Note: Bella was upset last chapter, but to those who have expressed concern - fear not! She will not be moping around for large amounts of time, feeling sorry for herself.
Her pain is a culmination of memories/feelings - ranging from the breakup with Edward, missing the Cullens, AND the events following their departure - plus dealing with long term loneliness.
As always, those who left reviews are fantastic and incredibly inspiring! Just look at the size of this chapter! Thank you for your time!
To me, this felt like the chapter that wouldn't end! There was so much more I planned to cover, but hopefully there is enough to pass muster. Please share your thoughts! Mistakes are mine. Feel free to point them out if you so desire. ;)
Chapter 5
Marcus POV
Emotions, denied for so long, were assaulting me mercilessly. I had to help her - remove her from the source of so much pain. No doubt leaving my brothers either befuddled or bemused I lifted Isabella and took her from the room. I have no interest in the Cullens at present. My only concern is seeing to this girl.
"All will be well. Trust in us young one. We will see you through." I murmured to the silent young woman cradled in my arms as we traversed the most expedient route to her private chambers.
Once inside her room, I sat upon the bed, placing my back to the headboard. Her head came to rest on my shoulder, the skin of her forehead pressed to my cheek - causing warmth to bleed into my face and neck. I draped her legs across mine, and softly wrapped my arms around her.
"I can see it child." I spoke lowly, keenly aware of the tension that riddled her small frame. "I see the source of your pain."
"Real and deep it is indeed, though not without hope of recovery. You held - perhaps still hold - great love for each of the Cullens, a love that has been denied - left unfulfilled. I saw the withered connections when I first laid eyes on you. Just now, I both saw and felt the strained pulse of those damaged bonds burning your heart."
The girl in my arms did not stir or speak, but I know she can hear me. The rhythm of her heartbeat fluctuates as I converse with her.
"I know all too well the pain that comes from losing a great love. I know you have been told of my Didyme. When I lost her Isabella, only the fact that a vampire among the guard could manipulate relationships kept me from finding a way to destroy myself - by binding me, with every ounce of her strength, to my brothers."
That had still barely been enough.
"In time, I came to find a small measure of comfort by realizing that Aro and Caius kept me here, not because they need me, but because they want me. They truly see me as their brother. Their steadfastness has pulled me from the brink of desolation and allowed my heart to begin healing in small ways. They have softened the jagged edges of my despair making it not so impossible to live from day to day. There will never be another romantic love for me, but I am coming to see that perhaps I do have a measure of love to to give - to those I acknowledge as family."
"Isabella, there is one I would like to add to that category if she would consent."
At that, she finally stirred. I witnessed a tiny light enter her eyes as she turned her pleadingly hopeful face up just enough to catch my gaze.
"Indeed, There is no doubt in my mind that you are meant to be here, that fate herself has delivered you to us. You must try to trust in us my dear. We shall not fail you."
Her breath shuddered and increased in speed.
"As such, and not knowing if anyone has broached the topic with you, I would speak, so that you know without question that you have a home here Isabella, for as long as you should desire it."
Her heart thudded violently.
"I pledge to you now, on my honor, that we kings wholeheartedly desire your company and happiness as long as you will bestow them upon us."
She made an attempt to reach the notebook lying on her side table, so I procured it for her, along with her writing instrument.
'Human or vampire?' She queried, an odd look painted across her face.
"Mortal or eternal, we would have you all of your days." I answered without hesitation.
She swallowed thickly and drew in a tremulous breath as her brown eyes filled with unshed tears.
'Thank you.' She replied simply, before resting her head once more on my shoulder, her small body finally releasing its tension.
ooooooooooooooooo
Aro POV
Fury, and if I were completely honest - disappointment, filled my being as I turned hard eyes on one of the few immortals ever to gain my trust, outside of my own coven.
"Carlisle," I sighed. "You have been my friend for a very long time. In the past, our opinions have diverged spectacularly. Until recently however, you have never given me reason to truly question your judgement. But before we come to those matters, please introduce us to your son."
"Of course, your majesty," he replied quickly.
"Aro and Caius, kings of the Volturi, I respectfully present my son,
Jasper," he said indicating the vampire to his right.
"His surname by birth is Whitlock," Carlisle added. "However, in our dealings with humans, he currently shares the name Hale with my daughter Rosalie."
"Jasper Whitlock is a name I am quite familiar with." I said passing my eyes once more over the battle legend before me - a true destroyer, this one.
