******IMPORTANT***** In my haste to get Chapter 12 up last night, I choose the incomplete chapter. I removed that one, and this is the complete version of Chapter 12. I'm sorry for those that have already read the chapter. I've made a notation of ***** where the first version left off, so that you don't have to reread the entire chapter. So Sorry!!!
The return trip back to Volterra was pretty much painless. Though, I was disappointed that I didn't have a dream. No matter how many different times or ways I tried to relax, nothing came to me. I finally gave up somewhere over India, and opened my eyes. I remembered then that I had wanted to talk to Eleazar about these dreams but stupid Edward interrupted my plans. Maybe I'd make a special trip out to Alaska when I was sure the Cullen's were gone. Or maybe a simple phone call would suffice. One thing I was sure of, until I knew more about what my dreams meant, I couldn't tell anyone.
I climbed in the passenger seat as Jane picked us up yet again from the strip, and I was slightly surprised that she seemed more pleasant at my presence than usual. I guess in my absence she grew fonder of me? "How was everything?" She asked. I opened my mouth to speak, but Felix decided it was his turn to speak up.
"Everything was fine, until Bella went psychotic on her boyfriend." Jane looked at me puzzled and intrigued. At least she was trying to make an effort, the least I could do was try as well.
"Felix, I did not go psycho. I was doing my job, and the Cullen's interfered with a visit of their own. Edward happened to hear the entire conversation that was between Eleazar and I, and pieced everything together. He knows I'm here." I closed my eyes, remembering the stunned and hurt look on his face when he first saw me. I wouldn't have been surprised if my face mirrored his. I know for me, I was reliving every moment that we shared, though I struggled with my memories a bit since I was human for every one of them.
As soon as Jane pulled into the garage, I ran out of the car, not even waiting for her to park it. I was beyond the pleasantries and barged into the antechamber. I didn't see Aro there, but Marcus and Caius were talking amongst themselves.
"Ahhh, Bella. You've returned! Such pleasant news. How was your trip?" Caius inquired. I looked over to Marcus who was forever bored with everything.
"It went well. The subject was in place as directed." I informed him. I wanted to wait for Aro so I can debrief everyone at once. I hate repeating myself.
"And there were no problems?" Marcus spoke up. I'd almost forgotten what his voice sounded like since he so rarely spoke to anyone but to Caius and Aro.
"One. Edward knows I'm here. The Cullen's were visiting the Denali's, everyone saw me." I looked around, and still Aro had not shown up. "Excuse me, I would like to speak to Aro on the matter as well. I want to know what to do. Is he around?"
"Bella, I'm afraid you've just missed him. He went up to the tower, but should return shortly." Marcus said. However, I didn't miss Caius cutting his milky red eyes in Marcus' direction. I guess Marcus had said too much, only I didn't know what.
The thought of the tower sent a shudder through my body. There were plenty of rumors as to what happened up there. Plenty of the vampires believed that Aro was sadistic enough to carry on acts of torture. Some thought he used that as an additional library, holding some of his valuable collections. Despite the tender side of my father that I knew, I tended to believe in the former. I was perfectly fine waiting in the antechamber, though I didn't need to wait long.
Aro came gliding into the great hall from the staircase, seemingly not touching the floor. His hood was down and Renata was of course right behind him, shielding him no doubt. "Ahhh, Bella, Bella. My daughter has returned. I trust everything went well?"
'No. Edward was there.' I thought to him. 'He knows I'm here with you.'
"Hmm. I had a feeling that might happen. That is of no consequence on your part, however dear." I looked at him in disbelief.
'You knew?' This was the first time that I believed that this was a set-up. Marcus and Caius turned their eyes watching the one-sided exchange like a tennis ball. 'You knew, and yet you didn't say anything?' I was irritated by the sudden growl that escaped my lips.
"I knew it was a possibility. I simply wanted to know, my Bella, if your Laurent was following his order. I only sent you because you're the one that gave him a second chance." Aro's face held onto a smile that I no longer trusted.
"You should have left me Corin." I spoke aloud. I was getting tired of being in his mind.
"My dear, would it have made a difference?" His question only stumped me for a second.
"Edward wouldn't have known it was me. I could have been disguised as just another Volturi member. And now, they will be coming here." I was screaming now. When I used to be human and I was mad, I used to cry. I remember finding that trait rather embarrassing. Now that I was mad, there were no tears that would fall.
"They are most welcome. Carlisle is due for a visit anyway."
