Set in New Moon after Bella and Jessica exited the movie theater in Port Angeles.
Exiting the theater, Jessica proceeded with her typical rambling about the movie and how she was dissatisfied with it. Bella's attention was quickly diverted to the rowdy group of bikers down the street from where they were heading. Waiting at the crosswalk, and Jessica continuing her theory on the deeper meaning of the movie they just saw, Bella stared at the bikers and noticed just behind and not that far away was a set of red eyes but she couldn't make out who it was. Her heart started to beat fast as her mind flooded with memories of Victoria, James, and Laurent's red eyes. Maybe it was Victoria or Laurent. Maybe they were lurking in the shadows and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Regardless, it made Bella's veins run cold and her breath quicken.
She knew that no vampire would risk doing anything in public so she thanked herself for parking just down the street. The ride back to Forks was silent and awkward but Jessica knew that something was slightly off.
"Hey, are you okay? You haven't said anything since we left the movie."
Bella nodded, "I'm fine I just thought I saw someone familiar and it kind of threw me off. Thanks for coming out with me."
"Listen, Bella, if you ever want to talk or just need company…I'm here for you. I was a wreck after Mike and I broke up last time so I know where you're coming from."
Bella smiled and thanked her but didn't know if Jessica would be someone she would talk to about anything personal on account of her being who she is and how the whole town would know of her issues by sunrise.
After dropping off Jessica, she made her way back home but decided to make a quick stop to test a theory. Stopping at the gas station right outside of town, she went inside the store and picked up a bottle of water. On her way out, she tried to be nonchalant but keenly observed her surroundings.
I'm screwed… she thought.
The same pair of red eyes. A tall and slender man with straight black hair down to his shoulders dressed in an expensive off black casual suit stood far away to be out of the bright street lights but those piercing red eyes were clear as day in the dark. All she could tell from this distance was that it was a man but couldn't make out his face.
Quickly, Bella got in her car and started heading back home. Her heart was starting to beat harrowingly as the realization was setting in. Here she was, an unknown vampire she has never seen before had followed her, with no protection from the Cullens, and no other option than to confront him on her terms or to lead him back home and risk having Charlie hurt or killed.
Pulling out her phone, she rang the house phone.
Charlie picked up and she said, "Hey dad. Jessica and I are back in Forks. She asked if I can stay at her house for a bit. I think she just wants to catch up, is that okay?"
Not a second later Charlie replied, "Of course Bells. I'm glad you're reconnecting with your friends again. Just try not to stay out too late."
After a quick goodbye, she put the phone back in her pocket and thought of the only location she could that wouldn't have anyone there and isn't in the middle of the forest. Turning at the necessary street, she followed the familiar dirt road to the massive modern home that still had its sensor lights around the property active.
Hopping out of her red truck, she took off her coat as the uneasiness was starting to make her overheat.
"I don't know who you are but I know you're following me." Her heart probably sounded like a beating drum at this point.
A minute went by and something shifted, a monetary gust of air and she knew that vampire was behind her.
Turning around Bella was a good two feet away from the same vampire she saw earlier. This time she had a closer look at who it was. The painting inside the Cullen house that Edward showed her on the night of her birthday came to her mind. The painting didn't do him any justice and Bella snapped from nervous to collected. It was overwhelming to stare at this man before her, the most aristocratic features she had ever seen paired with the most beautiful shade of red in his eyes.
What are you saying? Pull yourself together.
"Aro?" She asked.
Taken aback, Aro smiled gleefully.
"How delightful! You know my name."
"What are you doing here? Why are you following me?"
Aro cheerfully clasped his hands together in delight.
"How do you know of me? I presume the Cullen family has educated you on our world?"
Bella nodded, "Edward showed me a portrait Carlisle had in his study and told me about your coven. Why are you here?" She asked again.
Silently, Aro extended his hand for her to take. She hesitated but assumed that he wanted to greet her in some old-fashioned way. When she placed her hand in his Aro's eyes instantly darkened and Bella's first thought was how her hand fit perfectly in his. Aro had a similar thought, he was captivated.
He looked up at her, "You are every bit captivating as I've imagined."
She questioned what he was referring to. It was a strange comment to make after all. But nonetheless, her cheeks turned pink.
"In all my years on this earth, never have I thought someone would be immune to my power. Now tell me, dear Bella, are you immune to the other Cullen's talents?"
Bella swallowed to comfort her dry throat, "Yes. They seemed to be fascinated by that."
A moment of silence passed. Both were overly aware of their hands still joint but neither took the initiative to release.
Bella asked, "What did you try to test on me?"
Aro chuckled and put his other hand on top of the one she already held in his. "I can read every thought, relive every memory, and feel everything emotion one has felt with a simple touch. But it seems you my dear are immune to all. What the nomad said was true."
"What are you talking about?"
"A certain nomad by the name of Laurent informed us that his ex-coven mate has a vendetta, that the Cullen family had killed her mate to protect the supposed human mate of Edward Cullen. What seems to puzzle me is why young Edward would leave behind his companion if there is a known danger to your life. As well as being left behind with full knowledge of our existence. I have come with the intent to resolve this issue personally."
Aro let go of her hand and took a step back. He looked at Bella for a moment at the nervous yet composed human that was starting to intrigue him more so than he thought possible.
He stepped back and watched the woman before him who refused to break eye contact.
"I will make you an offer sweet Bella. I have come with the intent to kill you but your potential is far too great. I offer you the gift of eternal life."
Bella took a step back. She's wanted this for so long but hasn't considered the prospect of forever without Edward. How would her life look without the Cullens? How will she deal with leaving Charlie without a word? A million questions were floating through her head.
Aro looked like he was waiting eagerly for a response. Something about him seemed like he was pleading with her. His eyes were expressive and fixed on her awaiting an answer.
Bella took a deep breath, "Okay. But can I make a request?"
He was trying to hide a smile at her agreement.
"What is the request?"
"Could this wait until I finish school? It will only be three months. I just don't want my father to feel like I've done something to myself and I would like to leave on good terms." She asked.
"In three months, I escort you to Volterra. Do I have your word?"
He extended his hand once more, more of an excuse to see if the former feeling manifested again, and waited for hers to join his as an agreement.
She placed her hand in his. Just as he expected, the same sensation.