Disclaimer: I do not own most of these characters, they belong to Steph Meyer!

A/N: Ah, how unexpected. No one threw anything at me or expressed disapproval. I wasn't expecting such encouraging comments. Thanks guys! You made me so darn happy and excited that I rushed right into the next post. And, wow, was it a challenging one. I re-wrote the first few pages several times. Also, I'd love to welcome my newest reader: Elainne-Aurina

Chapter 33 Requests

No one spoke in our car for a while. Brent had made certain that Laura had not witnessed her father's death, but he couldn't keep her from hearing the sound of his desperate prayers, his neck cracking, her mother sobbing. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that her father had died, that he'd been murdered.

I didn't care one way or the other at the moment. I'd hidden myself in a place where emotions could no longer trouble me.
"Did you call Edward," I asked, finally shattering the thick silence.

Christian gripped the steering wheel tighter and concentrated on the road. "Yes. He said that Alice had somehow missed that particular vision and that they would be prepared. Our help would be appreciated, but not required. He thinks that they can easily handle Virat and his small army now that they know what is transpiring."

Appreciated but not required? I would have thought he'd be jumping up and down at the prospect of having us together. "So, do you trust them to keep Kattra safe?" See, I could even say her name out loud and not choke on it. Numbness was bliss.

"I spoke with her," he admitted, never taking his eyes from the road. "She doesn't think it is necessary to aid them."

"Why do they not want us there?" I asked trying to puzzle out their odd behavior. He shrugged and remained silent.

I could feel Brent's eyes boring into me from the backseat. Probably trying to figure out what we were referring to. I guess I should tell him as I was going to asked him to aid us if we decided to stop by and help Edward.

Instead, I closed my eyes and purposely searched the future, one where we'd already decided not to help. It was my weak point, but I had to take control of this power, if we were going to keep Kattra safe.

Images flooded my mind in a blur. I focused on Kattra's face and the images sharpened. I was back in the fight scene and everything was playing out just as before. Kattra sailed through the air and hit the ground with a resounding thud, but this time she quivered, let me know that there was life left in her. Alyria decapitated Chelsea and scooped Kattra up, looking around frantically.

I came back to the present with Christian's hand shaking my shoulder, his voice finally penetrating the thick haze of my mind.

"Bella."

I wrenched my shoulder from his grip and pressed myself against the door creating as much space as possible between us. I glanced at him and noted the frown on his face at my reaction as he slowly placed his hand back on the steering wheel. I stared out my window not wanting to see the effect of my rebuff on his gorgeous face. "I was searching the future. It has been altered slightly. Kattra is still injured, but will not die."

"So, we go straight back to Volterra then?" Christian asked a little surprised. I nodded, but kept watching the trees fly by us as he sped down the little road at a hundred miles per hour.

"Do you not want to see Edward?"

"Not particularly," I admitted. He hadn't convinced his family of the Volturi's innocence. The line was drawn and I'd somehow ended up on the other side. I would reveal everything to Aro and hopefully we'd be able to prepare a counter attack. I had no intention of fighting any of the Cullens, but I would not allow Aro and his people to be harmed for no good reason. Virat would not succeed in his mission. I wasn't anyone's pawn. Not Carlisle's not Virat's.

"If you want we can drop you off so that you can spend time with Kattra and maybe keep her from even getting hurt. I'll drive them back to Volterra." I motioned to Brent and Laura with a jerk of my head.

He pulled the car to the side of the road and turned to face me while reaching a tentative hand out to me.

"Don't," I whispered. I was still in my protective emotionless bubble, but somehow I knew that he'd be able to pop it and make me deal with things that I'd rather bury deep inside and never revisit.

His hand fell to his lap, sorrow etched into his face. "Why are you putting walls up between us, love?" He asked in a low, haunted voice.

"I'm not your 'love', so please stop calling me that," I stated blandly. My tone revealed nothing; no anger, no sadness, just empty.

He looked like I'd slapped him in the face as he leaned back in his seat rubbed his forehead.

Not a single noise emitted from those two in the back seat. They knew that they were witnessing something painful and private and why they cared to be polite when we'd practically destroyed their life was a bit odd, but true just the same. Or maybe they were just hoping we'd reveal some useful information that they could use against us. Yeah, that was probably the likelier of the two scenarios. I didn't dare employ Jasper's gift in order to seek the answer to their true feelings for fear of what it would let into my own body, heart, and soul. Heck, so far I'd been lucky that Brent was cooperating. If he'd decide to fight us, I'd have had to use that power over him. I doubted that I'd be able to protect myself when I was pumping him full of calmness and lethargy.

