Chapter 17

"What's wrong Carlisle?"

Letting him pull me to a run, I kept his pace. Staying close to him as he suddenly seemed to be in a hurry. " The Volturi has been tracking you. But your friend, he is tracking my scent."

BPOV England 1712

I mad a snap decision. Giving up my fate, putting it in the hands of the maniac I had lived with for the past centuries. In hope of securing the human girls life.

"I'll give you what you want."

Immediately the little human was dropped to the ground and Tristan moved towards me. Both Carlisle and Esma gasped and moved forward to help me but I shook my head and tried my best to smile as I turned around and started running away from my parents again.

Rushing forward as fast as I dared, I kept throwing seductive looks over my shoulder at Tristan. The disgusting idiot was following me, his eyes stuck on me, looking at me like I was his prey. Cold and calculated. It made me want to run faster, away from him but I knew I couldn't. Instead I focussed on the task at hand, making sure to keep track of where we were going. All I could allow myself to care about right now was finishing this. Cleaning up the mess I had created, one way or the other.

When we ware only a few miles away from the old convent, Tristan managed to catch up with me. Grabbing my arm and making me stop. As he spun me around, he leaned down and placed a forcefully kiss on my lips.

"Don't you think, we have travelled far enough from London."

Running a finger along my jaw, up and down as he stared into my eyes. His movement made me shiver, out of disgust. Tristan however, thought it was anticipation and softened his tight grip on my arm. Using that for my own benefit, I pulled away from him.

"No" I purred at him while batting my eyelashes. " If we travel a few more miles. There is an old convent. It is secluded and we will have all the time and privacy you want. Besides, Carlisle ensures me the Volturi have already checked that location so we'll be save."

At my mentioning the words time and privacy in one sentence. Tristan growled softly and moved forward again. An eager look in his eyes as he came face to with me, our noses almost touching. " Show me."

Thankful for his request, I brushed past him, smiling wickedly. "As you please."

I would show him, even it would also be the last thing we'd both see. In a few minutes we reached the outer wall of the convent. Stepping through the crumbled remains, I entered the courtyard and headed straight for the door. Hoping that Carlisle had been right and the Volturi were tracking me I focussed and took in my surroundings.

Smelling the mixture of unknown scents and knowing that they had gone the same route. I made sure to keep Tristan occupied by giving him another suggestive wink. Tristan kept following me, staring at me with an expectant smile. Opening the door to the main hall, I turned to him.

"Go inside here." Letting him go inside first, I followed after him and closed the door behind us. The moment I closed the door I could feel the atmosphere shift in the room. In front of me Tristan fell to the ground, grabbing his head and screaming out loud. The obvious pain he was in echoed through the room.

Looking straight forward, I caught sight of them. Cloaked and hidden in the shadows, they were living statues. Only one of them stepped forward, as she moved forward the vampire removed the hood from her head and lifted her chin high. Her vibrant red eyes hateful as she set her eyes on me.

Her thin lips curled up in a smile as she whispered a word.

"Pain."

Panicked I stared down at Tristan, curled up on the floor in pain. I could feel an excruciating pain increasing behind my eyes, like someone was applying heavy pressure on my head. As I recognised the pain, I stepped back and pulled up my shield.

At the same time the tiny woman standing in the middle of the room continued to stare at me. Not taking her eyes off me as she collapsed forward on her knees and grabbed her head, shrieking loudly as she did. The pain in my head disappeared immediately and Tristan stopped moving and sat up. His eyes dazed and dark with anger. A look I had learned to fear.

Multiple things happened at the same time. Two other vampires moved forward to the side of the woman on her knees. Grabbing her by her shoulders and pulling her to her feet. Her face was full of hate as she struggled to stay on her feet and pushed their helping hands away.

Three other vampires, dressed in more luxurious cloaks stepped forward. Standing at the side of the other three. The middle one stepped forward slightly, indicating he was the leader. When he did, he took a long look at me, nodded and made an approving sound.

"Bella, Bella. What are you doing here?"

Surprising me by calling me by my name, I took another step back. It was the last I could make before my back was against the wall.

