Hey Peeps!

Chapter 13 is finally done, and I hope it is to your satisfaction. It was really hard to write, as I have fought to make everything make sense. I apologise for the delay. I really wanted it out sooner, but between work, downtown with friends, training, a mother craving my attention, and a sister needing me, it was all i could do to be done by now. I did spell-check it, but some errors might have eluded me. Sorry!

Disclaimer; I do not own Twilight.

Oh you guys! Your kind words made me all of a dither! I nearly changed all my plans for this chapter! Lol! But not quite! Sorry, a girl has gotta do what a girl has gotta do.*Wink*

I hope you enjoy!

Aro's POV

I was pacing my study, feeling quite useless. I had just sent my mate off to god knows what fate, and I was helpless to protect her. I did not trust this Mateo. I suddenly felt like this was a horrible plan. Even if she managed to persuade him, how on earth could we ever control him? He could obliterate Edward in a split second, or the coven. How would I know to trust him, if he could erase my memories even before I could touch him? I felt like this situation was getting out of hand. A silent knock on the door. I turned and saw Sulpicia peering in at me.

"How do you feel?" She asked softly, as she walked slowly towards me. I shrugged.

"Oh, I feel just marvellous. The woman I love is off to hunt an unknown vampire, who can snuff out her entire recollection of me in an instant, and I cannot even protect her from him! I feel simply great!" I said, my voice nearly rising a few octaves.

"Right," she said, watching me as I paced back and forth.

"This was a mistake! I should never have let her go! I should go after her; she might be in danger. What if she is lost?" I was raging, feeling caged.

"Did I just lose her?!" I said, my voice hoarse with despair, pointing my hand blindly into the distance.

"Aro," She said firmly. "You need to keep calm."

"Do not tell me to keep calm!" I snarled at her. She did not flinch a muscle.

"No need to bite my head off, I am merely trying to help." I glared at her, not stopping my feet from taking me from one end of my study to the other.

"There is nothing we can do; we will just have to wait for her return. We risk losing so much more than her if we go after her."

I gave a maniacal laugh.

"I have already lost everything, Sulpicia!" I snarled.

"That is not true, Aro. You are being far too hasty. She will succeed, you mark my words. Do you think she is weak?"

I fell silent then.

"No," I said quietly, feeling an inkling of shame.

"Of course, you don't!" She was talking loudly now.

"You will not lose her, she is tough! She will get this job done; do you hear me?" She was glaring at me, daring me to contradict her. I said nothing, but she had gotten her point across. I steadied myself. Seeing me calm, she threw her long dark hair over her shoulder, and began to turn away, speaking as she did so.

"You should visit Edward. He should know of the situation."

I paused.

"I am not sure that is wise. He is volatile as it is. If he feels I put her in harm's way..."

"I know, but still. He should know what we plan to do when she gets back here. It does concern him after all."

I was loath to do it, but I got her point. He did deserve to know. We had been keeping him as far away from everyone as possible, trying to keep him isolated, so as to not set him off. Any news I would be bringing, would however most likely send him into a flying rage. I could not even blame him. I was furious with myself too. No matter how often I told myself that she would not have had it any other way, I could not help but scolding myself for allowing her to do this. I scoffed at myself. I knew I had not allowed her to do anything. She would have gone, no matter my objections. She would unfortunately do anything to save Edward. Even as a vampire her self-preservation was exceedingly non-existent. It was all I could do, to make sure she had been prepared at least.

Sulpicia had a point though. Isabella was strong, stubborn, and good at persuading others. And she did have her shield. I would have to find comfort in that. And so, I made my way wearily down through the floors, trudging slowly, not eager for this particular conversation. I had no illusions as to how angry Edward would be. I just had to reason with him.

Aro's POV

"What did you say?" Edward snarled.

I was not daft; I knew he had heard me just fine. I turned away from him and looked around the small room. I would have provided him with more comfortable accommodations but seeing that he needed to be as far away as possible from everyone, the dungeon was my only option. And the rooms in the dungeons were unfortunately not large. And I would not be letting him out, that was for certain. Not with everything I had hanging in the balance. He had a bed, a desk, and a small bookcase. An armchair was in the corner over by the bookcase, a lamp on the floor beside it. The bed was immaculate, of course he was not using it, not for sleep at least. He was sitting in the chair by the desk, writing something down. I gathered it was notes for some kind of poem or song. I did not read it thoroughly.

