Chapter Thirty One

Jasper

When we arrived in Volterra after the long drive from Pisa International airport the children were exhausted. They had been through so much both emotionally and physically over the past few weeks. Neither Bella nor I wanted them to meet the Volturi brothers until they had a chance to relax and we were ready to argue the case if Aro attempted to press the matter.

Instead, he had arranged suites for everyone and a hot meal was waiting for the children. Maggie was pointing out everything she remembered from her previous visit to her brother but all he was interested in was the food and if the TV had any cartoons in English! It appeared that our son just took everything in his stride, he wasn't intimidated by the huge citadel or overly impressed by his surroundings and I couldn't help smiling when he rolled his eyes as Maggie told him she would look after him while they were here.

Bella and I took a stroll in one of the many courtyards, more to be alone for a few minutes than anything else. The children were happy to splash about in the huge claw-footed bathtub and then watch a Disney movie with Rose and Esme.

Emmett and Carlisle had gone off in search of Edward. I knew that Carlisle was furious with his son but also concerned about his welfare. Especially after I told him what had happened in the forest. I wondered what stance the Volturi would take on his behavior. Sure they had stepped in to ensure he didn't pose a threat to Maggie but would they punish him or would he get off with a stern warning. I wasn't sure that words would be enough to keep my children safe. Edward seemed to have become more unpredictable and potentially dangerous in the past few months.

It suddenly occurred to me that we hadn't heard anything about Angie since leaving the States. Did she know where her husband was? How was she coping with his behavior? I felt sorry for her. Edward was very good at drawing people in, especially women, but once he had them he didn't seem to know how to behave, how to hang on to them. Was Angie really his mate? If so she was in for a rough ride.

"Penny for them."

I looked at Bella and smiled, "They aren't worth it. I was just wondering if Angie knows what's going on and what Aro intends to do with Edward."

"Oh, right. We should ask Aro about Angie, it's not fair to leave her in the dark. As for Edward, if Aro can't get him to pull his horns in then I will. I'm sick of his selfish juvenile behavior and I will stop him from seeing Maggie if it continues. I know it will be hard on her, but better that than risk him doing anything stupid."

"I agree. I just wish we could speak to Aro now without anyone else around. I'm getting a little tired of being at the beck and call of others constantly."

As if waiting for her cue Heidi appeared at the doorway smiling.

"Major, Bella, Aro would like to see you if it's convenient."

Bella glanced at me and grinned, "The walls have ears."

We followed Heidi to Aro's study and I was aware Bella was studying the young woman as we walked.

I grinned, "Now that's a catwalk model's walk."

Bella elbowed me; being a newborn, she never thought to pull her punches. I gasped and clutched my side but kept silent as I felt Heidi's amusement.

Bella looked mortified for a second, "I'm sorry. I should have remembered how strong I am now. Mind, you deserved that."

Heidi turned to glance at Bella, "Good for you, Bella. These men need putting in their place from time to time."

Great, now they were ganging up on me! I was glad Peter wasn't around, he would have a field day with this!

We entered to find Aro sitting behind his desk with Marcus standing at his elbow. He rose and nodded a greeting.

"Thank you for coming so quickly. I understand that perhaps I owe you an apology. My brother here has pointed out that I may have appeared somewhat pushy. My concerns regarding the children and using your help to put right some rather sensitive wrongs may have come across as a little controlling. I had no wish to make it appear that the Volturi were using you or the fate of your children to pressure you into aiding us."

Bella and I exchanged a glance but said nothing and Aro continued.

"My only excuse is that I am apt to use whatever is at hand to deal with problems. As the leader of a world of vampires that is usually the most convenient way. However, you have my apologies, and as a way of recompense, I would like to offer our services to prevent Edward from becoming a problem to you. It will of course aid us as well, we are becoming concerned that perhaps his unfortunate accident has unbalanced him somewhat. I'm sure that you both know him well enough to understand that his recent behavior is out of character."

Bella was about to speak but Aro raised a hand, "We are well aware of his strong opinions on many things and his somewhat selfish attitude but we did think that contact with his daughter might give him food for thought. He did seem to be improving at first but recent events rather negate that. None of us wants young Maggie to be disturbed or frightened by him."

"You can't kill him. Maggie would never recover from that."

Aro looked shocked, "Who mentioned killing anyone? You have a very poor opinion of us, Bella. If we went around killing everyone who annoyed or unsettled us there would be very few vampires left. Such drastic action is only taken when all other avenues have been exhausted."

Bella looked uncomfortable, "I'm sorry. I'm just so new to your world."

Marcus cleared his throat, "Perhaps. Or perhaps someone in the Cullen family painted us as such. I know that Edward is capable of exaggeration."

He was right about that. In fact, I tried to remember when I had first become aware of the Volturi. Maria, of course! Well, she for one didn't like or trust them so was I responsible for her concerns? When I thought about it I wasn't convinced. When I joined the Cullens I heard stories about the Volturi from Carlisle. I think he was the one who distrusted their motives. Whether from his time among them or because he disagreed with their way of life after he left I couldn't tell.

Marcus was watching me as Aro smiled at Bella's words, "Your apology is accepted. We had something less drastic in mind. Marcus suggested that perhaps we should invite Edward and his wife to stay here in Volterra for a while. As a guest, I hasten to add, not a prisoner. We have some very talented people in the citadel, someone who could possibly improve on his present prosthetic arm."

"And his attitude at the same time?"

Aro's smile widened as he nodded in answer to my question, "Yes, that too. I just hope we do not experience any problems with Carlisle as a result."