"It is a pleasure." I nodded my head to acknowledge him, and he respectfully dipped his in return.
When reports reached Volterra, of this vampire's disappearance at the height of the Southern Vampire Wars in North America, my brothers and I mused over what could have become of him. It was not a large enough concern at the time to investigate, but it seems now we will have our answers.
"Carlisle, if you would?" My command was not disguised by the question in which it was presented. I held forth my hand and waited.
As expected, he came forth expediently, only pausing to whisper, "I hope you can understand," before clasping my hand in his.
In seconds, his entire life's memories played out before my eyes. I focused intently on the sections that involved Isabella. We will need this information if we are to make a fair judgement on this irksome situation.
"I see." I said, releasing him. "My brothers and I have quite the discussion ahead of us."
I turned to Jane who was standing, still quite stunned, by the door.
"Dearest, please show Carlisle and Jasper to the guest quarters in the east wing. Actually, wait just a moment. I must admit Mr. - do you prefer Whitlock or Hale?" I asked turning to the leonine vampire beside Carlile.
"Either is fine, they both represent a part of who I am." He replied in a slow drawl.
"Excellent! Excellent!" I cried, rubbing my hands together in anticipation. "Now, I'm sure you can already tell, Mr. Whitlock. I am decidedly curious. I was hoping perhaps..." I trailed off, holding my palm forward slightly.
"The decision is yours of course." I added, waiting to see his reaction.
He took only a moment to weigh his thoughts. He stepped forward and touched the tip of his pointer finger to the center of my palm.
I sucked in a deep breath, momentarily overcome with the maelstrom of violent memories and chaotic emotional experiences.
Once the torrent subsided, I must admit I held more than a grudging respect for the scarred vampire in front of me. It would be better keep that tidbit to myself for the time being, however. Caius, who has been grinding his teeth since Isabella was taken from the room, would likely not take that information very well just now.
"Thank you, Mr. Whitlock. I appreciate the gesture, and your perspective of the matter at hand. We will send for you both once we have discussed among ourselves."
All I could think, as the two were led from the room was -
Well, that changes everything.
ooooooooooooooooo
Caius POV
I stared in amazement as my quiet, emotionally dormant brother - at least he had been for the last thousand years - whisked Isabella away from the cause of her distress.
The bemusement I felt over his response is one of the only reasons I didn't tear Carlisle Cullen apart right where he stood. The other reason was his son - if that beast could be referred to as anyone's son.
The vampire is a billboard, flashing the word danger in bold lettering. I thought back to my conversation with Isabella in the cave, telling her that her scars should be worn with pride. If that rule holds true, this vampire's ego should be the size of the entire European continent. I am intrigued to see how he fits into this mess. I wouldn't have thought any human would survive long with this particular vampire around, but I see he shares the same golden eyes as his 'father'. Intriguing.
I waited impatiently for Aro to finish gathering evidence. The sooner we 'council', the sooner the entire Cullen coven will be wiped off the face of the earth, and I can dance happily on their ashes. Once he dismissed Carlisle and Jasper, Aro turned to me.
"Let us retrieve Marcus and inquire after Isabella." His voice tore me from my fantasies of lighting fire to the pieces of their disassembled bodies. "We truly do have much to contemplate."
ooooooooooooooooo
Carlisle POV
Jasper's phone beeped to signify an incoming message, just as we were closing the door to our rooms. After giving it a cursory glance, he passed it to me.
Please tell Carlisle I'm so sorry I didn't warn him beforehand. I knew something of great importance to all our futures would happen on this trip. With this information, Carlisle would not have been able to refrain from asking Edward to come along and read thoughts. The outcome of that decision is not something I wish to speak of. - Alice
I sighed as I read the message. I still don't know that the outcome of this situation will be even remotely favorable. We broke the law. We allowed a human to be a part of our life - our secret - and she is still alive and more importantly, human. There is usually little mercy on this issue from the Volturi.
My mind is still whirling from seeing Bella. She has matured so much since we saw her last. It's clear now thy she is the case I was consulted for. The markings on her neck are vicious. I'm honestly astonished she lived after receiving them. Surely they were not a punishment from the kings for her knowledge of the vampire world? I have never known of any sentence beside the standard - death or vampirism.
Turning to Jasper who had been staring listlessly out the window during my rumination, I voiced my concerns.
"You don't suppose they have harmed her, do you?"
