Wow! This chapter has been a monster for me. Any mistakes I'm blaming on my fabulous cold meds. They work great, but keep my brain slightly muddled. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 4
BPOV
I never liked the idea of dressing up for social events like homecoming or prom, while I was in high school. It seemed silly, like playing princess for the evening - merely pretending to be someone special. The one time I was conned into participating, I felt like an absolute imposter. Tonight however, wearing this remarkably fine gown, I felt like I could actually be a fine lady. Marcus had not guilted me into dressing this way. He merely pointed out that it needed to be done, to help cement my place in their coven. I have been treated respectfully by these vampires, not like a silly human - incapable of higher brain function, and it has made all the difference in the world.
Jane's exit from my room left the door standing wide, and I saw Caius - really saw him. In the cave all that registered was that he was frighteningly torn apart and did not appear to be improving. Only the need help him stayed in the forefront of my mind. His features hardly mattered. In the hospital I was honestly astonished to wake up at all. He could have killed me easily, but instead, had me cared for. The next surprise came when I realized a king was inviting me to his home. Yes, I knew who he was, and I guessed, correctly, they were going to want information, before my use came to its end.
Tonight he is dressed in a finely tailored raven-black suit that contrasts sharply with his skin - now clear of lacerations - and his smooth pale hair. His shirt and tie are also black, and though I have heard descriptions of men wearing all black before, I had no idea the effect could be so incredibly impressive. His figure, standing tall and powerfully lean in the doorway, suddenly reminded me that here stood - not just a vampire king, but a remarkably handsome man, who was inexplicably still standing stationary, staring back at me. Caius' somewhat dumbfounded reaction was extremely flattering. I felt my cheeks heat, and tried to put these thoughts aside. They would surely do me no good.
Traitorous emotions burned furiously in my chest - hope, excitement, and gratitude - when his hands first formed awkward words and letters during his sign language debut. He could have simply spoken the words, yes. Both complimenting me and showing the effort he had expended in such a short time however - was truly and deeply moving.
I will not fall for another vampire.
I will not fall for another vampire.
If this has to become my personal go-to mantra then so be it. Once was enough to show me that I don't fit into this world long term.
On this handsome and surprisingly thoughtful king's arm, I am led to a small, stone walled, room. It is surprisingly empty. Before I can ask, Caius leans down to speak lowly in my ear. "We are situated directly behind the thrones. Aro will have heard the door we just closed, and should announce you shortly. Do not fear, this will not take long, and you may remain beside me, if that is your wish."
Yes, that sounds fantastic. Clinging tightly to his arm will be far less obvious than nervously wringing my hands in front of - who knows how many - vampires. I nod once firmly to accept his proposition.
Not even a minute later, Caius hears what he was waiting for. He opened the throne room door and slowly led me through. Once inside, I heard the end of Aro's introduction. "...guest Miss Isabella Swan."
I had never before been in a room with so many people, that was still completely silent. It was unnerving to day the least. The only audible breath drawn was my own and the only other sound was the gentle swish of my skirt as we made our way around to the front of the three imposing thrones.
I unconsciously squeezed Caius' arm with my left hand, and he responded by pulling his arm in closer, gently squeezing my forearm to his side. At last we made it to the front of Caius' own throne. We remained facing the other two kings, while Aro brought forth the beautiful woman standing to his right. "My dear Isabella," he began dramatically, which I understand from Jane is the norm for him, "may I present to you, my lovely wife Sulpicia."
She is a tall, finely featured woman with an oval face, framed by deep, brown, shoulder length hair, curled into gentle waves. To be honest, she looked bored with the proceedings, but greeted me with a kind smile and a "Welcome Isabella" before retiring to her previous position.
"Now, the guard will come forth for presentation." Aro commanded. One by one, they approached me and offered a short, polite bow, as they were named.
First came Jane - who flashed me a cheeky grin, followed by Alec. Next he called Felix, Demitri, Heidi and Chelsea. Goodness, I need a list to memorize! The last names I registered were Afton, Corin, Renata, and Santiago. There were at least fifteen others, possibly closer to twenty, but I could not remember any more of the unfamiliar names.
"As you are all aware," Aro continued once all the vampires had returned to their places, Miss Isabella is a guest of your kings and as such, will be treated respectfully at all times. Her needs will be seen to immediately, much as you would heed myself or my brothers. No deviation from your kings wishes, on this matter, will be tolerated. You are dismissed."
