We got to Italy about twelve hours later. It was about nine at night, so Max and I figured it would be best just to get to Volterra and get it over with. Max 'rented' a car and we got to Volterra in record time. We found the entrance and went in. Max took my hand. We got to a little waiting room, where there was a-I gasped, but much to low for her to hear- human. I looked at Max. He looked at the human.
"Hello Gianna." He greeted stiffly. She looked up and smiled pleasantly.
"Ah, hello Max. Aro's been waiting for your return. Please, go on in." She said. I stared, wondering what her deal was. Max pulled me into a hallway, that was glittering in gold, but he pulled me to a small wooden side door. I followed, and Max led me into a big room, where there were several people. Aro looked up at us and smiled brightly in welcome, getting up.
"Max! How lovely it is to see you again! Oh! And little Meghan!" He said, clapping his hands in delight. Max smiled pleasantly back.
"Hello Aro. It's nice to see you again as well." Max said. I looked at him, and then back to Aro, who smiled at me. I just studied him, wondering how he would take the news. Max let me go and walked forward to Aro, who took his hand, closing his eyes. I stared, but whirled when I heard other voices. Three people walked in, a short blonde, a middle sized brunette (who was more than likely the blondes twin), and a tall, skinny brunette, who looked, er, dressed up. Max sighed. I looked back at him. Aro smiled warmly.
"Ah! Jane, Alec and Heidi! Please, meet Meghan, Max's little mate." Aro said, embracing each one of them. I watched. Alec and Jane watched me curiously. I nodded in a small greeting. Heidi snorted. I looked at her. She shook her head and walked over to one of the burlier-looking vampires. I looked back at Aro.
"Oh! Forgive me Meghan, I didn't introduce myself properly! I'm Aro." He said, sticking his hand out. I smiled and shook his hand.
"Hello Aro. I'm Meghan." I said, but Aro had this glazed look over him. I looked at Max. He shook his head. I looked back at Aro.
"How interesting." He mused. I didn't say anything. Aro let me go. I stepped back next to Max, who put his arm around my waist.
"I know." Max muttered, looking at Aro, who shook his head. I looked at Max, who had that sad, far away look I hated so much. I don't think Max was paying attention to me right then, but Aro was staring at me. I looked down, studying the floor.
"She can sense emotions?" Aro asked, almost hesitantly. I looked up. Max nodded.
"And change them. But that really isn't relevant right now Aro." Max said, snapping back into composure.
"Ah, yes, back to the matter at hand." He sighed, visibly sad.
"And you already know our answer." Max said, tightening his arm around my waist. I looked up at Aro too, as if to enforce what Max just said. Aro nodded. My head snapped back as I felt a babble of emotions. Max stiffened.
"Okay my friends, I will bit you a good day now, but please wait until the suns down to properly leave." Aro said, regaining his warm smile. We both nodded. And I threw in a smile, just to kiss some ass. Max laughed, but broke into a run as soon as we were out of sight. I followed. We passed a group of humans, and I didn't need to be told what they were for. We got to the little reception room and stood next to the door. 'Gianna' looked at us curiously, and then went back to whatever she was doing. I looked at Max, thinking "What is a human doing here?!" I asked mentally. Max chuckled.
"She thinks that they're gonna change her one day-if she's lucky." He said, much to low for her to hear. I looked at him.
"Seriously? What, is she stupid?" I thought.
"She's in a vain hope." He said, shaking his head. I smacked my forehead.
"Well, we know who the brightest crayon in the box isn't." I thought. Max laughed out right. Gianna looked up, but looked back down. Max waited until he was positive that the sun was long gone.