Jasper shook his head slowly, causing his dirty-blonde locks to sway gently, never taking his eyes off the city below.
"No Carlisle, I felt many things in that room," he spoke slowly, his southern accent prominent, "but there was no questioning the level of their genuine concern for her. I have a hunch their reaction was diluted due to their torn focus. Only a fraction of their feelings were focused on us. The worry and longing, I'd bet a pretty penny, definitely weren't for us. No," he sighed, a mournful sound, "none of her pain was caused by them."
With that statement, he clenched his hands into fists, and was silent once more.
I knew he was referring to the pain we caused her by separating ourselves from her life. There are so many things I don't understand. I know Edward truly misses her - that much is obvious. I almost don't recognize him anymore. But furthermore, to leave his mate is unfathomable. I don't know that I would want to survive without Esme.
Bella's feelings on the subject of vampirism are - were well known among the family. All of us wanted her forever. Even Rosalie had grudgingly admitted, aside from Bella missing out on having children, even she had no qualms with the girl becoming one of us.
But now, our family is barely functioning. Sure we had been happy together without her for decades, but once Bella stepped into our lives she permanently changed us all. Her capacity to love is truly astounding, and yet we walked away trying to appease Edward. We all believed he would change his mind shortly. Oh how wrong we were.
Two weeks after we moved, Esme began painting a picture of the family to place in our bedroom. It was so detailed it could almost be a photograph, showing the entire family sprawled out in the backyard just days before Bella's 18th birthday, naming shapes they identified in the clouds.
Esme had been the last to join us and the view of the painting was from the deck, clearly representing what she saw as she paused to take in the scene. The few trees that were not evergreen provided bright splashes of red, orange and yellow in the background.
Edward, Emmett and Jasper were all-but piled on top of each other - they had been having quite the wrestling match, when Bella asked if anyone else saw the cloud that looked like a vampire koala, complete with fangs. That question had caused the pileup and started the subsequent cloud gazing.
Emmett had landed on the bottom, as usual, his fighting skills slightly below that of his brothers. Rosalie had situated herself close to his head when she realized he would be maintaining his prone position.
Jasper's legs remained tangled with Edwards, for they hadn't deemed it necessary to stir themselves either from where they lay, one on each side of Emmett, their entangled ankles crossing his knees.
Alice, Bella and I had moved from our position, a safe distance from the friendly scuffle, and joined them on the grass. I glanced toward the house and spotted Esme looking at us all with a wistful smile on her face. I know how happy seeing everyone together made her. I felt it as well. Our family was now complete, and I felt perhaps this was my reward for trying to live an alternate lifestyle - compared to most vampires. Esme caught my eye and winked before joining in the fun.
Only days later our family had been, perhaps irreparably, destroyed. That painting is Esme's last happy memory of the family all together and she spends time every day gazing at it, her eyes filled with tears that will never fall.
Alice, who had always been our busy bee, zipping here and zipping there, has had her metaphorical batteries removed. She no longer finds joy maintaining the height of fashion and when she's actually at home, is rarely found outside of her room, where she constantly replays her memories, trying to figure out where everything went so wrong. It seems Edwards choices towards the end of his and Bella's relationship were not premeditated. That's the only way he could avoid Alice seeing the future that followed.
Equally devastated is poor Jasper. One moment of weakness on his part - although his reaction cannot truly count as weakness - put in motion the beginning of the end.
I have tried many times, along with the rest of the family, to make him see that the burden he bears is not only his own, but all of ours. We were all more thirsty than we should have been while Bella was over. The combined desire of the entire family - not to mention Edward's barely manageable lust - for Bella's blood was more than anyone would be capable of fighting. To Jasper it makes no difference. He soaks in the hurt pouring off us all and uses it to amplify his own pain. His torment is severe and none of us are able to help him.
Emmett and Rosalie manage the best, I suppose, although best is a relative term. Emmett's sadness is soothed somewhat by Rosalie's late coming acceptance of Bella. They talk about her quite often - whenever Edward is away. I don't know if it is entirely healthy, but they seem to be making up faux-memories, an alternate reality if you will - the way things would be if Bella was still with us, activities they would have done together, places they would have visited. Rosalie and Emmett also take time to imagine what she is really doing, wondering if she has a steady boyfriend, if she went to college. They build their pseudo-happiness around the assumption that she is happy. They force themselves to believe it so they don't lose themselves in their sorrow over the loss of a member of their family. It tears me apart to hear them, but I cannot bring myself to interrupt their personal brand of therapy.
