Chapter 7 – It Can't Be True

Our travels were drawing to a close, at least for now. We had to return to Volterra and our responsibilities. I made a face when he mentioned it was time for us to go back. Silk sheets, stained with blood were wrapped around me. Felix's thirst got the best of him when he fed on the maid. Her fingers gripped around my wrist, but I refused to look at her, knowing there was nothing I could do to help her.

Before she was missed, Felix took the body out to the desert, "Sorry, I hadn't feed in a while." I laughed once, "The best of us slip up from time to time." He chuckled as he pulled me into his embrace. The terror on the maid's face haunted me, until I built another wall. It felt like my brain should be packed with brick walls. Maybe I should change the visual image to a vault and push the horrid images in there.

A dark limousine waited for us as we left the hotel. Felix didn't take his arm from around me on our flight back to Volterra. He pressed kisses to my temple and face. "This is so unbelievable." He breathed against my ear, "I know and I wouldn't trade it for anything." I was practically giddy, looking at the large ruby ring on my third finger. The stone was cut into a pear shape, along with the deep hue of red shadowing the facets, the stone was more reminiscent of a drop of blood.

I didn't want to think about where he got the ring or how long he had it. In these moments, Felix was smiling his genuine smile. His fingers held the red stone. The flight attendant came down the aisle, eyeing us. Not looking away from Felix, I allowed a slow growl, just loud enough for him to hear. A tremor rocked through him, almost making him miss a step. He avoided us for the rest of the flight. Felix's lips were suddenly hard on mine, "You're scaring humans?" His lips pulled back from his sharp teeth, "Do it again." My nose brushed against his, "Later."

The sun was high as the dark car stopped in front of the building that held the Volturi façade. I looked out the window, "How do you think the others will take this?" Felix's large hands closed over mine, "Who gives a damn? Let's just worry about us." Pulling the hoods of our cloaks up, Felix and I walked through the main entrance. The scent of the others was strong as we walked through the hall. "I guess you're right," I said, waiting for the elevator, "They can say whatever they want. It won't matter."

The elevator doors opened, playing the same opulent music. Felix's arms were wrapped around me and his lips on mine again. Something came to mind that we overlooked, making me break the kiss. "Wait?" His eyes scanned my face. "What's your last name?" He stared for a moment, thinking about the answer, "We usually use 'Volturi.' It's easier that way." I looked at him, "Bella Volturi," my shoulders jerked up for a moment, "I guess that could work, unless you want me to use your human name?" He chuckled, pulling me in for another kiss, "What's in a name?" I laughed at the memorable quote.

The elevator was nearing the lobby where Gianna sat, with the sounds of arguing. Felix and I looked at the doors, "What's going on?" He shrugged, releasing me from his hold. We stood side by side, preparing for anything. His arm extended in front of me, preparing to push me out of the way, in case of an attack. The doors slid open to show a bronzed hair man arguing with a short, dark haired woman. There was shadow like bruises underneath his eyes and tears in his shirt.

"I've made up my mind. I won't live in a world without her in it." The woman's golden eyes closed in frustration and she turned her head. Her honey eyes opened and fell on me, "Bella?" The man with her whirled around in a blur, "Bella." He spoke my name with such relief. I looked at him, feeling the hole in my chest after so long, "Edward."

Alice's eyes popped and her mouth fell open, "You're alive!" Her voice was thick with emotion as she threw herself at me. The hug was so tight, it cut off my air passage, "I can't believe this." I held my breath before she made contact. Alice's strength was overwhelming. My instincts wanted to push her away, but instead, my arms wrapped around her small frame. Edward stared at us, completely motionless. Felix stood to the side, while Alice and I hugged, "This is unreal. We thought you were dead." My eyes rose and met with Edward's for a long moment. The charge between us was there again, almost numbing me.

