Disclaimer: Not mine. Go figure.

Chapter 11
Italy or Bust

"No," I growled over the phone.

"But Isabella-"

I didn't let Aro continue. "No, Aro. I'm sorry, but I can't up and leave the Cullens now that Nathan knows about them. I'm not leaving them alone just to come to Italy so you can test my powers."

"Isabella, if you are so worried about the Cullens, I can easily arrange for them to accompany you to Italy. Would that ease your mind?"

"I suppose it might, but Aro, I really don't see why it's necessary. I'm not some out of control newborn. I know how to control myself."

"Isabella," he said in a warning voice. "You know I don't like to, especially when it comes to you, so don't make me pull rank on you."

"We'll be there soon. I'll let Demetri know that we need the jet." I flipped the cell phone shut before he could say anything else and then scowled down at it. I didn't want to go to Italy. I didn't like most of the people in Italy.

"Call the damn airstrip," I growled at Demetri as he walked in the door. "We're leaving when the sun goes down tonight."

"Geez, why are you in such a bad mood?" he grimaced as he pulled out his cell phone.

"I have enough shit going on here," I spat out. "And besides, in case you hadn't noticed, our family in Italy is not always filled with the sweetest people. I'd rather the Cullens stayed very far away from them."

"Hold on a sec," he said to me, then spoke into his cell phone. A few moments later, he flipped it shut and gave me a look. "The Cullens are very respected in Volterra. I'm sure they'll be fine."

"Jane is not exactly their biggest fan," I grimaced. "Nor is Felix."

"No, but if she bothers them, she'll have to suffer punishment from Aro," Demetri told me, trying to pacify me.

"She's a masochist," I muttered angrily. "She enjoys the pain."

Demetri held back a smile. "Everything will be fine. Go see the Cullens and let them know they're coming with us."

My drive to the Cullens' house is short. I'm angry, so I'm speeding insanely. My tires squeal as I spin the car to a stop in front of their house. Edward was at my side before I turned the car off and he opened the door to help me out.

"Hey," he greeted, holding my hand as we walked up to the house. "What's going on?"

"Is everyone else here?" I asked nervously.

"Well, Carlisle is at work, but the rest of us are here," he said to me, wearing a cautious look.

"I have to go to Italy," I told him bluntly.

"What? Why?" a female voice asked. I spun around to see Alice behind me.

"Aro wants me to go through some trials or something because of my new power."

"You know, this whole not being able to see you thing is really annoying. Why did the vampire immunity have to advance so much when you got turned?" Alice asked with a note of irritation. "At least when you were human I could see into your future."

"Sorry to disappoint you, Alice," I replied smilingly. "I promise, it wasn't intentional."

"So how long are you going to be gone?" she asked sadly.

"However long Aro decides to keep me there." I paused for a moment, seeing the upset look on their faces. "The jet leaves at dusk. You have until then to let everyone know and to pack. You're all going with me."

A huge smile spread across Edward's face. "We're going with you?"

"Of course," I replied simply.

"All of us?" Alice asked curiously.

"Yes. I can't just leave you all here with Nathan on the loose," I explained. "And I can't imagine being away from Edward for a long period of time."

All I heard from Alice was an unintelligible squeal as she ran up the stairs. "She's packing," Edward provided, having heard her thoughts.

"Of course – packing for everyone, right?" I asked. Alice had a way with making sure everyone had much more than they actually needed.

"Yes," he replied lightly. "She's already complaining in her mind that she can't pack for you because you don't have clothes at our house. Don't worry though; she intends to change that when we're in Italy." He grinned at me. "The most beautiful and expensive clothing is made in Italy, apparently."

I groaned. "I don't need more clothes," I complained. "Demetri and Aro already make sure I have way more clothing than I need."

"That won't stop me!" Alice called from upstairs, resulting in a groan from me and a smirk from Edward.

.xoxo.

"I stick by my earlier views that this is completely unnecessary," I hissed to Demetri as we drove out to a secluded private airstrip. The private airstrip hadn't been here before; Aro had it put in when I decided to go to the University of Alaska. He enjoyed spending money on me almost as much as Alice did.

"I don't care, nor does Aro, so just give it a rest," he replied uncaringly.

I huffed and turned around without responding to him. Demetri had become like a big brother to me; loving but annoying as hell. He was kind of like Jake, actually, except Jake was in love with me whereas Demetri was not.

Things with Jacob and me were strange, but not to the point of being awkward, which I was very thankful for. Jacob knew I loved him, but he knew it was a brotherly love. He never tried to change my mind, because he knew it was unchangeable. Just like he was unable to stop being in love with me. I keep hoping he'll meet someone and imprint. He deserves the love and happiness that I would never be capable of giving him. My heart has always been and will always be way too wrapped up in Edward.

"Bella? Bella?" I blinked a few times and noticed Edward's hand waving in front of my face. "You spaced out. You alright, love?"

He was so concerned over such simple things. "Yes, Edward, I'm fine. Just thinking."

"You're alright?" he confirmed.

I took his hand and nodded. "Perfectly fine, although perhaps a bit annoyed." We walked onto the plane, hand-in-hand.

…

The flight was long, and being unable to sleep made it extremely boring. Rosalie and Emmett took advantage of the flight time, using the several private areas on the jet to ensure they were part of the mile high club.

Carlisle spent most of his time on his cell phone consulting with doctors at the hospital in Alaska. I felt horrible for interrupting his work, but better safe than sorry. Alice was curled into a ball on Jasper's lap, content to just cuddle into her husband. Esme was reading a book and Edward was watching me. Me? I was pacing up and down the aisles.

"Isabella, I beg you, please sit down. You're giving me a headache!" Demetri begged. "I assure you, everything will be fine."

"Things will not be fine," I told him. "Most of the Volturi absolutely loathe me. Ha, can't imagine why. None of them can touch me because of my power, so what do we do, we bring the Cullens! What the hell was I thinking?!"

"Bella, Bella, calm down." Edward had risen out of his seat and had a hand wrapped around each of my forearms. "We can take care of ourselves. I promise everything will be fine."

I gave him a dark look. "I'll be holding you to your word," I muttered as I finally took my seat.

.xoxo.

We landed in Italy around noon on another private airstrip, courtesy of the Volturi. Jane was there to greet us.

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

I was forced to hold back my laughter when the Cullens all gave me incredulous looks – dirty words coming out of innocent Bella's mouth!?

"Why are you here, Jane?" I growled at her.

"I was sent to escort you back to Volterra," she said sweetly, though I'm sure no one believed she was at all happy to be there.

"Somehow I doubt that," I replied. "Aro's not this stupid."

"He sent me," said Jane, and I decided not to argue. I rolled my eyes towards Demetri, and he returned it with a look telling me to behave.

Never.

Ah. I'm so sorry it took me so long. Blame the major writer's block! Hope you enjoy the chapter, and I'll try to make the next one longer.

Whitelight72