"But Aro-"
"Enough! Bella. This matter is closed." Aro screamed. It was the first time that he had ever yelled at me.
I bowed my head in humility and excused myself. I ran to my room and relaxed myself with a long shower. I hated going into the closet because it reminded me too much of Alice. I wasn't in the mood to hunt, but I didn't want to be in the compound much longer either, so I decided a walk through the city would be nice. After all, I've been living in Volterra for several months now, and I've yet to explore the city.
It was nighttime so there were no extra precautions for me to take to limit the risk of exposure. I strolled out and I immediately was taken aback by the beautiful scenery.
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I jumped to the top of some houses a few miles outside the ancient town and looked back. I could make out the outlines of the fortress that I now claimed home, and the lights that lit up throughout it and all of the surrounding buildings were absolutely breathtaking. The sky looked like a deep shade of purple in the backdrop, thanks to the spotlights strategically placed in the city. And despite the city lights, I could still see all of the stars in the sky through the murky overcast that lay above Volterra.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" I heard Demetri's voice come up behind me. I really wasn't in the mood to deal with his flirtations tonight so I just kept my eyes on the city. He sat down beside me and let his arm linger around my shoulders.
I looked at his hand on my left shoulder with disgust. "We're not 'pretending' for anyone now, your arm doesn't need to be there anymore." It was rather rude but at this point I no longer cared.
"Oh sorry." He grumbled. "I was just thinking that since you were over Edward, maybe you and me could-" 'What makes you think I'm over Edward?' I interrupted. "I just figured with the way you drew your sword at him that you let go.
I let out a drawn out sigh. How on earth could that have been the logical conclusion that he came up with. 'No Demetri. I'm very much in love with Edward.' "But-" he tried to say but I stopped him before he even got started. 'Let me finish. From the moment I saw him, I loved him. He may have hurt me, but I still love him. It just hurts to acknowledge. Whether Edward and I are together or not, I'll love no one else but him. You and I can be friends. I'm sorry but that's it.'
I looked into his eyes and I could see him understanding the words. But I knew until he felt the love that I once shared with Edward, he wouldn't truly know what it meant to have a lost love. In the distance, we heard the clanging of the bell, signaling the guard needed to convene. He helped me up from my perch and we ran back to the castle. We took the sewer entrance since it was closer and we weaved through the tunnel system that was set up throughout the city.
"Oh my God! Where have you two been?" Jane said as I slammed into her. Both me and Demetri looked at her puzzled. Jane rolled her eyes and continued. "Aro has been calling you." I checked my pocket and remembered I left my cell phone in my room.
"So what's going on?" I looked at Jane as we walked towards Gianna. She always kept spare robes in the closet by her desk and she handed one to me and Demetri. I was somewhat warming up to her, despite the fact that she was jealous that I was changed into a vampire before her. I looked around the reception area and there weren't any visitors there.
"Aro hasn't said." Jane mentioned casually. Whatever it was she wasn't worried, but that didn't necessarily mean that I didn't need to be.
We entered the great room, but in an instant I noticed that this wasn't a formal meeting. Aro, Marcus, and Caius were standing in the middle of the room, the other guard members were standing behind them in a semi-circle.
A smile crept over Aro's face. "We're about to have a visitor, or two. Corin is on her way to the airport to await for their arrival." I didn't need to read between the lines. I knew who was coming. The only ones that I knew I was alive were the Cullen's, and if at least one was coming, that meant Edward was that one.
"How long do we have?" Demetri asked. I looked into Aro's eyes awaiting for the answer.
"One hour." I started to make my way out of the room.
"Bella please don't go far. I'd like you here of course for the arrival." Aro called out to me.
Without turning my head, "Of course," I whispered knowing that everyone would hear me.
I entered my room and closed the door. I ran to my weapons closet and took out my sword. Holding it in my hands only reminded me of my last encounter with Edward. Had I really drawn my sword at the one I used to love? What did it matter, my heart was broken in ways that there was no easy repair.
I looked at the clock and there was still a forty-five minute wait before someone arrived. I laid on the bed and snuggled under the covers, letting a pillow cover my eyes. Feeling like a bug snug in a rug, I closed my eyes. My dream came almost instantly and was over just as fast as it came. I sat up with a jolt. I panicked for my phone and started dialing the numbers that stayed in my memory. I was about to hit 'SEND' when a thought came to me. This wasn't my phone, it was the Volturi's.
I sat the phone down, and concentrated. 'Edward. Listen to me…'