"I think Carlisle will understand. He was as shocked as anyone when Edward lost it in front of the children."

"I hope you are right, Major. Our old friend is somewhat touchy when it comes to Edward. Still, we will see. On a lighter note, I was hoping you would allow us to throw a party for the children. It seemed to work for Maggie when she first met everyone."

Bella nodded, "You were very gracious then and now. They would love a party."

"Good. Tomorrow afternoon perhaps? I know Athenadora and Sulpicia are eager to meet Charlie and see Maggie again but I will remind them that they are not to spoil the children."

Aro had a faraway look in his eyes for a moment before continuing, "Having children here is a novelty for us as I know you will appreciate. As the centuries go by and one becomes accustomed to the life of a vampire such things as a human life with all its joys and sorrows can be forgotten. My wife was thrilled to be close to a child and not feel the thirst, as was Athenadora. They had their first chance to touch, and to speak with a child in many years. That is a gift you have given them. In return, the Volturi will always be here to help you and your family, Bella, Major."

We left after this and once alone I sighed heavily, "Well, that went better than I expected."

She nodded, smiling at me, "You know, I think we saw a spark of humanity in Aro. He spoke of his wife, and how having Maggie here affected her and Athenadora, but I think he felt something too. Maybe it reminded him that he was human once. Maybe he even had children of his own, he certainly had a family, brothers or sisters. I never thought of that before, that everyone here was human once."

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and hugged her close to me, "You're right of course. I was just thinking "I'm glad he didn't ask me to go kill anyone today."

"Yes, It was getting to be a habit. I'm glad Marcus pointed it out to him. The children will be thrilled at the idea of a party. Do you think Charlie will get along with everyone? Maggie was a natural but he's more reserved."

I burst out laughing, "Reserved? Bella, he ran off with a shapeshifter in order to find his human grandfather. I don't remember Maggie ever doing anything like that."

She shrugged, "I guess so. Let's just hope he doesn't get up to any mischief in the meantime. As for Edward, I suppose he'll be at the party?"

"Well, he is Maggie's father. At least if he's here we don't need to worry about him turning up and snatching her. I just hope Angie agrees to stay. It's a very different way of life from the one she's used to."

We could hear the noise before we reached our suite and when we opened the door we found out why. Rose, Maggie, Esme, Carlisle, Angie, and the supermodel Heidi were moving around laughing at Charlie who was wearing a blindfold and chasing after them. A rather bizarre version of Marco Polo!

Seeing this I didn't think we had any need to worry about Charlie, he had plenty of admirers come babysitters!

As it was almost bedtime we tried to calm the children down but Charlie refused to let anyone leave until they promised to play hide and go seek the next day.

"I like it here, Poppa" he was smiling broadly, "Everyone is such fun. I met someone called Demetree earlier. He's going to show me a great tree to climb out on the mountainside one day."

Maggie rolled her eyes, "You're such a baby, it's Demetri."

"That's what I said, Fire-flea."

Well, that was a new one. I hadn't heard him call her that before and by the look on her face his sister was not amused.

To prevent a fight before bedtime Bella made hot chocolate and found some chocolate cookies in the kitchenette then ordered them onto the couch for one last cartoon DVD.

Afterward we put them to bed and I read a story. A stack of brand new storybooks had appeared in the suite since we arrived and they chose one. So much for not spoiling the kids!

Once they were asleep we slipped next door to speak to Carlisle and Esme only to find everyone was there including, to my surprise, Angie but not Edward.

"Angie was just telling us that she and Edward have been invited to make their home in Volterra for a while."

Angie grimaced, "That's putting it diplomatically, Carlisle. I don't think the Volturi trust Edward to behave so it will be a gilded cage, but a cage nevertheless."

"Where is Edward?"

"He's talking with the brothers and I left them to it. Whatever he decides I'll go along with. What else can I do? Anyhow, it might be a good thing. Edward has become a little overbearing of late. I was wondering what to do about it and now I'll have an opportunity to remind him that I'm his wife, not the hired help!"

Bella grinned at her words, "Good for you. Don't let him walk all over you. It's hard enough that he can read your thoughts without using them against you."

Angie nodded, "I know, I envy you, Bella. But Chelsea told me that there are ways to keep him out if you work at it. She's going to help me. Besides, being in Italy is a little like a dream come true. I always wanted to tour around Europe when I was human and now here I am and it's all free!"

I turned to Carlisle, "How do you feel about it? I know Aro is worried you might object to the idea."

Carlisle sighed but Esme took his hand and answered for him, "As usual. Carlisle worries about dear Edward but as I told my dear husband, he's getting off lightly. If he pulled another stunt like the one in the barn he would quite possibly get himself killed. I'm amazed that Peter held back as it was. And it will give Angie time to work on his less endearing personality traits."

Carlisle was about to object but Esme turned to him, "Carlisle, I love you but you can be blind where Edward is concerned. He will be perfectly safe here. In fact, he might even find that he likes it. Think about it, all the books and artwork and he's close to opera houses and concert venues. What more could he ask for?"

"You're right of course. I just hope he doesn't see it as punishment and react against it."

I grinned, "I don't think you need to worry too much about that, Carlisle. Felix will soon put him in his place. To change the subject, have you heard about the party tomorrow for the children?"

Everyone nodded and Bella spoke up.

"Then please keep an eye on Charlie. Playing Marco Polo in the citadel isn't the best of ideas. We could lose him for weeks!"

That was true, it was vast with lots of great places to hide but I knew my son. There was no way he was going to pass up a party, especially not one thrown in his honor!