Hey guys! Sorry for the wait on this. I had to bribe a few plot bunnies to get this done. They are cute and all, but dang it they are hard to negotiate with. Anyways, I'm starting to see the road here. About time, I know. I started this on a whim, no plans on what it would become.

I would like to say, that your reviews give me life! Someone should warn newbies of how addictive they are! Just saying! I thank you humbly, for taking the time to give me feedback.

Now, without further ado, please go through the red curtain and you should see the chapter straight ahead.

Oh, before you go; Disclaimer: I own nothing, just the plot bunnies. I fed them, they are mine.

Ratings for mature content of a sexual nature.

Tiny reminder;

She did not answer as she looked up into my eyes. I pulled her against me, her legs on either side of mine, as my pelvis met hers, and she gasped. I knew she felt my manhood against her core. I could feel her insides clench. I wanted to feel it again.

"Are you ready for your punishment?" I asked.

Aro's point of view.

I breathed deeply sensing her body's reaction long before she even realised what my words did to her. Her breath became shallow, her cheeks a fine tinge of pink. Her pupils dilated, eyes were focused on my lips, as her own mouth was slightly open. She clearly anticipated my kiss before long.

I bent down and found her pulse on her lovely neck. I licked it slowly, ending at her jaw. Her whole body quivered with anticipation. Mine did too, I was just really good at hiding it. She noticed nothing.

"I take that as a yes," I said breathing in her ear. Goosebumps appeared on her neck. Now that I knew why our bodies reacted the way they did, I took a lot more enjoyment in seeing what reactions I could get out of her. What would she be willing to do? What would I be willing to let her do?

I remembered our shared moment in the shower, how she had managed to achieve climax by focusing on my voice alone. It was hard to believe that she found my voice so appealing, that she needed no physical stimulation. I wondered if it was actually true. Her body had been primed long before, as I was already inside her, giving her pleasure from our joining. Would she be able to do the same without physical contact? I needed to find out. I also found that it seemed to be an excellent punishment, though quite unorthodox.

Steeling myself against my own needs, I stepped back from her. Her fingers had been gripping at my lapels, and I gently removed them, to allow some distance between us. Her eyes snapped open, and I could tell she did not appreciate my actions. I could not supress my chuckle.

So demanding of her king. I certainly needed to teach her patience. Well, perhaps I needed to reacquaint myself with the meaning of that particular word too.

She was looking at me, a long stretch of silence between us. Then she slid down from my desk and started to walk towards me. I waited, curious to see what she was going to do. Her fingers met my chest, found the buttons on my jacket, had them opened a moment later, and she pushed it off my shoulders. I let her continue for now. She undid my shirt and managed to open it, her slender fingers caressing my chest, my stomach, reaching down to touch me. I closed my eyes, as I felt her fingers brush my member. She caressed me, first with a hesitant touch, then soon becoming braver, she was gripping me, trying to feel me through the fabric. I realised she had not actually seen my manhood before. I had always been so busy to bury myself in her.

I was suddenly on edge. I needed her touch so very much, but I also wanted to continue my experiment. Her fingers were suddenly at my belt, undoing it. I considered stopping her, but I could not bring myself to do it. After all, she was so eager. She finally had my trousers open, and her fingers was on a quest. She found it. I breathed deeply, opened my eyes, and only just managed to control myself, as I wanted to rip her clothes off, and take her on the spot.

My manhood was in her hand and her eyes fell from mine as she looked down. I let her explore me. Her fingers trailing along the shaft. Her breathing was shallow, as she took me in. I knew my member was on the larger size, though not huge. She traced the visible veins, no longer pumping with my blood. I could tell she did not know what to do, so I decided to show her. Instructing her hand with mine, her fingers gripped me, and I pulled them down gently, exposing the head slightly. Letting go of her hand, I let her try it out. She did, again and again. My breathing was suddenly elevated, as I could feel the pull. I suddenly gripped her hand and stopped her. She looked up, and I shook my head slightly, a small smile playing around my lips, doing my best to not follow the urge to back her against my desk.

