Disclaimer: All Characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. Plot is all mine.
Bella, never considered herself a crier. She was by far the most mature person she knew. She was more put together and rational than her own mother.
But in that moment Bella had never felt more her age, sitting in a car with complete strangers, than she ever did in her entire life. She felt so weak, fragile, emotional, and pathetic.
In that moment Bella felt, in the most literal sense; human. Sitting in a car filled with vampires – one couldn't think of anything else.
Inside the car was total and complete silence, and that was the gentlest way it could be described. If one did not factor in the sniffles and sobs of the small teenage girl sitting in the middle. And her attempts to quiet herself only to start hiccupping from the effort to curb her emotions.
The mood was mostly tense and uncomfortable for Bella. As all the other occupants neither spoke to her, nor to each other. They were more content in staring at the passing scenery through their heavily tinted windows – All except the person sitting behind the wheel of the vehicle. Who occasionally looked at the human girl through the rear-view mirror. He gazed at her so many times that it was brutally obvious that he gave no concern if his red, bloody, eyes made her uncomfortable.
The ride was swift and short. They arrived at their destination; a small, private airport. As a gut sinking feeling settled in Bella's stomach. Knowing that when she got on that plane and left the country, she would be truly on her own.
The car pulled to a stop a safe distance from the plane, Alec and Demetri exited the vehicle, pulling Bella along with them and sandwiched her between their bodies as they approached the small private jet with a Volturi insignia on the tail-wing.
Beside the jet's built-in steps stood the tall and proud, hulking mass of Felix. The moment his eyes met the Swan Girl, he smirked at her. There was a confident smugness about him, like the cat that watched its prey slowly approach its impending demise. Felix greeted his colleagues, but gave a special, even friendlier, welcome to Bella that sent an uncomfortable chill down her back.
To be fair, Bella did not want to engage the hulking vampire at her current mood, so she kept her attitude passive and her head down.
When Felix noticed he wasn't going to be able to bait a quick wit riposte out of the little human girl, he shrugged his massive shoulders and turned towards the plane and ascended the steps. Demetri followed behind him, while Alec gently nudged Bella to go after Demetri, with Alec being the last to board.
The way the men were handling Bella, blocking the exit, pushing her between their bodies so she wouldn't have a small bubble of personal space. And even making sure there was someone standing in front of her and behind her. Any onlooker would assume she was a criminal, or a masterminded escapist about to pull a fast one right under their noses.
It was ludicrous how careful they were being around the girl. Especially when they could easily overpower her and man-handle her without Bella even able to resist. Their carefulness was completely futile. Because in the end, they were all vampires and she wasn't – and at that point, Bella doubted she would even get the chance to experience that life.
The plane had each pair of seats facing another pair. Bella took the first seat her hand touched, and she sat beside the window. Demetri, without even offering, reached over and imposed himself on buckling the girl's seatbelt. Suddenly Bella realized why they weren't exactly man-handling her – it was because they were baby-handling her. Like she was too damn retarded to buckle herself in.
Bella bit her tongue, there was a moment of weakness where she wanted to tell the taupe haired vampire to mind his own fucking hands. But she clamped her mouth tightly. Demetri, being completely oblivious to the inner conflict warring inside the girl, turned towards her. He was still bent forward, and his face was a few inches away from Bella as he gave her a sly wink. And then all too quickly he straightened his stance and took the seat beside Bella. Felix and Alec sat opposite them.
In no time at all, the plane began to move and start it's descend into the sky. And right before Bella's big brown eyes, her home kept getting smaller and smaller the higher they went up. Until they reach above the clouds and then she couldn't see anything except blue sky and a floor of white clouds.
Whatever emotion she had a hold of for that few minutes shattered right before her very eyes as she slid the window shutter down to block her view of the outside. And her tears started to flow again. She didn't cry this time, but her tears silently dropped one after the other.
For a brief minute there was silence, until Alec finally said "By the gods, Bella … you are going to run yourself dry before we even arrive to Volterra – I didn't even know humans could cry so much," he exclaimed. "Here, wipe those pretty eyes." He reached over and handed her a box of tissues. His face an epitome of radiance and his smile was unfaltering. His eyes were soft, almost sympathetic towards the girl.
