Disclaimer:

I own no part of the 'Twilight Universe', only the idea to this story. This is strictly for fun.

Author'snote:

Wow! Guys! Your feedback blew me away! I know I told you personally already, but thank you so much for your reviews, or adding me to your alert or favorites. You make me feel like a little kid on Christmas morning! Thanks, to the anonymous reviewers, too; yours were just as appreciated!

Info: I have found an interim beta, who helped me out: 'derflash' Thanks so much! Over time, 'madietta' and I will work and redo the previous chapters.

Recap:

"Dora, dear, I was not talking to you, but your mate. If he is unwilling to admit to his errors, I will not pay him any more respects, as he is unworthy of such in my eyes. Actually, I wanted to ask for your and Cia's help with something I have planned." I was ignoring Caius' disbelieving stare for now, intent to leave him to stew in his own juice.

"Yes, anything." My sisters voice was saturated with relief.

Chapter 27 (Felix'spov):

Most of us were gathered in the great lounge, waiting for Demetri to come back from our master's quarters. All of us were excited, still talking about the sparring, that had taken place between Master Aro and Master Marcus. In all my years here, I had never seen any of the family engage in such activities. They always had always held such control. Most of us admired them even more now. We had foolishly thought their control was a given, that it came to them naturally. Master Marcus' outburst before, and the sequential match, in my eyes only proved that they were still struggling, like all of us, with the beast within ourselves. The only difference, they managed far better than most of us. It made me feel less inferior, but yet, at the same time heightened my respect.

"Felix? What do you say?" Heidi's question tore me from my musing and I had no idea, what she and the others had been talking about.

I raised an eyebrow in question, making Heidi giggle. Santiago only snorted and shook his had disbelievingly.

"Man, get a grip, where were you? Do you have any idea what we were talking about?" He asked, his tone saturated with the amusement, everyone around me seemed to have displayed in their eyes.

I shrugged. "Just thinking about today's events. Isabella's presence makes things more interesting around here, that's for sure. The days seem to blur by ever since she arrived, and yet so many things seem to happen. It feels surreal," I replied casually.

"Hell yeah, you should have seen that fight! I have never seen anything like it! Their movements were so sharp, defined, and yet raw and full of strength! You sure can call that surreal! It was like one of those art movies, just real... Awesome. I can't believe you and Dem missed it. A shame," he said, looking fascinated by the memory alone, before he continued, "So, how is the human? Heidi said she was something else, and now we want to know what your opinion is of her. You sure seemed happy enough guarding her and waiting on her every need, like a good little lackey," he mocked at the end, patting my shoulder in false sympathy, trying to get a rise out of me, but strangely, I felt no shame. I truly didn't mind helping her. It felt right.

"I don't mind helping her. Her body may be weak right now, but her mind is strong. I agree with Heidi," I looked at her then, "She is something else, and now that I had the chance to meet her, I can see that. She made him laugh. It was otherworldly. And then, she teased me. Can you imagine that? I mean I knew she felt strangely comfortable around us from when I was introduced to her..." I shook my head, smiling softly, remembering her bravery when she first met me.

"But for her to tease me... and she didn't back down. Have you ever met a human, that stared into your eyes, without intention of looking away? Hell, if we hadn't called it a draw, we might very well still be staring at each other. Her eyes, they are captivating. They are so different; not only the color, but the expression. They speak of a thousand secrets..." I sighed deeply. I had seen something else, pain and an unspoken plea for help. She had seen too much in her short life, yet she was still alive, her mind scarred, but not broken, and she was recovering. She was strong.

"It is hard to explain. You should meet her, and when you do, look into her eyes, and you will understand what Heidi and I mean." I promised, my gaze back on Santiago, trying to convey what I couldn't explain with words, with my eyes. He, along with Demetri, was my best friend. We had gone through a lot, and I knew he would try to meet her and understand what I meant.

A snort to our left, turned our attention to the twins, who were sitting on a couch together. Suddenly the room was silent, and I realized Santiago, Heidi and Renata had not been the only ones to listen to my explanations.

"She is just a human, and I still don't see anything special in her. Sure, she does seem to attract an awful lot of trouble and she has no manners, she doesn't carry the humility she should, when in our presence. I could have literally killed her for the way she treated Master Aro and Master Marcus with so little respect. So, with the exception, that she is sacrosanct by the orders of our Masters, she is like all the other walking blood-bags." When Jane had ended her little rant, the room was so silent it was suffocating. All eyes were on her. And she obviously enjoyed the attention. Alec looked shocked. He loved his sister dearly, but even he saw the mistake she just made.

The expressions on the onlookers faces varied from shock, to anger, to glee.

