Previous chapter:Demetri - DPOV

Isabella giggles as I pick her up and spin her around. God, I love her so much. I kiss her lips as I expertly maneuver us in front of the Christmas tree before taking her hands in mine. Isabella looks a little worried until I kneel on one knee and say, "Isabella, no other woman on this earth makes me feel like this. The more time I spend with you, the more I understand why you're the love of my life. I'll be eternally happy as long as you are by my side. You make my life complete, and I love you with all I am."

I slowly open the little box and present her the ring I ordered before adding, "Will you marry me, Isa?"

Isabella - IPOV

I can't help but stare at the most beautiful ring I've ever seen as I realize Demetri wants to marry me. I swear it feels like my heart beats again as I nod and say, "I would be honored to be your wife, Demi. Yes, I'll marry you."

The smile on his face is breathtaking as he slips the ring on my finger. It's a perfect fit, and I giggle as he leans down to kiss my hand before sweeping me off my feet and carrying me to the bedroom. Our lovemaking is tender and sweet that night, and we both lose count of how many times the words 'I love you' slip from our lips throughout the night.

In the morning, Demetri hops into the shower, while I take another look around the room that has played such an important role in our lives. It was here that Demetri made love to me for the first time and where he made me into his equal by giving me his venom. I will miss this place when we return to Volterra later today. I smile as I pick up the journal Demetri gifted me last night and carefully touch the cover before opening it to start writing.

24 December - soon-to-be Mrs. Demetri Volturi - I will never love another as much as I love him.

I shake my head as I sense Demetri reading along over my shoulder. He's so nosy, that man of mine. I close the journal as I playfully swat him against his head and say, "That's private, you know."

He smirks as he pulls me close to kiss me before saying, "I apologize, soon-to-be Mrs. Demetri Volturi, my gorgeous wife-to-be. My curiosity got the better of me. Come on, tesoro. Let's finish packing."

I smile as we finish packing stuff and load it into the car. I'm locking up the cabin as Demetri's cell phone rings, and I roll my eyes when I hear Aro's voice as he says, "Demetri, are you on your way?"

Demetri sighs inaudibly as he closes the trunk and says, "We're ready to leave, Master. We just finished loading everything in the car. We'll be in Volterra in about six hours."

I can almost imagine the enthusiastic look on Aro's face as I hear him respond, "Good, we can't wait to meet her again. Everyone is quite excited, even Caius."

A low growl in the background makes me giggle, and Demetri smiles at my antics as he says, "We're looking forward to seeing everyone too, Master."

Aro hums before saying, "Good, now hurry along. Oh, and one more thing, Eleazar has been called to Volterra to determine the nature of Isabella's gifts. We expect him to arrive any moment now."

Demetri finishes the call and smiles as I walk his way. He gently kisses my temple as he turns to look at the cabin and says, "I promise you we'll come back here as often as possible, amore mio. It holds so many wonderful memories."

I smile as I nod and say, "Has anyone ever told you how perfect you are, Mr. Volturi?"

Demetri laughs as he leads me to the car and says, "Only for you, tesoro. Only for you."

I watch the scenery as we drive toward Volterra, and I smile as I catch myself staring at my engagement ring for the tenth time. I've never seen a ring more perfect than this one, and it's exactly what I would have picked for myself. I smile as I thank every god out there once more for bringing Demetri to me.

Demetri - DPOV

The drive back to Volterra goes by smoothly, and I smile as I catch Isabella admiring her ring more than once. I chose the ring because it reminded me of Isabella the moment, I saw it. The white gold band has an intricate Greek design, and the top holds a beautiful cut diamond. It's perfect in every way, just like her. I gently take her other hand as I say, "Do you like the ring, tesoro?"

Isabella smiles as she sighs happily and says, "I love it. It's the most beautiful ring in the whole world. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have found you."

I chuckle as I kiss her hand and say, "Well, if I recall correctly, it was I who found you, amore mio. But I understand what you're saying. You complete me in a way I didn't think was possible, my Isa."