Her hand fell from my manhood, and I did up my trousers, leaving my shirt open. She was disappointed, I could tell. I pulled her in for a hug, and a kiss.

"That felt wonderful," I said in a low voice. "Too wonderful, I could barely control myself. A few more seconds, and I would have had you right here on the spot. That would not do, now would it since I still plan on punishing you. Thoroughly."

She looked up, her eyes widening at my words. I chuckled and led her to the sofa in front of the fireplace. I sat down and having her stand in front of me, I looked up at her. I leaned back, enjoying that she was suddenly nervous. She fiddled a little with her hands, clearing her throat a tiny amount. She had good reason to be nervous.

"Please remove all of your clothes, tesoro." I said.

Bella's POV.

I gulped. What was he going to do to me? I wouldn't complain if it was something like my other punishment. The orgasm I had from that was mind-blowing, granted it was my first, but still. I gathered that was probably due to all the hours leading up to the incident. The tension had been unbearable.

"Anytime, my dear," he said, his voice trailing off suggestively. My mouth dry, I began unbuttoning my shirt, the buttons slipping a little between my fingers. The fabric fell to the floor with a soft thud. I removed my jeans and stood in front of him in only my underwear. His eyes hadn't left me, and they urged me to continue.

Wondering what was going to happen, I removed the rest of my clothes.

As I was done, he leaned forward and pulled me into his lap, resting my back against his bare, cold chest.

"Now," he said in his deep baritone, "I would like you to relax and just listen to me." His chest vibrated beneath my back, his deep voice washing over me, making me sigh. I just let my body sink into his.

"Hmmm, you are so exceptionally good at this Isabella, I love how your body responds to the tiniest suggestions. I have not even said anything, yet here you are. Ready for me to take you, should I feel so inclined." Aro said softly.

A sharp breath escaped me, as his words made my insides clench. I flushed as I realised, he was completely right. I already needed him. My mind flashed back to when I had been handling his manhood. How come he was so perfect all over, even between his legs.

I enjoyed making him feel good. I hadn't been able to make him lose control, well not with just my hands. He had been close though. I could tell he didn't want me to stop, but he had other things on his mind. He wasn't used to relinquish control, and I knew it would take a while before he would let me see that side of him. That was fine, I would get there. For now, I let him have it his way.

I almost scoffed at myself. I was letting him have it his way? Sure, whatever you need to tell yourself Bella. It's not like he has had the control ever since you set foot in this castle. No need denying it, I was in way over my head, lying here, sprawled completely naked in Aro's lap. The man could do anything to me, and I would let him. I hoped he never realised the power he possessed over me. Then I would be in deep trouble for sure.

"I thought I told you to relax, my dear," Aro said in an admonishing tone. His arm came around my waist and pulled me close. I could feel his hard body beneath me, and I tuned myself out, focusing on him.

"Sorry," I breathed, "My mind strayed a bit."

"Oh, where could it possibly go?" He crooned into my ear. I shivered slightly.

"It doesn't matter," I said, "I was just thinking back to when we were at your desk. I finally got to see your..." I trailed off, not exactly brave enough to say the actual word. He chuckled, flexing his hips, so I could feel his hardness against me.

"I find it intriguing that you were so forward then, and now suddenly you are so shy again. The shift is titillating to say the least. I think you like to take control, but you also want to be taken control of. I do believe you like when I take control the most, you just do not like to admit it. Your body has told me the truth though, because whenever I am very forward with you, I can hear your breath catch, your heart flutter, and your blood is like a tidal wave, crashing upon me. Let me tell you this, Isabella, I find it fascinating how you try to keep control, when your body is screaming to let go, and let me guide you to your next peak." He finished his little monologue in a deep baritone.

