Disclaimer: All rights belong to Stephenie Meyer. I own nothing Twilight related.

Chapter Thirteen

While the Volturi deliberated, I listened to the minds around them, learning how this odd group worked. Their dynamics were somewhat forced, although several of the guard truly felt at peace with this life. The relished the trips abroad where they could punish those who stepped out of line and were looking forward to the next time they needed to go.

I caught a brief flash of Jane's thoughts about hunting down my family to punish them for letting a human in on their secret, but she knew, now that Bella was dead, she had no just cause.

I grew restless, because the brothers had made sure to stay out of my range of mindreading for their deliberation and the longer they waited, the more restless I became. I wanted to move, but Felix was ever vigilant and I knew in my unfed state I was no match for him, not in terms of speed and definitely not in terms of strength.

At the same time I realized that Alice would have seen my decision right now and she would most likely be hurrying to get here, no matter how much risk she would be taking by coming here. Her talent was most certainly one to appeal to Aro. I had already seen his lust for adding a new talent to his collection when he read my thoughts about her.

He saw us as the perfect couple. Virtual omniscience. He did not, however, note how fickle Alice's talent really was and I wondered why. I have thought about it, which meant Aro knew, but for some reason he chose to ignore that little fact. It might have something to do with his insatiable craving for power over our world. He wanted to truly rule as a king, even if it meant betraying his own brothers.

I had seen in his mind the brief flash of a memory when he saw the connection I had felt with Bella. He was the one who killed his brother's mate when Marcus had wanted to leave his brothers. Aro didn't care how strong their bond was, he only cared about losing his power should his brother leave their still small coven.

Marcus had never truly recovered from the loss of his mate, but he stayed simply because he had no other reason to live. He had at one time considered doing what I was asking for now, but he never dared, knowing his brothers would never agree to it.

I was shaken from my thoughts, when Jane flitted into the room. She gave me a lecherous smile and wondered briefly what I would look like in her bed, but I couldn't be bothered to care about it. It was time to hear the brother's decision.

Instead of the luxurious room I had been in earlier, I was now taken to a damp inhospitable hall that I quickly learned was used to either punish vampires who had stepped out of line, or lure in the throngs of tourists they feasted on every week. I saw images of several slaughterings that had taken place there, but again I could not begin to care. I wanted peace, I wanted to be with my Bella again.

I nearly sighed at the idea of joining her in heaven, if I was even allowed there. My stomach dropped at the thought of not being allowed an afterlife with her. It would be likely, though. I could easily be denied access to heaven due to all the things I had done.

It was strange that in that moment I never doubted I had a soul to go on to the afterlife. I was suddenly one hundred percent certain I would indeed have a soul.

Aro cleared his throat, probably aware that I had zoned out of what was going on and I could see in his mind he detested being ignored. I refocused on him, smiling apologetically.

"I apologize, Aro. I am sure you do not want to hear my excuses, but I am famished and tired of life without her. I did not mean to insult you by getting distracted."

"Ah, my dear boy. It is so sad to see a young man like you suffer so greatly. I wonder, how did you resist her blood? She was your singer after all, the one human that none of us should be able to resist and yet you could. You could hold her close to your body without getting tempted. You could kiss her mouth without wanting to nip. I admire your strength, Edward, I honestly do."

He paused, but he was successfully blocking his thoughts from me, so I had no inclination as to what he wanted to say next.

"Edward, I am sorry, but we cannot do as you wish. It is such a waste of talent to destroy you. Our world needs one like you, Edward. I would like to offer you a position with our guard. In time I think you will see that you will be capable of living on without your Bella and make a life for yourself with us here. We have such a long life ahead of us when you have eternity, I am sure you will be able to get past your grief."

I stopped listening for a second. If they would not do this willingly, I would force their hand.

"Thank you for your offer, Aro. I appreciate the sentiment, but I really must decline."

"Such a shame. But, as you wish. You are free to go. We suggest you stay in our city for a while and think about our offer again. You are welcome to come back should you change your mind."

"Thanks again, Aro. I will take some time to think about your offer again. I wish you all well."

