Hey guys! I am sooo sorry for the delay on this chapter. I got called into work these last days, and I have been so tired because of the long days. I also started training again, and OMG I am soo sore! 5 months pause will crush your soul. Thanks 'rona!

And thank you so much for your lovely reviews! I cannot fathom all the praise you are sending my way. I am overwhelmed, truly. So, thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight saga. Not mine. I'm merely loaning them. I will place them back where I found them, don't worry.

Warning; strong sexual content coming up.

A small reminder of the last chapter:

"Do you think he is still in existence?" I asked him hastily.

Marcus pulled out a piece of paper, containing a list of a coven of vampires, living in Spain 60 years ago. He had circled a name, Mateo.

"He certainly did 60 years ago," He said, handing me the list. I took it, looking down at it.

"We need to find him," I said. "Quickly."

Marcus nodded solemnly.

"That will be difficult, he seems to be an expert in evading us." He said slowly.

"Not to mention, it will be exceedingly dangerous. I suspect only one will be able to control him. Or even approach him."

Our eyes met, and he nodded solemnly again.

"Isabella," I murmured, my heart plummeting. Slowly he nodded again.

Aro's POV

I was pacing my rooms. After Marcus had left, my mind filled with a tension I could not get rid of. I had been deep in thought as I slowly walked all the way back to my chambers. This Mateo was an unknown. Marcus thought that Isabella would be the only one able to get close to him, but how could we know. His gift, if true, was formidable, extremely dangerous and I did not like the thought of putting her at risk. Not to help Edward at least. There must be another way. I would just have to search for it.

I did not doubt that Isabella would want to do this, the risks be damned. She would probably storm off as soon as I told her. I pondered if I even should tell her. I did not like keeping secrets from her, but the stakes this involved were suddenly far too high for me to want to be a part of the game any longer. My mind flashed to our shared moments. We had had such a brief time together. In my mind I saw us together, her body responding so perfectly to every move I made within her. I felt the sweet ache of her release as her shield dropped to share it with me, and my body pulsed.

I could not lose her.

I came to a halt in front of the windows, not seeing the scenery, sighing deeply. If she ever found out that I kept something like this from her, she would never forgive me. And rightly so. I knew I was being selfish. But how could I not? I had waited almost 3000 years to find a mate, and now that I finally had her, I should just let her go and risk everything for her ex-boyfriend? I almost laughed at the ridiculous notion. I could not let her go.

The skies steadily turned dark as I stood pondering this conundrum, frozen and feeling trapped, only the earth's rotation moving me gradually into the shadows of the midnight sun.

"Eppur si muove," I said softly into the silence, repeating the words of an old friend.

Aro's POV

The room was dark, as the door opened behind me, and I caught her scent even before she had closed it. I did not move, as I felt her approach me, coming to a halt just behind me. Her mere presence making my body stir to life, wanting nothing but to hold her in my arms.

"Aro?" She spoke softly, her voice sounding a little worried. I hummed to let her know that I was listening. I knew if I turned around, I would not be able to keep away from her, my body wanting to confirm that she really was mine.

"Are you okay?" She asked, clearly sensing my tensed posture. I closed my eyes. I would have to tell her. It was only fair, but my chest ached with the feeling that I would lose her so soon. This choice was impossible. I turned to her. I would at least make love to her one last time before I informed her of my own personal hell.

In a flash I had her in my arms, kissing her fiercely a low growl escaping me as I struggled to conquer my emotions. She responded instantly, her lips allowing me to take control of her, as I demanded every sweet taste, she had to offer me. My need was desperate. I stepped back, as I had to collect myself. No, I would not rush this. I would take my time, savouring her. I looked into her eyes; they were black. She wanted more. I stepped around her, my nose nuzzling her cheek, my eyes burning her with a deep-seated heat. She shuddered violently, seeming to sense my intentions, not daring to move. I stood behind her, my hands on her shoulder, rubbing them, need evident in every move. I slowly zipped down her dress, my lips on her shoulder and neck. As the dress plummeted to the floor, her naked form coming into view, I had to take a few deep breaths to steady myself. She was so beautiful. My arm slipped around her waist, pulling her against me, my hips shifting sharply against her behind, another sharp growl escaping me. I held her against me, trying to contain my need, not moving until I had it strictly under control. I stepped back again, and she turned her head, looking over her shoulder, urging me on without using her words. I just took in her figure, trying to edge it into my memory, not wanting to lose a single detail.