My breath was suddenly very shallow, my whole body humming. His deep voice was doing things to me, that I actually couldn't believe. He was painting me a scene, where I could let go of control, and trust him to keep me safe, mind, body, and soul. I knew my body just confirmed everything he said.

"Hmmm, see what I mean? You are so ready. What would happen if I were to slide my hand down, and touch you? I will not do so, though, as this is your punishment. I will not caress you, and nor will you. You will lay here, listen to me talk, and you will only be more aroused as time goes on. When you can no longer stand it, you can ask for release."

"Is this a normal sort of punishment in this place?" I asked, as I realised the implications of his words. He chuckled deeply, as he gave me a squeeze with his arm still around me.

"No, it is not the usual way of punishment. I will admit that this will only be between us. I enjoy watching you squirm, my dear. If only you knew what was going through my mind, when I saw how my venom affected you. It was not for the faint of heart. Your body's movements as you got more and more desperate for release was quite exquisite, even if you did not realise what it was that you needed from me."

I remembered that as well. Vividly. The thought alone made my hips buck a little. My head dropped down to his shoulder, as my eyes crashed shut.

I felt his breath at my neck. I needed him to kiss my skin. But nothing happened. Groaning in frustration my mind recreated the feeling of his lips on me, and my nether regions got a jolt of pleasure.

"See, even now, your mind is showing you what you need, but you refuse to give into me. Why not, mia cara? I can feel your hips move almost against your will, your pulse point is almost beneath my lips, and I can feel it beat." His voice was a low growl, and I knew he was looking at me, with those hungry crimson eyes of his. I could hear his mouth watering, as he breathed in deeply, probably the smell of me was in his nostrils.

"You know, I can do things to your delectable little body, that you have never dreamed of. The pleasure you would feel, you would never be the same."

"What could you do to me, that you haven't already done?" I asked, breathless, my curiosity getting the better of me, my eyes still closed.

"Hmmm, I am not sure it would be wise to tell you, my dear. You are so innocent, and I would not want to tarnish that mind of yours."

"I think it's pretty much too late for that," I said, a bit dryly.

His chuckle rumbled beneath me, the tremor sending delicious shocks through to my core. I moaned slightly.

"Well, I suppose that is true, we have not exactly been holding back, have we?" His hips shifted slightly, as he briefly pressed his member into my butt again.

"If I could have my way with you, I would make those lips of yours be put to good use. You are always so defiant of me, and I would dearly like to have you stop and listen. You would not be allowed to use your hands, just your mouth. Then I would have you stand in front of me, as I finger your folds slightly, just to check that you are ready for me."

I released a sharp, short breath as my hips were working of their own accord now. Listening to him, describing this in his deep voice, as he had his arm around me. I didn't know what to feel.

"Then I would probably place another dose of my venom on you, and have my member slowly caress your private area for as long as it would take for you to fall apart. And just as you come, I would have you, right on my desk, feeling your insides clench around me, as I would fuck you to your next peak. I will not be gentle, but rest assured, you will not look back with regret. When you have finally come down from that, I would have you against the bookshelves. Taking you from behind, and you will enjoy it, because my venom would drive you crazy with need."

In my mind's eye, I could see all this play out. I longed to place my hand between my legs, as the need was desperate. My hand flew in the direction automatically, but it was easily caught by Aro, my efforts thwarted.

"No tesoro, you will not ease the longing. If you wish for release, you need only ask."

"You mean beg," I hissed through clenched teeth.

"Well, beggars cannot be choosers. Is that not the phrase? " His deep voice rumbled. I could feel his lips as he breathed into my ear. I arched my back, rocking my hips, trying to find a way to relieve the pressure. My legs closed tightly. "Ah!" My cry rang around the room. No release though. His hand came down upon my leg and nudged them apart.

"You will not disobey me on this Isabella," He said in a growling voice.

My legs fell open again, and I huffed in irritation. What the hell was his problem? I refused to beg, but this was torture. A voice in my head said, that this was supposed to be a punishment, and torture could be considered a form of punishment. Shut up, I thought.

