Author's Note: Hello my loves! Chapter 10 is here! I am blown away at how much love this story has received so far. Let's be honest, I'm also glad that the writing has gotten a bit better, now that I'm back in the swing of things. Thank you again to all my lovely followers and reviewers- you rock my socks. Do people still say that? *Sigh* I digress. All mistakes are mine. I do not own the characters... I just play with them... consensually. On with the chapter!

Last Time...

Carlisle winced as the cracking of wood sounded throughout the house, as Edward left the house quickly through the back door. He was never happy regarding the prospect of Isabella's change… now especially at the Volturi's hands.

"Understood," said Carlisle. "We will see you soon."

The line disconnected.

Chapter 10

2 Hours Earlier—Volturi Safe Room

Isabella turned the vampire's head over in her hands, examining the jagged edge of the base of her skull. Running her fingers against the granite skin, her eyes widened at its undiscovered, sinister nature. "Call your allies. Call them now." All eyes were on her now. "Look at her, all of you… There's no venom. She was drained of it completely."

"What does that even mean?!" Came an equally disbelieving and alarmed cry from Jane. Few things have cracked her smooth expression over the years…. this alone could note how serious the situation had become.

"This is far worse than I had imagined." Came Isabella's hollow voice, her gaze distant as she wracked her brain for any indication of this fact in her dreams. "The red eyes… they're targeting vampires. And by the looks of it, they are beginning with the Volturi."

Deep growls chorused around her, an ominous sound that lurked for just a moment until near chaos ensued.

"There is NO way-"

"Like they could-"

"Looks like the little human couldn't-"

"Caius calm down-"

"I never liked Anne anywa-"

"Would you CEASE!" The raven haired king bellowed, eyes crazed and fingers poised like claws as a result of seething rage. "Demitri and Felix— take a group of the lower guard and reinforce our create a perimeter, as your abilities are no longer satisfactory with our impending enemy." Felix and Demitri shared a glance, confirming Isabella's suspicions that he was somewhat crestfallen.

Aro continued immediately, authoritative and unwavering. "Renata will stay with us as we discuss our next move." The vampiress nodded, moving to collect scrolls and what appeared to be maps, depositing them on the lone table. His gaze flickered to Athendora, bypassing Isabella completely as the three leaders sat formally at the previously unoccupied mahogany table. "Jane and Alec, take Athendora and Isabella to the tower. Ensure their protection."

Aro wouldn't even look at her, seeming all to happy in his occupation with the papers in front of him as he ordered the women away. Did he really think she would be happy being whisked away to be babysat? If he did, he was sorely mistaken.

"Excuse me?" Came a low response from Isabella as she shouldered past the twins. Jane hissed, while Alec watched in fascination. "Do you truly expect us to sit and watch while the males take care of the bad guys?"

"Jane, Alec. That will be all." Aro spoke cooly, still refusing to turn his attention to her.

Isabella's voice lowering to a near growl if that were humanly possible. "Look at me." Out of options, and far too angry for blasted feminine manners, Isabella ripped the parchments that occupied his hands onto the far end of the table. Aro glanced down to them for a second before meeting her gaze. "Let me remind you that you didn't know a threat was coming until I arrived. You need my help, whether you like it or not. There is no way in hell I will be locked away like a pretty object."

A silent, uncomfortable moment passed in the room before cold fingers gripped her chin as Aro growled deeply. "You will remember your place, piccola. My endearment also only goes so far."

Bella did not break her gaze from his dark, menacing eyes. "Are you fucking kidding me? Is that it then, you threaten all that question your authority? Or do you kill them?" She cocked her head at this, studying his expression. "What, do you expect me to wilt? To beg your forgiveness? To bow at your feet?" A dark laugh escaped her lips. "I will not."

Everyone in the room was positively stunned. Pushing Aro's hand away, Isabella straightened and flashed a small grin at Athendora. "Seeing that you do not require our valuable perspectives in this matter, we will be off to resume our feminine antics." Isabella winked, looping her arm with Athendora's before disappearing from sight.

"Aro seems to have met his match." Marcus murmured, his amused expression returning.

"If you wish to keep your head brother, I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself." Aro snarled, though it did nothing to aid him.

Courtyard— Evening

Athenodora was giggling with glee as they stopped within the outdoor grove of trees within the outdoor courtyard, the same one that she had first visited what seemed like months ago… In truth it had been just under two weeks.

"Did you see their faces?" Isabella laughed in return, though a little less freely.

"I have not seen Aro that flustered since the invention of electric lighting!" Athenodora smiled contentedly, patting Isabella's arm that remained looped through hers as they walked. "Do not worry, he won't be angry for very long."

"Are you sure about that?" Isabella raised a brow, looking at Athenodora disbelievingly.

"Not entirely… but since he didn't kill you immediately, there is significant hope." Athenodora's gaze turned sympathetic as she observed the sad glint to Isabella's eyes. Like Aro, his new companion hid her emotions quite well… that being said, Athenodora's lengthy marriage to Caius had required her to learn to pick up the subtlest of emotional expressions. "I am joking, dear one." She spoke again softly, bringing her new human friend to sit at the wide ledge of the vast marble fountain.

Isabella finally let her mask slip to reveal her dejection as she moved to lay on her back, as Athenodora sat beside her head…. Anger was such a fleeting emotion, but the pain that followed was deeply rooted in her chest and exhausting to her "I fear I've been fooled, Athenodora."

"How, cara?"

Isabella sighed, feeling the tears coming. "I feel like I've come to know a different man… surely one that doesn't exist. Surely that is the only explanation with how quickly he could disregard me. I did not expect love, or undying devotion… we barely know one another. But he could at least acknowledge me, respect me as he once did."