She turned to me, slowly walking towards me, her hands coming up to rest on my chest, gently opening the buttons on my shirt. Soon she had me undressed before her, and she pressed her body into mine, moaning at the feeling, her own needs suddenly intense. She kissed me deeply, her hands roaming my body, waking a ravenous thirst within me. I spun her around, her back against my chest, as my hands quested for her most sensitive body parts, making her moan within moments. Her husky cry made me push her against the huge windows facing the garden, my hips undulating against her, wanting nothing more than to penetrate her, to feel her envelope me here and now. My breathing a deep moan now, I struggled to slow down, to not just take her against the glass. I placed my lips on her shoulder, biting and nibbling at her skin, making a hot trail down her spine, my mouth reaching the curve of the small of her back. My hands held her hips, as I laved attention on every inch of her skin, kneeling behind her. I wrapped my arms around her hips, holding her close to me, my heart nearly feeling crushed with the gravity of my love for her.

She was holding still, feeling my need to hold her close.

"Isabella," I said, my voice husky.

"What do you need?" She asked me, her voice carrying a tenderness that made me frantic for her. I lifted her up in my arms and had her pinned beneath me on the bed in a flash, my mouth nearly touching hers.

"Solo tu ed io," I said against her slightly parted lips, and needing no more words, I entered her, and she was so eager for me, throwing her head back as my hips surged fiercely into her, my mouth on her throat, as I took her, needing to experience eternity with her in a matter of minutes. It took no time to make her orgasm, her insides convulsing around me, her wild moans filling the room, nearly making me come apart too. I halted my movements within her, and holding onto her, I rolled onto my back, taking her with me, as she straddled me, her pelvis still moving against mine. She seemed a little shocked to find herself on top, and a small gasp flew from her mouth. My hands roamed her back and buttocks, as I rolled my pelvis up into her, making her gasp again. I placed my hands on her hips and stopped my movements. She looked at me.

"Take it," I said in a deep tender voice. She needed no more encouragement as she placed her hands flat on my chest, experimentally moving against me, trying to find a rhythm that suited her. Her eyes slid shut as she found it, a small sigh escaping her, as I felt her insides clench around me from time to time.

"Isabella, please look at me," I whispered, needing to see her as she soon would come apart.

She opened her eyes, and we locked on each other, as she gently rode me to her completion, soon shattering around me. She collapsed onto my chest, whimpering harshly, her lips on my skin. I wrapped my arms around her waist, holding her tight as I ploughed into her quivering heat, making her climax again in another few minutes, her body and mind allowing me deep access within her. I was on top again and I was plunging into her, as she showed me just what I was making her feel. A deep groan escaped me, as I suddenly felt my own release escalating within me. I took hold of her hands, interlacing our fingers, and placing them above her head, kissing her passionately, my pelvis driving into her, the sound bouncing around the room, her moan following the rhythm. Her walls suddenly tightened again, and she pulled me with her over the edge, my teeth bared against her lips, growling deep as the pulses surged through me.

"Sei sempre con me, amore mio," I whispered into her mouth before kissing her again, beginning to move within her again, slowly, swiftly coaxing another release from her, her body trembling against me, her whimpers urging me on, making me rock sharply into her, rapidly seeking my second orgasm. I soon exploded within her, my lips conveying my feelings again and again against her mouth, between heated kisses.

"Mio per sempre - mio per sempre - mio per sempre - mio per sempre."

As I held her to me, I knew I could not protect her, as I wanted to, so my mind came to another solution. I would simply have to train her.

Bella's POV

"You, what?!" I asked, my voice reflecting my astonishment in no uncertain terms.

"I wish to train you, make you stronger, faster, better. We need to prepare you for any situation." Aro said in a matter of fact voice, not looking up from the book he was reading, turning page after page.