Edward.
So many times in the past years I have wished we had refused his request, but I also believed, after a certain point, that it would be cruel to disturb whatever life Bella had built in our absence.
But my son, my first companion worries me. Before Bella, he was somewhat standoffish and prone to melancholy, no one would deny that, but now he is truly disturbed.
He rarely cares about his appearance, only showering or changing his clothes if Esme asks him to, where he used to be remarkably fastidious about his appearance. He no longer wants to spend time with the family, preferring treetops or damp riverbanks. Even when sitting or laying otherwise still his hands relentlessly fidget, unable to refrain from some type of movement - be it shaking, tapping, or circling the tip of his pointer finger with his thumb.
Edward never plays music anymore, and can often be heard whispering to himself. His words are mostly too low to make out, but my concern for his state of mind grew exponentially when one afternoon recently, I heard him murmur, 'of course my love'.
I wondered, does he believe himself to have been talking to Bella? I called out to him and when he looked at me I noticed his eyes were strangely dilated. He was not hungry. We had returned from a hunt only hours before, but something was not right. It has also been becoming increasingly difficult to engage him in conversation. He seems unable to maintain his concentration.
Thinking of the improvements Esme plans to make on the house is the only reason I haven't betrayed my worry to him. It would do no good for Edward to know my suspicions.
And poor Bella. We have obviously been deluding ourselves. Whatever has happened to her is most likely something that could have been prevented if we hadn't left her. Could she have forgiven us if we had gone back? Furthermore, what is it that has damaged her so? Do I even have a right to ask? Aside from the scars visible, there is an obvious sadness about her. I hang my head considering how much of this sad business that would never have come to pass, if only I had said no to my first son.
ooooooooooooooooo
Caius POV
Aro did not try to converse on the way to Isabella's room and for that I am grateful. I have no interest in speaking to anyone until I see for myself that Isabella is well.
Marcus called for us to enter after I knocked lightly on the door. There he sits with Isabella still in his arms, but devoid of that horrible, blank look from earlier. My tension has eased considerably upon seeing life in her eyes once more. Perhaps for a human her reaction was not so odd? After all, we vampires possess the ability to instantly assimilate new information, yet earlier we were all stunned, were we not?
She shifted off of Marcus' legs and they rearranged themselves so that they are now sitting side by side.
"You are well?" I asked as soon as her eyes met mine.
'I think I'm going to be,' she signed, the slightest of smiles on her face.
"I am pleased to hear of your improvement in spirits."I spoke earnestly.
"She seems pleased to consider making the castle her permanent home," Marcus supplied.
This information certainly pleases me immensely. Having Marcus approach her on the subject has removed the need for me to beg, in a most unbecoming fashion, for her to remain here.
"You are sure you would all like for me to live here?" I spoke her words aloud for my brothers' benefit.
Aro swept to her side and gripped her chin lightly. "Well of course we want to keep you, Tesoro!," he said incredulously. "Why else would we have invited you here in the first place?"
Once he released her, she slumped slightly before replying.
"I thought you might just want to see how much information I may have been told or spread about vampires. I thought once I had told you all you wanted to know that you would have no more use for me"
Her answer, though in some cases was quite possible, in this instance made my heart feel as though it were weighted with lead.
"You thought we would kill you?" I asked, my voice harder than I had intended. She nodded.
I kneeled in front of her, interrupting her stare at the floor. "I apologize for not speaking my intentions clearly from the beginning. It was always my hope to invite you to live here with us, be that your wish. Do not forget angel that you saved me, and I intend to attempt to repay you."
"As it turns out," I continued, "it is an incredible coincidence that the Cullens are the vampires you know. We invited Carlisle, hoping there was something he could do to restore your voice. We did not mention it before for fear of giving you false hope.'
She looked to be pleasantly moved by the gesture before a sudden flash of alarm crossed her face. 'Are they in trouble?' She seemed desperate to know the answer.
"We have yet to discuss the matter." Aro broke in, understanding the look of distress on her face if not the language of her hands. "We wanted to check on you, and retrieve Marcus, before beginning."
The wariness did not leave her features. "This is a serious situation, and we must be sure to look at it from all angles," Aro told her solemnly. "Would you care to spend some time with Jane while we council? I know she would enjoy your company."
With a small nod, Isabella accepted.
She seemed to be resigning herself to waiting for the determination of the Cullen's fate.
