So! Another day, another chapter. I'm pretty chuffed with how fast I churned this one out. I do think it might contain a few mistakes, given the speed with which I've been writing. Please forgive me for that.

I just love your reviews! They keep me inspired. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know of your thoughts.

Anyways onwards to the chapter!

Disclaimer; I own nothing but the plot of this story. The Twilight is not mine.

Ratings for strong language and highly sexual content.

A small reminder of the last ending;

"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.

Bella's POV

- Five days later.

I was pacing my room. I felt caged. I hadn't seen Aro since he had said goodnight to me in front of my room that night. He hadn't even kissed me. He just bowed and brushed his lips against my knuckles, then made sure that I went into my room and stayed there like a good girl. Then nothing. I hadn't been out, except for my lessons with Caius, and let's face it, his company was rather gloomy. I mean, the lessons were interesting enough, I just couldn't concentrate, and whenever my concentration failed, Caius could become pretty tetchy with me.

I also had pondered my decision to have Carlisle visit. I wondered if he would show up. Would Aro keep his promise of trying to get him here? I hoped he would bring the others, my heart ached at the thought of them. It hadn't even been that long, but so much had happened, that it felt like weeks had gone by. I would even be glad to see Edward, though I knew how awkward that situation would become, should he read Aro's mind.

I had been reading a lot these past few days. Caius had allowed me to take books back to my room, perhaps he could sense my tension, as he even pulled a few of his own suggestions down from the shelves to hand them to me. I had tried to have a conversation with the vampire called Felix. It was safe to say that he was a man of few words. He wasn't unkind, just very apathetic. I would usually talk all the way back to my room, as he escorted me, and then say goodbye. Luckily, I had a lot to say about all the lessons I was having. And the books. I didn't know if he had even read them, but there really was no need to now, anyway. I had given all the spoilers. I don't think he minded.

The days were so long, I felt like I was dragging myself by. My food was brought up to my room, so I couldn't escape at mealtimes either. Five days had gone like this. I was feeling frustrated! Why was he suddenly ignoring me? I felt so isolated. And I felt like... My body was too big for my skin. I couldn't breathe right. I was on edge all the time.

On top of that, Victoria was on my mind. She sounded formidable, and it was hard to see, how she could ever be eradicated. The only way to lure her, might be using me as bait, but I would be ridiculously vulnerable in that situation. But it seemed like I couldn't be turned into a vampire until she was gone. I needed to have a conversation with Aro on this. I didn't think he would appreciate it, but I could see no other solution. Eternity is a long time to wait for someone to kill you.

Running my fingers through my hair, I decided that a long soak in the tub might help. I used a lavender scented soap to try to calm myself down. It did nothing to sooth me. After getting up and drying my hair, I stepped into my closet. I couldn't even stand the thought of having any restricting clothes on, and I refused a dress. So, I chose a wine-red, floor length, silken dressing gown.

I stood looking out the window, touching the glass with my fingertips. Not even the view could help me anymore. How long had it been since I had been outside? This was torture. What had I done to deserve this treatment? Despite my frustrations I didn't dare walk out of my room because of what had happened the last time. But I was going crazy.

"God fucking damn it, Aro, where are you?" I spat in an irritated hiss. This wasn't right. I turned around as my hands flew to my head, my fingers running angrily through my hair and-

"Language, young one." Aro said smoothly. He was standing right in front of me, looking down at me, his crimson eyes gleaming in the bright daylight. I squeaked with fright as I fell back against the windowsill, my hands covering my face.

"Fuck! Aro!" I shouted, trying to control my breathing.

"Yes, I rather think you would enjoy that, but now is not really the time, is it?" he said in a suave voice, teetering on a growl. He smirked at me, showing me his white teeth. I stood straight again, gathering myself, breathing deeply, noting the tantalising smell that clung to him. I nearly leaned in and put my nose in the crook of his neck. He smelled so good. God, I had missed him. I raised my hand and tried to punch him hard in the chest. He caught my hand easily before I could even make contact. I glared at him.

