Author's Note: Thanks for all the fantabulous reviews :) This is kind of a filler chapter (again) to lead up to the events of the next chapter, so..... Enjoy!

BPOV

"Oh this is too good! Bella Swan- Little Miss I'm kinkier than you are, giving up. Admitting defeat are you sugar?" Said Charlotte mocking me. I glared up at her from the bed.

"One, I AM kinkier than you," I told her, "Two, I am not giving up, I am just recuperating. My poor cooter is exhausted. My man is insatiable." I said irritably. We had one more day left of the stupid bet and I was still losing. So not only was I losing, I was in a crap load of pain as well. Don't get me wrong, the sex and the orgasms are great, but shit! My body was protesting at this point. I'd be lucky if I could ever use a tampon again let alone have more sex within the next 24 hours.

"Just give up sugar, we both know who the true winner will be. It's okay, there's nothing to be ashamed about." She said with fake sympathy. The bitch was not going to let this go.

"Oh no," I said trying to sit up, "I am going to win. We still have one more day." To prove my point I sat up, wincing slightly, and removed the ice pack from in between my legs, dropping it to the floor.

Charlotte took one look at me then the ice pack before she broke out into a fit of laughter. This wasn't funny! "Are all humans this over dramatic?" She asked, still laughing.

Ignoring her question, I asked one in return. "Where are the guys?" I haven't seen Jasper since this morning.

"He and Peter went to the bike shop to get another bike." Said Charlotte shooting me an accusing glare. I just shrugged in return, it was their own fault. I tried to move to get out of bed but my legs still felt like jelly and my muscles were screaming in protest. This was not going to work.

"Okay," I said huffing in annoyance and defeat, "Let's compromise. There's no way I can continue with the stupid bet. Jasper is going to feel my pain when he gets back and then he's not going to allow anything to happen anyways. It's a lose-lose situation for me, and you know it. Why don't we put it on hold until I'm a vampire, then we can even raise the stakes."

"Oh thank God." Said Charlotte relieved, dropping onto the bed beside me.

"What?" I looked at her in shock.

"I'm a fucking vampire and I'm exhausted!" She exclaimed, "There's only so much damage our room can obtain. At this rate I'm going to be remodeling the place until Spring."

I looked at her before bursting into laughter. I guess we were both out of our league here. Soon Charlotte joined in and that's how the boys found us.

"What exactly makes them the rulers? Was it put to a vote?" I asked Jasper. I was so confused. We were on our way to Italy and Jasper was trying to explain to me why the brothers were the rulers of the Vampire world. But for some reason I was just not understanding.

"It's not like human politics darlin'," Replied Jasper, "They just sort of took over. Their powers put them a little higher on the food chain so to speak. They have built themselves an empire if you will." He said patiently.

"So what happens if someone were to challenge them and want to become the new ruler?" I asked.

"That wouldn't happen. They're Guard is one of the best. I know, I've trained them myself." He said, looking out the plane window.

"So this Aro person, he is the main ruler? What about his brothers that you talk about?" I asked more confused then ever.

"Aro's gift is the most powerful so it made sense for him to be the head leader, but his brothers stand by his side. They look out for no one but themselves. If it will benefit them and make them more powerful as a whole then they will stop at nothing until they have it." He said disgustingly.

So far what I learned was that Jasper was taking me to meet some of the most feared vampires of the vampire world besides himself and that they were not to be messed with.

"So if their that powerful, does that mean that they are more powerful than you?" I asked him.

Jasper looked at me like I was crazy before giving me a small smile. "No darlin'," He said, "Alone, they are no match, but just myself against his guard then yes. They hold the ultimate power, but them and their guard against myself and my guard, there's no contest. We would obliterate them." He said proudly.

I didn't know whether to be proud or afraid at this point. He's already admitted that they're dangerous, but at the same time, they had nothing on my Major. But we also didn't bring all of Jasper's guard should they want to fight.

"Darlin', your worrying for nothing. They don't want anything from me. They just want to meet you and talk to me. Probably want to be assured that I am going to follow through with their rules of changing you when the time is right. No, this is just a quick visit. We'll be back home in a few days." He said quickly, "They also know that I am their biggest allie, if someone were to go against them they know I would fight with them, having me on their side just makes them that much more powerful."

I didn't feel better but I wasn't as nervous now. I knew Jasper wasn't going to let anything happen to us. The way he made it sound this could have just been a social visit. I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes. I felt Jasper wrap his arm around my shoulder and I instantly felt calmed. Got to love his empath ways.

"So what's Aro's gift that makes him so powerful?" I asked Charlotte. We were in the back of the rental car while The Major and Peter were up front, driving through Italy.