Wow, talk about short and sweet. Once all the guard had departed, I signed to Caius. 'Will they not resent being ordered to play nice with the human?'
A wry smile broke out on his face, and he started to reply, just as Aro, having seen the interaction exclaimed, "Brother! You understand that form of communication?"
Aro's red eyes were bright with an almost manic excitement. His hands he held pressed together, the tips of his pointer fingers barely grazing his lower lip. He really is easy to get wound up - any new thing, and he's like a kid in a candy shop.
"I studied from mid-morning-on, today." Caius replied. "It was enough to get a grasp of the concept. Some of her signs are too complex for me currently, but I understood her to be inquiring of the guards' probable feelings about your proclamation this evening."
Surprisingly, it was Sulpicia who answered first. "Be not concerned, Isabella. We have only the most loyal involved, so closely, in our lives. They trust and respect their kings implicitly. The desires of their kings quickly become the desires of their own hearts."
CPOV
Marcus stepped forward, speaking softly. "You look truly lovely this evening, Isabella. Have you enjoyed your first day in the castle?" As she responded, I spoke her words aloud. "I have. Thank you. You all have been most gracious in your hospitality. Who may I thank for the large delivery of clothing and other items, to my room earlier today?"
"Bella, Bella, Isabella," Aro crooned indulgently, and I noticed her slight flinch as he began to speak. "We would not have your stay suffer from lack of provisions! It is a privilege we all share - to see you with all you require," he finished soberly, "as we would any friend."
Looking down upon her face, I saw moisture glistening in her eyes and decided to change the subject. She obviously needed to regain her composure after Aro's, uncharacteristically heartfelt, statement.
"Speaking of requirements, is it not time for your evening meal?" The look she gave me left me with no doubt that she knew exactly what I was doing, and appreciated it anyway. 'I could eat.' She told me.
"Brothers, if you will excuse us, Isabella and I will seek out her dinner and rejoin you afterward."
They called out their affirmations, as I escorted her to the small kitchen.
BPOV
After eating a bowl of thick, piping-hot stew, Caius and I agreed that now was as good a time as any to share my vampire history with the brothers.
Due to the hour, we met in my room, utilizing the cozy furniture grouping in front of my fireplace.
Aro and Marcus each took a chair while Caius seated himself on the sofa with me. He angled his body so that he had a clear view of my hands, laying his right arm upon the back of the couch.
"In the past, you have been called by the nickname Bella, have you not?"
Caius asked without preamble.
As always, hearing that name sent a painful jolt through my heart. 'How did you know?' I asked him, not bothering to confirm or deny anything, he obviously already knew.
"You have been, for the most part, calm and content in our presence." He spoke matter-of-factly.
"Two times however, I have witnessed an odd reaction. The first time, Aro referred to you and your name being beautiful. I was confused why such a compliment might make you sad."
"Then tonight, I observed you stiffen momentarily, when Aro once more used the word Bella. I concluded that it was not the italian word for beautiful that bothered you so, but perhaps an old nickname for Isabella."
My eyes widened slightly in surprise. his observational skills are astounding. 'Yes,' I locked my gaze with his intense, questioning, red eyes. 'I was.'
'All my life I was known as Bella,' I continued, swallowing a lump that had formed in my throat. 'Until no one that knew me by that name remained in my life.'
I'm thankful for Caius' voice relaying my words. I can tell already, my shaking hands would not have been able to write legibly for long.
'As I told you before, I dated a vampire. When I first met him, he appeared to hate me, glaring darkly at me before he finally left in a hurry. I saw nothing of him for a full week afterward.'
'He came back to the area, but avoided my company for months. One icy day, I was almost crushed by a van, skidding across the parking lot. Just after I heard the squealing tires, I looked up and saw him, standing across the parking lot.'
'I remember thinking his face was the last I would see before I died.'
Aro, getting high on the drama of the situation, was now sitting on the edge of his seat, his hands gripping the arms.
'Instead, faster than I could follow, he was there.'
'His hand stopped the van while his other arm prevented most of my impact with the concrete parking lot. I still hit my head, but compared to losing my life, it was nothing. I had no idea why he'd saved me. Immediately after, he seemed to dislike me as much, if not more, than before. I knew what he had done was not normal, but I kept my mouth shut about what really happened.'
'Gradually, he started making small talk with me and after a few minor disagreements we decided to be tentative friends.'
'While shopping in a small nearby city, I got lost in a bad part of town. Four men began perusing me, clearly stating their intentions. Before I knew it, I was cornered. They continued closing in, and there was nothing I could do to get away.'