"I would not do that if I were you," he said in a low growl, his eyes flashing me a warning.

"Where have you been?" I said in a loud angry voice. "I have been completely isolated for five days with only Caius and the wall Felix as company!"

"Well, if you needed company, you should have called for me," he said in a matter of fact voice.

"Why didn't you tell me that you would be gone? What did I do?"

He looked at me, his features softened slightly.

"You have not done anything, my dear. I thought we agreed that we keep a distance until we got to know each other a little better."

"No, we didn't agree on that, you agreed on that." I stalked away from him, wrenching my hand free of his, or rather he let me.

"I have been going insane, you know. First losing you, and the-"

"You did not lose me," he interrupted, "I just thought it best to give you some space."

"I didn't want space!" I nearly shouted at him. "You should ask! You can't just do that! You know of our problem; you must have been going crazy too!"

A long pause stretched between us, as he looked me in the eyes. Then he looked away and nodded slightly.

"Yes, I felt it. I did not realise you were so-"

"Oh, you didn't realise. Well then no problem, right?" I turned my back on him and stood in front of my bed looking into space. I was nearly in tears, shaking. I was so relieved to see him, and didn't want to fight, but I was furious with him too. He needed to understand a thing or two. The battle raged within me - my fingers were trembling.

"I was trying to set things in motion, both with your meeting with Carlisle, plus I had been neglecting a lot of my duties, and-"

"Right," I said, my voice shaking with anger. "Why couldn't you include me in it, then?"

He sighed deeply.

"My duties do not concern you, my dear. It is boring stuff, really, not somethi-."

"I meant that you could include me in contacting Carlisle." I said, my voice tense.

"Will you please stop interrupting me? I am trying to explain, why I have not been to see you."

I huffed, crossing my arms, glaring into space, as if it had insulted my parents gravely.

"I'm not interested in your excuses, Aro. I have been on edge the whole time since we last saw each other. I feel like something is wrong. Like I'm sick. Like I have a fever without actually having a fever." I spun round to glare at him, as he was standing in all his black glory, by the windows. "I guess you didn't care to check on me." I spat.

"I am not giving excuses, I can appreciate that you are angry with me, I merely-…" He broke off, and then looked at me curiously, his eyes roaming my body before locking on mine. I didn't like that look. A slow smirk spread across his mouth.

"What?" I said puzzled at his sudden change in attitude.

"Well, I must admit, I had no idea that you needed my... Attentions so badly." He said in a low voice, that nearly made me shiver.

"No, clearly," I said. "Do you ever stop to think of anything other than yourself?"

"I am truly sorry, tesoro. Can you forgive me?" He stepped closer, almost prowling, still wearing that smirk. I noticed his eyes were suddenly a few shades darker.

I looked him over once. "What are you doing?" I demanded briskly.

"Well, I will gladly make it up to you, if you will let me?" He said softly, nearly in front of me now, his arms stretched out towards me a little, in a gesture of reconciliation.

"What are you talking about?" I said tersely. "You won't be able to charm your way in, just like that. I am still very angry with you." I said trying to muster up some anger. His smile was quickly disarming me.

"Isabella," he said softly, standing right in front of me now, his hands on my shoulders, rubbing gently. "You are not angry," his words puzzled me. I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off. "You are aroused." He said simply.

"I am not," I said way too fast, trying to sound indignant instead of shocked.

"Oh yes, you are. You are on edge, my dear. You said so yourself."

"I didn't mean it like that," I spat, "I just meant that-..."

My mind clunked into place and I looked at him, eyes wide. He nodded slowly, gazing knowingly down at me, his eyes ablaze, and I could feel the heat rising rapidly into my face. I turned swiftly to hide it. The bed was in front of me, and I suddenly felt cornered. Again. How did he do this? He was so smooth. I tried to take a step sideways to get out from under him, but his arm came around my waist, holding me firmly in place.