"He can see every thought that goes through your head with just a simple touch." She replied.

"Wow, every thought?" That was amazing.

"Yepp," She said "Every thought."

Well that could be embarrassing. No touching Aro. Got it.

I followed Char's gaze out the window to see a large stone castle looming above us. Holy Hell. "What is this place?" I whispered mostly to myself.

"Volterra." Said Charlotte looking out the window next to me. "Oh Bella!" Charlotte exclaimed, making me jump. Jeez, I was right next to her, was that really necessary?

"What?" I growled, while Peter and Jasper chuckled from the front.

"The shopping here in Italy is great! We have to go see the stores while we're here. Maybe you and I can go out while the guys catch up with the three stooges." Must be nice to not have to breathe while talking, I mused.

"Like hell you will Charlotte," Growled Jasper, "We're going too. I'm not leaving Isabella's side, especially in Italy."

I shook my head at Charlotte feigning disappointment. "Really Char," I said mockingly, "Just what were you thinking?" I laughed when her reply was to stick her tongue out at me. So mature I thought to myself, rolling my eyes.

"I'm afraid you girls are going to have to finish this conversation later." Said Peter causing me to look up. We had finally arrived.

Jasper helped me out of the car before grabbing my hand and leading us up the stairs to the castle. Just the outside of this place freaked me out. Jasper, no doubt, sensing my reluctance squeezed my hand in a reassuring manner before the door was opened.

"Welcome to Volterra! Please come in." Said a tall blond female with red eyes like Jaspers. Jasper nodded his head in reply dragging me in behind him. The tall blond led us down a corridor that was rather dark and had a gloomy feeling to it. I stepped closer to Jasper and he wrapped his arm around my waist.

"The Masters are in a meeting right now but let me show you to your rooms," Said the tall giant, "Aro sends his deepest apologies but asks that you meet them in the throne room tomorrow morning."

"Of course. Thank you." Said Jasper following her to what was going to be our room for the next three days.

We came to a stop at the very end of a hallway on the second floor. Jasper opened the door and led us inside. The first thing I see is a table sitting in the middle of the room with a couch right behind it. There's a door to the left and then on the opposite side of the room there's another door. Joint rooms, that's convenient.

"We're going to bed, but we'll meet you two here in the morning." Said Jasper before lifing me up and walking at a human pace to our room. I wrapped my legs around his waist and put my head in the crook of his neck. He always smelled so good to me. I was feeling a bit jet lagged at this point and was ready for some much needed sleep.

Jasper laid me down on the bed before crawling in behind me pulling me back against his chest. I curled up next to him and promptly fell asleep. I didn't even wake up when Jasper changed me into pajamas for the night.

The next morning I woke up to soft kisses on my forehead and all over my face. "Time to wake up Isabella, there's breakfast waiting out there for you and then we need to go meet the brothers." He said softly in my ear. I shivered from his breath blowing in my ear.

I rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take care of my human needs. I dressed warmly because this place was freaking freezing before stepping out to meet with the others. After a quick breakfast Jasper grabbed my hand and we made our way downstairs. After a few turns we came in front of a massive door. Without knocking Jasper opened the door and strolled right in, me trailing along behind him. I glanced at Peter and Charlotte and saw that they looked completely at ease.

We came to the middle of the room when Jasper stopped. I looked up at him to try and catch his eye but he was staring straight ahead.

"Welcome to Volterra my friends!" Said a smooth voice. Why did that voice sound so familiar? I tore my gaze away from Jasper and looked ahead of me. There standing up to greet us was none other than my wicked step mother. What the fuck?!

I instantly felt my heart speed up and a cold sweat broke out over my forehead. Jasper promised to never let anything happen to me. He wouldn't even let me out of his site after he rescued us from "The Master" yet now he brings me to said "Masters" fucking playground?!

It was getting harder for me to breathe as I worked out these facts in my head. I felt Jasper give my hand a squeeze before he addressed the step mother. "Thank you for having us visit Aro." He said.

Aro? This was the fucking leader of the brothers? Why would Jasper bring me here? Then it dawned on me. Jasper really had no idea that Aro was the one that held us captive. He would have fucking killed him if he knew. If Jasper found out while we were here he would instantly fight to kill and he even told me himself that just him against Aro and his Guard he would not stand a chance. And Jasper didn't bring his Guard because this was just supposed to be a "Social" visit.

No, Jasper couldn't find out Aro was the one behind my kidnapping. It would only lead to his death and I was not going to let that happen. Maybe once we got back to Forks I could tell him and we could figure out some sort of plan...