"If you relax again, my dear, I will be happy to continue the story." Aro said pleasantly. Reluctantly I took a deep breath and tried to relax against him.

"As I take you against these dusty old tomes, I will lift your leg up, so that I can press into you completely, deeply. It will be a little rough, and we will be at risk of falling books. My hand will come around and caress your centre, you can only imagine what my fingers can do to you. Can you almost feel it?"

His hand slid down my stomach and rested just before he reached my pubic bone.

"Hmm of course you can, you are drenched. I can smell you. When my fingers are no longer enough, I will come down between your legs and suck on your ecstatic little nub, making my tongue rub broad circles on you. You will suddenly see the stars, as you climax with your legs around my ears."

I groaned softly, panting as my centre was throbbing with need. I played it out in my mind, and my hips jolted, making my insides clench again.

"Then I will take you on the floor, holding your arms up over your head, and kiss you senseless, till your lips are swollen and plumb. My pelvis will be ramming into your clit, almost making you black out with every thrust, until you can no longer hold back, and you scream your release as you pulse around me.

Do you want to come like that, Isabella, so that you can feel me as you squeeze around me, riding the wave of your orgasm, with me driving into your delicious body? Can you see it, feel it?" The tremors of his deep voice resonated and pulled a string deep inside me.

I panted as I suddenly felt an explosion between my legs, my hips were rocking wildly of their own accord, and I whimpered as the release washed over me, but it wasn't enough. I needed pressure to relieve this terrible ache. Suddenly his hand was between my legs, rubbing gently, and I cried out again, as the orgasm suddenly became ten times stronger.

"Oh, you are so very wet, my dear," he crooned against my ear. "Did you like what I said?"

Nodding, I moaned again. "Please, Aro, I need more. This isn't enough."

"What do you need, mia cara? Do you wish for me to take you?"

"Yes!" I ground out.

Next moment, I found him between my legs, looking down on me with black eyes, as he shifted his hips, and suddenly he was inside my still pulsating channel, driving into me, as if he had been just as desperate as I was. We both groaned at the contact.

He placed my ankles on his shoulders, and kept his hands on my hips, and pulled me against him, the feeling was so deep, I couldn't handle it. My cry flew around the room again. I almost tried to pull away, but he didn't stop, he just kept up the movements, and suddenly I didn't want him to stop. I could feel a coil inside me tightening with absurd ease. My hands gripped the back of the sofa to have some form of connection with earth, as he fucked me into heaven. Within a few thrusts he had me coming apart. I had no idea what sounds I was making. He growled deep in his throat, frantic with need.

He let my legs fall open as he mashed his chest against mine, as he kept up the pace. His shirt was still open, and my fingers were clenched around his neck, my knees around his waist, holding on for dear life as he drove into me again and again. He kissed me deeply, desperately, moaning into my mouth.

"My Isabella," He growled as he gripped my hips tightly before jerking sharply against me, as his release rolled over him. He was panting against my mouth, looking into my face, his lips open in a soft smirk. "Well done, my dear. You just achieved orgasm without any other stimulation than my voice."

I was still trying to catch my breath, as I realised what had happened and my face flushed deeply. He had that open-mouthed smirk again. He lay against me a little longer, before slowly pushing up, relieving his weight from me. I felt bereft. His weight was comforting. Necessary. My mind paused briefly at the word. Where did that come from?

"You look puzzled, my dear," Aro said gently. "Is there something wrong?"

I looked up at him, not sure what to tell him. It was like my body belonged to his. No, not true. More like it belonged with him.

"I don't know, I just have this peculiar feeling. Like, my body is connected to you somehow, and I can't let you go. You are necessary for me to function. Does that make any sense?" I felt like I was rambling.

His face was tender. His fingers caressed my cheek, my jaw, before coming to rest gently around my throat. He seemed to be pondering his words.