"Alice," I tried to speak. The elevator doors were closing. Felix stepped out and stopped the doors with one hand. Alice finally released me and pulled at my arm, "Bella, how are you here? What happened?" She turned back towards Edward, then looked to the side of the room. Another door opened and the rest of the Cullens came in, following Alec, "Felix, Bella, you're back." "Bella," Esme called with shock in her voice, "you're alive!" Esme embraced me, her arms locking over Alice's. Their arms were crushing down on my body and it was getting uncomfortable, "Okay, you can let go."

Emmett hugged me next, lifting me off the floor. Felix was getting angry seeing me in another's arms. I shook my head, feeling the discomfort from the tight hold, "What are you doing here?" Emmett dropped me on my feet, "To stop Edward." His smile gleamed in the light. My mind heard what he said, "From doing what?" Emmett looked behind himself, "Do you want to tell her?" his voice changed happy to condescending. Edward was still staring at me, not moving an inch.

Felix crossed the room and reached for my hand. Edward's eyes shot to our interlocked fingers. Anger glinted in his eyes. Moving in a blur, Edward dashed across the room, taking me up in his arms. We stood across the room from everyone else. My body was whipped behind his as he took a protective stance, "Why did you bring her here?" A barrage of accusations came from Edward as he stood in front of me. Felix bared his teeth, "I didn't kidnap her. Now, let Bella go immediately!"

Felix darted across the room, flawlessly leaping over the couch and his hands clamped down on Edward's throat, throwing him across the room. His body made an impact against the wall. Edward stood, his brothers moving to his sides, ready to defend. I moved from behind Felix. Jasper and Emmett were already crouched and Felix was leaning into one himself. "Felix, please don't!" My palm caressed his face, pleading with him.

A snarl came from behind us. "Edward, stop it," Esme scolded. Edward ignored her and stepped toward from Felix. He moved again and I was caught behind Edward, Emmett and Jasper. "Leave her alone, Felix," Edward warned. Felix snarled again. He lunged at the Cullen brothers. Emmett's arms extended, pushing against Felix, knocking him to the floor. "Stop!" I yelled, pushing past the trio. Edward moved and took my hand, moving us to stand by the elevator, "Bella, did he harm you?"

"Edward, stop it!" My crimson eyes narrowed, "I went with them willingly." His frame stiffened, loosening his hold, "Why were you with Felix?" My brow furrowed, "Because he's my husband." My left hand rose into his line of sight, showing my blood red ring. Edward's eyes took in the stone. Felix was suddenly behind Edward, towering over him, "Little one, let's go." He took my hand roughly and we went through one of the side halls, leading to the Guard members' bedchambers.

He pulled me a little too hard. Felix's jaw was locked together until we reached his chambers. In the room, he threw his jacket on the couch, enraged and paced the room. His footstep shook the room, making the crystal lamps jingle in the tremors. I watched him, wishing I could make him feel better. His tension was making me nervous. Felix was unstoppable when he was angry. "How dare he accuse me of kidnapping?" he muttered to himself, "And he put his hands on her?" Finally, I wrapped my arms around his waist, making him stop. My ear was pressed to his chest, listening to his rapid breathing.

He let his arms settle around me and he kissed the top of my head. Felix didn't move. I just let him hold me. My body molded to his easily. I broke our kiss, putting one finger to his lips, "Why are you upset?" His mouth pulled my finger in between his teeth, closing his lips around it. The rough texture of his tongue slid along my fingertip. My hand pulled him closer to my face, "You're not going to tell me, are you?"

He shook his head, "Not right now." Felix's hand crept down my back, making me shiver. His fingers crept underneath my blouse, making my body stiffen from his touch, "Stop it." His eyes closed, as he released my finger and kissed down my chest. Looking down, I couldn't see his face, as he moved further down. I gasped quietly feeling his lips move along the curves of my chest. His hand moved quickly, ripping open my top to gain better access to the skin there. His lips pressed into the center of my chest, following the indentation there. The warmth of his breath blew on my exposed skin, making my nails clinch into my palm.

Instinctively, I grabbed at his hair, attempting to stop him, but he mistook it for passion and his lips moved up to mine again. It was funny that neither of us fell over from this. Grasping on his hand, I tried to pull away from him, but Felix tightened his hold, "Where do you think you're going?" I groaned, trying to gain some composure, "We just got back. Don't you think we should see Aro?" He pulled away for a moment to look around the room, "He can wait."