Christian lowered his hand and turned his honey eyes on me. "You are angry with me." He shook his head and glanced into the back seat briefly before continuing. He hadn't asked me a question so I'd remained quiet. I so did not want to have this conversation. Certainly not in front of two people who had every reason to hate us. I'd become to them what Jane had been to me. I was something feared and loathed and I'd succeeded in disrupting their world in a permanent way, something that Jane and the Volturi had failed to accomplish with me. What does that say about me? Not that it bothered me at the moment, but it would. I didn't want to be someone's nightmare come true.

"Ever since I told you about my connection to Kattra you have distanced yourself from me. No, it's more than that; you have cut yourself off from everyone. I look in your eyes and they are dead. Why?"

I chewed on my lip as I thought about my response, but nothing that didn't sound pathetic came to mind.

Laura's soprano voice startled me. "She's in love with you."

I leaned my forehead against the window and restrained myself from tearing out her luminescent neck. But damn, if that silly little girl could see my feelings for Christian, then every vampire, including Edward, would be able to too.

"Is that it, lo…Bella?" He prodded gently. When I did not respond he filled the silence. "Are you jealous of Kattra?" I didn't have to look at him to know that his charming smile was on his face, I could hear the amusement in his voice.

I glared at him and spat, "I have no right to be jealous of you and your wife. Turn on the damn car and let's get these two to Volterra before Aro starts to wonder what we've been up to.

"No," he said. "Not until we settle things." He reached out to me again and this time when I moved away he continued and rested his hand on the base of my neck. "We began this…" he faltered looking back at Brent and not wanting to say too much. "We have both taken to our new roles, Bella. The only problem is that they are no longer roles, but a reality." He turned my face to his. "I am in love with you, as well, Bella," he whispered. "Kattra and I do not have the normal relationship that you and Edward had. Alyria has always been an integral part to ours. And do not forget about our…Viktor, Melody, and Anna. They have shared our bed for many years. Our marriage is not like yours."

My feelings almost overwhelmed me, but I managed to remain in control. His words were irrelevant and changed nothing. In fact, they'd only convinced me even more that I did not fit into his world. I swallowed hard and removed his hands from my face. "You're right. Your marriage is nothing like mine and Edward's. I allowed myself to become enamored with you and have broken my vow to Edward. I will not continue to make that mistake." He sat back in his seat with a heartbroken look on his face. "Get the car moving. I need to inform Aro of the Romanians."

He got the car back on the road and drove a little ways in silence. We'd be there in half an hour. Not too long to remain mute, but of course he wasn't going to make it easy.

"I beg you not to divulge everything to him, Bella. Simply tell him you've had a vision. You can explain Virat and the Romanians and maybe protect the Cullens at the same time."

I turned completely around in my seat and addressed Brent. "You two stay close to me when I take you in. Christian and I are your only two friends among the court and I do not plan on giving anyone the opportunity to harm you." Their eyes widened and she whimpered as she clutched frantically at him. "Do you want to be the one who transforms her, or will it be too overwhelming?"

He looked at her with unadulterated love in his eyes. It reminded me of the way Edward used to gaze at me. "I will do it, if they will but allow it," he murmured softly against her crimson hair. She began to weep, but not from sadness, more from relief.

"Good. I will also try and convince Aro to use Morphine on the three of them. I make no guarantees, but I will do my best to make this as comfortable and easy as possible. I owe you all at least that much."

"Thank you, Senora."

I smiled, but again it was not a real smile, and shook my head sadly. "Don't thank me yet, Brent. Don't thank me yet." I turned my attention to Laura. Such a lovely young girl. She would make a spectacular vampire, as would her brother. My focus flicked back to Brent. "I'm afraid I have some news to deliver to Aro that won't be to his liking. I wish that I could delay it, but I have to relay this information tonight. It is possible that both Christian and I will be punished for it, and if that is the case there will be no one to protect you. I can talk to Santiago. He might risk it, if things should go bad. I just want you to be prepared."

"You do not have to allow Aro to punish you, Bella," Christian said pointedly. "No one among the court possesses your level of powers. You could…"

"I am trying to save my friends, Christian, not harm them," I snapped.

"Wow!" Laura interrupted with an excited gasp as she leaned over Brent and gazed up at the castle.

Wow, indeed. I drew in a relaxing breath and opened my door helping Laura out while Christian secured Brent. Our trip through the labyrinth of stone walls was unsettling. The three of them were so tense; it was like ants crawling up my skin. Laura kept whimpering softly and held on to me as though I was her guardian angel instead of the demon sent to ruin her and everything that she held dear.