Had Bella met Alec under different circumstances then she would have assumed he was genuinely worried. But knowing where he came from, and whom he worked for shattered that illusion of compassion. And it only left Bella with the suspicion that his familiar attitude towards her, and his words of kindness, had some ulterior motives behind them.
And based on his actions so far, he probably does. Seeing that dazzling smile on Alec's face angered Bella. She wanted to snap at him, insult him, say whatever she could to wipe that smirk off his face. But her parents raised a girl with a sense of courtesy and manners. And despite all her impulses, she just could not be rude.
Instead, she reached over and took two pieces of tissues from the box Alec had offered her and held it to her face. But no matter how many times she wiped under her eyes, more tears continued to flow and stain her cheeks.
Bella looked at the faces of the three vampires that held her as the center of their entire, undivided, attention. They were all smirking as they watched her. She couldn't take it anymore.
She turned to Alec and said, "Why are you all smiling like that?" she asked him, even though her question was directed to all three vampires. But out of all of them, she only had the courage to ask the one that looked less intimidating.
They all laughed subtly at the human girl's question. But never the less, Alec still replied, "We are overjoyed because of you, Bella." He answered.
However, that only left the girl more confused. "Why would I be the cause of your happiness?" She retorted. Frustration and cluelessness evident in her tone.
Demetri leaned in and answered her. "You get to join us. Be a part of our coven. It's a grand thing to be invited by the Volturi. Isn't that enough?"
'Invited? Was this a joke?' Bella thought. But instead she said, "I'm sorry – but no, it's not."
If they were under the illusion that Bella should be honored to be dragged from her home with only the clothes on her back, and barely any time to mentally prepare for what lay ahead for her. Then they were sadly mistaken. She was never invited. She was bargained, like an object. Bella wiped the tear that rolled down her cheek as she tried to accept that truth.
Alec reached over and grabbed Bella's free hand. Shocked by his action, she allowed him as he curled his cold fingers around her hand. "Honestly, Bella, why do you want to be with the Cullens so badly? They barely did an effort to fight for you – Well, maybe Alice did. I had to admit, I was giddy in my seat when she had the nerve to attack us. As if she could take on a Volturi Elite!" Alec boasted.
His confidence clearly stated that Alice was no match for him. Bella found it hard to believe that such a boy, who seems a few years younger than her in appearance, possessed such power and capacity. Although, Jane proved her wrong when Bella judged her solely on her size and look. Leading her to believe that the same thing could be applied to her twin brother.
"Besides, it's not as though we are going to kill you – So you can feel safe around us." Felix stated with a shrug of his shoulders. Like it was the simplest statement a predator like him could say.
Bella wanted to say something snide to him. But when she stared back at the massive vampire, her slowly burning rage instantly evaporated. Her antagonism melting away as she saw that sly, saucy smirk on the man's face. When he smiled he had dimples in his cheeks. The contradiction of his soft expression and hard build reminded her strongly of Emmett. Mostly that smile. It triggered something in the girl, a feeling that clenched in her stomach and caused her chin to tremble.
She looked away immediately. Hiding her face in her hands and concealing her shameful teary face. Uninhibitedly, Demetri wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulder and pulled her close to him. Bella didn't resist, whither it was because she was physically exhausted, or because the vampire had a firm grip on her, she wasn't sure. But it seemed it was exhaustion in the end as she leaned her head tiredly on the vampire's shoulder, and pressed her tear stained cheek on his perfectly pristine charcoal suit.
Little by little, Bella's eyes began to slowly close. And the last thing she heard as she slept was the sound of faint purring that she found a comfort in. Despite it not emanating from the person she wanted most.
"With time you will get over this." Was the last thing she heard whispered to her.
Hours later the jet arrived at its destination in Florence. Bella was still sleeping as Demetri collected her in his arms and very gently exited the cabin with their remaining members following suite.
There were two cars waiting for them on the tarmac. Felix and the other vampire got into one, while Alec and Demetri – still carrying the sleeping Bella – got into the other.
Demetri placed the girl in the middle seat, between him and Alec. And no sooner as they closed the door that the car took off out of the airport and on the main road towards their home; Volterra.