"No, you will stay here, with me, until we have talked this through," He growled softly in my ear. He pulled me against him, and I stiffened.

"As you can clearly tell, you now have my undivided attention, Isabella."

Right, no doubt about that. I cleared my throat a little, unsure what to say.

"Why don't you elaborate on how you have been feeling?" He said softly, pushing my hair off my shoulder to place a gentle kiss. I nearly moaned. No, I was angry. Furious with him. He placed another kiss on my neck. I failed to remember what I was so angry about - my body was too busy swooning. Damn it, pull yourself together! His hips rocked gently against me. My mouth was suddenly dry, and I felt heat pooling in my nether regions.

"How did you know that I am turned on?" I asked in a rather hoarse voice.

"Well, I suddenly realised that you were innocent in matters of the flesh, and I awoke that part in you. I should have realised that you now would have certain needs, that you do not know how to fulfil," he said gently kissing the shell of my ear. I shivered.

"Like you were living without water before you met me, and now without it, you suddenly realised how much it is essential for your existence." He said the word water at the same time as his hips rolled into me again.

My breath escaped in a sharp puff.

"Something like that." I mumbled, not really able to follow the conversation any longer.

"I would have you know that this was not a part of my plan to court you. But it seems that keeping a distance, for now, is almost impossible, so please forgive me for being forward." His voice was low and seductive. His hands began slowly opening the sash of my dressing gown.

"I thought you said, that now wasn't the time," I said in a breathy voice.

"Well, my mate needs me, what can I do?" He said, slowly pushing the thin piece of fabric off my shoulders, and it fell to the floor, in a whispering puddle between us.

His hands were all over my body in an instant, his teeth gently scraping the skin on my shoulder. He cupped my breasts, pinching the nipples gently. I gasped at the sensations, as a multitude of jolts fizzled down to my centre. He grabbed my hips and pulled me against him sharply, making me feel his excitement. He growled against my skin, breathing deeply, as one of his hands shot down to caress me. He rubbed small circles on my clit, and my body melted into his, as he practically held me up. I was delirious within seconds. A finger dipped into me, and he growled again, deep in his chest.

"You are already so wet, tesoro. He said in a husky voice against my ear before licking my throat and jaw. I just moaned as his fingers were working their magic on me. He suddenly nudged me forward a little, and then again until I was laying across the bed, feet still on the ground. He pressed against me shortly before disappearing. "Please lay on the bed, on your stomach." I heard him say.

I wasn't sure I was in the mood to obey his orders just yet, but sometimes you just have to pick your battles. Aro of the Volturi wanted me on the bed, I wasn't going to make a fuss.

After laying myself down, I felt him lift my hips and placing a pillow under me. Puzzled I was about to look over my shoulder, to ask what on earth he was doing, when I suddenly felt his body naked on mine, pressing me into the mattress. I gasped at the sensation, which turned into a loud moan, as I suddenly felt his manhood at my entrance, pressing into me from behind. He stayed still for moment, his hips flush with my ass, before he withdrew and thrust back inside me. I barely knew where I was.

"How do you feel now, my dear? " He growled softly against my shoulder blade, placing wet kisses on my skin.

I didn't answer. I was mumbling into the duvet, my hands flat against the bedding.

He grabbed my wrists and placed my arms above my head, as he withdrew and pushed back in rather sharply. I gave a soft cry, muffled by the bedding. I felt his breath on my skin, as he was hissing in pleasure. His thrusts grew rapidly in pace as he seemed desperate to have me. A hand came down beneath me between my legs and began rubbing my clit again. My hips lurched forward, and I nearly cried into the duvet.

"Fuck-fuck-fuck-fuck-fuck!" I chanted, completely frantic with the need to come.