All three vampires were now growling lowly. Caius was having a difficult time speaking clearly to his brothers because of the angry rattling of his chest.
'My sometimes-friend saved me again. He showed up in the knick of time to whisk me away from danger.'
The kings calmed considerably after gaining knowledge of my rescue.
'By this point, unknown to him, I had discovered his deep dark secret.'
'The more time I had spent with him, the more I had noticed - no interest in food, extremely pale, perfect skin, incredible strength, eyes that varied in color, and skin that was always cool to the touch.'
'Back then, I had a friend of tribal upbringing, who liked to try and scare me with ghost stories and spooky legends. During one of his stories, all the pieces just snapped together.'
'My two-time savior was a vampire.'
'Said vampire was not happy when I told him what I knew - that I didn't care. It didn't matter to me what he was. He didn't have to save me from either situation, but he did.'
'We began our relationship. I fell hard. He was my first everything - boyfriend, kiss, dance, love.' Even without speaking the words, I felt like I was choking from them. I drew in a shuddering breath.
'This bite,' - I motioned to the bite on my wrist - 'came from a nomad, James. He found it interesting that I was in the company of a vampire who did not intend to eat me, and had not turned me.'
'James decided to hunt me for sport. He drew me out of hiding by telling me he had my mother - that he would trade her life for mine.'
'Not willing to dismiss his claims and potentially sacrifice my mother, I slipped away to meet him.'
'After tossing me around like a rag doll, using my body to smash most of the mirrors in the ballet studio we occupied, and breaking my leg, he bit me.'
'In a way I was relieved. To stay with my boyfriend, I would have eventually had to change anyway.'
I took a moment to wipe a stray tear away. I realized, right then in the ballet studio, that - at that point - Edward didn't love me enough to want me forever. It was a painful realization, and the only thing that kept my heart from breaking, was the hope that I could change his mind in time.
'Before the change could really begin, my boyfriend sucked the venom out. He had already located us and killed James. I begged him to just let it happen...but he wouldn't.'
More tears were falling now and I was too tired to stop them. Marcus suggested that we break for the night and continue in the morning. They all rose silently, leaving the room with not another word spoken.
CPOV
"Caius, stop."
Those two calm, authoritative words reached me through the haze that had been clouding my mind. As I came back to myself, I noticed that I had Aro by the throat. Both of our suits were hanging in shreds from our bodies, and I had healing injuries on my face, chest and left leg.
"I apologize brother," I breathed as I released him, "I do not know what came over me."
"Oh, I know very well what came over you, for some-what of the same happened to me, and as we were both in need of an outlet..."
The asinine smile on Aro's face told me that he assumed he'd be quickly forgiven for purposely provoking me. In truth, I did feel somewhat better, but not fully.
"How much of an idiot would one have to be, to stop a change like that?" I roared, unable to hold back any longer.
"He could have killed her, and for what? To prevent her becoming immortal? That is the best thing that could have happened to her!"
"He did save her from the van and those goons, brother, or have you forgotten?" Marcus supplied, unhelpfully in my opinion.
"It makes no difference!" I snapped.
"He undid any good he may have done, by not letting her change! He hurt her deeply with his actions! You saw her!"
"Yes." They both agreed somberly.
"I need some air. Excuse me brothers."
I had not fully admitted it to myself, but the part that currently unsettled me the most, was wondering if her tears were caused by remembrance of past pain - or current longing for the vampire from her past.
An emotion, previously unfamiliar to me, began to take hold in the back of my mind - jealousy.
BPOV
I looked out over a clear blue lake, my bare feet planted in the fine white sand that made up the shore. Gentle waves lapped at my toes.
Suddenly the water began to churn and a voice reached my ears. "This is your fault."
My fathers face became visible through the, now angrily rolling, water. I tried to turn away. No matter how fast my feet moved through the sand, I made no progress.
The water began to turn red. It stained my toes, then my feet in their fruitless struggle to leave the horror behind me. The red climbed higher and higher, beginning to creep up my legs now, as my fathers voice repeated, "Your fault, all your fault."
Just before I gave up, allowing my body to be devoured by this bloody judgement, a blinding white light obscured my vision. Though I couldn't see, through the clean bright light, a different voice called to me.
"Come Isabella. I will free you."
I reached desperately in the direction of the voice and when I finally gripped the strong hand extended to save me, my nightmare melted away, and I felt peace.
