Disclaimer:

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

Author's note:

Okay, here we go, the Easter bunny took a little longer to deliver this one... ;)

I hope you all enjoyed the short holidays doing no matter what.

Hope you enjoy this chapter. My beta: "SIERRABEAR" wrote the last few paragraphs and helped me immensely with it! Thank you!

Previously:

"I will talk to her. Thank you, Cia," I informed my sister and pressed a soft kiss on top of Bella's head. It came easier now … at least while she was sleeping.

"Good," was her short retort.

"I'll change the wrapping on the present and bring it back to you."

My sister then left, a fond smile yet again tugging at her lips.

Chapter 42 (Marcus' pov)

Sometime later Cia returned with the package, now wrapped tightly in a light blue silk scarf. Despite the risk that the nurse or the doctor would most likely see me here with her I decided to remain with Bella wrapped securely in my arms. I would deal with any possible questions or consequences should they arise.

She had snuggled up even closer to me, her head yet again resting on my chest, and her arm wrapped around me. I had been anxious when she had moved in her sleep, trying to keep all the tubes and wires from getting tangled. I could feel her every exhale through the thin fabric of the shirt I wore. It felt hot and slightly damp, as it blew gently over my chest, like a sweet caress. Her scent was cleaner somehow, despite the medicine that flew into her veins. I took it as a sign of her getting better; her breathing was not as laboured as it had been either.

I was looking forward to start the day with her … to share with her what I hoped was the beginning of a new phase of her life. It felt like something had snapped inside of her yesterday, when she had screamed out her grief and her sorrow. For the first time she seemed to be truly resting. She was more relaxed.

Bella slept all night through. She must have been exhausted. The nurse came in once, checked her vitals, trying not to wake us and left quickly after she had placed a blanket over me. I stifled a quiet chuckle – if only the nurse knew that she was actually tucking in a member of vampire royalty! She would likely have run screaming from the room! Nonetheless her gesture was a touching reminder of the kindness humans were capable of.

It was a strange feeling: between Bella with her elevated body temperature and the blanket, I could feel myself warm up.

The last time I recalled feeling so warm was centuries ago, when Didyme and I spent days in her garden, sometimes just lying in the sun, absorbing the Italian summer heat.

A soft knock brought me out of my memories. I had not heard anyone approach; I could not recall ever having been so distracted.

"Enter," I whispered.

Aro strode in already freshly dressed for the new day. He grinned widely as he took in the startled look on my face. "Ah, brother, you have it bad! he exclaimed as he took his usual seat on the chair closest to the bed and asked me about the night's events.

He seemed shocked very briefly at the warmth of my touch when he first made contact with my offered hand.

"Ah, I see," was all he said in response when he had witnessed all. There was a brief pause before he continued: "The nurse and doctor will come soon to assess Isabella's progress. Furthermore I came here to let you know that the new mattress as well as the wheelchair and all the other things we ordered for her have arrived. So as soon as the doctor gives his permission, you can take her around the castle. Perhaps she would care to enjoy the St. Marcus day festivities with the family two days from now, if she feels up to it." He spoke innocently enough," but the sly smirk betrayed the amusement he still held.

The idea had merit, though I would have to make sure she wouldn't get cold.

Would she like that? I would find out today ... another topic I could talk with her about if ever topics should get rare, although I doubted we would ever lack in conversation. The smallest bit of information could end in a discussion of something entirely different.

Before I could respond to Aro's suggestion that we include Bella in our family's St. Marcus day celebrations, we heard the loud steps of the doctor and nurse.

Aro left to usher them in. He drew far too much entertainment from their presence.

The combined whispers of Aro and the two humans finally woke my love from her slumber. I was torn internally: on one side I was glad to finally have her awake again, on the other hand I was infuriated that she had been woken.

Aro, obviously catching on to my aggravation, accompanied them out to the study to talk to them.