"Yes, it does make sense, my dear. I feel it too. We cannot stand to be apart from each other. That is why I have not been keeping up with my other duties, even though they are plenty. Thankfully, Caius and Marcus are able to help with everything."

"But why do we feel like this? What is going on? It just seems to grow stronger and stronger, for every minute. Even the thought of you leaving me to do other things, is driving me crazy."

Aro was silent for a long moment before he seemed to come to a decision.

"Please get dressed, my dear. I wish to tell you something." With that, he stood up, and started to adjust his own clothing.

I got up, and began fumbling with my clothes, thinking. He knew something. Had he not been telling me everything? I suddenly realised I was in his study. I glanced at the corner where I knew the small room was, filled with pictures. Of me. Maybe he had been monitoring me for different reasons. I wondered what he wanted to tell me.

When we were both decent again, he took my hand, and led me to his desk. He sat me down opposite, and he sat down behind it, placing his elbows on the surface, fingers touching. A long silence welled up between us, he was clearly thinking hard, his crimson eyes locked on mine.

Aro's POV

It was hard for me to find the words. I knew I had to tell her. Her questions were spot on, and I could not keep the truth from her any longer even though I knew it would cause her pain and confusion. Her dark brown eyes peered curiously at me, they almost seemed fearful. I sighed, trying to gather my words.

"Isabella," I began gently. I wanted to do this as gently for her as possible.

"You know of course that Victoria is after you and have been for quite some time. We have been monitoring her movements for a while, even long before the Cullen's knew that we knew of your existence. She was causing quite a bit of trouble, not just for you. We usually take the matter into our own hands, but I knew that Carlisle was capable of handling these matters, so we let things be.

Then something happened, that puzzled me greatly. They left you to your own devices. I gathered something must have happened, but it seemed like such a drastic measure, just to up and leave."

"Yes, something did happen," Isabella said. "I nearly got killed by Jasper at my birthday party."

My mind flashed red for a second, before I gathered myself. I briefly pondered at the strong urge to suddenly find Jasper. How very protective I had become of her. I suddenly realised I had been protective of her, even before we met.

"Well, I suppose that is serious," I said. "Hardly a reason to abandon you, though. When my agents returned the news to me, I realised we had another problem at hand. You, a human, knew of our secret, and it was clear you would not be turned, and so there was no longer any excuse to keep you alive. The law is above all else. Caius wanted to get the matter done with. I only just managed to get him to calm down, and not go get you. Even before I knew you, I felt protective. How strange that it only just dawns on me now."

I gave a deep sigh, knowing that my next words would be shocking to her.

"I saw only one way of protecting you. I convinced Caius that you could be bait for Victoria, as we still wanted to catch her.

With this in mind, I travelled to Forks, to survey yours and her movements. But there was a problem. I realised that I had a hard time keeping away from you. You awoke within me a deep fascination, and I knew I had to get away, otherwise things would turn ugly very soon. I wanted nothing more than to take you with me. I could see that you were hurting in the absence of the Cullen's, you were so alone and more vulnerable than you ever realised. But I did not think that you would be safer with me. I would be hard put to control my thirst around you. So, I came back here, pondering my next step, only just managing to keep you safe from Caius' wrath.

Then suddenly here you were. In my home, willing to sacrifice yourself for one who had hurt you so deeply. My fascination deepened, and I knew I wanted you to stay.

I did not understand what was happening with me, or with you for that matter. The day I first touched you, I could not read your mind, but your body on the other hand was a different matter altogether. As I took your hand, I knew exactly what you felt, even if you did not realise it. I was so close to drinking from you then and there. It did not help that I felt Edwards urges to have your blood.

When we were finally alone, I was curious to see if my urges would get better, and they did. But other urges arose within me, more powerful and needy. Suddenly you held another power over me, the moment I tasted your skin for the first time in that bathroom. It was a need I have not felt in all my immortal existence, though I have heard of it. The need to mate. I had been so close to just take you, right then and there.

