Disclaimer: I do not own most of these characters. They belong to Steph Meyer!

Chapter 45 To Bella

Time means something completely different to a vampire. I lost track of how long I'd spent out in the dark garden listening to the frothy sound of the fountain intermingle with the sounds of battle raging through my thoughts. It could have only been a few hours or several days. I was beyond paying attention to things that weren't seared inside me. Leah's harsh words still rang in my head, Demetri's unfriendly look burned in my mind, and Edward's plea to leave haunted me.

I did not bother to open my eyes when I heard the light wisp of a cloak on the circular stones. I didn't need too, for I would know his scent anywhere. I sighed softly. I just wanted to be alone. Aro and Renata had already checked on me briefly, but my catatonic state chased them away fairly quickly, much to my relief. Renata didn't seem nearly as put out with me as she'd been when she first learned of my transgressions against the Volturi, so that was something. I'd have plenty of time to sort it out as I wasn't going anywhere. I hadn't actually informed Aro of that development yet. I should probably talk to Edward about it first. Of course, he almost certainly heard my declaration to Leah, so he would already be aware of my intent. I'm sure he would have some great counter argument prepared for me, though.

Christian slid onto the bench beside me, his arm wrapping possessively around my shoulder and pulling me against him. "How are you holding up?"

"Not very well, apparently," I mumbled.

He brushed a kiss against my head and whispered, "None of this is your fault, Bella."

A slightly hysterical laugh escaped my trembling lips. "You are in the minority with that assessment."

"I heard what happened earlier. Sounds like Leah provoked you. I wouldn't fret about it too much."

I tilted my face up to him so I could read his expression. "I wasn't feeling bad about slapping Leah," I admitted unabashedly. "She deserved that and more. What is eating me up inside is Demetri's, Seth's and Edward's reaction."

He contemplated my words for a few moments before saying, "I do not think you need to worry about Edward or Demetri. From what I have heard they are not upset with you. Seth, I am most sorry to admit, is…" he searched quickly for the least painful word, before settling on, "…blaming you for everything."

If my heart could have stuttered, it certainly would have. I adored Seth and the idea of him hating me with the same vengeance as Leah nearly destroyed me. Words failed me, so I just hunkered down closer against Christian's comforting body.

The silence that stretched on was not strained and I felt no need to fill the void. I just let him hold me while I tried to pull myself together. Not one Cullen had bothered to talk to me since I'd killed Seline. I had known they would be repulsed by my evil actions, but I had expected Alice, at the very least, to seek me out. Hell, even Edward had left me to my own devices. He seemed perfectly content to allow Demetri to take care of me and Leah. I guess I should have been a bit more concerned about their behavior and what it meant, but I wasn't. I'm sure I'd find out all too soon. Right now, sitting in the dark with Christian was what I needed.

"Bella?" Christian finally broke through my somber reverie.

"Yeah."

"You have decided to remain here in Volterra?" He asked carefully. I wondered what had put that tone in his voice.

"Yes." The one word answers were getting on my nerves, but I just couldn't be bothered to actually make whole sentences or explain my reasons at the moment. Though, Christian most likely wouldn't require an explanation. He knew me quite well and would be aware of all the little things that had contributed to that particular decision.

Again, I peered at his stunning face as he bit his lip nervously. "What would you say if I stayed here as well?"

Ah. That explained his cautious demeanor. What would I say? Well, right that second it seemed like the very best idea in the world, but I knew that if I said that he would misinterpret the meaning behind it. My decision was already made where Christian and Edward were concerned. I had no intention of opening that can of worms again. "What about Kattra? And Alyria …your blood donors? Surely you cannot be considering leaving them?" I frowned slightly as I thought back to Alyria's remarks about her short time in Volterra. "Alyria would never consent to stay. She has major issues with the diet - both varieties - and she misses her donors something terribly."

"How can I leave you here like this, love? You cannot possibly expect me to just get on a plane when you are mourning your friend's death." His arm fell from my shoulder leaving me chilled. He slowly turned me to face him, one hand resting on my throat, the other smoothing down my jaw as he scrutinized my expression. I had no idea what he saw when he looked at me, but it didn't seem to reassure him. "Your coven has all but abandoned you, love."