"Why? Victoria is dead. What threats are you expecting to come our way?" I asked, sarcasm skirting the edge of my voice. He gave me a sharp look, before resuming his reading. We were still in his rooms, reading after our intense lovemaking, and it was late at night. The fire crackled merrily in the grate, and I sat reading across from him. He had just aired his plans for my training. I knew Marcus had been to see him, and they were up to something. The way he had taken me earlier, clearly, he was in some sort of conflict with himself. I could feel it.

"Marcus came back today," I noted calmly. "Does this have anything to with whatever he had to say?" I asked, my eyebrows raised at him. He said nothing, but his face gave an exasperated twitch.

"There's something you're not telling me, Aro. What is it?" He said nothing, just turning the pages, reading at high speed.

"I don't wish to train. It's not necessary. My new-born strength should be enough, especially since I don't expect any threats. It feels like a waste of time." I continued, trying to get through to him.

He glanced up at this.

"I was not asking you, Isabella. It is already decided. I am sorry, but it has to be done." He said this in a weary voice, clearly not wanting to discuss the topic any further.

"I don't get a say in this?" I asked him defiantly.

"No," he said simply. I felt hot anger bubble up in me. He just sat there making decisions about me and didn't even want to discuss them with me. I glowered at him, my mouth a thin line.

Aro's POV

I felt her eyes on me, as I sped through my book. I wasn't taking in a word, so I snapped it shut with a sigh.

She opened her mouth, readying herself for an argument.

"It is no good arguing, tesoro. I will not talk about it further as of now. I would like to see what you can do. That is the end of it."

I stood up, walking over to the fire, staring into the sparks flying into the air. She scoffed, and I closed my eyes at the sound. It was difficult to have her be dissatisfied, even if it was for her own protection. My eyes opened again. This would not do. I decided that she may as well know sooner than later. Now was not the time to be selfish.

I turned to her, my arms resting at the small of my back. She was not looking at me.

"Marcus may have found a way to help Edward."

Her eyes snapped to my face, fierce and burning, startled at the seeming change in subject.

"Really? How?" Her voice was still laced with anger, but she kept calm.

"He may have located a certain vampire. Mateo is his name. His gift may prove useful in this situation. But he will also be extremely dangerous to approach."

"Why? What can he do?" She was curious now, her eyes roaming my face. I hesitated, trying to find the best way to explain. I needed her to understand the danger, more than the possibilities.

"It is said that he has the ability to modify memories of others at a single glance."

She fell silent then, staring in disbelief at me.

"You want to remove Edward's memories?" She asked, shocked.

"No, at least not all of it. Only the ones that torment him. It will be dangerous, as this Mateo is an outsider. As far as I can tell, he has kept himself hidden by scrubbing his existence from the memories of others. That is why we have never found him. If we decide to approach him, he may very well hurt us beyond repair. Marcus suspects that the only one he cannot hurt is...-"

"Me," she said, her voice soft, but tense. I nodded.

"That is why I wish you to be trained. His gift may not harm you, but he can, given the opportunity. I do not like to put you in harm's way, but I know how much Edward means to you, and I cannot see any other solution at this moment, as I know I cannot stop you from trying to help him. Training you myself, will at least give you a chance against Mateo."

I sighed deeply, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"Of course, this is all just conjecture, because we do not in fact know if your shield works against him. It is an enormous risk we, primarily I, take."

Isabella was silent, thinking.

"My shield will work, Aro. It works perfectly against Jane, and his power is also of the mind."

I could tell she was burning with the need to help Edward, precisely as I predicted she would be. Very well. I would protect her as best as I could.

"I will not go easy on you, Isabella." I commented. "If I am to prepare you, I will have to be harsh, make you angry with me. I do not find this task easy."

She stood up, and wrapped her arms around my waist, her small hands locking at the small of my back.

"I know," She whispered, just holding me.

Bella's POV

"Come now, Isabella. You are not even trying!"

I was furious. I was laying on my back, my breath like an angry rhinoceros. I swiftly got to my feet.

