, looking though the racks once more. If I was going to buy a load more clothes I may as well get stuff that made me look hot. "I have some jeans in my basket, I just need some tops, some skirts, a few dresses and some underwear."

I think the woman said something about starting with the underwear, so I walked after her, trying my best not to trip over my own feet.

"Alice." I said, looking around for her, almost having a heart attack when she tapped my shoulder from behind. I turned around to her. "Alice, it won't be often this happens, but today and for today only, if you see something you think would look great on me, put it in the basket. No need to check with me, we'll buy it anyway. I have some saved up wages and stuff, so I have some money to spend, just try and keep the prices moderate, okay?"

She nodded, squealed a bit and hugged me tightly before running off into the store.

I continued to follow the saleswoman who led me to the nightwear section and started showing me different lingerie pieces. I picked out a few as well as some pj's and put them in a second basket the woman gave me. I think I had enough underwear and night clothes now. I thanked her and turned to look around for Alice, finding a few good items on the way that I put in my basket. I finally found her at the tills, her basket gone and instead the boys stood with her holding bags full of clothes.

"Alice, I thought I said I had money to spend on my clothes?" I asked her, annoyed that she just ignored me.

"Please Bella, consider it an apology/birthday present. Your birthday didn't exactly go as planned and I wanted to do something to at least try and make up the fact we just disappeared from your life." She explained, taking my hands in hers as she looked at me sadly. I couldn't stay mad at her.

I nodded and she thanked me, bringing me in for a light hug. I hugged her back. She didn't need to buy me things to show she was sorry; I knew that anyway.

I made my way to the till to buy my choices, the total a little more than I expected, but still coverable with my card. I paid for shopping and grabbed it, heading for the doors with Alice.

"Mistress, please, let me." Felix said, taking the bags from my hands. I was going to protest but then I realised it's not as if the bags would be heavy for him or would hurt his hands, so I just gave him a smile and headed for the door again.

"Can we go to the shop? I want more of that wine." I asked, sitting down on a nearby bench. It was dark now.

"D'you think that's wise, darlin'?" Jasper asked, taking a seat next to me. I rested my head on his shoulder, his skin so cooling.

"It's your fault anyway. Plus, shouldn't getting drunk be one of those human things I should experience before turning?" I whispered; afraid someone would overhear me.

I could feel him chuckle, "Alright then, you're too persuasive for your own good, ya know."

"We should be swift." Felix added, "Master Aro is probably wondering where you are by now."

When he mentioned Aro I felt a small kind of tingling go through me. I ached to be near him. For his kisses. His touch…

I heard Jasper growl and looked up at him. Oh. He must have felt what I was feeling. I blushed, trying to hide my face in my hands.

"I have the wine!" Alice said happily, presenting me with the bottle. She must have gone off to the shop while I was busy embarrassing myself with my emotions.

"Aw, Alice you're amazing! As soon as we get back, I want a glass. Like as soon as I walk through the doors." I declared, standing up a little wabbly and marched back toward the castle, back to Aro.

I stumbled, pretty much falling over, only to be caught by Felix.

"perhaps it's best one of us carries you? That way there wont be any blood drawing accidents." Felix laughed, righting me and putting me back on my wobbly feet.

"I love you Felix, you're cool." I murmured, my legs failing me yet again as I triped somehow but managed to catch myself.

"Come on darlin', I'll carry ya back. After all, the sooner we get back the sooner you can see Aro again." Jasper said, picking me up into his arms.

"I love you Jasper, you've always helped me. Always said I was worth it." I breathed as Jasper carried me back, his strong vampiric arms holding me like I weighed nothing.

"That's because you are worth it, Bella, you always have. The others just never seemed to see you the way Alice and I do. They'd protect you, but they could see or feel what we could." Jasper explained, picking up the pace a bit.

It wasn't long before we were at the castle and as soon as Jasper stepped over the threshold with me in his arms, Felix was next to me with a glass and Alice was pouring me a generous measure.

Then there were loads of Volturi around us. Like a lot of them. I could see their lips moving but I couldn't hear what they were saying. Damn vampires.

"Where's Aro?" I asked, looking around blearily. I thought he'd be here.

"I'll take you to him." Felix said, the light, happy tone of voice gone. He sounded serious and uncertain now. That can't be good.

He took me from Jasper's arms with no arguments from me seen as my legs have decided that standing by myself had gone way out of season.

He set off at vampire speed. "You're spilling my wine!" I shouted as I tried my hardest to keep the wine in the glass- most of it going on the floor. He instantly slowed down, going just fast than human speed.

We stopped out of Aro's office. He put me down, standing on my feet and pulled my bottle of wine from somewhere, filling my glass again with an apologetic smile. He opened the door for me and then he was gone. Bloody vampires.

I turned to go into Aro's office, the room lit by a small lamp on his desk.

I looked around for him and gasped.

He was sat in a chair, his eyes dark as he looked lost in his thoughts. He looked sad. Even in sadness he dominated the room. He was so sexy.

"Aro?" I asked, his eyes shooting up to mine.

Notes: I hoped you liked drunk Bella!