CPOV
Just past dawn the next morning, I heard a knock on my door. Of course her heartbeat gave her away, but it pleased me immensely that she would seek me out on her own.
I opened the door to find her looking well rested - dressed in dark jeans, ankle height boots, and a very becoming plum sweater which highlighted that tiny ring of green in her lovely brown eyes.
"Good Morning milady," I greeted, offering her a sweeping bow. "I trust you slept well?"
'For the most part, thank you.' She replied with just a hint of rosiness rising in her cheeks.
"You start your day early. Are you so eager to spend your day with a demon?"
She quirked an eyebrow and considered me carefully before answering.
'A demon you may be, but you are not evil.'
Unable to stop myself from responding to such a challenge, I stalked toward her slowly.
"So sure of that are you?" I spoke, holding my mouth barely a hair's width from her pulsing throat.
"Angels such as yourself do not always recognize the danger before they dance with the demon." I whispered, circling her petite frame.
I felt my eyes darken as she held her ground, not a trace of fear to be found. She took in my now-black eyes, for though I'd only been toying with her, the predator does love to come out and play.
'I've already cut my wrist for you, what else do you require, to be certain that I see you for who - and what - you are?' Her smile belied the seriousness of her words.
"You wound me!" I cried, placing a hand upon my unbeating heart.
"Of course I could require nothing more than the most generous gift of your life's blood." Gently lifting her right hand with my own, I looked upon the healing cut there.
"Except perhaps, another taste." I teased her with a smirk.
Her face flushed a deep red, and I had to bite back a growl when I heard footsteps approaching from just down the corridor, cutting short the time I had with her all to myself.
"Master Cauis, Miss Isabella." Jane greeted as she drew closer. "I came to inform Isabella that her breakfast has been prepared."
"Very well, if it is agreeable to you, Miss Swan, we will continue last nights discussion in the solarium, once you have broken your fast. Jane can show you the way."
Her color had now returned to its normal shade, and she quickly accepted my plans before practically running off with Jane.
BPOV
"You mentioned a friend saw us when we dealt with the newborns in Washington?" Jane asked, as I speared a piece of fruit with my fork.
Breakfast this morning consisted of a large, apple farro muffin, a cup of yogurt and fresh mixed fruit. She immediately produced a notebook and waited impatiently for my reply.
'Yes...'
She huffed at my response before continuing her mini-interrogation.
"After further consideration, I do not see how that is possible. There were no humans and no other vampires left in the area when we were finished."
'Well, that's simple Jane. He's a wolf.'
Upon reading my words, she began pacing the room, her form coming close to being nothing but a black and blonde blur.
"A werewolf!" She spluttered. "You cannot befriend a werewolf! They are horrible beasts! Does master Caius know there are werewolves in North America? They should be extinct in that area. He will want to see to this immediately!"
I had to grab at her sleeve, as she started past me, to show her the words I had written in large bold letters, plus underlined three times during her rant.
'NO! A SHAPESHIFTER!'
That stopped her dead in her tracks.
She plopped back down into her abandoned chair and with her head cocked to one side, a truly puzzled expression on her face, she blurted.
"A what?"
CPOV
My brothers and I were already in the solarium when Isabella arrived with Jane. I enjoyed seeing the wonder on her lovely face, as she took in the large circular room, with walls and ceiling made of glass.
A beam of sunlight fell upon the gashes that marred her pale throat. I was impatiently biding my time, waiting for their cause to be disclosed. If they were made by any living being - be it human or creature - their life would be forfeit. At least she no longer felt the need to hide them from us.
Her gaze lowered to the grey stone floor, swept over the various planters full of lush local greenery - at full bloom despite the cooler temperatures outside - and finally landed on the stone benches along the outer wall, where Aro, Marcus and I awaited her.
After thanking Jane, she took an open seat next to Marcus, which caused me inner turmoil, yet again. I wanted her nearer to me, but had no reason to presume to keep her to myself. I suppose the seating was fortuitous, as it gave me a better view to translate, however that hardly consoled this new, unfamiliar selfishness festering inside me.
BPOV
The kings greeted me kindly, as always. Marcus even asked if I was sure I felt up to continuing my story today. I reached over and squeezed his cool hand briefly - obviously surprising to him - but which brought about a slight warming of his expression, which was an improvement to his normally dour demeanor. I steeled myself, plastering a fake smile on my face to assure them of my willingness to share once more, and began.
'So, my vampire sucked the venom out. He later told me that it wasn't because he didn't love me.' A small, bitter snort escaped me at the thought. 'It was because he didn't want to damn my soul.'
