It was Wednesday night and as requested, I was making my way to Volterra. I almost didn't come, not sure if in his anger at my refusal of his offer, Carlisle Cullen might be tempted to do something… Unpleasant. But, my curiosity won out and that is what found me standing at the familiar, shiny back double doors dressed about as smartly as I ever did. A dark grey suit jacket and trousers with a navy shirt underneath, no tie as I don't do those - fucking annoying things.

The club sure as hell didn't look open. I tried to look through the windows to the side of the door but the jet black tint made it impossible to see anything. I decided I'd at least knock before turning and heading home. It was just my luck that Cullen would pull a fucking childish prank like this.

To my surprise the door was opened to reveal one of those ugly dogs that was in that dungeon of a room on my recent memorable visit to Volterra. He looked different now, dressed in a sharp black suit looking like a fucking butler.

"Masen" he grunted at me, "card?"

I pulled out the shiny black credit card from my wallet, handling it to him. He looked it over briefly before swiping it with what looked like a barcode reader and handing it back to me. I stowed it back in my wallet and entered the club at his gesture.

"Follow me Masen".

I could hear faint music as I followed him to the staircase at the back of the club. It grew louder as we ascended. It sounded like classical music but that's as detailed as my knowledge was of that stuff, I fucking hated classical music. At the top of the stairs we came to another set of large double doors. The dog input a code into the keypad on the door and it clicked before he pushed it open. The music immediately became louder and I looked around as I followed him into the room. Had I entered the fucking twilight zone? Gone was the dark, trendy décor of the club downstairs. This area was bright, old-fashioned and screamed of money and good taste. The floor looked to be marble and there were even giant marble pillars around the edge of the room. There was a fucking fountain in the middle. I could see a huge, grand staircase at the far end of the room, with railings going in a circle leading to it, almost like this side would be a balcony, looking down into… what? I was curious already.

I guessed there were probably around 50 people milling around the room, making quiet, civilised chit chat. All were dressed smartly, thank fuck I went for the trousers and not jeans with the suit jacket as I'd planned. There were a couple of elderly looking men in tuxes! A handful of women were in the room, mostly older and dressed in elegant ball gowns. There was one younger woman who caught my eye, but not because of her admittedly beautiful body. Or face. Or dress. It was the fact that she was eyeing me like a piece of meat. Fucking bitch needed to learn her place.

I was suddenly snapped out of my people watching by a hand clasping my shoulder tightly.

"Masen! At last, I was wondering when you'd arrive, you're late", Carlisle's voice rang in my ear, I was like, fifteen minutes late, tops. "come, theres some gentlemen I'd like for you to meet".

He didn't wait for my response, instead steering me through the crowds to the far side of the room where a group of four men stood. Three older, all gave me the fucking creeps. The younger of the group eyed me warily, his black eyes regarding me intently sent a shiver up my spine. He immediately screamed "danger" to me. I really didn't want to meet these men….

"My friends, this is Mr Edward Masen, this is his first time here so I hope you'll make him welcome", Carlisle's voice practically dripped with sarcasm as four sets of eyes scrutinised me, "Masen, these are the Volturi brothers; Aro, Caius and Marcus", he introduced each of them and my blood ran cold as I awkwardly shook hands with these men who I really didn't ever want to meet. "and this is Mr James Volturi, Aro's son", he introduced the black eyed man and we shook hands. He squeezed mine tightly, clearly trying to intimidate me. I forced my expression to remain blank, lest he sense any weakness. I was way out of my depth here.

The lights in the room suddenly flashed several times, like a fucking five minute warning at the theatre. What the hell was going on?

"Ahh, its time", Cullen grinned at me before grabbing a glass of champagne from a nearby waiters tray and handing it to me. "Come on, you don't want to miss the show, you've already missed the raffle!"

I frowned, not understanding what the hell he was talking about – he'd never mentioned any raffle. We made our way towards the far end of the room – towards the "balcony" – in a group. I noticed that the other guests made way for us, ensuring that we reached the wrought iron railings first. Carlisle held me back from fully reaching the railings with a hand on my shoulder. I halted, and noticed everyone else did also. Once the crowd was gathered Carlisle stepped forward before turning back around to address us, a huge, manic grin on his face.

"I want to thank you all, my friends, for attending my little gathering yet again. As most of you are aware this will be the final appearance for our guest of honour. She will be going on to pastures new! "his grin widened and a few of the assembled group let out quiet laughs, "so, I thought that, as she has been such a popular attraction at our gatherings, I would let her start the show off – make sure you all get a chance to enjoy her special gifts! Please, get yourselves a good position…" the crowd spread out, standing up to the railings and looking over, I reached it just as Carlisle gave his final excited announcement, "and enjoy our beautiful Isabella!"

Short chapter I know, but it was a convenient place to stop, sorry!

Next chapter is not going to be too pleasant for poor Isabella, just an advanced warning…..