I snarled at his thoroughly irritating smug face and ran at him. Our training field was all the way back in the garden, where no-one could distract us. High walls surrounded us on all sides, muffling whatever sounds we made.

He urged me on with a come-hither move of his hand and waited calmly. I hurled myself at him, knocking his outstretched arm aside, grabbing him around the middle, pushing him backwards with my shoulder. He slid back a few yards on the gravel but didn't fall on his ass as I had hoped. He leaned against me, and grabbed me around my waist, easily prying me off himself, and throwing me away, yet again. I was all dusty from hitting the gravel so many times in different ways. His suit was still black. He dusted off one sleeve and glanced at me, walking away slightly. He wasn't even trying to keep his eyes on me. I got to my feet and glowered at him.

"What is the point of this, if you are stronger than me anyway? I won't be able to take you down." I spat, feeling grit in my mouth. He literally had me biting the dust.

"You would if you tried to examine your tactics more. This head on blundering will not help you. I can see you coming a mile away. Also, your anger makes you irrational. You need to think before you act. Control it."

"I'm trying," I snarled. "You're not helping me,"

"It is not my job to help you. You need to find your own way of getting this done. Stop trying to hit me and hit me." He said sternly.

Growling low in my throat, I stalked back and forth, casting him furious glares from time to time. I would have to analyse his strength. He was good. He didn't flinch at any assault. I needed to somehow startle him out of it. But how. Running straight at him did not even scare him. Guess that was the perks of being immortal. I sighed, grinding my fist into my palm.

"Ready?" He said, voice deep and serious. No, I thought, but didn't say anything. I readied myself, and as he nodded curtly, I stalked slowly forward, observing him. He stood, legs slightly apart, powerfully awaiting my direct assault. I walked almost all the way to him, before flitting to his left, trying to get around him. He snatched my arm, and threw me non too gently over his head, crashing my back into the ground. I closed my eyes, recognising yet another defeat. As I opened them, he stood over me, staring down into my face, his hair falling over his shoulders almost into my face. My fist flew out at his face, but he grabbed it with his hand. I took his wrist with my other hand, and using him for leverage, I swung myself up behind him, neatly landing on my feet, then kicking out low, I swung my leg under him, removing his attachment to earth simultaneously grabbing his throat. He fell onto his back, hard, my hand keeping him in place. The air exploded from his lungs at the force of his fall, and he looked surprised for a second, before laughing shortly, looking satisfied.

"Good," he said. "Now we are getting somewhere. I should mention, though, that you should not have to be defeated before you can get back at me. I would rather you won first. But it is a start at least. You need to trust yourself. Instead of avoiding fear, you need to lean into it. Do the opposite of what it demands of you." He got to his feet, dusted off his now less black suit, and took up position in front of me.

"Again," he said.

Bella's POV

Aro was relentless, making me train hours every day, and when he wasn't slamming me into the ground, he had me sit in on lessons with Marcus and Caius. Marcus explaining the delicate nature of this particular vampire, the surroundings in which I could find him, and how to approach him. He took care to explain that we knew almost nothing of him. He also pointed out that he would want payment for any service rendered. We needed to come up with anything that could be considered payment.

Caius wasn't keen on this affair as a whole, but he helped, because Aro asked him to. He made it known that Edward's condition was no reason to lose our heads completely. He was good at tactics, understanding where an enemy might come from. He stressed that I would be alone in this matter, as he would not risk any of his guards in this situation. Only I could be near Mateo, as he might harm others, and Caius was adamant that no others should be at risk.

Aro pointed out that if I practised with my shield, I would soon be able to protect others around me too. And so, I did. Aro took it upon himself to endure Jane's torture, so that I would be desperate enough to make it work. He was on all fours again and again, hunched against the pain, and I scrambled to push my shield out from my skin. Finally, I was able to project it beyond my body, and I held Jane's pain at bay, shielding Aro. He got to his feet, panting slightly, but wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Good girl," he whispered against my ear, before kissing my temple. I got distracted by his touch, my shield fell, and Aro collapsed onto the ground again.