"Language again, my dear," he said, panting as he kept up his caresses, while still pumping into me making my insides tighten even further. He spoke to me, his voice reaching me across a wide expanse of dark waters.

"Does it feel good, my dear? I am having a hard time being gentle with you, as it has also been a long few days for me. Please forgive me," he panted as he increased his pace and was practically driving me into the mattress. Nothing to forgive, really. It felt divine. I could feel my whole body tensing as the impending release came ever closer.

"That is not helping, my dear," he grunted as he clearly felt my body seizing him around his member. I wasn't listening, my body and mind was in another world. Suddenly a particularly deep thrust catapulted me into the abyss, and my mind went blank for a second or two. I returned from my peak, as his thrusts became erratic. Suddenly he groaned, and he kept his hips flush against me as his release took hold, growling deep in his chest. I was still catching my breath as he briefly collapsed on top of me.

A split second later he had rolled me onto my back, and he was between my legs, his mouth on my heated sex, making my back arch sharply. He prodded a finger inside me and had me trembling within seconds. My breath came in sharp pants, and my fingers clutched the duvet. He entered a second digit, and latched onto my clit, suckling it deeply. Then the climax hit me, making my body shake the whole bed. He gently fingered me through it, until I collapsed on the bed.

"I am not quite done with you yet, mia cara," his deep voice sounded in my ear, as he had crawled on top of me again, and soon he was penetrating me for the second time, this time at a more leisurely pace. I groaned at the feeling of him inside me again, not quite sure I could handle another round.

"I thought you were done, are you trying to kill me?" I panted as his hips rocked against me.

"Yes actually, but not this way, not to worry, my dear. Being a vampire, however, does give me another level of stamina. I do not need to recover." He said in a matter of fact voice. He nudged my legs closed and straddled my thighs, as he drove into me again. His pelvis mashing my clit at every thrust, and his mouth descended upon my breasts, as he sucked and nipped at them. I came in an instant, my back arching off the bed. He continued as if he hadn't noticed and tipped me easily into another orgasm after a few more strokes into my body. Then he increased the pace, placing my arms over my head, and keeping them there, his mouth was on my throat, teeth sinking gently into my skin, and I groaned. His hips were ramming into me as he sank deep inside me. Trapped as I was beneath him, I could only hang on for the ride. My body tensed again, and I nearly lurched off the bed, as another crest hit me, making me see red spots before my eyes, this time he followed me over groaning into my throat, pinning me to the bed as he gripped me in the throes of passion. My world went black.

Aro's POV.

I could not help myself, she felt entirely too good, squeezing me in all the right ways. Making sure she was ready for round two, I had her pinned beneath me, and had my way with her until I had coaxed three more orgasms out of her. She did not know it, but her body was greedy for more, as she had been growing hungry for the last few days of missing me.

I felt a bit bad about having left her alone for so long, with no regard to the fact that I had introduced her to her body, and then just left her, cold turkey. When I realised why she was so angry with me, I felt a rush as I have never felt before. I could barely control myself. I needed her. Badly. She blacked out as soon as we were done. I withdrew from her, and moved her under the covers, placing her against me, her back to my chest. I looked at her face to check that she was alright. Her face was flushed, her forehead damp. I might have overdone it a bit. 5 orgasms in one sitting, might be too much for humans, I was no expert on them. Her pulse was a little fast, but nothing I worried about.

As we lay there, I could hear her heartbeat drop to a more normal rate. Her breathing became slow and regular. She had fallen asleep. I gave a low chuckle. I never knew that this could happen. Was there such a thing as too much pleasure for humans? I would have to ask Carlisle about that, if he came to visit, that was. I had sent for him, but there was no answer yet. I wondered if he were angry with me, or if he would focus on Isabella's needs instead. I sure hoped he would not bring Edward along, as that would make things very awkward very soon. If he did, I would have a hard time hiding these last days events from him. He would know, and it would crush him. Perhaps I could get Carlisle on my own first, to explain matters, he was always so understanding. His capacity for empathy was astounding, and I would have to use that to make him understand what was going on between Isabella and me. I did not want them to think that I was using the girl.

