I do not own any of the characters, Mrs. Meyer does.
Chapter 16
Aro's POV
The human's scream was barely out of its throat before I had its neck snapped and was eagerly drinking down its savory blood. This flavor was different – Brazilian, I assumed – and it tasted exquisitely exotic; it had been a while since I'd tasted something besides the dull, Italian flavor that I had grown used to.
I finished off three more humans before I felt satisfied, and left the feeding room, heading for my office.
"Chelsea, Afton," I nodded my head in acknowledgement as I passed them in the halls.
They bowed their heads. "Master," they said in synchronization.
I didn't bother to close the door as I floated to my desk. There were reports that there was a growing newborn army in eastern India led by powerful vampires. Supposedly, one of the older vampires had a formidable gift: the ability to command fire. What a wonderful addition it would make to our Guard, I thought excitedly. It would also make us that much more feared, more powerful. I smiled, delighted.
I would have to bring Alec and Jane with me, for sure, along with Demetri, Chelsea and Felix. I wonderful briefly if Santiago should come, but decided against it; we would be enough with Alec and Jane, and he would want to spend some time with his newfound mate. Ahhh, I was glad that he had his 'happy ending', though there was no 'ending'. I chuckled at the irony.
"Mr. Aro, there is someone who wishes to speak to you." The receptionist's voice drifted through the speakers on my desk.
"Do they have an appointment?" I asked lazily, knowing full well that I didn't have any appointments today.
She hesitated. "No, but she says that she has information that you would be very interested in."
I was intrigued. "In that case, send her to my office immediately, Zoe."
A few moments later, a figure walked into my office. She wasn't petite, but she wasn't tall either. Long, copper hair hung straight down her back and her face was unique. I didn't recognize her. She smiled warmly and held her hand out to me.
I returned the smile and rushed forward, taking her hand in mine impatiently.
I let go of her hand without realizing what I was doing. Certainly her plan was good, and I had a lot to gain, but I couldn't bend the rules enough to allow it; Bella hadn't broken the law.
But Bella's powers! From what Jennifer saw, Bella could turn invisible, create pain, and maybe have some kind of shield! And that may not be all! I couldn't help but get excited as I thought of her potential. She had not only one gift, but at least three! Three! I was amazed.
If only there was a law that she had broken so that we would have a claim on her.
I wondered why I was suddenly pacing back and forth in my office, but I didn't care. I just needed an excuse – any excuse – so that Bella would join our guard. Edward had definitely broken the law by telling Bella about vampires, but afterwards, she was changed, so it didn't matter now. Besides that, I couldn't think of a valid reason to bother the Cullens or Bella now.
Jennifer watched my pacing closely, clearly hoping that I would accept, and help her get rid of Bella. I could also tell that she hoped that I would just make up a random excuse to get to Bella, which wasn't possible.
I skidded to a halt. "You said that you weren't allowed on La Push because of the werewolves or shape shifters, correct?"
"Yes," Jennifer said slowly, confused.
"And they know about us," I said it as a statement.
Jennifer suddenly understood. "Yes!" she shouted, unable to curb her enthusiasm.
"But I will have to discuss this with my brothers first, Jennifer. Nicolas," I called. "Please escort Jennifer to a guest suite."
As soon as they left, I strolled down the hallway to Caius' office. "Come in," he called absentmindedly as I paused in front of the closed door.
"Brother," I greeted him.
He looked at me, shoving the papers on his desk aside. "Ah, brother. What brings you here?"
"Many things, dear Cauis, many things."
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