"Let me get this straight, you have sent Bella off to find a stranger, who can modify memories, trusting that her shield would protect her?"

I turned around just in time to see him stand up.

"What have you done, Aro?" His voice was almost a snarl, as he glared at me.

"I did what I had to do, Edward. She wanted to go; I could not stop her. Rest assured, I did not feel the slightest inclination to let her go. I trained her before I let her go if that is of any consolation. I did what I could to protect her. Now it is in her hands."

"Why did you even tell her of this special vampire? She didn't need to know!" He was shouting at me, fists clenched at his side. He did not scare me, as I knew he could not harm me.

He scoffed at me, reading this in my mind, and turned away, breathing deeply, trying to calm himself down.

"Edward," I said, my voice stern. "You need to trust her, as do I for that matter. We both did not want her to go, but she did so anyway. For you, I might add. Do not think this is easy for me, but trust me, we are trying to help you. She still loves you, though not the way you may have wished. She wants to be your friend. At least give her that, and I will be forever grateful to you."

Silence filled the room, as he took in my words. Then he slowly turned around towards me, jaw clenched tight, but he nodded shortly, nonetheless.

"I know it will be hard to endure, but she is capable, and she is strong. She managed to put me on my arse, which is a first. Of course, she was trained by the best," I added, with the tiniest smirk around my lips. He said nothing, looking at anything but me.

"Is there anything you need, before I go?"

He stood thinking for a moment, before reaching his hand forward, clearly wishing for me to take it. I frowned slightly, as I stepped closer and took his hand in mine. My mind flooded with this new wave of feelings I had not been able to spot in him before. He was grateful for the things I had done for her, saving her from Victoria, making her happy, giving her a home, training her. Even allowing her own choices, despite how dangerous it might have been. He recognised that he could have never given her that. He could not have let her go, even if it was her greatest wish. Furthermore, he appreciated the sacrifice I had endured, just for his sake. I could see that he was beginning to come to terms with his situation, and even looking forward to his future, should our plan not fail. He felt it easier to convey all this in a touch, rather than explaining, which was why he voluntarily let me take his hand. I nodded, swallowing slightly, realising what he must have undergone to get to this state of mind. We had come to an agreement of some kind. We both wanted what was best for Isabella, a common goal.

I sure hoped he would not be harbouring false hopes, disappointment would prove catastrophic, as he would for the second time feel like he was being crushed. I certainly hoped Isabella could bring back Mateo, safely. The wait would be so very long.

I let go of Edwards hand, nodding slightly, I opened the door and left him alone in his small room. He seemed content enough for now. I would just have to match his state of mind for the next days until she would return.

It was time I planned how we would receive this Mateo before it got to that point. I had a feeling Marcus would be able to help me there. He could see the bond between Mateo and Isabella, tell if he was trusting her. It occurred to me that I should have had her shield up at the first meeting. Why did such inconvenient thoughts always come too late? Merda! Perhaps she would do it either way, just in case. She was not foolish after all. I hoped.

Isabella's POV

I stood completely frozen across from the smirking Mateo. I suddenly felt trapped, like the world was closing in on me. He wanted my memories. Of course, I could not agree to that. If I allowed him access, he would for sure leave me with an empty brain, never even bothering to kill me, just leaving me stranded, a fate worse than death.

I gazed into his pale, golden eyes, trying to see if he was joking or testing me. If so, there was no trace in his face. He stood waiting dutifully for my answer. I cleared my throat.

"I can't do that, Mateo, I'm sorry." He nodded slowly, apparently expecting such an answer.

"Well, then we are at an impasse, I am afraid." He said, almost regretfully.

"Why do you want my memories? How can you possibly name such a price?"

"I never said I would alter anything within you, just that I wanted them. I want to experience your life, Bella." He spoke softly, a certain attitude in his voice, made all the bells and whistles go off in my brain. It was screaming that I should not trust him. A part of my brain recognised that he was doing this on purpose, trying to see how far I would go. I felt like I was balancing on the edge of a sword.

"Go on, Isabella, let me see what you have experienced. I will not harm you; I promise." He purred at me.

"I don't think I can trust you," I said in a hoarse voice, swallowing slightly.

