Chapter 9

"Isabella, my oh my...you do not disappoint!" Aro sang softly. "Just look at you. And so in control of your actions. Utterly fascinating, I must say, my precious one, that you have exceeded all my expectations."

His eyes scanned the entire length of her body and he licked his lips. Bella wanted to recoil under his stare, but ever curious she squared her shoulders. "Hello, Aro."

"Come, oh do come closer." He reached out a pale hand to her." Bella took a step towards him and put her hand into his. Aro studied her and his sly smile turned into a grin before he laughed loudly. "Incredible! Still silent to me. My fine creature, you have the most astonishing talent. I see nothing."

"What does it mean?" Bella asked him. What exactly was her gift? "Or is there something wrong with me?"

"Oh, but child, whilst I would need to consult others, I can assure you to the absolute that there is nothing wrong. Everything is right. You've been gifted something rare. I believe you have the ability to block the powers of others. You had this as a human. I imagine now it's grown tenfold and is now more powerful than you could ever know."

Alice stepped closer to Bella. She was guarded, but spoke confidently. "Jasper was able to control her feelings."

"Of course, well it certainly would be interesting to see if he could now."

Alice nodded. "Quite."

Aro released Bella's hand and reached out to Alice. She allowed him the pleasure.

Alice has always been a favourite of Aro's. Her gift would be a great asset to his guard. For over half a century he had been trying to get her and Jasper to join them. He didn't understand the lifestyle they led. Why in the world would they choose not to feed in the way in which they were intended? He gasped as Alice's mind filled him in on the happenings since their last visit to Volterra. What he couldn't see in Bella, he was able to see via Alice.

It made him happy. So incredibly happy. He felt as though he would finally get the chance to get what he wanted. He dropped her hand and stepped back. "Well, Isabella I would like to thank you. We are most grateful that you wish for us to show you our ways."

Marcus, sat in his throne twelve feet behind, cleared his throat. "Why, Brother? Do be so kind as to fill us in?"

"Yes," piped up Caius. He sounded bored.

"Of course. How very rude of me!" Aro exclaimed. "My dear brothers, Alice has bought Isabella to us. She kept up her end of the deal and changed her. As you know she made her transformation right here...but sua scelta...it was her choice to come here. She decided as a human that she would like to learn more about how real vampires live. The newborn is curious."

Marcus nodded. "So no decision has been made?"

Aro sighed. "Alas, no - but it's not too late. Oh, Isabella, it just to happens that I believe we can show you a beautiful existence with us. You'll want for nothing and you'll have strength and power."

"I'm confused right now." Bella admitted. "Before...long before, I knew what I wanted. When I came here before it was only to save Edward. I couldn't go on living knowing that he had ended his life for me. I loved him so much. He was it for me. I still love him - but I don't know for sure of he wants me this way. He was so against it. I wanted his life so badly. I need this life, but now that he's not entirely in the picture, I need to see how it can be, and what I know."

Bella, before had been amiable about a vegetarian diet. But she didn't know any different.

"Let us show you." Aro encouraged. "But first; how about something to quench your thirst? You must be famished."

Sincerest apologies for the delay. It was supposed to be completed already (Monday.) But I'm super picky and the story wasn't going the way I wanted. This is the THIRD time I've re-written this chapter. I wont post until I'm happy with it.

I've officially broken the FAGE rules and regs...but with the positive feedback I've been getting on this story (which is SO far out of my comfort zone!) I just need to get it right.