"It's always a pleasure to have you here Major." Said Aro kindly. What a fucking loon! "And this must be your mate Isabella." He said clasping his hands together with a small smile.

I felt my breath hitch as he looked into my eyes. I felt Jasper wrap his arm around my waist and pull me against his side. I knew that he could probably feel the fear rolling off me and he was trying to comfort me.

"So wonderful to finally meet you Isabella." Said Aro standing right in front of me. I knew that it was expected of me to say something kind in return, but what do you say to someone that held you against your will and threatened to fucking mate with you?

I just nodded my head at him. I was still to stunned to speak. This was absurd. No. I take that back. This was just my freaking luck. Of course the main ruling brother would want me as his mate. I mean if he didn't then my life would just be.....normal, and we couldn't have that now could we?

I felt tears in my eyes that were threatening to spill over. What the hell was I supposed to do now.

"My apologies Aro, Isabella is still a little jet lagged right now." Said Jasper with a chuckle. "I'm going to take her back to her room for a few more hours of sleep and then I did promise her to take her shopping." He said squeezing my waist tighter.

"Oh not a problem Major, of course, she is human after all. We shall see you when you awake Isabella, I am looking forward to getting to know you better." He said sitting back down in his chair.

I didn't respond to that. I couldn't. I felt Jasper turn me away as I caught site of two other men, one on either side of Aro. They must have been the other brothers. Were they in on the kidnapping?

I walked behind Jasper feeling numb. My thoughts were all over the place and I had no idea what to do. Surely Jasper wouldn't leave me alone with Aro right?

JPOV

I could feel Isabella's apprehension throughout the plane ride and even felt a little fear but nothing prepared me for the onslaught of emotions that came tumbling off of her as we entered the throne room of the brothers castle. Her fear intensified dramatically when she caught site of Aro. Was this normal human behavior? I knew she was nervous but all that fear really wasn't necessary, I was right next to her.

After making pleasentries with Aro, he decided to address Isabella.

"So wonderful to finally meet you Isabella." He said, trying to be friendly I assume. I could feel Isabella trembling and sensed that she was on the verge of a breakdown. Maybe she needed more sleep.

"My apologies Aro, Isabella is still a little jet lagged right now." I said chuckling. I didn't realize the plane ride would have such an effect on her.

I brought Isabella back to the bedroom and laid down beside her on the bed again. "Sleep Isabella, when you wake up we'll all go shopping until we have to meet back up with Aro." I told her quietly.

I immediately felt her tense. "You won't leave my side, right Jasper?" She asked looking up at me. Why would she think I would leave her and why was she so afraid? Something wasn't adding up.

"No darlin'," I said kissing her forehead, "I'll be right here when you wake up." I promised.

She finally drifted off to sleep after clutching my shirt in her hands to guarantee herself that I was in fact not going to go anywhere. I needed to talk to her when she woke up, even at home she was never this clingy. It must just be from being in a new place, I thought to myself.

She finally woke up a couple of hours later with a growling stomach. I just chuckled while her face turned red in embarrassment. After a quick lunch for her we made our way outside and to the rental car before taking off for the shops of Italy.

"I'm not sure, her emotions were everywhere but the dominant emotion was plain fear. She was terrified of Aro." I told Peter quietly. We were walking behind the girls while they shopped for clothes or something.

"It seems a little strange that she should be that afraid of someone she's never met. Maybe the stories freaked her out?" He suggested.

Yes, that seemed more reasonable. I just shrugged my shoulders at him. After about another three hours of shopping I was getting bored and it was time to start heading back to the castle. We made our way to the car with a bunch of shopping bags. I will never understand the need to shop. It must be a girl thing. We made our way inside the castle to be met with Jane.

"Master Aro would like you all to go to the throne room, he has a request of you Major." She said indifferently. Nothing could faze that girl. Again I felt Isabella's fear spike and I held her closer to me.

I led us all to the throne room once again where the three brothers were waiting for us.

"Ah Jasper," Said Aro, "I was wondering if perhaps you and Peter wouldn't mind play fighting with some of the newer Guard members? They could use a bit more practice." He said with a smile. His emotions gave nothing away, just that he was excited.

"Of course," I replied, turning to Peter, "What do you say? The girls can sit outside and watch."

"Sounds good to me." He said smiling. Peter did love to fight.

"Oh wonderful, and that will give me the opportunity to talk more with Isabella here." Said Aro clapping his hands. Again, I immediately felt Isabella stiffen and squeeze my hand. I looked down at her to see that she was looking at the floor.

"Of course Aro, shall we?" I asked.