"Well, you expect me to trust you, do you not? Now is the time to show me that you trust me." He said smoothly, flicking at something on his sleeve. I could see his point, but damn it all to hell, I knew he would not be able to resist the temptation to tamper with my memories. He could do so much harm. Making me trust him, then take him back to the Volturi, where he would have free reign to modify everyone to his preferences. I couldn't allow it.

"No," I said simply, feeling my stomach sink, as I realised, I had failed after all. He wouldn't come unless I showed him my memories, but the price was simply too high. I would give almost anything else.

"There must be something else you want." My voice was firm despite my shaken mind.

"Not really, I am a lonely person. So, a few memories are all I need." He said indifferently, shrugging. Something about his voice made me pause. A lonely person. I suddenly realised what memories he might be wanting from me. I considered him a minute.

"What memories do you require, Mateo?"

"Oh, I was hoping you would ask," he said cheerily, victory evident in his voice. "Before I answer that question, let me first ask you a few questions." He stepped a little closer, as to better see my expressions.

"Aro is your mate, you say. Edward your boyfriend before that. Was he your first?"

I looked at him puzzled.

"My first what?" I asked, frowning. He chuckled softly.

"Your first lover, Isabella,"

"Oh," I said confirming my suspicions. If that was all he required, then I could live with that.

"Well no, Aro would be my first lover," I answered, glancing away. He made me slightly uncomfortable.

"Would you show me your most priced memory of your first time?" He asked, voice suddenly a little dry.

"Why? What are you going to do?" I asked suspiciously.

"I just want to see. As I said, I am a very lonely person. That is all I require, I promise."

I investigated his face, considering. I could use my shield to protect the rest of my mind, only allow a certain amount of memories to surface. It was this or failing. I finally nodded, coming to a decision. This vampire was the only option after all. A few memories were a small price to pay it seemed. I wondered if he would modify them, or just have a look like some pervert, watching through a window. Would I even know? Probably not.

I gathered my thoughts, and closing my eyes, I allowed one memory to surface through the thin veil of my shield. I felt him step up close to me, pushing me against the wall, his arms framing my face. He was eagerness itself. He placed a hand on my throat, not in a threatening manner, just as a precaution. I felt him observe my memory, as it swirled around us, touch it with his power, flip through it, savouring it, turning it over and over, again and again. I had decided to show him our first time together, the day Aro had awoken me to my body. I could practically hear Mateo salivate. A sudden realisation struck me, nearly making me lose control of my shield. He was drinking it in. Suddenly his eyes made sense – the pallid golden colour. He wasn't drinking animal blood, or human blood; no, he required a different kind of nourishment. He lived off memories.

Aro's POV

It had been too long. Isabella had been gone 4 days. I felt uneasy. How long would it take to travel, locate, and bring Mateo back here? I had stationed Demetri and Felix on the grounds to keep watch. They would know as soon as she approached. I had Jane positioned hidden in a tower, so she could see all around, taking out Mateo, should things go south. I trusted that he needed to see his victims to be able to harm them. Alec was likewise positioned out of sight. I hoped Alec would be able to get to Mateo before Mateo would get to anyone else. It was a long shot. This situation was unknown. I could not see what else I could do.

Carlisle had been by, to check on me, and he had thanked me for being so kind to Edward. I was almost offended by how astonished he had been. I of course knew of my past self, and understood, that he just wanted to appreciate the change Isabella had made in me. He certainly felt like I was the better for it. Privately I agreed, though he would never hear me say that.

Carlisle had also told me, that he had sent his family home. He did not wish them in harms way. I understood. If only I had that luxury. We spent some time together reading, talking, like in the olden days. He always was a good conversationalist. He could challenge my mind like no-one else. We also played chess, in which I was undefeated. And I did not even read his mind, like I usually would. It was these small things that made me realise just how much Isabella had done to me. We visited Edward a few times also, and I had not seen him so relaxed, despite the absence of Isabella. It seemed he felt confident in her capability to find this elusive vampire, and even more, he was optimistic. Carlisle was over the moon at the change in Edwards attitude. I did not dare voice words of caution, as for now, they both had peace. It was all so fragile. I kept my thoughts to myself and made sure they were both comfortable, thinking Isabella would want me to do so. As the days passed, I felt myself growing more and more apprehensive. I needed my mate, and I could not have her at my side. For now, I was alone. Marcus appreciated my desolation, as only he could. He had assured me that the bond between Isabella and I was still firmly in place, and that did ease my emotions, though I still had not Isabella at my side. I had no idea how long I would be able to resist going after her, as my yearning deepened almost every hour she was gone.