My brothers were aware of the complexity of the situation, of course. They had pretty much been running things since I had been entirely too distracted to make any rational decisions. These days without Isabella, had been hard. I tried to keep myself away, by feeding, holding court, and such, but my famed patience was almost gone. I had to step back a few times, to not just end up making some very unhelpful decisions.

This had to stop. It was like being a new-born again, only I was not thirsting for blood. What on earth was the solution to this conundrum? I could not possibly stay at Isabella's side from now to eternity. It would be quite impossible. I had other things to tend to, though I did not mind her company. It was just highly impractical.

Isabella shifted a little beside me, sighing in her sleep. She turned over, facing me. I rolled onto my back, the sheets twisting around my hips. She lay her head on my chest, not waking from her sleep. Her long, soft hair was spread out over my shoulder, tickling my chin a little. I placed a hand on her bare shoulder and rubbed small circles into her skin. I could get used to this though. Her body was so soft and warm and addictive. I lay like this for some time, to allow her some sleep.

Then my ears picked up on a sound outside. A car had pulled up in the castle courtyard. I could hear the engine being killed. A door opened, shoes on the ground. The car doors slammed. That could mean only one thing. Carlisle had arrived. And he had brought company.

I sighed. He could at least have given me a warning. This was most inopportune. Gently crawling out from under Isabella, I was dressed in a flash, checking my reflection to make sure everything was in place. I looked at her before leaving the room. I would have to wake her later. It would not do for our guests to hear me talking to her at this moment.

Rushing down into the great hall, I sat waiting in my chair. Jane was already opening the door, showing them in. Caius glanced at me, placing a single finger on my hand.

'I think you should have taken a quick shower, brother. Her scent lingers strongly around your person.'

I gave him an annoyed look, realising that he was right. Edward would know regardless of my thoughts.

I looked up to see Carlisle, Alice, Edward, and Esme standing in the middle of the room.

"Carlisle," I said while standing, spreading out my hands in a welcoming gesture. "What a happy surprise, welcome to our humble home."

"Thank you, Aro," He said in a quiet voice. "Thank you for the invitation."

"Not at all, not at all. It was in fact Isabella's idea, that I summon you here."

"And where is Bella?" Edward asked, doing his best to keep out any tension in his voice.

I had to do some quick brain gymnastics to make sure I did not picture her in my mind, as Edward would not want to see how I had left her, mere moments ago. My mind flashed through the entire Lord of the Rings books, backwards.

"Uh, she is indisposed at the moment," I said, doing my best to keep up my end of the conversation, without losing track of my thoughts also. Edward scowled. Oh dear. The boy might not be as dense as I initially thought. His scowl deepened. Carlisle put a hand on his shoulder, giving him a stern glance, before stepping forward.

"Is she alright, Aro?" He asked softly. Oh, she was more than alright. Definitely. A tiny growl escaped Edward. Oops. I think he knew at that point.

I sat down, making my hands meet in front of me, gazing down on them. I smiled as pleasantly as I could.

"She is perfectly fine. No harm has come her way. She is sleeping as we speak. I had hoped to speak to you alone, Carlisle, as these are delicate matters."

Carlisle searched my face. I wondered what he was thinking. I never touched him and had not done so in a long while. He was trustworthy, and he would speak his mind. I respected him too much, to just wrench his secrets from him. Edwards brows furrowed, as he clearly heard these thoughts too.

"Very well," Carlisle said. "Where can we speak in private?" Edward and Alice gave him a shocked look.

"Carlisle, no! We should do this together. It isn't safe," Edward blurted. Carlisle gave him another stern look, and stepped slowly forward, indicating that I should lead the way.

A little while later, I opened the doors to my study, and Carlisle followed me into the room. His brows furrowed slightly.