"My name is Aro, these are my brothers Marcus and Caius." Pointing at each of the men as he introduced them. His smile widened, in a threatening way. Alarming me he knew more, lots and lots more than I did.

"You know who we are, correct?"

Waiting for me to answer he paused. Hesitant to answer, I just nodded in response. Acknowledging his words silently.

"Good, then you know our reputation."

Clapping in his hands, he seemed overjoyed with the fact that no further introductions needed to be made.

Stepping closer to the tiny woman with blond hair, he caressed her cheek for a moment. His gesture was almost childish and at the same time the tiny girl-like woman seemed to enjoy the attention and take pride out of the gesture. Almost like he was rewarding her.

"You seem to have kept some things secret from poor old Carlisle. Such an exciting thing to learn. It has been a while since Jane here came across resistance. Very interesting. Let's see how strong your gift is." Stopping in front of me,I held my breath as he reached forward and brushed the hair from my face.

When he was done I expected him to remove his hand, instead he placed his hand on my cheek. Cupping my face and closing his eyes. His face showed a mix of emotions, each following the other with only fractions of a second. When he finally let go, he opened his eyes.

"Such interesting life you had, even if you only allow for me to see short events in your life. And all the time, your creator has been so worried about your whereabout, asking for help several times in the past century. And now, when I finally find you for him. It appears you are mated to a thief, betrayer and outlaw. Shame for it to come to an end like this."

Turning his back to me, he walked back to the other 2 men. As he did he motioned for the two men who had finally let go of the woman, to move forward. They did, the first rushing forward to Tristan with a vicious look on his face.

As he did, I realised his mistake. Tristan was a smart fighter. I watched him wait for his opponent to come close. Like the predator I knew him to be and hated so much, waiting for a prey to come within striking distance. This was something he had practiced with Kent and Ivan. The moment the man was in front of him, Tristan jumped to his feet and lunged forward. In one swift move, he grabbed his opponents arm, twisted it and ducked underneath it at the same time.

A deafening crack sounded through the room as the arm he was holding in his hands got ripped off. Coming behind the vampire he pushed him forward, sending him forward and smashing into a wall.

At the same time, the other man came closer to me. Remembering Aro's words, I feared he was assigned to kill me. Taking a deep breath, I knew that this was what I had counted on happening. Offering my own life together with the life of a man who had threatened myself and most important my family. But if that was true, if I was truly ready? Then why did standing there, awaiting my faith, feel like giving up. Glancing at the leader of the Volturi I could see his sparkling eyes fixed on the destruction of Tristan.

Aro had been quick to judge, assuming that me and Tristan were mated. Partners and equals in life, but we weren't. In fact, Tristan was my enemy. We had a mutual gain in seeing him dead.

A menacing growled warned me, causing me to look at the giant man approaching me, I felt startled for a moment. His dark curly hair and open face reminded me of Kent. He paused also as I stared into his eyes, they were dark, indicating he had spend some time without fresh blood. Even in the dark room a glimpse of softness shone through the red. Surprising me. I smiled at him and he seemed startled, pausing his swift approach for a moment.

The few second pause was enough. Jumping past him, I managed to get behind Tristan. As I did, I launched myself on his back. With one swift move I placed my left arm around his neck and shoulders, locking his head between my elbow and upper body.

All eyes were on me as I placed my other hand across his head. It felt like I was moving in slow motion as I twisted as hard as I could. The growl erupting from deep down below me, coming from Tristan's body did not stop me.

Instead I tugged harder until I finally felt movement, twisting and pulling without even having to use all my strength. I didn't stop until I fell down on the floor. Clutching his head against my body as I watched his body fall forward in slow motion.

A cold hysterical laughter filled the room and as I slowly sank down to my knees, clutching the head of my own personal nightmare against me chest, I realised the laughter was mine. But I couldn't care or have time to stop and think about why I was laughing because at the same time my laughter was drowned by a furious roar.

Shocked I twisted my upper body to look in that direction. The sight that filled my eyes made me gasp. The vampire that had charged forward to grab me, was coming for me again. This time his eyes were full of anger, his face a cold mask and his movement without hesitation.