I pushed open the final door and led Laura into the chamber. Her mother and brother were seated to the left of Marcus' throne and surrounded by four vampires. It was plain that her heart had shriveled up and died with the death of her husband. There was no life left in her pale green eyes. No tears fell. No fear showed. She simply sat there by her son's side and waited for the monsters to deal out her punishment.

Justin looked haunted. Was he regretting his decision to come here? Was he ashamed that his so honorable father had died by his convictions, when he'd been so easily swayed? He turned his gaze to me and it was filled with all the sorrow and pain in the world. I looked away because I wasn't strong or brave enough to meet those anguished eyes.

Aro stood smiling broadly and Marcus shot me a look of utter adoration and relief. "My lovely Bella, you have finally returned." He glided down the steps from his dais and held his hand out to me. I clasped it and he drew me towards him, encircling me in his arms and kissing both cheeks. "It has been a successful trip, I see?"

I remained locked in his arms and whispered in his ear. "Mostly." He released me and motioned me to explain myself. "Christian had to kill her father," I muttered.

"Yes. Yes. I am aware of Mr. Lucci's fate." Anger flashed across his face. "He got off easy, my lovely Bella. For the terrible things that he uttered to you, I would have made him suffer for years and years." He stroked my face, but his hand stopped in mid motion and fell back to his side as Seline entered the chamber.

Damn, I'd been so distracted by my personal life that I hadn't given her another thought. Well, if I was going to have to deal with her, it may as well be now while I felt no remorse.

"Well, well, well, the prodigal daughter has returned victorious on her first mission." She flicked her furious eyes at Brent and her lips curved into a sneer. "Well, almost victorious. I was under the impression that he was to be destroyed."

"Enough," Aro shouted. "If you can not behave yourself, Seline, then you can leave. Do you understand me?" He hissed angrily.

She nodded, but didn't look happy about it as she took her seat on the chair nearest to his, her crimson dress riding up her thighs as she crossed her legs.

He motioned several guards forward, but I resumed my position near Laura and took her hand in mine. Aro's surprise was almost humorous. "I have two requests, if you don't mind," I began tentatively.

"Go on." He returned to his throne and schooled his face to show nothing more than mild interest, but I knew better.

"When I was transformed, Carlisle gave me Morphine and it helped alleviate some of the pain. I was hoping that you would allow us to use it on them." Christian and Laura were fidgeting behind me. Only Brent and I remained motionless and hid our true thoughts.

The silence stretched on while Aro studied me. When I thought he was not going to answer he replied, "I see no reason to cause them such pain when there is a way to lessen it. I will grant you this request, Bella." Oh, now we were down to just Bella. No more terms of endearment. That did not bode well. "And your other request?" He prompted.

"That Brent is allowed to transform Laura." Several of the vampires in the room were whispering amongst themselves at my audacity.

Aro smiled and it was not an entirely friendly smile. "If you will do but one thing for me, then I shall also grant you this small favor."

Thank God I was numb now, because I knew I should be at the very least nervous - at most - terrified. What would I risk in order to give them their moment? A moment that they both deserved. I couldn't help remembering how the idea of anyone else's venom flowing through my body disgusted me and seemed wrong. It would be no different for Laura. And just like that, I knew that I would do whatever it was that he asked in order to procure that favor.

I nodded.

"I would like you to transform our Justin." Felix brought him forward, his brow furrowed and a worried expression on his face. "Do you think that you possess the restraint needed to successfully transform him?" He whispered softly. "I hear that you rather enjoyed a little taste of him earlier. Could you stop once his blood pumped into you?"

Not at all the sort of task I was expecting. If I failed, he was dead, which was ironic as I'd gone through so much trouble to keep him alive. Still, I'd already decided. And bloodlust was just another emotion. Granted, a more animalistic one, but an emotion nonetheless. And I was not dealing with those anymore, so I should be able to do it. "I accept your terms," I replied.

Aro looked positively shocked, and by the sound of the steady murmurs from around the room he was not the only one. I did not chance a look at Christian, I remained focused on Aro.

"So be it. I will procure the Morphine, and we will begin their transformations tonight."

I could tell we'd been dismissed. Several of the vamps that had been watching the show had made a hasty exit, but I had more to say, unfortunately.

"Was there something else, Bella?"

"Yes, could we speak privately, Aro?" I looked at Marcus. "And, of course, you as well, Marcus?"

"Leave us." He commanded.