I did not realise what it was that was calling me to you, until earlier today, when Marcus showed me his thoughts. You see, Marcus have this special ability to see the bonds between any two people."

I took a deep breath and leaned forward, until my fingers were beneath my chin.

"He showed me, that the bond between you and I is blood red."

Bella's POV

I listened to his words, completely consumed by his story. So, he had known of me before I knew of him. This I had known as he had told me of it before. This talk of needs and a bonds. I was so confused.

"What are you saying?" I asked, in a hoarse whisper, even though my mind had already sped forward to his answer.

His gaze was locked on me, as he sighed again. Then he stood up and walked around the desk, to lean against it, standing right in front of me. My hands were icy cold, and I heard a strange ringing in my ears.

"A blood red bond is extremely rare, even amongst vampires, but almost impossible between a vampire and a human. We are pulled so strongly towards each other, Isabella, because we are mates."

His words crashed around in my skull, barely connecting. I felt like I had plummeted into darkness. My mind whirled, and my surroundings became fuzzy.

"Mates. What, like birds? Only ever keeping to one partner for the rest of our lives?" I laughed; it sounded a tad hysterical. The rest of our lives would be forever.

I stood up sharply, almost startling myself. Aro didn't flinch a muscle. Breathing deeply, I stood thinking. I needed to find a bathroom. I remembered the small bathroom I had located across from his study, and I turned running towards the door. He didn't try to stop me even though I knew that he could easily have done so.

After I had emptied my stomach, I stood in front of the sink, rinsing out my mouth. I looked in the mirror and I wasn't shocked to see that I was a mess. Tears had been leaking down my cheeks, making my face red and splotchy. I had circles under my eyes. Turning my back on the shiny surface, I covered my face in my hands. This was not happening. Aro of the Voltouri was my mate? It seemed like I had no choice in the matter. The worst part was that I didn't even mind that much. I shook my head. How could I know? My body would be telling me this of course, but what about my mind?

Well, I knew that I loved his company. But did I love him? It was hard to say. He was charming after all. But I knew that he was also dark and dangerous. I hadn't known him for more than a few days, and what had I learned of him? The things we had been doing in such a short time. My face flushed. Well he was an excellent lover, no doubt about that. But there had to be more. I sighed. The man was a mystery.

A soft knock at the door. "Isabella, are you alright?" Aro's voice called softly to me. My body had already moved to the door and opened it. I needed to be near him. I was in his arms in seconds. He led me back to his study, and we sat on the couch. Silence reigned.

"I realise this is difficult for you, my dear." Aro said softly. "I did not tell you these things because I wanted you to have a choice. These matters are hard to explain. This phenomenon is extremely rare, and I have to say, it feels like destiny. It is as if you were destined to be a vampire."

I knew he was trying to sooth my feelings, but his words did little to comfort me. I wanted to become a vampire, but I had never imagined it like this.

"But it literally sounds like I have no choice," I said, not entirely able to keep a desperate note out of my voice. "I am not sure I'm ready for such a commitment. I don't even know anything about you. How old were you, when you were turned, for instance? Is your name really Aro? Were you married? I have so many questions about you."

"I will answer all the questions I can, but I think the most important question is how I feel about you, tesoro. You make me feel things that I previously thought was a waste of time. I never dreamed I would be one to find a mate. It took nearly 3000 years. That is a ridiculously long time. There must be a purpose for this." He said in a severe voice.

He leaned forward. "You have nothing to fear, I will not be forcing your hand in this. You will have time to decide what you want. Even if you should wish to leave." He said the words as if they were hurting him physically. "In the meantime, I will make sure that we will get to know each other. I will court you properly, as it were. Romantically. I will keep a respectable distance until you feel ready. I will do anything to make you feel comfortable in this matter."

I barely listened to him as he spoke. One part of my brain wanted to be reassured but another kept spinning out of control.