Aro's POV

It had been 10 days now. If I subtracted the days, I had known Isabella from the days she had been missing at my side, I had barely known her at all. Then why did I feel like a piece of my soul was missing? I felt such terrible grief at my current existence, that I could hardly function. Sulpicia and Carlisle did the best they could, making me eat, trying to distract me, but I did not even want food. I just sat at my desk, day after day. I felt myself letting go, not caring about anything but her. She was my everything, and she was gone. I almost felt an anger towards Edward for putting me in this predicament. If he had not been all suicidal, she would have never entered my dead life, and made me feel so hollow as I did now. Where was she? She could be sitting on the moon for all I knew. I was missing her so desperately, I had a doubt if my sanity could handle it much longer, even with Sulpicia doing her best to keep me sane and rational. Everyone could just sod right off.

Apathy had taken a hold of me, as I sat staring into space, my desk and chair the only companions for hours.

Suddenly the doors flew open and Caius came striding in. I barely spared him a glance. He halted in front of me, taking in my appearance.

"You look terrible," he commented. I scoffed.

"Why, thank you," I said dryly.

"Anytime," He sat himself down and observed me, fingers clasped under his chin.

"You should probably be getting ready. Demetri has sensed a presence."

I straightened up, suddenly alert.

"Do we know who it is?"

"Oh, we do," Caius said, smirking slightly.

Bella's POV

Finally, he had his fill, and his breathing became steady, as he released me, though not quite stepping back.

"Thank you, Isabella," he said softly. "That was lovely." He swallowed harshly, and I realised he might not have had enough. I hadn't felt him altering anything, but I couldn't be sure. I didn't answer, as I almost felt dirty, tarnished somehow. In my rational mind, I could tell that living off memories might be infinitely better than actual blood of humans. Even so, I felt uncomfortable. He hadn't touched me again, but even the limited contact we had had, was despicable to me. I felt like having a long hot shower and make Aro distract me from this creature in front of me. I knew that was not an option for now, and I would just have to endure. I glanced at him; his gaze made it pretty clear that he knew exactly how I felt.

"The feelings will pass shortly, don't worry. I know what you must think of me." He almost sounded like he despised himself.

"You do?" I asked, not entirely able to keep a note of discomfort from my voice. He nodded solemnly and turned away. "You must think me a pervert, a warped monster, a delinquent."

I shook my head, knowing full well that he didn't see me.

"No," I said. "No, I just realised… You live off memories, don't you? This thirst you just displayed. It wasn't because of a perversion. You were starving."

He spun swiftly, his gaze piercing me, as he swallowed swiftly, then nodding.

"How?" I said, stepping forward. "How is that possible?" My voice was uncomprehending as I searched his face. He shrugged.

"It is impossible to tell. How does your shield work? It is not a thing that I do consciously, I just know that I need it."

"Do you drink blood at all?" I asked curiously.

"Sometimes, yes." He turned away slowly. "Though I admit that it does not satisfy me nearly as much as memories will."

Silence fell between us, as I watched him. He was busy collecting himself, as he knew what must come next. I was thinking of Edward, Aro. Their powers must be so much easier to manage, despite everything. It couldn't be easy having to feed off memories. I understood why he had chosen the ones he had. Despite everything, they were filled with love and tenderness. It had to be infinitely better than the ones containing pain, discomfort, and suffering. Not everyone could reveal such pure things in the face of imminent danger. Perceived or otherwise.

"You should choose your approach better next time. This menacing act cannot possibly get you what you want." I contemplated loudly.

"It does, more often than you would think." His voice was tender, almost like he had been drinking alcohol. Maybe my memory had been too much for him.

"So," he said. "We should go to this friend of yours, Edward?" He said, speaking in a soft, friendly manner, making me feel like we had come to an understanding of each other. He had gotten what he needed, and I now had to get what I needed. I nodded, not certain if it was a completely good idea to take him back to the Volturi. I scoffed at myself. What choice did I have? Mateo was the only reason I had left Aro behind, even if it was for Edwards sake alone. No, there was another reason. A more selfish reason. I needed Edward to be better, otherwise how could I have my happily ever after with Aro?