Everyone left but Renata and Seline. I hadn't actually expected Renata to leave his side, so it wasn't much of a shock when he addressed only Seline. "You as well, my raven Goddess." He caressed her hand gently with heat in his eyes. He had been without her sweet touch for over two weeks. He'd be most put out with me if my news kept him from her lovely body.

She left in a huff, but whatever torture she'd had to endured, taught her to keep her mouth shut and her thoughts to herself. We didn't need to hear them anyway to know she was livid.

I quickly tried to think it all out. How much to share? What to hide? How best to keep the Cullens safe? "I had a vision," I announced.

"So your power is finally growing and more under your control?" I nodded. "Splendid." He clapped his hands together. "I am impressed with your so many interesting abilities, my lovely Bella. But why did you need privacy to share this with us?"

"I saw Edward…"

"Go on," he said softly.

"I think he was coming to try and work things out between us," I lied. "And he was in a fight with seven Volturi guards. Not here, but somewhere in Italy."

"How do you know they are our guards?" Marcus asked moving forward.

"They all had on your cloaks. But I do not recognize any of them."

Aro came to my side. "If you would but lower your shield I could watch this vision and know of who you speak."

That was a bit tricky. I needed him to know it was Virat, but as I was not supposed to know what Virat looked like, I couldn't simply say that it was Virat. So, showing him my vision was the only option I had. But, I hadn't confessed who else on our side was involved. What would he think about Demetri fighting along side of Edward against his guards? Again, it was a risk that I had to take. If I ever made it out of here, there would be no more risky activities for me. Gone were the days of cliff diving and ridiculous motorcycles.

I allowed that one vision to sneak past my shield and held my hand out to Aro. He grasped it with glee, probably thinking he'd get a sneak peek into my life, but I was too strong of a shield for that.

"Well, is that not very interesting?" He faced Marcus and muttered. "Virat and Chelsea."

"Virat?" I asked, a mask of surprise on my face. "The one that was supposed to take care of the Lucci's?"

Aro placed his arm around me and guided me to the steps where we both sat. "Yes, the very same. I did not orchestrate this. You know this? I would not harm your Edward or break the treaty."

I sighed and rested against him. "It sounds as though he has been following his own rules for a while now, Aro."

Marcus added, "He has gone rogue. You saw Edward defeat him?" I nodded. "Then it is no matter. We would have hunted him and his guards down and destroyed them, but your family has saved us the effort."

"There's more." I didn't even know how to begin with the rest. I had no true vision to share with Aro of the Romanians. Hell, I didn't even know what they looked like. How to warn him, without revealing our part in the plan? I really did not want him to know that the sole reason I'd come here was to spy, it was embarrassing and such a betrayal of his kindness and trust.

"I called Edward and warned him. He told me that Alice had had a vision about the Romanians amassing an army to march on Volterra." God, please let this be the right decision. "He said she saw this Virat and Vladimir together." Perhaps we could make Aro believe that Virat forced the Romanians to go to war with the Volturi and they would be pardoned. Crazier things were known to happen.

Both of them froze at this untruthful confession. "How many?" Aro asked.

"When?" Marcus added in a rush.

"A week, maybe less," I replied to Marcus and turned to face Aro. "He has made a newborn army of about twenty and another thirty seasoned vampires."

"Will you fight with us? You and your Christian?" Aro asked.

"Of course. But, I was hoping that you'd allow me to aid Edward. The vision I showed you happens tonight, I believe. And I want to heal the woman, Kattra, that was badly hurt."

"Take Santiago with you," he suggested. Now it was my turn to be shocked. I couldn't take him because he was the Romanians' spy and I couldn't refuse him without making Aro suspicious. I liked Santiago, despite the fact that he was sort of my enemy and I didn't want to do anything that would get him executed. But I had to convince Edward that supporting the Volturi was the right thing to do and I could not do so with Santiago by my side.

I had to figure out a way to keep Santiago occupied so that Aro would not have the chance to explain my vision to him. Would he have enough time to warn his brother-in-laws? I just didn't know. All I was certain of was that I couldn't leave without dealing with him, but how to thwart him?

"How about Felix and Seline?" This way I looked like I was trying to mend fences with her and it was an odd enough request that he might be distracted from my refusal of Santiago.

"You trust Seline to aid you and yours?" He asked mystified.

"I think she has a fearsome power and would be an enormous help. Plus a little girl time might not be such a bad thing for us," I smiled, begging him to buy the lie and grant me, yet, another request.

He chuckled. "You are quite right, my lovely Bella. You and Seline need some girl time and this would be perfect. Go now, and when you come back you can transform Justin."