Before I could move, his arms were around my neck. Holding my head in a headlock, ready to rip it from my shoulders. With shock I understood, killing Tristan myself, had only angered him more. Now there was nothing left... except for my own death to take place.

Ready I closed my eyes and recalled the soft skin of Edwards warm body. His feverish touch as he had run his hands up and down my body, kissing me on the lips and breathing into my mouth. Smiling at the memory, I allowed myself to drown in it. Almost tasting his tongue on my lips and feeling his vibrant green eyes stare into mine.

Chocolate brown eyes, my human eyes. Perhaps I should have died, long ago with him instead of running away from my crime. Now... centuries later, I was finally found, judged and sentenced. Letting go of Tristans head I heard it fall to the ground with a soft thud and smiled. Ready for what was to come.

A crash sounded, followed by the splintering of wood.

"Nooooh" A high voice echoed through the room, followed by a authoritative male voice. " Stop this misjudgement at once."

Three scents filled the room, two of them vampire and one of them human. I opened my eyes with shock and roared at my attacker to let go of me so I could protect that girl, the girl who finally had given Esmee and Carlisle a family. Why did they bring her here? Did they not understand, I had left with Tristan so they could start over. Have a real family this time without my complications.

Struggling against the hold the large vampire had on me, I tried to use all my strength. It was no use, slowly he tightened his grip and the pain started at both sides of my shoulders. A ripping sharp pain sounded as the muscles in my shoulders and neck were stretched beyond their ability.

Just as I feared the pressure was too much and the Volturi guard would finish his task, Aro's sharp voice sounded through the room.

" Wait."

I sighed with relief as the pressure disappeared and the pain slowly left my body. The arm around my head lowered, resting on my shoulder. I was still begin held, but at least for now there was no direct danger for losing my head.

" Carlisle, what a pleasure to see you again and how wonderful of you to join us at this exact moment."

Aro stood in front of Carlisle and Esme. On Esme's back was Alice, she had her legs wrapped securely around her waist and held on to her shoulders. From her position she could glance over Esme's shoulder safely. As she did, her eyes met mine and I could see the same calm silence in them I had noticed earlier today.

"You've brought your entire family, including a little human, what a touching effort. I have always thought you to be a very hospitable woman." Smiling, Aro stepped closer to Esme and place his hands on her arm, raising her hand to place a kiss on her hand. As he did, she stayed completely still.

Turning back to Carlisle he tilted his head, as if he was thinking about something. " I do wonder, what could have brought you here now at this exact moment and why did you bring your pet?"

I couldn't help but lash out and want to jump forward at the word pet. Why weren't Carlisle and Esme protecting the girl. Instead they stood there, watching the blond haired leader of the Volturi verbally threaten them.

"Stop fighting me." The words were whispered. His voice and accent surprised me, the pronunciation of the word fighting rolled from his mouth in such a distinctive accent. It reminded me very much of the way Kent and Ivan had spoken. "I won't hurt you."

I relaxed my body and in return felt his hands loosen their grip on me. Only embracing me from behind now, in a gentle manner.

Aro continued to stare at both Carlisle and Esme. Almost like having a silent conversation as he held their hands. They stood still, in a very unnerving way. Almost like they were waiting for something to happen.

Finally they relaxed and Aro stepped back. A thoughtful smile on his face. " And you are sure about this?" Looking straight at Mary Alice, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

"And she has consented, without hesitation?"

Esme nodded slowly and Carlisle stepped closer to both women. Placing one arm around the both of them. He stared straight back. " Yes, in a few years... when the time is right."

Aro walked back to the other two men, the duo that had been waiting and watching our every move. For a second they whispered, in a hushed tone, so low that even I couldn't hear it. Turning, I felt how the vampire behind me didn't stop me from moving. Instead he allowed me to get to my feet. Standing behind me with just one hand on my shoulder.

It was silent in the large room, except for the firs time ever, the quiet atmosphere did not bring me calm. Instead I felt restless, on edge and still ready to fight. My captor, or should I say guard seemed to feel my restlessness and tightened his grip on my shoulder. At the same time Aro, Marcus and Caius looked up at me.