My eyes fell closed at that painful truth. "You don't have to remind me. I'm well aware of the Cullens' opinion of me," I muttered dejectedly.

"I'm not trying to hurt you, hun. I just…I would never abandon you."

I shook my head as much as I could since it was pressed against his shoulder. "Edward hasn't abandoned me," I pointed out.

"Actually, he did…once before."

"That doesn't count, Christian. I was still human. He was just trying to do what was best for me…just trying to protect me."

He sighed. "But he is not really doing a good job of protecting you anymore," he murmured.

The door across the garden opened and my irritable angel stood scowling at our close contact.

I couldn't help the crazed giggle that erupted from my lips. "I think you might have… like summoning powers, or something. Every time you start in on him he…poof…just appears." I shook my head as the giggles turned into a frantic laugh. Clearly, I was a bit delirious. No rational person would find the look Edward was casting at us to be humorous.

Christian's hands fell into his lap, but he made no move to leave my side. My inappropriate laughter seemed to be infectious. A low chuckle vibrated through the night. "If that is the case, then I will choose my words far more carefully next time."

Edward walked around the soothing fountain, a small smile tugging at his own lips as he stared at us in disbelief. Obviously, he'd heard our silly remarks, but instead of being angered by them he was just amused. "Alice said she saw Christian seeking permission to remain here. I thought I'd come down here directly to refuse his so generous and thoughtful offer," his rich voice smoothed over me and I shivered.

We all burst into a fit of laughter at this. Edward sat on the edge of the fountain shaking his head at the insanity of the situation.

This was a bit odd, but I'd take odd over the usual threats and growling. Christian turned back to me, an almost happy glint in his eyes. "So, you wish me to leave tomorrow?"

I didn't even need to think about it, I just lied. "That would be best," I admitted still chuckling over the whole awkward conversation. Of course, I really wanted him to stay. He was a great comfort to me, but that was beyond selfish - for everyone involved.

"Don't worry, Christian," Edward added conversationally, "We'll be on the plane back to Forks too. I'm sure you will find a few minutes to plead your case, for all the good it will do you." The smile on his face changed infinitesimally, but he kept his tone light.

"Well, that is something, is it not?" He took my face in his hands and, god help me, did the dumbest thing known to vampire kind - he kissed me full on the lips quickly then practically disappeared in a blur, his wicked laughter lingering on the night air.

I kept completely still, like a rabbit being stalked by a fox. I couldn't make myself look at him. I so did not want to see his naked rage directed toward me again.

I was shocked out of my fear by his throaty laugh. "The look on your face is priceless."

He slid into Christian's vacated seat and touched my cheek lightly, no hint of anger about the stolen kiss. "I see you managed to escape Leah's wrath without so much as a mark." He rubbed his cheek against mine. "I hear she got a little violent with you." He pulled back and looked at me questionably. "I'm told you didn't even lift a finger to protect yourself…well, until your little tussle upstairs," he snickered.

The smile that had been reacting to his, wilted. "She deserved that."

"Oh, I agree, love"

"Then why…?"

"Seth doesn't precisely see it that way. I just didn't want him anywhere near you the way he's been behaving." His brows creased as his gaze fell to the stone floor. "He seems to hold all vampires accountable."

I sighed. "You mean…you two aren't friends anymore?" He shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry, Edward."

"I know, but you don't have any reason to be. We put you here against your objections." When he finally raised his face, his eyes were full of fury. "We're going back to Forks for the funeral and then…" his voice faltered. "I guess we come back here. It is what you wanted."

The funeral. With Billy and Meghan! I couldn't do it. "I can't go back," I choked out thickly.

"You have to Bella. You owe Jacob at least that much. And yourself. If you don't get closure the pain will never ease, just fester. Let us deal with the fall out of our decisions then put them behind us so we can move forward." He brought his lips close and hovered just shy of mine as he stared into my crimson eyes. "I love you, Bella." His palm slid up to my face as he tilted my chin up some and captured my lips so slowly, savoring each caress, each flick of his tongue across my full lips. "I want to close the book on this whole fiasco, wisk you away were no one can interfere, and spend days upon days proving how much I love you."