His hands slid down my body to grip the back of my legs, holding them to either sides of his body. He whirled, lying us on his couch. Shreds of fabric trailed along the floor he walked across the room. His hand tore away at the pantyhose on my legs and pushed himself into me.

My eyes widened and gasped feeling Felix's throbbing as he held me. He whispered my name against my temple, adding the title 'my wife.' My head lolled over the armrest, letting my fingers press into his back. His body moved against mine, our motions matching each other's. Felix rested his head on my chest and my fingers trailed along his jaw. Time went by in a dull pattern that neither of us noticed. His head rose and fell against my chest. We were home and neither of us wanted to move. Everything outside the door was a distraction from what we wanted.

The ticking of the clock was a harsh reminder of reality. Felix sat up, "Let's go." I looked at him, holding up the tattered remains of my dress, "I need a minute." He laughed, "Of course, bellisma." I stood up, removing the remains of clothing. My body should be covered in sweat, but there wasn't one drop of perspiration. Felix dashed across the room and pressed my body against the wall, as he stood behind me. I tried to look up to see his face, "I thought we were going."

He pressed himself against me and I gasped again, "Come on, Felix." He kissed my shoulder, then chuckled softy, "I'll get you later." He dashed out of the room and was back with another dress from the closet. It was a blue halter dress with a high-low hemline. Felix loved me in red, but he knew Edward liked me in blue. He wanted to show that I was his.

Approaching the main antechamber, I waited for my heart to start racing. I didn't want to run into Edward again. We were so unprepared for that. I needed to talk to Alice. She would tell me everything. Aro's bemused voice echoed into the hall, "Well, this is an interesting development." Felix held the door for me and I stopped immediately. The Cullens and Aro turned towards us as we walked in. Aro smiled and continued with what he was saying, "Edward, I didn't do what you asked because your gifts were far too valuable to lose."

Aro's hands clasped together and walked over to us. His hand lightly brushed my hair, "And, from the looks of things, you were wrong in your assumptions." Alice faintly smiled at me, while the rest of her family was silent. Felix's hand rested on my shoulder and offered his other to Aro, silently. Aro's head bowed, seeing our time at the private beach house, traveling through India and the decision to get married.

Aro's lips pulled back in a smile and milky crimson eyes fell on me, "This is cause for a celebration. We haven't celebrated a union in so long." Felix looked down at me, "We would like that." My eyes fell to the ground, avoiding his gaze. We didn't really know each other that well yet. My eyes wandered up and locked with Alice's. She pursed her lips, "No, Bella wouldn't, actually." Felix looked at her, "Why wouldn't she?" His voice was harsh, almost a hiss. Alice's head fell to the side, "You don't know her at all, do you?" She folded her arms, smugly, "Bella hates to be celebrated."

His crimson eyes glanced at me and I nodded, "She's right." He squeezed my shoulder, "I didn't know." Feeling the same guilt I felt for Alice when she insisted on my birthday party, I offered a compromise, "But if you really want to, we can." His hand grazed my cheek, "We'll decide later." His touch and gentle tone made me smile. A dull crack came from across the room.

Edward left the antechamber, damaging the ancient wooden door. My lips pulled back between my teeth, as Felix apologized, "We're sorry for interrupting. We just wanted to inform you of our return." Aro nodded. Felix's hand rested on my back, turning us towards the door. "Actually Bella," I looked back, "I was hoping you can shed some light on this situation." Aro glanced towards Carlisle. "Which is?" Aro gestured to the path of destruction Edward left.

Felix's hand balled into a fist against my back, tearing to my skin, making me buckle. "Let go," I whispered in a strained voice. Felix's hold loosened almost instantly. Edward reappeared in the chamber, almost snarling. His eyes were wild with anger. I've only seen him this angry when James first caught my scent. Carlisle's hand held Edward's shoulder and my hand rested on Felix's chest, "Please, don't."