Demetri came in then, and he had obviously heard her rant, as he told her:

"Jane, you do know that what you just said, will be brought to at least Master Aro's knowledge one way or another. You openly disrespected the intended mate of Master Marcus. You do understand, that you might just as well have said these things about the Ladies Sulpicia or Athenodora?" He paused to let it think in.

Alec spoke up, "you know she didn't mean it like that. She would never-"

"None of us know what Jane was thinking. Only Master Aro will be able to tell her true intentions," Demetri interrupted the male witch twin.

"And right now, this is not the topic. The Masters have decided on a course of action concerning the redhead, who has been sighted today in Rome, by Lydia.

He looked around to ensure he had everyone's attention. When he was content, he continued, "We are all to remain on high alert. It is assumed that the redhead will find her way here, and we are to treat her like any other visitor when we first make contact. Chelsea, you and I are on permanent guard now in the town. When you see her, you are to bind her to the Masters. As explained, she is supposed to have a gift of evasion. The Masters hope that your false loyalty to them will keep her suspicions and subsequently her gift at bay. I am on orders to sense her, to make sure that in the unlikely case she does escape, we will be able to find her. She was classified as a liability to our secret due to her seemingly unstable personality." His eyes conveyed what everyone had figured out by his careful wording. If she posed a threat of exposure in any way, we were to take her down, and ask questions later. As one, we nodded. It had been quite some time since an order like this had been issued. Usually the Masters wished to hold a proper trial, to know about all facts, before passing a sentence. It made it even clearer that this woman was indeed considered a threat, not only to our Master's human mate, but to our secret, too.

"Gianna will have to lead false trails all over the town. She will have to use Isabella's worn clothing to do so. Therefore she will be excused from her usual duties tomorrow. Corin, if you could take over the reception?" She simply nodded in agreement. I didn't like the thought of Gianna walking the streets with Isabella's scent on her while this redhead was running wild. I had a soft spot for our human receptionist. Before I could share my concerns, Demetri went on.

The guard in town will have an eye on Gianna during her walk through town, but are to keep their distance unless protection is necessary." A sigh escaped me in my relief, and my brother shot me a knowing look, and a small nod.

"Heidi, as we will all be rather busy, I think it would be best if we moved the next feeding up. The sooner we can get some the better." Heidi nodded in understanding, a smirk stealing its way onto her lush lips. She loved a challenge, and I was sure we would have our meal sooner rather than later.

As for tomorrow, Master Aro has arranged for a doctor to meet Isabella here, instead of the hospital, as the Masters don't want to risk leading the crazy redhead into the hospital with Isabella's scent.

The physician will most likely draw some blood samples, so everyone, who is not in absolute control, is to remain at the other side of the castle during this time, until the 'all- clear' is given. Some of us, including me, gulped, only remembering her scent made one thirsty. It had taken me quite a bit to stay in control today, and I had been no short of proud after I had left her presence. Although I had found, that concentrating on her person made it easier to ignore the burn. She was just that interesting. Begrudgingly I came to the conclusion, that I might be better at the opposite side of the castle tomorrow. No need to risk it.

"Jane, Alec, you to are to stand guard at the great hall, and one of you will lead the doctor fro and to Master Marcus' chambers." He gave them a sharp look that meant this was non-negotiable. It was on Master's orders.

Alec nodded right away, while Jane grumbled something under her breath, that I could not make out, before she finally nodded her consent. Demetri smirked with mischief and anticipation, his eyes fixed on Jane, when he continued:

"This appointment is not yet finally set, as Isabella doesn't yet know about it and must approve first. We will be informed about her decision as soon as it is made."

Jane didn't disappoint, she blew up.

"What? We are to be at a human's beck and call? Are you insane!" In her fury, she had taken an offensive step towards Demetri, ready to tear him apart. Luckily, Alec intervened, "Sister, calm yourself, you know it is-" He didn't get any further in his effort to sooth his sister's temper, as the deadly calm voice of our Master called out, "Jane, please meet me in my office."

Every movement in the room ceased no one even dared to take a breath, and one could easily see the fight had left the little brunette. A look of remorse crossed her features, before she turned on her heel to answer our Master's summon. Alec stayed there, a look of dread on his face.

He wasn't too bad, actually he was a good sport about most things. His only fault was to be related to the little sadistic demon. But then again, you can't choose family, right?

"Erm, well, okay. I think I'll go and get us all breakfast then." Heidi rambled, and it alleviated the tension a little. Renata nodded in appreciation, and Afton even chuckled. We were all waiting anxiously to see the result of their conversation, but we would have to wait, as the Master's offices all were soundproofed.

Heidi left shortly thereafter, as did Corin, with the excuse to have to prepare for her day as a secretary.

The rest of us took took seats all through out the room. Only Alec stood still, where his sister had left him.