"Just one moment," I said. He turned to me frowning, and as he did, I closed my eyes, and let my most precious memory surface before him. I heard his breath catch, as he stalked towards me, breathing deeply. He nearly moaned, both his hands descended upon my throat as his mouth was less than an inch from mine, eyes wide as he took everything I had to give, seemingly drowning in the sea of the emotions floating at the edge of my memory. I felt his breath on my face, and his chest trembled against me. I wasn't afraid though. He wouldn't hurt me. He was just starving. I showed him the one of Aro and me, telling each other of our love. He drank it all up as a man coming from the desert seeing water for the first time in weeks. Long moments passed, and he slowly seemed to come back to reality. He was breathing deeply, swallowing several times.

"Thank you," he rasped, as he let me go. "How did you know?" He asked me, almost ashamed. I shrugged.

"It wasn't hard to understand."

"Oh, yes it must have been. No-one has done that for me. Ever." He said, his voice almost reverent.

I smiled softly at him, not saying anything. I didn't know what to say, essentially. I felt like he was a friend, and he knew me.

"We should be moving. Edward needs you."

"Yes, madame." He said, smiling at me.

Aro's POV

I was in the throne room, as I felt my mate approach. Marcus was at ease, so I felt no immediate danger. As the doors opened, I saw her. Her eyes locked on mine, and she smiled softly, my very soul drinking her in. I did not even register the foreigner at her side, as I flashed to her, my fingers grasping her face, my lips on hers, kissing her hungrily. She responded in kind, her hands coming around my neck fiercely drawing me in. I heard a chuckle beside me, and I straightened up, spotting the strangest eyes I had ever met. Frowning slightly, I looked down at my Isabella. She was positively beaming.

"Aro, I'd like you to meet Mateo."

I reached my hand out to take his in mine, but he didn't respond, looking between my hand, and my face repeatedly.

"Right," I said, almost smirking, letting my hand fall to my side.

"I forgot, please forgive me," I said, smiling politely. Isabella was so comfortable with this stranger I had an extremely hard time feeling suspicious.

He gazed at me intently, not saying anything. I felt a little uneasy, but Isabella squeezed my ribs reassuringly.

"He won't harm you, Aro. I trust him." At this, his eyes snapped to hers, and I suddenly felt a certain pressure lift. Almost non-detectable. Like a mosquito retracting its needle.

"He's just hungry." She said, almost chickling. I frowned, having no idea what on earth she was talking about. She let her lips descend on my throat, and as she did, her shield fell, showing me exactly what she meant. Fascinating. She sensed my body tense, and mentally admonished me.

Aro, no!

I so nearly chuckled, even though I felt my mind spin for the first time in a lifetime. This strange creature before me, was so interesting. It was only Isabella's thoughts that kept me in check. Oh, how I longed to see more of his life. A very loaded silence stretched out in the large room. I glanced at Marcus, and he nodded encouragingly.

"So," I said. "I should introduce you to Edward, i think."

The stranger said nothing. I sensed he had felt something in my memories. Not able to touch him, I could not be certain. I had no idea if this boded well for Edward or not.

We descended through the floors, not saying a word. I wondered if Edward felt us coming. Isabella was solemn as we walked. Mateo glanced at her, clearly gaining strength from her. What was going on?

Before I opened the door to Edward's room, I turned around, looking steadily at Mateo.

"How long has it been since you were turned, Mateo?" I asked him softly. A small frown appeared between his eyebrows, as he tried to remember.

"I would say approximately 1400 years," he answered me. I nodded slowly, taking a deep breath.

"Edward is a young one. I would ask you, to please be gentle with him. He has not had it easy."

Mateo said nothing, merely nodding, still that frown on his face.

I opened the door, leading them in. Edward was at his desk as usual. He stood up as we entered.

Mateo stepped inside, glancing around, his eyes fell on the young vampire in front of us. A pause, and then his breath caught in his throat.

That I anticipated. What I did not anticipate, was the words coming out in a whisper, almost like a prayer.

"Quis est iste rex gloriae?"

Translation:

Quis est iste rex gloriae? (latin) = Who is he, this King of glory?

Sooo, what do you guys think? I do hope you are not too disappointed if that is what you feel. And sorry, no smut this time around. That will have to come the next chapter. *wink*

Although, I do have a very small surprise up my sleeve. And yes, I am smiling smugly if you cannot tell.

-Pancakes