He wanted to come with me now that I had my shield in place. Caius wanted none of it, feeling it was far too risky. He had a point. If I got distracted it could prove disastrous. Aro conceded, knowing the loss of him would be disastrous in too many ways.

Finally, after 8 days I was able to use Aro's strength against him. I felt ready for my mission.

Aro's POV

I had done my best. Time was too short, and I knew she felt ready. She was confident, and as new-born she of course had a right to. I had to let her do this alone, and it crushed my heart as I realised, I might never see her again, or she might not know me when next we did. She had kissed me deeply before walking out. When she was gone, I rushed to the north wing of the castle. It was not the first time it had been destroyed by my feelings.

Bella's POV

Following Marcus' instructions to the letter, I soon found the old ruin, running a few times around, doing some recon before feeling secure enough to venture inside. The silence was absolute, not even the wind dared move. I walked silently through the dark halls, checking that my shield was in place, prepared for an attack any minute. After searching the upper floors of the old castle, I began inspecting the dungeon. Everything was covered in cobwebs, plants, and dead leaves. It seemed perfectly deserted. But even my inexperienced vampire nose could catch the whiff of another vampire. I walked forward slowly, my eyes penetrating the darkness way more effectively than my human eyes ever could. I still felt on edge, as everything was covered in shadows, making me squint slightly. I came to a crossing where seven corridors led in different directions. I stood in the centre, trying to decide which one to choose, when the tiniest whisper made me whip around to the one pointing towards the east side.

Suddenly a figure crashed into me from the south passage, and hurled me against the wall, cracking a few stones. He was so fast, I barely had time to register his movements. He only hit me once before I sensed him running off, preparing to take off.

I exhaled sharply as I realised my chance was almost up.

"Wait, please!"

Bella's POV

My shout was desperate.

The figure froze, standing stock still, not saying anything, his back towards me, looking over his shoulder, clearly ready to run. I stepped a little closer, trying to see him better.

"You are Mateo, right?" No answer.

"I have come because I need your help. The Volturi need your help." This got a reaction. He turned slowly towards me, and I got a glimpse of his eyes. Not red. Golden, like the Cullen's. Though paler, like they had been washed out a little. Interesting.

He still said nothing, just waited.

"Do you know of the Volturi?" I asked him delicately.

"Yes, I know of them." His voice was light but serious. He spoke English with a Spanish accent. "I know of the tactile telepath, the bond-seer and the angry one. I know of the guards. I know it all."

I stepped a little closer, nodding encouragingly.

"Good." I said slowly.

"Why have you come here?" He demanded suddenly.

I raised a hand towards him, like you would a frightened deer. Except he wasn't frightened at all.

"We need your help Mateo. I have a friend, he's struggling. Your gift might be what could help me. Help him."

Mateo said nothing. He starred at me for a long moment, before a soft laugh escaped him. I had sensed his actions. The tiniest prodding at my shield, told me what he had tried to do. I shook my head slightly.

"It will not work on me," I said a little hoarsely, suddenly feeling very grateful for my shield. Now I was certain, he could not harm me. Not in that way at least.

"You are a fool," he hissed. "I do not help others with my gift. I protect myself only. I have been trying to keep to myself, and I have been doing a decent job until now. I may not be able to hurt you in that way, but I can still kill you. The only reason I have not done so, is because I wish to know how Aro found out about me."

"I know," I said, speaking softly. "I will tell you if you want. I would like to get to know you a little better. Can we talk? I wish you no harm, Mateo."

He hesitated, thinking it through. He stepped closer.

"What is your name?" He asked shortly.

"My name is Isabella. But everyone calls me Bella. I am a new-born vampire, only changed a few weeks ago. I live with the Volturi. Aro is my mate."

"The mind reader is your mate?" He asked sharply. He gave a short hollow laugh. "That must be frustrating for him, seeing that he cannot read your mind."

"Yes, I suppose that's true. I do cause him a certain amount of frustration from time to time." I said smiling wryly.

"He cannot trust you; how cruel fate can be." He spoke in a quiet, contemplating voice more meant for himself than me.

"He trusts me. He has no choice. Neither did I for that matter. He did save my life though. Now he's trying to save my friend's life." I explained, feeling the need to prove him wrong.