"Come on, Alec, sit with us. It won't be so bad. You'll see. A few reprimanding words, a stern look or two, and she'll be back with you in no time." Renata encouraged. Bless her soul, only she could be as kind as she is towards the twins. The rest of us usually avoided their presence, because Jane was so unstable. Alec fit in better. He generally was laid back enough, only showing real emotion, if something threatened his sister. He would get protective then, like a mate would. But in this instance he could hardly do anything to help her.

His eyes swept the group, looking for confirmation, that we wouldn't mind, and we nodded our approval.

Slowly he made his way over to us, hanging his shoulders and dragging his feet. For once he truly looked his age, a young teen. And not for the first time I asked myself, whether Aro truly did them a favour, turning them so young. We all knew about their more sadistic traits, but Alec controlled himself better. He almost only used his gift with good reason, unlike Jane, who was known to zap someone for looking at her funny.

"Thank you, Renata." He mumbled. After a short minute, during which nothing else was said, he sighed deeply and hung his head. More to himself then to us he spoke, "I don't know why she does what she does. I mean it is one thing to not like humans in general, but another thing completely to disrespect the human that is bound to be her mistress at some point, as she just did." He shook his head, sighed again, and looked at me. "Felix? What is she like? I mean personality-wise. I am curious, but I don't want to disappoint my sister. Is she worth all this trouble? Of course she is as our Master's mate, but as a person?" His voice and posture showed how torn he was about this situation.

"Yes, I think she is worth it. She doesn't judge us, although I am sure that whoever told her about us must have made her believe we are soulless monsters. Why else would she have come here to seek death at our hands? She treats us with respect, she just doesn't make a difference between rank...

She is strong-willed, one might even say stubborn," I smirked, thinking back to our staring contest. "She stands up for the things she believes in, for her friends, even to Master Caius. She doesn't seem to fear death, though I don't know if that is a good thing or not." I added chuckling, and Santiago did too.

"So, there is still the possibility that she is a little mental, you say, Felix? I see that going over well with Master Marcus, you calling her a loony." He jested.

"Ah, but I never said this, you did," I answered with an innocent smile. He gulped. We all laughed at him then, even Alec.

"Okay, what else," I tried to pick up the line. "She is fiercely loyal, and has high standards and strong morals. She is brave, and straight to the point. She's got to be observant and cunning, if she figured out our secret with little help.

On the other side she has very low self esteem. She doesn't like attention, or when she supposedly troubles someone or causes someone any inconvenience. That is the funny thing, her traits don't add up here. It's too big a gap: the heroin versus the wallflower. Like two personalities?" I pondered.

Saying it out loud made it real. But what was the reason for this rift in traits? A silence descended once more over our small group, everyone pondering this revelation.

"She is eighteen, isn't she? What if her personality as a woman is just not yet completely defined? People these days grow up much more sheltered than any of us did," Chelsea finally voiced her attempt at an explanation.

"Perhaps," Renata hesitated, then continued, "I had similar thoughts, but I think there is more to it. Perhaps the things that happened to her? They are bound to leave an impression on her. She would have had to become stronger, and if she wanted to stay above those who wronged her, she would of course cling to her morals, to make a difference between her and them. So I think it is both, her growing up, and her past, adding up to one big personality change. It makes the differences between the girl and the woman, that she is bound to become, more pronounced," she elaborated.

Her thought had merit, and I nodded in understanding, as did Chelsea. Santiago and Alec were still contemplating her reasons.

I was surprised, when Alec spoke up, "If your speculations are true, and she grows to be the woman that you suggest, she will be a force to be reckoned with, especially considering her relations to the Masters. She will be an active, strong and just queen, who won't take nonsense from anyone. That alone would make her dangerous, but Master Aro seems to be so sure that she will be gifted because of her silent mind, which would add to the danger..." He drifted off then and a moment later, he paled, if that is even possible for our kind, and an expression of utter shock froze his childlike features; eyes wide, brows raised, mouth slightly agape.

"Alec?" Chelsea prodded, none of us had ever seen Alec so scared.

"She will hate Jane, won't she?" He rushed out in a panic.

Santiago and I doubled over, laughing like there was no tomorrow. When we recovered, Alec was scowling, and I was glad it was the male twin and not his sister, as she would surely have zapped us by now. My mind began to wander. What would happen if Jane zapped Bella? How would she be punished? Would it even work on her? Would Alec's power work on her? Demetri couldn't catch her mental identity and Master Aro couldn't read her.

Renata had stayed still all this time, while Santiago and I had been laughing and Chelsea had tried to console a fear and anger stricken Alec.

Her voice was still contemplative, when she took our musings one step further: "But her, as you put it, 'wallflower' qualities, Felix, seem to be too strong to just vanish. Instead, imagine she kept these traits to a certain degree in addition to our other presumptions, she would be a walking understatement. That would make her truly terrifying, I think. No one would expect her to be so fierce. She would be like a wolf in sheep's clothing."