"Jane," Aro called. "Do not leave Isabella's side until we have resolved the matter of the Cullen family." He directed, when the small blonde appeared, only moments after she was summoned.
"Very well, brothers," Aro's voice was nothing but a sigh. "Let us see to the business at hand." With a bow - taking leave of Isabella - he made for the door.
"Remember child, all will be well." Marcus said significantly, giving her a small, reassuring smile before exiting as well.
Approaching her myself once my brothers had exited I asked, "Would you permit me an audience later today? I would like to speak with you about an important matter," and was heartened by her immediate reply in the affirmative.
'Of course, gladly.' She told me with a hint of rose staining her cheeks.
Impulsively, I lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, with the lightest of pressure, before hastily following in the wake of my brothers.
ooooooooooooooooo
"Well,?" I asked irritably upon joining Aro and Marcus, "when do we kill them all?"
Aro cut his eyes at me. "I'm afraid this matter will not be solved so simply."
"Why ever not?" I demanded to know. "They clearly broke the rules by not keeping the secret, and further had no intention of rectifying the situation!"
"For one," Aro continued on, as if I weren't just shouting at him - after hundreds upon hundreds of years, my moods no longer phase him. "The majority of the family wanted to change her. Early on, two of the number even offered to kill her. In the end it was the son - Edward - who begged the family to leave and sever all connection with Isabella."
"Edward is the one she was involved with?" I growled out. Ignorant fool that one.
"Perhaps we should hear the entire story Aro? With more information we may reach a decision in a more timely manner," Marcus intoned, his voice carefully neutral.
"You are right of course. Come, let us sit," Aro motioned to a set of blood red armchairs around a black carved table in his personal study, "and I will share with you what I gathered from Carlisle and Jasper."
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hands back and forth along its red upholstered arms, let out a large breath, then finally began.
"The whole of this mixed up business began when Isabella, then but 17 - a junior in high school - walked into biology class for the first time, and Mr. Edward Cullen met il suo cantante."
"His singer?" Marcus gasped as I growled yet again. At the very least this Edward Cullen should be disposed of. It is madness that he hasn't drained her already. What games does he play?
"Yes," Aro remarked gravely. "It appears only his staunch devotion to refrain from taking human lives was the only thing that saved her that day, and in the weeks following. He later fell in love with her, or so he believes. Jasper's memories confirmed that Edward does indeed feel love for the girl, however I am not positive it is a healthy one, even though the boy claims to be her mate."
I scoffed, "Her mate indeed! He would have changed her, had that been the case."
"My thoughts exactly Caius. I am almost of the mind that the boy may have formed an addiction. That his euphoria from being with her and his subsequent derangement - which I saw quite clearly in both sets of memories - could be a byproduct of being so close to this hypnotically tantalizing blood and denying his cravings over an extended period of time. I am afraid in his case drastic measures - according to the Cullen ideology - may be required to restore his mind to health."
"That still does not address the issue of Isabella being left behind possessing knowledge she should never have had access to." Marcus added, though he was rubbing his chin mulling over this new development in what we had believed to be a clear cut case.
"No, it does not." Aro conceded. "However, the entire coven, excuse me - family, is suffering deeply from her absence. In their hearts she was a member in every sense of the word. They have not been able to come to terms yet with the separation, nor have they forgiven Edward for forcing their decision."
"We're still waiting." I drawled sarcastically. "No matter how upset they are over the matter, they all played a part in creating this mess, and so far I have seen no evidence that will save them."
"There is more. The situation alters yet again brothers" Aro's eyes gleamed. This should be good. Marcus and I both leaned forward anxious to hear more.
"Jasper and his mate Alice who, by the way, sporadically has visions of the future - No! Do not interrupt me! We will come back to that another time. As I was saying, Jasper and Alice went back to forks only six months after the entire family departed."
Aro drew out the last bit, enjoying having us waiting so intently for the information only he could provide - the egomaniac.
"The timing was such that Edward was on an extended hunt with Carlisle, and would be gone for at least a week. None of the others knew of their plans..."
"They went to change her."
ooooooooooooooooo
Jane POV
"Are you ok?" I asked my new friend softly. I was slightly relieved when she nodded and I could see her countenance seemed less troubled than earlier. I had seen the look on her face when she caught sight of the newcomers. There was obvious recognition, not to mention the pain. It almost makes me feel sympathy for those I've affected with my gift, almost.