"Marcus?" Her voice was raspy and sore from all the strain it suffered yesterday.

"I'm right here, Isabella. Good morning," I answered her.

She looked up at me shyly; her eyes still held a reddish hue from all the tears she had shed the day before.

"Sorry," she whispered as she became aware of how closely we were entangled and made to put space between us.

"No," I told her and held her tighter. She gave up and rested her head back on my chest. "I am glad you slept soundly after all that happened yesterday. And if my presence helps you to sleep calmly I will be more than willing to spend my nights here next to you. I will do anything in my power to assist you in a speedy recovery. And I certainly do not mind your company, nor would I ever consider you a waste of my time," I assured her, recalling my sister's words that Isabella would need reassurance and guidance.

I was rewarded with a pink blush that darkened her rosy cheeks further.

"Thank you … for all you did," she mumbled to my shirt, causing me to smile. My mate was simply adorable.

"You are welcome," I told her and placed a soft kiss to the crown of her head.

After too short a time I let go of her and helped her sit up. She accepted my help without resistance I noticed contentedly.

When she was resting somewhat comfortably against the pillows, I reached for the small gift.

"It is my delight to present to you this gift … again," I smiled at her.

At first she seemed confused, but then caught on. She laughed. Her laughter was infectious and I was quickly laughing with her.

Hesitatingly she took the little parcel.

"It's wrapped differently," she observed in a whisper and looked up at me questioningly.

"Yes. As you were quite obviously uncomfortable with the paper wrapping I thought it better to use a different material to conceal the content," I explained.

Shyly she looked back down. She obviously struggled internally before she looked back up.

"That was very thoughtful of you, Marcus. Thank you … though you shouldn't have."

The last part was added in a voice so low I almost didn't catch it. It was clear she knew I didn't want her to apologize, but had to tag it on regardless, more out of politeness or habit, I guessed.

"It was no bother at all … that is… if you will open it now. I find myself quite curious as to your reaction," I pushed her.

"Sure!" she sounded slightly excited herself.

I watched with anticipation as she peeled the soft fabric away to reveal the small alarm clock I had ordered Heidi to acquire for her.

She smiled widely and chuckled – a sound I found endearing coming from her. When she looked back to me the spark of life I had seen in her eyes yesterday was back.

"Thank you, Marcus. I was really losing all notion of time around here and it's beautiful," she said softly, obviously pleased with my gift. If only she could feel how much her happiness meant to me. I smiled at the thought of all the things I could give her if she would let me.

"I am glad it found your approval and will be of use to you, Isabella."

From listening in on the conversation between Aro and the two humans next door I knew they would soon come in to look after Bella.

"Your doctor and the nurse will be back in a moment's time. May I come back later and keep you company during the day?" It was forward but I wanted to leave her in no doubt of my interest in her, be it as a friend for now, or as an admirer.

"Sure, I'd like that. I feel much better today."

She gifted me with a smile that was breathtaking, uninhibited and pure … it was proof there were no barriers between us at the moment and I would do all I could to keep it that way.

"Very well; I will see about entertainment possibilities. Simply let Felix know when you are prepared for the day and wish for my company. I will be with you shortly after," I instructed her. Secretly I hoped she would call for me sooner rather than later.

"Until then, Bella, take your time. I am delighted to see you better today," I bowed out.

"See you later, Marcus." There was that magical smile again … so beautiful. And she was so familiar with me … so trusting … so close.

I was elated.

I only wished she could see herself through my eyes and realize she was amazing. The more I got to know her in the time I kept her company, the more lovable details I noticed. For example how she averted her eyes and blushed adorably at a compliment, only to peek up at me from under her lashes a long moment later, causing her to blush deeper … or how she laughed so freely, when the foam of the bubble bath had wafted over her bare feet. She could delight in the simplest things. I vowed to do everything I could to help her realize what a remarkable and truly unique woman she was.