The bitter cold that had settled inside me melted at those too honest words. I wished I had something poetic to whisper back to him, something that would erase my past mistakes and would show him that I felt the same way, but his hot lips working their way slowly down my throat while his hands slid under the back of my shirt had so thoroughly distracted me that thinking, much less talking, was impossible.

"Say you'll go back to Forks. We'll wrap everything up…"

I moaned softly as his hands gripped under my thighs and pulled me onto his lap. I moved away from his wondering lips so I could think. "You, Edward, are a cheater," I panted as I tried to calm myself. "You know that I'm completely powerless against you when you use your freakishly hot body on me," I chastised, a small smile blossoming on my lips.

"We're going, then?" He stated, his tone very certain. There'd never been any doubt in his mind that he'd make me see things his way.

Edward was upstairs packing while I informed Aro of my decision. To say that he was ecstatic that I would be returning was an understatement. He could not contain his happiness. I knew it wasn't simply because he'd officially acquired me, no, I think he had pretty much suspected that I would join him. His euphoria had more to do with Edward and the possibility that Alice and Jasper might also join, at least temporarily.

When Edward had informed Carlisle about our living arrangements, Alice had become hysterical. It was, surprisingly, Carlisle who suggested that she remain in Volterra. Actually, they were all staying for the foreseeable future. Only Edward and I were traveling back to Forks. I couldn't resist taking a peek inside Carlisle's mind once I'd learned about his new plans.

Guilt tore through him. He now blamed himself for the destruction of his family and figured that staying in Volterra was the only way to heal the damage. I found that sort of amusing as none of them had as of yet tried to even talk to me, but I'd happily let them grovel for a while.

So, for at least the next month or so, Aro possessed the entire Cullen clan. Not to mention the vampires he captured during the battle. The Volturi ranks were stronger and more impressive than they'd ever been.

Aro held out a goblet which tore me away from my musings. "Come now, we are celebrating after all."

I was surprised to find the room full of vampires. At last glance, there had only been Aro and Renata.

I took the proffered goblet and his out stretched hand and allowed him to pull me to my feet. His eyes shone with such satisfaction and pride. "To Bella." He raised his glass high and the others followed suit. I glanced around the room, ascertaining that none of the Cullens were witnessing this embarrassment. "You have bolstered the Volturi…made us more than we were and more than we ever hoped to become. Welcome to the family, my dearest Bella."

"To Bella," the voices around the room chanted softly before we all drained our glasses dry.

I was suddenly enveloped in his arms and felt the warm press of his lips against my cheeks. "I know you must leave to deal with your wolf…but my dear, when you return we will have a wondrous party properly welcoming you to our court."

I smiled in frustration. How did he not know me better than this? "Whatever makes you happy, Aro," I conceded. Why fight it? He was just looking for an excuse. If it wasn't a party in my honor, he'd have thrown one for decimating the Romanians.

His smile dimmed some at my words. "I am afraid I have very little to be happy about anymore," he admitted softly, his eyes sliding to Marcus' chair.

"I failed him," I noted. My voice sounded strangled to my ears, and a bubble of pain filled my throat as I thought about his lifeless body. "And I stole Seline from you," I added. I hadn't actually considered anything beyond her death. At the time, vengeance burned through me leaving me to spare no thought to how her death would affect him.

He took a seat on the couch and I followed suit. "You most certainly did not fail Marcus, Isabella. Seline and Renata were guarding us…" He abruptly cut off and stared at his nails, deep in concentration. "Seline," he croaked her name out, but then clamped his mouth closed and shook his head, his dark hair brushing against me. "You did nothing that I was not going to do myself." He looked away, his fingers nervously drumming on the arm of the sofa. "You saved me from that dreadful task, and for that I am most grateful. There was no way that I could allow such an insult to go unanswered."