"This friend. Who is he?"

"His name is Edward Cullen. He comes from the Olympic coven."

"An American?" He asked surprised.

"Yes," I said. "He can read minds too. He doesn't need to touch people to do it though. And he can only read the active thoughts. He used to be my boyfriend, before he left me. That's when I found Aro."

Mateo shook his head.

"Aro of the Volturi, is trying to save your former boyfriend? Surely this is the end of times. Aro would never be so compassionate. I do not believe you, Bella." He spoke with a finality, that I felt more than heard.

"He is now." I answered desperation colouring my voice again. "I changed him."

He paused at that.

"What do you mean, you changed him? That is not possible," he spat.

"It is. I have another gift, besides my shield. I don't quite understand it yet, but Aro does. Apparently, I can change people on a certain level."

Mateo hastily stepped back at that.

"No wait, let me finish."

He halted, not saying a word, clearly waiting for me to go on.

"I can't change others at will. It's unconscious. Apparently if the change is beneficial, it will occur, if not, nothing will happen. It will only work on those I have a strong connection to, however. And Aro, being my mate, has become more compassionate as a result."

He was silent for a long moment, pondering.

"What do you need my help with, Bella?" He asked, his pale eyes staring into mine. I swallowed slightly. Seeing the golden hue in his eyes gave me hope. He wasn't killing humans for food either. I decided to appeal to his compassionate side.

"Edward is struggling. His human nature is at war with the vampire in him. He did some terrible things at a younger age, and now he is hurting. He additionally carries a lot of burdens, knowing people's secrets, not being able to stop his gift, but not able to do anything about the stuff he knows and hears. He needs help. Otherwise I fear he will destroy himself. And soon."

"Why do you not help him yourself? If you are what you say you are, surely it would not be difficult." He sounded almost indifferent. My chest felt tight. The admission hurt me, and I felt like he wanted it to.

"I can't. I don't know why or how, but my gift is not helping him. I suppose our connection is too complicated."

"I can imagine, you, being the mate of a Volturi king," He scoffed. I shrugged. He wasn't wrong. He considered me for a long moment.

"I have been avoiding the Volturi for a long time, with good reason. If Aro knows of my gift, he will want to collect me. I do not wish to become part of any coven. My own company is my preference."

"That's okay. Aro will respect that." I said, trying to sound encouraging.

"But I do not think he will, Isabella," He spoke softly almost smiling in spite of the words he was saying.

"He will now," I said, speaking softly too, but with conviction in my voice, taking a step forward. He shifted slightly but didn't take any more steps back.

"Aro has finally found what he searched for all these years; me," I said.

Silence fell between us. I waited, almost with bated breath.

"What do I get from this?" He finally asked. "Why should I help you?"

I hesitated, not feeling prepared for such a question, hoping it would have come much later. I cleared my throat.

"What do you want? I will do my best to make it yours."

He stared at me, a tiny smirk resting on his mouth. I shifted slightly, a little impatient for his answer, so we could get on with this. I nearly thought I had failed in convincing him when he finally spoke.

"Tus recuerdos," he said softly, not taking his eyes off me, watching my reaction.

Well, I didn't understand Spanish, so my reaction was just pure incomprehension.

He sighed.

"Your memories, Isabella. I require your memories," My mind froze.

No.

Translations:

Eppur si muove (Italian) = And yet it moves. Spoken by Galileo Galilei on the earth rotating the sun.

Solo tu ed io (Italian) = Just you and I.

Sei sempre con me, amore mio (Italian) = you are always with me, my love.

Mio per sempre (Italian) = Forever mine.

Tus recuerdos (Spanish) = Your memories.

Wow, what a chapter! This was very hard to write, as I wanted to reflect Aro's feelings accurately. He wants control, but he also knows that is not the solution. So, he has trouble containing his feelings, as he watches Bella grow in strength, feeling like he might lose her.

I apologize for any mistakes, as I don't have much time to spell check it just now, I'm off to pick up my sister.

But, what do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts, please! Thank you!

-Pancakes