Demetri and Alec remained quiet for the first half hour, but then suddenly the sleeping girl between them began to moan and mumble in her slumber. Both men shared a look before they returned their gaze to study the human girl. They tried to hear what she was saying but it was a load a gibberish. However, it still fascinated them as they hardly ever allowed themselves to be so close to a human while they slept.
Somewhere along the countryside road, the car slightly dipped into a pothole. It jostled the passengers enough that it caused Bella to awaken from her snooze. Lazy and confused eyes slowly opened to look around at the change in scenery.
Before she would start to panic, judging by her wide eyes and escalating pulse, Alec explained that they were halfway in route to Volterra. Slightly shaken, Bella reclined in her seat and took deep breathes to calm her nerves. But nothing she did seemed to work. As the closer they got to that forgotten vampire city in the middle of Italy, the closer she would approach her doom.
And before she even knew it, Bella spotted in the distance that familiar terracotta structure of towers and hills. It seemed like it was years since she has first came to that place. When in reality is was but a few weeks ago.
Except back then she wanted to go there to save Edward. Now she was force to go there for reasons beyond her knowledge. Why were the Volturi so adamant to have her, she didn't know. But she hoped she would discover the answer soon.
Since the streets were now cleared from the Saint Marcus parade, the cars sped past the entrance and all the way to the clock tower which held the secret entrance to the vampire castle.
Beside the large doors, awaiting the traveler's return, were Heidi and Jane. Bella felt a lump form in her throat the moment her eyes landed on the little brunette girl. Her innocent little dolly buns and lolita-esque clothing did nothing to soften the cold expression on her face.
The cars stopped directly in front of them. And Bella was all but pulled from the vehicle as Alec forced the girl to drape her hand over his arm. They approached the two women. And Jane walked right up to her brother and kissed him on the cheeks.
Bella kept her eyes cast downwards. Even if Jane's gift was futile against her, that doesn't mean she couldn't harm her physically some other way.
However, what shocked Bella the most is when she expected something snide from the little female witch twin, she was stunned to hear her say instead; "Welcome back to Volterra, Bella. We have been waiting for you."
Bella looked up, surprised to see the vampire girl smirking at her. It wasn't malicious per se, but it sure felt secretive. Like she definitely knew something Bella didn't, and she was positively itching to spill that secret.
Before Bella could even think too deeply into the vampire girl's words. The other woman beside Jane approached the human girl. She placed her hands on Bella's shoulders and kissed her on both cheeks. Caught in surprise by the gesture, Bella gawked at the woman.
The vampire female pulled back, still keeping her cold hands on Bella's shoulder said "Herzlich willkommen, Bella. We are so happy you arrive safe. I am sorry I did not get a chance to greet you last we met." She placed a long-gloved hand on her chest. "I am Heidi, a Fisher for the Volturi. I hope we get along well. Yes?"
Heidi smiled widely – With her mahogany curly locks, slender figure, and sharp chiseled face. She looked like an international runway model. It was no wonder she was a 'Fisher' for the coven. The moment she walks into a room all heads would turn. And she could easily lure people to this city under false pretenses and into the predator's domain to meet their deaths.
And the fact that she had to bend down a little to kiss Bella on the cheeks as she was quite tall, and Bella was abnormally short. Certainly put more power in her hands.
Swallowing the protuberance in her throat, Bella tried to form a reply to the leggy vampire that could give any model a run for her money. "It is nice to meet you as well, Heidi." She spoke timidly.
Heidi flashed her one last gorgeous smile before Jane suddenly announced. "Let's proceed to the throne room, shall we? We mustn't keep the brothers waiting." She marched upfront, leading the way inside.
Alec escorted Bella behind his sister, with the rest on the trio's trail.
They went through a long hallway that led to an antique Otis-traction elevator that took them underground. And then they walked into another long hallway before they reached a set of doors that led to the lobby that Bella was so familiar with.
Along with the familiar desk and chair as a welcome, that should have had the human as the false greeting reception for the coven. Except the person sitting behind the desk wasn't the olive-skinned pretty faced Gianna anymore. It was a different woman, with a short faux-bob blonde hair, hazel eyes, and a fake tan that could be spotted a mile away.