I looked up, to see Caius rolling his eyes in apparent exasperation. I completely understood that sentiment. So many times Edward and I had argued that point, and every time he had refused to consider the situation from my point of view. He treated me like a child - incapable of making important life decisions.
'Our relationship was strained from there on out. I was constantly questioning whether I was good enough for him.'
No matter what he said, I couldn't help but feel, that if he loved me as much as he said, he would want me changed.
'He seemed to constantly be looking for a reason to leave.'
My heart began to ache, remembering begging and pleading with him, not to leave me. The damage already forming within my mind and heart at the thought, that he could be gone at any moment, and there was nothing I could do - weak pathetic human that I am - to stop him.
'He finally got his chance, after the spectacular failure of my unwanted 18th birthday party.'
"Unwanted?" Asked Aro, confusion showing plainly on his expressive face.
'Yes, my birthday has never been an important occasion to me, just another day of the year. But his family, especially his sister wanted to throw one for me.'
The moment Caius translated the word family, all three kings stiffened, and exchanged an enigmatic glance. They did not speak, so I continued on.
'I cut myself on an envelope. One of his brothers lunged for me. He was stopped, but not before my boyfriend panicked and shoved me back. I tripped, smashing into a table of glass plates, slicing my arm on the newly broken glass.'
'With the smell of my free-flowing blood permeating the room, most of the family had to leave the house. I was mortified and angry at the same time. If they had just respected my wishes for once, none of it would have happened.'
'A few days later, he asked me to walk with him in the woods. He told me that he and his family were leaving.'
'I thought he meant for me to come too.' A small silent sob escaped me, the memory is still fresh, even three years later.
'His face was cold and his eyes were hard, when he told me that he was tired of trying to be something he was not. He didn't want to continue playing human. I wasn't good for him and never would be. He tore my heart in half and left me alone in the forest.'
Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I let them fall.
"Isabella, I realize this is hard for you," Marcus spoke gently, as he placed a supportive hand on my shoulder. "However, we must know. What is the name of this family of vampires?"
I raised my hands to answer, reluctant to share the name of my, one time, surrogate family. I didn't want to bring them any trouble, even though they'd literally left me to die.
I think I might need to reconsider my relationship with my moral code.
My hands began to form the letters just as I heard Jane approach and apologize to the kings.
"I'm sorry masters, your guests are a bit early."
I turned my head in the direction of the newcomers and froze. There looking back at me, sparking a very familiar pain, were the golden eyes I'd only ever seen in one group of vampires,
the Cullens.
CPOV
My brothers and I shared a look when Isabella mentioned this mystery vampire belonging to a family. There are a very limited number of vampires that refer to themselves as a family, instead of a coven. I knew the likely answer before she began to form the word. If I'm correct, it will devastate Aro.
Her hand had just formed a 'C' when Jane entered, with none other than Carlisle Cullen.
Isabella's reaction was all the confirmation I needed. She looked as if she had been physically struck. Her breath came out in a whoosh, her heart stuttered dramatically, and her already pale complexion paled even farther.
Suddenly, a debilitating pain seemed to sweep the room. My brothers and I each clasped a hand to our chests.
The pain was agonizing - like a white hot brand searing through my heart - burning mercilessly. I looked to Jane. Had her powers escalated? No, she is afflicted as well.
As quickly as it began, the pain was snapped away. I took a few breaths to steady myself before shouting.
"What the hell WAS that?"
The tall, scarred vampire alongside Carlisle stepped forward. "I apologize. I have the ability to feel and project emotions. I was overwhelmed for a moment."
"Overwhelmed by what?" I demanded, still not understanding the attack he unleashed upon us.
"Bella's feelings when she spotted..."
He was still speaking, but I heard no more, for there it was, further confirmation of my suspicions. He had called her Bella.
I looked to her to find a panicked Marcus kneeling in front of her, his hands on her cheeks. But she didn't appear to see him. Her eyes were lifeless and she looked to be nothing more than an animated corpse sitting upon a stone bench. There was none of the strength and vitality we had come to know, from this slip of a girl.
Carlisle, having recovered from the obvious shock of seeing her, in Volterra no less, stepped forward and tried to address her.
"Bella, are you..."
A low growl met his approach.
Astonishing us, who knew him so well, Marcus swept Isabella up. He then cradled her gently, his rumbling warning never ceasing, and immediately exited the solarium - leaving five shocked and speechless vampires in his wake.