"I see." Athendora soothed. "Why do you think he does not respect you?"

"He wanted to lock me up in a tower!" Isabella cried in frustration. "Like we have nothing to offer…. It seems he only thinks of me as something to covet. I will not be owned by anyone."

"I understand completely…. We were born in a different time, and under threat Caius has become more primeval. He desires to protect me at all costs, as have Aro and Marcus in the past when Sulpicia and Didyme were still with us. Entirely possessive and jealous, the kings as many call them, are empowered to be even more so due to their power…. Aro, however, has an unspoken level of authority with his combined age and gift. But, he was always a loving husband to Sulpicia in private. We would talk when they were away. Caius was nearly the same: cold on the outside, but loving… otherwise I would not have tolerated him this long." Isabella laughed softly at this.

"I had expected as much." Isabella hummed.

"Yes. I can see that Aro has become close to you… he has admitted to his affections of you today. His marks also attest to that." Isabella flushed, her fingers reflexively touching the mark on her neck, now exposed by her position. "Had he not cared for you, he would have drained you, cara. Though, some work must be done on quelling his instincts to hide you away at the prospect of danger. Not that he would succeed, if he tried."

"Mhmm… no way in hell."

The two friends fell into a contented silence as they looked at the emerging stars as the light faded. Soon enough, a Isabella couldn't keep in her burning question. "How do you stand it, Athendora?"

"With Caius?" A nod. "I love him, more than immortality itself. The mating bond is mysterious, but is a love so strong that many arguments and frivolties melt away in comparison. Still, it is a love that is equally earned, and is not a result of fate or destiny. Isabella, you are good for him, and far better than he deserves at times. I do hope that Aro might earn your love in return."

Isabella's eyes fell closed, her mind conflicted with the events of the past few weeks. Through all her musings, they came back to him, time and time again; not necessarily of affection or admiration, but moreso of frustration. Eventually she felt that he was near. Athendora left soon after— most likely to find her own companion and give him a gentle, but firm piece of her mind.

Isabella was aware that Aro had taken her friend's place, though at a bit of a farther distance. She modeled his earlier behavior in not acknowledging his presence. She had nearly started meditating when he finally spoke.

"Isabella, you must know that I was trying to protect you."

She bit her tongue, her last effort to remain moderately civil. "Is that what you think? I'm not yours to protect. Nor am I defenseless or dull as you made others infer."

"Isabella-" He started simply, his unease creeping into his tone. He was clearly very bad at this and much out of practice.

"I thought you said vampires were much less emotional when it came to sex." Isabella continued in irritation. "I had no idea I was anything more to you with how you've treated me today."

"You are more to me, Isabella. So much more." The silky quality of his voice was then emphasized. He ached to touch her, but kept his distance from her position as she looked up at the stars.

"How? Your behavior is a fucked up way of showing your regard for me, then."

"I deeply apologize for my behavior… I know I can only show you my remorse through my actions… If there is any way I can earn your trust, say the word and I will do it."

"I don't think you understand, Aro. You have acted towards me in anger and distrust. You devalued my opinions, my power, my knowledge… for the sake of what? To maintain this image you have built for yourself? We've only just begun whatever this might be, and I hardly see a reason to put more of my energy into this, when I have received so many mixed signals and betrayals of the trust I've given in return."

"You are different Isabella… I hardly know what to make of you. In such few days, you came to understand me so completely… I've found solace in you. If I have turned you away indefinitely, I will not know what to make of the time I have left without you."

Isabella finally moved from her position to look at him. She absorbed his pained express, his vulnerability. Still, above all else, she needed to protect herself as she had always done.

"I don't know Aro…. Ah… It doesn't mean that I don't want to explore what this is. It also doesn't mean I don't care for you. I wouldn't have taken the chance I did spilling my blood the other night if it weren't for that. Or my belief you care for me too, which you have confirmed. That being said, I need to know and fully trust you, and know you know and fully trust me to give my heart to you. I can't let slide that you mistrusted me so much to believe I was like Sulpicia, or that I was a threat sent here to destroy you. If we are going to pursue this romantically with one another, this will be a relationship of equals. I will not be made to submit whenever your temper or need for authority flares up."

Aro nodded at this, his eyes downcast.

"You must include me. We have to work together, for all our sakes, or our efforts will be at a loss. Then, you will begin to prove to me that this is worth it."

"I swear to you, I will." Aro spoke earnestly, clutching her hands in his own.

"Then listen to my words well. More vampires will die, if they have not already. My dreams have made that clear. Call for your allies, gather them here to ensure our strength, and less loss of life. And one last thing— my abilities have extended as far as they may go. I see fewer things coming. If I am to be of use, I must be turned. Immediately."

Aro's expression became slightly mournful as his hand raised to trace the outline of her jaw, stopping at her chin. "I will miss this."

Isabella sighed. "I know… But this way I will be stronger. Less breakable. It's time to call the Cullens. Something tells me we'll need Jasper to help my transition."

Aro nodded solemnly as he stood and offered his arm to his mortal companion. He relished in the warmth of her touch as they walked to make final preparations. He stole glances at her, marveling at her strength and conviction. Aro had been impressed by many in his lifetime, though those he admired were but few. While he would not express his admiration so freely for the woman who had bewitched him, he would closely guard this secret until the time was right.

Author's Note: What did you think? I'm a fan of this Athendora/Bella friendship tbh. And Aro definitely DID get his ass handed to him. Good show Bella, good show.