However, Bella didn't have any further time to pay any consideration to the replacement human receptionist as they continued walking all the way to the long set of doors that rang with an even deeper sense of foreboding familiarity for Bella. A nostalgia that she would've happily paid anything to have removed from her memories. The throne room.
Without missing a beat, Jane pushed the doors wide open and entered with everyone else behind her. Even though Bella tried to resist it, she couldn't help it as her eyes immediately went towards the three thrones that dominated the center of the white marble dome-shaped space.
Aro, as always sitting in the center throne, rose from his seat the moment the doors opened. He stepped down from the dais and walked towards the group.
As he passed by Jane, he gave her a gentle pat on the head and she practically purred like a kitten at the slight touch from her Master.
Aro stopped at his target, the young human. And smiled that same friendly smile that was both handsome and haunting all at once. This time without asking permission, he reached out and grasped Bella's hand – the one wrapped around Alec's arm – and held her palm delicately in his white, chalky grasp.
For just a fraction of a second, his smile faltered. There was a hint of disappointment that flickered for a moment in his eyes before he masked it with that guileless joy.
"Bella, Bella, Be-llaa, such a pleasure to see you again – Sweet child, I am so beyond bliss to have you here!" Aro uttered. His thumb eerily stroking over Bella's hand which he held firmly and refused to release.
"You remember my … brothers?" Aro gestured with his chin to the two occupied thrones behind him.
Bella slightly tilted her head to peer around Aro's form. Her brown eyes landed on the stoic form of Marcus. Who looked as though he was staring at the far wall. But when he sensed a gaze on him, he slowly turned his head and locked his eyes with the human.
He said nothing except nod at the girl before he turned his head back towards the wall and stare at it as though he was alone in the room.
Before Bella could even drag her gaze to the other throne on the far right, a growl echoed from that side of the room. Her reflexes were much too slow and as she looked in that direction, she could only see a blurry figure of black garments and blonde hair coming towards her before Aro swiftly blocked her view with his body. Acting as a barrier between her and the blonde immortal.
Bella didn't even get a minute to wonder what was happening before another feral growl erupted from behind Aro's back. She tried to look around the dark haired King, but he grabbed her chin between his fingers demanding her attention.
Bella's heart felt like it was about to explode from the inhuman sounds echoing off the marble walls. Yet, no one else beside her showed any sort of reaction to the rumbling savage noises. As though it was something heard time and time again that wasn't even worth giving it a second thought.
Aro placed his other hand over Bella's and smiled at the girl when she met his eyes. He then turned his head over his shoulders and whispered in a tone too low for the girl to hear to the blonde vampire that was glaring at him; "Have a little patience. You are frightening her!" He hissed.
Aro looked back at the girl and his features returned to his warm smile. He stroked her hand trying make her feel at ease. "Bella. My dear, Bella. You must be so so – so very exhausted. Jane shall escort you to a room. And I will meet you there shortly. You and I have much to discuss." He playfully tapped the girl on her nose.
Then he released her hand and turned her around by the shoulders to face Jane. Following her Master's orders, Jane beckoned the girl to follow her as they left the throne room.
After many many many several twists and turns in the endless labyrinth of doors and hallways, with Jane being exceptionally patient as the girl walked at a glacial pace for the vampire girl's liking. They finally reached a quaint looking wooden door. Jane opened the door and motioned for Bella to go in.
"You will stay in this guest room for the time being. Until your permanent rooms are finishes." Jane explained.
Bella turned to the girl standing beside the door. "Permanent rooms?"
Jane tilted her head. "Were you under the impression you won't be under our roof for long? Think again, Swan girl." A smile slowly stretched on her lips. "As a matter of fact, some of your personal belonging will be arriving here by this time tomorrow – you can thank Mommy-Cullen for arranging it." She cooed mockingly.
Jane turned around to leave, but before she closed the door behind her she said; "The other door is a lavatory. You may want to freshen up before Master Aro comes to see you." Her ruby eyes scrutinized Bella from her head to her toes. A slight sneer hissing out before she swiftly shut the door behind her.
Leaving Bella to await the arrival of the mercurial dark King himself.
