Chapter Four
"I haven't seen a prospective talent so promising since we found Jane and Alec. Can you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?" - Aro - NM - Pg. 477
The first thing that Bella saw when she opened her eyes was Alec. He was leaning his back against the far wall, a rumpled book in his hand that had to be as old as him, his fingers fanned out over the imprinted title. He turned the pages in steady tempo, his reaction to the words void. He was so beautiful it winded her. She didn't think she would ever get used to it.
On the nightstand was the same silver tray, this time with a plate of toast and a short glass of orange juice. She could see the pulp swimming in it.
She drew the food closer to her. The toast was dry and rough in her mouth, and the juice was too tangy. She almost choked on the pulp.
Alec looked up from his book and slowly closed it, slipping it into an inside pocket of his robe. "Is it bad?"
She shook her head. "Not hungry," she lied.
"Very well. Carlisle arrived an hour past."
"What?" She swung her legs off the bed too quickly, standing to her feet, but they crossed each other and she fell.
Alec was in front of her in a flash, his hands under her arms, pulling her back up.
Though he was much younger than her she only came up to his shoulders, and his eyes were piercing with years of knowledge. She had lost her breath falling, and she couldn't draw it back.
He leaned forward, his chest brushing hers. Carefully, he touched her cheek, his fingers moving to trace her jawline, admiring the way it curved. She couldn't imagine what would have been so enticing that he didn't let her go instantly. She couldn't imagine having those eyes and being as close to her as he was. Edward, with all his gold glory, could not bear to touch her for too long for fear he'd lose his composure, and his touch was a feather's kiss. Alec was not so careful that she couldn't feel him.
Without breaking his gaze, he pressed his icy lips to the tip of her nose, and she gasped. Not from the cold, but from the electrical contact it had. If she had any hopes of regaining her breath, it was dashed.
Out of his cloak he withdrew a pair of black leather gloves. "It's a long walk for you," he said.
Like yesterday she slipped the gloves on, and he took her hand, leading her out. And Alec was right, it was a long walk. She tried to memorize the turns they took. Right, left, left, straight, straight, right, but as if it was designed to confuse, it succeeded. There was plenty of artwork and tapestries, but they were all beginning to look the same.
She tripped often, even when he slowed his pace, gently squeezing her hand, but it helped little, yet he was endlessly patient. If it was possible, his actions made it appear as if he didn't notice, but he had to. He was a vampire, and they noticed every minuscule detail.
They came upon two long wooden doors, leaves etched in elegant detail. Alec opened one, bowing her in.
The room was large and round, raised steps leading to three seats, one set ahead of the others, the most important. It was where Aro was sitting, and sitting in the left was Carlisle conversing comfortably until she walked in. They both stood.
She couldn't help it, she ran forward and embraced Carlisle. It was beyond good to see him, to have that part of herself that worried for their safety put to rest. Obviously they were okay.
"Oh, Bella," Carlisle said, relieved. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. Is everyone else?"
"Everyone is fine, Bella. We are all worried about you."
Tearfully, she nodded.
Carlisle turned to Aro. "This has gone too far, Aro. Let the girl go."
"I am sorry about all of this, but she would be such a nice addition to our family."
"She should have a choice in that."
He held up a elongated and thin finger. "Yes, in time she will. I think it would be enormously helpful if she was accustomed to her surroundings. That way, she will be fully aware of what her life will be."
"I think she's had long enough to decide."
"Oh, just one more day, Carlisle, please. She is a real joy to have."
It sent shivers through her. The statement sounded more hungry than pleasing. To prove her point, Carlisle's chest rumbled.
Aro smiled like a cat with canary feathers out of its mouth. "My dear old friend, you wouldn't fight me, would you?"
"I don't want to, Aro, but I will if I must."
"The law claims her and your family. She has to be turned."
"She will be. You saw my daughter's vision."
"Ah, Alice, what a lovely girl. It was a treat to meet her, and see what she has seen. Alas, I let Isabella go once, I don't intend to again. I hope this won't cause discord in our friendship."
She had never seen Carlisle so angry, his eyes flashing dangerously. She didn't think he had a temper; that he could get angry.
Alec grabbed her wrist, pulling her from the two vampires. His foot was positioned in front of hers protectively.
Aro remained calm, but imperceptibly he stiffened.
"If you insist, there will not be a friendship." Carlisle softened when he faced her, and he moved past Alec to hug her one last time. He whispered needlessly in her ear, "we will find a way to get you out, Bella, don't worry."
She clung tightly to him. "Don't let anything happen to you or the others. Keep everyone away."
"My daughter," he said, and then he was striding out the door, Flex following behind him.
"He'll get out safe, "Alec assured her. "Felix is escorting him to the door, not to a dinner table."
Was that a joke? Bella couldn't help but smile a little. She didn't know Alec could joke. He winked down at her. Winked?
Aro sighed heavily. "Such a shame." He clapped his hands, leering at her. "So, my dear Bella, when shall we begin your transformation?"
She winced, hoping he wouldn't do it right then. The way he leaned towards her, ravenously, her breath hitched in her throat. She couldn't catch her breath, and she was starting to hyperventilate. It was the stupidest thing she could have done, raising her heart rate in front of two vampires, but it couldn't have been helped. She wasn't ready to be turned.
All she wanted from the Cullen's was to be with them for all eternity. Being a vampire wasn't so bad the way they did it, but she didn't want it to be this way. She wanted them at her side, and she didn't want to be a Volturi guard. Yet, there didn't seem to be a way out. Carlisle left her there. There wasn't any hope of survival.
"Master, Miss Swan hasn't had sufficient time to accustom herself to our home. I would like to ask permission to keep her human a little longer."
Bella snapped to him, shocked. He was giving her more time.
Aro considered it for a minute too long, and he smiled, holding up a few fingers. "I grant your request, Alec. I give you three days, but three days only. On the third day, she must be changed. I will not give anymore time. That is my final word. Now, please, excuse me," and he swept from the room.
Bella turned to Alec, seeing something in his eyes that she hadn't seen before. It seemed like emotion. First joking, then emotions. It seemed as though she was seeing him for the first time, that he was allowing her that, but for what reason she couldn't fathom.
"Yes," he pressed after he had his fill of her stare.
"I thought you wanted me dead."
"That is true. I do want you dead. Only, not for the grounds you believe."
"Then for what?"
He motioned to the door. "I will escort you to your room where your dinner is awaiting."
That was it, and she accepted it, but because she wanted to be out of the Volturi's chambers, and she was hungry.