Isabella smiles as she kisses my cheek, and I return my attention to the road as she pulls out a book to read. Time passes fast, and not before long, the city of Volterra comes into sight. I smile as I say, "We're home, amore mio. Are you ready to meet the members of our coven officially?"

Isabella slowly closes her book and smiles hesitantly before saying, "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."

I shake my head as I drive toward the city gate. It is as if I can feel Isabella's nerves as she looks up at the city, even though her self-confidence has grown exponentially these last few months. Almost all the damage done by that idiotic Cullen got erased, but we're not there yet so it seems. I quickly park the car and rush over to help Isabella out of the car, before kissing her passionately and saying, "You'll blow them away, Isa. They already liked you as a human, and they will love you as a vampire."

Isabella smiles softly as she squeezes my hand and says, "You're biased, Demi."

I chuckle at her response. She couldn't be more right; I'm biased like hell. But I know my mate will turn heads wherever she goes. I'm pleased my mating mark is visible in the crook of her neck. No male vampire in his right mind would dare to make a move on her. If they want to live to tell the tale, that is. I smile as I plant a kiss on my mark, and I sigh happily as Isabella does the same as I say, "I'm yours as you're mine, for eternity, Isabella Volturi. I have every right to be biased."

She smiles as she pulls back to look at me and whispers, "You're mine as I'm yours, for eternity, my Demi. Let's get this over with."

I snicker as I take her by the hand and lead her toward the reception. I frown as Gianna jumps a meter high when I address her. Didn't she hear the elevator opening? She looks surprised as she notices us, and I roll my eyes as I say, "Gianna, can you inform Master Aro of our return please."

Gianna bows her head as she points to the hallway toward the throne room and says, "I got told to let you through to the throne room immediately. Master Aro is thrilled to have you back. Everybody has gathered in the throne room already."

Isabella - IPOV

I grip Demetri's hand as he leads me to the throne room. I smile as he gives me an encouraging nod before entering, and I shake my head as Aro bounces off his throne when he spots us. If Aro were human, I would suggest he cuts down on the caffeine. I fight the urge to roll my eyes as he claps his hands and says, "Finally! I was this close to sending out a search party. If I wasn't dead, I swear the suspense would have killed me hours ago. Let me look at you, my dear Isabella! My goodness, you're a vision to behold. I'm pleased to see that Demetri claimed you as his mate, for we would have quite some suitors banging on our doors otherwise."

His words trigger an urgent need to state the obvious. No other male will ever come close if I can help it. I bite back a growl as I remember my manners in time, and I take a deep unneeded breath before bowing before the Masters and saying, "I'm his as he is mine. Our bond cannot be broken."

I move the cape of Demetri's cloak to show them my mating mark on his neck. I'll fight anyone that thinks of coming between us. Aro seems lost for words, and Marcus shakes his head as he stands up with a smile on his face before touching Aro's hand and saying, "I wish you could see the bond that exists between the two of you, it's more beautiful than anything I've ever seen. Its purity and strength are unseen. You truly share mind, body, and soul. I'm so happy for you both."

I notice some eyes around to room growing wide with that statement, and Aro is still lost for words as he continues to look at Marcus as if he sprouted two heads. Caius laughs loudly as he shakes his head and says, "This is the quietest I've seen Aro for over 2000 years. I thank you for that, Isabella. It's good to have you and Demetri home again."

Caius' remark, however, snaps Aro out of his trance, and I can feel the nerves returning as he says, "I'm so curious to see how your first weeks as a vampire have been. Demetri's reports have been nothing but positive. Please let me see for myself. Demetri?"

Demetri - DPOV

I raise my hand as Aro moves over to read my thoughts. Isabella bites her lower lip as Aro takes my hand and closes his eyes. A few surprised gasps sound throughout the throne room as Aro opens his eyes after five seconds to stare at me with curiosity while saying, "Strange, I see nothing… How can that be?"