A cool cloud fell over the room, relaxing me. Felix's shoulders slumped a bit. Was this the true feeling of Jasper's influence? My human senses must have been too dull to feel the change in the temperature from Jasper's effect. Jasper and I looked at each other. I turned towards Aro, "What situation was there?" Aro clasped his hands together, breathing out slowly, "Edward came here hoping to end his life." My eyes blinked and my heart, as silent as it was, fell from my chest, "Why would you want that?" What could have happened that would make him want to leave his family in such a drastic way? Edward never seemed the type to be suicidal.

He didn't answer my demand. Alice took his hand and he nodded slightly. Alice answered for her brother, "We thought you were dead. We were at your funeral. None of us expected this to happen." Guilt? Did he feel so guilty that something happened to me after he left? Why would he let it drive him to such extremes? Alice's voice hitched, "And Edward, well, he said he didn't want to live in a world where you didn't exist." The edges of the hole vibrated. My arm wanted to raise around my torso, but I couldn't move.

The room should be spinning out of control, making me wake up from this dream. I wasn't immortal, not married or facing the Cullens. None of this is happening, but somewhere in my seemingly endless mind, I knew it all was. Another cool cloud came over me, absorbing to my core, releasing all my tension. I was going to have to thank Jasper later. He was making it easier for me to speak. "Why?" I asked in a small voice, "Edward, why?" I took one step closer and Felix immediately took my hand.

"Let her go!" Edward pushed past Carlisle and Emmett, who tried to stand in his way. Felix pulled me back behind him, "She's mine." Edward stepped forward and Emmett's hand slammed on his shoulder, "Edward, not here." My grip tightened on Felix's arm, "Stop, stop!" Felix continued to look in Edward's direction. My hand reached up to touch his face, making him meet my gaze, "Let me talk to him, please?" His crimson eyes softened and nodded. Two massive hands cupped my face and Felix's mouth pressed mine. He kissed me again and a third time, his arms around my waist.

"I won't be gone long," he whispered against my lips, before he turned to leave. All in my head, I felt like my face was burning with a rush of blood. Biting my lip, I faced Edward and his family. Rosalie immediately turned her head, but not in time for me not to see her smirking. Jasper's eyebrows were shot up and Emmett was gawking at me. My eyes narrowed and he went to stand by Rosalie. My hands sat on my hips, "Now what were you thinking?" Aro, bowing out, left us to talk. None of them answered, but they all knew the truth. What were they hiding from me?

Rosalie groaned and it sounded like a snarl, "He wanted to die, Bella." Edward hissed and she ignored him. She flipped her golden hair, "He didn't want to live without you being alive. Bella, he lied to you." Edward looked at her and she rolled her eyes, "Well you did. You did this, Edward!" She extended her arm and gestured to me, "You left her alone, then the Volturi found and changed her. And now, although alive and well, she's married." He ran his fingers through his hair, almost pulling at the strands, "This isn't what I wanted."

Part of my mind was still spinning, trying to make sense of all this. "Wh…what do you mean 'he lied?' What's does this mean?" Seven pairs of golden eyes fell on me. Esme walked over to me. I was pulled into her embrace, "He didn't mean what he said to you. He, we left because we thought it would be safer for you to not be around our kind." She stepped back, her hands resting on my shoulders, "After what happened at your birthday and with James, it was decided that you would be safer without us in your life."

My hearing was like listening to a noise in a long tunnel. My eyes were frozen in their gaze. My head shook slowly, "N…no, Edward said he didn't want me anymore." That was what he said. I remember all too well what said that day. His emotionless eyes and my pathetic plead for him to stay. Esme shook her head, "It's not true, none of it was true. Edward loves you as much as he did that day."

Involuntarily, my foot stepped back, away from Esme and the others. I was stepping away from the truth, "Umm, I need a minute." Turning away, I walked out the door. "Bella!" Someone called me, but I ignored them. My head was buzzing like a hornet's nest. Each word said to me stinging painfully. Nothing, absolutely nothing made sense.