I sat down on the bed and took her right hand in my left. It was strange, feeling the weakness and warmth of her hand, but not unpleasant. She looked down at our hands, both so pale, but completely different in every other aspect. I was surprised when she leaned her head onto my shoulder. It is a sensation I am not accustomed to. I am positive the last time I physically comforted someone was before my change. As a vampire, I have been too feared to be sought out for companionship.
Inspiring fear works for me however. It keeps everyone far enough away that no one notices how alone I feel at times. If not for my brother and Aro, my time here with the Volturi would be spent in almost perfect solitude. Then in comes Isabella, more vunerable than any vampire, but she drew me in immediately. I'm not sure how she bypassed the frigid barrier I normally project. With her I was never an evil dangerous monster to be feared, I was just a potential friend. Slowly, so as not to harm her by accident, I rested my head atop hers. My heart burned pleasantly when she squeezed my hand in response.
We sat that way, quietly sharing the calming comfort of friendly companionship, until she eventually took her hand back so that she could write to me. I read as she scratched out, in bold, capital letters, 'WHAT A MORNING!'
I laughed. That was certainly the truth. One question burned at the forefront of my mind.
"Is Carlie's son the one you were involved with?"
'His son, yes' she penned, 'but not the one here today. His name is Edward. He is the mind reader whose gift did not work on me.'
I nodded. She was still writing, so I didn't add anything, only waited for her to finish.
'How has everything gotten so strange all of a sudden, Jane?' She wanted to know.
I wasn't exactly sure what she was referring to. Her having been involved with a family of vampires, befriending shape-shifting wolves, and now living with us - vampire royalty and law enforcers - seemed strange enough already for a human. I had to ask her to clarify.
'Well, when I came here, it was under the assumption that once the kings got the information they wanted, I would be killed.'
My jaw dropped. "Then why did you still come?" I spluttered. "You seemed content to be here!" I could not stop my head from shaking back and forth in confusion as I tried to make sense of her revelation.
'First off, its not like they couldn't have just forced me to come anyway, so why fight? But more than that, I've been on my own for quite a while Jane, and after my experiences, it's been difficult to re-acclimate to everyday life knowing what I do about the supernatural beings in the world. Living with Aymelina and Eliseo was a life saver, while it lasted, but I still couldn't tell them anything about my past. Haven't you ever heard of putting someone out of their misery?' She asked, a dark expression that didn't suit her, showing on her face.
'With Caius in the cave, I thought at least if he took my life, I would be helping someone in some small way, you know, make it a more worthwhile passing. Morbid yes, I've just been so tired - tired and alone. I honestly don't know what made me cut myself like that. It's not like he would have died without the blood. I suppose he looked so cut up on the outside that it reminded me of how torn apart I've felt on the inside these past years, and I just couldn't stand to leave him like that. I'd long ago given up on fixing me, so I fixed him instead.' The words, striking against the bright white paper they were written on, bothered me tremendously.
Unable to resist, I grabbed her and hugged her fiercely. "Please don't feel that way," my distress almost causing my voice to falter. "I'm so glad Caius brought you to us. Stay here. Surely the kings would allow you to stay? I can speak with Aro. You won't have to be alone. I already consider you a friend. Please stay.'
She squeezed me back, harder than I thought her human form could manage, and I felt hot tears hit my shoulder before she pulled away and wiped the remaining moisture from her face.
'Thank you so much Jane.' She wrote. 'I'm so glad to have gained your friendship. Actually, that's part of this morning's story. The kings and I have just had a conversation about my future here.'
"And?" My question came out slightly shrill. I swear this girl provides the shortest answers possible sometimes, just to drive me insane.
'Basically, the kings told me they would love for me to stay indefinitely.' My misty eyed friend scribbled quickly for my benefit. 'I went from being all alone to being offered a family. I didn't think I'd ever have that again.'
"Ooooh that's wonderful!" I squealed uncharacteristically as I clapped my hands, while Isabella rolled her eyes at my antics with a tolerant smile on her face.
"Then," I asked as the thought occurred to me, "you will become one of us...won't you?"
ooooooooooooooooo
Aro POV
"They went to change her."
"Well, what the hell happened then? I've never heard of a vampire with performance issues." Caius scoffed.