His head quickly snaps to look at Isabella, and I fight the urge to step in front of her as he says, "Isabella, I would ask the same of you if you please."

Isabella nods as she puts her hand in his, and we all wait as Aro tries to get a read on her. He looks pleasantly surprised as he releases her hand while saying, "Still completely silent. You're intriguing, Isabella. I hope Eleazar gets here soon. Now, Jane. Please try your gift on Demetri and Isabella."

I curse in silence as Jane steps forward. I hate it when Aro does this. Jane's gift hurts like hell. I tense as Jane indicates that she's going to try her gift on Isabella first. Pride rises inside me as Isa stands tall beside me, showing no fear, and nods to Jane to begin. Aro looks ecstatic as Isabella stands there once again untouched by Jane's gift. I keep my head high as Jane moves her attention to me while muttering 'sorry' under her breath. I simply nod to give her the go-ahead and smile as I stare right back at her. I'm the Captain of the guard, and I do not show fear in the face of danger. Not even when it hurts like hell. I can't help but smirk as Jane lets out a slightly frustrated growl and says, "My gift is not affecting Demetri anymore, Master."

Aro almost squeals like a girl as he claps his hands and says, "This is truly exceptional! Where's Eleazar?! Someone find out when he will be here. This is just so exciting. Demetri, maybe you can introduce your lovely mate to the other guards while we wait for Eleazar. Did anyone find out when he's arriving? Gianna!?"

Aro keeps rambling about gifts, Eleazar, and amazing finds, while Marcus and Caius roll their eyes while pretending to listen to their brother. I smile at their antics as I lead Isabella over to the left side of the throne room where the other guard members are standing before saying, "Amore mio, I would like you to meet Felix, Jane, and Alec. They are my partners in crime, so to speak. Then we have Heidi, whose Felix's mate, Chelsea and her mate Afton, Santiago, and Renata. Everybody, this is Isabella, my mate."

I can feel some tension leave my body as everybody welcomes Isabella with a smile, and I smile as I hear Heidi and Jane asking her about our stay in the Alps. I then turn to talk to Felix and Alec, and I shake my head as I notice the stupid grins on their face. I can already predict where this conversation is going. I sigh as I prepare myself for their bad jokes and innuendos. Felix smirks as he pats my shoulder and says, "Well, Mr. Ruthless, finally got yourself whipped? I've got to admit, though. You know how to pick them. A real nice woman you got there."

I don't even get time to react as Alex smirks before saying, "Felix, can you be even more of a Neanderthal? Can't you see our fearless tracker is in love?"

Oh boy, I roll my eyes as they continue their antics and smile as I let them have their fun. They are right anyway. I'm whipped, and I'm in love. Their teasing gets interrupted seconds later as Heidi and Jane let out a major squeal that gets the attention of everyone in the room. I smile as I notice that Jane is holding Isabella's hand and that both Heidi and Jane are staring at Isabella's engagement ring. I smile as I catch Isa looking at me with love-filled eyes and nod as Aro gives me a knowing smile. He was the only one that knew I was proposing to Isabella this Christmas. It was the main reason why I wanted to stay at the cabin.

Felix groans as he pinches the bridge of his nose and says, "You proposed?! Damn, Demetri, why did you do that? Now I won't get Heidi off my back for decades. Really brother, not cool."

I chuckle as Alec redirects his bad jokes to Felix, and Heidi and Jane squeal again as I move to Isabella to hug her from behind and kiss her hair. I snicker as Heidi immediately turns to Felix and says, "Felix, you see that? That's how you treat a woman."

Jane smiles as she lets go of Isa's hand and says: "Congratulations to the both of you. Seeing the two of you in love gives me hope for my future. Welcome to the Volturi, Isabella. I'm glad you're here."

Isabella - IPOV

I'm pleasantly surprised when Jane welcomes me into the family. It feels like at that moment, everything falls into place. I'm home with the man I love and our family; that's all I ever wanted. Our friendly conversation, gets interrupted by the arrival of Eleazar, and I barely myself from giggling as more than a few people in the room roll their eyes as Aro says, "Eleazar, my old friend, I'm so glad you finally made it. It feels like I've been waiting for you to arrive for decades instead of hours."