Walking to me slowly, Aro grinned. One corner of his mouth lifting into a wicked grin, showing he was very very content with their plans.

"Your family may keep the human, and in return we ask only two things in return. The first request is for you to turn the girl yourself. Completing as you call it in your mind, your family."

Stopping in front of me, he tilted his head to the side. Waiting for me to answer.

His words echoed through my mind. We ask for you to turn her yourself.

I would have to take her life, drink her blood but not drink her dry.

Venom pooled in my mouth as I thought about drinking human blood. It had been a few days now, maybe a week. And the thought of drinking something so pure and intoxicating made me realise, his demand... was impossible.

Stepping back, I bumped into the vampire behind me.

" I..no...I can't" Stuttering I glanced at Carlisle and Esme, seeing the shock on both their faces at hearing Aro's request.

It was silence once more and I felt all attention directed towards me. Strongest of them was Mary Alice. Still clasping onto Esme's shoulders, she had her chin rested on her arm as she stared at me.

In the depth of her eyes was a calm silent and very slowly I noticed the slightest hint of a joy in them. She had no fear, no doubt... only faith it seemed.

Faith in me? The suggestion startled me, no one had trusted me before. Why would a stranger trust me, now?

"Isabella... Isabella. You mistake my offer." Taking back my attention by using my fill name, Aro snapped his fingers in front of me. " I did not give you a choice, or offer negotiation on this matter. You will turn that little human, and if you can not find the strength and decline my offer now..."

Stopping mid sentence, he turned and walked back to the girl he had called Jane. Stroking her hair, he looked at Mary Alice. " If you decline my very generous offer, I will let Jane here test how much pain the human mind can take before it stops working. And allow Emmet to rip of your head."

Mary Alice gasped and at the same time the hand on my shoulder moved back around my neck again. The vampire, Emmet, obviously listened well to his master.

Weighing the options I closed my eyes. Die now, both of us. Or, try and gain control and turn her... take a life to save another, or possibly even two. Sighing, I knew there was no real choice.

"I'll do it. Thank you for your kindness Aro, I'll do what you have asked."

Everyone seemed to relax, except for Jane who pouted and gave me another hateful glare that resulted in a tingling sensation at the back of my head. The arm slipped away and the moment I was free, I rushed forward to Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle wrapped his arms around me as Esme leaned in and placed a kiss on my cheek. As she did, Mary Alice her face was only a few centimetres from mine. Even human and hurt, she seemed like a little doll. Pretty and petite.. soft and fragile.

"Hi Bella."

"Hello Mary Alice." Trying to give her my best, non threatening-smile I returned the greeting.

Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she leaned over Esme's shoulder and gave me her hand. " Call me Alice, just Alice."

Nodding I carefully gave her my hand and let her shake hands with me, afraid to hurt her.

Then I remembered where we were and let go.

"Let's go." Stepping past them, I grabbed Esme's hand instead. She followed me, with Carlisle at her side. As we did, I shot one last glance at Aro. Nodding at him, silently giving another thank you.

Just when we reached the door, a loud clearing of the throat stopped me. The tallest of the two men, Marcus, had stepped forward. We all froze.

" You forgot the second demand." Standing close to Aro, they exchanged a quick look before he continued speaking. " Whilst travelling around with Tristan, you have made a name for yourself. We feel it is best to change sceneries. Perhaps another part of the world, a newer world."

Carlisle nodded, placing one hand on Esme's arm as I felt her softly squeeze mine. Letting me both know, we were in this together.

" A new world, could give you a fresh start. And I think perhaps, to make sure that the arrangement between us is honoured, we should send someone with you." Esme's hand felt heavy in mine as the words filled the room.

"Emmet, you shall go with them and see to it, that if our agreement is not honoured... the girl shall receive the punishment you intended to give her."

For the first time, I took a good look at the vampire who had nearly ripped my head off. Staring at the size of him as he marched forward, joining us at the door. He shot one swift glance in our direction before turning towards Aro, Marcus and Caius. "As you wish."