"Bella has been in here," he said. "It's faint, but I can still smell her."

"Yes, we have had a few conversations in here. It has been a few days though." I said this, as I sat behind my desk, indicating for him to sit down opposite me.

Carlisle gave me a look. "Aro, you know I can smell her on you as well, right? You have clearly just been with her. What is going on?" He sat down slowly, eyes fixed on me.

I traced my fingers across my lips for a few seconds, before speaking.

"Well, you may as well get the truth now, rather than later." I sighed deeply, knowing that I would probably be disappointing my only real friend in this world.

"Firstly, you should know, that Isabella is completely fine. She is in no danger here. She is treated as a guest. Well frankly she is treated as more than a guest."

Carlisle looked puzzled for a moment, before his eyes widened in understanding.

"That didn't take you long," he said dryly. "She has barely been here for a week, Aro. Have you quite lost your mind?"

"Yes," I said simply. "That is precisely what has been happening, Carlisle. She has been driving me insane. I did not wish for this, I assure you, but it is impossible for me to keep away from her."

"And why is that?" Carlisle was not able to keep the coldness out of his voice. "Is your wife not enough for you?" I was silent for a long moment.

"No, she quite literally is not enough." I said softly.

"Really, Aro, you need to get it together before you hurt Bella. This has to stop. There is no good reason for you to keep her here."

My red eyes bore into his golden ones. Sighing, I stood up, walking to the windows, standing with my back to him.

"Can you really not think of a single good reason, for me not wanting to let her go?" I asked, my voice not entirely able to keep out a note of desperation.

"No, not unless…" his voice was suddenly hesitant. "No," he whispered.

I turned to look at him, my face portraying my sadness, almost able to feel the disappointment rolling off him.

"Unfortunately, yes." I said softly.

Silence reigned, Carlisle staring at me, with wide eyes.

"But you must be mistaken, Aro, this is impossible." He said, his eyes darting around the room.

"I am not mistaken, dear friend. Marcus has confirmed everything. It is almost impossible, yes, but not entirely as it turns out. Isabella is my mate, and I hers. It took us a few days to realise this, but it certainly hit like a ton of bricks." I was speaking figuratively here; a ton of bricks would do nothing to me.

Carlisle got up, pacing the room, clearly thinking hard.

"How is she taking it?" He asked, turning to me.

"Well, she is tough, for a human, but she is also pretty confused. I confess, I find it hard to explain these matters to her. She was the one who suggested that I contact you. She thought or hoped that you might be able to shed some light on the matter."

Carlisle nodded slowly.

"This will be a blow to the others. I am not sure how well they will take the news, especially Edward, he will be crushed." He placed a hand across his face, breathing deeply.

"Have you told her of your wife? What did Sulpicia say?" He asked, still with his eyes covered. I looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed, which never happens.

"I have not. Not yet. Everything has been rather chaotic, as you might imagine, and Sulpicia knows nothing. I am trying to take things slowly, but that is turning out to be quite impossible. I need your help, old friend."

"I am not sure I am the right man for the job, Aro, this situation is quite unknown to me."

"Well, if you would just please talk to Isabella, try and make her understand. No matter what I say, unfortunately, it sounds like she has no choice."

"She doesn't have a choice though. That's the point. This phenomenon is exceedingly rare, and it usually happens for a reason. We never really see the reason until it is much later. Esme and I realised we were mates, and that it was because of the difference we could make for these young ones. We are their parents. Bella's too, whenever she has been turned. There must be a reason for you to be drawn together. As soon as you find it, and solve it, it should be better, though you will always be mates, and bound together.

I took a deep breath, noting that Carlisle had believed me, which was quite a relief. His words however sparked an idea within me.

"I need to show you something," I said.

Welcome to the end of this chapter! So, what do you think? Any feedback is welcome. I live for your reviews!

-Pancakes