Thanks for all the great reviews. So without further ado, the next chapter...

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DISCLAIMER: I do not own twilight of any of the characters created by the brilliant Stephanie Meyer.

Chapter 5

She stood outside the main doors to the dinning hall, her graceful hands clasped tightly in front of her. The time for the meeting had finally arrived. Oh, how she was nervous. She hadn't felt this way since Aro had first brought her to Voltera many years ago. She hated this feeling, this helplessness, but she refused to be beaten by it. She would not run away like a small child shy of new people. She was made of tougher stuff than that. She could do this. She could open her mouth and speak. People did every day, it's normal. There was nothing to be afraid of.

" There is nothing to be afraid of Bella. I will be by your side the entire time. I wont leave you."

Jasper came up behind her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, giving them a slight squeeze and then releasing her. She felt calmer now. She wasn't alone. Jasper was with her. But for how long. How much longer would he be by her side, her comforter, protector, guardian? If the pixie had her way, it would not be for long.

She clenched her hands into fists. She could feel the anger rise from deep within her. Her eyes turned black as she glared, unseeing at the door. Her gaze was so intense it seemed as if one touched her now they would surely drop in agonizing pain. She would have no mercy. Her body was tense, poised for a fight. One thought kept playing in her mind over and over. He was hers. He belonged to her. The girl could not take him from her. Not until she was deemed worthy. She would never let Jasper go to anyone not deserving of him.

"Belllaaa," Jasper groaned, eyes tightly shut, his thumb and forefinger gripped the bridge of his nose . He was in pain. Her emotions, her hate was too intense for him to control. His head pounded with agony.

"Please Bella, calm down I can't stand this feeling."

Her eyes focused with his plea and she turned to him. Her eyes winded and filled with concern. She wrapped him in her arms and held him tightly as his body slowly began to relax.

"I am so sorry Jasper, I don't know what came over me. Please forgive me, I didn't mean to. Are you alright? I'll never forgive myself if..."

"Bella, shhhhh, I'm alright you didn't hurt me. I was just unprepared for such a strong emotion. Are you well, has something happened?"

"No, I was just thinking about something and I became angry, I haven't felt such anger in a long time. I guess I just didn't know how to control the emotions. To be honest I am a bit nervous about this meeting. It's just that I haven't used my real voice in such a long time... I don't know if I can..."

"You will do perfectly my Lady, and if you get stuck I will be by your side the entire night to help you. You are my friend and I will not make you do this alone. Besides it will be good practice for the both of us, we are far too introverted as it is. We need to become more acquainted with the outside world and now is the perfect time."

"Thank you Jasper, I don't know what I will do with out you," she smiled at him, taking his hands into her own.

"Without me? What do you mean my Lady?" He had never seen her like this. He knew she was sad, she always was a little forlorn, but this was different, deeper.

"It is nothing Jasper, are you ready to officially meet them? I believe they are quite anxious to make our acquaintance. It shall be a very interesting evening."

"I am ready, but are we not to wait for Aro?"

"No, he is already waiting for us inside. He came earlier to talk with Carlisle, to reminisce on old times."

"Then shall we go," he asked extending his hand to her, a small smile on his lips.

She returned the smile, taking his hand. "Lead the way."

Jasper opened the door and together they stepped inside the room.

They were all gathered around the long table on the far left of the room. It was more a ballroom than a dinning room. It was arranged so that a large portion of the marble floor was left open for dancing and on the far right was a raised platform with a grand piano and various other instruments set upon it. Because they didn't actually eat food, the hall was often used for meetings and parties as was the Royal Families custom.

There were six of them. Each paired off together. The first couple was clearly the head of the family.

The man was of average height with a compassionate face that radiated an authority over the others. His mate, holding onto his hand in a sign of connection and unity, was of medium stature, with delicate features and a kind, gentle expression on her lovely face.

The other couple were truly a sight to see. They looked like loves that had fallen out of a passionate love story. The woman had a beautiful figure, long blond hair, and legs that went on for days, she was the replica of every man's fantasy. Her partner matched her perfectly. He was big. That was the first thing that popped into mind. He was a giant and every inch of him was covered in muscle. But there was kindness in his smile and around his eyes. He had his arm wrapped around the beauty and when his eyes locked on Jasper he pulled her slightly into him in a gesture that said "she is mine."

The last two stood closely to each other, but didn't touch. It was the black haired pixie and him. He was a remarkable figure, a commanding presence. He was tall and lean with a hint of muscle that made one think he was stronger, much stronger than he appeared. His hair was a deep copper, in some lights it looked a dark brown, but the red was there. His face was beautiful and sad, so very sad. There was a haunting in his eyes, his face expressionless.

But the one characteristic that truly drew her attention was their eyes. Each member of the coven had bright golden eyes. Not the Murky god that Jasper had, but clear and distinct and beautiful. Eyes that someone like herself could only dream of having. She wasn't sure, and neither was Aro for that matter, why her eyes were violet. It was such an odd color. Not human and not vampire.

She was such an oddity. Different. In the human world that can be construed as a good thing. Everyone wants to be unique. To be special. But oddly enough those that are truly special always want to be ordinary, to be just like everyone else. In the vampire world uniqueness is a power, something to be used against others of their kind. To defend or to attack. A weapon, a gift, a curse. One more reminder that they are no longer human, no longer breathing, no longer (technically) alive.

He was looking at her. She could feel his eyes on him, an intense gaze. But she knew his face would be expressionless. And she wanted to see it. They were so quiet, all of them staring at her, not saying a thing. She could feel their thoughts, their emotions. Ranging from simple curiosity to a fierce jealousy. It was the blond who was jealous, apparently she wasn't used to not being the center of attention. Vain.

And then she felt him, his emotions. She could see them in her mind like a picture. He was confused, angry, and a little frightened. Of what she did not know, but his feeling drew her gaze to him. Violet eyes met golden ones and held. Their eyes were locked together, neither one wanting to turn away. She could feel the tension in the room rise and become laced with desire. She had never felt this way before. In all the years of her existence, she had never felt this need. It was so strong she wanted to reach out her hand and touch him, just to make sure he was real.

"Well my old friend, this is the young lady I was telling you about. The one that wished to meet you and your family," Aro stated, breaking the spell she was under, causing her to quickly turn her head away from the man and tilt her head slightly down in a small sign of embarrassment. If she could she would have been blushing.

"My dear, why don't you introduce yourself, this is the man you wanted to meet, Dr. Carisle Cullen" Aro hinted to her that it was time for her to speak.

Last moments of doubt flickered through her mind at the thought of having to speak. Could she really do this? She could feel her panic rising as all the Cullen's stared at her. And then she felt Jasper's hand upon her shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze of encouragement. She looked at him with a gentle eyes and a small smile on her lips. She turned her gaze back to the Cullen's, broadened her smile and in a clear, melodious voice she said...

"Welcome back to Voltera Dr. Cullen, I am very pleased to meet you. You may call me Bella."