We all stilled at her guesswork, mulling it over. She was right. We all were self-confident, and it showed. We had all reason to be, seeing as we were all members of the Volturi guard, but I could see the advantage to be underestimated would bring with it. It would instil false confidence in an enemy, making him prone to make mistakes. I could envision Bella doing just that, everything from her petite form to the way she held herself screamed defenseless and harmless, but if you imagined her gifted and with the other traits we had envisioned she might have, she would be anything but.

An involuntary shiver ran down my spine. The envisioned queen would certainly be well matched to the ancient god of war, that Master Marcus had once been.

At this point, the door to Master Aro's office opened and cut any other thought short. My wonderment only increased, when I heard two pairs of feet approaching the lounge we were in; they belonged to Jane and Master Aro.

We all stood up straight and waited for our Master's entrance, all the while throwing clueless looks at each other, every one just as nervous the other.

As expected Master Aro entered first, a well chastised Jane following behind. She made a bee line for her brother and stood next to his side, never once lifting her head. I only could recall two other instances that she had looked so humble, and on neither of these occasions had Aro been the one to scold her.

'Interesting.' I stored this fact at the back of my mind for later inspection.

"Good to see most of you are still here. Where are Heidi and Corin?" Aro, as always, came straight to the point.

Demetri, who was the designated leader of the guard, promptly answered, "Master Aro, Heidi went on a hunt. I sent her. I thought it would be better if we fed now, while we still have time, then become hungry while waiting for the redhead to show up. Corin went to prepare for her day as a secretary substitute for Gianna who will be going to leave the wrong trails come morning. Chelsea has been informed of her task, too. Jane and Alec know about their task tomorrow. Everyone else is informed of the plan and on high alert. No one who is not in complete control, will be anywhere close to the main wing tomorrow morning. I also took the liberty to text Lydia. She will keep a close eye on the female and inform us as soon as she has news. My next step would have been to order a cleaning crew to tidy up the old place in 'Via di sotto' and make it look lived in."

The rest of us stood still and silently watched on, as Demetri gave his report.

"Very well. It was good thinking to order Heidi to gather a meal early. It might come in handy. Corin, come here please. I don't want to repeat myself. If anyone of those on a mission comes back, you will inform them of the plan and what I will say to you now, Demetri." Aro's voice was business-like and cold, unlike his usual happy tone.

Corin entered the room then and stood to the side, listening intently.

"Good. Now, I understand, that some of you are wary of our human guest, Isabella Swan. As you well know, no one of you will be judged for your opinion. However, we will not accept hostility in any form towards her. Firstly, she is our guest, and you will meet her with respect and politeness befitting her. Furthermore, I invite you to get to know Miss Swan, as we have great hopes for her to become a permanent part of our family. We would feel much better if you welcomed her cordially. I had hoped the introductions in the throne room and the knowledge, that she is indeed the intended mate of my brother, would be enough to encourage positive behavior, but obviously I have been mistaken. Is there anyone who would like to talk to me about this situation, who has a problem with our guest?" Aro raised an eyebrow and looked each one of us square in the eye, gauging our opinion on this matter.

Surprisingly, Alec took a tentative step towards our Master, and said, "Master Aro, I would like to talk to you." Jane looked alarmed at this, but knew better then to hold her brother back. Aro simply nodded at him, before ending the line of his visual questioning.

"Very well. You may speak to me at any time in the future, if problems should arise. You are free for the night Afton. Santiago, Felix, I want you to guard the city for now. Alec, we will talk in my study. Please follow me." With that he left, and Alec followed.

Only when we heard the door to his study close, did we dare to breath again. It had been ages, since I saw Master Aro so serious. Back then we had been dealing with a sighting of the children of the moon.

"Puh." Chelsea was the first to drop out of her rigid stance. She unceremoniously fell back onto the couch and slouched.

"Boy, I sure as hell will try to befriend her, and if it is only to save my ass from his wrath."

She shook her head and closed her eyes. Santiago chuckled and plopped down next to her.

'Leave it to him to find something humorous about this scolding.'

"Yep, and if Felix is right, she might actually be fun to be around," he said, and for the last part he almost sounded wistful.

Afton made his way over to me and nodded towards the door, signaling, that he wanted to leave for the guard duty now. I agreed wholeheartedly. I wouldn't want to be found neglecting a direct order.

"Santiago, come on, let's go," I urged.

"Sure, let's. Last one at the gate is a slow-poke!" he said and was out the door already. For his age, both human and vampire years, he sure acted like a child half the time. Worse than me, or so at least I have been told. Afton and I were hot on his heels nonetheless.

End note:

So, took me long enough. Sorry for the wait. Please get back to me and let me know what you think. I love your input.