In short my love to her grew with everyday, as did my anger towards that stupid boy of Carlisle's. He would certainly face the consequences of his foolish actions when the right time came.

When I joined Aro he looked at me with amusement. As soon as the doctor and his niece went inside to attend to Bella he addressed me: "Ah, brother, you look more relaxed today. May I offer a piece of advice?" This question was rhetoric. I knew he would let me know his bit of advice anyway, but I nodded good- naturedly

"You might like to use this time to freshen up a little and organize some of the entertainment devices that Gianna suggested … a TV set perhaps? You could watch a movie together … or board games?" I nodded in answer. I had already thought about ways to entertain her and both of his suggestions were already on my list.

"Very well. If you need any help, let me know. We will give you both some rest today so you can spend time together without being watched."

He paused in both word and stride and then turned to look at me directly. I too stopped knowing he deemed what he was about to say important enough to not be discussed while walking.

"She seems better this morning, Marcus. The doctor still wants to keep her on bed-rest for now, but he was pleased to tell me that the antibiotics are now obviously working effectively and that will further improve her state. She is not yet completely out of the woods but her recovery is looking up now. The risk of valve failure still remains though and she will need to be monitored closely to evaluate the situation anew every day. Isabella will still have to take it slowly, although she might feel much better in the coming days."

"Yes, I heard the doctor's report and will endeavour to entertain her without straining her strength in any way," I told him.

"Very well, if you need any assistance call for Alec or Heidi; they are informed."

"Thank you, Aro. Has the letter already been sent?" I added the question curiously.

"No, Cia and I wanted to wait for you, Caius and Dora to approve it. This is a very delicate situation and we agreed it would be best to handle it accordingly."

"Thank you, I quite appreciate it, brother. I will read it while Bella rests," I informed him.

"Agreed. Have a good day, brother," he ended our conversation as he left for his chambers.

I returned to speak to Felix outside of Bella's door. When I faced him, he stood up straighter and was all alert.

"No one apart from the family is allowed to enter my quarters without my permission, except Alec, Heidi or you, when Isabella has called for either of you. Understood?" I ordered. It was a law per se that our private accommodations were off limits to anyone, but with Bella inside I felt it necessary to remind him.

"Of course, my Lord. Miss Bella will be safe. No one will enter," he declared decidedly.

"Good."

After this I made my way to the closest guest room to freshen up. I had taken to using this room and left my quarters to Isabella's needs to ensure her privacy and comfort. By today all I might need was stocked in there. I went through my routine quickly to make certain I had enough time to organize all the things I might need to make my mate as comfortable as I could today.

I also wanted to plan my conversation with Bella. Perhaps I might take her up to one of the towers that overlook Volterra. The view of the countryside is spectacular and would certainly afford us as much privacy as can be had in a castle full of vampires.

My heart soared with the realization that Bella's full recovery now seemed certain. Where once my existence consisted only of day to day dreariness the future was now filled with hope.

I marvelled at the impact her presence had in brightening not only my own life but the entire family's lives including our guards. The Cullens were fools! I started to bristle in anger as I thought of how they had abandoned my angel to face alone the horror of a vengeful vampire! … having to rely on the protection of wolves! ... the agony of her injuries, both physical and emotional! They will be held responsible! Edward Cullen will have to face my wrath!

With those thoughts in mind I proceeded on my way to meet with Aro and the other family members and see what he has to say in his letter to the Cullens. I can only imagine what mischief Aro has in mind; whatever it is he seemed very gleeful with the result of his labours.

End Note:

"4MeJasper" has nominated "Panta Rhei" at the Non-Canon-Awards in the category best Bella/Volturi. All stories there I read and they are all very good. I know some of the authors, too. ;) Lovely ladies... ;)

If you find the time: go there and vote, please!

Thank you for the nomination, Darlin'! ;) I'm really grateful! Let's show my parents it's not all "nonsense" that I "waste my time on"! Ha! :P