"What does it even mean, this? Will we have to get married?"

"Well, there are no rules on this. We can do as we please. It just means..." He broke of, seeming to be struggling to explain. "I am not sure I will be able to explain this properly. I believe we will just have to see what happens."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Getting up from the sofa, I began pacing. I felt like I needed space to think, but I also needed Aro near me. I knew it would be near impossible to leave him. Neither did it occur to me, as he had been nothing but kind to me. More than kind actually. I liked being near him. He seemed to want to do the right thing. I realised he was just at powerless against this as I was. I turned to him. "How does this make you feel?" I asked. "Do you want this, do you want me?"

He was still in his seat, looking at me, tracing a finger across his bottom lip. "I do not yet know how I feel about our bond. I find it difficult to discern my own feelings from what is this compulsion. As I expressed earlier; I find your company a pleasure certainly, and your body is most delightful. I do not know much about you, other than what Edward knew, and let us face facts, he did not know nearly as much as he thought he knew."

Aro stood up and walked over to me.

"Isabella, please tell me what you need from me." His deep voice was reassuring. He placed a hand on my cheek. I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes.

"I don't know what I need. One part of my brain, the rational part, needs space to think. The other, needs to be near you."

"Well, I can think of a solution. Come." He took my hands and pulled me towards the little side room, with all the photos of me.

"Have a look around, I have no secrets, not from you. You can stay in here in peace, and I will be right by my desk. If ever you need me, you need only call."

I glanced around, taking it all in. It was well organized.

He had turned his back on me when I called to him. "No, you don't need to leave. I would like you to stay. I might have questions."

He looked at me searchingly. "Very well, I will stay." He walked over to a chair in the corner and sat down.

Nodding, I took a few paces towards the wall with all the different pictures. I saw Charlie, Carlisle, Rosalie. Only a couple of pictures of Edward or Alice. They would be difficult to monitor of course. I touched a finger to Charlie's picture briefly. I missed him. I could only imagine what he would be saying if he knew of my predicament.

My eyes stuck on Carlisle's picture. What would he have said? Did he know if this mating thing? Maybe he would have a reassuring thing to say.

"Would it be possible to get Carlisle to come here?" I asked quietly.

A long silence lingered in the small room.

"I am not sure it would be wise, considering his connection to Edward. But we could try if that is your wish," Aro said in a hesitant voice. "He might bring some of his coven with him. Could you live with that?"

"I don't know," I said honestly. "But I know that he might be able to explain things to me."

Aro sighed resignedly. "Alright, I will see what I can do."

"Thank you," I said in a small voice.

Roaming a little more in the room, I landed at the wall with Victoria's pictures. The redhead had been around according to the map. Little red pins showed where she had been present. Forks was completely hidden with pins. The surrounding area was also pretty covered, especially Seattle.

"I wonder how she can be so elusive. I mean, does she have a special ability?" I asked, my eyes jumping from photo to photo.

"Victoria has been around for some time. Her power is in fact an ability of enhanced self-preservation. She can sense danger coming her way. This is why she is so hard to catch. We managed to get these pictures of her only because the spy had to have no ill will against her. Otherwise she would have evaded us completely. The only way we can be sure to see her is that we know she will eventually come for you."

A shiver ran down my spine at the thought. It sounded as though it was impossible to catch her. I suddenly needed Aro's reassuring touch, and he must have felt it, because he was behind me in an instant, his arms coming around my waist, pulling me close, his lips at my jaw.

"You do not need to worry, mia cara. She will not harm you; I will make sure of that."

And so, we stood, for a long time, trying to master this weird situation, our feelings whirling around us, as the future seemed to be clouded before us.

Aro was dark in many ways, but I already knew, he was my darkness.

Alright, chapter four is now finished. 6400 words later! Whew! What do ya think? I shall endeavour to have another chapter ready soon, but I do have a lot of work in the coming days, due to vacation times and such, so please be patient with me. -Pancakes