"Neither she nor her father were at home." I continued, not allowing his outburst to distract me. "A very large, young and remarkably foul smelling, native man was leaving the house as they arrived. They assumed him to be a friend of the family. When Jasper and Alice asked him what time the Swans would be home, he told them - in somewhat profane language - that they had a lot of nerve, sticking their noses into business that was not their own, especially when they had not bothered to communicate at all with Charlie, her father, or Bella for the last six months."
"The boy finally relented and told them that Charlie and Bella wouldn't be coming back. Alice pressed him, demanding to know how to find them. The young man grudgingly provided Charlie's new address. Jasper and Alice followed the lead...right to the local cemetery."
"Her father is dead? What happened to him?" Marcus wanted to know. Caius looked as if he had been about to ask the same question.
"They do not know. It took them days to run across the young man again. In the meantime, they had watched the high school, hoping to see some sign of Isabella, but she never came."
"When they finally found the native boy and questioned him again, he shrugged and told them he hadn't seen Bella since her old friend Victoria had caught up with her."
"Jasper's memory showed that he was aware of the young man hiding something, but sensed his statement was essentially truthful. Thus, they were heartbroken for the second time. They had lost her once because of their brothers foolishness and then lost her again to an unforeseen enemy. You see, it turns out Victoria is the mate of the nomad James, who bit Isabella before he was destroyed."
"I feel as if I have been dropped into one of those telenovelas that Heidi is always blathering about" Caius groaned, sweeping his long hair back with his hands.
"So, having no definitive evidence, no graves, no unidentified remains, our dear Alice and Jasper have spent the last three years searching for any trace of Isabella, knowing all the while that she is most likely dead.
They have taken extended trips away from the family whenever possible and just recently come as far as Spain, to see an acquaintance of Jasper's. This vampire is apparently connected to a substantial network of vampires, but chooses to live an almost purely nomadic existence.
Peter, Jasper's contact, had an interesting story to share with them. He told them that a human, quite similar to their Bella's description, had that very day, significantly aided the Volturi in some fashion, and was in turn provided with medical care as compensation. Obviously someone here in the castle is friendly with this Peter. We will need to investigate the type of information that has been shared, and with whom. Regardless, when Alice and Jasper heard of Carlisle's impending visit Jasper asked to join him. A vision told Alice, that by doing so, Jasper would find if not Bella, information significant to their ongoing search."
"Why did this Alice not come as well?"
"An excellent question brother Caius." Aro acknowledged. "Apparently, though she was not able to ascertain the identity of the mystery guest, she was able to see that things went more smoothly if she were absent from the proceedings."
Caius merely snorted and rolled his eyes in response.
"So, brothers, we reach the present time, and although there is much more information I could share with you, I do believe I have shared the most relevant pieces required to decide the fate of the Cullens." I folded my hands and leaned back to await my brothers reactions.
"I say the law claims them. They had ample opportunity to change her."
This of course came from Caius. It amazes me that he is so unforgiving, yet he himself is wrapped up in caring for the - still very human - girl the Cullens are facing punishment for.
"I believe the actions of Alice and Jasper should weigh heavily into the decision," Marcus stated. "If the family is to be judged as a unit, then their actions could be seen as genuine effort to rectify the failings of the others in the coven."
"It's all excuses!" Cauis thundered. "You sound as if you are trying to protect them! What have they done to earn your favor? Did you not feel what their presence caused this very morning?"
Marcus turned a calculating gaze upon his blonde brother. I do believe he has something up his sleeve.
"To destroy them will only hurt her further."
"Hurt her further? They have already hurt her tremendously, and as such I feel they have thoroughly earned whatever punishment we seem fit!" My hot headed brother proclaimed now on his feet shouting at Marcus.
"But, can you not see?" Marcus questioned him gently. "She loves them still. It can only be good for her if we are lenient, if we allow them to slowly reincorporate themselves in her life. There would be stumbling blocks to be sure, but she will never be as happy - with that many holes in her heart - as she could be if given a chance to mend them naturally. The Cullens obviously regret their actions. Shall we not give her a chance to heal the breach with these vampires, who mean so much to her?"
Oh, my devious brother, I can already tell, by the thoroughly put-out expression on his sneering face, that Caius is trying to accept the merits of not killing the Cullens. His disappointment will be great, he does so love a good massacre, but I already know him to desire anything that will bring happiness to, his not-so-secretly beloved, Isabella.
"Do not think I have missed the smirk on your face Aro," Caius' glare was cold enough to freeze molten lava. "They must be punished. If it is not to be death, so be it, but they must pay for their recklessness."