I pretend to cower away from Marcus. He grabs my wrist and turns his stone cold eyes to mine, but as soon as I meet his gaze his eyes soften. I stare amazed into his eyes and he smiles gently to me, pulling me into his lap. Is this a part of the act? I feel content in his arms but… can he be my mate?

Marcus growls loudly and I snap my head up just in time to hear Aro finish his sentence.

"...or kill her?"

"Brothers." Marcus growls and everyone turns surprised towards him. He rarely makes any sound or react in any way really since his mate Didyme died. "She's mine." He states calmly and the guards look surprised at Demetri, then Marcus, then me.

"Your mate?" Aro asks, surprised but seemingly overjoyed.

"Yes." For a few minutes the room stays completely silent, then Aro laughs his light, to me creepy, laugh.

"Oh brother, you surprise us all. Go ahead. Mark her as yours." He says pleased and Marcus smiles down at me.

"Do you mind?" He asks kindly and I smile slightly as I shake my head. He leans down to my throat and kisses it gently before he bares his teeth.

"NO! SHE'S MINE!" Edward roars just as Marcus' teeth bite through my skin. I let out an involuntary moan from our bond solidifying and a few chuckles are heard around the room. Marcus drinks a few mouthfuls before he licks my mark closed and kisses it gently.

"Rest, darling." He whispers softly and he smoothes my hair out. I sigh contently and rest my head against his shoulder. My mate. Mine. I kiss his jaw quickly and he smiles lovingly to me before he looks at Aro.

"Now Edward, you are going to leave now or you'll remain for a century in our prison. Make your choice, young man." Aro states calmly. Edward's eyes flicks between me and the guard.

"I'll leave, masters." He states quietly and Demetri let's him loose from the deathgrip he had on him. Edward gets up slowly and turns to leave, then he hesitates.

"May I have a few minutes alone with Bella?" He asks and everyone looks towards me.

"Isabella?" Marcus asks and I take a deep breath.

"No. I don't feel safe alone with Edward." I say. I know what that sentence will set in motion. The guard instantly closes in to Marcus and I, protecting me from the potential threat, as Marcus growls loudly at Edward and holds me protectively.

"Leave." Aro hisses and Edward glares threatening at me.

"Bella…" Edward starts in an ominous tone and I glare at him.

"Edward. Anthony. Masen. Cullen." I growl slowly and he tenses. "LEAVE. You have obviously lied to me several times, keeping me from meeting MY mate AND you left me!" I yell at him. He stands completely frozen for a few minutes, then he suddenly leaps towards us. Demetri, Felix, Santiago, Jane and Alec are instantly in front of me and Marcus. Aro and Caius hold Edward in a tight death grip, prepared to rip his head off at any moment for their brother's mate.

"It's your choice, my mate. Will you let my brothers kill Edward or not?" Marcus asks softly. I take a deep breath and bury my face in his chest.

"Kill him." I state quietly. Marcus kisses the top of my head before he puts his hands over my ears, protecting me from the metal screech when they pull Edward apart, piece by piece.

"You're safe with us, my mate." Marcus whispers softly as he gets up with me in his arms.

"Why didn't we find out we were mates years ago when I lived here?" I ask quietly. He sighs and walks through the corridors towards his bedchamber.

"I think you weren't ready but I am not sure, my Bell. Faith works in strange but wonderful ways. I promise to love you and protect you from this point and forward. I love you, Isabella." He whispers and pushes the door open with his back. "We'll take it as slow as you want and you look ravishing with my mark on your throat, dear." He says and I smile at him.

"I know and thank you." I say. He sits down slowly on the couch and places me at his side. I lean into him and he pulls me tightly against him.

"As you know I am very old, Bell." He begins and I nod a little. "Therefore, I have some requests from you." He continues and I nod again. "If you'd allow it I would like to court you and win your heart over the traditional way…. I would also like to wait to make love and change you until we are married." He says politely and overly formal. I kiss his cheek.

"You already have my heart but that sounds good, Marcus." I say and he smiles lovingly to me.

"Then, my dear. Here's your necklace and you already know the rules here, you remember them, don't you?" He asks and he gives me the necklace reserved for his mate. His beautiful crest, a majestic tiger roaring, is hung in a long, dark metal chain. He helps me with it gently and the crest falls right between my breasts, right where it should be.

"I remember and I must say I'm pleased with wearing your crest." I say as I caress his cheek.

"Good. Never take it off, my mate." He whispers as his eyes roam over me. "Don't talk with anyone except your brother and his friends. I think I am extremely possessive and I don't want to see what I would do if I found you talking with a male that might be posing a threat to you." He says seriously and I nod.

"I promise to avoid anyone else, besides, I'd rather be with you." I promise and he smiles pleased.

"Good. I need to go talk with my brothers, why don't you go and find your's or maybe get settled in your room?" He suggests and I kiss his cheek.

"Sounds good, my mate." I whisper in his ear. He growls possessively and licks his mark on my neck, making me shudder in pleasure.

"That's right I'm yours and you're mine. Now, my mate, scurry off." He kisses me quickly on my cheek before he releases me from his embrace. I wink at him before I get up from the couch and walk towards the door, instantly I feel a strong longing. I frown, then Marcus' arms are around my waist and he kisses the side of my neck.

"It will feel odd for a while, my mate, but we will get used to it. Whenever you feel like you can't handle it, just come and find me. I'm always here for you, okay?" He asks. I nod and lean back into his chest.

"It will feel like an eternity until I'm back in your arms." I sigh and he hugs me a little tighter before he lets me go.

"Indeed it will, now go be with your brother. He has missed you greatly." He says and I nod. I turn around in his arms and bury my nose deep in his shirt, breathing in deeply. "Scenting me already, love?" He asks pleased as he massages my shoulders.

"Mhmm, I feel safer and calmer by your scent." I say, then I get up on my toes and kiss his cheek. "See you in a little while, my mate." I whisper before I force myself from his embrace and hurry out through the door.