"Until we meet again, Edward," Aro spoke with an air of certainty.

I saw that he expected my next move and therefore expected to see me again. I was sure I would not disappoint.

I was escorted out of the building by Felix and Demetri, who were highly disappointed in Aro's decision to just let me walk. I thought about provoking them, but thought better of it. I was better suited with a plan to expose what I was in a public setting.

When I was outside and alone, plans started forming in my head. On the breeze I caught the faint whiff of a floral smell. Something slightly reminiscent of Bella's blood and it called to me. My throat burned painfully and I marvelled at the idea of hunting within the city walls of Volterra.

I let my senses take over and allowed my legs to carry me towards the heavenly smell of human blood. The monster roared in pleasure as I unleashed it from it's tight restraints. I could feel the shift within me as I followed the mouth watering aroma.

In the distance I heard the erratic thoughts that belonged to the scent. I could tell the person was dreaming. I smiled. The combination of the smell of blood, fresh and pumping life through it's vessel and the images of simple dreams was strangely enticing. I wanted to strike so badly.

I scaled the wall up to the bedroom where I could hear the steady thumping of a heart. When I peered in through the window, I halted my movements. It was a girl, maybe eight or nine. Her youth did not stop me, though, it was her hair that made me freeze. It was played across her pillow in dark brown waves. Immediately the image of Bella popped up in my head and I jumped down to the ground.

I would find someone else. Someone who did not remind me of Bella. I scanned the thoughts that were coherent and found a baker who was remembering his forceful night with his wife. He had enjoyed forcing himself on her and I figured he would be my best choice.

I found him quickly and was about to strike, when I heard her.

Edward, stop it, right now! Don't you even dare think about it. Are you willing to throw away your soul because you are pissed with Aro? Huh?! Don't you dare!

What would you have me do, love?

I'll have you alive. Don't go on these suicide missions, Edward. Think of your family.

I shook my head to clear her voice away, but it had managed to dissuade me from the idea of hunting.

Again a vast array of plans popped into my head, but then I saw the sky lighten above me and the most simple solution, the least destructive, the easiest, jumped out at me and wouldn't leave my mind.

From a small group of humans nearby I learned that today was Saint Marcus day, which meant the main square would be filled with people today. It would be a perfect stage for my plan. The Volturi would have no choice but to take care of me if I would step into the sun with thousands of humans around.

I would wait for noon when the festivities were at their high point. It would be kind of poetic too. The day I had showed myself in the sunlight to Bella was the day we first proclaimed we loved each other and now I would use the same method to be with her for all eternity.

Time crept by and my thoughts occasionally flickered to my family. I was sure they would miss me, but I knew they would get over their loss in time. I just hoped Alice would be too late and would not get caught in the middle when the time came.

I silently prayed that God would keep her from the Volturi's clutches. She deserved her happiness with Jasper. She deserved her eternity. When noon approached I slowly walked to the mouth of the alley to the side of the bell tower. It was almost time.

I silently said my goodbyes to Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper and Alice. I silently wished them a happy life. I silently offered my remorse to Charlie and Renee for being the cause of their daughter's death. I silently begged for God to let me see her at least one more time after I died.

The bell tolled. I closed my eyes and saw her.

My Bella.

My love.

Her face was so clear in my head that it felt like she was right there with me in my last moments on this earth. I felt every cell in my body ache to be with her and I yearned for the release of this pain. Her lovely brown eyes were stern, her mouth pressed into a tight line. She was angry.

"Don't do this," she begged me in her bright voice.

I'll be with you soon.

"Don't!" She was furious now, her eyes blazing, her voice harsh.

Overhead the bell tolled again. The heavy chime booming through the alley and out to the square. The sun was at it's peak and I took a large step forward. In my mind I saw the tears forming in her eyes as she yelled at me.

My furious little kitten.

From further away I could hear her screaming.

"No! Edward look at me!"

I am looking at you.

I love you.

I smiled and raised my foot to take the step that would put me into the light and out of my misery.

A/N: So here's the next chapter. From here on out things will get back to the plotline of the book. I hope you still like how I approached this, I would love to hear what you think.

Love, Mo