Eleazar smiles as he bows his head and says, "Good afternoon, Aro. I assure you I came as soon as possible. I was quite intrigued by your phone call, and I'm quite anxious to meet your new guard member."

Aro beams as he glances my way while saying, "I can imagine you are, Eleazar. Our Isabella is truly exceptional. You can't believe how happy we are she is one of us now. Isabella, my dear, can you please come over here?"

I can feel Demetri's eyes following me as I walk over to Aro and Eleazar, whose eyes glaze over immediately. Marcus and Caius sit up more straight in their thrones, and every guard member is watching Eleazar too. I can feel myself getting more nervous. After two seconds which felt like two hours, Eleazar's eyes return to normal, and he looks at me in awe as he says, "Aro, wherever did you find her? Her gift is magnificent. Isabella is the ultimate mental shield. She can not only shield herself but also those around her. If trained well, she could easily shield a large group in battle. It would block them from other gifts, like Jane's or Alec's. The shield protects her in every way possible, and it will do the same for those she thinks are worth it. Tell me, Isabella. How was your change?"

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding as Eleazar tells me about my gift, and I smile as I retell the tale of my change from complete awareness to the absence of any real pain. Both Aro and Eleazar stare at me with wonder in their eyes, and Eleazar looks intrigued as he says, "Isabella, I couldn't help but notice that you're mated. May I ask who your mate is?"

I smile as I reach out for Demetri's hand, and I sigh contently as Demetri links his fingers with mine before pulling me closer. Eleazar bows his head as he looks at Demetri and says, "My congratulations, Demetri. I'm glad you finally found your mate. Can I ask if you noticed anything special since Isabella became a vampire?"

I bite my lower lip as Demetri nods and says, "Now I come to think of it. There have been a few things. When we arrived here today, Gianna didn't notice our presence until I addressed her directly. She didn't hear the elevator or our footsteps. Then, when we entered the throne room, a few guard members were startled even though we were already halfway inside. Aro can't read my thoughts anymore, and Jane's gift isn't working on me either."

Eleazar looks at me in awe as he suddenly steps forward to touch me. Demetri instantly steps in front of me and growls loudly to protect me. I suppress a purr and put my hand on his shoulder to tell him I'm unharmed, while Eleazar raises his hands to indicate he means me no harm before saying, "My apologies, Demetri, I mean your mate no harm. I'm just blown away by her marvelous gift. With her by your side, you appear invisible, not to the eye but to our other senses. That's truly spectacular. Isabella, are you aware of your shield protecting Demetri?"

I shake my head as I say, "No, I'm not. I don't know how and when it happened."

Eleazar smiles softly as he takes a step back and says, "You'll need training, Isabella. And with it, you'll become a great shield, a true protector of those you care for. Demetri is a very lucky man, and his coven must be glad to have you."

I smile as I take back my place next to Demetri and say, "I'm glad I found a man that truly loves me and a home where I'm loved for who I am, Eleazar. I will protect my mate and my coven for eternity."

Aro looks like a kid in the candy store as he interrupts Eleazar and says, "Isabella, you're a real treasure, and I'm proud to call you one of us. Please take this cloak as a symbol for your place among us."

I gasp for unneeded air as Heidi approaches with a Volturi cloak in her hands. It's the same as Demetri's, clearly indicating our status as mates. If I could float, I would. Demetri smiles as he helps me put it on. I can't wait to find a mirror. I'm pulled from my reveries as Demetri turns to Aro and says, "Can we be dismissed, master?"

Aro nods with a playful twinkle in his eyes, and I smile as Demetri takes me by the hand and leads me toward the doors. Aro starts talking to Eleazar again, and I stiffen when I hear him say: "Eleazar, please tell me. How is my dear friend Carlisle? Have you heard of him lately? It's such a pity he doesn't visit us more often."

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