The words were loud and clear. He opened the door and waited for me to step outside first. Very slowly I passed him, but as I did he placed a hand on my arm. Alarmed I looked up... His face was still without any emotion but his eyes had softened. Again showing me a similarity with Ivan and Kent.

"From this day forward, I will be part of your family."

Nodding I stepped outside, all of my family following me. Wishing that the weight I felt could be taken away. But I knew without a doubt the weight would be there, until the day Mary Alice was turned.

New York 1718

BPOV

"Are you absolutely sure you are ready for this?" Biting my lip, I glanced into my sister's eyes hoping she would hesitate and rethink what she was asking me to do or stop asking me to go on. Nothing like that happened, instead what I could see, was the annoyed spark in them as she rolled her eyes at me.

"Yes, I'm ready. Unlike some people who are turned into a vampire, I've had years to prepare myself for this day." With as much drama as possible she pushed the sleeve from her dress up with one hand while raising her arm in front of me. Shoving the exposed skin right in front of me, under my nose. "Now can you just bite me, please?"

The impatience was typical Alice. And it made me smile and the others in the room laugh softly. Taking a deep breath, I looked at the other 3 vampires for support. All three of them nodded, showing me that they trusted me with this task. Did I trust myself?

"You can do this." Emmet spoke, softening his usually booming voice. The newest addition to our family seemed to sense my self-doubt and gave me an encouraging smile. His confidence gave me strength and also reminded me how and by who I was the one chosen for this task.

The horrible task to turn my bright and lively but very fragile human sister into a vampire.

Grabbing her arm, I pulled her body closer to me. Willingly she moved and sat down on my lap. Her slim legs dangling over the side and her head resting on my shoulder as she snuggled against me closely.

"Are you sure you are ready?" Alice raised one eyebrow as she looked up at me, repeating my own words. " You know all you have to do is bite me, not suck me dry."

I just rolled my eyes at her, nodded and tightened my grip on her arm, raising her wrist to my mouth. The throbbing veins under her skin felt like magic against my lips and for a moment I remembered the times where human blood had been my natural diet.

Pushing that dark memory away I instead looked down into her eyes. The calm, trusting look brought me back and reminded me what I could destroy.

Closing my eyes, I waited for a second. Letting the venom pool in my mouth. Then very slowly I placed my teeth against her arm and bit Alice. Breaking the delicate skin was easy, but the reasons felt worn and inside of me the monster battled with my conscious. Growling I pushed further, sinking my teeth deep into her veins and sucked hard. Drinking greedily.

For a moment my body and mind rejoiced at the sweet scent that caressed my lips. Then the moment was lost, strong hands were placed on my shoulders pulling me back. I growled as I drank more, clasping Alice tighter against my body.

"Bella. Come back to us." The clear calm voice of Carlisle called to me. As he did the hands applied more pressure. Warning me... reminding me. It was enough to make me snap back to reality and know what I was doing.

"Alice" Struggling to say the word, I held my breath and released Alice from my arms. Her limp body slid down from my lap. Away from me as I threw my head back and closed my mouth. Wiping the drops of blood away from my mouth, disgusted at how good they had tasted. A disappointed growl erupted from deep down inside of me as the taste faded away... burning my throat as her beautiful sweet scent caressed my senses.

I lunged forward, trying to collect what I had let go with so much difficulty. As I did, the hands around my shoulders moved, placing one arm around my neck and the other tightened around my head. As they did, I felt my mind spiral out of control and going back. Remembering this exact same position, only a few years earlier. As I stopped struggling against the tight embrace, words were whispered against my skin.

"I'm on your side. Please... stop fighting."

The arms locked around my body tighter as I growled at the words and furiously kicked and clawed at my attacker. My eyes searching for any sign that Alice had survived. I caught a glimpse of her face, then Carlisle blocked my sight and Esme started shouting at Emmet.

"Take her, outside... Now."

I let Emmet take me. All strength in my body seemed to have faded away. Knowing that I had failed in my quest to resist the orders made by the Volturi. In that one glimpse had seen the soft human light, had already faded away.

My beautiful little sister, was dead.