I took his hand in mine, offering him what comfort I could give. Renata gingerly placed her hand on his shoulder and flicked a worried glance my way. "She earned her death, Aro. I, for one, am overjoyed that we do not have to deal with her anymore. She was unpredictable and unreliable."

His whole body reacted to her angry words. I felt the tension rush through him. I realized something at that moment. Renata was in love with him. I didn't think he felt the same way, however.

I shook my head. I so did not want to get in the middle of that. They could work it out between themselves. I knew my power could ensure that he would return the feeling, but I was done with the whole matchmaking career. Hadn't exactly been successful. I searched for another topic. A safe topic. "What of Mia?" I'd temporarily forgotten that we had captured the Romanian brothers' sister-Santiago's mate.

He pulled himself out of his misery. "She is with the rest of the traitors."

I pondered this for a moment. He watched the thoughts flow over my face and sighed deeply. "Dare I ask?" His voice full of bewilderment.

"It's just…you've had Santiago for hundreds of years, Aro," I began tentatively. "Wouldn't you have risked anything to get back into the arms of your mate?" There, argue with that.

Renata muttered something under her breath, but we ignored her completely. "You have another request, I gather," he prompted, when I didn't continue.

"Mia's here…Santiago's here. Why not release them from their imprisonment." His eyes widened, but he was still looking amused, so I plowed on. "I know he was disloyal, but goodness, you knew that going in. You stole him from Romania, from his home and his wife. For over two hundred years he has been at your side. I think that could be considered punishment enough, don't you?"

"I will take it into consideration, my dear manipulative Bella," he chuckled. "Ah, you are the perfect distraction." He took my hand in his and laid a gentle kiss against it. "Thank you."

He stood, looking down at me. "You should talk to Carlisle."

"What?"

"He wishes to apologize to you, I believe. He is a good man, Isabella. He deserves your forgiveness."

I couldn't keep the shock of my face. "You do realize that if we manage to patch things up, it is likely that we'll all leave Volterra?" He'd worked very hard to collect all of us, why on earth would he risk his greatest accomplishment?

"Or," he flashed a charming smile, "You could convince them to make Volterra their permanent home." Again, his laughter floated through the room. "He is in the aquarium room, if you are interested," he added as he strode from the room.

Justin filled his seat almost immediately. "Do you have a minute?" He asked, his nervous energy flickering over me.

"Sure."

"I was hoping that you would let me join you?"

I frowned slightly, unsure of what he was asking. "Join me in what?"

"Your coven." He said slowly, enunciating each word carefully.

"I'm staying here, Justin. You are more than welcome here, as well. You know that Aro would be loath to lose you since you possess such interesting abilities."

He shook his head. "You won't make Volterra your home forever, Bella. When you leave…all I'm asking is that I be allowed to go with you. Brent and Laura too," he added quickly.

I had to make things clear. I so did not need another man trying to woo me, but how to word it without sounding mean. "I understand that we have a connection, but it is simply because I transformed you."

His whole face fell. "You don't want us to…be a part of your coven?" He looked so young as his face filled with the sting of disappointment. I pitied the girl that finally captured his attention. As gorgeous as Edward was, it wasn't the near the level of beauty that Justin possessed.

"That's not what I was getting at." I sighed. "You are all welcome wherever we go. I just need you to understand that I'm with Edward and he gets very jealous, very easily," I added, with a soft smile. Perhaps that was changing though. He handled Christian's rash kiss quite well.

"Oh!" He gasped. "I didn't…" he shook his head a faint grin brightening his face. "I'm not pursuing you…like that. I just feel more comfortable around you and Christian, than these other vampires."

Well, that was a relief. "Christian won't be with us, you know?"

He chewed on his lower lip for a minute before replying, "I've watched you with both of them, Bella. Something tells me that the two of you won't be able to stay away from each other for all eternity."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Kattra agreed softly.

A/N: I wasn't planning on actually showing the funeral…but if any of you think its important just let me know and I can go ahead and add it in. I'm guessing one more post should wrap everything up. If there's something I left unanswered, let me know. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Sabrina